After sitting on the edge of my bed for a while longer, I try to figure out a solution to the frayed edges that either need to be cut or tied off. When it’s around 4 o’clock, I remember my conversation at the hospital with Agent Beys. His boss is in on this too. The kid’s a doofus, but he might be willing to help me if it means he could get promoted.
Lee had messaged me his number after uncovering more information on him this morning, so I dial it and wait. I call the kid six times, but he doesn’t answer, so I resolve to wait until 8 o’clock. Maybe I’ll have better luck then. My brain wanders as I wait, and I know I’ve got to do something before I go insane, so I go to Lee’s room and wake him up.
“Hey, will you come with me to the office? I want to sort things out before I take the rest of the week off.” I’m peering into his darkened room and hear him stand to his feet as I speak.
“Let’s go.” He affirms and moves past me towards the elevator.
When we arrive, I make my way to my office in the dark, flipping the light switch on when I get inside and closing the door behind me.
I thought about my conversation with Jessica’s brother during the entire car ride here. He was wrongly accused and is still in jail. If she leaves, she’ll never be able to see him again. I decide to turn my pain into something positive and begin researching suspects who promise to be potential enactors in Jess’s parent's murder.
I know it was the mafia, but the question is, who? I begin to make a list, using my computer to access certain websites that can only be found if you have the right codes. I tick the names off one by one for the next few hours. It seems impossible, but I’m going to figure this out. I know it.
Before I realize it, it’s already 8 o’clock, and I make my first attempt to call. He answers after a couple of rings, and I give him the whole spiel I’ve been loosely planning in my head as I work. He’s just as annoying as I remember him from yesterday, but I think I keep it pretty level. When I end the call, I’m positive he’ll meet me. And if he doesn’t, well, I can’t think about that now.
I leave everything on my desk as is before sending out an announcement email to the company that I’ll be away for the rest of the week in light of a family emergency. I saunter out of my office at 8:30, feeling more dangerous than I ever have, ready to bust some nuts.
Lee is waiting for me in the lobby, and he stands to escort me to the car parked in front of the office building with a parking permit he acquired for emergency use.
We practically sail through early morning traffic and make it to the coffee shop with ten minutes to spare. Lee parks us in a free spot, directly in front of the Café, then we head inside, taking the booth in the back corner for optimal privacy. I decide to buy us both coffee, given what’s happened to Barnes. It makes me more appreciative of the people in my circle. Though Lee works for me and hasn’t been in my world long, I want him to know he’s an asset. We sit down and chat casually, drinking our coffee for the remaining minutes alone.
At exactly 8:59 am, surfer-boy comes strolling into the shop in a pair of Vans. He extends his hand for me to shake, and I do out of obligatory pleasantries.
“Sit, please.” I clear my throat and scoot inward, Lee to the left of us, watching our surroundings.
“So, what’s up?” He grabs the table water and pours himself a glass, taking a sip as he bats his inhumanly thick lashes at me.
“What do you say to teaming up with me to take down my brother, the Russians, and your two-timing boss?” He nearly chokes on his water, then sets the cup down on the table as he swallows.
“I- well-“ he looks like a kid in a math for dummies class, calculating something in the air with his finger and shifting his eyes. After a few seconds, I grow impatient.
“It could mean a promotion for you… And never having to hear from me again. I’m not here to pop any heads off. I just wanna maintain peace.” He nods at my words before looking into my eyes and sticking out his hand.
“We just did this.” I curl my upper lip, and he sighs.
“This one is to shake on a deal. I’m your guy. Just tell me how I can help.” I reach for his hand and firmly shake it. After letting go, I take a sip of my water and tilt my head back to him.
“I’m thinking we start with Carlito.”