-For a guy that just woke me up you sound happy.
The groggy voice and then someone mumbling in the background.
-You brought someone back to the dorm.
Not a question.
-I haven't been out there in a good while. That's just Rashid. Had some coverage thing to do... someone commissioned and he somehow ended up sleeping in the corner of my bed.
-Maybe change bed positions. He likes to work from that side so give in.
-I'll do that today. What do you want?
It wasn't that he really liked that place but it was because he liked being around someone while working and Quint was a good someone. They both knew that but well...
-I just sent you Blane's and Taffy's contact information. I am about to board the plane, just look out for them... nothing major I hope.
-Do I get paid?
-That bike has no owner.
-Sleek. Thanks in advance.
Though I'd wanted to give it to him anyway, this gives him incentive.
I got into the car and took off my tie before unbuttoning the top two on my shirt. Blane's reaction earlier had been out of character but not bad... at least I know I have my charm on him now.
"What's the case?"
"It's your brother."
"My brother? You said something was wrong at the mine. Arachner doesn't involve himself in..."
"Three days ago he came to the grounds. He was apprehended, dealt with a little then they called me. Seeing his photo I recognized him but I didn't want to worry you so I sent Ronnie there. He said he was looking for someone, problem is it isn't one of ours."
"And you're telling me this now?"
"You said you wanted to come during the weekend so I... sorry sir!"
"Who's he looking for?"
"Someone from the Faldress family."
"Female?"
"Yes!"
So my good brother wasn't celibate... good to know. The meeting had gone well but jet lag and all. I'd wanted to rest... and call Blane. But now I had to go to Arachner. He'd talked about going somewhere...no, being at the airport. I'd thought it was for the family business but it seemed the tiger left and the little cubs followed after... without involving anyone. Dumb ass!
"He was taken to hospital but he's still adamant about finding her, causing a rackus."
"Take me there."
Jet lag could wait. I got my phone and quickly dialed Blane's number.
-Riley!
-Hey! You good?
-Yes! Ordering takeout and staying in.
- Don't be a turtle.
-I won't, what about you?
-Finished the meeting. Heading to the next location now.
-You should rest.
-I will.
My smile vanished as I turned to look at the men before us. I'd craved ice cream, don't ask I'm sure it's natural. That's why I'd made a huge detour to Taffy's but this...
"What do you want?"
"Who were you being soft for, a sugar daddy? Why not ask him to come help?"
"Why should I? You're just a pest I can squeeze on my own. Now what the hell did you want?"
Maybe I have a sugar rush or something, I feel overly irritated now.
"To know you better, so contact information and your friend's as well."
Those googly eyes, I really want to play with them, though they can be a little gnarly with veins and whatnot, big like ping pongs...I blame the sugar, so maybe not.
"Not interested...get out of the way."
"Come on, we could have some fun."
Fun? Where?
No, don't think about it Blane... there's a watchdog somewhere. Him not coming out was making me question myself on his reliability...or was he waiting to watch a show? Plausible!
Just then, my phone rang again, seemed to tick the guy Infront of us off. The number was not saved but also not unfamiliar.
-Need help?
-What?
-With those guys, need help?
I looked at the three then at Nicole who seemed ready to paint the town red then shook my head... but then, wouldn't he just tell Riley? If you're a poser, do it to the fullest.
-Yes! Can you?
-Sure!
Nicole looked at me then around us frowning, had she been looking forward to it that much? But no need to worry, these kinds of leeches were all over. She'd get her chance some day.