Chapter 26
Chapter 26:
THIRTEEN DAYS LATER…
The cool breeze of the air conditioner, silently freezing the temperature of my office, does nothing to calm the burning tension running through my body.
It’s been thirteen days of having my brain and body consumed with work, fighting not to lose my mind while impatiently waiting for Victor’s response to my request.
He said he would call me when he had the information on Dominic, and though part of me wants to rush him, the rational side knows that wouldn’t be a good idea.
He’s a detective, Asher. You should let him do his job.
A knock sounds on my door. When I lift my head from staring at my phone, I see Jonathan, head of the marketing team, stepping into my office.
I was expecting him.
“Here are the documents you requested, sir,” he says, handing them to me. “I also added some extra information about today’s stock sale prices p>
I nod, setting my phone on the table and taking the documents from him. “Thank you, Jonathan. You can leave p>
When he exits, I open the file. as my eyes are about to scan the first page, my phone starts ringing.
I snatch it up. Victor’s name flashes across the caller ID.
Without hesitation, I snap the file closed and hit the answer button.
“Hey, Victor,” I blurt out. “What’s up p>
“I have the information on your guy, Asher,” he exhales on the other end. “And you’d better be ready—it’s a shocker p>
Something twists into a knot at the base of my stomach. Every instinct tells me this shocker won’t be good.
“Uh, Victor, can we meet? Like right now p>
“Yeah, sure. I’m at Bluebird p>
“You mean the café three blocks from my office?” I ask, already rising from my seat.
“Yeah, Asher. I’m here right now p>
“Ok, Victor.” I grab my car keys and wallet. “I’m coming right now to meet you there p>
“Alright, Asher. See you soon.” He ends the call.
Bluebird isn’t far from my office, but I need my car in case whatever information I learn prompts me to go somewhere else.
I hope it doesn’t. I hope it’s something minor, something I can deal with quickly so I can return to the office and relax.
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But I can’t rely on hope. I’m a businessman, and one thing I’ve learned is that hope usually doesn’t work in situations like this.
I grab my jacket and dash out of the office.
A few minutes later, I pull into the café’s parking lot and climb out of the car. When I reach the entrance and step inside, my eyes immediately land on Victor, seated at a table directly facing the door. He chose that spot on purpose.
He meets my eyes and smiles, standing as I approach. When I reach him, we hug—strong and firm. It’s been nearly a year since we last saw each other face-to-face, after the accident that nearly took his mother’s life.
“Hey, dude,” he grins when we pull apart. “You look good p>
“You too,” I reply. “Looks like you got yourself another tattoo.” I point to the cross inked on his right arm.
He waves a hand casually as he sits back down. “Just another addition to the collection p>
I laugh and sit across from him. When a blonde waitress passes by, I order a Caffè Latte for myself and a Cappuccino for Victor. He’s always loved Cappuccino, and when he smiles at my order, I know I’m still on track with what he likes.
The waitress notes it down before leaving, but not without flashing a sly smile in Victor’s direction as she slides past him.
I catch him in time, finishing a sharp wink at her.
“Dude,” I snap, pulling him back. “Come on p>
“She’s pretty, Asher,” he shrugs, leaning back in his seat. “And it’s not my fault that ladies find me attractive p>
“But itisyour fault that you end up fucking them,” I retort.