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Anna is never going to forgive me for ditching her again.
The last time we got to spend time together, I was called away too. She’s not going to be happy. She’s going to think that I’m coming up with yet another excuse to leave.
There are times when I think that our friendship isn’t going to survive my job.
This is one of those times.
I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Before walking back into the café, I tuck my phone into my back pocket. Anna’s disbelieving gaze meets mine as I pull open the door. I stuff my hands in my pockets, trying not to fidget.
Again. Lying to her again.
“Let me guess.” She crosses her arms and leans back. Her chin juts out and anger burns in her eyes. “You have to leave again. Your job needs you even though it’s your day off.”
“I’m sorry.” I rock back and forth on my heels. “I’m going to make this up to you. I know that this was our day to catch up. Maybe we could go out this weekend, or something.”
Anna swallows hard, her eyes glassy as she chews at her bottom lip. “Sometimes, I wonder if I even know who you are anymore.”
“I am so sorry. They need me to come in and debrief for a trial that is set to start tomorrow. I wouldn’t be rushing out of here if it wasn’t important.”
Anna waves a dismissive hand before opening her book again. “Just get going, Hazel. We can talk about it later.”
I want to stay and try to find a way to explain everything to her but there is no way to do that without telling her the truth.
Which is exactly what I’m not allowed to do.
I don’t have time to sit here and smooth over this fight either. The clock is ticking and the agents I work with don’t like to be kept waiting. The difference between winning and losing a case could be a matter of minutes.
Anna keeps her focus on her book as I grab my coffee and leave the café.
As I get in my car, I crank up the music. The pounding bass of my favorite song chases away what happened back in the café. My hands tighten on the leather-covered wheel of my white sedan as I head to Longine Avenue.
The further out of the city center I get, the more the buildings start to spread out. Large and sleek corporate buildings give way to old houses. Eventually, the number of houses dwindled.
When I turn onto Longine Avenue, the houses are more run down. Windows are broken and doors hang off their hinges. Tires and toys decorate front lawns. There is more than one car on cinderblocks as I pass the properties.
After a couple of seconds, I find the house I’m supposed to meet my contact. I pull into the driveway and turn off the car, making sure it’s locked as I get out.
This isn’t the kind of neighborhood I would leave my car unlocked.
My hand drifts to the small of my back, making sure my gun is still hidden.
The heels of my boots click against the cracked pavement as I make my way to the house. The paint is peeling off the shutters that cover the windows and there is a large hole in the rotting wood of the front porch.
Nice place.
I move around it, stepping onto another board and hoping it doesn’t break. As I open the door, the hinges scream in protest. I enter the house, watching for more gaps in the floor as the door swings shut behind me.
The only light in the house comes from a couple of lanterns hanging on hooks in the wall. The hair on the back of my neck stands as I dig deeper into the silent house and peek into the living room.
Nobody there.
I take down one of the lanterns and continue into the kitchen. The floorboards creak beneath my feet. The stained hardwood transitions to cracked tile, but the house is empty.
Something isn’t right. Where is everyone?
If I got the call to come in, then Tom should have as well. It’s not like him to be late. Hell, he usually beats me to the meetings.
I set the lantern on the counter and pull out my phone. I pace around the kitchen as I call Tom. It rings several times before the call connects.
