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“Yes, sir. Would you also like me to get your lunch? Because it’s like, one o’clock and you always want me to get your lunch?”
“Iknow, Rachel.”
“So, okay. I will get you your lunch and I will transfer the call to your office, Sir.”
“Good girl,” I wink and grin at the creeping blush on her cheeks. Rachel seems to be terrified around me, which is amusing but doesn’t work in my favor since she is a young intern. If Ella heard our conversations, she’d scowl at me. At the very first ring of the landline, I pick up the phone.
“Hello son, how did it go with Charlie? How is he?” Dad asks, evoking a brief sensation of guilt in my chest. Dad likes Charlie. Well, he likes everyone who works for The Business. He doesn’t trust them, but he appreciates them.
“He was, how to put it, shocked. At the end of our talk, that is. He dropped the case.”
Dad chuckles. “My God boy, you're a devil. How the hell did you get him to do that? You know we could have paid him. He’s a good kid.”
“Yeah, I know. I just didn’t feel like it.” Although honestly, my grudge has now turned purely against Carter and his bitter, weak mouth. In a different setting I would have loved to shove the guy into a pit and beat the crap out of him. Charlie just happened to have hired the wrong guy for the job. Perhaps it could have gone his way had he decided to come in without lawyering up. Nah, perhaps not. I rub my temple as I listen to Dad ramble on about properties they are soon going to visit in Guadeloupe.
“Anyway, before we go anywhere else, first we need to make sure we know what the hell is going on over here. We’ve been in this industry for so long and never had a problem. But things are changing, andfast. This is the second time in a few days now that we’ve intercepted their errand boys.
“Like these Russian guys—”
“Belarusians.”
“Yeah, whatever,thoseguys didn’t talk either. They only admit that they’ve been sent by The Void, that’s it. Like the others, these ones had C on their hands, but something’s off. It’s like they want to be found. Only to be executed. It doesn’t make any fucking sense.”
“What are you saying, they want us to catch them? You think they’re exploring how well we protect our zones?”
Dad lets out a sigh. “Perhaps. I’m not sure what I mean yet. Perhaps I’m just babbling. Let’s just keep our eyes and ears open for now. The word is out that you’ll be taking over so it’s natural that others will try to snatch what they can. Remember son, we letno onein.”
“Just us, Dad.”
Dad’s voice is softer when he chimes in, “Exactly son, just us. Soon Connor will be here with you and you’ll be ruling the streets.” There’s a slight muffle, before I hear French music in the background. I squint and hold the phone away from my ear. Dad has clearly left his office and is now walking into the living room.
“Logan, sweetheart?” Mom’s gentle, warm voice always gives me the feeling of being home.
“Hi Mom.” I look up when Ella walks into my office, filling the room instantly with a combined smell of oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger that makes my mouth water. I gesture to Ella to take a seat while I listen to Mom. “I want you to be careful, okay? I heard your father already saying that there’s more tension on our streets.”
“Mom—”
“I know you’re a grown man,” she cuts me off. “But I am your mother, let me worry. Keep Mason with you at all times and don’t be late for Sunday dinner.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” We both chuckle before she says in a soft tone, “I love you, honey. See you Sunday.”
“Me too Mom.” I place the phone back on my desk and roll my eyes at Ella. “Mothers…so, what did you get us?”
“Pho,” she says with her mouth full. “I already have my own. Got you the usual.” Her chopsticks attack another egg roll.
“Noodle soup and dumplings. You are the best.”
“Hmm,” Ella moans appreciatively as she slowly chews. “I just love the combination of cabbage and pork, yummy.”
“Yeah well, spare me the details.”
She snorts. “Oh come on, this deli is just the best there is. I could eat there every day. No, I could live there. In their kitchen, I’m serious.” She takes another big bite.
“Well, I'm relieved Carter decided to refuse my lunch invite, because the guy turned out to be even more of a drama queen than I recall. Jeez, what an ass. Plus, we already came to an agreement.”
Ella hums in approval and we eat in silence. When we are done, she offers me a chewing gum.
“I would offer you a coffee, but I’ve just been informed that your present has arrived,” she teases. I open my mouth, but she holds up a hand to silence me. “No. I’ve got my orders, not a single word. Just go and enjoy yourself and call me if you need me.”
