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He was staring down at the laptop as I increased speed.
“Not yet.” You know, he wasn’t thinking over your question when he got quiet. Vitor was talking to someone. I thought I heard a whisper in the background.”
“I was afraid of that.
“We need to get there, and fast. The airport isn’t part of our plans anymore. If he heads that way because he thinks we’re there, there’s no telling what will happen. I don’t like this damn plan. It’s too unstable.”
“He wouldn’t dare go to the airport now that I have so much law enforcement surrounding the girls. Besides, unstable is our best shot. You heard Agent Sullivan earlier when he was going over the information on Vitor. The guy is never alone. He and his men are always armed. Getting to him is damn near impossible. If we can’t take him out in the open, we can’t get to him anywhere. This is our best shot.”
I blew through a green light, slowing as the traffic increased.
“I’m not saying it’s impossible; I just don’t like it. I want this to work. I need it to work just as much as any of you.”
My stare cut over, catching his desperation.
“You know, you can talk to me.”
Rush’s face flashed different emotions. The hesitation was clear as he shrugged.
“I know this is a serious moment, but…It’s more than what happened to Rian. It’s what being in this constant frame of mind is doing to me. It’s everything altogether. You throw Tiffany in the mix, and…It’s just…My life was shitty before, but it was still mine. You know?” Before I could agree, he continued, the words flooding out fast and steady like a tsunami. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved having her live with us. She’s clean, she’s sweet. A bit bossy at times, but overall, a pleasure to be around. But Jase…I need my damn space back. I turn around, and whoosh, she’s there. She’s always asking personal questions. Always wanting to talk. I’m a private guy. Talking just isn’t my thing; that’s all Rian. She eats my food. She doesn’t even ask anymore. Example: I have these protein drinks for working out—gone before I can blink. She even steals my boxers sometimes to sleep in. We’re not dating, man. She has her own pajamas. Hell, I even bought her some so maybe she’d catch the hint. I just…we have to finish this tonight. I’m desperate here. My sex life used to be my release from the demons. What do I have now? Nothing! Nothing but this introduction back into a life I used to live for. I need—”
“I get it.”
“Do you? I’m not sure you do. I was talking to Agent Sullivan, and he mentioned he has this friend named Blake. I think maybe—”
“Rush, I understand this is hard for you, but now is not the time to go over Tiffany, sex, or Agent Sullivan. You can tell me all about it afterward. Look at the screen. Anything yet?”
“Hold on.”
Rush got quiet. I kept glancing over as I made a turn, putting us closer to Vitor’s location. A good minute passed before I leaned in.
“It looks like he’s moving. What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. He was a block over when I looked down, and then he was suddenly back to the original spot. His damn location is jumping all over the place.”
I cursed, stopping at a red light.
“He was a block from us, now? Here?”
“Right around this turn. Get in the other lane and hit the next block up. This is a one-way street.”
“Shit.”
As soon as the lights switched to green, I switched lanes, turning. Loud music broke into the interior as the pedestrian traffic increased on each side of the road. Neon lights shone in some of the windows, and yelling grew as two men faced off from some sort of confrontation.
“I vaguely recall what the son of a bitch looks like. Will you recognize him if you see him?”
My head dipped as I scanned faces.
“Yeah. Short, dark hair. Mid-forties. Average height but bigger build. He reminds me of Cladsky but older.”
“Cladsky. Fuck I haven’t heard that name in forever.” Rush tilted back the screen, pausing. “Wait…we have steady movement again. Take a left ahead. Go slow.”
“That’s all I can do. Have you looked around? I’m boxed in.” Glancing in the rear-view mirror, I took in the headlights right on my ass. We were bumper to bumper. Even if we did see Vitor, it’s not like we could do much without bringing attention towards us. Video I could erase. Eyewitness testimony I could not.
“Once we turn, we can hopefully get a visual. It doesn’t appear he’s moving.” Rush scanned the people ahead waiting at the crosswalk. “If we can find a parking space somewhere in a darker area, we can carry out our plan. We’re going to have to move fast once we make sure it’s him.”
I waited for the people to cross, taking in even the darkest shadows. Vitor or his men could be anywhere. I couldn’t even guarantee that Vitor didn’t use someone else’s phone to contact me. The cloning was the same, but he’d been unknown before.
