The drive back home after that day was long and tiring, he couldn't wait to call his investigators and find out what they'd gathered so far. Apart from his meeting with Ken, there was no progress on his end. But at least, he could now understand Karen's paranoia and defensive attitude. The old woman wanted to hold onto her cash source and Ken wanted that too. He could almost sense some underlying backstory to all that Ken had said, but it was useless to pry, the man had been the one to call him and if he wanted to tell him half the story then there was nothing he could do. As Christian drove by Shirley's place later that evening - he'd not just driven by actually, he'd taken a route that was much longer just to get to her neighborhood. But after several taps on the door, he discovered she was either not home or didn't want to see him, so he quietly left. ___________________________________________________________________The next day, Christian left home at first light - as had bec

The rest of the night was not peaceful for Christian Robinson. He struggled to sleep and when he finally did, he was plagued with nasty nightmares about what was wrong with Shirley, the girl with the ocean eyes he'd just met. Morning couldn't come fast enough and when it was daylight, Christian got out of bed quickly. He missed two calls from Potter and one from Evans but he wasn't eager to call back. He didn't want to talk to them if all they had to do was remind him of the sickening pressure he was under. He had already gotten information that Jupiter was setting up meetings and trying to get the deal too. Otec was genuinely not willing to partner with them but Chris knew it was only a matter of time before she got through to someone and was able to have that deal. If that happened, it would mean he was off the family and this time there would be no reinstatement. Christian could still recall the feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness he'd felt in the first few months of his e

Christian looked at the address that Ken had scribbled on the paper with a frown on his face. He turned to search for Ken and already the man had gone, gotten into a cab the moment he handed him that paper. Christian couldn't even blame the man for trying to be careful, he was out there less than fifteen minutes and already everyone was staring at him like he was some fugitive or worse. "Fucking small town, I hate this place!" Christian swore loudly under his breath as he drove away and then on his way, he made a turn and returned the same way he'd come. Ken said Ben was at a barber's shop in town. He didn't say which but Christian figured he'd start by checking the first one he'd passed just at the edge of town. A few minutes later, he arrived at the place and noticed that it had just been opened, the sign was still flipped as closed but someone was within, pulling out chairs and parting the curtains. Christian stepped in and the doorbell above him rang, immediately, he saw the po

Chris looked unaffected as Ben began to brag about all the fancy ways he would deal with him before his men had their chance. "You just don't know who you are dealing with, do you? I told you earlier, that not even the best of cops can find me, we all aren't afraid of cops, are we?" Ben asked and turned to his men who all laughed and snorted. "We fucking pay the cops!" One of them bellowed and the rest laughed out loud, "We feed them with crack to keep them loyal!" Another snarled and the rest joined in. Ben smiled at all that his thugs said, "That's a way of saying that we will dig your grave right behind this house because no one will be coming for your dead body, no one," he sneered and then leaned in to whisper, "You won't be the first men buried here." Chris still didn't flinch at the statement but he couldn't help scanning the entire land with his eyes. It was uneven, some of the ground bare and some with grasses. They might have dug a few shallow graves like he said. "Go a

Shirley sat quietly as he got her to a restaurant first and ordered her a whole box of pizza, some salad, and a plate of beef stew. "I can't have all of this, you know I won't finish it," she said, blushing as she stuffed her face with the pizza. Chris knew she had quite an appetite and she'd been with Ben for some days, meaning she hadn't eaten well at all, she must have been starving. “Don't worry, you eat what you can and leave the leftovers." He said and she nodded. He looked over and she didn't look that traumatized. After reporting him at the station - her idea, he got her some fresh clothes and they both arrived at the fanciest restaurant in the small town and Christian treated her to a nice meal. "Thank you so much, Christian, I'm in your debt," she said, her beautiful eyes lowered. Christian shook his head, "I don't think so, I think I'm paying a debt I've owed for so long." He replied. Shirley froze and looked up at him with wide eyes, "You remember?" She asked and he n