They stood there silently for several minutes, staring out onto the water.Even when Rocko was back in Florida, in difficult times, he’d often find solace staring out at the ocean.He’d watch the water flow, the waves crash, and feel at peace.
“Don’t let Griffin get to you,” Apollo said, breaking the silence.“He’s had a rough life and trusts no one outside the team.”
“We’veallhad a rough time.”There was no way he’d let the guy off so easily.
“I know it’s not an excuse but trust me when I say you made your point.”
“And what point was that?”
“That you’re not going to sit back and take it.”
“Should I?”
“Hell no.”
“Good.”
“So, what do you think of the boat?”
“You’re asking me?”Rocko was no expert.
“Yeah,” Apollo said.“Why wouldn’t I?”
“I’m the stranger you can’t let out of your sight, remember?”
“That’s not why I wanted you to come along.”
“It’s not?”
“No,” Apollo chuckled, but he didn’t elaborate or explain.
Rocko considered the little he knew.“The boat looks good for what you need.According to the people I overheard, powerboats are common on this lake, so you won’t stand out.If the specs are true and Jagger doesn’t find a problem, the DONZI should do the job.The only issue I see is the price.That’s a huge chunk of change.”
“And you’re wondering where I’d get that kind of cash?”Apollo asked knowingly.
“Well, to be completely honest, yeah.”
“Good, I’d prefer you be honest and upfront with me.I don’t like shady shit or trying to figure out someone’s motives.To answer your question, I had property back in New Orleans that we sold when we moved.This land here, however, cost me nothing, as it was willed to me.Jagger, in addition to being a wizard with mechanical and technical equipment and systems, has a knack for investing.Over the years, we’ve saved a tidy sum of money, which I use to keep my team safe and help as many survivors as possible.Nothing underhanded, Detective, though when we’ve taken down rogue Noah Groups, we tend to come across a stash of money the group was using to fund their illegal activities.”
“Where does that money go?”He couldn’t help himself.
“Renee oversees the distribution of all ‘found’ monies between various charities and causes we are passionate about.Anonymous donations, of course.We don’t need the attention.”
“Of course,” Rocko said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.“Look, I don’t mean to accuse you of anything underhanded.”
“Don’t worry about it.You’re the type of guy who doesn’t accept everything thrown at him.There’s nothing wrong with that.It likely makes you a good detective.”
“True, but it’s none of my business.I just…”
“Can’t turn your brain off,” Apollo finished.
“Yes.However, I must admit, my mind has had moments of peace recently.”
Something changed in Apollo.Rocko picked up the slight charge in the air around them.
“What do you mean?”Apollo said roughly.
Rocko had second thoughts about letting that tidbit of information slip out, but as they say, the cat was already out of the bag.
