“We could split up,” said Tanner.“Maybe Ben, Kiel, and I head back to speak with Marilyn Sanders and you guys head to Baltimore and the jail.”
“It’s a good idea,” said AJ.“I’ll call to see if she’s in the office tomorrow.”
It was almost six o’clock but someone should still be in the office at this hour.And there was.Although Sanders was back in town, the woman that answered said she couldn’t be sure that she would be coming into the office.
“It’s iffy,” said AJ.“Sounds like our girl Marilyn works from wherever she wants to.Home, office, abroad, anywhere.You can swing by in the morning, maybe try to talk to her brain-dead staff.”
Ben smirked at AJ, then nodded at Kiel.They both saw the same thing.Guilt but also an honest, sincere face, just like his father’s.AJ inherited his father’s incredible abilities with technology and mathematics, but also his mother’s sensitivity and romantic side.
“AJ, don’t dwell on this brother or you’ll be no good to us.We need you here, right now, paying attention to what’s around us.That young man trusted you for some reason.We’ll figure it out and make sure he didn’t die in vain.”
AJ nodded at Kiel and then Ben.
“I know you’re right.I’m just mad that I forgot about it.Maybe I’m getting older and forgetting things.”
“Brother, stop.You’re not forgetting anything.We just had a lot going on that day.”Wyatt eyed his friend, worried for him.But AJ was strong, mentally and physically.He’d pour himself into finding who killed that young man and God help them when he found out who it was.
“Gentlemen, are you ready to order?” asked the waitress.
“I think so,” nodded Hiro.
He ordered six different appetizers, and then each man ordered their entrée, plus a dessert.It was water or iced tea around the table, no alcohol.
When the apps arrived, there seemed to be a calm at the table as they laughed and joked about the past.Things they’d done that they wished they hadn’t done.Things they’d done that they wished they could do again.But most of all, finding the women they love and settling into an unbelievable life.
“I wouldn’t have the life I have now if it weren’t for all of you,” said Wyatt.“When Aunt Maggie and I showed up in New Orleans and met with you guys, we weren’t sure of anything.It was funny that we thought HG was my biological father and he turned out to be the father I needed.Biology means nothing.”
“Amen to that, brother,” smiled Kiel.“Family is something you feel.It’s not just all about genetics.We have an amazing family and we’re damn lucky for it.”
“Um, excuse me guys,” said the waitress with a tray full of drinks and more appetizers.“I hate this part of the job but that group of ladies over there is sending this your way.”
“Tell them, thanks.But no thanks.We’re all married and have no interest.”
“Smart move,” grinned the girl.“They come in here every night after work.”
“After work?I only see hotels and townhomes around here,” said Ben.
“True but those women like to talk.”Another waiter started to pass by and she called to him.“Tim?Will you take these back to those ladies and tell them they’re not interested.”The young man grinned.
“With pleasure.God, they’re annoying!”
“Sorry.As I said, they come in here a lot.There are two townhomes, the old Federal style, just a block away.No one knows but they’re actually a business.You can pass from one to the other through the basement tunnel.Like I said, they talk a lot and I listen.”
“What business are in they in?”
“Something to do with graphic ads.Those annoying ones that pop up and entice you to click and buy,” she said rolling her eyes.“I mentioned once how much I hated them and it was like they knew how to get to my phone or something.I had change my number and e-mail.It was really bad.”
“Sounds like you’ve fallen victim to that a time or two,” smirked Kiel casually.
“More than a time or two I’m ashamed to say.Even after I did all those things, I had one was so bad, I had to ask for their help to get me out of it.It wouldn’t get off my desktop.It kept popping up no matter what I did.I was afraid if I clicked on it again they would get into my information on my computer.I brought it in and within a few seconds the girl with the long black hair at the end, she had it off my computer.”
“That’s impressive,” smiled AJ.“What’s her name?”
“Doji.It’s a strange name but honestly all of them are strange.Like crazy smart but horribly awkward as well.They always try to send appetizers or drinks to tables of guys but then don’t do anything else.They’re too shy to actually go talk to them.”She looked back at the bar and nodded.“Sorry, I need to go but I’ll have your entrees out in a few minutes.”
“Looks like we might have found another lead,” said Tanner.AJ nodded.
“Everyone get your sexy on.We’re about to introduce ourselves.”
