Uneven Exchange

by Derban, S. K.

  Alexandra thought for another moment. “Yes, it’s fine. I was wondering how I will know you.”

  “You won’t at first. But I’ll greet you the moment you walk in, and then you can check my ID.”

  “How will you know me?”

  Kevin’s explanation oozed with sarcastic syrup. “I think it is possible I have a picture of you.”

  “Well, you don’t need to sound so condescending! How am I supposed to know about this kind of thing?”

  “I’m sorry,” he offered sincerely. “I guess I’m anxious to meet with you.”

  “I’m sorry too. This is all so weird.”

  “I understand. Now what time? Is three good?”

  “Yes, three is fine.”

  “It’s set, then. I will meet you at three o’clock today in the lobby bar of the Lighthouse Hotel on Shelter Island. Do you have any questions?”

  “No, I think I’ve got it.”

  “Great,” Kevin said. “Now, Miss Callet—”

  “Please call me Alexandra.”

  “Thank you. Alexandra, it is imperative that you do not mention this conversation to anyone.”

  “I understand.”

  “Also, please do not tell your office where you are going.”

  “I won’t. I leave all the time for appointments,” Alexandra explained. “No one will even ask.”

  “Okay, good. Believe me, once we meet and talk, this will all make sense.”

  “I hope so.”

  “It will. I promise.”

  ***

  Armando

  Armando’s idea of “first thing Monday morning” came around nine thirty a.m. After parking his silver sports car in the Administration garage, he sauntered casually toward the elevator. Once inside the main building, he navigated his way through the maze of hallways and headed for the security elevator that would take him to the basement.

  With his keycard in hand, Armando entered the elevator and placed his magnetic card into the slot. Then, as the thick metal doors rolled closed, he punched the required code on the adjacent keypad to activate the elevator. While the car descended, Armando checked the smoothness of his hair in the burnished doors.

  After arriving in the basement, he walked down another hall, his footsteps echoing loudly on the concrete floors. When he passed the closet-sized phone room, he poked his head inside to look for his superior. The room was empty. Armando wondered if Kevin had made contact with Alexandra Callet yet.

  He continued down the corridor and immediately caught a glimpse of his partner through the glass panes of the adjacent room. Conner was sitting next to a panel of electronic equipment, apparently listening to the audio of Daniela. His elbows rested on the smooth surface of the table as he leaned forward with his hands cupped over the ears of a headset.

  When Armando entered the room, Conner glanced up and immediately removed his earphones. “About time, my man!”

  “What’s up?”

  “These recordings, that’s what is up.” Conner raised his hands in frustration. “I came in early to try and get through some, but most of them are in Spanish.”

  Armando nonchalantly grabbed the chair opposite his partner. “Can’t live without me, huh?”

  “Not today.” Conner tapped the crystal of his diver’s watch. “So what are we keeping, banker’s hours?”

  Armando shrugged. “Hey, what can I say? We had the weekend off.”

  “Did you get any sleep?”

  “You know I never kiss and tell.”

  Conner snorted loudly. “Yeah, right.” His head jerked toward a red light nearby as it suddenly came on. “Look. It’s the ‘record’ light.” He handed the headset to Armando. “Here, Casanova. You listen.”

  Within seconds after placing the headset over his ears, Armando looked earnestly at Conner. He then nodded confirmation as Conner guessed the call to be from Miguel Santiago.

  Conner clenched his fists and waited anxiously while Armando listened carefully to every word between the siblings. “Wow.” Armando exhaled when they hung up. He removed his headphones and carefully rested them on the table.

  “This is incredible, Mando. What did he say? Maybe we can skip the earlier recordings.”

  “It was mostly Daniela talking,” Armando explained. “Fortunately, she spoke enough for both of them. She went on and on about her new restaurant and practically begged him to come and see the progress.”

  “Did he commit to when?”

  “No way, not a chance.” Armando shrugged. “You know he never does. That’s what keeps him alive.”

  “I agree, but it’s different when he deals with Daniela. Santiago usually does whatever she asks.”

  “You’re right,” Armando agreed. “If she wants him to come, he’ll come, but he’s never going to say when, especially not over the phone.”

  “Well, that’s frustrating. Right now we’re in the exact same position as she is of not knowing.”

  “Not necessarily,” Armando said.

  “Why do you say that?” Conner asked. “How did they end it?”

  “Basically with Daniela asking when Santiago could make the trip and with Santiago saying he would come when he could.”

  “So tell me, then,” Conner pressed. “How are we in a better position?”

  “At least we know he is coming. Santiago’s hacienda is like a fortress, and just the chance of him leaving that security brings me joy.”

  Conner grinned at his partner. “It brings you joy, huh?”

  “It brings me great joy.” Armando leaned back comfortably in his chair and crossed his arms as he announced, “I give him a week.”

  “Only a week? Mando, do you really think he’ll go that soon?”

  “I really do. Remember, we’re talking about his baby sister.”

  “I understand that,” Conner agreed. “Although personally, I think he bought that new little toy for Daniela just to keep her out of his way.”

  Armando laughed. “I’d call that yacht a lot more than a toy!”

  “Not to Santiago. To him, the cost of her new restaurant is chump change.”

  “You’ve got the chump part right.”

  Connor nodded, stood to stretch his legs, and said, “Come on, we’d better go check in with the SAC.”

  “What about the other recordings?”

  “I think they can wait, but you make the call.”

  “You’re right. We’ll get to them later.”

  ***

  Kevin

  As Connor and Armando entered Kevin’s office, Kevin told Scott, “I call tell she’s a feisty one. She finally agreed to meet me this afternoon.”

  “Where did you decide?” Scott asked.

  “The Lighthouse. What do you think?”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Kevin noticed Conner slide silently onto the credenza and waved Armando toward the last side chair.

  “Good morning, gentlemen,” Kevin said with amusement from behind his desk. “From the excited looks on your faces, I’m guessing you have some news?”

  “Do we ever,” Connor blurted. “Mando just listened to a live telephone conversation between Daniela and her brother.”

  Kevin and Scott both looked anxiously toward Armando.

  “That’s right, boss,” Armando confirmed. “Daniela is pushing him hard to come and see her.”

  “Do you think Santiago will venture out?”

  “Definitely,” Armando said. “There’s not a doubt in my mind.”

  “Tell me, Conner, do you agree with Armando?”

  “Sure do, SAC. I think Mando’s got a good feel for it.”

  “Like I explained to Conner,” Armando added, “Santiago departs from the normal when it comes to his sister.”

  “This is good news,” Kevin said, pleased. “Maybe the tables are finally turning our way.”

  “You called it, SAC,” Scott interjected. “It’s like you thought. When Santiago first decided to bankroll Daniela’s restaurant, you figured i
t might open some doors.”

  “Might,” Kevin stressed, “is the key word. I hope you’re right, Armando. It sure would be nice to lure Santiago away from the safety of his hacienda. Now, thanks to you two, we might have another snare.”

  “Alexandra Callet?” Conner asked.

  Kevin slowly and mechanically pushed two black-and-white photographs toward the front edge of his desk. “Who’s who?” he asked.

  All three agents merged for a closer view.

  “Wow,” Conner said.

  Armando shrugged while saying, “I have no idea.”

  “Have these been altered?” Scott asked.

  Kevin shook his head. “Not in the least.”

  “Wow,” Conner repeated.

  “You already said that,” Armando taunted.

  “I don’t know what else to say! I knew they looked alike, but this is weird. Are you positive they are not identical twins?”

  Scott responded first. “I couldn’t find any trace of that.”

  “I don’t see how that is possible,” Kevin added. “All of the records point to them having different mothers.”

  “I know. It’s hard to believe.” Armando looked slyly at his partner. “Can you imagine another Conner Reeves walking around?”

  Conner playfully nudged Armando before growing serious. “What’s your next move, SAC?”

  “I’m scheduled to meet with Miss Callet at three this afternoon.”

  “What if she doesn’t agree to help?” Armando asked.

  “I don’t plan on leaving until she does agree.”

  “What then?” Conner pressed.

  “We prepare and we wait.”

  ***

  Alexandra

  Alexandra kept a constant monitor on her antique wall clock as she paced out the perimeter of her office. Each time Kathryn, her assistant, entered the room, Alexandra pretended to either be walking toward a file cabinet or returning to her desk. Fortunately, Kathryn was too preoccupied with her own agenda to notice Alexandra’s inadequate attempts at looking busy.

  Kathryn attempted to update Alexandra by systematically reviewing each of their active individual design projects, but Alexandra found it difficult to process what she was saying. She struggled to concentrate while the thought of her three o’clock meeting nagged at her like a constant headache. While she was speaking to Kathryn with her back to the door, an unexpected and partially unwelcomed respite came when Jake burst into her office. He approached Alexandra from behind and wrapped his strong arms around her shoulders. Being an even six feet, Jake could almost rest his chin on the top of her head.

  “I know you need her,” he joked with Kathryn, “but I need her more! May I please steal Alex away for lunch?”

  Alexandra’s body instantly responded to his touch, and no matter how hard she tried, that never seemed to change. She always fought to appear unaffected, but even the slightest brush of Jake’s hand would ignite a battle between her body and mind. “You’re such a con artist,” she accused while escaping from his grip. “Can you believe him?” Alexandra purposefully addressed her question toward Kathryn. “He pretends to want a lunch date, but we both know he probably just needs my help with something.”

  Jake tried to suppress a grin while holding his thumb and forefinger an inch apart. “I only need a little help.” He emphasized the word little.

  Not today, she thought. Even if it would help to pass the time, Alexandra knew her emotions could not handle Jake. “I’m sorry, whatever it is will have to wait,” she insisted. “We have way too much to do.”

  “But I’m starving,” he whined. “Besides, it’s past noon. What about Kathryn?” Jake winked at her. “Are you going to deprive your assistant of a lunch break?”

  “Oh, Kath, I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize. Please, please take your lunch, and we’ll finish this later.”

  “So you will go to lunch with me.” Jake reached out to take Alexandra’s hand.

  “No, I won’t.” She quickly pulled it away. “Instead, you should take Kathryn,” she suggested, delighted by her sudden idea. Finally, she would have the peace and quiet she desperately needed.

  Jake looked at Kathryn. “I would be honored to take you to lunch.” He then turned to Alexandra. “Please come with us.”

  “I must say, Jake, you are extremely persistent. Really though, I do need to catch up.”

  “What about the help I need?”

  “Can it wait until tomorrow?” Alexandra asked.

  “Yes, if that is my only choice,” Jake relented. “You do know I’m feeling very unloved at the moment.”

  “Is that so?” Alexandra asked. Her lips formed a slight smile. “I’m sure you’ll get over it,” she commented sweetly while wondering if the look on Jake’s face was really one of surprise.

  “May I bring you something?” Kathryn’s proper British accent interrupted Alexandra’s thoughts.

  “No, thank you, Kathryn. I’m really not very hungry.”

  “Would you like a salad?” she persisted.

  “Well,” Alexandra stalled, “since Jake is paying, maybe I will. A Cobb salad would be nice.”

  “Cobb salad it is.”

  “Don’t I get a say in this?” Jake asked.

  Alexandra narrowed her eyes into a friendly warning. “Not if you want my help tomorrow.”

  “Cobb it is,” he repeated Kathryn’s words.

  “Now scoot, both of you.” Alexandra’s hand motions pushed the duo toward the door. “Go and enjoy your lunch. I need some quiet.”

  Jake pretended Alexandra couldn’t hear him as he held the door open for Kathryn. “Is it my imagination or is she acting kind of bossy today?”

  “Good-bye, Alexandra,” Kathryn politely dismissed Jake’s playful question. “Don’t work too hard while I’m gone. Save anything you want for me to do.”

  “Thank you, Kathryn. You are too sweet.”

  “What about me?” Jake asked. “Aren’t I sweet?”

  “I don’t know,” Alexandra said. “I’ll think about it and tell you later.”

  Jake placed a hand dramatically over his heart. “Once again, shot down. Let’s go, Kathryn. I can tell when I’m not wanted.”

  After they left, Alexandra closed her door and stood unmoving for several minutes. “Was he flirting?” she asked softly. She was confused by Jake’s actions. I don’t believe this, she thought. He makes a point to call me his partner, he makes a point to inform me about his many nights out, and now that I have decided to get on with my life, he ends up flirting with me! “At least I think he was flirting,” she mumbled.

  Alexandra grabbed an armload of project files and settled into her leather desk chair. Before Kathryn returned from lunch, she needed to show some sign of progress, anything. But her attempt proved futile as the pages blurred and her mind raced. “This is nuts,” she said. “First I can’t get Jake out of my mind, and now it’s this meeting.” Frustrated, she pushed herself away from the desk and walked to the window.

  “Be anxious for nothing,” Alexandra struggled to relax by repeating the first line of Philippians 4:6, one of her favorite Bible verses. I’m sorry, God, I am anxious. I don’t understand. What can the DEA possibly want with me?

  CHAPTER FIVE

  LIFE CHANGER

  Alexandra pulled into the hotel parking lot several minutes after three o’clock. Mentally, she had been ready for the meeting hours before but had purposefully decided to arrive late. Not knowing what Kevin O’Neil looked like, she elected not to sit there alone while looking anxiously at every man who passed her way. She remembered him telling her not to worry and that he would greet her. But what if he’s late? she asked herself.

  After entering the hotel, Alexandra instantly spotted the lounge area directly past the reception hall. She held her shoulders high and tried to walk confidently, but as her heels clicked noisily upon the marble floor, she felt painfully conspicuous. She was relieved when the sound instantly muted as she descended the wide, plushy
carpeted steps leading to the lounge.

  As she stepped into the room, Alexandra observed one server, the bartender, and a few guests scattered throughout. The only single occupant appeared to be a man whom Alexandra assumed was Agent O’Neil. As she waited a beat while further inspecting the room, he walked toward her.

  The glare from the bright afternoon sun prevented her from clearly seeing his face, and yet she was surprised at his general appearance. She was unsure what she had expected, but the man heading her way did not look like her idea of a typical DEA agent.

  Kevin wore a crisp, white shirt tucked into gray, pleated trousers made of an obvious high-quality material. His tie was attractive, but definitely not the caliber of Jake’s. As he moved beyond the glare, Alexandra was finally able to see his face. He appeared handsome, yet rugged-looking, with kind eyes. They were sea-green, smiling eyes, enhanced by tiny lines at the outer corners. Looking up, she realized he must be about six feet, two inches. Obviously fit, he had an aggressive build that reminded her of a lumberjack. Alexandra immediately felt a sense of security in his presence.

  ***

  Kevin

  By 2:15 in the afternoon, Kevin had chosen the perfect table in the lobby bar and was anxiously waiting for Alexandra Callet’s arrival. He’d selected the Lighthouse Hotel because of its secluded location at the tip of the Shelter Island Peninsula.

  While waiting, Kevin squirmed impatiently in one of the two thickly cushioned chairs placed across from each other at the circular walnut table. Both seats offered an ocean view from the panoramic window. Yet more importantly to Kevin, the position of his chair enabled him to completely observe the room while he waited. He sipped his club soda, though he would have preferred a beer, and began counting the minutes

  After waiting for almost an hour, Kevin wanted to leap up the instant Alexandra crossed the lobby. However, he also did not wish to appear too anxious, so he waited for her to partially survey the room and then casually stood as she glanced his way.