I looked at Blue.
“It’s true.” He shrugged. “But, why would she need us, Helix?”
“She’s working with Mesa. I’m sure she’ll be needing you boys at some point to bail her ass out.”
“That’s true, too,” Blue said.
“I don’t believe you brought Blue here only to tell me he’s here if I need him. What else did you expect him to tell me?” I asked.
“I thought he might fill you in on who you are working with.”
Again, I looked at Blue.
“Mesa isn’t a good place for anyone who has a history with us. Frankly, it’s a dangerous place for you because of who you are. Posner has been on our list for years as well as the Admiral’s short list, and he knows it. I can’t give you details, but Posner is in deep with the Admiral. He’s enemy number one. We were all surprised to know you were legitimately working for him and not in there at the request of the Admiral. Now, with that information, you can make a better-informed decision on whether or not you’d like to continue to work for the prick.” He directed his attention back to Helix. “Why couldn’t you tell her this, man?”
Blue was acting as if talking to me was a terrible chore.
“Thought it would be more compelling coming from you. Besides, it’s not my place.”
“You’re right about that one, at least,” Blue said. “Now she knows.”
Then he walked up to me and gave my arm a good squeeze. “Helix is right about us being there for you if you ever need anything. The company isn’t the same without you. I completely understand why you had to leave and don’t fault you for it. I’ll have a talk with White about that other thing. You shouldn’t be blocked from your destiny because someone else decides to be stubborn.”
“Thanks, Blue. For everything. But, please don’t even tell White you saw me today. Like I said, I’ve left that all behind me. It’s done, it’s gone.”
Saying it out loud wasn’t easy, but saying it to Blue, someone who probably understood better than anyone else would, was an eye-opener. I caught myself swallowing extra hard to keep the emotion in check. I did not want to give up Penumbra. I’d always known that. It was the act of saying it out loud that nearly struck me to the floor.
“I know a guy who can find you an apartment, but it might take a couple days,” Helix said after Blue left.
“Thanks, Helix. But, I’m going to be unreachable the rest of the week. I need a vacation.”
I wasn’t planning on a real vacation of any kind, but I wasn’t in the mood to meet up with any more of my ex-partners, visit with Jake, or anyone else. I thought some time alone to reflect on this new information, no matter how incomplete it was, might be in order. I hadn’t spent more than a couple hours alone since I’d started with Mesa. Jake had always been by my side. Now it was time to start thinking for myself again.
I’d do the concert security this weekend, but I didn’t know if I’d do any more work for Mesa after talking with Blue. At least not until I’d taken the rest of the week to do more checking up on Mesa and Posner in particular. I wanted to know what the guys had against him and what my father had against him. My father didn’t like very many people, but they never made a list unless they deserved it.
“Let me know if Jake doesn’t take care of your Caddy,” I said.
“Where are you going?” Helix asked as I opened the office door.
“I’ll be around. I really appreciate everything you’ve done. I’m going to get my stuff out of the back seat of your car. Is it open?”
“It is now.” Helix smiled as he pushed a button on his keychain. “Too bad that hard-headedness of yours didn’t protect you last night and today. Kinda hoped Blue would have reined you in. I worry about you, Alex. Mesa is bad news. Actually, Posner is bad news. I got you out, now you need to run. Just wish Blue had taken a hand. I would have helped him tie you up if he’d been up for that.”
“He knows why I had to leave and why I can’t go back. If only you could explain to the Admiral what you witnessed today. Explain to him I can’t go back, even if I wanted to. I only went to Mesa because he won’t give me work.”
“The next time I see your dad I’ll be sure to let him know.” Helix’s eyes were sad as he looked at me.
I didn’t realize Helix knew the Admiral was my father. I maybe should have been worried he knew that much about me, but I didn’t care.
“I just wish I knew exactly what happened at White and Associates. Maybe I could help out more,” he said.
“If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”
Though the statement was used by people as a joke, Helix didn’t laugh. He must have realized it was true in this case.
Chapter Fourteen
Back to hotels.
I tossed my bags in the corner and eased myself onto the bed. My head throbbed and my stomach churned.
I stayed still on the bed for at least an hour before I gave up on sleep. My laptop was already next to me on the bed, so I opened it. I signed in using my Penumbra access. I wanted all the information I could get, but I couldn’t get in. I tried to get into the government database at least ten times before I slammed the laptop closed in frustration.
I pulled out my phone and dialed my father’s number.
“Hello?”
He already sounded smug.
“Why did you block me out of the database?”
“I thought you already knew. All past employees’ access are revoked after they fail to renew their contracts.”
“So, I’m totally cut off?”
“No. I’m sure you’re welcome to utilize C.I.C. at White and Associates.”
I hung up and threw the phone across the room.
The sobs came against my will. I knew crying would only make my headache worse and it was almost unbearable already.
When I woke up, I immediately looked at the time. It was four A.M. I could only hope I’d slept through several days. My head still ached, so I guessed I’d only killed the remainder of yesterday.
I retrieved the pieces of my phone from the floor. There was no saving it. I’d get a new one on my way to the airport. I consolidated my necessary items into one pack and lightened my load considerably. Then, took a shower.
The water felt like it was ripping my head open again, so I repositioned myself so it sprayed on the top of my head and ran down in a more gentle trickle. The blood that came out of my hair made the tub look like a murder scene. I pushed the dark water down the drain with my foot. The shower took me longer than I wanted it to because I couldn’t just wash and go. I had to be careful.
After I toweled off I called a cab from the hotel phone.
I was at the airport within the hour. I booked the next departing flight. I didn’t even listen to the destination. It was time to get out of here.
I had a couple hours to kill, so I went to the airport restaurant and had breakfast. My stomach still didn’t want any intrusion, but I forced the food down and managed to keep it there.
Finally, the flight came in and I boarded. Two hours later I found myself at a different airport with nowhere to go.
I booked a room from my laptop and had a cab take me to the closest big box store so I could replace my phone. I didn’t plan on calling anyone yet, but I wanted to get the chore out of the way.
Once inside my new room, I tried again to get into the government database. I knew being in a different city wouldn’t make any difference, but I had to try. I was right and didn’t gain access. I considered going out to see the sights, but the bright sun deterred me from going out at all. Instead, I laid back on the bed and tried to watch television.
Eventually, I gave in and researched like normal people had to. I bought a background check for Posner and looked up his name in a worldwide newspaper article search.
I didn’t get much. He’d been honorably discharged from service a couple years before White and Associates became a company, and started Mesa immediately.
Mesa had some dedic
ated articles to their credit. None of them were flattering. The articles accused Mesa of supplying guns and running drugs on a regular basis.
This made me wonder if the company might have known Danny was really transporting drugs, but only feigned innocence because of some outside reason.
My mind went to Jake. Did he know about this activity? Were these accusations true? The way Blue and Helix talked about Posner, I was inclined to believe Posner knew if Jake didn’t.
How could Jake not know? I didn’t know. But, I wasn’t in the position to know. Jake was.
My desire to do the right thing was muted by the way I’d been treated because of doing just that.
My partners had disowned me because I’d taken on a higher role to make the world a better place. My mind had always fought with the idea of Penumbra as a mixture of good and evil because of the requirements of the job. But, after I’d lost her, I realized Penumbra was a necessary part of the world. She made it safer for the good people.
I had to remind myself that Red was the only one who was openly against my outside persona. Yet, they backed him. They had more history, I guess. The part that hurt me the most now was not my partners being a part of my past, or even the brief moment I got to love White, but my father pushing me out. He was my father. He made me, and now he wouldn’t back me.
Quit feeling sorry for yourself.
He’d back me if I were willing to give up Red. I was certain, if I admitted Red knew I was Penumbra, Red would go missing and I’d have a brand new handler in a matter of minutes. In fact, I was fairly certain, my father already had someone lined up to be my handler. I suspected he’d put Colin in that position and White and Associates would cease to exist in their current form.
They’d become another Mesa. No more government contracts.
I could never do that to my partners.
I only had a couple choices. I could take my chances at Mesa or I could go on permanent vacation, picking up jobs where I could.
I dialed Jake.
“Yes?”
Hearing his voice was soothing, even though I was unsure of his good guy, bad guy status.
“Jake. It’s Alex. I broke my phone, so this is my new number.”
“Where are you?”
“In a hotel room.”
“I’ve checked all the hotels. What name are you using?”
“Never mind that. I just wanted to touch base before this weekend.”
“Let’s get together for dinner,” he said.
“Can’t. I’m out of the city. I’m just calling to find out what time I should meet you this Saturday. I’ll be sure to be back in town by then.” I tried to keep my voice away from the friend zone and only use businesslike tones.
“Helix said he was going to set you up in an apartment.”
“I’m not going to let Helix find me an apartment. It’s best if no one knows where I am right now.”
“I talked with Posner. He told me the reason he let you leave was because it was time for someone to put Eric in his place. He’s allowing it because he figures you and Eric are more evenly matched than any of the men in the company. You don’t need to worry about that.”
“I’m not worried about that.” I shook my head, even though I knew he couldn’t see me. “Posner’s an ass. Eric and I aren’t evenly matched. He’s so far below me, it’s pathetic. I should probably be ashamed of kicking his ass if we want to look at it that way.”
Jake laughed. “I’d still like to get together before the job this weekend.”
“Nope. I’m out of town and don’t plan on coming back until Saturday.”
“Where? I’ll join you.”
“Give it up, Jake. I’m not meeting with you. I have some things I need to do.”
“You really shouldn’t take on any side jobs. Posner doesn’t like that.”
I was getting frustrated. “I don’t work for Mesa any more. Remember? Maybe you should have your head checked instead of me. Posner doesn’t own me. He never did. You should probably go freelance yourself.”
“I like my job. Hell, if you come back and kick Eric’s ass a few more times, I just might get back my second in command title.”
“That reminds me,” I said. “Is Eric still going to work the concert with you? It’s probably best if I stay away from him for a while.”
“He won’t heal up before then.”
I could hear the glee dripping from his words.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me you didn’t like Eric? Hell, why didn’t you ever tell me he was Posner’s nephew?”
“This is not a democracy, Alex. We have a monarch named Posner, and any opposition to the throne is treason. As for Eric being Posner’s nephew, it never cropped up.”
“Makes me wonder what else never cropped up.”
I didn’t want to get into all the sordid details right now, but I couldn’t help but make the jab, anyway.
“Plenty, I can assure you. Sometimes it’s best to be on the outside.”
“And we make it back to the freelance word.”
“Freelance isn’t for me. I’m either going to own Mesa someday or I’m going to start my own business that’ll compete with Posner. I’m still holding out for Mesa ownership at the moment. The second Posner’s ready to sell, I’ve got my offer ready for him. I’d be willing to take on a partner. It’s something you should consider.”
That was something I could consider.
“I’ll see you Saturday night, Jake.” I hung up.
I spent the rest of the day in whatever city I’d managed to fly to, but hopped on a plane back home the next morning.
The remainder of my week was spent doing hard research on Mesa and Posner while periodically trying to gain access to the government database.
Chapter Fifteen
Saturday night came around and I was ready to get out of my hotel room. I arrived at the Civic Center half an hour before Jake told me to be there.
There were lines of people waiting to get in. The back entrance, where I was supposed to meet Jake, was surrounded by screaming fans.
Jake and Joe stood at the entrance of a roped off area.
“You’re early,” Jake greeted me.
“I got back into town a little early.” It wasn’t a lie.
“Nice to see you, Alex,” Joe said, then walked off to attend the rope line.
“Since you’re here, I’ll tell you exactly what’s expected of us. Ms. Moran has her own personal detail. We are just the backup provided by the facility.”
“Angel Moran?” I felt a grin cover my face. “Will we get to meet her?”
I’d gone to one of her concerts with Gabriella about a year ago. It would be fun to actually meet her. I fought the urge to immediately call Gabriella to tell her about my luck.
“Yes. She’ll be here in about fifteen minutes.” Jake grinned at me. “Now, pay attention.”
He told me all we had to do was make sure no one got in the building from the doors we were guarding.
“We won’t get to see the show?”
“If you want, we can trade places with a couple of the guys after the band gets here. I just thought you’d enjoy this position better. This is where it’ll go down if it does.”
“Where are the rest of the guys?” I asked as we stood near the door.
“They are inside at their positions. Here.”
He handed me a radio that I clipped to the top of my pants.
“How’s your head?”
Jake leaned back in an attempt to see my gash.
“Fine.”
I turned to face him directly. I didn’t want him to start picking through my hair like a monkey.
“So, you like Angel Moran?”
“Love her!” My grin came back. “Just wish I was here for pleasure instead of work, now that I know it’s her.”
“When she pulls up, her personal guard will probably walk her inside. All we really need to do is hang out here and make sure no one gets past us.”
Jake stood to one side of the door and motioned for me to stand at the other side.
A limo pulled up shortly after we took our places.
I watched as the driver got out and came around to the passenger side door, opened it and offered his hand.
I was slightly surprised when she stepped out. She wasn’t all dolled up yet and looked very human. She was still gorgeous, but I might not have recognized her without her signature glittery makeup and sparkly outfits.
I must have looked like an idiot. I could feel my grin, but couldn’t force it down until I saw who pushed his way out after Angel.
“Josh!” Angel’s tone was offended as Brown pushed past her toward me.
My stupid grin was gone and I stood stoic and unmoved, like the Queen’s Guard.
“What the hell are you doing here, Alex?” He stomped toward me.
I didn’t answer him.
“Back off, Brown.” Jake stepped between us.
“Hey, Jake.”
The two shook hands as if Brown hadn’t just charged me.
“Good to see you, Josh. Now, let us do our job?”
“Josh?” Angel questioned him from behind. “Who is she?”
Brown looked at Angel and back at me.
“Alex, this is Angel.” He stepped out of the way. “Angel, this is Ms. Grey.”
I held out my hand.
“Such a pleasure,” I said. “I’m excited to see the show.”
She didn’t take my hand and directed all of her attention at Brown.
“Ms. Grey? For real?”
He smiled and nodded at my still outstretched hand.
“Josh talks about you all the time. The pleasure is all mine.” She took my hand and gave it a tight squeeze.
“Come on. Join us in the V.I.P. room. I know you and Josh have a lot of catching up to do.” She tried to pull me into the building after her.
“I can’t. I’m working.”
“What? My security?” She laughed. “You’re funny.”
“Yes. Security.”
She looked shocked.
What the hell did Brown tell her about me.
Fragments of Grey [Book Five of The Alexis Stanton Chronicles] Page 11