Again the line was quiet. I looked up from the floor as I paced and saw all the men staring at me. I’d forgotten they were in my apartment and felt a little awkward that they’d heard me spewing my nonsense. Mostly, they held looks of shock but the look of shame on Red’s face gave me a feeling of satisfaction.
Finally, the Admiral spoke again.
“Even if I let you back in you no longer have a handler. I can’t allow you to do this on your own. This is why I made White your handler. Decisions are better made when there is more than one person involved.”
“White always presented me with the jobs without looking at all the details,” I argued. I couldn’t help it. I felt like I needed to prove a point.
“No, he didn’t. He always knew what he was handing you. He might not have looked at all the details in the package, but he always knew what, where and who.”
“He had no idea I’d been contracted to remove Johns.”
I was well aware of the men at my bar and their reaction to this news. It wasn’t a secret that Penumbra took out Johns, commanding officer of White and Associates’ Alaskan compound. That had been my first job as Penumbra. Johns had been selling weapons to the Russian mafia and he needed to be eliminated. I remembered White being surprised about Johns’ involvement and subsequent elimination at my hands. It was obvious none of the other men had put it all together that I’d been the one to take him out.
“Okay. I’ll admit, there was at least one job in which I strongly suggested it was for your eyes only,” the Admiral said sheepishly.
This line of thinking only led him to agree to allow me to work solo, but that wasn't the plan. I really did want a handler to go through the jobs and pick and choose for me. Green was the best option I had, and he’d offered. What I really wanted was for my dad to suggest a handler and then I could steer him toward Green.
“I’m okay with a handler,” I said. I’d dropped my Mrs. Grouchy Pants attitude. “But, I don’t want Colin again. I want someone a little more hands on this time.”
“It would have to be DeLange because he’s the only one who already knows. Isn’t he?” He waited a few seconds for an answer and when I didn’t oblige he continued. “I don’t know if I’m willing to divulge this information to anyone else. But there is no way he has time for it.”
I let out a loud sigh. “What about Green? It seems like he’s taken White’s place in the company and I trust him.”
I was done spilling my guts and playing games. I put it right out there to see what kind of a reaction I’d get.
“Green? Why would you pick Green?”
His tone was satisfied as if he’d planned this.
“I don’t know. He’s the most secretive of all my partners and, like I said, I know I can trust him. I’d like it to be someone I already know instead of someone you know and expect me to take orders from. Green will listen to my input as much as I’ll listen to his.”
I gave Green a pointed look.
“Funny how things end up.” The Admiral let out a short, ironic laugh.
“What do you mean?”
“I’d intended on Green being your handler for those exact reasons. Your attachment to White and his devotion to you were things I couldn’t overlook when making the final decision. Still— Enough people know of our arrangement. I’m not sure we should add one more to the list, even though I’d like you to get back to work.”
Had that, ‘I don’t know if you’re fit for duty,’ spiel of his been just an act?
“Green is a good choice,” he continued. “He’s the only one of your partners I completely trust and why he’s now in the position he’s in. There is no way I could do the work I need to with Red in control of my company.”
“Your company?”
“Yes, Alex. You know the history. White and I have always held the majority of the shares with a small amount divided up between you and the rest of the men. Now that White is gone, I’m in control of the company. Green is the only one who knew of this arrangement and I’d like to keep it that way. White didn’t even know how much Green knows so I’m trusting you with this information.” I heard him take in a breath and let it out slowly. “Green might have been my first choice, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to feel him out before we make this permanent. I’ve always had faith that Green would be accepting of the role, but I want to make sure before I offer him this job. Why don’t the two of you meet me for lunch at Stumpy’s?”
“I can’t. But I could have him call you to set up a meeting.”
“You can’t?” I don’t know how he managed it, but I could actually hear his raised eyebrows in his tone.
“No. I can’t.” I said.
“Does Green already know your title?” He pushed.
He was trying to make me lie to him. I’d never managed it before and come out unscathed.
“Do you want the concept to be new to him at your meeting or do you want me to prepare him?”
The line was quiet almost a full minute before I asked again.
“Well, what is it? Do you want him informed before the meeting or do you want to judge his reaction?”
Damn it. I hope Green can lie to my father better than I can. The option to judge his reaction was exactly what I expected the Admiral to pick now that I’d put it that way and I wasn’t disappointed.
“I want to make sure he’ll be fully on board so I’m willing to be the first to tell him. Have him call me,” he said.
“I’ll be in touch,” I said and then hung up the phone.
I walked to my bar with the men watching my every move. I poured myself a cup of coffee and stood facing them all.
“You need to give the Admiral a call,” I said to Green before I took a sip of my coffee.
“You’re the one who took out Johns?” Brown asked.
“I am. It was my first official job.”
I lifted my chin. It had been the right thing to do and they all knew it. If they wanted to question me, I’d weather it.
“Makes sense,” Red said. “We all knew Penumbra had a hand in that.”
I stared down the men. Each of them wore a different expression. Brown looked a little sick, Green was ambivalent, Red was accepting, Blue looked impressed and Black seemed proud.
“So, now you all know a little more of what I’ve been doing. More than I really wanted to share,” I said. “The Admiral is still unaware of your knowledge and I suggest we keep it that way for now, if not forever.”
“Agreed,” Brown said. The sick look still on his face.
“You got a problem, Brown?” I asked.
“I knew you were a pain in the ass but now— It’s going to be hard not pissing you off,” he said.
“I’ll give you a running head start. Promise,” I said.
This brought laughter from the rest of the men. It felt a little forced, but I didn’t think it would hurt to let them know what they were dealing with. I wasn’t who I used to be. I was much more like the perceived persona of Penumbra now that I’d had to live away from the people I trusted and cared for. Having felt pushed aside and underappreciated for months had taken its toll.
Chapter Eighteen
I SPENT MOST OF THE MORNING doing arm exercises with Blue. I was still tender so the movements made me break out into a sweat. When we were done he handed me two ibuprofen to dull the pain.
“If it becomes unbearable, let me know. I can give you something stronger,” he said.
I nodded but there was no way I was going back on the narcotics. I was still feeling a little spacey and I had to be clearheaded. I wanted to believe I was safe here, but I couldn’t stop feeling uneasy and apprehensive. Only two days ago these men had been my enemies. Of course, that was partly of my own doing. Now they were acting as if nothing had ever come between us. I wished I could move back to my apartment across the street. The only thing stopping me was my access to C.I.C.
Green walked out of my bedroom. He’d been in there on the phone with the Adm
iral.
“I’ve got a lunch date,” he said.
“Good. Get me my unlimited access back so I can start figuring things out.”
I didn’t think the unlimited access would help with anything other than finding out if White had been killed while trying to recover Alan. But that would be one less problem I had to sort out.
“You need to consider building your story for Posner’s benefit,” Green said.
“What do you mean?”
“He’s under the impression that you were nowhere near the incident between Jake and Eric. That means you wouldn’t know that Jake has been shot. How long do you normally go without speaking to Jake?”
“We’re usually in contact at least every couple of days,” I said.
“It’s probably time to check in then. I’ve talked with Joe and he’s waiting for your call. Keep in mind the conversation will be heard by outside ears.”
I nodded and headed to my bedroom like Green had done.
“Where are you going?” Green demanded.
“I wouldn’t mind a little privacy for this call,” I answered.
As soon as I had my door shut I dialed Jake’s number with my Mesa phone. I knew I had to be convincing and I needed to concentrate on my lies.
After several rings Joe finally answered the phone.
“Alex?”
“Joe? Can I talk to Jake?”
“Uh. No. Jake’s been shot,” he said.
“What? Is he okay?”
This was not easy. I was thankful this wasn’t a video conference.
“He’s in the hospital. He’s still out of it. The doctors said the surgery went well but they are inducing coma to keep him still while he’s healing. They say they are going to try and wake him up in a few days as long as he remains stable.”
“What happened?”
“Eric. I still don’t know why he went after Jake.”
“I’m going to kill Eric,” I said.
“Jake already did.”
“Good,” I said. “Are you at the hospital?”
“Yes. I’m going to stay here until he wakes up.”
He gave me the room number and I said I’d be over to visit soon.
I stepped out of my room to find all the men still gathered around my bar. I had missed them, but this was getting old. Were they ever going to give me any time to myself?
I sighed.
“Can we get back to C.I.C.?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” Green said and all of the men stood to follow his lead.
My Mesa phone rang.
I held up my finger and went back into my bedroom. It was Posner’s number.
“Ms. Grey,” he started. “Have you heard the news about Jake?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Then you realize we have no go-between?”
“Yes.”
“You will be dealing with me directly from now on and I have decided to put you on the clock for your latest contract. You have one week to complete the job or I’ll send a new contractor out. So now it’s a race to the finish or the paycheck. However you want to see it. I find it a little odd the contract hasn’t already been fulfilled, actually. You’ve proven to be very efficient in the past, why the delay on this one?”
“The Admiral has been inaccessible the past couple of days,” I said.
“I seem to recall getting a report that Stanton was seen driving between his office and home yesterday morning and then again last night. Your deadline has just dropped to two days, Ms. Grey. Get the job done or someone else will. Am I understood?”
“Yes sir,” I said.
“Good. You can call this number when the job is done.”
He disconnected and I swore. I wasn’t sure I wanted to complete the contract. This was my father. Still I wasn’t sure I wanted to pass if my father had anything to do with killing White. I just didn’t have enough information yet. Posner had limited my options. I couldn’t tell the colors about the contract if I intended to fulfill it.
I’ll wait until Green meets with the Admiral and when I get my access back I might be able to figure out what happened.
I was met with questioning looks all around when I stepped out of my room again.
“Posner checking in because Jake’s now out of the picture,” I explained.
The men remained quietly suspicious.
“What?”
I let out a groan and added an eye roll for emphasis.
“We’ve finally broken through your everything is fine act? Good. We all know it’s not true.” I said.
“I know none of you trust me and that’s unfortunate. I really don’t care anymore. I gave up on that months ago. I already told you I have an outstanding contract. Posner was checking in because Jake can’t. I’ve completed all other contracts within a couple of days of receiving them. He’s wondering why I haven’t completed this one yet. Believe me or don’t. It’s up to you.”
“Who is the target?” Green asked.
I smiled and shook my head as my answer.
“You might have good reason to no longer trust me, but I’d say my reasons for not trusting you are even more well documented. You won’t catch me pretending nothing’s changed. I won’t play games with any of you, even if you want me to. I never have. Just happens none of you were on the need-to-know list when it came to Penumbra. Get used to it. I did.” I added.
The room was deadly quiet for at least thirty seconds while Green and I stared at each other.
Finally, Red cut the silence.
“Obviously, we all have trust issues, but I think we can work through them. Let’s start by getting down to the war room. We’ll give Alex everything we have and let her go through it. Maybe there’s something in there that she can pick out that we’ve missed.”
Green broke our eye contact first. He looked at Red and nodded.
I brought up the rear of the pack and made sure my apartment door was shut before I boarded the elevator.
When we reached the war room I was pointed toward the back of the room.
“Those’re all the files we’ve put together so far,” Red said.
There were maybe half a dozen folders in a stack on a table along the back wall.
I went to the table and took the first one off the stack and started reading.
It was all about Garcia, the man I’d shot in front of Green and Red. His entire history was included in the file. Where he was born, grew up, jobs he’d had throughout his life and criminal history. I was able to build a good picture of the man. If I’d been taking on the job as Penumbra I would have had all this information at my disposal. Instead, I’d taken on the job knowing nothing more than Garcia worked for Ruiz and was now a snitch. Being a snitch probably should have made me check deeper, but I chose to do the job without much knowledge. My regret was tempered as I read the file. He was a candidate for removal and might have found his way to me at some point in the future.
Before I finished reading Garcia’s file Green excused himself for his lunch date with the Admiral. I didn’t get anything more done while he was gone. I couldn’t concentrate on the files in front of me. I was itching for my database access. Things would be much simpler when I had that back.
Green returned less than an hour later. I stood as he entered the war room and waited for him to speak.
“We’ve just become best friends,” he told me.
My stomach did a little dance and I felt a grin spread across my face. I went directly to one of the computers. I started typing in the info to get me into the database.
“How’d it go? Any suspicions that you already knew who I was?”
“Of course. The Admiral is the Admiral for a reason. He always suspects the worst case scenario and that’s all of us knowing your pastime,” he said.
“Did he tell you that?” My heart did a skip and my stomach lurched. How could he take this so calmly?
“He doesn’t have proof or any confessions,” Green reassured me. “But he knows. He
laid out the rules right away. If he has any reason to believe any of us will talk, he’ll put a stop to it. Nothing unexpected. I told him not to worry. I’m the only partner who knows and he can count on me to keep it quiet.” Green was talking to the rest of his partners as much as he was speaking to me.
“Doesn’t that worry you? It worries me,” I admitted my concern for them all before I realized it. I didn’t want them to know I still had a soft spot for them. Being seen as cold hearted could be used to my advantage.
“The Admiral knows I can keep a secret. I did mention a couple of things I’ve kept quiet over the years.” He raised his eyebrows for emphasis.
“Did you tell him you knew the previous identity of Penumbra?”
“No. I’m not an idiot. I know you’re his daughter, but there’s no way I’m threatening his wife. Nope. I’ll only mention that if I have to and only if I’m far away.”
I’d been fiddling with the computer. I finally got the government database up and tried to log on with my Penumbra access. Denied.
“What’s the new password so I can log on?” I asked.
He made a ticking noise with his mouth and I looked up to see his lips pressed into a hard line and his eyebrows arched. The look was apologetic and discouraging at the same time.
“What?” I narrowed my eyes.
“The Admiral told me to let you know he will not reinstate your unlimited access until we prove ourselves competent as a team.”
“Crap. I need that access.”
“It’s a goal to work toward. I’m extremely interested in that access.”
“You don’t get access, Green. White didn’t have the access and I’m not giving it to you either.”
I was disgusted with this outcome.
“Don’t worry so much about it, Alex. You’ve got us again and we’re almost as good as unlimited access to the government database. It’s probably best, anyway. We don’t need to start getting lazy and relying on someone else’s research. I do have an immediate job that I was told would guarantee a full recovery as the Admiral put it.” He gave me a wry smile.
Edge of Grey Page 16
