DATA JACK

by Christopher Greyson

  Sophia came back to the door and waved.

  Replacement leaned close to Jack and whispered, “Pierce has Sophia working the meal. Then she’s there, right?”

  Jack nodded. “It would look a little too weird if she joined everyone.” Jack frowned. “I told him to keep it simple. This isn’t keeping it simple.”

  She shrugged. “Maybe this is simple for him. I can’t believe he picked Antonelli’s.” Her shoulders squeezed together, and she vibrated. “He must’ve really liked it.”

  Jack scowled. “A little too much,” he muttered and followed her inside.

  Caterers dressed in all black hurried back and forth, bringing out dishes to a long table in the dining room. Jack looked at the huge room and realized they’d moved the furniture around so the table ran horizontal to make the room smaller for the limited party. On the interior wall was a mural that ran the complete length. It was a scene of the countryside with Colonial Americans picnicking during the summer.

  “If this were my house,” Replacement stood right next to him, “I’d have Christmas in here. Can you imagine the size of a tree we could have?”

  Replacement continued to talk about her dreams for Christmas but Jack stopped listening. He turned his head to block out the image of Replacement standing in front of a Christmas tree with Pierce. His hand clenched into a fist and he fought back a wave of jealousy.

  As he turned his head to crack his neck, Jack noticed Leon just outside the doorway, speaking with Manuel. Leon was doing all of the talking while Manuel gave curt nods. Manuel came to attention and marched away. Leon strolled into the room and over to the table.

  “Have you been listening to me?” Replacement asked.

  Jack nodded and gave her a brief smile.

  She took his hand.

  There were two open spaces at the table. Pierce stood up and held out a hand to Replacement. She sat on Pierce’s left, and Jack sat next to her. Going around the table from Pierce’s right were Mrs. Maier, Leon, Roger, Nancy, Phillip, and finally Bruce, who was on Jack’s left.

  A server came over and stood near Pierce. She leaned down and whispered. While they spoke, another server brought out trays of cheese, fruit, prosciutto, and warm garlic bread.

  After a moment, the server speaking with Pierce stood up and smiled. “Good evening. Tonight you’ll have your choice of a house or Caesar salad. For soup: toasted pumpkin seed or allspice crème fraiche. Entrees include: conchiglie with sausage, pan roasted salmon, chicken confit with wild mushroom, or New York sirloin.”

  Pierce motioned to the waitress and she leaned down.

  “What’s conchiglie with sausage?” Bruce quietly asked Jack.

  “Baked pasta.”

  “My apologies.” The server stood up and placed her hands behind her back. “There is also a chicken Marsala.”

  Replacement clapped her hand together silently under the table.

  Pierce grinned.

  Jack fiddled with his steak knife.

  An uncomfortable silence descended upon the table.

  “This is very nice of you, Mr. Weston. Thank you,” Nancy said. “I read you used to summer out here?”

  With that question, Nancy, Pierce, and Replacement kept the conversation moving throughout dinner. The three went back and forth about a number of topics while steering clear of politics and sports.

  The others listened politely, but Jack noticed, surprisingly, Roger was the quietest of the group. He’d never known a salesman to be an introvert. The beverage choice at the table seemed to be wine, and Roger was tossing them back.

  It seemed as if everyone present was more relaxed tonight. Nancy wore a loose coffee blouse and stretch pants. Roger had traded his business suit for khaki pants and a pullover top. Even Mrs. Maier had let her hair down with a flowered dress.

  In situations like this, Jack felt observation was far more important than interaction. He was like a lie detector technician getting a baseline reading. He observed how someone normally acted, and anything else set off alarms.

  Jack sipped his water and watched everyone. From Leon’s formality to Phillip’s awkward social skills, he built his mental database of movements, patterns, and rhythms. Mrs. Maier spoke on occasion but watched over Pierce like a hawk. Nancy seemed to gel with Replacement, but Jack could see how Nancy’s eyes lingered on Pierce or how she leaned in whenever he spoke. Bruce was self-conscious of his eating, but still packed away his food quickly.

  Jack answered an occasional question or made a small joke. Nothing too big but something all the same. He caught himself several times fighting down pangs of jealousy. The favorite topic of the night seemed to be technology and every point was batted back and forth between Pierce and Replacement like tennis pros. The longer the night wore on, the more they talked. On any other occasion, Jack would’ve put a stop to it. Each time he was about to interject, Replacement would surprise him by asking someone a question, digging for information. From the subtle way she got Mrs. Maier to open up about her work for Pierce or asking Leon how technology aids security, he knew she was fishing for answers.

  Still, the more she and Pierce interacted, the more the uneasiness grew inside him. Jack was a man who trusted his gut, and his instincts were making him crazy. On one hand, she was looking for information; on the other…

  Jack finished his water and set his glass down on the table a little too hard. Nancy was in the middle of a conversation with Replacement but paused when his glass hit the table with a loud thud. Jack ignored it, and the conversation started back up. On the outside, Jack looked as calm as ever, but underneath the surface, he was aching to get the meal over with.

  Pierce put his turned over fork on his plate. “I thought we could have dessert in the living room. The lake is beautiful at night.” As he stood up, he removed the e-cigarette case from his pocket.

  Jack reached out for Replacement’s chair, and his hand bumped Pierce’s, who had reached out too. Replacement cleared her throat, lowered her head, and slipped by Jack.

  “Be right back.” Phillip headed for the door and motioned for Bruce to follow him.

  Bruce looked toward the living room. “I just want to see what they have.”

  Phillip took a step closer. “This isn’t the type of crowd to rush the dessert table. They’ll leave you some. I need a smoke. Come on.”

  Bruce frowned, but he followed Phillip.

  Replacement walked in front of Jack.

  A long table in the living room had been transformed into a dessert counter. Replacement oohed as she scanned the pastries.

  Roger headed straight to the bar, and Jack followed. “What’s your poison?” he asked Jack as he poured himself a bourbon.

  “Just a water.” Jack took the bottle and filled a tall glass with ice.

  “That was as much fun as a board meeting.” Roger huffed before he took a long sip. He breathed out through his teeth and took another. “You sure you don’t want one?”

  “I’m fine. The steak was good,” Jack said.

  “Should be. Cooked fresh in the kitchen.”

  Jack raised an eyebrow.

  Roger chuckled. “Pierce doesn’t do simple catering. He had them send out a chef.”

  Jack looked at the bottle of whiskey and wanted to pour himself a real shot. His mood soured even more as he looked back for Replacement. She and Nancy stood on either side of Pierce as he pointed to the lake. Jack followed their gaze and saw the lights sparkling on the water.

  “Crappy view, huh?” Roger finished the drink and started to pour another. “I’m not up for puffed pastries. Have you seen the game room?”

  “No.”

  “Second floor. Pool, table tennis, darts, and more TVs than a sports bar. Do you shoot pool?”

  Nancy and Replacement laughed.

  “I play a little.”

  “Well, if you want to catch a game, second floor. There’s a full bar up there too.” Roger took out his phone and walked to the corner of the room.

&nb
sp; As Phillip and Bruce came in, Pierce moved to the dessert table. He picked up a plate and put the e-cigarette case on the table.

  Pierce looked at Bruce and held up a cannoli. “You have to try these.”

  Bruce nodded and put two on his plate.

  Jack stayed at the bar and scanned the room. Everyone who had been present when Replacement told Pierce about the case was in the room when Pierce took the case back out.

  Replacement walked over to Jack. “Did you see Pierce? He was very smooth,” she said.

  Jack gripped his water glass. “Is there a way to monitor the camera, or do we have to go to the server room?”

  She held up her phone, and Jack saw himself on the screen. He almost looked up.

  “That’s nice, kid.”

  She grinned. “Give me your phone. I’ll install the AP and stream the feed.”

  Replacement took his phone while Jack headed for the dessert table. Mrs. Maier and Leon stood in front of it now. Leon held the plate in his hands at a crisp forty-five degree angle, and one hand pressed against his hip.

  Mrs. Maier, on the other hand, watched Pierce. He moved, and her eyes followed.

  Jack nodded as he approached.

  Leon nodded too.

  Mrs. Maier folded her hands in front of herself. “Hello, Jack. Did you enjoy your dinner?”

  “It was very nice, thank you.”

  Leon nodded approvingly. “The steak was exceptional.” He set down his plate.

  Mrs. Maier’s eyes went back to Pierce. “Excuse me.” She moved to Pierce’s side.

  “You’re working on the computer systems?” Leon asked Jack.

  “I’m more like helping Alice.” Jack inclined his head her way.

  “She took over for Mr. Mathis after the incident?”

  Jack nodded.

  “You served?”

  “I did. Army.”

  “You went into law enforcement after.” Leon wasn’t asking; he was stating a fact.

  Jack picked out a hard Italian cookie. “I did. Local.”

  Leon looked directly at him. “A number of the men in my crew are ex-military and ex-police. You’d be surprised how many former soldiers find the confines of law enforcement aren’t for them either.”

  “I met one of your men, Manuel. He was a Marine.”

  “Manuel’s new. You two have a lot in common. He served two tours in Afghanistan. He opted out and took a police job in Connecticut.”

  “Now he works for you?”

  “Weston Industries security is a small force because I keep an eye out for men like you.” As he said the words, his eyes hardened, and he scanned Jack up and down. “We run checks on all the workers, even ones helping their girlfriends,” he explained. “You don’t belong running cables. Excuse my forwardness, but you don’t belong chasing down junkies either.” The muscle in Leon’s jaw pulsed.

  Jack took a bite of his cookie. He took his time chewing while Leon waited for some response. “No offense taken.”

  “Well, if you’re interested, I’d like to talk with you further. It’s an opportunity, or you can go back to working with him.”

  Leon pointed at Bruce.

  Bruce had just taken a bite of a cannoli and it broke. White filling trailed down his belly and sat on the carpet in a small mound. “Son of a…oops!” Bruce laughed awkwardly as powdered sugar puffed off his beard.

  Mrs. Maier hurried to the kitchen and came back, dragging Sophia with her. Sophia cleaned up the mess while Mrs. Maier stood there tsk-tsking.

  “Think it over.” Leon marched over to Pierce, exchanged a few words, and walked out of the room.

  As soon as Leon left, Roger held up his hands. “What say we take this get-together upstairs to the game room?” he asked loudly.

  Mrs. Maier frowned.

  Pierce shot Roger a look.

  Bruce started to move, but Phillip grabbed his elbow. “I’m sorry, but I need to go,” Phillip said.

  “It’s still early.” Bruce shrugged.

  “I’m helping a friend, and I’m already late.”

  Bruce rolled his eyes. “Okay. You’re my ride; what else am I going to do?”

  “Any takers?” Roger asked from the doorway.

  Jack watched Bruce move back to the dessert table and stare. The e-cigarette case was almost in the middle of the table.

  “We can put the game on.” Roger’s voice took on a singsong tone.

  Bruce rubbed his hand on his trousers, and his eyes darted around the room.

  Jack forced himself to try to remain looking natural. He was turned toward Roger but watched Bruce out of the corner of his eye.

  Bruce’s hand darted out. He grabbed a handful of cookies, stuck them in his pocket, and grabbed another.

  Jack exhaled.

  “I’m in.” Nancy set down her plate.

  Replacement looked at Jack, and he nodded.

  “Me too,” Replacement called out. “Eight ball?”

  “You play?” Pierce asked. “I’ll give you a game.”

  As they all headed out of the room, Jack hung back. Phillip and Bruce went out the left door while Roger, Nancy, Replacement, and Pierce headed right.

  Mrs. Maier hadn’t moved. She watched Pierce with her hands clasped together in front of herself. Jack casually followed the group.

  Mrs. Maier walked over to the dessert table.

  Replacement looked back at Jack, and he tipped his chin up. She kept walking toward the door.

  Jack glanced back just as Mrs. Maier reached down and picked up the case. She palmed it in her hand and walked after the group.

  Pierce turned around toward Jack.

  Jack tried to give Pierce a look that screamed keep going, but Pierce stopped.

  “Mr. Weston.” Mrs. Maier hurried over to Pierce. She held the e-cigarette case out to Pierce and smiled. “You almost forgot this.”

  “Thank you.” Pierce took the case.

  Damn.

  Chapter 37

  ~

  Naughty Cinderella

  Pierce’s game room was the size of some bars. The pool table was the centerpiece. A Ping-Pong table stood on the far side of the room next to a foosball table. A full mahogany and brass bar was on the left, and Roger walked behind it.

  Roger hammed it up as he put an elbow on the bar and gestured to the bottles behind him. “Step right up and pick your poison.”

  “He’s got to get new material,” Jack muttered.

  Replacement stepped close to him and whispered, “Pierce had to take it back.”

  “I saw. Just go with it for now.”

  “What should I do?”

  “Act normal.” He looked down at her for a second and then smirked.

  She shot him a playful cross look. “Should I play pool?”

  “You take that side of the room, and I’ll take the bar.”

  She frowned at the ladies and booze. “We should switch.”

  “I’ll be good.” Jack headed over to the bar with Nancy and Mrs. Maier.

  “Seven and seven.” Nancy hopped up on the stool.

  “And for the young lady?” Roger winked at Mrs. Maier, and for the first time, Jack saw the hint of an actual smile.

  “Wine. Anything red.”

  “Jack?”

  “I’ll stick to water.” Jack looked over at Replacement and Pierce as they got ready for a game of pool.

  “What about you, Alice?” Roger asked loudly.

  “She’s driving,” Jack said.

  Roger thought for a second. “Then a Cinderella it is. Orange juice, pineapple juice, Grenadine, club soda, sweet and sour, with a cherry garnish.”

  “That sounds good,” Mrs. Meir said.

  “Can you spice it up?” Nancy asked.

  Roger’s grin spread like the Cheshire cat’s. “Two Naughty Cinderellas with a twist, coming up.”

  While Roger mixed his ingredients, Jack grabbed a glass and packed it with ice.

  Pool balls clacked together. Jack looked over a
t the game. Pierce broke, but nothing dropped.

  Replacement picked up her cue and eyed the table. She dropped three balls while Roger finished her drink. Roger put a little flowered umbrella in it and slid it down to Jack.

  Jack walked over to Replacement and set her drink down on the table.

  “Oh, man.” Pierce leaned on his pool cue. “I think I’m getting hustled.”

  “By little old me?” Replacement feigned innocence and placed her hand on her chest. She grinned before she shot another ball across the table and straight into the pocket.

  She took a big sip of her drink and her eyes lit up. “That’s good.”

  “I accept tips,” Roger called from the bar.

  Replacement grinned. “Put out your glass. You deserve them for this.” She held up the drink. “It’s great.”

  She shot at the three and missed.

  “At least I get a chance.” Pierce picked up his cue.

  Replacement moved next to Jack. “What’s our next move?”

  “I need to talk to Pierce. Take your time on the next shots.”

  Pierce’s ball stopped a half-inch from the pocket.

  The tip of Replacement’s tongue appeared on her lips as she pranced to the front of the table. “I’m up three. But you left me a tough shot.” As she walked around the table, Jack caught Pierce’s attention.

  Pierce walked over to the window and stood next to Jack. “What now?”

  “Just go with it. Have a smoke.”

  Pierce took out his e-cigarette and set the case on the table.

  Replacement walked around the table and glanced at Jack.

  He winked.

  “Four in the side.” Replacement dropped it. “Six all the way.” The cue ball knocked the six in and came right back to Replacement. “Seven cross sides.” She chipped the seven, and it caught the side of the pocket and hung on the edge.

  “Thirteen.” Pierce slammed the cue ball into the thirteen. Balls scattered around the table but the only one that dropped was the eight.

  “My game! Sweet. I’m up one.”

  “I have to warn you, she’s not a good winner.” Jack nodded to Replacement and walked over to Mrs. Maier. “Are you up for some darts?”

  Mrs. Maier looked from side to side and then sat bolt upright. “Me?” She chuckled. “No but…I’ll keep score.”