by Nyssa Renay
Joseph sighed. “Let me guess. The deal went sour.”
“Of course,” Byron replied sarcastically. “The ship exploded as soon as it began takeoff.”
Joseph laughed. “Serves him right. Arrogant son of a bitch. Never trust a man with four arms. They’re just too edgy and irrational in my opinion.” Joseph stood up and adjusted his fedora and glasses. “So, what are we looking at?”
“There are three of them,” Byron explained. “They managed to slip through our security system before we could round them up.”
“And you think they’re following up on the locations Milex gave them?” Joseph asked, slowly looking around.
“Yes, but I have no idea who they’re after. There are more than twenty of us hiding in exile, all with significant bounties on our heads, but no one’s is bigger than yours, Joseph. That’s why I’m calling. I’m pretty sure it’s you they’re after.”
“Do we know anything about these bounty hunters? Like where they’re from?” Joseph asked.
“No.”
“What about the ship they gave Milex?” Joseph urged. “Are there remains from the explosion? Check the usual auctions to see if anything non-terrestrial turns up.”
“Will do. I’m sorry I don’t have better news,” Byron said.
“We’ve dealt with this before and we’ll deal with it again.” Joseph hung up the phone and sat back down on the park bench. Within seconds, the phone rang again. Joseph quickly looked at the caller ID on the screen before answering. “Marcus, what do you have for me?”
“The shop. The Park Crystal,” Marcus replied. “They sell healing stones, rare crystals, and gemstones.”
Joseph tapped one of his rings against the bench. “I figured as much. The damn place gave me a headache the closer I got to it.”
“Allison’s sister, Patience Marsden, owns it. Store has been on the brink of closing for a while now,” Marcus explained.
“Keep an eye on that place for me.”
“Will do.”
“What about Allie? Any leads from her cell phone activity?”
“The system has been steadily monitoring her…nothing irregular. There was just a back and forth text about meeting up for coffee.”
“Most likely the guy who let her walk home alone last night, I’d bet,” Joseph grumbled.
“Probably.”
Joseph sighed. “Well, I don’t think Ms. McCleary or the shop will be any problem for us, but I do want to check out this date of hers.” He stood and walked down the sidewalk. “Where are they meeting?”
-3-
The coffeehouse was only a few blocks away, and although it was a perfectly clear and sunny fall day, Allie knew if she walked, she would have less of her precious lunch hour to spend with Kevin, so she took a cab.
With its worn brick storefront and rusting metal sign, Rafi’s wasn’t a fancy establishment by any means. As the cab passed by Slicin’ Easy Pizzeria and McDooble’s Pub, Allie thought about how much she loved this neighborhood. While Patience had always preferred more sophisticated places to socialize, Allie had always felt more comfortable in ordinary places like these because she didn’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations or pretend to be somebody she wasn’t.
When the cab arrived at Rafi’s, Allie paid the driver and headed inside, feeling both nervous and excited. Kevin was at a little table next to the large, grimy front window, and he stood up and waved the moment she walked through the door. A blush spread across her face and she smiled as she quickly made her way over toward him.
“Hey there!” Kevin said, wrapping his long arms around her in a warm hug.
“Hey yourself,” she replied with a blissful smile as Kevin pulled her chair out for her. It was an old fashioned, chivalrous gesture that Allie found quite charming. “Thank you, Kevin.”
“My pleasure,” he said happily as he sat down across from her.
Outside the coffeehouse, the street was busy with traffic, and an endless crowd of people walked by; wrapped up in their own worlds as they went about their daily lives.
“Thanks for texting me,” she said, returning her focus back to Kevin, “I really needed a break after the morning I’ve had.”
“Oh really? What happened?” Kevin asked.
Allie momentarily lost her train of thought when he leaned in, eager to listen. Kevin was gorgeous. She loved his scruffy blond hair and his silvery-blue eyes mesmerized her. She couldn’t help but wonder what a man like him saw in her, but she figured she must be doing something right, because he seemed genuinely interested in her, which was a refreshing change from the steady stream of losers she’d been dating lately.
“It was the weirdest thing,” she began, but quickly stopped herself from revealing certain details like waking up fully-clothed and being unable to remember how she got home. Allie didn’t want to give the impression she stayed out after they had parted ways for the evening, like barhopping or meeting up with someone else. “You know what? It’s nothing,” she said, changing the subject. “It’s just my sister. She’s been all over me today to finish the inventory, and it’s been driving me crazy.”
“Is she always like that with you?” he asked, glancing across the street, noticing an old man walk into the bank.
“Usually,” she answered, trying to sound lighthearted, though the statement was true. Kevin seemed bothered by this, and she quickly shrugged it off. “Hey, it’s okay. That’s what sisters do, you know?”
“No…not really,” he replied. “I’m an only child, remember?”
“Oh yeah! I’m sorry! God, my memory really sucks sometimes.” She felt awkward at not recalling that one simple detail he’d mentioned the night before.
“It’s okay,” Kevin smiled. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m horrible at remembering people’s names. You could introduce me to someone and tell me who they are three or four times, and the next time I bump into them…nothing!” He laughed.
A waitress came over to take their order. Allie was grateful for the interruption. “What’ll it be?” she asked.
“I’ll have a green tea,” Kevin replied. “And she’ll have…oh wait…let me guess.” He squinted his eyes and smiled, slowly tilting his head to one side. “A French vanilla latte?”
Allie’s eyes brightened. “Sounds good to me.”
“Be right up,” the waitress mumbled, walking off.
“How did you know I like French vanilla lattes?” Allie asked, leaning forward.
“Just a lucky guess,” he answered with a flirtatious wink. He glanced out the window again, but this time, he lingered longer than before.
Kevin was unaware that Joseph was standing in his line of sight, pointing the camera on his phone directly back at him. A few clicks later, Joseph put the phone to his ear.
“Marcus, I’m sending you some pictures,” he said casually. “Use the facial recognition software and get me the usual details…just in case.”
“You got it,” Marcus replied.
Joseph disconnected and continued to watch them from across the street.
“So, what are you up to today?” Allie asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
“I called in sick, actually,” he said with a sly smile. “As far as my manager knows, I’m at home with food poisoning.”
“Won’t you get into trouble if someone she knows sees you here with me?”
“Nah, it’ll be okay. I don’t think she has many friends. She’s been putting me through hell for no reason lately. I just needed a day away from her and that place. Nobody ever told me that retail work was so glamorous,” he said with a sarcastic tone.
Allie couldn’t help but laugh. “I know what you mean. At least your job is interesting. You get to make displays and stuff where you work. I’m just my sister’s slave.”
“Really?” he replied, sounding somewhat surprised. “Then how’d you manage to get away to come and see me?”
“Tru
st me, it comes with a price. I’ll probably have to work late tonight to make it up with Patience,” she said, nervously twirling a piece of her sandy brown hair in her fingers, worrying that she had given up too much information. Allie wasn’t sure she wanted Kevin to know the lengths she went through to meet him today. She didn’t want to seem desperate.
“And was it worth it?” He grinned, glancing out the window again and then back at Allie.
“Uh…yes,” she admitted. Allie could feel her face redden as the waitress brought their drinks to the table.
“Me, too.” He leaned forward and put his hand over hers. “I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day. I’m glad you could get away today.”
“No problem,” Allie said, slowly pulling her hand away. She took a sip from her cup and instantly put her hand to her mouth, wincing in pain as the coffee burned her tongue.
“Are you okay?” he asked, almost laughing. “I should have warned you…coffee is hot.” A wry grin spread across his face.
“Really? I had no idea,” Allie mocked, slightly embarrassed. “I’ll have to remember next time.” She laughed.
Over the next half hour, they made small talk about work and the weather. Allie thought it odd that Kevin kept glancing out the window. She figured he was probably just as antsy as she was.
Eventually, the conversation shifted to the date the night before, and Allie told Kevin she’d had a great time, omitting the part about not remembering anything after leaving the bar.
Their drinks finished, Kevin took a twenty from his wallet and laid it on the table under the bill. They sat in silence for a few moments before Kevin spoke. “So, I know you’re supposed to get back to work soon…maybe I could walk you back to the store? It’s beautiful outside.”
There was nothing more in the world Allie wanted than to take a nice long walk with Kevin, but she knew she had to decline. “I wish I could, but Patience will be watching the clock. I’ve already spent more time here than I should have. I really need to get back.”
“I understand,” he said, slightly disappointed.
Allie winced. “But I’m free tomorrow night!” she chirped. “Want to meet up at McDooble’s or something?”
“Sounds great.” Kevin smiled, extending his hand to help her up from her chair. They pulled on their coats and headed outside. “Text me when you get off work tomorrow, okay?” he asked.
“I will,” she agreed happily, not wanting to leave. They were standing in the middle of the sidewalk, oblivious to the grumbling pedestrians forced to walk around them.
“So…” Kevin said as he took both her hands in his.
She knew what was coming next. As Kevin stalled, Allie beat him to the punch by standing on her toes and leaning into him, kissing him gently. “I’ll see you tomorrow night,” she said, beaming as she stepped to the edge of the sidewalk and hailed a cab. Within seconds, a bright yellow cab swerved to a stop right in front of her.
“Right…tomorrow night,” Kevin replied with a bashful grin.
Joseph stood inches behind Kevin, watching him stare at the back of the cab until it faded into the busy traffic down the street. Slowly, Kevin’s smile faded as he turned around and pulled out his phone, hitting a number on speed dial.
Kevin held the phone to his ear. “We’re all set. I’ll be there in ten minutes,” he said in a cold voice before replacing the phone in his pocket. He walked quickly in the opposite direction Allie had gone.
Joseph sighed. “Just once, I’d like to be wrong,” he muttered to himself as he tailed Kevin.
When Allie arrived back at The Park Crystal, she rushed inside. “I’m so sorry, Patience,” Allie pleaded, as her sister eyed the clock on the wall. “I lost track of time. We were talking and laughing and drinking coffee—”
“It’s okay, Allie.” Patience smiled. “I’m not mad.”
“You’re not?”
“No. It’s just nice to see your aura come alive for a change,” Patience said, moving over to hug her sister. “You’re always so withdrawn and cynical.”
“Not always.”
“Well, maybe this Kevin guy is finally the right one after all,” Patience offered. “Who knows?”
“It was only a second date, Patience,” Allie argued. “I’m taking it slow with this one.”
“Wow!” Patience laughed, knowing her sister’s usual pattern with men. “You never take anything slow.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Allie warned. “Let’s just chalk it up to a stroke of good luck.”
“Okay, hon,” Patience said, holding out Allie’s wrist and rubbing the charms on her bracelet. “Either way, I’ll keep praying to the Goddess to watch over you.”
Even though Allie’s beliefs were vastly different from her sister’s, she was extremely happy to have Patience’s support. “Thank you. That means a lot,” Allie admitted. “Now, what about the new merchandise?”
“Well, I finished putting it all out. All we need to do now is price everything and we’re good to go.”
“Really?”
Patience laughed. “To be honest, I didn’t think you were coming back today, but I’m glad you did.”
Allie nodded. “Yeah. I am, too.”
“Let me get the pricing gun, and we can start working on it.” Patience called as she disappeared behind the beaded curtain.
“Sounds good.”
“Oh!” Patience shouted from the back of the store. “Don’t forget…you need to do the bank deposit tomorrow morning before we open.”
“I know,” Allie acknowledged. “It’ll get done, I promise!”
And for the first time in a long time, Allie felt in control, positive, and motivated. Maybe her sister was right; maybe Kevin was the right one after all.
***
Joseph followed Kevin for about seven blocks to a darker, more unsavory area just outside of Bloodburg. Four men waited under an abandoned train bridge.
“It’s about time!” Kevin’s older brother, Jason, complained as he approached him. “How did it go?”
“Perfect,” Kevin answered proudly. “I logged the patrol car schedule, the security guard rotation schedule, and the armored van drop-off time. Early morning is definitely the best time,” he said, handing over a sheet of paper to a short, fat man.
“Good.” Lou snatched the paper, quickly looking it over. “What about that girl?”
“She has no idea,” Kevin said reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Lou…she won’t be a problem.”
“She better not be,” Lou growled, pointing his stubby finger in Kevin’s face. “You came to us, remember? This is a very risky operation. We get the money and we get out of the city, got it?”
“Of course,” Kevin replied defensively. “I set up a date for tomorrow night, but we’ll be long gone by then. She’ll just think I stood her up. It’s all set.”
Lou stared coldly at Kevin. “It better be. If I find out you came back to see that little bitch again, I’ll kill you myself. We don’t need anybody connecting us to the job.”
“He gets it!” Kevin’s oldest brother, Andy, bellowed. “Stop harping on the kid. He knows what’s at stake here.”
“I don’t think he does, Andy!” Lou snapped. “You three don’t have a clue how dangerous this really is. The people I work for do not mess around. You mess up…you’re dead! Just be ready tomorrow morning at eight o’clock, and then we’ll get set up to hit the bank,” he said angrily. “Joey, let’s go!” Lou barked as he slapped the shoulder of a large, muscular man with a shaved, tattoo-covered head. The two walked away, leaving Kevin and his brothers alone under the bridge.
“Let’s just get to the subway and head back home,” Jason said, sounding discouraged.
Andy smiled as he put his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “You did good, little brother. After tomorrow, it’ll all be over, okay?”
Kevin nodded as they rushed off toward the subway station.
Joseph stood silently for a few moments as a cool autumn breeze drifted by, forcing him to adjust his fedora. Although he knew neither Kevin nor anyone in his group was linked to the bounty hunters now on Earth, Joseph was still bothered by the events of the past two days. He was angry with himself for getting involved with Allie in the first place, but it was too late. All Joseph wanted to do now was quickly clean up his mess and wrap up any lose ends to connect him to these savages before focusing on the real possibility of being hunted down at any moment.
“Marcus,” Joseph said, putting the phone to his ear. “Come pick me up.”
“Will do,” Marcus replied. “I’m only two blocks away.”
“Any news from Byron or the Network?”
“No, not yet.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll be the first ones to know.” Joseph clicked off his phone, letting out a long frustrating sigh as he waited for Marcus to arrive.
-4-
The next morning, Allie awoke feeling more rested and relaxed than she’d felt in her entire life. She was happy, optimistic, and for the first time in a long time, she was eager to go to work. She thought it strange that things in her life were finally going her way instead of having her usual bouts with bad luck and cynicism, but she approached the day ahead of her with a smile on her face and a hopeful feeling in her heart.
Allie practically leapt out of bed and quickly showered. She put extra effort into getting her hair just right before carefully picking out something a little classier than normal to wear for the day, just in case there happened to be another random coffee date for lunch. Before she left her apartment, Allie put her cell phone in one pocket and the small wad of cash in the other before closing and locking the door behind her.
Outside, the autumn air was cool and crisp and the leaves crunched beneath her feet. She felt completely content, blissfully strolling along in the morning sun through the waves of grumbling people on their way to work. Allie stopped for her morning French vanilla latte, cracking a slight, blushing smile after she ordered it. As she left the coffee shop, she was careful with her treat, mindful not to spill it on another random stranger.
