Under the Cover of Darkness

24 | Alexandra

“I honestly have no idea what to do. He's still at this and I think I might be losing my mind,” I complained to my friends.

“There's no need to worry, sweetie. He'll let it go soon,” Inés stroked my arm soothingly.

“That's what you said last Sunday and it's another week now!”

I put my face in my hands.

It had been precisely two weeks since Carson started on his quest to find Butterfly and he was going nowhere fast even with a PI.

I remembered the conversation with Big Mac like it was yesterday.

I was pacing my office when the door opened and the beefy, massive form of Stanley MacIntosh entered with his signature half-moon smile and unruly mop of ginger curls.

Big Mac was what he was affectionately known as to the people in Miller Inc. who used his services. Despite his intimidating size he was really a teddy bear and I actually hated that his line of work didn't bring him by often.

“Alex! Always a pleasure to see yah,” he boomed in his heavy Scottish accent. Everything about that man was big.

“Hi Mac, it's good to see you too.”

“I was beyond surprised to get your call, you know, after the 'ol Gallagher incident,” he winced. “How 'bout we catch up after I see the big man in next room? You know how he hates to be kept waiting.”

He made to leave but I stopped him. “Actually, I was hoping to talk to you before that.”

I had been so nervous that it was obvious in the way I almost tripped over the syllables and Mac caught on it immediately because his brown eyes narrowed slightly.

“I know what he's going to ask you to do and I need your help,” I kept my gaze on the carpet. “He's going to ask you to help him find someone who really doesn't want to be found and I know you can't really refuse the job so all I'm asking is you be slow with the results. I'm only asking because I know how good you are.”

After a few seconds went by I summoned the courage and looked up at him.

Mac seemed impenetrable standing there in his suspenders and plaid shirt.

“Could you do that for me?” I begged.

“Why do I feel like there's a lot you're not telling me?”

I really didn't want to go into it, not when Carson was in the other room and could walk in at any moment.

Thankfully Mac saw my reticence and didn't push it.

“But I don't need to know, I understand not wanting to say too much. So you want me to stall, eh?”

“Yes, very much,” I nodded vigorously.

“Strange request, usually when people come to me they want everything fast-tracked, but for you? Why not. I would still like to catch up later, if you're up for it, Joan would like to know how you're doing.”

“Of course. Go on in, and thank you so much, Mac.”

He tipped his invisible hat and left.

Stall till when? I had no idea, all I knew was I wasn't ready.

“You know why he hasn't moved on?” Willow asked making me raise my head. “He hasn't met anyone new. I bet if he has his attention some place else he'll forget you easily.”

“Willow!” Inés hissed. “We're supposed to make her feel better. That is not making her feel better.”

Willow shrugged. “Just saying it how I'm seeing it.”