Duskwood: the man behind the mask

15. The meeting

Time was passing and it was time to talk to Alan Bloomgate, we all agreed that at this point it was for the best. It was better not to risk the Chief of Police getting too exasperated, and it would be helpful to know how well he knew about our investigations. Also, after so much insistence on his part, I was somewhat curious to know what he wanted to tell me.

Jessy suggested a place near the woods where we could meet the policeman since he himself had said that we didn't necessarily have to go to his office, and we preferred it that way too. She pointed out the place on the map saying:

Jessy: It's a small sawmill abandoned years ago, it's halfway between this house and the town. Nobody goes there, you don't run the risk of being seen.

Jake: Are you sure?

Jessy: Of course, the place has been empty for a long time.

Gabe: Well, we can go take a look first anyway, just to be on the safe side.

Jake: Yes, just in case. Let's go right now, Gabriel. MC and Jessy: wait for us here please, do not go out under any circumstances.

They walked out the door without giving us time to respond, and almost immediately we heard the sound of the car starting up. It took me a second to react, but without thinking I ran outside, I didn't want Jake to risk more after everything we had known. However, the car was already heading for the highway and I stood there, helpless and worried.

Jessy: Hey, nothing will happen to them. The place isn't too far away, and it's Jake and Gabe, they'll be fine.

I turned to her and couldn't hide my surprise. Jessy always knew what was going through my mind, though it was also true that after my outburst earlier it wasn't too hard to guess what was torturing me.

MC: I know... but I can't help but feel guilty. Jake is taking too many chances, and now he's out there with his face uncovered, what if someone sees him? If they recognize him? What if his pursuers are already here? And Gabe is also in danger. He has been forced to intervene in a matter in which he had nothing to do, and now he is also taking a risk for us... This is all fucking bullshit!

Jessy: Do I have to remind you who are the people you're talking about? They are two strong and very intelligent men, MC, it is not them that you should worry about. Rather I feel sorry for anyone who gets in their way.

MC: It's not that easy and you know it.

Jessy: Trust me, they'll be fine. I understand that you feel that way, we just found out that they have been risking more than we thought, and I feel guilty myself too... But we can't help them if we collapse or if we let fear paralyze us, can we?

As always, Jessy was right. After all they were doing for us, I couldn't let the panic or worry get the better of me, and the best way to help was to keep moving forward. For them, for Jessy, for the guys, and for myself. I hugged her in an impulse of gratitude, happy to have her by my side:

MC: Thank you, Jess.

Jessy: Hahaha, don't get sentimental on me now. Let's take advantage of the moment to call Phil, if we wait for him to do it we'll get old here.

I did it, but Phil only answered after several tries, and all he said before hanging up was that he was very busy and would call us later. "Don't bother me now," was the last thing he said.

Jessy: This man is dumb. He doesn't realize the danger he's in, but if necessary I'll go find him myself, this time he won't get away with it.