Night Before the Swing

Hiding the Money

CHAPTER 28

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Tony arrived at Iggy's home on Sunday afternoon surprising Gloria again. "You were here only yesterday" she exclaimed happily. "Iggy told me how Tylor has been crying after his mother and sister called".

Everyone thought it sweet for Tony to return to help out again. Tylor fell asleep on Tony's lap while he was having supper with Gloria and Iggy. When Tony found out Gwen called from a pay phone, he requested for the call number. Iggy discouraged him, saying he's wasting his time but Tony just had to take a chance. On his way to his place, Tony called the number but it rang unanswered at least twenty-two times. He gave it a rest for only thirty minutes. As soon as he walked inside his house, he dialed the number over and over again. He went on with his business for two hours; bathing and going through emails. He decided to try the number again before calling it a night and someone answered. The person simply said hello. Tony asked who it was and the person said "I'm trying to use this phone to get a cab. This is a public phone; you've called the wrong number." Tony asked where the pay phone was located but didn't recognise the hotel name opposite it. He sat up after that brief chat and googled the name of the hotel and saw that it was fifty kilometers away from his place. He drove slowly trying to figure out a plan for when he got to the hotel. The roads were clear and he parked on the street parking then stepped out. He scanned the unfamiliar territory after stepping out and locking his car. It's a quiet area with little activity and it made sense why the Masons' would hide there. He walked around the hotel and spotted a pay phone a short distance away. He galloped to the machine and dialed himself. He smiled very hard at seeing the number he's been calling for hours reflect on his cell phone.

*****

The lady at the front desk looked surprised to see someone walking in at 12:10am. She stood up, smiled reservedly and greeted. Tony greeted back then asked if she has a booking under Mason. The lady kindly told him she's not at liberty to give out personal information. He then tried to explain that his friend really needed him now but he wasn't sure where exactly she was. After a long back and forth, the lady told him to return in the morning and wait by the entrance and hope she shows up. Tony asked if he could sit at reception while making a call. The lady looked at the security and Tony understood what was happening. He pulled out his ID and put it on the counter. "I'm just looking to help out a friend. Please, I'm not a criminal." The lady looked at the ID card then back at him. "I'll keep the card till you're done" she said and Tony smiled then went to sit down. He first tried Nala's phone, then Gwen's. He never thought he would need Long's phone number and it was too late to call Iggy or anyone to ask for it. He put his phone inside his jean pocket, took a deep breath and leaned back feeling defeated. He closed his eyes briefly and when he opened them again, he found the reception lady glaring at him. He smiled again and got up. "I will free you off me now and just leave." The lady smiled warily and said, "I hope you find your friend."

When Tony reached the door, the lady called for him and he turned to look at her. "You forgot your ID." "Oh, yes. Sorry my mind is a little preoccupied." The elevator opened and a familiar face stepped out. The person didn't look his direction but Tony trusted his eyes and memory. "Mr. Long!" he shouted. Long looked back and took time to remember where he'd seen the young man who was now striding to him with great urgency and a wide smile.

Tony: It's so good to see you Mr. Long. I've been looking for you.

Long: Looking for me?

Tony: No, I mean Nala. I've been looking to find her. Is she okay?

Long looked at him knowing he's seen him before but struggling to place him still.

Tony: It's me Mr. Long; Tony. We met at aunt Gloria's house. I'm Iggy's best friend.