Streetlife

80 - Briefing

LENA POV

"Bernie out there tonight then?" Warbucks asks Bruce who just showed up for our meeting at the Palace. I knew why he called this meeting, but I was confused and I'm a bit shocked Bruce was called as well. For some reason, I thought it would just be me and Mike tonight discussing this whole Olive situation since he was really trusting me in making decisions and taking over when he was away, or when he needed a break.

"He actually showed up tonight, but if you don't mind, I'd like to look for someone to replace him. He's hit and miss, and well, I know you don't tolerate that, Boss," Bruce removes his hat as he sits in the reclining chair next to the couch where Mike and I are sitting.

"It's been, what? A month? And he's STILL pulling this shit?" Mike seethes as he grabs his glass of whiskey I had just poured for him as his hand rests on my upper thigh and I am wearing one of his favorite outfits for he promised to take me out for a late dinner tonight. But, he smelled so good, he looked so good that I wouldn't mind if we just stayed in and ordered take out. Thankfully I was able to cover up my bruised eye for the most part and he hadn't really noticed it yet.

"Yes, Boss. About a month and one week. But ummm, I can put the word out and all. Hire someone new. Dependable. Loyal. I had no idea Bernie would be such a fuck up."

"Let's just take a beat here. We have bigger fish to fry, Bruce. Catch my girl, Lena, up on what you found out about Olive." Mike places his arm around me now as I am sitting closer to him, my legs crossed, a drink in my hand as I in some way feel as if I'm in my glory. God I loved this man, he was just so sexy and Mike really did make me feel good as I feel him kiss my check and I wink at him.

Bruce now clears his throat as he looks at me. "She's sticking to her story about a John stalking her, ma'am, and I just don't believe her. Something about the story just doesn't add up to me."

I nod as I look at Mike who is puffing his cigar now and I know I have the all clear to speak. "Okay. And it doesn't add up, why? Ruby told the same story?" I ask now, speaking for the first time as Bruce nods.

"Yup. BUT, Ruby DID mention she didn't see anyone lurking around their place. She said it's the first time she's heard of a stalker. That Olive never mentioned anything before."

"So then what part of their story matches, Bruce. Olive lies so much, I don't believe her either. And Ruby she's extremely impressionable and not always bright, " I roll my eyes as he leans forward and clears his throat once again.

"Here's the thing. She stole Callie's cash, right?" He avoids answering me which annoys me now.

"Yes? And?"

"Well, Stef Foster didn't seem too happy about it," he throws out as I feel Mike tense beside me and just the mention of her name makes me feel nothing but anger all over again. I also was NOT in the mood to rehash that morning but it seemed now I was left with no damm choice.

"Stef knew?" Mike sets his cigar down as he looks between us, and I nod.

"She came in here when you were showering and tried to act like she was in charge. I didn't want to bring her up, but she's trouble, Warbucks," I use his formal name in front of Bruce.

Mike smirks now as he picks his cigar back up. "Really now. Trouble how?"

I look at him as I frown wondering how in the hell to phrase this and what happened. The last thing I wanted was for this man to think I was keeping things from him again because last time that did not turn out well in my favor. "She thinks she's the boss, and well, both Bruce and I know that YOU are the boss, Warbucks.  I was in the middle of figuring out why Callie was short $75, and Callie was explaining it to me with so much attitude. Next thing I know, Stef is in there in your robe, trying to run the show. It's bad for business. But I know we don't tell you what to do and all." I say as I swirl my drink around in the tumbler I'm holding.