The Lies I Believed

Deadline

"You told us you'd have the files by today. I see you ran into a little problem."

"Yes, it seems like my little helper was a thief."

"Reminds you of anyone?"

"...I'd rather not talk about that. I'm working on getting them back. Trust me, I want my payment just as bad as you want the files."

"Sure...We'll give you a week to get the files back. If you can't do that...trust and believe you're never gonna see the light of day again."

"Enough with the empty threats, I'm not afraid of you."

"I didn't say you had to be afraid of me."

"I don't care who you're gonna try to send after me, I'm worse. Even though it seems like I'm running this all alone, I have people backing me up."

"Whatever, Aaron. Just be glad we're giving you an extension. I could easily have you killed right here. I don't like my wife seeing this side of me, but you're making things very difficult."

Aaron gritted his teeth in anger. No one gets to talk to him like that and get away with it. He didn't care who they were. He had Lexi and he was sure he'd get the files back in no time. He knew how Asher was and what he cared about. Since Lexi couldn't get ahold of him before he kidnapped her, he was sure he'd get away with this for a little while.

"I'd prefer it if you got the files back before her husband shows up. Lord knows who he'll bring with him."

"He wouldn't call on the mafia for help. They'd ask him to solve everything on his own."

"I know, but he does have allies elsewhere. I can't risk involving people who shouldn't know about these files. You shouldn't have involved that woman."

"I know what I'm doing. I've waited years to show Asher how powerful I am. I'm not backing down now."

"Next time, try not to involve me and my wants, okay?" The man patted Aaron's shoulder and left the room. HIs wife followed him in silence. "One week."

Once he was alone, Aaron called on a few people. He knew they would always have his back. In this world, there was nothing they wouldn't do for him.

"We aren't meeting him today. Just take her to the house and I'll meet you guys there."

"Do you want me to give her another dosage?"

"If she wakes up. I don't want her to be awake until I'm ready to talk to her."

"Yes, sir."

"Good. I'll bring food. How does Kenneth's sound?"

"A little overrated, but no one complains."

"...Whatever."

The hall was quiet once the couple had left the building. Everyone could rest easy now, knowing they weren't being watched every second. Aaron stood in the hallway and sighed. He wasn't about to let anyone walk all over him. Forget how powerful they are. He wasn't willing to show his men that he listened to any and everyone.

"Sir, Don Ruiz is on his way. What should we do?"

"There isn't much we can do. We need to get the files and postpone our meeting."

"We did tell him we encountered a problem, and he's willing to step back, if it interferes with the exchange."

"Good. Tell him it's going to be a long week, but I will set him up with the best of everything. He doesn't have to worry about paying for anything."

"We don't have that type of funds, sir."

"Did I ask?"

"No, sir."

"Just do as I tell you. I don't want us wasting any more time on things that aren't that important right now."

"What if he wants to meet with you?"

Aaron looked at the young man in annoyance. He knew it was risky hiring people who were nearly half his age. They were starting to annoy him.

"I'm willing to meet with him, if he wants to meet with me," he said. "Anything Don Ruiz wants, you get it for him. No hesitation."

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now leave me alone and make sure Nelson and the others have everything covered with Ms. Roberts."

Aaron walked off without another word. He wanted to be alone. That wasn't going to happen, as long as the files weren't in his possession. Aaron was worried that before his extension was up, the Don would send his most powerful allies after him. It was only a matter of time. Since the United States wasn't his turf, the Mexican Don was already playing with fire. That still wouldn't stop him from exacting revenge on stragglers.

"I caught you just in time."

"...What now?"

"Mr. Black is leaving town. He wanted me to tell you he wants you on a plane to France once you retrieve the files."

"Ugh, really?"

"Yes, sir. He said to make it clear that he isn't coming back to get them himself."

Aaron resisted the urge to punch the next person he saw.

"Great. Not only do I have to threaten a few people, but I also have to spend more money on a freaking ticket to a place I wasn't supposed to go back to."

"I'll get right on it."

"...Tell Mr. Black to consider himself lucky that I'm on his side."

✧✧✧✧✧✧

I know I haven't done any author's notes in a while, because I just think they're useless at this point. But I just want to ask you all a little question.

Who do you think Aaron is talking to in the beginning?

I don't know if I will reveal him at the end, but I can tell you that he's someone important. Someone you would never guess.