The Grand Viper

10. Pierce

I wrapped my fingers around the warm cup of cappuccino. The café was filled with the aroma of coffee. Even during midday, I could still feel the enthusiasm of a bright morning.

"Hopefully your day is going well?" Theodore asked. His eyes were wandering around.

I squinted my eyes slightly, not understanding his sudden change. "Mr. Kingston. I thought we moved past the formalities." I was about to fish out the fingerprint when he coughed.

He smiled and sipped his coffee, looking at me as if as a warning. "Lunch is over soon. We should head out."

Soon, we headed out of the coffee shop. He was walking behind me but close enough to hear my whispers.

"What happened?" I whispered, maintaining a distance between us.

He slipped a piece of paper into my hand. He placed his hand on the small of my back and ushered me into the office building with a warm smile. He leaned in close to my ear and whispered, "We are being watched. So play along."

I caught up to him and I smiled back warmly. "I look forward to having lunch with you soon, Mr. Kingston."

Without wasting another minute, I rushed into the bathroom and shut the door behind me. I took out the small piece of paper and opened it.

"Barney's Bay, west city beach. 9 pm sharp. Bring the material."

***

"Ms.Gunn?" The man beside me sipped his whiskey. Wearing a black cap and a hoodie, I couldn't make out who he was.

Despite autumn being around the corner, the beach was hot. The people were enjoying themselves to the beat and having the time of their life and there I was, drinking at the bar. The music was faint from here and it was more on the darker side instead of the colorful light filling the dance floor.

"Yes," I said, confused.

"Follow me." He slipped Theodore's business card and disappeared into the dark.

Following him for a while, I reached a quiet abandoned corner where a familiar BMW car was parked. I approached the car and knocked on the car window. Theodore unlocked the car doors and I got in. His hands were wrapped around the steering wheel.

"I thought we ought to meet at the beach," I said, making myself comfortable on the seat.

He flashed a small smile and said, "Well. Change of plans kitty."

"I assumed you were a calm and collected type."

"Sometimes it's good to be cautious." After a brief pause, he continued, "Reece is keeping tabs on you." He placed his hands behind his back and stretched.

I furrowed my eyebrows in disbelief. "I don't recall being followed."

"I know that shithead." He sighed. "You would never know when he's following you. He's a sly fox."

"What?" I raised my eyebrow. "It sounds like you talk from experience."

He glanced at me with a satisfied smirk. He turned his complete attention to me, "You catch up well, Ms. Gunn."

"But I'm curious as to how you know him so well," I asked, sincerely looking at him.

His gaze lingered for a while as if he was about to answer but he looked away. "I would rather not tell you for now."

"But-" I tried to interrupt.

"Be patient " He looked away, clearly uninterested. "You'll get all your answers when it needs to be."