CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 25: DINNER

"I'm sorry I doubted you," Rockie said after trying the food. "This is really good!"

"Yeah," I agreed. "Thanks for making it."

"Not a problem, Crypto," Birdie said. "You know, I've been meaning to ask you, did your parents name you that or is it a nickname someone gave you?"

"My parents named me."

"Do you know why they chose Crypto? It's a very unique name."

"No. I think they just liked the sound of it. I'm not sure where they got the name from."

"I wonder if they're fans of Superman. Kryptonite is his weakness."

"They didn't really talk much about any superheroes."

"You should ask them where they got the inspiration for the name. I'd be very interested to know."

"It would be kinda difficult to ask them," I said.

"Why is that?"

"Because they're dead."

"Oh, oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't know. I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay."

"What happened to them?" Rockie asked.

"The building they worked at collapsed on them," I said.

"Where did they work?" he asked.

"At a consulting firm in Laughlin."

"I remember seeing that building go down on tv."

"Just awful," Birdie said, shaking her head. "All those poor animals..."

"I hope the terrorist who did it gets what he deserves," Rockie said.

"Terrorist? I thought they said it was caused by an earthquake."

"Of course they did. They didn't want to cause panic."

"How do you know it was a terrorist?"

"You gotta have a good source. You didn't really think it was an earthquake that caused the whole building to collapse without any damage to anything around it, did you?"

"No. There were no reports of an earthquake by the official sites, but all the news stations were saying that's what it was," I said.

"That's because they all have a political agenda."

"How is it political? I mean, why would a terrorist blow up a consulting firm?"

"Because that firm was partnered with the Department of Defense."

"It was?"

"Yeah."

"Really? Site your source."

"I don't remember where I heard it. It was a while ago and I use lots of different media sources."

"Okay, boys. I think that's enough political talk," Birdie said. "How much longer until you go back to work, Crypto?"

"Three days," I said.

"I didn't believe it either," Rockie said to me, ignoring Birdie's request to change the subject, "but then I heard someone from the Family saying he saw the guy who did it."

"Who?" I asked.

"He didn't say who."

"But who said they saw the terrorist?"

"The Anatolian, Angelo."

"I might have to ask him about that."

"You should."

"So, Crypto," Birdie interrupted, "do you think you'll still be able to make it to the poker games?"

"I'm not sure," I said. "My work schedule can be kinda random."

"Can't you request Tuesdays off?" she asked.

"Sure, but I'll still have to take emergency calls."

"Why don't you just quit?" Rockie asked. "You could make so much more working for the Family full time, and you'll be able to spend more time with us."

"I'm pretty sure this is what the boss wants."

"Have you talked to him since the incident?"

"No..."

"You should talk to him."

"What incident?" Birdie asked.

"It's business talk, baby girl," Rockie told her. "Don't worry about it."