Ricochet

Fight or flight

Will and Victor were guarding the entrance to the building. They were in a car parked opposite to it. Armed and on alert for any sign of movement, Will was feeling a little rusty. He has been trying to avoid Daniel as much as he could. He cited Cindy's health and his college work as an excuse. The calls would always end with Daniel reminded him how much he owed him.

He was offered an internship at an IT firm which he was excited about. But with the job timings and after a week of joining, he was disillusioned from the impressions he used to have about it. It wasn't much about creating new things most of the time. It was more about taking orders, crunch time and a vexingly monotonous full-time activity over the most mundane things. It paid him relatively well that he could invest in some of his side projects he was passionate about. But the background clearance procedures weren't complete yet. Though stable he never considered this a permanent arrangement... even if the things were more normal. He wanted to move out of his home so that he could distance himself from his mom, not only for privacy which he craved but also her security.

In the call the last day Daniel had insisted that he join them today and promised him if they were successful, he wouldn't have to hear from him for a while. Daniel had cautioned him that he not reveal any of their dealings if he ever was interrogated, adding that the situation was getting out of hand. He was offered a contact for legal advice. He reiterated that if the mansion stuff were ever come out, he and Jaimie would take the blame for it. He resisted, but Daniel would not budge. He even declined the offer for a payment.

He missed Jaimie. He might have not been the most useful man he had ever met. But defying all odds, he made the most sense. The last time they spoke, Jaimie had told him that he was doing what he thought was right. When Will learnt that Kelly was involved, he knew they would never be working together anymore. It was a bummer. But he wondered how he was doing. The way Daniel was treating him was enough evidence that Jaimie won't be spared for much longer.

They were here in the passport offices for Daniel.

"There was no reason for me to meet you in person for a routine procedure like this" Daniel remarked to the officer. He continued. "I just want out for a year. It's from my retirement funds. I am more than capable to afford it; it could be for whatever... Why do you care? I thought it was all set when I received the call yesterday." Daniel was irritated. "Didn't Trevor pay you enough?"

"I am sorry sir, I cleared everything from my end. But the proposal was rejected from above."

Daniel received a call; one he is not used to as of late.

"Been a while. Not as good as before huh... Sad what lack of excitement can do a to a man. You used to be more wary about where you start wagging your dick around... Just who the fuck do you think you are?"

"Aron." Daniel replied calmly.

"The Trevor card is played out buddy. He was an obedient dog. Rigged a couple of votes here... doctored some footage there... laundered some money here ... I will give him that. But it's over. The thing with power is... it's never sticks. Now I am at the top, till the next guy comes around."

"What's your deal?"

"You are in no position to bargain, my friend. The office is under surveillance. Threatening a government officer while trying to bribe? You are too cocky for your own good. Insufferable. Wonder how Trevor puts up with you."

Will and Victor prepared themselves for the worst. they could see three to four police vehicles approaching the building. This whole thing was a mistake. How would Daniel walk himself into such an obvious trap like this? Is the situation that grave? They did have some plain clothes backup inside the building. He was nervous.