Mafia Mischief

Mafia Mischief: Chapter #7

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Past: Three Months Later ▹ July
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Derek stood in his office staring at a series of pictures on his desk before picking up the one on the far left and pinning it to his board. He then took a step back and surveyed what he had so far as he tried to find what he was missing, "So close."

"Close to what?" Derek turned to see his boss in the doorway, "Ma'am. Just close to solving it. There's one key element I'm missing." His boss walked over, her expression neutral as she surveyed his work, "Well perhaps you could do with a break. Come with me."

There was no room to argue as she left the office, and Derek followed her to a small conference room, "What exactly does taking a break involve?" The door closed behind him as he was handed a file, "Involves what you see in there." They both took a seat as Derek opened the file.

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Past: One Hour Later ▹ July
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The folder lay closed on the table as Derek mulled it over.

"Special Agent Hale? Are you prepared to fulfill this assignment?"

"I am prepared."

"Willing?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"No."

"Suppose I'll have to be willing then. Is there anything else, ma'am?" Derek felt his brain swimming with questions but asked none of them.

"No. That'll be everything. You're aware of what is at stake?"

"Yes. I'm aware of what's at stake."

"Good. You're dismissed. Effective immediately you are on assignment."

"Yes ma'am." Derek remained seated long after his boss had left the room, effectively leaving Derek to dwell on his thoughts. He'd managed to sail through the last three months with minimal sadness by reading through the messages with his Little Fox, but it was hard not being able to hear his voice and even if he returned tomorrow, now Derek wouldn't be available. Derek pulled his phone out and sent a quick text.

[My Tiger] 🐯
Hey you. x. I know you're still out, but I wanted to let you know that I'm also going to be unavailable now. Just letting you know in case you're back before I am. ❤️

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Past: Same Day ▹ July
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Derek took a deep breath as he neared his apartment and called his sister as he headed inside. She picked up after the third ring. "Hey Der! To what do I owe this pleasure?" Derek chuckled softly at his sister's enthusiasm as he closed his door, locking it behind him.

"Hey, Laura. What? I can't just call you to call you?"

His words were met with a dramatic sigh. "Nope. So, what gives, little bro. Out with it."

"I-I...I have to go on assignment Laura." Silence was the first response he got before she replied in a barely audible whisper.

"Are you going to do something that'll get you killed?" Derek breathed out shakily.

"It's a possible outcome." Laura let out an identical shaky breath.

"I don't think there's any way I can talk you out of it. So, I won't try to talk you out of it."

"I don't exactly have a choice. I love you, and I promise I'll be careful." He could hear the smile in her voice as she softly replied.

"I love you too, Der. I know you will."