Cat and Mouse game

Chapter Fifteen

The headlights gently illuminated the half-empty road ahead of them. The night enveloped the car. They drove forward, cutting through the darkness like waves, as if trying to overtake it.

Elias could feel his cheeks and ears burning. He rarely drank alcohol, so a few glasses of wine he had drunk took their toll on him. Though he was sober rather than drunk, he was still a bit dizzy and his mind was unusually clouded. He put his hands to his cheeks - the cold fabric of the gloves tingled his skin a little.

He looked at Eric thoughtfully, his eyes lingering on his face for longer than usual.

"Nah, no way," Elias mumbled, recalling Julia's words about them.

"Is something wrong?" Eric asked as he could only vaguely hear what the guy had said.

"No, not at all," he replied, shaking his head. "Um, I am just wondering... What was that call earlier? The one you answered when we were in the restaurant."

"Wow, who is finally talking to me," Eric glanced at Elias. "Are you drunk?" he asked jokingly, smiling.

"Nope, I am not," he replied in displeasure. "So... who called you?"

"One of the potential investors. He wanted to make an appointment."

"Hmm, so that was it? I see..."

"And you thought who it was?" Eric raised an eyebrow in question.

"Well, I thought it might be the task force."

Yes, Elias really had such a thought then. However, oddly enough, that wasn't his first thought. His first one was that it could be a call from Eric's lover. But he decided not to mention it. After all, what did he care if it was a girl or anyone else calling Eric?

"To a phone number used undercover? It's kind of illogical, don't you think?" Eric asked, slightly sarcastic.

"Oh, just forget it!" Elias said with a click of his tongue. Then he muttered, disgruntled, "I wish I hadn't asked you."

"But I'm actually glad that you asked."

"Huh?"

"I think it means our partnership is slowly moving in a positive direction, little by little, toward building trust," Eric explained. "So, from now on, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me."

"It's unlikely that such a situation will occur again. But I will keep your words in mind," Elias replied reluctantly.

Elias was already feeling quite sleepy. He rested his head on the seat, unable to fight off the drowsiness, and closed his eyes with pleasure. When he opened his eyes again, the next thing he knew was that they had already pulled up to the house.

Here it is, the miraculous power of alcohol. Normally, Elias had trouble falling asleep. But when alcohol came in way, he seemed to be able to fall asleep easily, no matter where he was.

How long ago did they get here? And why didn't Eric wake him up? Elias didn't know and chose not to ask.

Once in the apartment, Elias drank a glass of cold water to help him sober up a bit. He then went to the bathroom to take a shower and wash his face.

After he finished brushing his teeth, he looked in the mirror and saw his flushed cheeks and clouded eyes. With his hands on the sink, he was shocked to realize that he would not be able to take his medication tonight. Neuroleptics should never be combined with alcohol.

"Shit... This is not good at all," he whispered, running his hand over his face.

Elias just hoped that the wine he drank would somehow help him sleep calmly and peacefully.