NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 38- THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Tapping.....
Soft music....
Door clicks...

               The door to Felix's room came open and he could be seen focused on his desk tapping away on his laptop, brows furrowed in concentration.

"What's the emergency?"

           He asked, sarcastically as he turned his gaze to Russo walking through the door. He analyzed his outfit- a pair of grey sweatpants and a black tee.

"Scratch that! There's obviously none." Felix said, turning his gaze back to the screen.
Russo collapsed on the large bed, letting out a tired groan. "I feel so screwed, man." He huffed out.
Felix chuckled inwardly. "Sure. I doubt you've ever been."
"Shut up." He frowned.
"Seems you ran all the way here."
"Jogged, actually."
"After training?"
"I like to warm up."
"Seriously, why are you here?" Felix asked.
"Thought we could go grab a few drinks and hang."
Felix raised a suspicious brow.
"You know we barely get the time anymore."
"At eight in the freaking morning?"
"Alright. I'm busted. I need your help." Russo finally admitted.
"Seems you only need me for my skills these days." Felix frowned.
"I'll make it up.....eventually."
"Right." He scoffed. "What the hell do you even need?"
"Help me get info on the Al-Jihad organization."
"What do you want information on a terrorist group for?"
"They had dealings with my Father. I just want to be clear on what it's about."
"If they had deals with your father. Shouldn't you have known?"
"My old man was always very secretive around me. Quite the irony. They might want me to continue in his stead."
"That's fucked up. Any threats yet?" Felix asked. By this time, he has turned away and was already tapping away into the dark web.
"None."
"Shit!"
"Yeah exactly. I hate the fucking calm right before the screwed-up storm. You sure you got this?"
"Anytime, brother."
Russo got to his feet. "Thanks."
"What's the news I heard about the Stature of The late Lieutenant Colonel?"
"You heard right."
"That's sudden."
"It was the only way big enough to earn her forgiveness."
"Aw, someone's feeling remorseful."
"Shut up, Felix."
"Whatever man, it's your court afterall."
"Yeah, It's mine and I'd appreciate some peace and quiet in it."
"Well then, get the hell outta my space."
"Gladly." He said, reaching for the door and then, he turned around with a smile.  "Your space sucks by the way."
"It gets better when you leave, believe me." Felix smiled, barely looking up from the screen. "I'll tell you when I get info about the Al-Jihad."
"Appreciate it." Russo nodded before leaving the room.

CAFÉ LITERATURNOYE
9PM.....

"So sorry I'm late."

                Diane apologized as she slid into her seat opposite Yena. They had arranged to meet up together at a restaurant that evening and hang out.

"It's okay." Yena smiled.
"Good to see you again, honey." Diane returned the smile.
"So, what are we having?"
"I thought you'd have gone through that trouble already."
"Was waiting for you."
"Hand me the menu, please."
"Here."

           Diane flipped through. "Hmm..." She ran her fingers down the list and unto the next before stopping. "How about dumplings?"

"Beef filled or chicken filled?"
"Chicken, please."
"So we're taking it alongside butter or sour cream."
"Butter sounds better. We should order some soda with that."
"Alright." Yena nodded before calling for the attention of the waiter.
"What would you like, Miss?"
"Two chicken filled dumplings, butter alongside with two bottles of soda." Yena said.
"Alright. I'll get your order in a minute."
"Thank you."
"How are things going at Silver Oaks?" Asked Diane.
"It's different without you around ofcourse but we're managing well."

              The footsteps of the waiter caught both their attention as he set the tray down on their table. "Enjoy your meal, ladies." He curtsied "Thanks, we will." Diane replied, turning her attention back on Yena once again who was now busy with the snack in front of her.