Shattering Me

24~ the Tense Tourist

Ryan stepped out into the hall and answered the call. "Hey, what's going on?"

"I found a new lead that I can't pass up. This could be big, Rye, so I need you to meet me at the location ASAP," Carman Krag responded.

"If it's big, then you should be calling the detectives or sheriff, not me. I've got bodyguard duty, in case you forgot signing me up for that," he growled.

"Ryan," his brother's snarl rumbled over the phone line. "You know I can't trust anyone to watch my back like you. Kyle can take care of himself for a few hours while you come meet with my informant.

"Besides, she asked for no badges. If she is who she claims to be, I definitely don't want to risk scaring her off."

"Just text me location if it's that important." Ryan was already half way out of the building. He had felt so irritated by something during the rehearsal that he was more than ready for some action.

--

"Psst! Bro, over here," Carman snarled softly. He was camping out behind a large plant feature on a terrace overlooking the area from fifteen feet up. If it wasn't for the bright red flowers blooming in the feature, he'd stick out like a scarlet thumb. Instead, he had a clear view of the outdoor café tables nearby where we'd be meeting the contact.

The terrace belonged to a flower shop beside the café and had just a couple people mingling inside. Over all, the area was pretty quiet and wide open with plenty of places to hide. A perfect place for an ambush if it was one.

Ryan took a quick breath and leaped toward the side of the building, clinging fast to the worn stone wall. He scaled the side of the wall and then swung his legs over the side of the balcony to land by his brother. "Stay low, she should be here soon," Carman muttered.

The two crouched and surveyed the scene below for a few minutes in silence. It was such a beautiful area that Ryan had to admit he'd prefer to come back on a less tense situation.

The towering palm trees that all tropical islands were known for dotted the area sporadically and casted swaying lanes of shade along the short grass. Despite the fresh scent of cool grass and nature, the traces of human presence were undeniable. A rough street had been paved into the earth that ran between the rows of small shops. Though, in this area it looked like the street was more of a sidewalk than a road.

"There!" his brother growled quietly. While Carman was far more relaxed on a regular basis, he took on the same traits as his little brother and father when the situation became tense. That meant a lot more growling and glaring. "By the dandelions," he pointed out.

Scoping out the café from a few yards away was a short woman in a simple flower dress and khaki sunhat. She looked like a tourist which was the smartest way to avoid suspicion around here. Ryan took that intelligence into consideration while watching her saunter over to one of the tables.

"Let's go, bro. If this is a trap then we'll break it apart as soon as it springs, but if she's legit we can't let her go."

The brothers rose and ran over to the side of the terrace. They didn't waste a second before leaping off the edge and stomping down on either side of the café table. Their contact jumped in her seat and stared up in surprise and shock as they seemingly appeared from nowhere.

"You said you have information for detective Krag," Carman said firmly.

To her credit, the woman composed herself quickly. "Yes, I do. You must be his sons..." she said as if it couldn't become more obvious. "Please sit. I suppose any member of such a family must be capable enough." She pulled out a couple slim white folders and slid them across the table as the brothers sat.

"What are these?" Ryan asked, looking over the documents inside.

"The truth!" she whispered harshly. "The truth that nearly got me killed. That is all the proof you need to be certain that the Helix is a potential threat on a national level."

"It's funny that you mention being nearly killed. As far as the police department and official state records, you are dead, Mrs. Emeriti. How exactly are you sitting with us today?" Carman spoke smoothly and deliberately, but Ryan knew that his brother was probably eating his heart out with this new development.

"Isn't it obvious?"

"Enlighten us."

Mrs. Emeriti reached into her purse again and pulled out a small capped bottle. She plopped it on the center of the table and said, "I worked for the Helix Taijitu."

========================

Oh, things are about to get crazier~

========================