The Cartel

Chapter VIII

Over the next few days following the interrogation, a strange feeling made a home in the pit of Carly's stomach. She wanted to be around Andrew. He made her feel safe and secure, but every time she looked at him, she thought about the interrogations. Carly thought about telling him the truth of what happened. She knew he had to look at her differently. Why wouldn't he? It was only natural, but what exactly was he thinking?

Andrew found himself gazing at Carly longer than necessary. He made sure to keep some distance between them, calling her into his office less than before. He couldn't help tensing whenever someone stopped to talk with Carly, especially since the day of the interrogations. The interrogations showed how narrowly they escaped being caught. At what cost? An innocent man was no doubt going through something similar to what Carly went through.

The interrogations hadn't made it awkward and uncomfortable for just Carly and Andrew, though. The other workers were more tense than before, but only towards those who were higher status and the security. There was a much clearer division. The workers like Andrew and Carly opened and blossomed-not necessarily in a good way-to one another thanks to their common enemy.

The guards also played a part; they'd become more strict, less tolerate. It was like the relationship of extremely traditional, conservative parents and rebellious, mischievous teenagers. Who knew when the next earthquake would hit, creating an even larger rift.

Because of the fissure of the groups and unifying of those in them, more people had begun to talk with quiet Carly and especially charismatic Andrew.

* * *

One evening, Andrew and Carly had spent an hour on the case. More people had been talking, so the interrogations had its perks. It was like revenge for the workers. Carly and Andrew talked about the new information-most being rumors-spreading around and discussing which could possibly be true. Then what could change because of the knowledge.

Half of an hour later, Carly walked out of the apartment complex and into the cool outdoors. It was so much more fresh then the stuffy apartment. Sure, it was a glamorous suite-style flat, but looks only stay golden for so long. And Carly was getting tired of looking at the same furniture and decorations. The once vivacious place had become dull for her.

She let the breeze his her face and run its hands through her hair. It felt so nice. The wind was so life-like. Carly let her guard down, relaxed out in the open with people walking back once in a while, and she shut her eyes for just a few moments to relish the feeling. If only it was always this wonderful...

"Excuse me, do you have a lighter?" a woman cut into her thoughts. Carly opened her eyes and turned to the woman. She held a cigarette between two fingers, ready for a smoke. "Sorry, but I left mine at home-Have we met?"

Carly stared hard at the brunette. Why did she seem so familiar and yet so unfamiliar? Carly remembered elevators doors closing, but moments before, Andrew kissing this woman.

"I live in this complex," Carly replied with a smile. "Maybe, we've seen each other around."

The woman put her cigarette away, musing for a bit. "Hmm, that must be it. I live on the ground floor. You?"

"Third," Carly answered. "I'm Carly." She held out her hand.

The woman shook it heartily. "Scarlet."

Scarlet had thick, wavy brunette hair the reached her chest. Light freckles speckled across her fair face, and her eyes were blue-green. To Carly, she seemed nice enough, but it had also barely been a minute. What puzzled Carly was the most was the smoking. She would have thought Andrew wouldn't be turned off by that...but maybe it was a bit of wishful thinking.

"And, sorry, but I don't smoke," Carly told her.

Does he get any information from her? Or does he actually like her? Is she a replacement for Pen? Carly mused.

"Are you headed somewhere?" Scarlet inquired.

"No, just getting some fresh air."

Scarlet laughed. "Isn't that what a window is for?"

Carly only grinned in response. She was worried that if she opened her mouth, nothing good would come of it. 

"What about those interrogations?" the smoker said. "That was something. At least the murder was caught, though, right? I actually considering quitting." 

Yeah, because that would have ended well for you, Carly mused, but remained silent. 

"So, I will see you around, Carly," Scarlet said as she started to walk away. "It was nice meeting you!"

"You too," Carly said, though she didn't mean it.

How can someone be so thick, so oblivious to the effect her words have on others? So much for perfect first impressions, Carly thought.

* * *

Carly was straightening a pile of papers by hitting the bottom onto the desk when she saw a brunette about to sneak into Andrew's office. Carly only shook her head and smiled, placing down the pile of papers. She never understood some women, yet she'd studied psychology before.

Carly picked up a file and within three strides, was at Andrew's office door. Scarlet wore a brown mini skirt, a cream blouse, and stiletto heels. She looked surprised to see Carly.

"Can I help you?" Carly asked.

"I just want to see Andrew," Scarlet told her. She seemed to be half pursing her lips and half smiling. "We need to talk-in private, please." 

Carly grinned. "Sorry, you'll need to schedule an appointment." Then she sauntered into her "boss"'s office, deserting a taken aback Scarlet.

Andrew held out his hand without looking up from his computer, and Carly placed the file into the open palm. When he pulled, she didn't let go. Andrew looked at her now.

"Who's Scarlet?" 

"Jealous?" His expression was deadpan, but his tone teased slightly. He gently fought for the papers, but Carly wasn't relenting. 

"No. Who is Scarlet? How does she help with-" Carly took a breath, lowering her voice. "How does she even contribute to our case? She's just a distraction. We're already falling behind, if you hadn't noticed. Even without Bill, The Cartel is still running rather strong. Not as strongly, but still strong." As she spoke, Yampa's mood swung. 

"She helps," Andrew said through gritted teeth, snatching the file out of Carly's hands.

Why does she have to ask questions about Scarlet of all things? There are a billion other topics that would lead to much better conversation, Andrew thought.

Carly gave Andrew a fake, sarcastic smile. "Like the other girls?"

Andrew turned away from Carly without a word. Carly couldn't tell what he was feeling.

Dammit! Why is he always so impassive-Oh, God! Penelope! What have I done? How could I even forget? 

"S-sorry." Carly was bewildered by her burst of ignorance and then sudden epiphany. She could do nothing but leave Yampa's office.