Naked

15 Red

I rapped the door and waited impatiently. Slowly, it creaked open revealing an eyeball. I pushed inside completely startling the plump man and closed the door behind me.

'Hello, Steve my oldest friend.' I greeted the chubby man with a wicked smile, paying attention not to speak too loudly.

'What are you doing here? Are you trying to expose me?' he whispered-yelled gesticulating furiously.

'Aren't you supposed to be on your way to London? You know what, forget about that! I don't give a penny for what you are doing here. Tell me where you found Brewer; I need to get to him and figure out what he wants.'

'Didn't you read the files I gave you? He wants Hawk and he is willing to kill people to get to him; I say, let Brewer kill Hawk and then you go and kill him. That way you don't have to worry about finding two men but one. Saves you time and trouble.'

'How considerable of you, Steve. But I don't know what Hawk wants from me. Did you know Smith was Hawk?'

'Aeah, Aeah, Yay! I had thought you were smarter than that. You see, word had spread among the young unmarried ladies about him. Having two distinct colours in your eyes leaves an impact.'

I snorted at that.

'Tell me about it.' I mumbled under my breath. 'What the bloody hell where you doing mingling with young unmarried ladies, Steve?' I squinted my eyes at him using a teasing tone.

'None of your business.' he retorted harshly. I pouted and sat on the bench before the bed.

'I need to get to Brewer before Hawk does. We found a locket in Brewer's possession with Garret's portrait. You can see how that complicates matters, don't you?'

He stood silent for a moment rubbing his chin, contemplating. That's always a good thing, if Steve's corks were rolling means there was something to be done.

'Hmm, I knew things would get out of hand. Where did that man get his hands on such a locket? I know for sure Ailey didn't have it. There must be something we are missing here.' he murmured to himself pacing, while I stared at him waiting patiently.

'Brewer. Tell me where you last saw him. I need to get to him and interrogate him, before Hawk. The man is after the lord for a reason and he is after me for his own. I need to know why in both cases.'

'Foxy. Do not be so hasty to fall to the lion's mouth. If you go after Brewer you might expose yourself to him.'

'How else am I going to find out what I need, Steve?'

'Ever heard of eavesdropping, you damn lout?' he abruptly stopped and looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

'Foxy, you have a great source of information at your disposal. You just need to get close enough to Hawk, he will divulge just enough information without you bothering to ask. Besides, don't you always brag about how quiet you are when you are on a mission?'

I pondered his words for a little while. Truthfully, it would be fun listening in Hawk's conversations. I might actually learn more than I hope...hmmm.There is merit in your words my friend and I might find out if he's married... You did say about young UNMARRIED ladies??

'From the way, your eyes just glazed over, I know you have a plan brewing in that brain of yours. Shoo then and let me be!' he pulled me from the bench and shoved me to the door. I put my feet down and tried to resist playfully.

'But Steveee, wait! I need to ask you something.'

'No!'

'It's important!'