LIAR | QUEEN AU

Chapter 41 - The Night Comes Down And I Get Afraid Of Losing My Way

"So what do you have in mind?"

I thought I'd have an answer to Brian's inquiries right away, but I didn't. What did I have in mind? How could we possibly get that watch?

It was just this vague, nebulous, clouded up idea. I don't know if it'll work. But I've a little clue of how it could.

"We could set up a fake mission to lure Freddie in. How about that?" I laid down on my stomach swinging my legs up and down. Brian nodded pensively. How assuring...

"It's clever, but is it executable?"

I scratched my chin, "We've got to make it obvious enough so Freddie catches the signal, but not too obvious whereas he's suspicious."

"Okay... what if we set up a 'recruiter' mission. We've done those before, yeah? We could play it as we're meeting up with someone to recruit them, and then if Freddie gets the signal, he'll try to intercept that."

"We could use a throw-a-way name. Maybe some guy in like business, or at least someone who's got tons of power."

"We should inform Miami about our plan. He could then send this sh*tty signal that could be easily intercepted by Paul. He'll then send Freddie making him-"

"Fall right into our trap," I locked eyes with Brian, "I'm not counting on arresting him."

The suddenly courageous Brian spoke up, "You can if I come."

It's not that he's usually not courageous. He is. I just know that he's not one to be up for missions as hands on as this. This one's dangerous. The others have been cat and mouse chasing after Freddie. This one could be the closest we could get to him, and I don't know what Freddie's got in store. I don't want Brian to get hurt at the hands of Freddie.

It's my job. I'm the stealth. I'm the goddamn recruiter. I should do this alone. I shouldn't have to disturb John or Brian to do this.

"No. You're not coming," sternly, I said.

"And why shouldn't I? Roger, I'm not going to let you do this alone."

"Yes you are," I urged, "I can handle it, Bri. I can handle him. I need you to trust me and send our plans to Miami."

I stood up planning to prepare my bag when Brian firmly gripped onto my arm, "What makes you think you can do it alone when John couldn't?"

"What makes you want to come with me when you know damn well you're not going to be able to confront him yourself?" I snapped, "Brian, I've been with you long enough to know you wouldn't hurt a f*cking fly... intentionally... well no, I mean, you wouldn't be willing to punch or hit someone to get a job done. Why can't you trust me on this?"

Standing up to caress the hair out of my face, which he then smoothly placed his hands on my cheeks, he sighed, "I, I do trust you. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I can handle a bruise or two."

He shook his head, "I know you can. But I don't want you to get hurt like John did when he confronted Freddie. Physically and mentally. He's dangerous, Roger. He's not like another enemy we've faced where we can sip a beer and dispatch. Freddie's caused damage, and I don't want anything to happen you because of him."

It doesn't really settle in that Freddie's someone so harmful. You just don't think of your best friend being that way. But you've got to realize it some day one day.

I stroked his hair attempting to remedy his apprehensiveness, "I won't let anything happen to me because I have you waiting for me. I'll be safe, I promise you."

"O-okay. I'll, um, I'll go send the plans to Miami," Brian wiped the wet streak on his face.

I continued to wipe his face for him, chuckling, "You're such a softie. I'm going to be fine. I'll get the watch and get out of there. It'll certainly be easier than trying to arrest him."