The Broker

18. A Word With You

December 2nd, 2019

Roanoke, Virginia

Police Precinct

Amaraya was standing in front of a large building, its height going up into the sky. Zach was beside her, an earpiece in his left ear. Kaden was on the other end. She had one just like it.

"I don't understand why I couldn't go with you." Kaden whined through the comms. Zach sighed.

"You are quite well known in Virginia, Kaden. Your stupid face is plastered on every wall in every police precinct that exists. Do you really think your fucking red cap will hide the fact that the whole state is looking for you?" Zach said in a low voice. Kaden didn't have a reply to that. Amaraya thought it wasn't so much because he was on the top ten most wanted list, but because Zach had insulted his beloved hat.

They went into the precinct, Zach opening the door for Amaraya. They were here to speak to the officer who had conducted the investigation of her parents' death. Honestly, Amaraya didn't understand why Zach let her come with him, and didn't just stick her with Kaden in the bunker. She was afraid that when she met this Brady Bouman, she would want to strangle him. Or at the very least, use Kaden's fancy punches to break his nose.

Amaraya didn't know why. Bouman was probably the one who covered up her parents' murder in exchange for a wad of cash. She felt a burning rage in her stomach. "Calm down, Amaraya." Kaden said through her earpiece, and she took a breath. She didn't know how he knew that she was about to boil over like a pot of water, but she was glad that he did. He must have seen her trembling hands through the camera footage, Amaraya thought.

Zach glided up to the front desk, putting on a smile she had never seen him make before. Amaraya tried not to look too surprised. "Hello." He said, his voice honey smooth. Oh. Amaraya understood now. This was the reason why the Broker hired him. Unlike Amaraya, who was more of a liar, Zach was a charmer. And hence, a good deceiver. "We're looking for Officer Brady Bouman." The receptionist batted her eyelashes at him. Amaraya had to look away to keep herself from laughing. Kaden was silent on the other end, but she was sure she had heard a muffled snort.

"Yes." The woman stretched out the word. "And who may you be?" Zach pulled out his badge and his ID. The receptionist looked startled, but quickly recovered with a white, pearly smile. "Of course. Lieutenant Bouman is in his office. Second floor, first door on the left."

Zach gave her a nod, and strode toward the stairs. Amaraya followed close behind. "Nice job, Zachy-dear. Maybe you should consider a different career." Kaden teased, and Zach scowled. She hid her smile.

They went up the stairs in silence. Well, in as much silence as they could. Kaden hummed in their ears. Amaraya was tempted to rip the receiver out of her ear and step on it. Of course, she didn't do quite that, since Amaraya and Zach had arrived at the said office door. Zach knocked. There was a pause, before a man's deep voice said, "Come in." Kaden stopped humming.

Zach gave Amaraya a look before he opened the door. The inside of the office was bright, unlike the dull grey halls of the precinct. There was a high window to the back, and it faced the street from which they had entered below. The view was astonishing. The desk was a large dark wood, standing parallel to the window. There were awards, and certificates on the walls. At the desk, sat a bald man. He didn't look at all like the picture, but then again, it had been twelve years since the incident.

Bouman was a short, bald man with the beginnings of a mustache just above his lips. He had small, beady eyes that skittered between Amaraya and Zach. His forefinger tapped impatiently against the wood. "May I help you, somehow?" Bouman demanded with the strongest tone of distrust and skepticism. Amaraya tried not to recoil from his gaze.