Page 6 of Risking it All

“Bitch, don’t play with me.”

“Big bro, I accept you just the way you are. I’ll help you break the news to the family,” he teased.

“Man, shut up. You know I like women.”

“When was the last time you had one?”

“I could have a woman every night if I wanted to,” I stated.

“I’m not talking about fucking. I’m talking about really connecting with someone.”

“Boy, you been watching the daytime talk shows again?”

“Don’t sleep on them. That one baldheaded dude got a pretty good show.”

I chuckled. “I’ll let you have that.”

“Bro, one more thing before I let you go. You need to learn to make time for what’s important. Time is one of those things we can’t get back.”

“I hear you.”

“Alright. Let me let you go since you’re such a busy man. You know you need to call Dad when you get a chance.”

I scoffed, ending the call just as my security supervisor ushered the valet from the video footage into my office. The kid actually looked terrified. That was good. His fear meant he understood the severity of the situation.

“I’m sorry, man. I needed the money,” he blurted before I had a chance to speak.

“Sit,” I instructed, motioning to the chair across from my desk.

He nearly ran to plant himself in the chair. I decided to stay on my feet. I needed to keep moving so I could think clearly.

“How much did they pay you?”

“Five thousand dollars. I’m trying to get a new place. I’ve been saving, but it’s hard to accumulate that kind of money in this economy.”

“What exactly did he pay you for?” I asked just to see if he would tell the truth.

“Information about some of the women staying here. I didn’t tell him much because I didn’t know much to tell him.”

I didn’t respond to his comment immediately. Sometimes, silence was better than rushing to speak. Silence gave people time to process.

“He wanted to know about a few guests in particular. Most of the questions were about one person. He asked if I would call him when she was ready for her car.”

“Who was it?”

“Senator Carlisle. She’s here for the weekend.”

“That’s it?”

His chest rose and fell as he considered my question.

“Don’t waste precious time thinking. Answer the question.”

“He told me there was more where that came from if I came through for him.”

“Make sure you clean out your locker before you leave. You’re not allowed to step foot on Cashville’s premises again.”

“Wait, you’re firing me?” he asked.