Part 14

POV - Rader

Whatever bug bite me earlier left me moody and irritated. I have absolutely no desire to join the party my friends are throwing at the bar. We planned the event weeks ago. Dave - my best buddy since high school, is in town only for one night.

Ignoring all the messages and missed calls flashing on cell I opt for my old pals TV remote and Jack Daniels.

Bloke needs some time to relax!

Several drinks later I absentmindedly watch as my favorite baseball team scores another touchdown. Even potential win does not lift my spirit.

Somewhere in the distance I hear the phone buzzing again. Not paying any attention to annoying piece of plastic I make myself more comfortable on the couch and turn on the volume. Still some unexplainable uneasiness does not leave me.

POV - Zoe

Cal and I are on a date, real one with dinner and everything. It is so strange and so right at the same time. Back in days he couldn't afford fancy places and expensive gifts. Maybe that is what makes this second try so special? There is no rush or uncertainty in our relationship.

Evening couldn't be out better!

We wait for the desert, I mean the proper one and not that uncensored staff we shall engage in later.

While Cal is in the bathroom I use the opportunity to daydream. It has been long since everything was so perfect. That's right! T!

Who would have thought that I would ever use this word in relation to my ex, but here we are...

Unfortunately something always breaks the bubble. As on cue Cal's phone that he so carelessly forgot on the table starts to buzz.

I look at the number and my face goes wry. Level of happiness drops below zero.

What a surprise! I think sarcastically.

Foster has unbelievable tendency to pick worst timings.

I would lie if said that I don't hate them working together, but there is little that I can do, at least for now. I did make a mistake and made an ultimatum once.

Me or her.

Didn't play out too good. I'm too smart to make same mistake twice. Over years I have learned how to achieve desired results in more subtle way.

Apparently today's preview was not enough to make the woman understand her place (which is none in our lives).

And there is zero tolerance of her intervention after working hours. None whatsoever!

The phone keeps buzzing. I know it is the wrong thing to do, but emotions win over reason as I reach over and reject the call.

Several seconds later the phone comes to life again.

What the hell? Which part of leave us alone didn't she get? Angrily I reject the call for the second time.

Not long after the phone starts to vibrate again. That's it! I'm gonna put a finish to this nonsense.

Not even trying to sound polite I answer.

There is a pause on the other side of the line.

Didn't see this one coming did you? I smirk in satisfaction.

"Can I speak with Cal?" Her voice sounds uncertain.

Like hell!

"He is busy right now!" the sentence is loaded with double meaning.

"Can you tell him to call me once he is available? It's about work." Her tone barely audible.

Does she really believe I will buy such bullshit?

"I will try, if he has enough energy left."

Without another word Foster disconnects.

Good. It should teach her a lesson!

Without slightest remorse I put the phone on silent and seeing Cal approach casually drop it in the handbag. If I play my cards right, he won't even realize lack of certain item.

I cast a dazzling smile as he sits and his eyes light up in delight.

This is our evening.

Nothing will ruin it.

POV - Gill

I'm almost at the hospital entrance when I receive call from director of Homeland security. It is not a request, but an order that is rudely barked at me over the line. A matter of national security. We have to report to the headquarters ASAP. No details are shared over the phone, but they never are.

Apparently something is really off, if Hildebrandt had gone to such lengths as to call personally. He is the top dog, master and commander. Over the years I have never met the man, less alone spoke with him. Normally we get assignments in more subtle way.

Problem with Homeland security is that you don't want to get on their bad side. It is a lot easier to do as requested than to make unnecessary enemies.

I can't use Ria or Eli. They don't have appropriate security level clearance. Only myself, Cal and Rader had undergone all the trouble and even face-to-face interview (I would rather say interrogation) with their staff to get the access to what is known as top secret missions.

I try Jack's cell several times, but get no reply. I guess there is no other option. With great trepidation I dial familiar number. My heart pounds like crazy as I listen to the signal. It shouldn't be this way. My motivation is pure work - nothing personal, but I can't help the nervousness that creeps in, especially after today's argument.

The call is rejected. I try again, but get the same result. On my third attempt I finally get the answer.

It's Zoe. Just what I need!

I have absolutely no desire to speak with the woman, but what options do I really have?

"Can I speak with Cal?"

"He is busy right now!" Her voice is filled with in-doubtful innuendo. Pictures from today's encounter play vividly in front of my eyes. They make me feel devastated, but I can't simply hang up.

"Can you tell him to call me back once he is available?" I can barely hear myself. To make the request more solid I add, "It's about work."

"I will try, if he has enough energy left," Zoe purrs.

That is the last straw! Without as much ass goodbye I hung up. I already got live preview once, no need for repetition.

Looks it will just me.

Peachy!

I quickly find the doctor, ask some questions about mom's condition and without stopping by her room run back to the car.

Will this day ever be over?

tbc