Chapter 6

After Michael and Fi had dinner, they sat outside the Starbucks looking through the files on the flash drive. Fi began throwing our key words and Michael would do the searches. With each search, Michael's suspicions about Raines connection to management grew. How did he miss that Raines had recruited all of the operatives that Michael had found in Carla's bathroom ceiling. How did he not see the banking connections that Raines controlled? That Raines's connection to guys like Congressman Crowley was so strong. Michael researched Crowley and found his country club records. He had nominated Raines for membership.

They said little to each other. Fiona would point at the screen and Michael would read the passage and type in key words. Before they knew it, there was only five minutes on the laptop battery. But, Michael had enough evidence to believe he knew who was pulling the strings from inside. Michael sat there, furious at himself. "Relax, Michael. We are definitely in a better place than we were. I'm getting a latte. Do you want one?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Fi." She strolled into the Starbucks as Michael began to think about what they needed to do.

"Here you go. So, I've been thinking. All these jobs that Anson has you doing. What's the connection? Of course, other than rebuilding this little venture in social destruction. We need to look at these jobs and what the links are "to he say not be named." Then she leaned over and whispered, "I mean Raines."

"I got it, Fi. The next job I have for Anson is a light one in the grand scheme of things. I have get intel on this guy staying at the Setai. He gave me his room number and wanted a bug and surveillance. So, who is this guy?"

"I think the pressure of working for this control freak has gotten to you. Stop and think. I know this not my strong suit, but I've changed. I want this bastard. So, we will play his game. Do you have and name for this poor sap and does Anson expect me on this job?"

"We really didn't get into your role. I think he's come to expect it after the last three. They guy's name is William O'Malley. He's some kind of computer genius. I guess there's a convention in town and he's a speaker."

"Well, why don't I plant the bug and you do a little intel on this guy and why he is so important to Anson or "he shall not be named. Let's go for a walk."

It was off-season in Miami, which meant that it was well over 80 at 10 o'clock at night. The humidity was stifling which only added to thickness of atmosphere. Michael slipped his hand into Fiona's as they approached Collins Avenue. She didn't stop him. She knew he was making little efforts even though he had a long way to go.

"Michael, have you ever thought about what you want if we survive this? I mean, don't you get tired of all this. I have to admit with is exhausting for me."

"Yes, I have."

"Ok, and you think…" Fi waited for him to reply.

"I never want to get your hopes up."

"Do you want to know what I want? I'll tell you anyway whether you care or not. When you and I first met, you would talk about things that I have come to believe were parts of your cover. Places you wanted to go, other lives you wanted to live. It wasn't just the mayhem, Michael. Were they lies or dreams? Truth please."

They had wound up on Ocean Drive and crossed the street to Lummus Park. Michael didn't answer until they got to beach. "I thought that we wouldn't see each other again after those jobs. I had every intention of leaving you. I had nothing to lose. I didn't have to lie. No one knew what I told you. No one. If had been a different man, I would have done those things with you, for you."

She leaned into him as they looked out at the ocean. "You're getting there, Michael. If you keep it up, you may earn my trust back by the time we're 65."