Clayton was awake by 5 am. He couldn't sleep, rolling out of bed. It was hot, he wanted coffee, but Clayton knew that it would just make it worse.
He checked his phone. No calls or texts from anyone.
Clayton decided to go for a run. He grabbed his shorts and a light shirt, running out the door and down the street.
He got to a local market, his mind was buzzing as Midnight oil sang through the earpieces from Danny's iPod, that Clayton gracefully borrowed before before he left the United States.
Clayton continued to run, hoping his mind would clear.
By 6am, the smell of spices and fresh bread made his stomach rumble, then all he could think about was food as he was covered in sweat, the humidity annoying him. He stopped, using his poor Portuguese to order a chicken sandwich and a coffee.
As he sat in the sun, eating his sandwich, Clayton noticed the families' and since he met Alice. He was actually seeing himself becoming a father, hopefully soon after the wedding. Then his mind drifted to his ex-wives, Erika and Brianna, and how it would of been different if he wasn't on deployment for most of the two marriages. Instead he was actually there for them, having a family and being the perfect husband, maybe even a faithful one.
That last thought scared him as he popped the last bit into this mouth and drank the last of his crap coffee. He finally headed off towards home.
He arrived home, sweat consuming him as he walked up the stairs. Clayton saw Samuel, sitting in the door way. He looked very hungover and by the state of him, he had a long night, possibly was in a fight too.
"How's it Sam?" Clayton said, opening the door, welcoming the cool air from the house.
"Had a big night. Jack is in town, also saw Vanessa last night...they have been asking for you."
By the grin he had a great night and had no regrets, of course the hookers have been asking after Clayton. He once was a regular customer to them. But Samuel had a serious sex habit, and barely any relationships. Often just getting drunk with lowlifes and hookers. Clayton was hopeful that he would stay with Celia - a failed dream now.
Clayton quickly showered, and put on the last clean summer clothes he owned. A shirt and denim shorts. He looked awkward in them due to his height, but he managed.
By 12pm, he found Carlos's address, knowing it had changed, and then he quickly grabbed the keys to Samuel's jeep, knowing he won't be going anywhere for a while.
He started the jeep, it roared to life, sounding better than his truck back home.
Putting into drive, he headed down the street towards the city centre to meet up with Carlos, he knew that he would be expecting Clayton one of these days.
Finally after sitting in traffic for an hour, he arrived at the warehouse. It was heavily guarded, more than the last one he visited a few years ago.
The gateman looked at him as he parked up, his eyes were cold as he tense, holding the clip board.
"Name?" the guy said, no emotion in his voice.
"Miller" Clayton said, turning off the car.
Shit, he hadn't made an appointment.
The guy, looked at the clipboard and then looked back at Clayton, before he walked towards the security desk, making a phone call.
Two minutes later, the guy returned and pressing a button, allowing the gates to open.
Clayton turned the keys again and drove forward, seeing more armed guards.
Carlos was standing beside his over the top classic car, dressed all in white. Very old school southern, Clayton thought to himself.
"Mr. Miller" he smirked to himself, as Clayton got out the jeep.
Carlos was the same height as Alice, short and more than a foot in height difference.
Clayton stretched his hand out, shaking the man's hand.
"Carlos. Great to see you. It's been years. How are you?" Clayton said, as he released Carlos's hand.
"I'm still rich. I haven't seen you in four years...after I found out you slept with my sister"
Oops
That's the mistake Clayton made, sleeping with Carlos's sister, Theresa, a total wild card. He liked that...once
"Oh yes...sorry. I'm a changed man now. Engaged in fact" Clayton shifted uncomfortably as Carlos smiled.
"It's ok and congratulations. Glad you have finally settled down. Theresa is also married now and living in Colombia. What can I do for you?"
Clayton pulled out the only photo of Richard he had, the one with Alice.
"I'm looking for this guy. American banker gone dark. Anything ?"
Carlos's eyes went sharp as he studied the photo.
"I know this man. A little older now since the photo. Come, we will head into my office."
They walked together, five armed men following them as the huge steel gates creaked open to the warehouse. The first thing that was in view was Carlos's huge collection of cars, followed by the gemstones in glass cases, paintings and other things of value. It's looked like a museum, but on a grander scale. He made a mental note to come back later...he saw a black 1965 Ford Mustang and he wanted it.
Clayton followed Carlos into the office. It was clean, minimal but grand, with a huge stuffed brown bear in the corner, rich green paintings and many swords, ancient, proudly displayed on the walls, a thick brown rug under the marble desk.
"I know that man. Done business with him in the past. Good chap, a little nervous but ok. What do you want to know?" Carlos said as he sat down in his leather chair, behind his desk.
"I need to know his location. Many people are looking for him. All not with good intentions" Clayton said as he claimed back the photo from the desk.
Carlos remained silence for a moment, Clayton was getting nervous.
"Booth is in hiding. He owes a lot of people of money. We actually call him Ouro vazio, he is worthless. Rumour has it that someone is hunting the family members as a way of trying to bring him out. He won't come out, he is too greedy for his own good. I can't help you Clayton, he also owns me money and I'll kill him if I find him. I'm sorry."
Clayton felt crushed, shit, what was he going to tell Alice. Maybe he could try London?
"Clayton. Try the club, Empress, maybe someone there will know him. I heard that he went there all the time with his girlfriends...mistresses" Carlos said as they both stood up, shaking hands.
"Alright. I'll make a few calls" Clayton whispered, heading towards the door.
"Whose the girl?" Carlos said, as Clayton turned to look at him.
"His daughter...one of 18. My fiancée." Clayton said back, his stance in protective mode.
Carlos sighed, writing something down. A number.
"Call this number. It's one of Booth's sons, living in Florida. Booth's eldest son though, Fredrick, the one living in London, can't be touched...I've tried, cocky little shit that one. Thinks his daddy is innocent."
Clayton took the number...sixteen to go. At least he had leads with the empress and another of Booth's children.
"Oh Clayton. She must be pretty special to give you lead feet. I expect an invite to your wedding. Personally." Carlos yelled out as Clayton walked out. It made Clayton a little nervous that he empathized on the word: personally
The heat once again hit him. It was so hot that sweat already started dripping from his face. Welcoming the air-con, Clayton started the jeep and drove back to the house.
He arrived home by 4 pm, Samuel, was in the kitchen, once again talking on his phone. Clayton leaned against the counter, waiting for him to finish.
He took the time to check his phone, no texts from Alice again, not even his parents or sisters. There was one from his brother, informing him that he would be home in September.
Five minutes went by and Samuel was finally off the phone, "Sorry. What's up"
Clayton looked away from his own phone, "How you feel about going to a club with me tonight...to get information."
His eyes lit up and he didn't even need to say anything since Clayton already had the answer.
"Shall we leave at 23:00. I have some leads from Carlos." Clayton continued, watching Samuel as he got excited.
"Sure. Sounds good. Hey, Isabella might be there...and Vanessa too, ooo and Maud. I want all three" said Samuel, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Oh God. Isabella. Clayton knew her back when he was stationed in Front Colton. She was his weakness back in the day. He knew how to make her tick and she loved it.
No. He wanted Alice. He loved Alice...he was trying to change.
"Ok. We will leave about 23:00" Clayton said, walking into his room.
He sat down on his bed, and called Alice. He wanted to keep his eyes from wondering to other woman.
It rang and rang, on the third tone, she answered.
That voice brought him back to earth.
"Hey babe. Are you ok?" she whispered
He was silence for a moment.
"Clayton. Are you there?" Alice whispered again, louder.
"Yes Miss Alice. I just needed to hear your voice" he said, a little worried.
"Are you ok really?" Alice sounded cute when worried, he automatically knew that she was in her room back home, looking down at her fingers. What she always did when she was nervous or anxious.
"Yes. I just wanted to call...I'm heading out tonight. A club. I got some leads."
She breathed loudly in relief.
Clayton continued, feeling the need to touch her "I miss you. Where are you?"
She yawned, "I'm home, just doing some homework in my room. The Williams are at church. I miss you too"
They both were silent for a while, just listening to one another breathing.
"You want to do something with me? Help me get my mind of things" he whispered, getting an idea.
She giggled, "What like phone sex?"
He was serious, "Yes, don't worry. I will tell you what to do."
And he did...for over an hour.