Page 51 of Fallen Rook

He hiccuped, looking around, already itching to go down the pub for a drink.

“Oh, and who is this informant?” I asked evenly, shifting things around on my desk. A pen. A stapler. The fucking keyboard.

“Now, that’s the real kicker. I saved the best for last.” Sully rubbed his hands together with a grin.

When he gave me the name, goose bumps rose on my flesh. “They’ve got a lot to lose if this goes sideways,” I said.

“So let’s make sure that it doesn’t.” Sully planted his feet on my desk, crossing them at the ankles, self-satisfied. “Buckle up, Rothwell. Because Troy’s about to fall.”

Me: You OK, kid?

Kid: Are my eyes deceiving me??

Kid: Is this your way of telling me that you miss me, Tomcat?

Me: Forget I asked.

Kid: LMAO I can practically hear you groan.

Kid: Why are you asking?

Me: You haven’t pestered me the entire day.

Kid: I miss you too, baby.

Me: Stop.

Me: So? Are you OK?

Kid: Good. You?

Me: Fine. I’ll see you Monday.

Kid:

Kid: OMG a GIF. I’m like a proud father right now.

Me: You make a daddy joke and I’m blocking you again.

Kid: DAMMIT.

Me: If you ever need any help…

Kid: Yes?

Me: Just take care of yourself and stay safe.

Kid:

What was I doing, exactly? Trying to warn him? Quiet the guilt festering in my stomach? Or just make sure I still had him as a lead?

Enzo and I were opposite elements, bound to clash or explode, like an ice cube tossed into steaming-hot water. No scenario existed in which we could be together.