AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t know, Carl. why does anyone do anything?”
The restaurant door swings open, jiggling the bell above it. I look up at the man in a black Italian suit walking in. His hair is done in a classic comb-over style, and he has a clean-cut jaw. He has a blank look on his face as he glances around the restaurant. His eyes fall on me and he walks over.
“Scratch that, Carl, he’s here.” I hang up the call, dropping my phone on the table.
“Mr. Reynolds.” He takes a seat right across from me. “My name is Alex Whittaker. I’m Mr. Andrew’s executive assistant. I’m here to talk to you about the, um, package you sent a few days ago.”
“I didn’t think you received it.” I pick up a toast, biting off the crust.
“We did.” He adjusts his glasses. “That’s why we set up this meeting.”
“A meeting you’re late to.”
His forehead creases as he glances at his wristwatch. “Mr. Reynolds, the meeting was set for nine am; this is eight-fifty-seven.”
“Great. You know how to tell time. Good for you.” I chew on my bacon.
Alex sighs. He pulls off his glasses and tucks them into his jacket. “Mr. Reynolds…we went through the package you sent us–”
“Evidence.” I point out. “It’s not just a package. It’s evidence of all the crimes your company has committed with Barrett as CEO. Let’s call it exactly what it is if you don’t mind.”
“Alright then.” He leans forward. “As I was saying, we looked through it, and we’re still looking through, by the way. We’ve not confirmed its validity. I can’t speak to its authenticity, but while the check is ongoing, the company will like to set up a formal meeting to see if we can come up with some form of agreement.”
“Wait, hold up,” I scoff, staring at my plate. “You’ve not confirmed it’s authenticity?” I pause for a moment. “Those documents sent to you are written testimonials from former workers of Andrews & Sons. We also have the testimonial of an anonymous worker in your firm.”
“No judge will agree to the testimonial of an anonymous worker.”
“They’re going to come forward when the case goes to trial.”
Alex looks away. His jaw clenches intermittently and his cool facade is slowly melting off.
“If the case goes to trial.”
“You wanna bet on that?” I raise a brow. “Don’t kid yourself, Whittaker. You know we have enough evidence here to take the case straight to trial.”
“What do you want?”
I rest back on the seat, looking straight at Alex with a sly smirk on my lips. A single bead of sweat drops down from the side of his head, and he loosens his tie.
“That’s simple.” I lean forward. “I want a confession from Mr. Andrews. I want him to stand before a judge and plead guilty to all his crimes.”
“Mr. Reynolds.” Alex lets out a forced chuckle. “You know that’s not possible.”
“It isn’t?”
The smile disappears once more. He looks out the window, sniffling.
“Mr. Andrews has money. Lots of it, and he’s willing to give you. Just name your price.”
“I don’t need his money,” I scowl. “I have mine.”
“What do you want then?” he asks quickly. “Shares of his company? Connections? Because I have to tell you. Mr. Barrett is well known in government. You can work hand in hand with anyone you like. You don’t even—”
“Wow…” I laugh.
“What–” He frowns. “What’s funny.”
“You’re scared.”
