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“What’s that?”
“I thought . . . No, I know what I saw. It was someone I grew up with from years ago, but . . .” Grief constricted my throat and clawed at my dark soul.
“Maybe the chick you used to know has a doppelganger. I hear that crap happens. Somewhere out there, we all have a twin.”
“I never believed in that crap, but maybe you’re right.” Defeated, I sank back into the chair.
“You can always talk to her, man. If it’s fucking with your head, then ask and be done with it.”
“The problem is, I have no clue how to find out who she is. I mean, I never got her name. I was looking for the girl I hung out with when we were kids.”
Anderson stood. “I can help you with that. Follow me.”
Curiosity nudged me as I followed him down the hall. Anderson produced another key from his pocket before he opened a door. I strolled into the room behind him.
“The Black Widow’s office.” He waved at the tiny space.
“You have access?” I arched a brow at him. “Does that mean you know who he is?”
“Nope. He’s only talked to me over the phone using his voice disguiser. Other than that, I find notes in my mailbox, like the keys and instructions of what he needs to have done. There’s actually a spreadsheet that gives the girls’ addresses and other details. You name it; we’ve got the info. It’s on my laptop.”
I folded my arms across my chest, watching as Anderson unlocked a big filing cabinet then produced his computer. He set it on the old, scratched desk then flipped it open. It whirled to life, and Anderson pulled up the Excel program.
“What room were you in?”
I frowned before I replied, “The third from the end on the right side of the hall.”
“I need to get these numbered so we can track them better.” Anderson grew quiet as he stared at the screen. “There we go. Phoebe. That’s the girl you were with.” Anderson rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s a nice girl. We have a class together. Here’s her number, so you can text her directly and set up the next meeting.”
“No shit? Her number?” I grabbed my phone, ready for the digits.
“Not with that. You’ll bring down the entire society, asshole.” Anderson opened another filing drawer and tossed me a burner. “Use that for any and all society business. It’s untraceable. The second Phoebe finds out who you are, she could go running to the press about the brotherhood and ruin all of our chances to go pro, so watch your step.”
I turned the phone over in my palm. “Thanks, man. I’ll make sure to use it.” I hesitated, a thought occurring to me. “Who pays for all this anyway? I mean, the building, toys, and burner phones, that all adds up. It’s not cheap.”
Anderson shrugged. “I assume the Black Widow, but I don’t ask questions.”
I nodded, wondering what illegal activities were funding our sexcapades. “I’m not sure I want to know either.” I poised my fingers over the screen, waiting. He rattled off the number as I plugged it into the burner.
“Thanks. I owe you.”
A mischievous smile eased across his face. “Yes, you do. I’ll collect later.” He slapped me on the shoulder. “Have fun, and now that you know her name, I assume it’s not the girl you thought she was?”
“Nah. Wrong one. Guess my head was fucking with me.” I laughed. “This one.” I pointed to my skull. “I’ll catch ya later.” I gave him a little wave before I left him alone in Black Widow’s office. I had some business I wanted to deal with.
Thirty minutes later, I let myself into the locker room and strolled through Coach’s office to my corner of the building. After tossing my keys on the makeshift shelf I’d created from a few old, sturdy plastic milk crates, I eased onto the cot and pulled out my iPhone. Regardless of what I’d learned from Anderson, I had questions and knew just the person to help me.
I brought up the number on my screen, then hit the green call button. Tapping the speaker icon, I stretched out on the bed and waited.
“Hey, Jag.”
“Hey, Gunner. How’s it going?” I asked, placing my arm beneath my head and propping myself up a bit.
“Same ol’. About to have church, but what’s up?”
“It can wait. Tell everyone hey and let me know when you guys are taking another ride. It would be good to join for a weekend after ball season is over.”
“I will but tell me what’s going on. I’ve got time for my favorite nephew.”
