Page 70 of Knocked Up by my Best Friend's Brothers

“Corey says the Mancinis have a local business here,” I tell my brother.

River is out doing some research of his own, meeting with a former member of our unit who now works for the FBI’s Portland Field Office. We’ve got a lead to follow in the meantime, so I look outside the car window and analyze the front of the building.

Plain gray with black-framed windows. One main entrance, plus a narrow side alley with what I assume is a secondary entrance for deliveries.

“It’s supposed to be a stationery supplier,” I add, going over my notes from our friend Corey, currently a part of the mayor’s security detail. “Small setup. They just bring the merchandise in through the back and then distribute it to several stationery stores in the area.”

“They don’t want to draw too much fiscal attention probably.”

“Damage control after what went down in LA.”

Nathan nods once and follows my gaze. “Do we know who’s in there?”

“At least one Mancini, according to Corey and some printouts of legal filings he faxed over.”

There’s not much foot traffic along the street, but no parking spots are available. The whole block is made up of medium-sized office buildings with cameras everywhere. I’ll give the Mancinis credit. When they pretend to be a legitimate business, they know how to comply and cover their asses.

“Christa is at work,” I tell Nathan. “So far, so good.”

“I don’t think she’ll make a run for it again.”

“It would complicate everything.”

Nathan scoffs. “Had you not come around after that whole conversation back at the hospital, she probably would’ve.”

“Can you blame me for getting angry?”

“No. I’m just saying we were all irritated and confounded. I’m just glad we were able to talk about it and move past the issue so we can focus on the important things, such as closing in on the Mancinis before they try to hurt Christa again.”

I only reacted the way I did because I love her, because she means more to me than I ever thought possible. The thought of losing her scares the fuck out of me. I just need to make sure she’s safe so I can tell her all this.

“Come on; let’s do this,” Nathan says and gets out of the car first.

I join him out on the pavement. We look both ways and observe everything in real time, ready for anything to pop—nothing does, so we make our way up the front steps and into the office building.

We’re greeted by a plain white reception desk. The girl gets up from behind it so she can see us. As soon as she does, a warm smile stretches across her pretty face. She can’t be a day older than nineteen by the looks of her.

“Good morning. Welcome to Manny’s Pen & Paper Distribution. I’m Sally. How can I help you today?”

That sounds like a well-rehearsed line. I wonder how often she says it on a daily basis.

“Good morning, Sally. We’re here to see the manager,” I reply with a polite nod.

“Which one?” she asks.

“Mr. Mancini,” I take my shot.

Sally stares at Nathan and me for what feels like too long, her smile slowly fading as apprehension sets in. I can see her frame stiffening underneath that soft red jacket. Her friendly demeanor cools. “Do you have an appointment?”

“No,” I reply.

“I’m afraid he’s not in the building right now.”

She’s closing off, ready for some kind of damage control. I can hear hints of panic in her voice. I slowly lean forward and give her another smile.

“That’s his Lexus outside, isn’t it?” I innocently ask.

She follows my gaze, lips slightly parted, thus giving herself away. “He’s not taking any meetings right now. I’m sorry. If you leave a name and number, I’ll make sure he gets back to you as soon as possible.”

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