A few seconds later, Tyler sends through a picture of a tall guy in a hoodie outside of his building that he’s taken from the lobby. It's not a great picture as it's zoomed in and the guy has covered his face well. But at least I can pinpoint him when I get there.
Ivan
Got it. I’ll be there soon.
I open a new message and text Dima.
Ivan
That guy is back, he is outside Tyler’s work building. I’m gonna head into the city.
Dima
Take Jules with you. Do not approach him, Ivan. It's too public. Just try and find out who he is, try and get a good look at him.
I take a deep breath as this will be going against all my instincts. But I get it. I’ll just think of the reward when I get unlimited one on one time with whoever this fucker is.
“Jules, we gotta go. Dima needs us on a job, we need to wrap this up. See ya around, Carlos,” I say as I leave the office and walk to my car. Jules runs up behind me.
“What's going on?”
“Someone has been following Tyler and he’s outside of his work right now. We need to go before he leaves,” I say as I move around to the driver's seat.
“Oh shit, okay, I’ll follow behind.”
It's game on, whoever you are.
26
IVAN
Jules and I manage to park a few blocks away from Tyler’s work, but close to his apartment, and we make our way to his work building.
“What's the plan?” Jules asks, and I notice all the stares from people on the street. We look like cartel members, as we are both big, tatted and dressed all in black. Recon is hardly a suitable role for us as we do not blend in, we attract attention.
“Dima said not to touch him because it's too public. He wants a visual on the guy so we can track him down. The picture Tyler sent isn't clear enough, the guy’s face is covered with his hoodie.”
As we get closer to the Lexington Architecture building, we spot a coffee shop across the street and decide to stake out there. As soon as we get inside and take a seat next to the window, I spot the guy straight away.
“That's him. The tall guy in skinny jeans and the hoodie next to the entrance,” I say to Jules, and he nods when he spots the guy.
“How the hell are we supposed to see his face without approaching him?” Jules asks, and it's a good question. Then I have an idea. A group of teens are outside, being loud, looking like the typical bored trouble makers.
“I got an idea, come with me.”
Before we even have a chance to grab a coffee, we go outside and I approach the boys.
“Hey…you boys wanna make a hundred bucks?”
The four of them look at each other, before the redhead boy who must be the head of the group answers.
“To do what? I ain't sucking your dick, you creep,” the boy says, and I roll my eyes.
“Funny. You see that guy over there? Outside the Lexington building in the black hoodie.” I point the guy out and the boys nod. I grab the cash from my wallet and wave it in front of their face.
“All I want you to do is run over and pull his hood back so I can get a look at his face. That's all. You can then run off down the street a hundred bucks better off. Deal?”
“It's your money, man. Shit’s too easy. Come on, guys,” the redhead says, and we walk over the street, keeping a distance from the guy we’re watching so he doesn't spot us, camera ready in my hands.