Page 3 of The Will

Jimmy nodded, looked at the photo, and took a small piece of paper from Alex with a post office location and PO Box number. “You want a video of her when we find her?”

Alex nodded this time. “Yes, please, and if you do a great job, I might have more work for you in the future. Please text me when you have results.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Jimmy said with a grin before dropping his board, hopping on it, and speeding away before Alex could retort.

“Damn brat,” thought Alex. If he wasn’t so good at blending into crowds, Alex wouldn’t tolerate his shit so much. Suddenly realizing the time, Alex headed to his vehicle and toward his office. He had promised to be there for someone he truly did not want to see.

Chapter 3

Meetingwithhisstepmother,Veronica Moore, was one thing Alex dreaded above all else. He always found her to be exceptionally grating on his nerves. His reason was as simple as the sweet expression currently on her face. It was all fake. A complete fraud of immense magnitude to make others think she was something she isn’t. Alex knew people thought his dislike of her was because she was his age and married his father. That was never the problem, though Alex has done nothing to denounce the rumors. He has never cared about society's opinions on his family dynamic, that was his father’s role.

Alex handled business in a building that was located downtown, in one of those 19th-century homes where they had cut the house into sections for small shops and offices. He had a small suite on the second floor; it had a main office space, along with a bedroom and bathroom off the back. The bedroom was supposed to be a private office, but with the hours Alex sometimes had to keep, it was better used as a crash pad. There was a bed, a few changes of clothing, and some dumbbells in case he needed to fit a workout in. One dry-cleaned suit lived in the closet for court appearances, but the rest were oxfords, t-shirts, and slacks. Alex didn’t go for the latest styles, as he liked simple, nice-fitting, and comfortable clothes. To keep things practical, most of his clothes were black too. This made it easier for surveillance too, he worked a lot at night and needed to blend into the shadows.

Alex pulled up to a parking space on the street, two spaces from the one in front of his office, but he could already see the black town car parked right in front. He sighed for what must have been the hundredth time as he stepped out of his Yukon. She couldn’t even wait for the meeting time and had to show up early.Wasn’t he so blessed today?Alex rolled his eyes, knowing this meeting was going to be trouble if she actually put in the effort to be on time.

“Oh darling,” came the call from the rolled-down tinted window on the rear door of the car. The “a” of darling was drawn out, dripping with honey so sweet it just screamed diabetes. She never failed to remind Alex of that animated movie character that was obsessed with making a coat of spotted dogs.

Veronica would be considered a ten by most men, even Alex at one point. She had an hourglass figure that she always made sure to accentuate with short skirts and fashionable blouses. She loved to wear bold colors like greens or purples that could show off her long, auburn hair. Her makeup was flawless. Her nails were done once a week to keep the acrylics perfect, just the right length to draw the eye to her smooth hand gestures. Overall, she painted a very sexy picture for most men, especially Alex’s father. Then she would speak, and the picture would shatter.

She spoke again, “You know that seeing you always makes my day delicious, Alex.”

He flinched when she said his name. “Okay Veronica, what is it you want? You wouldn’t trot all the way down here from your penthouse suite unless you wanted something. So, spit it out.”

She smiled at him, but as usual, it never reached her eyes. Alex knew that particular smile, she flashed it whenever she wanted something. She replied to his question again in her sweet, honeyed voice, “Oh, just the usual. Your father is having another one of his parties and he wants his ‘boys’ there to represent him. Apparently, there will be someone important there from New York or D.C. or something. Your father’s so vague with those kinds of things, you know. Do say you will be there next Saturday, even if it is just to pop in for a quick hi?”

“I don’t know Veronica. I don’t…”

“Like to make promises you can’t keep,” she finished for him. “Well, disappointing but not unexpected.” She sighed at the end. “At least, I can tell your father I tried.” With that last bit, she rolled up the window and signaled to her driver to go. She had dismissed Alex like he was an insignificant servant.

Alex should have been insulted, but he just felt great relief at seeing her go. He never truly wished any harm to Veronica, but she was a gold digger and a blatant liar. He constantly felt the desire to shut her up. He envisioned popping a red ball gag in her mouth, securing it with leather straps, and padlocking it closed before throwing away the key. Alex knew it wouldn’t last long, she would charm someone into removing it. But the thought was appealing nonetheless and it brought a smile to Alex’s face as he walked into his office.

Alex opened the door and jumped with surprise. He wasn’t expecting anyone, but there stood his little brother. “What do you need, Cy?” Alex asked gruffly.

“Well, an explanation for that smile, for starters,” Cy retorted. “I saw you talking with dear old stepmom, and I know it’s not from anything she said. So, what was it that made you smile like that?”

“Evil thoughts.”

“Oh, do tell. You know my wickedness is lived vicariously through you. Can’t be the Golden Boy and do bad things.”

Alex sighed, “I was picturing Veronica with a ball gag in her mouth that I locked onto her head. Oh, and by the way, they invited us to the party next Saturday.”

“Ooo, that is wicked!” Cy grinned and chuckled. “Thanks for sharing and yes, she already caught me at the main office, unfortunately.”

Alex cleared his throat and tried to reclaim a stern expression, but Cy’s playfulness always made Alex feel lighter and he appreciated it. “So, what are you doing here?” he asked, a grin still on his face.

“Checking on the progress of our missing person. She seems to be a key component in settling this six-figure estate. The other parties involved are getting antsy about results. It seems there was a misunderstanding before she left the estate, and she has not been in contact with any of them since. As you could tell from the dossier, she ditched her previous phone, moved to some place that doesn’t seem to have a regular lease, and rented a PO Box for all her mail. She doesn’t have activity on social media or photos, so we can’t tell what she currently looks like. The client stated the picture was over 10 years old. Please tell me you are onto something. I just can’t understand why she would go through all this effort over a misunderstanding.”

“I plan on dropping by her employer next. So, you think the client is lying to you, Cy?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. I know you have told me everyone lies, but this is different. He gives me vibes like Dad, but he’s not as smooth or successful. More like a Thaddeus Moore wannabe?”

“What do you plan to do about it?” Alex asked with concern.

“Not sure yet. I have nothing but my personal intuition to go on right now. It was supposed to just be an easy person location. You know, get her to the office and settle the estate per the will’s instructions. Now, I am thinking it will not be that simple.”

Alex sighed. “It’s never simple, Cy. What have I always said about your expectations of people?”

“I know. I know. Expect the worst of people. They will sometimes pleasantly surprise you, but you will never be disappointed.”

---