Page 12 of Redemption
"Just cleaning the art gallery, making sure everything is ready for an exhibit we’re having."
Henry's voice cut hers off and their conversation became muffled. I sat in silence, staring at the wall. The phone pressed to my ear as I listened to their indiscernible, yet obviously heated words.
"I’ve got to get back to these documents, but I'd like to come by and see the exhibit."
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"Ive got to get back to this, but I want to see your art sometime.”
“You do?”
“Of course. Besides, there’s something of mine I need to pick up. But I’ll let you go for now."
"See you later, Gabriel. Thank you." I ended the call and walked to the window. The clouds billowing across the night sky over the ocean showed no sign of the storm’s end. Lightning flashed in the distance and illuminated the row of oil rigs. They were just small, harmless dots on the horizon from here.
I clenched my teeth and sat back at my desk. I pushed the papers aside and opened my laptop, spending the next few hours researching the company that owns the oil rigs, Rosso Drilling Company. The more I dug, the more I realized that these people didn’t deserve “New Gabriel” treatment. Five years ago, the company's compliance department had been caught manipulating environmental studies across numerous drilling sites. They were hit with millions of dollars in fines, yet here they were again, mindlessly prioritizing profit.
The growing strength of the storm matched my unrest. I came here to be different, to be a normal person. Being a normalperson meant doing things the right way, but the right way was rarely effective. I scrolled through the contacts in my phone and found the name I was looking for. Nikolai.
Nikolai had once been part of the Russian mob, before my family destroyed them and drove them out of New York decades ago. His loyalty was always questionable; he only cared about two things—money and himself. A lone wolf by nature, Nikolai came to us when it became clear he was on the losing side. He was skilled with computers, able to access information we couldn't. I never trusted him, but we had needed him more times than I cared to admit—and I needed him again now. I pressed call.
“Gabriel, it’s been too long.” He said with a thick, cheerful accent.
“Hey Niko.”
“Listen, I heard about your brother Logan. I’m sorry. I know what that’s like.” he said.
“Don’t. Just, I need you to do something for me. I poured another drink as he spoke.
“Of course Gabriel, what is it you need, old friend?”
His voice felt like a snake coiling around me, but that was nothing new.
“I need you to look into this oil company for me. Rosso Drilling.”
“Im listening.” He said.
I need the email, phone number and home address for the CEO. His name is Victor Crass, but that was all I could find on my own. Can you get that for me?”
“Ah you're going hunting? This shouldn’t be too difficult, give me a few minutes here.”
“One more thing, don’t tell my family about this. It’s complicated, but I’m on my own now”
“Tell them about what?”
“Exactly.”
I waited in silence. Rain slammed into the building, whipping against the window relentlessly. The warm lamplight scattered through my glass as I lifted it to my lips. Lightning flashed, and Niko spoke as low thunder rolled in.
“The CEO of Rosso Drilling is Victor Crass, as you said. He’s just a corrupt suit, a nobody. What do you want with him?”
“Nothing for you to concern yourself with.”
“Alright alright I hear you, i’m sending you his info.”
“Thanks, Niko. I doubt you’ll ever be able to collect, but I owe you one.
“For this? No, Gabriel, trust me, it’s nothing.”
