10 Night Shift

Struggling to get a grip on the situation while events seem to be spinning out of control, Dak is faced with a new set of problems.

His security guys show up, but so do some of the "foreigners." Why? What is he missing? What is Jillian keeping from him?

All this and trying to keep Chang alert enough to get his notes organized. It was going to be a long night.

EXCERPTS

“Dak.” She looked almost sad. “Sit down. Let me explain.”
“Believe I’ll stand.” My voice reflected my irritation. My head was pounding. My fingers were fishing out a cigarette. To hell with the fire code.
“First, Caleb has many interests and yes, a few enemies. He has to be careful. But… I got the impression he really likes you. Buying your company is just what he does. He has… I don’t know… about a hundred of them. He’ll fix it and resell it a year from now. I’ve been truthful with you all along.”
“I think you’ve been honest… in a careful sort of way. Not always giving me the whole story.” I saw her perplexed expression and added, “I have my ways, too. And I’m no goofy mind reader.”
“Interesting.” She said slowly. “Behind that dumb luck, country boy exterior, you’re very… perceptive.”
“Damn skippy.”
“I didn’t broadcast anything. I have to check in. My uncle worries about me.”
“And the boys show up less than two hours later? No one drives that fast.”
“They must have followed me. I didn’t know I was coming to Atlanta today.”
“Huhn.” Trigger snapped and popped. “I smell bs. I shoulda’ known better than to bring you.”
Jillian dropped into the chair. Her face a mixture of hurt feelings and bewilderment.
“Sorry, Babe. I don’t like being lied to. And I always know.”
Chew on that! Go ahead. Feed me another line of crap.
“Okay, Dak.” She exhaled slowly. “Cards on the table.”
“It’s about time!”
“He sent me.”
“Huh?”
“Caleb. He sent me.”
“So… you’re spying on me?”

* * * * * * * * *

“Did you tell him what Chang made… what this new thing is?”
She hesitated, tipped her head slightly. “Yes.”
“Why?” I felt my anger bubbling again. “You knew I wanted to keep a lid on it!”
“It’s bigger than you realize, my friend.”
“Hell… I’m not stupid. I know it’s big! And there will be problems. That’s why I called for security. And the last thing I need are slips and leaks… from people I’m supposed to be trusting!”
I stomped around in a big circle for a moment, not sure what to think. She was being honest with me – finally. But, her explanations created more questions than they answered. I sucked smoke into my lungs and held it. Chang rolled onto his back and started snoring.
I exhaled loudly and stood still in my own cloud. “Does he want to take over my company? To get the tanning formula?”
“Can’t. It’s in Georgia. He only does business in North Carolina. Don’t ask me why.”
“But… I’m moving everything to Murphy.”
“Uh huh. He doesn’t know that. I don’t think you have to worry about a take over. His intentions aren’t… hostile.”
“So, why are the boys here?”
“He just wants us to… keep an eye on you. Make sure nothing bad happens.”
“Us?”