Carlos was in the study, listening to Frankie’s report. His features betrayed no emotion, and he wore his signature poker face.
“It was
Debbie, sir. She didn’t bother hiding it. It took us several days to track down the woman in the video- she left the country after she was paid. When we found her, it didn’t take much prodding for her to admit she had drugged your father.” Frankie stopped, secretly giving Debbie a thumbs-up.
Carlos spat out a mouthful of smoke. The acrid scent filled the tense air in the room.
He gave Frankie a stern look and ordered, “Continue.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtFrankie calmed down and went on, “She said Debbie paid her and told her that she’d take the blif it all went south. So, I guess we have things to discuss with Debbie.”
“She’s brave, taking on James Like that. No wonder Carlos Likes her,
Frankie thought.
Carlos shifted his gaze, looking out the window. Silence befell the study. Frankie was nervous, wondering how angry Carlos might get. After all, she set his father up.
After what seemed Like forever, Carlos put out the cigarette and said flatly, “I’ll take care of it. You may go.”
“Yes, Carlos.”
As Frankie left the manor, a white car pulled in. He saw a woman behind the wheel. It wasn’t Stephanie’s car. Who else could get through the entrance without being challenged? He Looked up at a
room on the second floor where Piggy was taking a nap. ‘That little girl’s mom is really something. ‘
The car rolled to a stop in the parking lot. Debbie lowered the window and waved at Frankie.
“Hi, Frankie.”
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He nodded politely and said, “Nice to see you, Debbie.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Carlos in?” she asked. She texted Carlos before she cback. He replied he’d be in the manor.
Frankie hesitated. He had always been discreet. But he felt compelled to inform her, “Piggy’s been here the last few days. Carlos has been with her.”
“What? Didn’t he have work to do?” His words stunned her.
“Carlos moved his work to the study. Sorry, Debbie, I have to go.
Excuse me.” Frankie had the sinking feeling he’d said too much.
“Oh, bye,” Debbie said. After nodding to Debbie again, Frankie drove off. Debbie looked at the study on the second floor, and her eyes met those of the man standing by the window
When she saw Carlos, Debbie smiled awkwardly and dialed his number.
When his phone rang, Carlos checked the screen. Recognizing the caller
ID, he picked it up.
Face to face, looking at each other, they talked on the phone, one in the parking lot, the other on the second floor of the house, staring out the window.