Eyes peeled
~
Alexander
~
“Karl just have him send a copy to the office. I’ll sign off on it in the morning..... you’re kidding? He really won’t deliver it until her has-okay I’ll just head down to the docks. ”
Derrick pulled me from my frustrations with our logistics company as he entered my office.
“Boss, you want me to head there with Jackson or take care of Smokey’s strip downtown?”
I thought to myself, might as well just pretend I’m back on the foot duty instead of the cushy office I’m sitting in now?
“You know what Derrick, come with me down to the docks then I’ll go with you downtown. I’ll need a drink anyway after dealing with Karl.”
Derrick looked shocked. Was it that bizarre? Yes but let’s just say I liked to keep my employees on their toes. Else they loose them. Hence Smokey had become complacent and now I’m short a man until I agree with who we are moving to his route.
“Boss? You sure you don’t want Jackson or Check to go?”
“Have I told you to call them?
“No
“Then don’t insult me. Unless you have something you’d like to hide from me?
“No, no nothing like that. I just didn’t think you’d want me to go with you. I’m just a-”
“Derrick you’ve been good at your jobs. Wouldn’t it be good to catch the boss’s eye? Besides, I’m not heading back to the office today. Might as well do something productive?”
He nods, already standing at the door. “Okay Boss. Meet you downstairs.
Damn, I’m gonna need a drink after this.
Just as I expected, Derrick is sitting a nervous wreck, tapping and fidgeting like a toddler in the passenger seat of my Mercedes.
“Derrick, is there something you need to tell me?
“Boss?”
I side glance him as we continue down the bypass from my second other office. I sigh, realizing this man is just that nervous when his ashen face stares back bewildered.
“When we park at at the facility, I’m going to need you to get yourself together before you open that door. Karl will shoot you the second he sees your jittery face.
“Sorry Boss. I just.” He takes a deep breath. “I just wanna do well. I only just got to go with Jackson on routes after doing Smokey’s for the last few weeks before he... well I guess now I understand why Smokey wanted me doing them all the time.
“The boys said you’re solid. Never said you’d be shaking in you shoes. Said you could handle a lot more. Here’s you chance. Show me- prove to me you want more than to run routes. That you want to run Smokey’s shit better than he did.”
He calms a little, noting how bad he’d gotten.
“I’m not used to attention. I like to get my things done and not cause ruckus. You can trust me Boss.
“Let’s hope. Karl is a ruthless bastard- a snake. I can’t stand handling business with him directly.”
My jaw is already tight just thinking how badly I’m going to want to shoot him between the eyes. I’m slowing to our exit that leads to the shipyard.
“I’d rather Check or Ross handle these things. Seems there are some things Karl refuses to let my people handle, regardless how much I trust my people.”
Derrick has almost calmed when I turn into the yard.
“Maybe he has other reason, less trusty ones. Jackson said he’s flipped a few times recently. Should I... want me to look into it? I’m kinda good at that.
“Hmmm let’s see how this goes. Be alert.”
I park, we get out, discreetly checking out surroundings and walk to the Kirov front office like it’s every day you see two suits walk in, because they probably do. The door clanks and a cute red head greets me.
“Zander Torrens. Karl should be expecting me.
“Right this way Mr. Torrens.”
We follow the his curvy red head to the back of the building. Derrick stays 6 feet behind, scanning the entire floor. Man’s good.
She opens the door and makes a point to have her chest in my way as a walk through. I chuckled and she gave a sultry smile checking me then Derrick out. He can have this this one. I don’t trust anyone associated with Karl.
“Zander! That was fast!”
He smiles jumping up from his desk to greet us.
“Now I could have just sent these over, but I need yous to see something. I knows you wouldn’t if I explained over the phone. ”
I look to my left and see Derrick stoic as ever. He didn’t even glance at the busty babe. His eye movement, just slightly is enough communication for me.
“Get on with it.
The receptionist presents the docking forms with a pen. I peruse to make sure they are indeed what I’m signing. When I hand them back, she give me a sultry smile. I hear a rolling door and Karl’s goons drag a very beaten and bloody man from the back to the open area outside Karl’s office. I stay silent, unsure how this poor soul effects me.
“You see, Zander I could very well taken cares of these myself, but I need to show you these... items but not over the phone. I needed yous here to see this.”
He motions us out the office to the rear of the room with his goons and this nearly dead man. Hopefully he earned his punishment.
“Zander, this man was snooping around my yard. I don’t like my yard being snooped.
“Understandable. Feeling’s mutual.
“Is it? I just don’t know? How would you react if I sent one of my dogs to snoop your mother’s company?
“Disrespect is not something a man like me would tolerate. I suspect the same for you.”
This captive man was trying to breath and keep his head up. Loosing his battle the goons jerked him up from his kneeling position by the red stained hair on his head. Even without his face looking like he went 9 rounds, I had no recognition.
Karl continued to watch my reaction. “You are correct, but what to do if someone had been snooping? Boys?”
Karl turns from me to the man smiling like a psychopath he is. Both goons sliced the man’s neck from ear to ear, putting him out of his misery. They tossed him forward to pool in his own blood. His head is nearly severed. Luckily the man was was across room and didn’t splatter blood on my suit.
“Karl, as much as I appreciate the demonstration, care to inform me who the man was? Or better yet, stop wasting my time and tell me how he affects me?”
Karl flicks his hand to the desk in the corner. One of the goons finished cleaning their knives and one brought Karl a folder. Karl opened it to show me photos. Derrick tenses anticipating sudden movement.
I think he should be moved to my inner circle after today. I need to remember to brag on him to Jackson.
“Zander, yous are so impatient. You should know by now I enjoy the theatrics.”
I scoff and look to the open folder. “Yes, I should. What do you have there?”
Karl takes a few steps and I meet him half way. The goons are just as prepared for battle as Derrick. I open the folder and see.. “-Son of a bitch! Are you certain?”
“Very. My intel was accurate. Although I regret it was not me who made the dear Smoking Man disappear. I promise comrade, I will see his followers do meet a similar.... bath?”
“Similar pool, Karl. Pool of blood- blood bath.”
He shakes his head. “Semantics. You’d think one trip to Mother country and I’d not forget such simple words.”
I look him in the eye, confirming his fury in the matter.
“Karl, I appreciate the gesture. What do I owe you in return?”
“Just support when the time comes. Nothing more. Well I’d hope you’d return the favor if you find similar rodents.”
I nod in understanding.
“I can’t say other associates would have been so forthcoming. You have my support. I will be initiation my own investigation at Connelly’s.”
“I anticipated that. Should the boys uncover more with your company, I’ll see you have it.”
I offer my hand. Karl hesitated then cocks his head. “Yes, should we celebrate a stronger alliance, comrade?”
He shakes my hand and I nod, “Yes, Karl as much as I avoid direct involvement, these...”
I hear the lobby door and Derrick is already on the defense. “... docs for shipments. As much I would enjoy a few glasses of vodka with you, I need to pass until next time. Stay alert friend.”
Tucking the folder under my jacket, Derrick follows me to the car. Avoiding the two suits waiting in the lobby. Derrick didn’t have to be told to wait until we we made it across town to one of our shops.
Starting the car, I message Jackson and Check to be in the shop office ASAP. When I pull up, one of Check’s many cousins swipes the car for bugs while Check catches the keys I toss.
“Check what cars do I have here? I’m heading downtown. I’ll most likely finish the night there.”
Check turns to another cousin. The BMW keys are brought to me as Jackson appears out of nowhere, entering behind me. Derrick stands outside the door, preparing to stand guard. Time he was informed he out grew his current job.
I whistle, “Derrick, get in here. Lock the door.”
He doesn’t hesitate. Jackson smiles, knowing his man will be brought in. I toss the folder down and let the boys look through it with me. Jackson and Check have been running with me since my father’s father started grooming me for this 20 years ago.
Check is already cussing and Jackson is flipping through the photos of Smokey with undercover Federal Agents then “security” Agents at Connelly’s. I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Boys, we have a mole. We should expect things to be much more interesting. This scum is involving Connelly’s. That should not happen. ”
The boys and I discuss what happened at the shipyard. We go over several theories, new ways to apprehend the mole, avoid further infiltration, and most importantly, shake the pending evidence. Unfortunately, We will need to table this until we can pull resources.
After two hours I really need that drink. I look at my watch remembering Derrick and I still had four stops. The boys stop, waiting for me to voice what I’m thinking.
They know my devious smile never means well for anyone thinking they could scam the Torrens.
“Boys, want to grab a drink after making a few runs?
Jackson claps his hands and rub together, smiling like an addict getting a hit. “Just like old times, eh Zander?”
“I’m down,” Check smiles, rising from leaning against the wall. Not wanting to be left out, he adds. “Might do them some good to see the big man rolling up.”
I look to Jackson’s protégé, “Well Derrick, want to see how the big boss man used to play?”
Derrick shutters. “Boss I don’t know if I’m being pranked or taking privileges out of turn.”
He looks to Jackson then Check, back to me. “Boss, do I get to use my fists this time?”
I laugh, “Haha Jackson, I like him! Derrick you’ll fit in just fine. Boys, we’re taking two cars. Then I’m gonna need that drink.”
I had no idea just how interesting my life would become after that drink.
“Derrick you’ve been good at your jobs. Wouldn’t it be good to catch the boss’s eye? Besides, I’m not heading back to the office today. Might as well do something productive?”
He nods, already standing at the door. “Okay Boss. Meet you downstairs.
Damn, I’m gonna need a drink after this.
Just as I expected, Derrick is sitting a nervous wreck, tapping and fidgeting like a toddler in the passenger seat of my Mercedes.
“Derrick, is there something you need to tell me?
“Boss?”
I side glance him as we continue down the bypass from my second other office. I sigh, realizing this man is just that nervous when his ashen face stares back bewildered.
“When we park at at the facility, I’m going to need you to get yourself together before you open that door. Karl will shoot you the second he sees your jittery face.
“Sorry Boss. I just.” He takes a deep breath. “I just wanna do well. I only just got to go with Jackson on routes after doing Smokey’s for the last few weeks before he... well I guess now I understand why Smokey wanted me doing them all the time.
“The boys said you’re solid. Never said you’d be shaking in you shoes. Said you could handle a lot more. Here’s you chance. Show me- prove to me you want more than to run routes. That you want to run Smokey’s shit better than he did.”
He calms a little, noting how bad he’d gotten.
“I’m not used to attention. I like to get my things done and not cause ruckus. You can trust me Boss.
“Let’s hope. Karl is a ruthless bastard- a snake. I can’t stand handling business with him directly.”
My jaw is already tight just thinking how badly I’m going to want to shoot him between the eyes. I’m slowing to our exit that leads to the shipyard.
“I’d rather Check or Ross handle these things. Seems there are some things Karl refuses to let my people handle, regardless how much I trust my people.”
Derrick has almost calmed when I turn into the yard.
“Maybe he has other reason, less trusty ones. Jackson said he’s flipped a few times recently. Should I... want me to look into it? I’m kinda good at that.
“Hmmm let’s see how this goes. Be alert.”
I park, we get out, discreetly checking out surroundings and walk to the Kirov front office like it’s every day you see two suits walk in, because they probably do. The door clanks and a cute red head greets me.
“Zander Torrens. Karl should be expecting me.
“Right this way Mr. Torrens.”
We follow the his curvy red head to the back of the building. Derrick stays 6 feet behind, scanning the entire floor. Man’s good.
She opens the door and makes a point to have her chest in my way as a walk through. I chuckled and she gave a sultry smile checking me then Derrick out. He can have this this one. I don’t trust anyone associated with Karl.
“Zander! That was fast!”
He smiles jumping up from his desk to greet us.
“Now I could have just sent these over, but I need yous to see something. I knows you wouldn’t if I explained over the phone. ”
I look to my left and see Derrick stoic as ever. He didn’t even glance at the busty babe. His eye movement, just slightly is enough communication for me.
“Get on with it.
The receptionist presents the docking forms with a pen. I peruse to make sure they are indeed what I’m signing. When I hand them back, she give me a sultry smile. I hear a rolling door and Karl’s goons drag a very beaten and bloody man from the back to the open area outside Karl’s office. I stay silent, unsure how this poor soul effects me.
“You see, Zander I could very well taken cares of these myself, but I need to show you these... items but not over the phone. I needed yous here to see this.”
He motions us out the office to the rear of the room with his goons and this nearly dead man. Hopefully he earned his punishment.
“Zander, this man was snooping around my yard. I don’t like my yard being snooped.
“Understandable. Feeling’s mutual.
“Is it? I just don’t know? How would you react if I sent one of my dogs to snoop your mother’s company?
“Disrespect is not something a man like me would tolerate. I suspect the same for you.”
This captive man was trying to breath and keep his head up. Loosing his battle the goons jerked him up from his kneeling position by the red stained hair on his head. Even without his face looking like he went 9 rounds, I had no recognition.
Karl continued to watch my reaction. “You are correct, but what to do if someone had been snooping? Boys?”
Karl turns from me to the man smiling like a psychopath he is. Both goons sliced the man’s neck from ear to ear, putting him out of his misery. They tossed him forward to pool in his own blood. His head is nearly severed. Luckily the man was was across room and didn’t splatter blood on my suit.
“Karl, as much as I appreciate the demonstration, care to inform me who the man was? Or better yet, stop wasting my time and tell me how he affects me?”
Karl flicks his hand to the desk in the corner. One of the goons finished cleaning their knives and one brought Karl a folder. Karl opened it to show me photos. Derrick tenses anticipating sudden movement.
I think he should be moved to my inner circle after today. I need to remember to brag on him to Jackson.
“Zander, yous are so impatient. You should know by now I enjoy the theatrics.”
I scoff and look to the open folder. “Yes, I should. What do you have there?”
Karl takes a few steps and I meet him half way. The goons are just as prepared for battle as Derrick. I open the folder and see.. “-Son of a bitch! Are you certain?”
“Very. My intel was accurate. Although I regret it was not me who made the dear Smoking Man disappear. I promise comrade, I will see his followers do meet a similar.... bath?”
“Similar pool, Karl. Pool of blood- blood bath.”
He shakes his head. “Semantics. You’d think one trip to Mother country and I’d not forget such simple words.”
I look him in the eye, confirming his fury in the matter.
“Karl, I appreciate the gesture. What do I owe you in return?”
“Just support when the time comes. Nothing more. Well I’d hope you’d return the favor if you find similar rodents.”
I nod in understanding.
“I can’t say other associates would have been so forthcoming. You have my support. I will be initiation my own investigation at Connelly’s.”
“I anticipated that. Should the boys uncover more with your company, I’ll see you have it.”
I offer my hand. Karl hesitated then cocks his head. “Yes, should we celebrate a stronger alliance, comrade?”
He shakes my hand and I nod, “Yes, Karl as much as I avoid direct involvement, these...”
I hear the lobby door and Derrick is already on the defense. “... docs for shipments. As much I would enjoy a few glasses of vodka with you, I need to pass until next time. Stay alert friend.”
Tucking the folder under my jacket, Derrick follows me to the car. Avoiding the two suits waiting in the lobby. Derrick didn’t have to be told to wait until we we made it across town to one of our shops.
Starting the car, I message Jackson and Check to be in the shop office ASAP. When I pull up, one of Check’s many cousins swipes the car for bugs while Check catches the keys I toss.
“Check what cars do I have here? I’m heading downtown. I’ll most likely finish the night there.”
Check turns to another cousin. The BMW keys are brought to me as Jackson appears out of nowhere, entering behind me. Derrick stands outside the door, preparing to stand guard. Time he was informed he out grew his current job.
I whistle, “Derrick, get in here. Lock the door.”
He doesn’t hesitate. Jackson smiles, knowing his man will be brought in. I toss the folder down and let the boys look through it with me. Jackson and Check have been running with me since my father’s father started grooming me for this 20 years ago.
Check is already cussing and Jackson is flipping through the photos of Smokey with undercover Federal Agents then “security” Agents at Connelly’s. I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Boys, we have a mole. We should expect things to be much more interesting. This scum is involving Connelly’s. That should not happen. ”
The boys and I discuss what happened at the shipyard. We go over several theories, new ways to apprehend the mole, avoid further infiltration, and most importantly, shake the pending evidence. Unfortunately, We will need to table this until we can pull resources.
After two hours I really need that drink. I look at my watch remembering Derrick and I still had four stops. The boys stop, waiting for me to voice what I’m thinking.
They know my devious smile never means well for anyone thinking they could scam the Torrens.
“Boys, want to grab a drink after making a few runs?
Jackson claps his hands and rub together, smiling like an addict getting a hit. “Just like old times, eh Zander?”
“I’m down,” Check smiles, rising from leaning against the wall. Not wanting to be left out, he adds. “Might do them some good to see the big man rolling up.”
I look to Jackson’s protégé, “Well Derrick, want to see how the big boss man used to play?”
Derrick shutters. “Boss I don’t know if I’m being pranked or taking privileges out of turn.”
He looks to Jackson then Check, back to me. “Boss, do I get to use my fists this time?”
I laugh, “Haha Jackson, I like him! Derrick you’ll fit in just fine. Boys, we’re taking two cars. Then I’m gonna need that drink.”
I had no idea just how interesting my life would become after that drink.
nice