Moth(37)

There are no words I can say to reassure him. With the new evidence of leads, I’m worried he’s right. Alizar has a target on my head.

The following day we throw ourselves into research. What’s weird is that we should have been able to trace this years ago. Something or someone on the inside has to be preventing us from certain aspects of the case. I’m not sure how to take this bit of information we’ve uncovered.

I haven’t called or sent any messages to Windy for two reasons. One, I know I can’t push. And two, I’m testing to see if she reaches out to me. It only takes until early evening for that to happen. It’s a simple message, but enough to get the blood pumping in areas I’d rather keep dormant while around my two male co-workers.



Thank you again for dinner. I just finished the leftovers. – W

Any time. Maybe we can get together next week? – Moth

I want to make her wait. It’s not going to be that long until we see each other again, but I’ll let her assume it will be.

Yeah, okay. Talk to you soon. – W

Sure thing. – Moth

After I hit send I laugh to myself. She’s probably thinking I’m not that interested.

I open my laptop and check the live feed from her house. She’s sitting on the couch still looking down at my message. Out of nowhere she stands up and tosses the cellular device onto the sofa before rushing to the front door. I switch camera views to see who could be visiting and get the surprise of my life. A light haired male walks into the place like he’s been there before. He’s pointing his finger and yelling something. I increase the volume to see if I can manage to make out what’s being said.

“Bitch, you were told what to do. Either get the f*cking job done or deal with the consequences of your actions.”

“You don’t understand. I can’t do it. I’m trying, but it’s harder than I thought. I need time.”

The guy grabs Windy by the hair and swings her around. He’s a lot taller so it looks like she’s a ragdoll. I clench my fist but refuse to turn away from the screen. Running two blocks to get to her could compromise all the work we’ve done.

I freeze frame on the guy and start running it through facial recognition, while I split the screen to keep track of what he’s doing to Windy. She’s involved with these people and I want to know why. If she’s struggling to do something they’ve asked of her she can’t be all that bad, at least I’m rooting for her not to be.

She’s crying now, pleading with him to give her more time.

He shoves her down on the couch and points in her face again. “If I find out you’re lying to me I’ll kill you myself. I don’t give a shit who you are and what you’ve done for them. You’re nothing to me.”

She’s curled up on the couch sobbing as the door slams. I touch the screen, wishing I could figure it all out when House comes walking into the room. “Did you get all that?”

I’m disturbed as I spin around to face him. “Yeah, unfortunately.”

He spreads his arms out like I’m supposed to know what he’s thinking. “Well? What are you waiting for? If you stop by now she’ll be vulnerable. She might tell you things she’s been reluctant to share.”

I stand. He’s right. I need to move quickly before she can calm down. Time is of the essence.

I'm almost out the door before I turn to yell, "If you get a hit on that image call me."? By the time I make it a half block away I already have a plan. I need Windy to cooperate without leading on I'm in it for information. Getting into character for her isn't difficult. It takes the trip over for me to calm down enough to know what to say when she'll answer the door. I wait a few seconds to catch my breath before knocking. She's going to assume I'm the same * who threatened her moments ago. I take a step backward just in case she comes out armed with a knife or some other sort of weapon.

She hasn't wiped the running makeup from her face when the door comes ajar. Her blood shot eyes widen when she realizes it's me. "Moth. What are you doing here?"

I rush toward her, acting as if I have no clue what has transpired. "Oh my god. What happened?" I ask while pulling her close. She's sobbing harder now.

After a few seconds she's pushing me away. "You can't be here, Moth. I need you to go."

I put my hands in my pockets. "Not a chance. Tell me what the hell is going on? I know we're not close, but I can tell you're clearly upset about something. Is it work? Did one of those dickheads say something?"

She's shaking her head. "No. I can't talk about it. Please, Moth. I really like you. I don't want you involved in this."

I take her hand and pull her toward the front door. "I'm not going anywhere unless you're coming with me."

"No!" she's determined and adamant. "I can't do this. I'm sorry. I don't want to see you anymore. I've tried being nice but enough is enough. I need you to leave."

"I don't believe you want me to."

"That's because you think you're God's greatest gift to women. You wouldn't begin to understand what I'm feeling."

"Stop bullshitting me, Windy."

The moment I say her name she's gritting her teeth, her head shaking like she's not satisfied. "You don't even know me. None of this is real. Just go. Forget we met in that parking lot."