Richard
The midday sun beat down on the asphalt as I parked my unmarked car in the lot. Anxiety gnawed at me as I approached the gleaming black SUV, a stark contrast to my beat-up vehicle.
Reaching the driver's side, I tapped gently on the tinted window. "Open the door, it's Richard," I murmured, keeping my voice low.
The car door opened to reveal a regal-looking Karen. She said, "Come in and shut the door."
I climbed into the cool interior, unaware of the other presence until a deep voice filled the confined space.
The deep voice said, "It's been a while, Richard."
It was Elliott Mason. His voice was unmistakable. If he was here, it meant a dire situation was at hand. Elliott typically used his daughter Karen as a middleman, so for him to ignore his usual protocol and meet me directly, it couldn't be good.
"Good day, sir. It has truly been a while. You look well," I said, trying to maintain a veneer of calm.
