Miss Right

Chapter 11 - Cat And Mouse

Demetrius walked into his office to meet Steel. They were supposed to be discussing the new plan to find Kari. The game may have changed.

"Steel, I have a new job for you."

"I hope it pays better than this one." Steel couldn't be anything but hateful.

"I want you to follow that black gentleman at the bar. I don't know enough about him. He has an intelligent air about him, and he really doesn't fit in with this crowd."

"So you want me to follow some retired factory worker on a hunch? That's not why I sided with you."

"If you weren't good at your job, I would replace you just for your attitude. Follow him. Get me information."

Steel was insubordinate, but he was skilled. He left the room without any more resistance. Demetrius knew he'd have to put him down eventually but couldn't risk losing him at this juncture. Things would be different when he found the girl. He sat down to think about his interaction with Del.

Del started the walk to his car. He never had his driver drop him off. He never knew when he'd need to adjust his plans. Steel would be a complication. He could easily get away from the man. The issue wasn't getting away. It was playing the game. If Steel lost him within minutes, Demetrius's suspicions would be confirmed. Steel wasn't a great human being, but he made a lot of money because he was good at what he did.

Unfortunately for him, Del was better. Steel acted disinterested. He believed he was following a doddering old man. Del had things to think about as he walked anyway. He rounded the corner and headed towards the pick-up point. He'd been greeting people here and there. This one was important, though.

"Wooowee, that's a mighty fine car you've got there, mister. You driving around celebrity around?"

There was no need to warn Stu, Del's driver. They'd been together too long.

"Not yet, sir. Stopped by to pick up some coffee. Then I'm off to the airport. Some rich lady."

"Well, I do love my coffee. Usually, I take it black, but I think this might be a one cream kind of day ."

Stu laughed. Good. It means he got the message.

"Well, good luck at the airport. Hope you don't get stuck in traffic. "

"Me too, sir. All I need is to be stuck with a grumpy heiress to brighten my day. Have a good one!"

With that, Stu got in the car and headed for the airport. Del wasn't taking the chance of there being another tail. Stu would wait outside the airport, holding a sign, and when the heiress didn't show, he'd angrily drive his car back to the depot and clock out for the day.

The devil was in the details. People in a routine would forget things. As Stu returned the car and walked to his truck, he'd have to go back for his lunch box. The foreman always had to remind him. If you didn't make mistakes, it would create doubt.

Del couldn't pretend to be a doddering old man with a sharp minded driver. They weren't related. There were too many inconsistencies. The only reason for the scenario would be that old money or a relative that was in the big leagues. Too much attention for his taste. He kept an apartment in this part of town. There'd be a stakeout as well. He wasn't worried. He knew the way they thought. He'd be fine. But what about Kari? He needed to get to her quickly to figure this thing out.