Page 44 of Tesoro: Mayhem Makers

“I’d love a cup of coffee.”

“Anything else, ma’am?”

“You could fix the elevator,” I tease.

“Fresh out of electrician skills. I’ll get that coffee,” he taps the bar twice before turning his back to me.

The television mounted behind the bar captures my attention. A scene from one of the series I’d streamed last night playing. Adjusting in my seat, I begin reading the closed captions as I wait for my coffee.

“Here you are.”

The clink of the cup and saucer steal my attention briefly. As I raise the cup to my lips, the scene on the television changes to what appears to be a news report, the banner at the bottom scrolling out breaking news.

“Great, more doom and gloom,” I mumble as I move to turn my attention to the window.

“They’ve been showing that for the last two hours, the biggest drug bust in Texas history.” The bartender motions behind him. “My brother works for the ATF in Dallas, he said it’s a mess.”

With the mention of Dallas, I snap my attention back to the television in time to see a familiar face on the screen.

“Can you turn up the volume?” A man standing not far from me asks, pointing at the screen.

“Acting on a tip, authorities have seized more than twelve-hundred pounds of illegal drugs, with a street value of thirty million dollars. According to Dallas police chief, this is the largest narcotic seizure in Texas history. The man in handcuffs at the bottom of your screen has been identified as Jose´ Chuy Maldonado, known cartel leader. From our research, Channel News Twelve reporter Erin Gray has uncovered at least twenty seven federal warrants for Maldonado.”

A smile brushes my lips as I turn from the news report to the activity outside the hotel window. I won’t think of him, not now, not when everything I want is within my grasp.

Movement across the street puts an end to my near meltdown as Adam stumbles from the bar, his shirt untucked and hair a disheveled mess. In true Adam fashion, he’d been late to the testing center yesterday. Unlike Dr. Raymond, the administration had not been lenient, refusing him entry. He would be forced to wait until the next available testing date, which wasn’t for several months.

“They arrested a cop, too?”

Pulling my attention back to the bartender, I find he’s talking to the guy beside me. Following their line of sight, my breath catches as I see Brady’s picture on the screen.

I listen as the reporter goes on to tell of Brady’s involvement in drug trafficking, prostitution, and illegal gaming. However,it’s the photo of Brady standing with Chuy in what appears to be the hospital parking lot, which makes it all too real for me.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we thank you for your patience. The elevators are repaired.” One of the men from earlier announces to the room.

A chorus of cheers ring out as several men rush for the hall. I remain seated, enjoying the hot coffee as I watch Adam stumble into a waiting taxi. The poor guy was his own worst enemy, much like Brady.

Stepping into my hotel room, the freshly made bed far too inviting. For a fraction of a second, I consider cancelling my reservations and climbing into the bed, sleeping for the remainder of my stay.

Life was meant to be lived, Kate, Nona’s words echo in my head as I step toward the bathroom. I have just enough time to shower before my reservations.

A sudden knock at my door causes me to jump. With a heavy sigh, I spin on my heels and wrench open the door.

Standing in the hall, flowers in one hand and tears in her eyes, was Andi.

“You have every right to tell me to go away,” she begins, holding the flowers in my direction. “I just want to congratulate you?—”

As the scent of the blooms reach me, a sudden wave of nausea rushes over me. Cupping my hand over my mouth, I run for the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before emptying the contents of my stomach.

“Oh, my god, are you okay?” Andi stands beside me, pulling my hair back as I continue to heave. “Here, this will help,” she whispers as she lays a wet washcloth on the back of my neck.

“I had a similar reaction after my exam.”

Leaning back on my heels, I take the washcloth from my neck and wipe my mouth. “My stomach has been a ball of butterflies for the past few days.” I laugh, standing to my full height.

Andi drops her gaze to the marble floor. “I’m so sorry for being such a bitch.” Raising her eyes toward me, “Can you ever forgive me?”

Opening my arms, I clear the distance between us, wrapping her in a tight embrace. “You’re my best friend, how could I not forgive you?”

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