Page 6 of Caleb
— “Caleb? It’s Aaron. Aaron Hirsch.”
— “Aaron! Hey, man. It’s been a while. How’s everything?”
Aaron’s family and mine have known each other forever. He’s ten years older than me, but we used to hang out a lot when we were younger. He then landed a high-profile diplomatic security agent gig abroad after he was done with military service. So naturally, we lost touch. The last time I talked to him, I was eighteen years old, and I remember he told me he was leaving Bern and moving to Mexico City.
— “Everything’s good, thank you. But I heard about the Hanukkah attack. How are you holding up?”
— “I’m fine.”
— “Your mom disagrees.”
His tone is sharp. He’s never been one to nurse the bullshit in a conversation. I don’t know why he’s calling, but by how this exchange is going, I know it’s not to catch up. Either way, talking to him always comes easy. It doesn’t feel like it’s been four years since we last spoke.
— “My mom called you?”
— “You punched a customer today. Of course, she did. Well, she called my mom, and my mom called me. And then your mom called me. You know how it is.”
News travels fast in my community. I can’t say I’m impressed. But I am curious to know why Aaron is getting involved in this, especially since he’s been away for so many years. It’s somewhat embarrassing to realize he’s dedicating time to this nonsense when I’m sure he’s busy.
Does my mom think Aaron will “talk sense” into me? This whole thing feels like an unnecessary intervention.
I’m fine.
— “The man grabbed Noa’s ass. I couldn’t allow that.”
— “Levi’s niece, correct?”
— “That’s right.”
— “I see … Well, your parents are worried. And I know what it’s like to feel guilty. To feel like you could’ve done more. To save everyone. Believe me.”
— “I said I’m fine, Aaron. But the guy deserved it. I went easy on him, actually.”
Aaron sighs and says:
— “When does your leave end?”
— “May.”
— “You think you’re ready to go back to the military? Or better said, do you want to go back?”
— “Well, it’s not like I have that many options. I’m doing well and might take a permanent position.”
A moment of silence dangles in the air before Aaron decides to speak again.
— “What if I asked you to come to Paris?”
— “Excuse me?”
I can’t help but laugh under my breath. Leaving home is not something I ever considered doing. My life is here. My family. My friends. My duty. Besides, what does he want me to do over there?
— “Listen, my boss is looking to hire another agent, just as he did with me … on the side. He doesn’t trust the government enough to handle his daughter’s security. He’s paranoid as fuck. And I can think of a few people to offer the job to, but I think you’d be a perfect fit.”
— “Aaron … I don’t know. Paris?”
— “My boss’s wife died a couple of years ago. I can’t give you any details over the phone. But it’s just him and his fifteen-year-old daughter now. There’s a lot of protocol to follow, and we are expected to be on call 24/7, but the job is manageable. There’s some traveling involved too, and it pays more than you’ll ever make over there. Besides, you’ll get to hang out with me all the time.”
We both laugh at that last one. It’s nice to talk to Aaron. He’s like the older brother I never had. But leaving for Paris? To chase after a fifteen-year-old girl? Fuck, I don’t know.
