After a long week filled with stakeouts, tedious investigative research and the continuing of Alex’s portrayal of Alan around town, the tension was starting to get under their skin.
Charlie was at this desk early the morning before the artifact was to be received by Sato Yasahiro.
Deep in thought, Charlie jumped when Diane spoke, “Charlie, you’re here early, would you like a cup of coffee? Seeing his reaction, she exclaimed, "Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” As Charlie looked embarrassed, Diane smiled at him. “Thanks," he said "that would be great – cream and sugar please. I’m up to my eyeballs in this case, and our day of reckoning is drawing near,” Charlie explained.
As Diane left to get the coffee, Alex appeared in the doorway. “Want to chat a minute,” Alex queried?
“Sure, pull up a seat” Charlie said, as he indicated the armchair across from his desk. “What’s on your mind?”
“Have you ever had a weird unsettling feeling that you couldn’t explain? Like you know something isn’t right but you can’t put your finger on it,” asked Alex quietly?
Charlie eyed Alex carefully as he asked “case related?”
“Maybe,” stated Alex flatly. “Tomorrow is the ‘the day’ and I...for the first time doing this job, I am worried. It’s probably nothing, but the fact that SAD is still basically an unknown and, I don’t know, it’s probably just my imagination.”
Charlie thought for a moment and then said “when I first joined the bureau fresh out of the academy, a senior agent, probably around 60 then said ‘Son, always trust your gut. If you think something just doesn’t add up, it probably doesn’t.' So yeah, it is worth keeping in mind. Is there anything specific that is bothering you? Are you and Bobby good? I know it's a bit odd to switch partners, even if just temporarily.”
Alex and Charlie were partners, but for the sake of this investigation, Alex had teamed up with Bobby to go undercover in the art district. While Charlie and Kyle worked the seedier angle. All of Charlie's team were friends, but it was still a bit stressful when working a case with a different partner, wondering if you'll catch their subtle signals at a crucial moment.
“I guess,” Alex replied. “Maybe it is just the change in routine, but we get along okay. I think he's moved on from the whole wild turkey incident on the camping trip. Hey, I need to go get into character. Thanks for listening. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ll keep my eyes open and my guard up.”
Two hours later, Alex and Bobby hit the street in their undercover getup. "What do you say we hit up Sato to check on the progress," asked Alex?
“As they entered the store, Sato was at his desk in the store's alcove. From there he could see the comings and goings and be ready to assist any potential customers.
"Ah greetings my friend,” called Sato congenially. “What may I help you with today?”
Alex, known to Sato as Alan Wainright, said, “Greetings to you also. "I know it is early, but I was wondering if perchance my item had arrived sooner than expected?"
“Alas, no, but I am assured it will be here tomorrow afternoon,” Sato confirmed. I will phone you with the details for pickup. I assume you will have the money?”
With a calmness he wasn't necessarily feeling, Alex replied, “I will.”
“Good,” Sato responded with a grandiose gesture. “Until then,” and Bobby and Alex left the store.
“What did you make of that exchange,” Alex asked Bobby when they were a ways down the street.
As if confused by the question, Bobby asked, “What do you mean? He was very businesslike and confirmed the deal and details. Seemed okay to me, why?”
“I don’t know, maybe I’m a bit on edge about this one. I’ve been in some tight spots, so it doesn’t make sense, but still…” his voice trailed off, and they walked along in silence each absorbed in his own thoughts.
to be continued...if you want to catch up, this particular episode starts with Going Under listed below.
