Wake Up Call

With a heavy fist, Reign unleashed a barrage onto the door. The lock clicked and the knob jiggled open signaling its owner had arrived.

“It’s FIVE in the morning. F-I-V-E as in a very ungodly hour.” Leo’s unkept hair and dark eye bags spoke for themselves.

“I have early deliveries to make, now let me in. It’s important.”

“Like you got a chick pregnant or need me to hide a body?”

“Like you’ll have to bury my body as it rots.” Leo stepped aside letting Reign into the apartment.

Steam wafted from the coffee pot. Leo filled two mugs with coffee listening to Reign explain the situation. “Okay so let me get this right. You actually left incriminating information about a client on a phone you lost?”

“Yeah, do you have Adams's number? That guy looks like he’s ex-military or something. What if one of his guys picked it up and try to open it or turn me in?”

“I mean most people would give it to the host in case it’s some rich guy’s right? They’d want a reward so I doubt it’s stolen. Don’t you have a locator on it?”

“That’s a great idea for our profession! Why didn’t I think of that while disabling the d*mn gps?” Reign said rolling his eyes.

“And you tried calling it right?” Leo watched Reign dump heaps of sugar into his coffee.

“What. No" he dropped the spoon into the cup. Leo's face had disbelief written all over it.

"And why the h*ll not? Make my life more difficult," Leo grumbled whipping out his cell to dial the number. The dial tone rang once, then twice. Finally an answer.

"Hello?" A groggy tired voice answered. Leo's face lit up for a second before remembering the lost phone. He yanked Leo's cell phone out of his hand.

"Hello?”

“Hi,” the girl’s sleepy voice perked up.

“This is Reign. I'm sorry about the time. I believe you have my phone?"

"Ah, it's you! I'm sorry about the mix-up. Hold on and give me a second." Rubbing her tired eyes, June recognized the deep voice. She grabbed a pen and paper. "I called the security service and they said none of their regulars lost anything.” She yawned, “ I'm glad you called. My name's June by the way. I was the one who dropped the macaroons."

"How'd you know it was a security guard's phone?"

"How could I forget," she giggled, "Oh well you were the only one who'd come into the kitchen with a security uniform I mean. " Reign smiled at her laugh.

"Can I get an address? I can drop it off but you might have to wait until I get off work."

"That's fine but I live out in Crescent Cove. If it's too far I don't mind driving to meet you."

"Actually I'll be heading into town there tomorrow for work. How about we meet somewhere?"

"Sure. Does tomorrow at the cafe off of Woodrow work?"

"Okay, I'll be there at 3. Bye." The call ended.

"She's a sociopath. Wipe that stupid grin off your face." Leo grabbed his phone.

"Dude you should have seen her. She's so pretty." Reign took a sip, "What makes her a sociopath?"

"That chick was happy to answer the phone at this hour. A normal person would've cussed you out."

"Well, I guess I can find out tomorrow."

Leo leaned back in his chair.

"It's a good thing you dropped by. I forgot to tell you we're supposed to meet with everyone tonight."

"The club?"

"Same room and time."

"Then I'll see you after work. Thanks man."

Reign stretched, tired from sitting in the car most of the day. The sun had started to set. The parking lot was filled with cars and motorcycles. The neon glow of the lights lit the entrance of the bar. Loud music pounded from the first floor of the establishment. Reign walked up to the bouncer sidestepping the queue of partygoers. Being a regular with connections had its perks at times.

Bodies mingled on the dancefloor, a sea of tangled limbs to cross. Reign beelined for the elevator across the way. Stepping out of the elevator and into the hallway, the cityscape shone brilliantly in the darkening sky. The shadow of a staff member blocked the view.

"I have a reservation for room 3." Reign cleared his voice. The staff checked the names on the list before nodding to confirm, pointing down the hall to the familiar private lounge.

Leo nodded quietly, swirling a purple drink in his hand pretending to listen to his colleagues. Four other men sat around the glass table with drinks and women causing a ruckus.

"Look who decided to show up," Boris, a thin man in a suit with greasy hair mocked. His arms each holding a woman's waist.

"And I see someone who's lost their own priorities in a skirt or two. This is a business meeting, not your bedroom," The two women glared at Leo’s commentary.

"Cht-" Boris rolled his eyes.

"Evening Reign." Leo ignored Boris.

"Leo. Boris. Evening."

The two others, unsure of who to please mumbled a vague greeting.

"Have them wait downstairs." A deep voice entered the conversation. Kane motioned to his lackeys' companions with his chin.

Boris coughed."Look I'll make it up to you both after, my treat of course." The man's tone coaxed. The small group was sent away. The room fell into silence.

The group stood up and greeted the boss.

"I know it's not the end of the month, but I have something important to discuss. I’ve recently decided that the Vernon group is going to be collaborating with the Trumans.” Kane’s slow strides paced the room’s length holding everyone’s attention.

“But Boss, aren’t the Truman’s a gang filled with hitmen? I heard they might even have ties to the mafia?”

“Yeah, that’s not our specialty?”

A few members voiced their complaints. A change like this wasn’t one to take lightly. Kane stopped his pacing.

“Shut it!” Kane kicked the drink sitting on the low table. The glass flew toward the floor, followed by glass breaking. The men looked intently at their leader. “You fools. Don’t you see, working with the Trumans would open doors for us. Real opportunities for a small group like ours.” He gestured with his hands.

Money laundering was one thing, but this…. Reign watched the boss take out several thick packets and toss them to each member. He stared at the envelope intently.

“Are you asking for our opinion, or is working for them the only choice we have?” Reign finally spoke.

“I thought you of all people would understand. You want to only lend money, then work at the bank.” Kane sneered offended by the question.

“Holy sh-, this is… ” Boris counted the bills stuffed in the envelope. The others quickly opened theirs. The men laughed, a bit in disbelief at the advance.

“The bump in pay isn’t free boys. Make sure to treat our partners well. That’s all for now. I’ll contact you about our first gig when I get everything finalized. Don’t spend it all in one place.” Kane adjusted his collar, bidding his crew goodnight.

“Until the end of the month men. Reign, you got a minute?” Kane requested.

I shouldn't have said anything. Reign met his glaring eyes. Nodding, he bid Leo goodbye. The two walked out into the hall to talk.

“Reign, I was a bit surprised today. Why the hesitation.”

“You were caught off guard? Kane, are you serious about this? The consequences could-”

“Consequences?” Kane laughed, “I never really knew you to think something through. Besides, I know what I’m doing, do you?” Kane opened the elevator and stepped in.

“I expect your latest errand to be taken care of before we meet again. I have two members of the Truman group coming to help equip us. Keep an eye out.” The elevator doors shut hiding Kane’s hallowing blue-eye stare.

What did I get myself into?