Holden's Quest

By Chad Hagan

When a man's life is molded by the cartel, hw as only one option. Take it back and make them pay. Only thing standing in his way is the woman of his dreams. When she finds out his plan will she saty or go?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chad Hagan
• Release date: Mar 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869262011

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE PLAN

It was a typical southern mid-July night dark, quiet, hot, and humid. About 82 degrees with a humidity that wrapped you like a warm, damp blanket. It was midnight, and the streets were vacant. The atmosphere was heavy as if the night had foresight, and was waiting in anticipation of what was to come. The streets were unusually quiet. The type of quiet where the streets sounded like they were whispering to one another, as if they knew, same as the night, this would not last.

Suddenly as if rehearsed, a scream shattered the silent night. Rachel, a dancer at Club Foxtrot, had just finished her shift and exited the club to see one of her regulars. Mike, a tweaker who favored crystal meth, waiting for her and this time there was no bouncer around. The word, NO! was not in his vocabulary. As he grabbed her, she screamed again. Her breath left her lungs due to the wall slamming against her back. Rachel had come from a small farming community serval hours away. She had always been told she was a beautiful girl, 5’6", 135 pounds, blonde with blue eyes, dark tan skin, long legs, and curves in all the right places. She had a southern draw when she spoke that made her every man’s fantasy. Her driver licenses said she was 21, and her body said the same thing, but her baby face, innocent look, and childlike attitude said 16, maybe.

As Mike’s left forearm pressed against her throat, his right hand was tracing the curves of her body.

Please don’t, I’ve... was all she could manage with the air left in her.

J– just let I – it happen and... en-enjoy. "Mike claimed he was high again, extremely high. He started forcing kisses onto her innocent lips. Rachel tried to twist her head away from Mike, at the same time; she was hoping someone would be walking by. Unfortunately, she could not see nor hear any one, the only sound was an engine exhaust getting louder to her. At that moment, Mike grabbed her shirt and ripped it off exposing Rachel’s black lace bra. Mike stopped to admire his work; Rachel’s heart was pumping fast, her worse fear seemed to becoming true. Her chest was heaving in and out and Mike was getting aroused watching. Rachel closed her eyes, waiting for what was next, but the roar of the exhaust she heard was extremely loud now, and the sound was almost evil. She thought for a second; it was right beside her it was so loud, and then suddenly nothing. Rachel’s mind snapped back and realized Mike was rubbing his hands over her now fully exposed breast and pinching her nipples. As Rachel was inhaling to acquire enough oxygen to exhale one last scream and a fatigued movement to escape, the streets and the night went deathly silent.

You ladies are blocking my way. Said a voice very deep, hollow, and almost lifeless. Mike snapped his head to the left to see what had spoken these words. Mike was staring up the empty alley, all he could see was a dark black shadow, it resembled a man about 6’4, wide at the shoulders and narrowing at the waist. The shadow started moving closer; Mike could see what looked like a backpack in the shadows right hand.

I’m not asking again. The shadow spoke, still deep, hollow, and lifeless, but forcefully this time. Rachel was still looking at Mike; she could see fear in his eyes and could feel the strength release from his forearm that was against her throat as she started swallowing gulp after gulp of air.

Mike opened his mouth and was about to speak, but before a word could be vocalized; the shadow reached out with his left arm and grabbed Mike by the throat. The shadow then proceeded to try to insert Mike into the alley wall across from Rachel, who had now dropped to the ground, breathing hard and still scared. From Rachel’s viewing point, she noticed Mike’s feet about a foot of the ground and could hear gasps for air coming from Mike’s closed throat. After what seemed like minutes Rachel heard a sharp, snap and Mike’s limp body slammed against the ground, Rachel looked up and saw the shadow had now turned to face her.

Rachel closed her eyes knowing this was now her turn to lay limp and lifeless on the alley ground. As Rachel’s mind played out her own demise, she heard are you okay? Still deep and hallow but softer this time, almost with an air of concern. Rachel opened her eyes looking up to see the shadow had extended his left arm to help her up. As she was about to reach up to grab it, she looked over at a lifeless Mike, then back up to a hand that had the power to snap a man’s neck like a twig. Rachel grabbed the hand but it felt gentle, soft, caring, and very human. The shadow helped her to the rear of to the club. There, the only light in the alley, showed Rachel what the shadow was, a man. Rachel looked up and saw before her a 6’4", 240 pounds, built man. Arms like tree trunks, shoulders that looked like they could have carried the world, darker hair cut in a high and tight. He had a goatee and the bluest eyes she had ever seen. Much bluer then even her own. The body, hair, and eyes told her mid-twenties, but the face, scars, faded tattoos on his arm, said forties. The eyes that exhumed pure blue was lifeless no sparkle, no gleam. They were just there for one reason and one reason only, to take in everything they could.

As Rachel stood looking into those blue eyes, those blue eyes were looking at her and taking in everything but a gleam of gold caught their attention. It was the dim light reflecting off an old timey gold necklace, at the end was a pendant, a gold cross. As they took in every angle of the golden cross, Rachel, the alley, and the night faded into obscurity.

In its place, the alley transformed into a bedroom, hazy but cozy, clean, well kept. A bedroom filled with love, and a brunet, whose eyes were filled with life and love, replaced Rachel. They stared up from the bed she was laying in. Around her neck, a golden chain and at the end a golden cross. Her skin was the color of alabaster, her hair a dark brown almost black. Her eyes sparked as she gazed upward, her full lips started to part and soft spoken.

I love you with all my heart escaped her lips. After a pause, her lips parted again except this time a males voice exited the lips, James, James.

Suddenly the night the alley and Rachel was back in view. Rachel peered to her right another man she had not noticed stood in the alley next to Mike.

Mr. Edwards take him home, make sure he’s comfortable, and then come back. Rachel watched as Mr. Edwards picked up Mike’s body and carried it out of the alley.

The man in front of her spoke,

He’s ok just knocked out don’t worry. The voice still deep and hollow but comforting. Rachel had heard the snap, she knew Mike was not ok, but she did not say anything.

My name is James, James Holden, my associate Mr. Edward will make sure your ‘friend’ gets home. Mr. Jones will give _____.

My... my name is Rachel. Rachel stumbled finally finding the words.

Mr. Jones please gives Rachel my card. As he knocked twice on the rear door of the club, Rachel looked behind James and saw another man African- American who had a similar physical as James but not nearly as big, holding a white business card. Rachel reached out her hand still trembling, and took the card.

The rear club door opened Rondo, one of the bouncers peered thru a small crack at the two men, nodded, and opened it the rest of the way. Rachel started walking out of the alley, about three – quarter way out she heard James voice.

Rachel she stopped instantly. I’ll be seeing you Rachel turned and gave all three men a scared half-heated smile, and watched as James and Mr. Jones walked in the door and, as soon as the door closed and she heard it lock, Rachel turned and ran the rest of the way out of the alley.

Inside the club was what one would expect, the air filled with smoke, loud music, scantily clad girls walking around while one particular girl was on the stage well built body. The whole atmosphere penetrated your nostrils with stale smoke, cheap alcohol, and sex. The club was exceptionally busy tonight especially for a weeknight.

Rondo led the two men thru the club. As the two walked thru the club, their eyes darted back and forth taken in the whole establishment, not looking at the girls, but the bouncers, one standing on either side of the bar, that’s two, Rondo in front, three, and one beside the stage floor. Rondo led them to the far back part of the club to a door guarded by another bouncer, five. Rondo opened the door and led the men into a hall with 3 doors on the right side, first door girls dressing room, second one restroom, the third door Rondo paused and knocked.

Yes? came a voice from behind the door.

Mr. Holden is here, Rondo, answered back.

Come in came the voice a second time, Rondo opened the door and motioned the two men in. Mr. Holden followed by Mr. Jones then walked thru the door into an office, and then Rondo turned and shut the door behind them.

In the office was a file cabinet, a mini bar stocked with bourbon and tequila, in the center was a desk and behind the desk sat the owner of the club, leader of the Diablo Syndicate and member of the Sinaloa Cartel, Jose Guillen.

Mr. Holden, to what do I owe the visit Jose asked in his best-broken English.

Business, Jose, always business James answered in his deep hollow tone.

Well, James, like last time we talked the club is not for sale, so unless you want to go on stage and dance, we have nothing to talk about. Jose spoke in his most sarcastic tone, Jose was cocky, arrogant he knew whom he was part of and no one would mess with him. Club Foxtrot was a front for the cartel, away to legalize their presence, the community, the town, and the police knew it was a front but no one would interfere with cartel business, except one, James Holden.

Look Jose how about we have a drink, a friendly conversation talk a little business and if we can’t come to agreement no harm. James added in a less hollow tone, but only slightly. James knew Jose did not need much of a reason to drink. Therefore, when Jose agreed it was not a surprise.

Rondo pour drinks for our guest. Jose ordered pointing to the mini bar. Rondo walked over to the bar and looked at Mr. Jones.

Bourbon straight please. Mr. Jones said.

Tequila please, James answered.

Ah, I think I’ll join Mr. Holden. Rondo poured the drinks and handed each men his glass then walking back to his spot by the door to observe the two guests.

Jose how about a smoke? James asked reaching into his backpack. At which Rondo started moving forward, at that point Jose waved him off and agreed to the friendly gesture. James reached in and pulled out two Cuban cigars, handed one to Jose.

Please, have a seat. Jose said pointing to a chair across the desk in front of him. James nodded and took a seat. Both men lit their cigars and took a long puff exhaling smoke about their heads. It was now one fifteen am. James knew the club closed at two.

A toast to friendship Jose boasted.

Yes to true friendship answered James. Jose smiled and they clicked glasses. The two men sat, joked, and talked about the town, the police, the girls, life in general. Every so often James could hear a few of the girls going into the dressing rooms, changing, and leaving he knew the club would soon be empty. Jose ordered Rondo to pour him another double. Rondo complied then looked at Mr. Jones who shook his head no still holding the first drink in his hand untouched, but James agreed to another. Still more girls came and went. Jose ordered another round, Rondo poured him another double, looked over a Mr. Jones still holding his original drink still untouched, even James nodded no this time.

It had been a few minutes since any of the girls had come in to change. About this time, Mr. Jones placed his left hand on James’s right shoulder.

Ah, yes, Jose. Once again I must ask, I have 250,000 dollars in this backpack, so backpack for the club? James said has he exhaled another cloud of smoke from the cigar. Jose eyes widened as he motioned to Rondo, Rondo walked over and retrieved the backpack placed it on the desk and opened it. Inside were stacks of 100 dollar bills, 250,000 dollars all total. Rondo looked at Jose, grinned, and nodded.

James you are one crazy son of a bitch to walk into my club unarmed carrying that much money. Jose proclaimed leaning back in his chair. Jose looked at Rondo as his smirk disappeared from his face and nodded. At that moment Rondo pulled a 9mm from his waistband and pointed it at the two men, neither one of them flinched.

Sacalos y matalos Jose commanded.

Si said Rondo, waving the gun towards the door James and Mr. Jones opened the door and walked into the hallway, James stopped.

Last chance Jose proclaimed James.

Mueuete. Rondo said pushing the gun barrel into James’ back. James walked into the hallway followed by Rondo who closed the door behind him. The three men started walking towards the other door.

This your big plan, asked Mr. Jones.

Yepper smiled James. Once at the door, Mr. Jones opened it and walked thru followed by James, then Rondo. Once Rondo walked thru the door he felt a sharp pain on the back of his head and instantly fell to the ground. James and Mr. Jones turned quickly.

Glad you made it back Mr. Edwards, James said with a nod.

Wouldn’t miss it for anything added Mr. Edwards. James turned to view the rest of the club, standing next to every bouncer was one of his own men holding a weapon of their own pointed at Jose’s men; standing in the center of the club another 20 men all holding weapons, James men. 

Mr. Jones if you would, please gather the weapon from the ground and kindly go ask Mr. Guillen to join us ordered James. Mr. Jones retrieved the pistol on the floor lying in front of Rondo and started walking down the hallway towards the office door. 

In the office, Jose was counting the money from the backpack and sipping on his tequila smiling. Suddenly the cheerful moment was disturbed by a forceful knock at the door.

Si asked Jose, the doorknob started to turn and the door pushed opened. In the doorway was Mr. Jones holding a pistol towards Jose.

Mr. Holden has requested your attendance. Proclaimed Mr. Jones. Jose’s smirk completely disappeared from his face. Jose grabbed his glass and shot the rest down in one drink. He then walked around his desk towards Mr. Jones; Mr. Jones took a step to the side to allow him access to the hallway. Jose took a step into the hallway while looking straight at Mr. Jones. He stood there for a few seconds staring at Mr. Jones. The door at the other end was open, but Jose could not see anyone in the club even Rondo who had been lying on the floor a few feet in front of the door was no longer there. Jose slowly turned and started walking down the hallway once he got to the door he stopped. The club was supposed to be empty except his men.

As Jose stood there looking over his club, twenty-five armed men stood in the center and sitting in the middle right up front was, James Holden. Jose took a couple more steps into the club he could see his five men lying face down on their stomach with their hands zip tied behind them. They were laying in a perfect straight line up on the stage as if they were on display.

Oh Jose, we could have had a good partnership, but no, you had to do it the hard way James scolded with a disappointing look on his face.

James my friend... started Jose.

No, no to late Jose now we do it my way. Mr. Edwards, Mr. Clemens, please go to Mr. Guillen’s office and retrieve the three glasses, the cigars, the backpack, and search for any weapons that might be in there. Ordered James.

Yes, sir snapped the two men. They briskly walked past Jose and Mr. Jones down the hallway to the office. Jose stood there looking at the armed men. They all had a muscular build standing tall; they all knew how to handle a weapon, and obviously an enemy. Military, all ex-military, their ages appeared to range from late twenties to late thirties. James stood up walked over to Jose. James was at least six inches taller and a whole lot wider then Jose, but Jose stared James dead in his eyes.

Jose, you’re going to call your men and tell them that there is an emergency meeting at the club and they have 30 minutes to get here. Exclaimed James.

You know we are Sinaloa Cartel, boasted Jose.

No, you’re Sinaloa Cartel, and only you. Your men are Diablo Syndicate, about 15 if my estimate is correct; I don’t care about the street dealers just your shot caller, so call them NOW. James forcefully ordered. Jose started to reach for his phone, which was in his front pocket, the whole time thinking how does a man that no one ever heard of knows everything about his business, his men and his connections. Jose pulled his phone from his pocket and started dialing. While Jose was making phone calls, Mr. Clemens and Mr. Edwards returned from the office. Mr. Clemens was carrying the backpack and a separate white trash bag containing the glasses and cigars. Mr. Clemens walked up to James handed first the backpack then the white trash bag. Just as Jose made his last call. Mr. Edwards walked through the door; he had an AR-15 slung over his shoulder. A pair of 1911.45 calibers Colt Pistol. James placed the backpack and trash bag on a table that was beside him. Mr. Edwards raised the pistol handing them to James; James grabbed 0ne in each hand, the one in his right hand he placed on the table. With his now free hand, he took his thumb and released the magazine. As the magazine released, he grabbed it with his right hand making sure it was loaded. James then slide the magazine back into the pistol. Reached around his back and placed it in his waistband. With his left hand, he picked up the pistol on the table, with his right hand released the magazine, and looked at another full magazine. Replacing the magazine in the pistol, with is now free right hand unzipped the backpack and placed the second pistol in, and then zipped it back.

Mr. Edwards did you find anything else in the office? asked James.

About a million in cash packed in a box and ready to be shipped south is my guess, replied Mr. Edwards.

Mr. Edwards please bring the box to me, and Mr. Jones, Mr. Clemens please take our guest to the stage, place him. James pointing at Jose.

Mr. Edwards had already returned with the box of money, and Jose was sitting uncomfortably in the chair on stage. As each member of the Diablo Syndicate showed up one of James men, who then proceeded to pat them down and remove any weapons that was found greeted them. As each member was escorted into the club, a look of shock and confusion entered their faces. Each one was staring at Jose detained on stage with his men lying around him. As the last member arrived, James walked over climbed up on stage, now standing right beside Jose.  

Well, fifteen exactly, my estimates were correct, stated James. Mr. Edwards would you be so kind as to translate for me please asked James. Mr. Edwards just nodded. Mr. Edwards had spent 6 years in Columbia; he had learned the language and had been a translator while there.

My name is Mr. Holden and as you can see Mr. Guillen and I have negotiated for his business, and I won. So starting now Club Foxtrot and all Diablo Syndicate business belongs to me. The reason I asked for all of you to be here was to inform you of the take over and ask you to join our organization. Mr. Edwards repeated James’s words exactly as he spoke them. There was a murmur from the members of the Syndicate.

Oh and there will be, let’s call it, a sign on bonus if you agree, added James. Mr. Edwards repeated as one of the members stood up.

Que pasa si no estamos de acuerdo? asked one of the members. Mr. Edwards looked up at James.

He wanted to know what if they don’t agree translated Mr. Edwards. James reached behind him grabbing the chrome pistol with his right pulling it from his waistband holding it at his side.

Is there anyone here that doesn’t agree? asked James. Mr. Edward translated starring directly at the standing man. Before anyone else could answer, Jose spoke up.

I do not agree and the people I work for will not agree, yelled Jose but before he could continue James raised his right hand, pointed the pistol at Jose head, and pulled the trigger. The shot echoed through the club as the rest of the men just stood in silence displaying shock and awe on their faces.

Anyone else disagrees with the business arrangement? asked James and translated by Mr. Edwards. The crowd was silent, not even a murmur was heard.

Good, now down to business exclaimed James. As James laid out his business plan to everyone, they found out that Mr. Edwards would be running the club, and every member of the Diablo Syndicate would answer to him. For the most part, they would operate like normal, except James wanted them to start expanding their territory, start going into neighborhoods controlled by other dealers. For their loyalty and effort, their percentage of the money would increase. As Mr. Edward started translating, the next part the men started talking to each other and the mood lightened, but only a little. Mr. Edwards started explaining that every man in there would receive twenty thousand dollars, but upon accepting this money the men would agree to work for Mr. Holden and report to Mr. Edwards. When given an order they must carry it out to the letter without hesitation or questions. James then pointed to Mr. Jones who then opened the box containing the money. Then men started talking louder as James was showing his honesty to the men. Their enjoyment was silenced as Mr. Edwards explained that if a man showed dishonest or lied, or turn on Mr. Holden that the punishment was death and no place on earth would be safe for them. If they agreed to the terms, all they had to do was walk over to Mr. Jones who would hand them their money, then retrieve their weapon, and were free to leave and start working like business as usual.

Three men stood up and started walking over to Mr. Jones; all three looked younger than the rest of the men. Mr. Jones handed each man twenty thousand dollars, then the men walked over to Mr. Edwards and said mi lealtad miconfianza, mi vid ate perftenece. Mr. Edwards translated My Loyalty, my trust, my life belongs to you!

James smiled and waved his left hand for them to retrieve their weapon and leave, which each man did. The remaining twelve men of the Diablo Syndicate stood, one by one walked over to Mr. Jones for their money, then to Mr. Edwards and repeated  Mi lealtad , mi confianza, mi vid ate pertenece! After that, they retrieved their weapons and walked out. As the last member, left James walked off the stage.

Gentleman you also get twenty thousand dollars and my thanks for a job well done tonight. I would suggest when you leave to keep your eyes open; you never know which one of our new business associates didn’t mean their recent pledge. Mr. Jones, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Clemens could you stay please, James stated.

As each of his men was handed money they all walked up to James stuck their hands out and thanked him then left the club. It seemed their new business associates had left because the ally was empty and men left without any hassle. Mr. Edwards walked up on stage to where the bouncers were tied up and feed them, then told them to go get their money and leave, but only if they agreed to the deal. Each man agreed and retrieved their stack and departed.

You know there is going to be consequences now that Jose is dead, stated Mr. Jones.

Good, I need the cartels attention, answered James.

Well, you’ve got it now hope your prepared responded Mr. Jones.

Mr. Clemens grabbed twenty-five thousand from the box and please dispose of Jose’s body; I’ll leave the process to you. Mr. Edwards twenty- five thousand to you and your new club. Mr. Jones, twenty-five thousand to you," James stated as he was walking over and grabbed the back pack with the two hundred thousand in cash and the second pistol, he placed the pistol he was holding in the backpack and the remaining twenty five thousand and re-zipped it, turned and looked at Mr. Jones.

I’m hungry, let’s get some breakfast, chuckled James.

Mr. Clemens had already walked over to the body and was taking care of that. James and Mr. Jones walked out the back door. Mr. Edwards stood in the middle of the club.

I always wanted to run a business, shaking his head.

Kathy had worked at the Metro diner for four months when her divorce was finalized. Her divorce had been a nasty one, since her ex had the money and the connections in the town he had taken almost everything. All she had was the clothes on her back and her kids, which she shared custody with the ex. Kathy was a pretty woman with auburn hair and hazel eyes, thirty-eight, five foot seven inches tall, nice body about 140 pounds. In the past year she hadn’t had a lot to smile about but things were changing for her and each morning she smiled for a couple of hours. Kathy had her favorite customer that came in and ate breakfast at the diner every morning alone, he never really flirted or said anything out of the way. However, he likes to make her laugh. She still did not know his name or anything really about him except she always felt better after seeing him. As Kathy’s day was starting, she had no idea how different it was going to be. She walked to the front door to unlock it and turn on the open sign. She heard a loud rumble coming from down the road. As she stood there looking she noticed two custom motorcycles cruising into the parking lot. As the riders parked and dis-mounted, Kathy watched as they removed their helmets. She did not know one of the men, but started smiling as she recognized her favorite customer. Kathy turned to walk back to the counter letting the cook know he had customers and to start up the grill. The smile on her face spoke louder than any words ever could.

The door opened and James walked through followed by Mr. Jones, making their way over to a table and placing their helmets in chairs and sitting down opposite of one another.

You know you made a lot of waves tonight, hope you’re ready for what’s to come, stated Mr. Edwards.

Robert, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time and we have been playing by the rules. Yes, we have bent a few, but now we are going to shatter them and make new ones. It’s time for change! replied James with a smile.

What can I get you guys to drink? asked Kathy walking up to the table. Her hazel eyes never leaving James’s face.

Coffee, replied Robert.

How are you doing this morning? asked James.

I’m doing well now? Kathy smiled with strong interest.

And how about the girls? added James.

Their doing great should be getting ready for daycare right now! Kathy could not help but smile when he asked her about her girls.

Darling, I’ll take my usual added James.

Ok, and for you sir? asked Kathy looking at Robert.

I’ll just have the same as him, replied Robert.

Well this is a change, in four months you have called me ma’am or Kathy and always here by yourself. But, today you bring a friend and call me darling? questions Kathy.

‘I’ll get your order right in," Kathy turned to walk away as James follows her with his eyes. As Kathy turns the corner, she glances back and catches his smile.

Robert was shaking his head and smirking at James.

What asked James?

I’ve been with you for four years now and I have never seen you look at a women yet alone smile and flirt with one, replied Robert.

Well she’s different, I don’t know how, but she seems that way, added James.

I’ve got to hit the restroom, I’ll be right back, James announced as he stood up and started walking to the back of the diner.

Here you guys go two coffees and two old timer breakfast platters. Is there anything else I can get you? Kathy asked.

No, guess that will do it, Replied Robert.

But, I’ve got to say that you must be really different for James to act like this, Robert stumbled while sipping his coffee.

Well I must be because I never knew his name until now, replied Kathy.

Oh, I’m sorry, I thought, never mind I’m just happy to see him smile after all these years, smiled Robert.

Before Kathy could ask, James returned to the table and took his seat.

Wow Kathy, everything looks amazing interrupted James.

If you all need anything else JAMES, just ask, smiled Kathy.

James just gave her a smile. Kathy turned and walked away and by this time, other customers had come into the diner and sat down.

The two men enjoyed breakfast and talked over the results of the night, how they were going to handle anything that came out of it. Occasionally a few laughs could be heard coming from the table. Periodically, Kathy would come over, refill their coffee, with a constant eye connection, and smile between her and James.

What’s the plan now? asked Robert.

First get with Edwards and tell him to call a few of our guys to be bouncers, pack heavy, but be discreet. Then call all the club employees and tell them to com ein early so Edwards can talk to them. Next, contact our people in Detroit, tell them the pipeline is now open, and make the arrangements. As a precaution tell everyone to keep their eyes and ears open, the only thing I don’t know is how fast the cartel or police will respond, explained James.

And what about you? asked Robert.

I’m headed to the shop to make sure it’s still running good, return my money to the bank. Since we have some working money, I’m going recruiting but first... stopped James, smiling as he noticed Kathy walking to the table.

Can I get you fella’s anything else before you go? asked Kathy.

I’m good, Thank you! answered Robert.

Just the check, put it all on one, my treat, smiled James at Robert.

Then added as he turned to Kathy Since you’re off tomorrow, I’ll need your address, that way I know where to pick you up for dinner at 8pm tonight!

Robert quickly turned his head and stared at James in disbelief.

I’ll be right back with your check. Kathy barely got out with a smile and her face turning a light shade of red. She quickly turned and walked away.

Well, I guess this is a day of changes and thanks for breakfast. I’ll call you when I have all the details. Robert said with a chuckle and a smile.

Ok, sounds good, tell Edwards we will meet at the club around five to discuss things. James reminded him.

Robert stood from the table, reached out his hand to shake James hand with a firm grip, and turned to walk outside to the