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tonight ever happened. Seeing the Captain again is a punch in the gut, being charged then not charged for a crime is a kick in the face, and the whole Tony thing is messing with my head. The only thing keeping me here is curiosity. You don’t make Captain by being a push over. He’s up to something and dammit I am curious and just a tad pissed. More than anything, I feel a presence, it’s hidden right now, but it’s there watching me, and I need to find the source.
    “The attorney is here? Does he know I’m free to go?” I ask politely
    “He is, and he does. Do you want to speak with him?” asks the Captain
    “Yes. I also need my cell returned. Your officer took it out of my pocket and I need it. Oh and Captain? Don’t worry yourself about the company I keep. They’ve been my family for years, and you know how I feel about my family,”
    The Captain nods and opens the door to allow him in.
    “Ms. Cross ,I’m Julian Perret, Mr. Gallo’s representation, and now yours. You are free to go, Ms. Cross. Mr. Gallo is waiting for you back at the club, and has a driver here for you to use at your disposal,” he says smoothly.
    “Thank you, Mr. Perret. Once I get my cell back, I’m going to call him, and let him know I’ll be there after I speak with the Captain. He’s um…well, I’ve known him since I was a kid, and I told him I’d have a cup before I go. I haven’t seen him since…in a long time. Then I’ll head back to the club and meet up with Tony after I settle a few things here, ” I say with a bite. I’ll do what I want, when I want to do it.
    “If that is your wish, Ms. Cross. As your representation, I advise you to take care of matters and then leave,” he says.
    “I don’t want to be here any longer than necessary, you can bet your ass on that. I’m going to let the Captain know that, and then I’ll be in that car. Do you need to wait for me?” I ask.
    “We trust you implicitly, Ms. Cross. Call Mr. Gallo. I’m sure he’ll be pleased to hear the news,” he says.
    “Thanks, I will,” I say heading toward the door. Just as I turn to leave I say quietly, “Mr. Perret, I want to apologize for disrupting your night, but thank you for being here.”
    “Ms. Cross, Mr. Gallo was quite adamant that I be here for you in his stead. Any friend of his is a friend of mine. For him to even ask me to be here on your behalf speaks volumes. And in this case, I am happy to deliver. The DPD has a lot to answer for regarding this stunt. Between you and I? They’ve made some very powerful enemies tonight. We’ll talk soon. Here’s my card, and if you need my help, use it. Until we meet again. Goodnight,” he says.
    “Goodnight,” I say, taking his card.
    Wishing I could be anywhere but here, I gather what’s left of my courage and head toward the Captain’s office. I swear to you it was just like yesterday that I was here. It hasn’t changed a bit. It looks the same, and even smells the same. The only notable difference is that the Captain has more pictures on his desk since my last visit. I look over and see the photos of Gary and I, when we spent our summers up at Lake Michigan, playing in the dunes together. We would race our quads, and sneak out at night to swim. He was my best friend then, before everything went to shit.
    Suddenly sad, I remember all over again those I left behind. I set the photo down with care, wishing my life was different. That I was normal. I wonder if the Captain was right, and that my dad wouldn’t be proud of me. Exhausted and heart sick, I sit in the hard plastic chair and prepare to call Tony while I wait for what’s coming. I’m not getting out of here that easily, I know it.
    Dialing Tony from the Cap’s office phone, I’ll admit I’m a little nervous. Why the sudden interest? The attorney? The touching?
    “Venessa? You’re alright?” he answers on the first ring which is spooky. How does he even know it’s me? I swear he’s always one step ahead. But as