Read Paradise - Part Four (The Erotic Adventures of Sophia Durant) for Free Online

activities for some time in relation to his business dealings. But that is another matter entirely and we’ll get into that at a later date.”
    “His business dealings?”
    “Yes. Would you happen to know anything about Mr. Stafford’s business? Are you aware of what he does for a living? How he’s amassed his staggering fortune?”
    “All I know is he’s got a hedge fund. I don’t even really know much about that.”
    “We believe the hedge fund is just a front.”
    “Like a cover…for something else?” I pretended naïveté.
    “Yes. But, like I said, we’ll come to that later.”
    “What do you want me to do?”
    “We’re trying to gather more information on Mark Stafford. We’ve come to a juncture—a point in our investigation where we’ve realized we need someone on the inside. We’re aware of a relationship that goes beyond typical employer-employee status between the two of you and we felt you were best positioned among all in his sphere to perform this special task for us. In regards to the recent deaths, you’d be doing it not only for Uncle Sam, but also for the families of the deceased. As to the other business—regarding his dealings—that would be in the national interest. Quite possibly a matter of national security.”
    “National security?”
    “I know it’s a lot to absorb all at once. You’ll need time to consider. But it needs to happen fast.”
    “Is he some kind of suspected terrorist?”
    “No. Not really. But this you must keep a secret. Do I have your word?”
    “Of course. I’m not a talkative person to begin with.”
    “Good. I’ve been cleared by my superiors to speak to you about it. Mr. Stafford is suspected of illicit arms trading overseas. In fact, that’s most likely how he amassed his multibillion dollar fortune. This is a matter of national security.”
    Ironic, I thought, that the FBI would be the ones to clear that up for me.
    “I got it. I won’t repeat it. The thought is a little scary, to be honest with you,” I lied.
    I couldn’t believe the irony of the fact that they suspected Stafford of the murders and were coming to me about it. I would enjoy considering the multitude of options now laid out before me as to how I could play the FBI and Stafford off each other.
    “I’m glad you are receptive to the need for secrecy. I’m also glad for the fact that you would possibly be willing to work with us. As an informant, you would be compensated. Although the compensation would be modest, you might derive satisfaction from the fact that you have it within your reach to make a significant improvement in the world by helping us.”
    “So Stafford may be a big underworld boss?”
    “Yes. It is highly likely.”
    A buzz erupted in his pocket. He took out a Blackberry and read a message on it.
    “I must be going. I want you to give what we have discussed some serious thought and get back to me once you have decided what you would like to do.”
    He slipped me a card across the table.
    “Here’s my number. Call me once you have considered.”
    With that the small, odd man got up and left the table. I began to smile but immediately suppressed it on the thought that I was possibly being watched by someone else after he left.
    Before leaving I looked at the card with the phone number one last time only half-believing this turn in fortune was real. Though I at least didn’t seem to be the focus of the investigation it still felt like the first prick in the bubble that life had become. I would have to live by my wits again if only a little. In the Cayenne I rolled a joint out of some Sativa I had stashed in the dash. Rolling along Queen’s Highway on cloud nine from the weed smoke I considered the various options on the table.
    One—away from all electronic devices I could tell Stafford of my encounter with Bert, our conversation over coffee, and his suspicions. I didn’t feel I owed Stafford that kind of loyalty mainly because he didn’t confide in me