Page 10 of Mission: Possible

"Have you worked for them a long time?"

"Many times for Austen. I used to be a police officer in Mexico. Construction here has a higher life expectancy." He gave me a rueful grin that added even more charm to his rugged face. "Thanks to Austen, I can give my family a good life in this country."

He pulled the door closed behind us and locked it. "You can call me anytime if you want to stop by again. I'm not sure what Austen has you doing but it seems urgent to him and I also know he thinks there's something suspicious about Sophie's fall."

"What do you think?" I asked.

"It's troubling me," he said after a long pause. "Plus, the more I analyze it, how could her head be injured at the back when she landed on her front?"

I agreed that was a very good question and we shook hands. We both got into our vehicles and just as I was about to start the ignition, my cellphone rang.

"Hey," I said, lightness filling me as I heard Solomon's voice.

"I know you took off for the day but I need a favor," he said. "Can you come by the office?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"A client just paid me in cash and I don't want to leave it in the safe. I need to meet another client right away; otherwise I'd take it to the bank myself."

"I'll take it there on my way home," I said. "I'm in Bedford Hills so I won't be too long."

"I'll wait in the parking lot so you can just grab it and go. What are you doing in Bedford Hills?"

"I'll explain later. Love you."

"Love you more."

I started the engine and just as I pulled out, stomped on the brake. The shiny, new truck barreled past me and burned rubber out the driveway with a squeal of tires. I glanced at Manny but he was shaking his head. "Who was that?" I asked, pulling alongside him.

"Zach Gallo, Sophie's brother," he said, leaning down to speak through my window.

"Must be in an awful hurry," I said, shaking my head. I edged out again, extra careful this time, and Manny followed me out the driveway in his own truck. After a few blocks, he turned and I drove to the office, lost in thought. I had the horrible feeling Austen might be right; his wife's fall was looking less like an accident and more like a poorly disguised attack.

Chapter Three

"You are a lifesaver," said Solomon as he leaned into the passenger side of my car and deposited the small, black backpack on the seat.

"So I’ve been told," I agreed. "How much is in the bag?"

"Ten thousand dollars. Why the client refused to pay by bank transfer will have to remain one of life's enduring mysteries."

"At least they didn't pay you in quarters. I'll deposit it, and then I'm heading home. I think I see pizza and a movie in my near future."

"I might be late. You should start without me."

"I plan to. Pizza waits for no man and Monty's is featuring a garlic bread special all month." I decided exactly what I wanted during cobra pose in yoga, with Poppy draped over my back. I was already salivating at the thought and even the brief investigation into the Takahashi incident couldn't put me off. All I needed to do now was pick the movie on Netflix and choose between my unicorn or raccoon pajamas. Tough choices but I practiced often and hard for these life moments.

"I'll pick up extra," said Solomon before blowing me a kiss. I pretended to catch it and waved goodbye as he shut the door with the parting words, "You really need to buy a new car."

The nearest branch of First Eastern Bank was only a couple of blocks from the agency but since it was currently undergoing some renovation work, I headed to the main branch downtown. I had to circle the block a couple of times to find a parking space close by. No way did I feel comfortable walking around with ten grand in a backpack on me. Slinging the strap over my shoulder, I tucked it securely under my arm as I stepped onto the sidewalk. After feeding the meter a whole clutch of coins, I jogged to the other end of the block.

The bank occupied a beautiful, old, brick building. The carved wooden doors were ten feet tall and permanently propped open during business hours, reinforced by the glass security doors a little further into the entry. Inside, many of the original features remained, a testament to the beautiful craftsmanship of Montgomery's early years. The floors retained the intricate tile work, wood paneling lined the walls and the ceiling was home to a beautiful fresco and cornice work. The newer parts were evident in the tellers' wood and glass cages and the ATMs that were recessed into the walls.

I stepped past the "wet floor" sign, and joined the queue for the tellers. To pass the time, I played a game on my phone, occasionally glancing up at the old clock high on the wall. I figured I had just enough time to get to the front and make the deposit before the bank announced it was closing time.

"Mom! I don't wanna wait!"

I glanced behind me at the kid tugging on his mom's sleeve and smiled at her sympathetically when she let out an exasperated sigh.