CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

GREGORY WATCHED AS he stopped on the third floor. Had to wait, couldn't do anything...

Any attempt to learn the truth in an enclosed space would be very risky indeed, he thought, shrugging. What the hell are you up to, James?

I couldn't really do anything; he turned and headed for the restaurant opposite. However, always keeping his attention on the elevator, he knew that this was the only way out. He ordered a Coke and waited, watching the quiet regulars.

His cell phone rang and he heard the message:

— I'm sorry, Greg... our contact died...

Greg didn't imagine that the boy could withstand what he went through, even more involved with that kind of people, but he still wanted to know why the boy died, and that was what would make him closer to the truth.

A PLUMP, CURLY-HAIRED toddler playing at the nearest table, while her carefree young mother giggled and gesticulated excitedly into her cell phone.

The typical American, happy and unaware of the dangers that lie in wait for him. He got up and went to meet the child. The mother was still on her cell phone, her eyes turned towards a display case of extravagant clothes. The pretty little blue eyes fixed on him with a curious expression. Anyone passing by at that moment would see a young couple with their adorable child.

He crouched down, and watchful eyes followed his movements. Then the little hand reached out to him and, at the same time, a spontaneous smile, even more embellished by his incomplete teeth, appeared on his face, as he picked up the toy he had dropped.

The elevator bell rang.

The detective turned his head and saw the Senator walking towards the exit. He got up and with three more movements he was two meters away from the Senator.

The reporters, however, were there.

— Senator Hofma, please state your position on automatic weapons control.

— Gentlemen, what about my position on automatic weapons control?

— She is contrary to the interests of the people!

— But based on what? — His voice came out irritated — you claim that it is against the interests of the population?

Traffic flowed normally. Detective Gregory watched the black Cadillac pass by at very low speed...

— The people are against guns — the reporter insisted.

— Look here — Hofma looked as if he was going to jump on the man — the Constitution...

— Senator, get down! — shouted the man, throwing himself at Hofma, while the projectiles came from the black Cadillac, which at that moment was pulling away at full speed.

— You?! — Said the Senator trying to get up, while contemplating the face of the man who had saved his life again, recognizing him without his dark glasses broken on the floor.

— I got it all! — Exclaimed the cameraman to the completely pale reporter.

— He's hurt! — Shouted the Senator as he held the detective, noticing his bloody hands — He's hurt!

Gregory Evans looked at the curly-haired girl who was smiling at him as she was quickly pulled away into her mother's lap—after which everything went blank.