I tried his favorite baseball cap, placing it right under the flap. I put a fresh tape in the hidden video cam.
But as soon as I did it, I felt guilty.
I have to trust him, I told myself. Trust the man. Heās never lied to me. Heās always been faithful. Always been honest. Heās told you that this Mark Fitzgerald thing is done. Believe him!
Sometimes Iām such an ass.
I punched in the Detective's phone number on my cellphone.
"Youāve reached the offices of..." Damnit.
I clear my throat, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Mr. -- Detective Ortiz, this is Eric Lewis....listen, I'm not going to need your services anymore. I think the man that was following Andrew McKinley is no -- is not really the problem I thought he was. I had a meeting with Mr. McKinley -- and I think he's out of danger. I don't think any of us have to worry about Mark Fitzgerald anymore. Give me a call so we can settle the account. Thanks, I'll speak to you soon. "
I had just closed the door to my office when someone knocked and walked in. Greg???
"Donāt you know how to wait?" I dislike very few people, but Greg gets the prize for being on my shit list."
"Hi Eric, sorry to bother you at work, but I wanted to apologize about asking Drew -- to ask you -- to see my friend, Mike. It was stupid, I should have called you myself."
I shrug it off. Why the hell is he here?
"No problem, Greg. I'm seeing Mike.... sometime this week I think." This guy makes my skin crawl. Donāt make me make small talk. "Anything else, Greg? I'm kind of busy..."
"Uh, did Drew tell you I was moving soon?"
"No, he didn't. Good for you. Well, if you'll excuse me, I--" He pointed to the video on my coffee table.
"Throwing out your dirty videos at work, Eric?"
"What?" I asked, panicked; but I laughed anyway. "Hahahahaha, very funny, Greg. Nawww, they're just some old patient -- you know, struggling actor, looking for work...I'm really late for -- "
My intercom buzzed with my assistant.
"Dr. Lewis, Mr. Raymond here to see you. He was referred by Dr. Gardiner. "
"Iāll be right there. Greg, you'll show yourself out?"
"Sure, you go ahead. Thanks again, Eric."
"See you, Greg..."
