28. Chapter 28
Chapter twenty-eight
Remington
I need advice. I’m in desperate need of someone to talk to. Only one person comes to mind…my mentor and surrogate father, Lenny Goldman. He’s the one person I know I can trust with everything that’s happened.
Lenny taught a photography class I took when I was sixteen.
Afterward, he hired me as his assistant and taught me everything I know about my craft.
From how to develop film, to F-stops, shutter speeds, lens lengths, and apertures.
He taught me about the play of shadow and light and the patience of waiting for the perfect shot.
Once upon a time, he was also Israeli Mossad, although that information isn’t common knowledge.
My parents died when I was eighteen. With no children of their own, Lenny and his wife Annie ‘adopted’ me. Not legally, but in every way that matters they became my family.
Annie and Lenny had been married for forty-three years when she died from cancer three years ago. It almost destroyed Lenny, but it was a devastating loss for me too.
Lenny lives in a tight-knit Jewish community that sprang up around a beautiful temple.
It’s almost like the place is frozen in time.
I’ve been coming here since I was a teenager, and most people in the community know me.
When I’m not on the road, I stop by Lenny’s at least once a week, a tradition that started long ago.
After taking serious precautions to avoid being followed—including riding a city bus for the last leg of my journey—I walk to the store a couple doors down and pick up Lenny’s favorite beer.
It’s nearing lunchtime, so I also make a stop at Sal’s deli.
It’s a family business run by Sal, his wife, Estelle, and their son, Ezra.
As far as I’m concerned, Sal’s is the best deli in the free world.
After leaving Sal’s with sandwiches and homemade pickles—along with some rugelach and a chocolate babka to take home to Ricochet—I walk the short distance to Lenny’s.
His face lights up when he sees me. “RJ!” He hugs me.
With the sling on one arm and the bags in my other hand, I can’t hug him back, so instead, I kiss his cheek.
“I was starting to worry about you.”
“Did you miss me?”
He relieves me of my bags. “I missed the beer,” he teases. “What on earth happened to you?” he asks, ushering me inside, his concern evident.
“Long story.”
While we eat lunch, I tell him everything—my night with Colton, how Danny and I discovered the Consortium was buying and selling people, the murders I caught on film, Danny being shot, my capture and imprisonment, the torture I endured, being rescued by Colton, and my strange interrogation with the FBI.
I reveal my doubts that they were really FBI agents.
I tell him about the SEAL team, Ricochet living with me, and even the nightmares plaguing me.
Considering how much I unloaded on him, he takes it well. “That’s a lot of mindfuckery to unpack.” His worry is evident as he gently brushes my bruised cheek. “Are you alright?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I don’t know if I’m crazy or just being overly paranoid.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy. What you witnessed was real, and from what you’ve told me, the people involved with the Consortium are dangerous. I’d be more concerned if you weren’t paranoid.”
“Other than you, I don’t know who to trust. Can I trust Colton and his team?
And if I can, should I warn them about the Consortium?
Will that keep them safe or put them in danger too?
Even though I took precautions, I didn’t know if I should come here.
I can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you because of me. ”
He kisses my cheek and gives me a wry grin. “Don’t worry about me, honey. I still know how to take care of myself. Tell me more about this Colton fellow.”
“He’s beautiful. Protective. Sweet and kind. Has a good sense of humor.”
“You like this one.”
I nod. “I do. But it’s…complicated.”
“Most relationships are.”
“We’re not in a relationship.” I take in Lenny’s amused expression. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“I’ve waited a long time for you to find yourself someone you’d let stick around for more than a day or two.”
“Well, get used to disappointment. Colton and I missed our chance. We’re not together.” I try not to sound as sad as I feel.
“You never know. Don’t count him out just yet, honey.” His tone turns serious. “Have you developed the film?”
I shake my head. “It still hasn’t arrived from Venezuela. I’m scared, Lenny. How do I stay safe from something as big and powerful as the Consortium?”