Doesn’t mean I believe it.
“Maybe,” Gabriel says.
“You don’t agree?”
“Based on what I observed today, I don’t think we’re working with the whole picture.”
“What did you say you did before this?”
“Military intelligence.”
“Ah, that’s right.” I knew he was military. It was his whole picture gambit that had me asking. “Why’d you leave?”
“Same as you. Family matters.”
His clipped tone tells me that’s as far as we’re touching the topic.
“Alright. I’ve turned around, heading back to Alicia’s.”
“Copy that. FYI, it appears her ex is following her home. But he lives nearby. I’ll text if he pulls up. I won’t leave until you arrive.”
“It was that tense?”
“Tense enough.”
“Copy that,” I answer, and press down harder on the accelerator.
Minutes after the call ends, my father’s name flashes.
I answer with, “Hey Dad.”
“What are you up to?”
“Driving.”
“I won’t keep you long. Wanted to see if you might be home this weekend. Roger’s son is in town. He’s hiring, and he likes vets. His company is doing well. An IPO within the next three to five years is reasonable. Would be a good time to join.”
“I don’t think I’ll be headed home this weekend, Dad.”
“Working seven days a week in a job with no future?”
“The project’s intensifying.”
“You’re going to get burnt out making someone else rich.”
“It’s not all work. I’ve got a date Friday night.”
“Really?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
“What’s she like?”
“I tell you what,” I adjust the rearview after catching sight of a green SUV that turned off the exit when I did. “I’ll tell you all about it if the date goes well.”
“That’s fair. Surprised you mentioned it at all. I guess I’ll talk to you on Sunday.”
He ends the call without waiting for a response, as is his way.