“I’m going out of the country for about a week… if not longer.”
I frowned in confusion. “A week?”
“Some things I need to handle…personalthings.”
He emphasized the wordpersonaljust enough for me to notice.
I placed my elbows on the desk, in concern. “Everything good?”
Alejandro gave a small nod. “Hopefully.”
That answer didn’t sit right with me.
“But nothing for you to worry about,” he added quickly. “I need you to hold things down while I’m gone. You think you can handle that.”
Of course I could. Still, something felt off.
Alejandro disappearing for a day or two wasn’t unusual. But going out of the country for a full week? Without me? Nah, that part didn’t add up. Not to mention, he had been moving a little differently lately. He had been quieter and always seemed to be deep in his thoughts.
“Of course. I got you.”
“I’m sure of that. While I’m gone, you’ll have access to a few things you normally don’t.”
That got my attention.
He began explaining codes, backup contacts, routes that weren’t written down anywhere, emergency accounts… basically, information he’d never shared before.
I memorized every word.
“And Damari… if for some reason I don’t return, there’s a safe behind the panel in my office. You open it, and inside you’ll find instructions.”
That made my jaw tighten immediately, not in anger, but worry.
“Yes, sir. But look, Alejandro, I know you don’t like repeating yourself, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t ask, so I’m askinganyway. Are you in some kind of danger that I should know about?”
Alejandro chuckled softly. “If I was in danger,youwould know about it. But I appreciate your concern; that’s exactly why I made you my right hand… well,onereason. You notice things.”
Then he looked at me for a few seconds longer.
“Business wise, we’re good,” he assured. “I won’t go into too much detail about my leave, but I’ll say this: Sometimes a man just knows when it’s time to start putting his house in order.”
That line stuck with me, but it still didn’t give me an answer.
Before I could press further, he turned toward the door. “I leave in the morning.”
Then he was gone.
I sat there for a second thinking.
I didn’t know what was going on yet, but I damn sure was going to find out… and soon.
I turned the monitor back on, and the warehouse feed popped back up.
Ajori was already gone.
Damn.
I grabbed my phone immediately and made a call.