Quest Amongst Friends

Tony was about to take a sip from his third Crown Royal when he saw Joey enter the room. She hadn’t seen him and walked straight up to the bar. Settling into one of the empty bar stools, Joey seemed to keep moving her head, taking a quick look on either side of her as if looking for someone. Tony decided to just sit back and watch for a while. What the hell, he thought to himself, who knows what’s going to happen next. He had almost finished his drink when he straightened up as a burly looking man sat down beside Joey giving her a kiss on the cheek. Tony continued to watch, wishing he could hear what their conversation entailed. Neither one seemed to say much to each other but when words were exchanged, each of them would listen intently. Ordering another drink Tony continued his vigilance. The burly man suddenly stood up and reached inside jacket. Much to Tony’s relief he produced a brown envelope. Placing the envelope on the bar, the man turned and immediately left the lounge without any kind of farewell. Turning his attention back to Joey he noticed that the envelope was no longer in view and Joey was starting to climb off her barstool. Not wanting to take the chance at being caught, Tony ducked down behind the table as if he were trying to pick something up off the floor. Watching under the table as Joey’s legs passed by, he straightened up not noticing the questioning glances from some of the other patrons. Waving the waitress over, Tony paid his bill. Quickly leaving the lounge he searched the lobby to see where Joey had gone. Not seeing her anywhere, he made his way out onto the sidewalk and searched the people walking away from him in either direction hoping to catch a glimpse of Joey. Failing to see her, he let out a disappointing sigh and decided to head up to his room.  He was full with even more questions but was sure that the answers would be coming his way very soon. He couldn’t but feel excited at the prospect of what he was about to do. By no means had he lived his life in a safe and uncompromising way, but this was by far the most extreme thing he had and probably ever would do again. He couldn’t explain why the thought of getting caught didn’t bother him, but he did know that he was taking a very dangerous chance.  As the elevator rose he stood alone in its small cubicle thinking of his life and all the strange turns that had brought him to this point. He only hoped that when this was all over he would live to see a few more turns in his life.

Stepping out of the elevator he headed to his room. Unlocking the door Tony stepped in and heard a crumpling sound under his foot. Looking down he saw a small greeting envelope under his foot. Bending down he picked it up and pulled the contents of the envelope out. Unfolding the paper that had been placed inside, he read quickly . Once again his heart raced making him light headed. He had to read it the second time, afraid that he may have missed something after reading it once. He read aloud the third time so he could hear it with his own ears.