“That’s why I’m not just corrupting the videos, but also some of his other files, so it’s less targeted. But in the end, I’m kinda hoping I can just play dumb at that point and he won’t figure out that I’m actually just paying to make sure we got every copy. Like, ‘Why would I show up in person, with eight grand in cash, if I could’ve just deleted the files?’ ... something like that.”
Once again, they all thought about my explanations and most of them accepted the plan. Not all of them, though. Claire looked like she was ready to protest yet again. While I dismissed her concern as just another act in the beginning, she was so persistent that I started to actually believe her. It kind of made me happy to see her finally worry about me. But the timing was a little inconvenient in this situation, so I had to try and convince her.
“Stop worrying so much. Keep in mind, I’m the one who took on three of those guys and lived to boast about it.” I said.
“Says the guy who needed help lifting his coffee cup afterwards.” I heard Claire quietly comment with her arms crossed in front of her chest. It caused most of us to chuckle, but that didn’t seem to be the reaction she had intended.
“Seriously, though. I also think you don’t have to go alone. Take two of the boys with you.” Bill offered. “They can wait in the car and out of sight to not raise any suspicion, but if shit hits the fan, they can come running.”
“And what’s that gonna cost me?” I asked him, with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh, you’re one of us now, don’t worry about paying extra.” He smiled, and I was almost touched. “I’ll just deduct it from your next bonus.”
“Stingy old bastard.” I commented under my breath, causing him to laugh.
“So ... contingency plan. Any ideas?” Bill asked and I sighed again.
“I spent last night going through his files and found a lot of interesting stuff. Basically, I managed to compile an almost complete guide to their whole operation. There’s enough material to somewhat prove every aspect of it. I’m sure I’ll get the complete picture by the weekend. I’ll put it all on a USB-Stick and leave it in your office when I pick up the SUV for the drive. As long as I can just get rid of the videos, they...” I pointed at the family “ ... can let the police take care of those guys if anything comes up afterwards.”
“What!?” Aaron asked, shocked. “If you have something like that, why not use that from the beginning instead of going through with that dangerous plan?”
“Well, Mr. Brown,” Bill answered, “I took the liberty of asking around after John left this morning. Of course we don’t know anything for certain, otherwise those guys would already be in processing. But, as far as I can tell right now, gambling is only one of his business ventures. Smurfing dirty money through his bar seems to be his regular main business. Though he also shoots porn with ... uh ... less than voluntary women in the main role, if you understand what I’m saying. The people he cleans the cash for are way worse than him, though, so he has contacts to send after you if he doesn’t get what he wants, even from prison. Tim’s approach of getting him off your back, while offending him as little as possible, is the best approach. We should only use that evidence and the police as a last resort.”
“Is telling me just what kind of scum my son is planning to meet supposed to calm me down!?” Claire said heatedly.
“There is yet another angle to this, Mrs. Brown.” Bill continued. “Gambling is illegal in this state. That means both sides, the bookies and the gamblers, go to jail. It is highly unlikely the police wouldn’t uncover your oldest Son’s involvement with these people.”
“Oh ... Logan.” Aaron said, sinking back into the small armchair he was sitting in, while Claire let out a resigning sigh. “Yeah. I didn’t think of that.”
Bill threw me a glance. I just shrugged my shoulders while trying to keep my expression neutral, but when Bill saw that, his expression went from sympathetic to thoughtful. At least Danielle seemed to understand what just happened, because she looked at Claire and Aaron with knitted brows.
The entire time it’s
“Well, if that’s all taken care of, I’ll make my way home now, Boss.” I concluded and left without waiting for an answer. I was sure Bill understood already.
I went to my office, shut everything down, grabbed my stuff and made my way outside. The parents had waited for me and offered to take me home, which I accepted. Nobody attempted to speak during the quiet ride.
