Читать книгу Miranda Sparks’ wonderful life - Danny Osipenko - Страница 9

The café across from the huge Global City Business Center was probably the only place that made the best pork cutlets in all of Otawa. It was hours5 of evening, and the sun had already disappeared, leaving behind, bright pink streaks in the sky. It was now drizzling in the afternoon as I left the house. It did not bode well for a sunny day. At two o’clock in the afternoon, as I walked out of the library, I was very much taken aback by this change in the weather. I was halfway to the park when I got a call from Mr. Moreau. The man who had bailed me out at the auction, a little over two weeks later. But my father did not mess around and on the very next day, sent me $500,000, which I was going to give right away, to his savior. We agreed to meet him, in the very same cafe across from Global City.

I decided to get there early to enjoy my favorite cutlets and vegetable salad. Mr. Moreau arrived in his own silver car when it was almost past 10six o’clock.

«I’m here!» – I wanted to yell after he entered the cafe. But the man had already seen me and was heading toward my table with determination.

– Good evening, Mr. Moreau!

I got up from my seat and extended my hand to him, which he immediately shook.

– Hello, Miss Spikes!

My lifeguard now looked rather austere, in a black blue suit, with a single-breasted jacket with two buttons, a snow-white shirt, and a silk gray tie.

A young waiter came up to us and Mr. Moreau ordered just water, thereby causing my stomach to feel uncomfortable after eating the meatballs.

– I won’t beat around the bush. Here are some of the remedies I promised you.

I took an envelope out of my purse and held it out to my savior.

– I’m sorry Ms. Spikes, but I will not accept these remedies.

His cool tone forced me uncertainly to remove my hand from the envelope.

– Is it because the whole amount isn’t there?

– No, that’s not it.

– Then what is it, sir?

The man put his elbows on the table and intertwined his long fingers together as if he were preparing to tell me a terrible secret.

– The thing is, I have a little problem, and to solve it, I need your help, Miss Spikes.

– Quid pro quo? Right?

– That’s right.

– Fine, have it your way. – I took the envelope and put it back in my purse. – What am I supposed to do?

– It’s no big deal. All I need is for you to help me find one person, but without anyone knowing about it.

His words puzzled me.

– You didn’t get it? I mean, aren’t there private detective agencies for that?

– Just answer, «yes» or «no»!

I took a small sip of the dark tea from the cup in front of me and looked at Mr. Moreau in confusion. He coolly removed his hands from the table and leaned back in his chair.

– If I say no, will you take the funds?

We met eye to eye, and I saw how serious it was.

– I don’t like to repeat myself twice, Miss Spikes.

– That means you won’t take it. In other words, if I have no conscience, then I can safely leave you at this moment alone, without funds?

He lit up his cheeks.

– You are free to do whatever you want, ma’am.

– Thanks for that.

I was torn between several thoughts. On the one hand, I could really give up and just dump the man. On the other hand, I had given him my word and kept it, so I could just abandon the funds and walk away with an unharmed conscience. But there was another one, my sincere desire to help him, just as he had once done. After all, I am not required to move mountains!

– Is that it?

I didn’t want to be indebted to him.

– I agree. But if I can’t fulfill your request…

– Nothing Ms. Spikes. I’m sure that for you specifically, it will work out even better than it did for these same detectives.

– I wouldn’t be so sure.

– And for nothing.

His words got me thinking.

– Who is this person I’m supposed to find?

You know, that weird motif that plays in the movies when there is a moment of unraveling the mystery. So that’s what I’m experiencing at the moment.

– Mike Norland.