Dead Presidents (An Aria Raymond Thriller Book 3) by Thomas Ransom (dark books to read .txt) 📗

giving her space. It was actually out of character for him to do that. The Mark she used to know would hover over her until she did what he wanted her to do. This time, however, all was quiet. He was actually keeping his promise of giving her space. Was he telling the truth? Had he really changed? It was true that they were young and ambitious, and now both of them had matured. He did seem different. He is behaving differently, too. So maybe…

Just then, her phone rang. It was Aria.

“So, is it done?”

Diaz smiled, “Yeah. We have officially filed the lawsuit. Now we just have to wait. They are probably going to want to settle. This case has already thrown a rather negative light at the justice system. I am guessing they will want it to be hushed up and settled.”

“And want are we going to do?”

“I say let’s give them hell!” Diaz and Aria both laughed. “But being your lawyer, I would be able to give you better suggestions after we see their settlement offer. It could be good. Who knows? And honestly, I want to bring those people down and fight for Ellen. This would help with that too. Jake is already willing to help. Who knows, maybe more people might step in to help. But we can’t be sure. Let’s wait and see. For now, just enjoy your time at the new apartment and relax because things will get hectic soon. I have also submitted a business license application. We will be up and running real soon.”

“I honestly can’t wait to get back to work. Thank you, Nicole, once again for everything.”

“Oh, hush you!”

Aria chuckled, “Oh, wait. I will catch up with you later, okay? Tanya is calling me.”

“Sure, sure. Say hi to her.”

“Will do. Bye!”

Aria switched to Tanya’s call.

“Where have you been?! I was calling and calling!”

“Such drama!” Aria giggled. “I was just talking to Nicole. She filed my lawsuit a few minutes ago!”

“Hell yeah! This is great, Aria; I am so glad you agreed to this.”

“I know. I am glad too. Let’s see what happens. Things have started looking up.”

“I know, right?”

“Yeah,”

“So, what about Jake helping you guys? What is happening there?”

“Oh! Right now, Nicole is focusing on the lawsuit, but she is going to meet Jake and Sanjay later on to discuss the case. That is probably going to take some time, considering there is still so much we don’t know. Hopefully, when they compare notes, they hope to be able to find something.”

“I hope so too. Is Sanjay cool with this?”

“Yeah, he is actually the one who arranged for both of them to meet initially. He thinks it would be best for them to team up. We need as much support as we can get, honestly.”

“Don’t I know it. Don’t worry, Aria. Diaz and Sanjay know what they are doing. Now that Jake wants to help them, I am pretty sure that they will find something good to take these people down.”

“You are right. I just hope they are careful.”

“Of course, they will be. Oh! Aria, listen, I got to go.”

“Are you at work? This early?”

“Yeah, I needed to get a few things done. Figured I should get an early start.”

“Okay, then. Meet me soon, yeah?”

“Will try to drop by tonight. Love you. Bye!”

Tanya placed her phone in the pocket and turned the corner to enter her office. She almost bumped into someone. “Ooof! … I am sorry… I didn’t see… Wayne!” Tanya stopped. “You are here early! Are you okay? You seem like you have seen a ghost.”

“What?” Wayne stammered. “Were you talking to Aria?”

Tanya raised an eyebrow, “Umm… excuse me?”

“I heard you say her name. Are they starting the investigation again?”

“What’s it to you? Were you eavesdropping?”

“What? No, no. I was just here early to get work started, and I needed some copies. Was waiting for the printer to be done. I… I… I honestly didn’t mean to… I wasn’t… I am sorry.”

Tanya relaxed when she noticed the printer’s light beeping. There were some freshly printed papers waiting to be taken out from the tray. “Oh! Okay. Sure. Yeah, well, I am not sure what they are doing. I just check in on her from time to time.”

“Of course, of course.”

Wayne had an odd look on his face. It was like he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure. Tanya was concerned. Wayne hadn’t seemed like himself for the past month or so. She looked at the papers he had just printed out. To change the subject, she nodded toward the papers, “What are you working on? Do you need me to do anything?”

Wayne instantly grabbed the papers and put them in a file, “No. No. Umm… thanks. I got this. Don’t worry about it.” Without a backward glance, he hurried towards his office and locked the door behind him.

Even though he had decided to come to work at his usual time, he couldn’t wait. His nerves were giving out. He knew he had to put the files back in the safe, which is why he decided to come in early. He figured there wouldn’t be anyone around, and he could easily go in without any questions. On his way to work, another idea formed in his mind. He decided to scan the papers and keep a copy with him. But then he realized if their guy came in today to get the files and there was a smell of freshly printed paper in the files, they might get suspicious. Their printer was slightly old as it was and always gave off a strong whiff of ink. He decided against it, but then he realized he had another way. He went back to his apartment, grabbed the drive hidden under