Chapter 9 Disaster in a Minute

Mia turned to the window, still seething, though her heartbeat betrayed her, thudding in that old rhythm she hated. It was proof that Claus could still reach parts of her no one else could.

Finally, they arrived at Cody’s house, a modest suburban residence nestled among similar houses. Mia looked around; unlike Claus’s house, everything looked normal.

“Cody lives here?” Mia asked, confused.

Claus nodded.

“Are you kidding me now?”

It is quite unbelievable that someone like Cody lives in a place like that.

“Si. That abnormal human has managed to live a normal life.” Claus chuckles.

He parked the car, and they both got out. Mia’s heart pounded in her chest as they approached the front door.

At the door, Claus knocked, and Mia watched. It was a signature knock, and Cody answered the door almost immediately.

He is a tall man with a serious expression. He greeted Claus with a nod. “Is your track clean?”

“Trust me,” Claus responded.

He then turned to Mia, sizing her up.

“You must be the muse,” he said in a deep, gravelly voice.

“Mia. Mia Johnson.” Mia quickly introduced herself.

That made Cody scoff. “Who doesn’t know who you are.”

Mia looked right at Claus. She questioned that statement with her eyes. Claus looked away, his attention back to Cody.

“Are you going to let us in, brother?”

“Depends. Do you want to come in, miss?” he directed the question to Mia.

Mia nodded, feeling nervous. “Yes, I want to. We need your help to…”

Cody interrupted her. “Shsssssh.” He looked at Claus. “You’ve got a tape for your woman?”

Mia understood what she did. She has lived that kind of life with Claus before. Two years with Rick has made her lost control of that life.

Cody studied her for a moment before speaking. “Alright, let’s get inside. We have a lot to discuss.”

They entered Cody's house. Two young boys of age two and three are in the living room playing video games. It was Call of duty.

“Burst his head, baby. Cody said to the older one. Before moving close to them.

“Ok guys. I have a business to attend to. Now go to your room. Do not wake mummy and don’t you ever come out to peep. Is that taken?”

“Yes Papa” They chorused before they ran inside.

“Your boys have grown” Claus said as he settled into the chair.

“As you can see. I am trying to love them before they lose it.” Cody answered.

“Shit ain’t easy” Claus added.

“Alright. Let’s bring the pieces of the puzzle together.” Cody said, his expression changing from casual to serious.

“What is your info? Claus asked. His voice has changed. Mia is not surprised. She has heard him use that voice on different occasions. Whenever he does, he is damn serious.

“Where is my payment?” Cody asked, looking straight into his eyes.

Claus hesitated for a moment. He then pulled out some cash from his back pocket. He dropped it on the small table beside Cody.

“A secret group,” Cody said. Mia knew he speaks in that manner because of her presence.”

“A group within a group? Tell me” Claus said.

“I can’t. But I can show you.” Cody responded.

“I’m in.” Claus remarked.

“Your girl?” Cody asked.

“She’s with me” Claus responded. He stole a glance at Mia.

“En realidad? Ella hará que te maten” Cody said, concerned.

Thanks to Claus, Mia understands Spanish to a default and she knew that Cody just told Claus that she’s going to get him killed.

“She understands that.” Claus added, smirking.

“Shit! You should have given me a heads up you know?”

Claus’ smirk became wilder. “She’s cool. Calm.”

Cody looked at Mia for confirmation, but the latter didn’t look like she has his time.

“Hang around. But please confirm your girl is on the same page. You know how this works. We move by 9 pm.” Cody said before he stormed into the room.

As Cody disappeared into another room, Claus turned to Mia with a serious expression.

“Mia, this is where things get even more complicated. Shit is about to begin. Are you still in?

“You’ve got me?” She asked instead.

“You know I’ll always do.” He responded.

Mia nodded. “Then I’m in.”

“Perfecto. Now listen to me, you will do exactly what I tell you to do. I know you hate me well enough, but this is not the time for that. Am I clear?” Claus explained.

Mia understood the gravity of the situation. It is not what she expected, but she is not giving up. She nodded again.

Cody returned to the living room, and Claus wasted no time. “Mate, we’re good. Just lead the way.”

Cody stares at Mia again with a hint of caution in his eyes; Mia swallowed her fear, trying to convince Cody with her expression.

He finally replied, “Alright, you know I don’t do this, especially making my problem girly. I give out information, and I get proper payment, but you’re an old friend, Claus. Your problem is my problem.”

“I value you, blood.” Claus said, extending his hand for a shoulder hug.

“I will let you follow me and see if it’s not too late to find your subject. If things go south, though, I will deny knowing anything about it.” Cody added as he loaded the guns he placed on the table.

“Understood,” Claus responded.

“You have enough?” Cody asked Claus. He pointed a gun in his direction.

Mia tried to hide her fear as much as possible. She didn’t know Claus was armed, but now that Cody mentioned it, she became concerned.

“I am good.” Claus responded.

“You good too?” He pointed the same gun at Mia.

She instinctively stepped back, triggering a frown on Cody’s face. He turned to Claus immediately.

“Does she even know how to handle this meat? You know…”

“She’s a vegetarian.” Claus cut in immediately. “But we’re good, really.”

Cody scoffed. “You’re on your own, man.”

He brought out what appeared to be a small, encrypted device. He handed it to Claus, who examined it carefully.

“For communications,” Cody explained. “Be careful, man. These people are ruthless, and they won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone who poses a threat. One wrong move and you are dead.”

Claus nodded.

“Like I said earlier. We move by 9 pm. Go out now and try to act normal as much as possible. You understand what I mean.”

“Sure,” Claus responded. He did their signature greeting, and they stepped out of the house.

Mia heaved in relief as they walked to the car. At least for the next hours, she does not have to fake anything.

“Are you scared of guns now? “Hmmn?” Cody asked. He was surprised when Mia stepped back from the gun earlier and needed to bring her up to speed with the events that are about to unfold.

“I’m married to a lawyer, not a gangster, remember?” She answered bluntly.

“Haaa! Now I’m a gangster.”

No response.

“Are you alright, though?” Claus asked in a soft tone when they got to the car.

Mia looked at him and wondered how he became hotter in two years. How dare he? Now she can’t even get him out of her head.

“Carino!” Claus called out when she didn’t answer.

“Don’t call me that.” Mia protested, looking away so that he would not see her blushing.

“Why? Does it turn you on?” Claus teased.

“It’s bold of you to think you could still turn me on.” Mia retorted, almost under her breath.

Claus scoffed. “Then say it to my face. Look at me and tell me you won’t get turned on if I want you to.”