Page 10 of Stolen Voices

“Well, isn’t that fortuitous? Hud is on his way back to the office and asked to speak with you. You skipped lunch, so I ordered dinner. Your favorite is already on the way.”

My stomach grumbles in anticipation of the steak burrito bowl with a side of guacamole and chips headed my way. “Thank you. Did Hud say what he wants to talk about?”

“No.” Dez purses his lips as if holding back a mischievous shine in his blue eyes. He knows something.

“Spill.”

“Nah, it’s more fun this way.”

Fucker.My stomach flips and not for food.

Before I can interrogate him, his desk phone rings. He smirks. “Food is here. I’ll be right back.”

He rushes off to the basement for the food as I call out to his back, “I hope they forgot your food.”

I can hear Dez’s peal of laughter as he disappears down the hall. Before I can dwell on the unease settling in my bones from knowing Hudson needs to talk, my phone rings. It’s Dez, and I know he has Asher on the line for me.

How the fuck did he do that so fast?

I slide the screen, answering my phone. “Asher.”

“Hey, E.” He sighs, resigned. He already knows what needs to be done.

“I spoke to Gene—”

“I’m sorry for freaking. I’ll do it. It’s just…”

“Scary as fuck?” I reply.

Asher chuckles, not expecting my response. “I… Yeah, man, I’m fucking scared.”

“I get that, buddy, but you were made for this role. I know you can do it. Gene’s been told they need to compensate you, considering the bear was mysteriously left out of the contract. I should have it within the hour for you to sign. I know it’s not much, but at least it’s something.”

“Thanks, E. I appreciate it. I’m going to need some extra cash to buy new pants after I shit myself standing in front that bear tomorrow.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “Oh, I bet you will.” We have another good laugh as he fills me in on the rest of the filming, which sounds like it’s going well. “I have to go, but Dez will get you those docs.”

“Thanks again, Eli. I couldn’t do this without you.”

“Sure you could. I just got you there a little faster.”

We say our goodbyes and hang up as Hudson walks into my office, carrying our dinner. The smell of spices and meat has my mouth watering and my stomach rumbling again.

“Damn, dude. I can hear your stomach from here.” Hudson laughs as he places the food bags on the small table in the back of my office.

“Forgot lunch again.” A problem that has occurred far too often in the last couple of months. Taking the weekend off to attend my niece’s first birthday didn’t help either. But I’ll get back on track.

I move from the chair and grab some water bottles for us from the mini fridge behind my desk before sitting in the wingback chair across from Hudson. He pulls out the food containers and places them on the coffee table. Grabbing my bowl, I pick up a fork and dig in. Hudson does the same, and we enjoy a companionable silence as we eat.

I finish my last bite and grab a napkin, wiping my mouth and hands. Twisting the cap off the water, I take a swig. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“No problem.” Hudson balls his napkin and, with a Kobe Bryant like shot, free throws it into the trash can.

“So?” I prod. It’s not like Hudson to prevaricate. We’re both straight shooters, so when he fiddles with the label on his water, my senses go on high alert. “Hud?”

Hudson is usually all smiles and laughs. I used to be the same way until… I shake my head and concentrate on my business partner.

He finally stares me in the eye, and I notice my friend seems agitated. His hair, which is usually slicked back, is disheveled like he’s been pulling at it all day, and he’s not wearing a tie. “Dude, talk to me.”