Lauren placed a hand on her head and rolled onto her back. “Oh, what do you want?”
“I need the number for the Information Man.”
“What?” Lauren asked, scowling. “Who?”
“Your ex. From high school? We were all in the same class, remember?”
“Oh for god’s sake, just call him Greg why don’t you? What do you want it for?”
“He used to look up people and blackmail them right? Politicians, priests and CEOs? He found out everything they’ve done, all the shady deals, even when—”
“Even when they were in the womb?” Lauren finished the line for him. “Yes I know, and yes he did. He could buy a car at fifteen with all the hush money he was paid. Again I ask, why do you want it?”
“I’m going to give him a new name to look up.”
“You’re not giving him Dante’s name, I hope.”
“Yes, I am, and don’t start. Alex and I had another blue about him. You saw how he was last night.”
“What are you talking about? He was jealous of me and Ryan. That’s your proof! Why are you still hassling Alex?”
“I didn’t like the look he gave you, I don’t like the idea of him creeping around Alex and I’m going to sort this out once and for all.”
“You are unbelievable,” Lauren said. “Fine. I’ll text it to you. But you are not going to find anything, Matt. Alex would hate this. You are going to have a heap of work to do with her to get her trust back. You know that, right? You’d better be prepared.”
“Just send it.”
Lauren hung up on him and went back to sleep after sending him the number. When she awoke, the sky outside the window much darker and she was still naked but there was a note on her chest.
Hey, lightweight! I’ve gone out to get some fresh pizza. The best places don’t deliver. I’m bringing you back some in case you’re hungry. —Ryan.
After a quick shower, she felt marginally better. She returned to the bedroom, drying herself, when her phone let off a quick ring, then stopped. A few moments later, it rang again. She grabbed the phone but no number or name appeared on the screen. She pressed the answer button.
“Hello?”
“Yo.”
Lauren recognised the deep drawl of the distinct Californian accent immediately. “Hey, Greg. Sorry, I just got out of the shower. Where you calling from? What phone are you using?”
“I is callin’ you from my new digs in locations-best-left-unsaid, using my new special phone, baby girl. Untraceable.”
“Of course,” Lauren nodded. “What’s up?”
“My dick is what’s up. You still hot?”
“You still black?”
“You know it. As coal, baby.”
Lauren caught the gravelly, laid-back chuckle on the other end of the phone and giggled herself. She had met Greg at fifteen after he’d transferred to Sydney via a student exchange program. They had hooked up in the toilets on his second day of school after having snuck out of their wood work class. They shared a private joke that they were skipping wood work but still technically working wood. The rumours flew around but to Lauren’s surprise and gratitude, Greg never told a soul what had gone on. His respect for her earned him a few more dalliances all over the school until the time came when he had to leave. He’d had a flair for computers even back then, but had not yet become the cyber shadow known around the world as the Information Man, the guy who had taken down corrupt organisations and individuals with a few clicks.
“What can I do for you?”
“I had this Matt dude call me up on the number I gave you. That’s a no-no, baby.”
“Look, I know. But it was either that or listen to him go on about this weird obsession he has over a guy over here.”
“He a fag?”
“Maybe,” Lauren scoffed. “No. He’s dating my bestie, and he thinks this guy Dante is trying to steal her away. He already knew about you, from high school, so I didn’t break my promise. Even then I wouldn’t have asked, but she is upset and he is really being a douche. I just thought you could do a search, tell him there’s nothing weird about Dante, and then he can finally move on with his stupid life.”
“Sounds to me like someone needs a favour.”
“Yes, please,” Lauren replied with an extra dose of sweetness. “I really do. Come on, just do this for me?”
“Send me a picture of the goods and it’s a deal.”
Lauren was about to protest, to make a joke, but thought about it.
“I said I need a favour.”
“That’s nice.”
“Greggy…I have a boyfriend.” For some reason Lauren found herself whispering.
“Good. He can watch.”
Both laughed at this. It was good to talk to Greg again. He’d always been able to make her laugh. She wondered about her guilt about Ryan not knowing, but this was eaten away by his mannerisms towards her in the morning. Plus, she wanted to help Alex. Fuck it. She lifted the towel and took the picture.
“How do you want me to send it?”
“Give me ten seconds and keep it loaded.”
Lauren watched as the image became cloudy and then brightened once more. Greg had picked it up from wherever he was by hacking into her phone.
“You is still one manicured honey. Sweet Jesus, that’s tasty. Anyways I’ll get on this. What’s the dude’s name again?”
“You’re welcome. Name’s Dante Delavega.”
*
Alex returned to the apartment after school was out for the day and stepped over a note on the floor. It must’ve been slipped under the door. She tossed her coat on the sofa, scooped up the note and read:
Hey there. Your bag was found at T last night. I tried to return it for you but no
