Lying To Lanky

As Maverick left Mark's room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had just agreed to deliver a box containing hard drugs, and he knew that if he got caught, his cover would be blown. But he also knew that this was an opportunity he couldn't miss. He had to get closer to Lanky and his operation if he was going to bring them down.

“Where are you going, Birdie?” Lanky hoarse voice jerked him back to the present. He quickly hid the box behind his back, unfortunately, Lanky noticed it and squinted his eyes.

Lanky was seated on a couch, gently slipping from a glass of wine as he gave instructions to two hefty men.

“Mr. Lanky, I mean Boss, I took a leave from Mr. Mark that I would be going back home. He also sent me on an errand,” Maverick stuttered, he wasn't expecting to see Lanky in the sitting room, and he knew if Lanky found the box of hard drugs with him he might get fired, and that would not only ruin his mission, but also his chance of getting closer to Ashley.

“Leave? Have you forgotten that I am the one who employed you and is responsible for paying you? If you need a leave you must ask me, and you'll give me a detailed reason. Now, why did you apply for a leave? Are you sick? Also, what errand are you carrying out for Mark?” Lanky asked, squinting his eyes suspiciously as he tried to see what Maverick was hiding at his back.

“I am sorry, Big Boss, I will inform you when next I want to go on a leave,” Maverick replied politely. “The reason why I want a leave is that....my cousin's brother is sick, I need to take adequate care of him,” he lied. He didn't intend to lie to Lanky, because he was starting to have feelings for him, but that was the only way out.

“...... continue,” Lanky pressed on with raised brows, expecting Maverick to say the errand Mark sent him.

“The errand?” Maverick muttered under his breath, thinking of what he could lie about. “It's a surprise,” he blurted after a momentary silence, and Lanky arched his eyebrows, he didn't believe him. “Mark wants to surprise his brother, that's you on your birthday,” Maverick said the first thing that came to his mind.

“Oh really? Whoa, I am so blessed,” Lanky was surprised, and he looked happy that his junior brother was opening up to him.

“Yes, you are really blessed and lucky,” Maverick said with a sarcasm-filled voice, but Lanky wasn't able to grasp the irony in his words.

“Can you tell me what he is buying for me, so I can prepare myself ahead of time?” Lanky asked with a gentle smile. Maverick was shocked at how Lanky's mood suddenly changed when he heard his brother. He guessed that Lanky loved Mark very much, and he felt pity for Ashley. The young man would have to fight for Lanky's attention whenever Mark was around.

“It's a surprise, Big boss. If I tell you what I am going to buy, it won't be anymore. Moreover, I am loyal, and I don't snitch. Be rest assured, you will enjoy the ‘white box gift'” Maverick replied, emphasizing the white box.

“White box gift, huh?” Lanky murmured thoughtfully as if thinking about something. “Fine, get going. But make sure you come back in time,” he permitted him.

Maverick bowed his head in appreciation, “Okay, thank you very much, Sir,” he appreciated it and turned to continue his escape plan, he quickly put the gift box in his front when he knew that Lanky was not watching.

“Wait!” Lanky commanded out of the blue, and Maverick froze, nearly peeing on his body because of the tension that followed the order.

Maverick paused in his tracks, sweat dripping down from his forehead. He didn't bother to look at Lanky because he knew he would see what was in his hand.

“Be careful,” Lanky said with a soft voice, and Maverick was dumbfounded, he thought he was hearing the wrong thing and he turned to face Lanky with widened eyes. They both looked at each other in awe for a while.

“Okay sir, thank you very much,” Maverick stammered and quickly ran out of the house before he did something stupid. He had the urge to grab Lanky's head and kiss him on his lips.

Maverick made his way back to his small apartment, the one given to him at the start of his mission, his mind racing with thoughts of the party and how he could use it to his advantage. He knew he would have to be careful, that one misstep could mean disaster. But he was determined to see this through, no matter what. He also couldn't help but wonder what Lanky meant by that loving look in his eyes, but he brushed it off, assuring himself that he was overthinking.

As he opened the door to his apartment, he was greeted by Officer Caleb, sitting on the couch. Caleb had just had a new haircut, and he looked excited. On seeing Maverick, his eyes lightened up, it was as if Maverick was his sunshine. He looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.

"How did it go?" he asked, his voice low.

Maverick sighed and flopped down beside him. "It didn't go well, but we can call it a go," he said. "I'm delivering a box of cocaine to one of Mark's friends' places. I will also be able to attend Lanky's birthday party."

Caleb nodded, his expression serious. "Be careful, Maverick. We don't know what we're up against. Also about the cocaine, I will clear the road for you. I will make sure you're safe, no one will harm you on my watch."

Maverick nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts and scenarios. He knew he had to be ready for anything, that this was just the beginning of a long and dangerous road.