Over the years, while Josh couldn’t say he and Sam were friends, they afforded each other a form of mutual respect. Samuel Lee or Counterfeit as he was known in certain circles, rarely asked him for favors.
However, when Jason and Aviva had been in trouble, it had taken only one call from him, and Counterfeit had watched their backs all the way. Josh knew he owed him and he was prepared to pay his debt.
“What do you need?”
The sound of laughter that came through the line carried no hint of amusement. “It seems you’re still the same impulsive boy I first met all those years ago.”
“Impulsive, at times, yes. A boy…I was never a boy.” Josh responded to the flippant statement. “What do you need?” He repeated.
Without preamble, Counterfeit got to the point. “I want you to go and get, Lux. Then I want you to keep her safe. Can you do that, Joshua Kingdom?”
The way he said his whole name annoyed Josh, but he didn’t address it. “What’s going on, man?” Josh asked as a feeling of dread settled over him.
“Can you do it?!” Counterfeit repeated with irritation.
“Yes.”
“Open the front door. A package should be outside.”
Josh was furious. “If you’ve brought your mess to my brother’s door, I’m not going to be a happy man!”
“Relax, Joshua Kingdom. Your family is safe from any of my mess. I wish I could say the same about my sister.”
As he listened to Counterfeit, Josh opened the front door and picked up the manila envelope on the doorstep. “I have it.”
“Good. Maybe at some point in time you and I will meet again. In the meantime, make sure you take care of her this time around.”
Josh said nothing more because the phone was already dead.
Retreating into Jason’s study, he slipped his phone into his pocket and sat down. A deep breath later, he hesitantly pulled at the gummy flap that sealed the envelope together. Reaching inside, Josh withdrew a single sheet of paper. There was no name or descriptions, just an anagram that took him exactly two seconds to decipher.
Ripping the paper into ever smaller sections, Josh stood, walked to the blazing fire and deposited the confetti-like pieces into it. Then he watched until the flames consumed every fragment.
“What’s going on, Josh?” Jason asked from the doorway.
Josh hadn’t heard his approach, and for a moment contemplated how much to reveal in response to his brother’s question.
Deciding to keep matters as simple as possible, he turned to his brother with a serious expression. “I have to leave.”
Jason’s stare was contemplative. Josh thought he was going to press for more information, and was relieved when no further questions came.
“Okay, but if you’re in some kind of trouble, you know I’ve got your back, but I don’t like surprises. So this is where I throw back your comment at you; we’re family and you need to trust me and tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m going away for a short while. You can help by telling the rest of the family, not to worry. I should be back in a couple of days.”
“I don’t like it when you turn evasive and when did I become your messenger?” Jason returned stubbornly.
Josh moved towards his brother with a steely look in his eyes while Jason stood his ground.
When Josh reached the door, Jason’s hands shot out and grabbed his younger brother in a bear hug. Holding him close to his body, Jason whispered into his ear. “Do not do anything foolish; my wife loves you too much, and I kinda like having you around as well.”
Holding on to his brother in return, Josh responded, “I feel the same way, man.” Pushing away, Josh made a decision. “If you want to know more, ask Jake; just tell him I said…Lux.” Extricating himself from Jason’s embrace, he stepped to the side to pass through the doorway, but stopped long enough for one more comment. “If I need you guys, I promise I’ll call.” With that, he was gone.
****
When Jason rejoined his family, he could see that Aviva knew something was wrong. Looking behind him as though searching for Josh, she raised an eyebrow in inquiry.
“He’s gone,” Jason’s comment wasn’t only for the benefit of his wife, he wanted everyone to know.
While the women inquired as to his whereabouts, Jake asked the relevant question.
“What did he say?”
“He told me to say, Lux.” Jason was watching his twin carefully and saw the way his body tightened at the mention of that one word.
“What’s Lux,” Aviva asked, missing Jake’s reaction.
Exhaling a deep breath, Jake looked over at his father who wore the same expression as his eldest son. Sadness, Jason thought. They looked sad.
Taking a seat beside his wife, Jason pulled her close and waited. He knew one of them would speak when they were ready. Aware that Aviva was about to repeat her question, he gave her a gentle squeeze to remain quiet.