The Tenth Justice - Brad Meltzer [99]
Caught off guard by Ober’s outburst, Ben didn’t know what to say. In all their years together, after all the teasing Ober had taken, it was the first time Ben had ever seen his friend crack. “Calm down,” Ben began.
“I don’t want to calm down,” Ober said, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “You guys may get a big laugh out of it, but I’m sick of being court jester. I’m not a failure.” Ober’s face turned scarlet. “I’m not a failure and I refuse to be treated like one.”
“No one thinks you’re a failure,” Nathan reassured his friend. “Now take a deep breath and relax.”
Ober turned his head away.
“I’m really sorry,” Ben said. “I never should’ve taken it out on you.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Ober said.
“I knew you were upset about Eric moving out, and I shouldn’t have pushed your buttons like that.”
“I’ll get over it.”
Silently staring at Ober, Ben wondered how a calm conversation had turned into such a disaster. He knew Ober was upset about Eric, but he could tell he had struck a deeper nerve in Ober’s self-confidence. “You know I don’t think you’re a failure.”
“I know,” Ober said. “And I’m sorry for getting so crazy. It just really bothered me.” Leaning forward on the couch, Ober took a deep breath and stared straight at the floor. “It’s not even about Eric moving out. It’s about the four of us. If we’re all going to be together, the two of you have to work it out.”
“To be honest, I don’t think that’s possible anymore,” Ben said, sitting down next to Ober. “You have to be prepared for that possibility.”
“Can’t you just—”
“Ober, I’m doing the best I can.”
“No, you’re not.”
“We don’t have to go through this again,” Ben said. “The choice is in Eric’s hands now. Let’s wait and see what happens.”
“Fine—we’ll wait,” Ober said as he stood up from the couch. “But if you wreck these friendships, I want you to know I won’t forgive you.” Without saying another word, Ober walked upstairs.
When Ober was out of sight, Nathan looked over at Ben. “You really have to take it easy on him,” Nathan said.
“I knew he was upset, but I didn’t think it was that bad. When he started crying, I thought I was going to break down. I felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach.”
“Does that mean you’re changing your mind about Eric?”
“For Ober’s sake I’d like to, but you know I can’t. Right now, my main concern is still catching Rick and getting myself out of this mess.”
“That’s fine,” Nathan said. “But do us all a favor? Don’t forget your friends.”
Early the following morning, Ben took the Metro to Union Station and headed to Mailboxes & Things. As he approached the store, he wondered if everything would work out with Eric. It’s the only way, he reassured himself. This is the best solution to the problem. Just sit tight and see what happens.
At the store, he pulled an unsealed envelope from his back pocket, removed the typed letter inside, and reread it for the fourth time. “Dear Rick: Since we’re almost three weeks away from decision time, I thought it would be appropriate for us to get together. As we discussed in the limo, I have what you requested, and you have what I want. Please pick an appropriate time and place as soon as possible.”
Stuffing the letter back into the envelope, Ben placed the envelope inside his empty P.O. box. He wondered if Rick would believe that he was interested in the money. After locking the box, Ben walked to the front of the store. Maybe we should stake out this place, he thought. Rick will have to come here to pick up the letter—unless he sends a messenger to get it. Deep in thought, Ben pushed open the door and accidentally bumped into an incoming customer.
“I’m sorry,” the customer said. “My fault.”
Ben recognized the voice with shock and looked up. It was Rick.
“Don’t look so surprised,” Rick said. “It makes you look like a little kid.” As