In this business there are a few things you never do.  1.  Break cover, even if you miss your target you can always try again if your real identity is not known. 2.  Try to help or warn a mark. If you can’t do it, all you have to do is refuse.  It’ll still get done with or without you. Number three is the most important.  3.  Never, I mean never, develop feelings for a mark.  It will never turn out well and not just for them but for you too.  I’ve never done any of these in my 5 years on the job, but as I’m propelled from my car and towards the apartment building I realize…number one is about to be shot to hell.

Bette:  "Tina, Tina?"

I’m trying to catch her before she enters the building.

Bette:  "Tina."

I finally reach her right as she’s fishing her keys from her purse.  I run to her and put my hand gently on her shoulder to turn her around.  I look her in the face as I question here again.

Bette:  "Tina?"

Woman:  "I’m sorry you must be mistaken."

She looks taken aback and almost frantic.

Bette:  "T it’s me.  Bette."

Woman:  "I don’t know any Tina ma’am you must be mistaken." 

She quickly whirls around towards the door again.  I grab her by the elbow once more and make her face me once more.  I look at her closely.  Green eyes.  I must be going insane.

Bette:  “I…I’m sorry…I thought you were…you look so much like…"

My thoughts and emotions are all over.

Woman:  “Its ok.  Um…goodnight.”

She quickly slips her key in the lock and disappeared into the apartment building as I stare at the white door for several seconds.  Once I realize I was standing in the middle of the sidewalk after 3 a.m. I decided it was time for me to get that long over due gas.  I walked back feeling confused and even more defeated.  I made up my mind right then that I had to get to the bottom of this but I wanted to do it on my own.  After I shut the door I pull out my cell and hit send.  There was only one number in my phone that was always last dialed.  It rang twice then I heard the line pick up.

Bette:  “I want out of this one.”

Voice:  “No.”

Bette:  “I can’t do it.”

Voice:  “Have you located her.”

Bette:  “Yes and…”

Voice:  “Stay on her.  We need information.”

Bette:  “I said I want out.”

Voice:  “You’ve made contact?”

Bette:  “Yes but…”

Voice:  “It’s too late.  We need you on this one.  Standby”

Then the line went dead. 

Bette:  Shit

I have no clue what’s going on here but there is definitely something up.  This wasn’t my usual fact finding mission.  But for once it was one that I was terribly interested in.  As I started the car I looked towards the building once more.  I could have sworn I saw her curtain move.  Probably making sure I wasn’t stalking her.  She has no idea.  As I’m about to pull off a sign in the window of the corner apartment catches my eye. 

FOR RENT

That’s where I’ll start.  I finally hit the road and begin to contemplate the best way in which to get to the bottom of this whole sorted mess.  I’ve broken rule number one already.   I had a sinking feeling numbers two and three will soon follow.