Free UNDERCOVER The Secret of Luck by James Kipling

practicing lawyer. In many ways, the two friends had taken separate paths, but were equally successful in their own ways. Rod always insisted that John go back to school and continue the path of being a lawyer. John would just ignore his advice. In the end, it all turned out okay. Rod and John eventually became friends who also ended up forging a strong business relationship. Every time John closed a case, it would have to be dealt with from a legal perspective. Those things would be managed by Rod. Overall, things were good. That was until last week. John expected Rod to step into his office, and he was not surprised by Rod’s appearance.
    “How are you doing, John? Haven’t heard from you in a while.” said Rod, pulling up a seat with rolling wheels and sitting down.
    “I am doing just fine, Rod. I thought my assistant sent you an email.” said John, getting up from his sofa. He went to the fridge and grabbed the brand of soda that Rod preferred. With two glasses, John returned to his sofa. He placed the drink and the glasses on the table. Rod uncorked the bottle and poured the soda into the glass. He took one for himself and then offered the second one to John.
    “Thanks.” said John, reclining on his sofa.
    “Yes, I got the email. At first, I did not take it seriously, but it’s been a week. By now, you would have at least sent two clients with paperwork that needed to be taken care of by me. I figured that you are serious. Your phone was switched off, or I would have called before coming.” said Rod.
    “Sorry about the phone Rod. I have been getting too many angry calls from upset customers who are not happy with my new direction.” said John.
    “Your direction being that you don’t want to work anymore?”
    “I never said that I don’t want to work, Rod. I just did not work in that particular area of interest. Also, please don’t lecture, that it is not the right thing to do. I have already made my decision, and I am sticking with it. In fact, if you start lecturing me about the pitfalls of not going back to my previous line of work, I will have no choice but to ask you to leave.” said John, with the last sentence told with a hint of authority.
    “I am not here to advise you, John. A guy like you would not take decisions lightly. So, I am not going to argue with that. I just came to talk, as a friend and business partner.” said Rod.
    “Thanks, my friend. I am actually glad that you came here. I was sort of getting bored with the whole thing. In fact, I am not bothered as much by the lack of work as I am with the boredom. I never figured that it would be this boring.” John admitted.
    “Well, it sort of makes sense, doesn’t it? You are almost like me. Which is why we are friends, I suppose. We are both men of action. Can you remember a single hour during our university when we just lied down and relaxed like the other students?”
    “No, not really.” said John.
    “That is pretty much how we rolled. We are both part of a species that likes to be kept busy all the time. If we are not busy, we are going to get bored. If it was up to me, I would say, you will go completely insane out of boredom in a matter of weeks.” said Rod, genuine concern in his voice.
    “Really? Is that even possible?” asked John, showing mild curiosity.
    “You will find out for yourself. Just remember one thing, John. If you ever want to talk about your problems…”
    “I don’t have any problems, Rod!” said John.
    “Don’t get excited, John. You may not have any problems right now. They will come soon enough. If you think I am your good friend, you will nod along and hope that my words don’t come true.” said Rod, finishing up his soda and placing the glass on the table. He got up to leave.
    John looked at him, smiled, and then nodded.
    “I hope your words don’t come true Rod. Thanks for the opportunity to talk. I will take you up on that if things get really bad.” said John, getting up to shake