by A. R. Ford
“Too cute for words,” Leah agreed. Her fingers traced the outline of the boyhood photo. “I wonder if our kids will look like him? That would be adorable.”
Leah wanted children with me. My heart, and head swelled with pride. “Are we dragging out the blackmail photos, sis?” I interrupted with a laugh. Rose and Leah collapsed against each other while giggling before getting to their feet.
“We are busted, Leah!” Rose laughed while giving me a conspiratorial wink.
Leah caught my gaze, her eyes wide, lips parted. A rosy flush filled her cheeks. “Are you putting the handcuffs on me, Officer?”
“Not right now,” I replied. “But who knows what might happen after the pizza is gone. Come on, you two, before you get into trouble.”
Rose darted past me on her way to the kitchen. “I call dibs on the corner pieces of cheese bread!”
Leah paused, and leaned against me. “I call dibs on you tonight, naked in that bed.”
“Well alrighty then,” I growled before kissing her. I couldn’t wait for the last slice of pizza to disappear, and for my sister to go home.
Leah
MY TWO-WEEK NOTICE was met with some consternation on the part of the owner. I continued working a month total in order to give James time to hire, and train a server. The last day of work, James laid it on thick trying to get me to stay. It made me feel appreciated. Even if it was just waiting tables, I gave it one hundred percent.
“I really hate to lose you, Leah. The customers like you, and you’re good at what you do. Is there anything I can do to get you to stay?”
“James, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but it’s time to move on. I’ll miss you, and everyone here. Thank you for everything.” I tried to stand tall and tough, not let emotion slip through. For some reason, I felt weepy and emotional for the past week. I blamed it on the move; leaving the cozy efficiency apartment, and moving on to another part of my life.
Nick wanted to be there for my last day. He and James had become good friends over the past few months. Cops, coffee, and breakfast food. It was a magical combination that I had yet to understand. Nick shook hands with James before taking my hand.
“We’ll drop in for coffee and breakfast every now and then,” he said with a look that made my knees weak.
A neatly trimmed beard covered his handsome face now. I couldn’t resist the urge to run my fingers through it once we were inside the Charger. The car roared along Orion Loop on the way to the suburbs where Nick lived. Life with Nick was everything I had hoped for.
The following Monday, Nick insisted that I accompany him to Knight Security for an interview. The sleek skyscraper was impressive, and a bit overwhelming. Uniformed security guards stationed in the lobby, and a metal detector were the first overwhelming pieces to meet my sight. Nick breezed through as if this was something he was accustomed to. On the elevator ride to the top floor, he explained the tight security.
“Lukas Knight’s wife, Sarah, got shot on the second floor by the stalker. Immediately afterwards, Lukas, and his brother, Morgan, tightened security here. You saw for yourself that she’s doing well. In fact, Lukas and Sarah welcomed their first child a few months ago,” Nick said with a smile. “You met Lukas and Sarah at The Flying Crown. There are a few more people you’ll meet today.”
The elevator doors slid open with a hiss. Nick took my hand before walking into the shining white, grey, and black corridor. The grey marble floor was polished to a high gloss. It reflected the exquisite paintings, and decor. Lukas appeared from a doorway. He approached Nick with an extended hand. “Nick! It’s good to see you. Are you here to commit to joining us?”
The men shook hands while I stood nervously at Nick’s side. “Lukas, you remember my girlfriend, Leah?” I accepted Lukas Knight’s offered hand. Sarah joined us a few moments later.
“Sarah, you remember Leah? I’m hoping she will agree to come on board with you as well.”
“It’s good to see you again, Leah,” Sarah replied with a smile. “I hope you’ll join us. It would be nice to have a few women on the team.”
Lukas led us into a massive conference room with a spectacular view of Warner. Another man sat at the conference room table. I could tell in an instant it was his brother by the similarities in their facial features, and, of course, the same dark blue eyes. “This is Morgan, the brawn of the business,” Lukas said with a chuckle.
I sat with Nick at the table, idly listening to the chatter. Lukas turned to me with a smile. “Nick has mentioned you may be available to come work for us as well. He said you wanted to go to college, but wasn’t sure what major to pursue. If you’re interested in learning more about computer programming, cybersecurity, or even private investigation, Leah, Knight Security is perfect for you.”
“I’ve never had anyone be interested in hiring me for a job that offered actual benefits, and promise for the future. Tell me about the opportunities you have in mind for me,” I replied.
Lukas and Morgan were excited about the future of their company. Lukas had already managed to secure a lucrative government contract for a program he created called Shroud. A small programming team had been assembled to continue to design other security programs focusing in the same areas. Morgan managed the security side of the company. That part of the company provided security guards for private businesses, corporations, and individuals. Lukas wanted to add private investigators to supplement the electronic means of investigation the company already had at its disposal.
“It’s really up to you where you go from here, Leah. Consider coming aboard as Nick’s assistant. Once you get on board, and see what we have to offer, your decision about college may be much easier to make,” Lukas explained. “You can have your own office, a support team, and anything that you need to do the job effectively.”
“I’ve already said yes,” Nick added. “I’ve done some freelance work for Lukas before. He’s a great guy to work for. I’m sure Morgan will be just as good.”
“I can’t say no to an offer like that,” I smiled. “I guess I’m Knight Security’s next employee.”
Chapter 12
Leah
NICK AND I MET WITH Lukas, and his brother, Morgan, the next day to solidify details of our employment.
“Nick, you’ll be head of the investigative branch of the company. As of now, it’s just you and Leah,” Lukas said. He pushed a piece of paper across the table toward each of us. “I expect you’ll find the salary more than the amount initially quoted. It includes health insurance, and other fringe benefits. Let me know if you have questions.”
The details on the piece of paper were more than generous. “I have a question. How do you know I’ll be of any use as an investigator, Mr. Knight?”
“Please, call me Lukas. I have all potential employees investigated, Leah. You came from rough beginnings, and look at you. You’ve got a squeaky-clean background, and no history of drug use. You’re a fighter. I like that. I’m also aware of the details of your protective custody, and the trial. You do the right thing. I respect that,” Lukas replied.
“You had me investigated?” The thought of someone digging around in my life irritated me. I stood up before moving to the windows overlooking the city. The view was phenomenal.
“Leah, calm down. It’s standard practice in the security industry,” Nick said.
“Did you find anything out about my mother? I ... I haven’t seen her in a couple years,” I said.
“She’s still out there, Leah. I’m sorry. If you’ll join us again, I’ll give you the information I have.” Lukas pushed a folder across the table toward me after I sat beside Nick. “Thank you. I had no desire to be on the receiving end of your kickboxing.”
“You know about that?” I asked with a laugh.
“Nick told me you’re good. We need good here,” Lukas laughed.
“I’m in. And thanks for the information on my mom.” A sense of conflict grew. Mom always cared more about drugs than she di
d about me. I hated her in some ways, but still inexplicably loved her. It was a mystery as old as humankind, and one I would never understand.
“You know I’m in, guys,” Nick said. “When do we start?”
“Today,” Morgan replied. “I’ll show you to your office. Our IT guys will be along shortly to set up computers and email for you both.”
The office Nick and I shared was spectacular. A top-floor corner office with a view of the city. Lukas and Morgan Knight sure knew how to pull out all the stops. The IT staff appeared shortly after our arrival to set up computers, passwords, and email programs. A brief tutorial later, and we were set up with the necessary bells and whistles.
I stood looking out over Warner turning over the events of the past few months, and the change of fortune that landed in my lap. I didn’t know how to be useful, but I would figure it out with Nick’s help. Nick noticed my wistfulness. He appeared behind me, alerting me to his presence with muscular arms encircling my body.
“You’re lost in thought.” His lips found my neck, bringing with it a sigh of pleasure. He knew how to push my buttons in the pleasure department.
“Just thinking. I appreciate the job, but I’m still not sure how I can help,” I replied.
“Leah, you grew up in a rough part of the city. You have knowledge of that area which will only help us get to information that we need. And you’ll keep me in line.”
“I get the feeling there’s something going on that I’m not aware of.” I turned into his embrace. Nick’s brow was furrowed, something he only did when he was thinking something through, or worrying. A finger pushed against the v between his brows. “You only do this when you’re worrying, or thinking. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Leo Soranno’s men were moved to a different maximum-security federal prison last week. I got notified that they escaped. The feds are after them, and want our help. I’m afraid they may come after you again,” he said. “Lukas and Morgan have a contract to start digging for intel. That’s where we come in.”
Leo Soranno. The name meant a dozen different things to me. Warner’s most notorious crime lord was responsible for the appearance of heroin in the city. He was also responsible for ordering the hit I witnessed months ago. The one that landed me in protective custody before testifying at a trial to put his henchmen away. Now, they roamed free in the country.
“How can that happen?”
As if knowing the emotions twisting and rolling through my head, he pulled me closer, lips pressing against my forehead. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. Lukas and Morgan agreed to hire bodyguards if needed.”
“No, I’ll be fine as long as you’re with me.” The words sounded hollow coming out of my mouth. I knew only a portion of what Leo Soranno was capable of. It was time to learn more about the enemy. I threw myself into digging up information. After a couple of hours, the information I located, combined with the existing file on Leo Soranno, made me feel even less at ease. I printed a list of his known associates. My plan was to take out the roots, to take out the tree. It was something Ryder talked about that I never understood until now. The man was a first-class low life, and criminal genius.
Sarah dropped by before the workday ended. She was a blonde ray of light that immediately lifted the mood anywhere she happened to be. Nick was on the phone when she came in. We moved into the hallway to give him some privacy, and quiet. “Sarah! I’m so glad to see you!” I hugged her without question.
“Hi, Leah. How are you?”
“I’m doing okay. This is a lot to get used to,” I said while making a sweeping motion with my hand at the office, computer, and other furnishings.
“Lukas never does anything halfway. You’ll get used to it,” Sarah explained.
Lukas appeared in the hallway. He went straight to Sarah, a big hand taking her much smaller hand. The loving look they exchanged was heartwarming. “I’m glad you and Nick got settled in without problems,” Lukas said. “Do you need anything at all? I want to make sure you are both equipped with anything you need.”
“Could we talk about that?” I asked. “I’ve been doing some digging on Leo Soranno. It’s my understanding that Shroud could be helpful.”
“It’s for military, and government use only right now, Leah. Let me make a few calls, and see if I can get you vetted. The feds want Leo Soranno in custody. I doubt getting you access to Shroud will be an issue,” Lukas replied. “The feds have procured all the search warrants, and court orders that might be needed where Soranno is concerned. If you don’t have a search warrant, or court order, all we can do is look for information that’s a matter of public record. Got it?”
“Got it,” Nick and I said in unison.
Nick divulged very little information about the program during our day getting settled in. One of the IT guys bragged about the program while he set up my computer. His admiration for Lukas Knight was evident. Lukas and Sarah disappeared shortly after our conversation. I continued digging only to find that where Leo Soranno was concerned, there were more dead ends than leads, and facts. I knew just the person to call.
Facebook messenger connected me to the few people in life I cared to maintain contact with. Ryder was one of those people. Ryder was the sort of oddball that I found endearing. Other people ridiculed, or bullied people like Ryder. I took the scrawny guy under my wing when we were in high school together. His brains, and my willingness to defend him, led to a strange friendship. Even at the age of twenty-two, Ryder stayed in touch with occasional messages. I knew if anyone could help me dig deeper, it would be him.
Leah: I need your help
Ryder: That’s a change. Usually I need your help.
Leah: lol. I need to dig deep on the net.
Ryder: How deep?
Leah: Dangerously deep.
Ryder: We need to talk. Coffee in thirty. Coffee shop on 12th.
Cryptic messages were Ryder’s style. It didn’t concern me that he wanted to meet at a coffee shop. We didn’t get together often enough. Catching up with each other was something we did sporadically throughout the year. I let Nick know I was leaving, and headed out the door. The walk to the coffee shop was invigorating. The early April breeze still carried a chill. Ryder sat in a back booth by the time I made it to the coffee shop. He had blue hair today. It almost matched his deep blue eyes.
“Blue hair, huh?”
“It was green last month,” he chuckled. Ryder was of average height, and skinny as a rail. His way of rebelling against societal norms included dying his hair outrageous colors, and wearing black. Leather was his preferred fabric. Today, he wore a black tank top, black leather pants, and a military-style black leather trench coat. In spite of being rail thin, Ryder’s hug was powerful.
“I’ve missed you, Shithead,” I said with a smile. The nickname fell from my lips with ease. I gave Ryder the nickname Shithead when we were in high school. It stuck. His nickname for me, Asshole, was borne of the same sarcastic sense of humor. The names fit our personalities, and relationship.
“I missed you, Asshole,” Ryder replied with a grin.
“There’s a lot going on in my life that we haven’t had a chance to talk about. So, tell me about you. Are there any special people on the horizon?”
Ryder snorted derisively after we sat down. The waitress came by to get our order. I opted for herbal tea, and a muffin. “Leah, what the hell is going on with you? You never drink tea.”
“I’m in love. Nick’s sister has got me into the whole herbal tea thing, too.”
Ryder’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. “Leah in love? I hope this guy is worthy of you.”
I winced at the term. Ryder made it sound like Nick was a knight in shining armor riding in to save the virginal maiden from danger. “Nick is everything I need, and could hope for. Are you still living in your mom’s basement?”
“I prefer fallout shelter,” Ryder chuckled. “Yes, still in the basement. But my arsenal of tricks has increased dramatically since hi
gh school. Who’s the lucky guy?”
“A retired cop turned PI. We both work for Knight Security. My first actual job with a desk in an office that has my name on it.”
Ryder thanked the waitress when she returned with our food. Deep blue eyes scanned my face before he spoke. “You look happy, Leah. I’m glad.”
“It only took twenty-two years to get here. Nick is thirty. And he drives a black Charger Hellcat with tinted windows.”
“Oh, girl. You got it bad!” Ryder proclaimed. “I know how you feel about Chargers. How did you put it? Sex appeal on wheels?”
“Yeah, you could say that. The car definitely matches Nick’s level of sex appeal. Not to change the subject, but could we talk deep internet?”
Silence built between us as Ryder added cream and sugar to his cup of coffee. The tinkling of the spoon against the cup’s sides reminded me of a Salvation Army Bell at Christmas. “If you’re getting deep into the internet, you want Tor. It protects your identity, and masks your location. The Silk Road was the place at one time. It, and similar sites have been shut down by cops, or agencies in various countries.”
“So, there’s no way to get what I need?”
Ryder glanced around before speaking. “Shade Tree Lane is a new, darker version. It might give you more information. If you go there, Leah, be careful. You’ll need bitcoin to make purchases. Make sure you let the IT department, and your boss know what you’re doing. Shade Tree is not for the faint of heart. It’s dangerous.”
“Why do you say it’s dangerous, Ryder?”
Ryder’s pupils dilated, and his nostrils flared at my question. “Drugs, weapons, and intel are the calm parts of Shade Tree. It gets darker. Any type of sick, perverted thing you could want is there. Need a kidney? You can buy one. Into snuff? It’s there if you have the connections, and bitcoin. Into autopsies performed while the person is still breathing? It’s...”
“Stop, I don’t need to hear more.” The thought of seeing, let alone buying the twisted things Ryder shared, made my stomach roil. “Is there anything I should know? Things I might need to do, or not do?”