“We saw you steal a Mercedes,” Rayne said.
Jeffrey laughed again, which annoyed both Rayne and Pruitt.
“I didn’t steal it. That’s my dad’s car. He called and told me he left it there after a business lunch with a client. He left the car behind so he could take a ride with the client, then asked me to pick it up for him.”
“Why did it take you so long to open the door?” Pruitt asked.
Jeffrey dug into a pocket and brought out a key fob.
“I think the battery is dying on this thing. It wouldn’t unlock the doors until I held it right against the car.”
“Oh.” Pruitt said.
Rayne stood. “It’s nice to know you’re not into anything illegal, Jeffrey.”
A few minutes later, Rayne and Pruitt were back outside and walking to the car. After thinking the situation over, Pruitt began laughing.
“I was all jacked-up thinking we were about to get in a firefight with two Chinese triad members, and they were just a couple of factory workers dropping the boss’s son at home.”
Rayne chuckled. “Imagine if we had called the police.”
Pruitt took a slip of paper from his pocket.
“I even wrote down the plate number of the van.”
They were still laughing when they reached the car, where Pruitt took Rayne into his arms.
“I’m glad it worked out this way. I was worried you might get hurt.”
“I was worried about you too,” Rayne said.
Pruitt’s face became serious.
“Tell me something, Rayne, are you over Chris Caliber?”
“Yes, Pruitt. I realized a while ago that if I ever had a chance with Chris it had come and gone.”
Pruitt kissed her, and Rayne kissed him back.
“Where do you want to eat tonight?” Pruitt asked.
Rayne caressed his cheek.
“Oh, we’ll be staying in.”
And again, they kissed.
Chapter Forty-Two
TWO DAYS LATER
In the prison ward inside Elmhurst General Hospital, Robby Mercer stared up at a large flat-screen TV with eyes wide with shock. He called over to his brother, who was in a bed beside his own.
“Ian, is that who I think it is?”
Robby’s brother gazed up at the screen, where a man with a port-wine birthmark was holding a giant check. The man was grinning wide, as was his plump wife. The two had every reason to be doing so. They had been awarded millions of dollars by lottery officials.
“That’s the super from Artie’s building, the one who scooped up the lottery tickets,” Ian said. “Shit, do you mean one of those tickets was a winner?”
“Damn it. Why didn’t we take them?”
“Because gambling is for suckers,” Ian said, and then he closed his eyes and cursed himself.
Sucker or not, Artie Kelp had died a winner. Among the lottery tickets left behind by Ian and Robby was one of three winning tickets that would share a prize of fifty-six million dollars.
The building superintendent, Carlos Ramirez, had grabbed up the tickets on an impulse. It had made him a multi-millionaire.
Artie had been right after all; his luck had finally changed.
Chapter Forty-Three
The old man returned from Texas with Maggie three days after the Mercer brothers had launched their assault on the building.
The damage they had done to the office was repaired, along with certain upgrades. The wooden stairs leading down to the tunnel were reinforced and proper lighting added. The old wooden door was gone. In its place was a steel door with an electronic keypad. If anyone ever needed to flee the building without being seen, it was now much easier to accomplish.
The old man and Maggie were with Gail in her office, as they told her about their trip to Texas. Gail then filled them in about her harrowing experience.
“Thank God Velma had this office converted into a safe room,” Gail said. “I don’t like to think what would have happened if we’d had nowhere to run.”
Through the window, Maggie spotted Kate Jordan. She excused herself to go talk to Kate.
“Speaking of Velma,” Gail said. “Young Velma, that is, she’s leaving the agency.”
“To go where?” the old man asked.
Gail smiled. “There have been a few changes while you were gone. For one, Chris and Velma have broken up.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised at that. Has Chris finally admitted he wants to be with Lauren?”
Gail’s mouth dropped open in shock at Jake’s words. Until the emotional scene that took place between them in the basement, Gail had no clue that Christopher and Lauren had feelings for each other. And yet, the old man knew all about it.
Seeing her expression, Jake explained.
“They were making goo-goo eyes at each other at Jakey’s wedding, and there were other signs too.”
“You don’t miss a thing, do you, you old goat?”
“If I did, I wouldn’t have lived long enough to become an old goat. I guess this also means that Velma and Sammy are together?”
“Yes, Jake, but there’s more. Sammy and Velma are going to Las Vegas. Sammy plans to revive the Sam Sloan Agency.”
The old man smiled. “I’ll miss him, but I think he’s making the right move. Sammy should be his own man and not work for Rayne.”
Jake entered the office and was thrilled to see his grandfather there. After sharing a hug, the old man patted his grandson on the shoulder.
“I’m proud of you, boy. You took care of business and protected your mother. I know things will be in good hands here while I’m off floating around the world.”
Jake sent his grandfather a wink. “I learned from the best.”
“Did you ever get the baby’s crib together, Jake,” Gail asked.
“Only after I figured out the company had sent me a dud. The box I had came with parts from two different cribs. Once I received the right one I had the crib together in twenty minutes.”
“It looks like you’ll be working alone, Jakey,” the old man said. “I hear Velma has decided to move on.”
“Yeah, I’ll be a one-man show, just like you used to be.”
The old man waved his cigar at that.
“Your son will be sitting up there with you in no time. You’ll be shocked how fast the years go by.”
“The baby isn’t even born yet, Jake,” Gail said, “and what if he doesn’t want to be a private eye?”
“He’s a Caliber, woman; it’s in the blood. Even Christopher couldn’t escape it, despite being a lawyer at heart.”
“How’s Chris’s friend Garth doing, Mother?” Jake asked.
“He’s still in the hospital recovering from his wounds, but he’ll live. What he might never live down is his behavior. He panicked and tried to escape while leaving the rest of us to die. Hannah showed far more courage.”
“Who’s Hannah?” the old man asked.
Gail explained how Hannah had saved her from being shot by throwing the paperweight, and also how she suffered for her bravery.
“How is she doing?” the old man asked.
“She’s well. I talked to her earlier and she’ll be dropping by soon. She’s quite the fan of yours, Jake.”
“A kid like that?”
“You’re famous. I’m sure you have fans of every age.”
“I’m just an old gumshoe.”
“Hannah wanted to work upstairs in the detective agency. She has experience working in offices, but I think she’s too young yet.”
“I’ll still need a receptionist, Mother,” Jake said.
“Lauren will fill in for now, and I’ll interview more people.”
“What about Hannah?”
“I’ll find work down here for her.”
Across the street, Rayne was greeting an unexpected visitor, Velma Parker. After Rayne’s receptionist ushered Velma into the office, Rayne got up from behind her desk and motioned Velma to sit beside her on a sofa.
“Hello, Velma. What brings you here?”
“I have news. Christopher and I are no longer together.”
“Ah, was that your decision?”
“It was mutual. Has Sammy mentioned this to you?”
“No, but then, he’s the strong silent type.”
“Yes, he is, and he and I are together now.”
“Really? Does that mean you’ll be returning to Las Vegas with him?”
“It does, but Rayne, my absence doesn’t mean that Christopher is available. He and Lauren Wright are dating now. I hope you’ll respect that.”
Rayne wore a small smile as she spoke. “I knew Chris liked that girl.”
“And you won’t try to break them up?”
“I’ve moved on, Velma. Like yourself, I’ve figured out that Christopher wasn’t right for me.”
Velma cocked her head as she studied Rayne.
“You’re seeing someone?”
“Yes, Pruitt and I have become more than business partners.”
“Pruitt? You’re with Trace Pruitt? I thought you hated him?”
“So did I, but then I also thought I couldn’t live without Christopher. I now know better on both counts.”
“Pruitt makes you happy?”
“He does, and he loves me.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Despite our rivalry, I never hated you, Rayne. You deserve to be happy.”
Rayne smiled, then offered Velma her hand.
“Take care of Sammy, Velma. That man loves you.”
“I love him too,” Velma said.
At the Caliber Building, Gail was walking off the elevator with Hannah McClain.
Hannah wore a blue dress that fell to her knees along with a look of expectation. She was about to meet her hero, the legendary Jake Caliber.
Gail knocked on the office door and heard the old man’s gruff voice respond.
“Come in.”
“Hello, Jake. I thought you’d like to meet Hannah McClain, the young woman I was telling you about earlier.”
The old man had been reading a newspaper. He walked from behind the desk and offered his hand. Hannah shook it while smiling wide.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Caliber.”
“It’s nice to meet you, doll. Gail says you’re a hero.”
“Oh, no sir. You’re a hero. I just tossed a paperweight.”
“Yeah, but you tossed it at an armed man. That takes guts.”
Hannah leaned in a bit. “I got him good too, right in the kisser.”
The old man laughed. “I like you, kid.”
The younger Jake entered the office while carrying a bag from the deli down the street. He was introduced to Hannah. After exchanging greetings, Jake asked Hannah a question.
“My mother says you’d like to be my receptionist, is that still true?”
Hannah’s expressive green eyes grew large.
“Yes. I would love that.”
“You start tomorrow, and then we’ll see how it works out, is that all right?”
Hannah looked like she wanted to cheer, but her smile faded as she looked over at Gail.
“Mrs. Caliber thinks I should work downstairs.”
“Change of plans,” Jake said. “You saved my mother’s life and risked your own to do it. You’ve earned a shot up here. It’s up to you if you keep it.”
The smile returned to Hannah’s face, and she turned to Gail.
“Is that all right, Mrs. Caliber?”
“You no longer work for me, dear. You’re now a receptionist for the Caliber Detective Agency.”
Hannah grabbed Jake’s hand and gave it a vigorous shaking.
“I’ll work out, you’ll see.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Jake said.
“Can I ask a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“Can I start right now?”
The old man smiled at Hannah. “Doll, you’re gonna do just fine.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Jake Caliber the sixth was born a month later and weighed-in at eight pounds, two ounces.
The old man beamed with pride as he stared at his great-grandson, while Jake looked happier than he ever had.
Kelli was doing well and was thrilled to be a mother. After two days in the hospital, she and the baby returned home.
Velma and Sammy sent their congratulations from Las Vegas, where the Sam Sloan Agency was in business again. They also sent news of their engagement.
Christopher and Lauren were likewise happy. However, they were taking things slower in their relationship.
Hannah McClain, although young, proved to be an efficient and diligent receptionist, as Jake transitioned into running the agency alone. Gone were the multiple desks that once belonged to Christopher, Rayne, and Velma. The large room now contained but one desk, the one formally used by the old man.
Five generations of Calibers had worked in the agency, with Jake the fifth being the latest to run it. He had big shoes to fill, as his grandfather was a true legend.
Overjoyed to have lived long enough to have seen a great-grandson enter the world, the old man and Maggie finally left for their voyage.
It was an exciting trip, but by the fourth day, Jake felt a bit lost with nothing to do. As he sat by the railing with Maggie at his side, he was approached by one of the female crew members.
“Hello, Mr. Caliber. Sir, the captain was hoping you would join him in his cabin.”
“Is something wrong?”
The woman lowered her voice.
“There’s an incident that the Captain wants your advice about. There’s been a theft aboard.”
Jake followed the woman to the captain’s cabin. The captain was an experienced man in his fifties named Harding. After taking seats across from each other, Captain Harding explained the situation to the old man.
One of Jake’s fellow passengers claimed to have had a necklace stolen from her stateroom. The diamond necklace was insured for sixty thousand dollars. Ship’s security investigated the theft and had concluded that the necklace must have been lost or stolen while the woman was out of her cabin. The video cameras aboard the vessel recorded that no one entered her cabin other than crew members and the woman and her husband.
“My crew members are not thieves, Mr. Caliber, and yet the necklace is missing.”
“Who’s the lady that lost the jewels?”
“Mrs. Carrington. I’m sure you’ve noticed her. She’s a striking older woman with stark white hair. I myself remember seeing the necklace on her.”
Jake nodded. “I watched her board, then saw her say goodbye to her daughter. Something happened then that makes sense to me now.”
“What would that be, sir?”
“A smile,” Jake said. “The daughter had an odd little smile on her face, and then she gave her mother a wink. I wondered what that was about.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The jewels were never aboard ship, Captain, not the real jewels. I’ll bet you a sawbuck that the daughter has them back in New York. Mrs. Carrington probably tossed the fakes overboard and then claimed they were stolen.”
“Do you really think so?”
“I could be wrong, but I’ve handled dozens of scams over the years, Captain Harding. If I were you, I’d have the cops back in Manhattan look into it, or better yet, the insurance company’s investigator. They have more to lose than the cops.”
The old man was proven right two days later when the daughter confessed to the police that she had the necklace. She had never expected to be questioned and broke down right away. Mrs. Carrington was escorted off the ship by British authorities and Jake had the captain’s gratitude.
Days later, the old man was seated with the captain again. He was offered a job as an expert consultant to the cruise lines security services. Jake accepted, and was given three case files to go over. Maggie saw how happy he looked.
“You missed working, didn’t you?” Maggie asked.
<
br /> “I guess so. I’ve been doing one thing or another for as long as I can remember.”
“I thought maybe you were worried about your grandson.”
The old man smiled.
“Jakey knows how to take care of business. The agency is in good hands.”
Back in New York City, the Caliber Detective Agency was ending another day.
Hannah stood in the office doorway and told Jake goodnight. He was standing and looking out at the street, but he turned his head to give her a smile.
“Yeah, you too, Hannah.”
“You may have a new case. Miss Felicity Rivers will be here at nine tomorrow morning.”
“What’s her story?”
“She’s being stalked by someone, but the police have been unable to help her. I sent the details to your inbox. The blue folder on the corner of your desk is a hard copy of her client sheet.”
“Good work. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, Jake.”
Ten minutes after Hannah left, Jake took the elevator down to the lobby. As he was walking past the portraits of the men who came before him, he studied their faces, faces which were so much like his own, including his late father.
“I’ll make all of you proud,” Jake told them.
After donning his trench coat and fedora, he lit a cigar and headed out onto the streets of New York City.
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JAKE CALIBER RETURNS IN TAKEN!/TANNER - BOOK 3
Afterword
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Caliber Detective Agency Box Set 3 Page 19