Mind (the) Game

by Kelly Shade

  “What did you do and how?” Jane asked firmly. She couldn’t feel sorry for him.

  “I had to sign them and make the whole procedure fast. I had many friends in court and for the right amount they helped that to happen.” Macalister said.

  “Why did he wanted me gone and why Melissa didn’t stop him?” Jane continued with the questions.

  “I don’t know. Melissa was fragile at the time. We never spoke of this; she didn’t know I knew about you.” Said Fred “But Morse wanted a good family for you, he cared about you. That’s why he sacrificed the best doctor he had – Lilia Jordan.” Macalister looked at them as if expecting more questions about the name he had just said but to his amazement, they already knew about Jordan.

  “How long did Lilia Jordan performed surgeries for him?” Ian joined in.

  “As long as he started the prostitution business.” Answered Macalister.

  “You have a son, where is he now?” asked Valdez again.

  “I don’t know. We never got along. Morse changed his names and everything several years ago. We haven’t seen each other in years.” Explained Macalister and added with anger “I’m not sure if he is mine anyways.”

  Jane and Ian exchanged amazed looks. Nobody thought that Morse’s lawyer was an ordinary person, they expected him to be a monster, just like Morse.

  “Okay, one last question.” Jane started “Who is my father and where is Melissa?”

  “I don’t know where she is.” Answered Macalister.

  Jane studied his body language and decided he was telling the truth.

  “Okay, who is my biological father.” She asked.

  “I don’t know.” Fred said firmly.

  “You do!” Jane caught the lie.

  “I think I said enough for you to give me that deal.” Said he icily. “I don’t know anything about your father.”

  “You do know.” Repeated Jane “But I can see you will not talk.”

  “Do we have a deal?” asked Macalister.

  Ian glanced at Jane with a look which clearly meant ‘you-know-we-can’t’ and Blake spoke.

  “I don’t like when I’m lied to.” She said calmly. “You are going to the feds right away.” Jane and Ian stood up and headed to the exit.

  “You are just like her!” Fred shouted “A silly little bitch! You will pay for everything!” he yelled.

  Jane turned around and smiled at him nastily, then welcomed the federal agents inside so they can take Macalister to the FBI.

  “What do you think?” Ian asked Jane while they walked to the office.

  “I think Macalister is horrified of my biological father. I think they all are!” Jane said thoughtfully.

  Ian gazed at her with fear. Valdez, like Jane, was asking himself who was that man. What kind of a monster he must be if even Morse and his people were afraid of him?

  Blake was thinking of Morse’s words ‘I personally shot your daddy. Your cold green eyes remind me of him. The bastard thought he was smarter than me and he paid with his life for that! The cops couldn’t even find the body! Oceans are deep, sweetheart, deeper than you can imagine! Good luck!’ These words were stuck in Jane’s head and even though she didn’t think her father was dead, and she had some kind of evidence he was alive but still in her mind was the question what if Morse really killed him.

  The long day exhausted the team and everyone headed home as soon as they finished with their paperwork. But for Jane and Ryan the work day was far from over - they had to meet Strut for dinner. They had a long drive to ‘Francesco’s’ restaurant in Long Beach. This time Jane had rented a car and Ryan was the driver. Blake had decided that it was best not to involve Garry Skinner any more, for safety reasons.

  Ryan was even more tense than the night before. He was unusually quiet, and drove as if on autopilot. Blake was getting worried. What if Ryan blows their cover? What if he decides to quit in the middle of the action? Blake wasn’t sure what was happening with him but ever since she came back from Chile he wasn’t the person she used to know. Jane was wondering if it was the moment for a conversation of that kind but she decided to wait until the job is done and Alice is safe.

  They arrived in front of the ‘Francesco’s’ restaurant which was a small restaurant with amazing view to the ocean, many palm trees in its garden and square glass tables with white chairs next to them. It was an adorable place. Blake and Ryan made themselves comfortable at the most distant table from the other customers and waited for Strut and his bodyguards.

  “Do you have the money?” Ryan remembered that now they had to give Strut the first payment.

  “Of course.” Jane said. “In the car.”

  “You mean cash?” Ryan lifted his eyebrows in amazement.

  “Yep.” Confirmed Jane and ordered a whiskey for her and a bottle of water for Ryan.

  “Isn’t it dangerous?” Gray kept asking.

  “It is but when you’re making a deal like this, cash is the best option.” Blake answered.

  Ryan’s expression was getting more and more worried. Jane looked around and saw an expensive dark red SUV stopping next to Jane’s rental car. Strut went out followed by his two bodyguards. He saw Ryan and Jane and with a wide smile walked to them. Blake and Gray stood up to welcome him.

  “Good evening, Miss Fernandez, I’m so glad to see you!” said Strut greasily while kissing Jane on the cheeks.

  “It is nice to see you too!” Jane answered and sat back in her chair, but Ryan remained up with Strut’s bodyguards.

  “How is Playa Del Mar Hotel? I thought of visiting it a few weeks ago but I chose another one for my birthday party.” Said Strut.

  “It is not my cup of tea. The staff are too rude and they don’t have good wine list. And the food, oh my God, it is horrendous! I can’t wait to go back to my mansion in Miami.” Jane said as if she was a spoiled girl, Ryan’s eyes widened when he heard her speak that way.

  “That’s unacceptable! An amazing woman like you should have the best service.” Strut said with playful eyes.

  “Enough complaining and from now on enough tailing!” said Jane and lifted her glass. Before Strut could answer to the remark, she added “We are here to celebrate our partnership and the bright future of your business!”

  “Huh, only my business?” smiled Strut also with a glass in his hand.

  “Mine is okay but yours is about to bloom! With my contacts and your product, we will be a great team!” Jane took a sip. “But before that, I have some concerns I have to share with you.”

  “Whatever is bothering you, Fernandez, you can tell me!” Strut leaned forward and put his hand on Jane’s leg. Blake glanced at Ryan and the anger he felt was written on his face.

  “Alone. I want to speak with you in private!” said Jane and looked at Strut’s bodyguards.

  Strut made a gesture which meant that they should go at the entrance and wait there. Blake would have done the same to Ryan but she guessed it would have been a mistake and Gray would blow the cover.

  “Henry, dear, wait for me over there, please!” she said pompously to Ryan and pointed at the spot where the guards were. He did as he was told.

  “You are taking care of your people, huh?” asked Strut.

  “I believe a boss without his people is just a nobody.” Answered Jane with the same tone.

  “You are very correct, Amanda!” nodded Strut then leaned forward again and said a bit quieter than before “Well, what was the thing you wanted to tell me?”

  “I have information that the man from the left,” Jane pointed at the Latino bodyguard with the cross between his eyebrows “is working with the feds.”

  Strut leaned backwards with puzzled and angry expression at the same time.

  “You came here to offend my people?” he asked angrily in a low voice.

  “I came here to make business.” Jane remained calm “But I always research the people I work with, Strut, and my research led me to him being with the cops!”

  “This
is impossible! Branco has been with me for years!” Strut said with a high pitched voice.

  “Wasn’t he in jail the last three years?” Jane asked as if she wasn’t sure.

  “Last two, but what’s that got to do with anything!?” Strut said irritably.

  “The point is he may have cooperated with the cops.” Jane said quietly. “How long was he supposed to be in?”

  “Three and a half years, but he got out because of good behavior!” Strut said slowly as if he just realized something.

  “I’m ready to work with you but safety first!” Jane said and was about to stand up but Strut pulled her arm and she sat back in her chair again. His bodyguards and Ryan made a few steps towards them but Jane and Strut lifted their hands to inform them to stay put.

  “I have your product and it is ready to be transferred.” Growled Strut “If you think you can mess with me, you are mistaken!”

  “I believe I am helping you and myself.” Jane pulled her arm out of his grip.

  “You have to pay today, if you don’t have the money…” started Strut but Jane interrupted him with a loud laughter.

  “What? You think I told you this because of the change I have to give you!?” she said still giggling “Oh dear, you clearly have no idea who I am, do you?”

  These word made Strut calm down a little and change the tone.

  “Look, lady, Branco is with me since he was fifteen! He is my right hand. I assure you, he is not working with the feds or any cops!”

  “Okay, dear, I’ll make you a fair deal.” Said Jane thoughtfully.

  “What deal?” asked Strut worryingly.

  Blake pretended she was thinking. She leaned back, crossed her legs and with her finger playing with her big lips Jane made Strut forget about the bad situation he was in. He gazed at her until she spoke again.

  “I will give you the money now,” Jane started, his eyes widened, “I’ll give you fifty percent and we will say that the transfer will be tomorrow. You will tell your people that I want extra privacy and you cannot share all the details with all of them. But you will tell Branco that I want the product to be transferred from yours to mine truck which will wait, let’s say, in Louisiana. We will send an empty truck and if the cops show up, you will know if you have a traitor.” Blake finished.

  Strut stared at her for some time then he decided “I guess I have nothing to lose. But if I’m right you will owe me a dinner at my place!” he winked which made him look more disgusting than before. Blake managed to hide the contempt she felt and said with the same girly voice as when she explained why didn’t she like the hotel she was staying at. “Okay, but if I’m right, you will owe me one night in a decent hotel with a special dinner menu and a wine list.”

  Strut liked the idea very much, judging by his pleased expression. Blake offered to finish with the drinks and to get down to business.

  After several small talks they headed to the parking lot where Jane had to give him the first payment. The bodyguards and Ryan were walking behind Strut and Blake.

  They surrounded Jane and the dealer while Blake was getting the suitcase with the money out of the trunk of her car. Strut carefully examined the bills, then he tested if they were real with a flashlight and finally he closed the suitcase and took it in his hand.

  “It is pleasure to do business with you, Amanda!” said Strut with satisfied expression.

  “I hope you will keep your part of our understanding.” Jane winked and nodded to Branco who was with his back against them.

  “You can be sure about it!” Strut shook his head.

  “I guess it is time to say goodbye!” Jane reached for a handshake.

  “I can’t wait for our date in my beautiful home!” Strut pulled her against him and whispered in her ear.

  “I believe you will have to search for a decent hotel!” Jane whispered back with a smile.

  Strut made a fake laughter and stepped back. Then he ordered to his people to move and Jane and Ryan were finally left alone. Gray sat in the driver’s seat without saying a word, Jane went to the back and as soon as they moved she removed the heavy makeup with a wet wipe. Her eyes were burning of that much eyeliner, mascara and what not.

  “I think we have him.” Jane started a conversation, Ryan glanced at her at the rear view mirror.

  “You certainly do.” Murmured Ryan.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Jane made a grimace.

  “Do you think I’m deaf?” Ryan raise his voice. “I heard you two talking about dates at his place and hotels! What’s up, Jane?”

  “It is part of the con, Gray!” Blake got irritated “For a cop you have no idea how undercover works!”

  “Oh, I do have an idea!” Ryan speed up the car “It is just this little detail on the undercover operation – we are not allowed to sleep with the suspects!”

  Jane laughed nastily and preferred not to answer but Ryan wouldn’t let go.

  “I’m glad we are doing this together. Now I can rethink a lot about you!” Ryan kept speeding “It makes me wonder what kind of thinks you have done as a con artist; how many people had gone trough…”

  “That’s enough!” Blake raised her voice. “Stop the car now!”

  “Oh, is that so!?” Ryan laughed “Maybe you need a reminder that in real life you are not the boss of me, I am!”

  Blake laughed loudly and leaned forward so she could speak in Ryan’s ear.

  “If you don’t stop, I’ll jump. It is not my first rodeo!”

  “Yeah, right!” he talked back angrily.

  Blake removed her high heel shoes and unlocked the door with the words “Don’t underestimate me!” and she opened it.

  The wind spread her long hair and it went in Ryan’s eyes. He hit the brakes, Jane almost flew out of the car.

  “Are you insane!?” Gray shouted.

  “You have no idea how insane I am!” Jane yelled back.

  “What is the matter with you?! Ever since you came back from the freaking Chile, you are not the same!” Ryan went out of the car, slamming the door.

  “So are you!” Jane slammed the other door and walked around to get to Ryan. “I’m sick and tired of your jealousy, we are not together! There is no us and you have no right of being jealous!”

  “I got it! And you know what, when I think about it, I don’t wanna be with you anyways! You are the most selfish, arrogant, self-concentrated and annoying person I have ever met! You think you are the smartest, you think you know everything about everything, you think you don’t need anyone by your side, but guess what, you do! And this ‘con’ proves it! You needed me and you need me but you are too stubborn and proud to admit it!”

  “Okay. Glad we finally cleared the air!” Blake said calmly.

  Ryan looked at her with unbelieving eyes, showing he was amazed of her calmness and misunderstanding. He had no more words to describe all the feelings he had.

  Jane was about to say something but her phone rang and she picked it up.

  “Hey, Tai! Glad to hear a friendly voice!” she said glancing at Ryan with narrowed eyes.

  Tylor Smith was calling to inform her that the FBI had found the girl Adams pointed out as a witness and victim of the illegal surgeries Lilia Jordan performed on Morse’s orders.

  “That’s great!” Jane exclaimed “Are we arresting her?”

  Tylor confirmed that the next day Jane and her team will be allowed to go with the FBI to Chicago and charge Jordan. Now the agents were interrogating the woman and getting all the details straight.

  These were good news for Jane, she almost forgot about the fight she and Ryan had. But when she hung up and the only person around was Gray, her bad mood returned. His awful mood had never left, Ryan was staring at her with a firm expression, waiting for her to start talking.

  “Tomorrow our team is allowed go with Tylor to arrest Lilia Jordan. I will be going.” Jane said “I’m keeping my work as a Consultant whether you like it or not. I don’t care about anything else,
but I hope you will, at least, have the respect to act professionally!”

  “Don’t worry about that. I never said I wanted you out or whatever you think.” Ryan calmed himself and realized what he had done “Those were words of anger! I don’t mean any of it! You have to understand it is difficult for me…”

  “There is no excuse for the lack of control over your own emotions.” Jane said firmly.

  “You have no idea what is it to be in love with someone like you!” Ryan said quietly “You have no idea what is love, if you think it is that easy to control.”

  Jane didn’t answer to that statement. She just sat on the driver’s seat and shook head in a sign Ryan should go in the car too. Blake did know what was like to love, deep inside she knew she had those feelings for Ryan. But the years of experience thought her she had to keep the poker face up and never show what’s inside. Jane had plenty of disappointments in her life, enough people who had betrayed her and many who treated her badly. The life she had made her that way. And since she learned to act like this, everything became easier, everything became less painful.

  Chapter 14

  Sweet revenge

  The morning at the hotel was even more tense than the one before. Even though Jane and Ryan had a fight, they agreed on finishing what they have started for Alice’s sake and they had to go back and spend one more night at the hotel.

  Blake woke up early and went to the huge balcony to enjoy a cigarette. On the way she glanced at Ryan who was still sleeping on the couch. She felt bad about the image she had to maintain, not only with Strut but with Gray too.

  The chilly October’s wind helped Jane to clear her thoughts. This day was very important to her, she had to go with the FBI team to arrest Lilia Jordan. For so many years Jane had dreamed for revenge and justice but she never thought that this day would come. Lilia had made Jane’s childhood a nightmare, Blake had never forgot about how Jordan treated her.