Revenge Code
Page 18
Shanahan took a sip of his fresh coffee, nodding at Reece with the same skepticism that she felt.
Reece understood the implications. Then she turned her attention to Jessie. “How are you? I mean, after this afternoon. You know, after…saving my life.”
“He kept me tied up for a week and barely fed me—killing someone with a baseball bat inches away from me. I’m just glad to be alive.”
Austen cringed. “Jessie-dear, you need some TLC.”
Beryl picked up the shot of rum in front of her. “If you two need a bed, feel free to sleep in my home. It’s open.”
“Thanks, but I think we’ll just find our sleeping bags and snuggle on a mattress of blankets.” Jessie nestled closer to Shanahan.
“I understand completely, child.” Beryl clinked Austen’s shot glass before holding it up. “Cheers, everyone!” Everyone raised their glasses, cups or mugs, and toasted.
Then, Reece’s phone rang. Who knew her new number?
She answered. “This is Reece.”
“Hey. It’s Kevin.”
“How did you get this number?”
“I’m a news reporter. I have my sources.”
“Did you need something?”
“I wanted to call and apologize for everything. I never doubted you. I just had a job to do, that’s all. I was wondering if you were free—”
“I’m busy, Mr. Kelvin. Forever. Take care.” Reece hung up and rejoined her friends for a fun night of laughs, money-free card games, and memories—both old and new.”
Epilogue
“You may now kiss the bride.” The wedding officiant smiled as Maisie passionately solidified her marriage to the blushing cowboy.
At the reception, Reece relaxed at an empty table, watching the joy of everyone around, all having a grand time.
One month prior, life seemed to fall apart. But here it was, back together and better than ever.
Shanahan appeared at Don Rico’s trial, providing key testimony that led to his conviction. Don Rico was currently serving a hefty sentence behind bars.
And Don went for the plea deal that Reece hoped for. He gave up plenty of cartel names, including major details on his past interactions with the ex-sheriff.
That ex-sheriff, Luke Landy, was awaiting trial for multiple counts of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking and misuse of position and government resources.
Viktor Ivanov also talked.
All in all, Reece and Shanahan had shut down a major cocaine distribution network, undeterred and unafraid.
But best of all, Shanahan was back to his old self. He seemed hopeful for what the future held in store.
Lost in thought, Reece almost didn’t notice a tall, handsome gent saunter over and grab a chair next to her.
“How do you know the couple?” he asked.
“Friends.” Reece noticed the camera hanging from his neck. “Are you the photographer?”
“That I am. My name’s Duke.” He extended his hand.
“Reece.” She extended hers out of politeness.
Duke took her hand and delicately shook it.
“Well, Reece, why doesn’t a beautiful, strong woman such as yourself have a date?”
“How do you know I don’t have a date?”
“I’ve been taking pictures of everyone.” He motioned to his camera.
“Right. I’m flying solo right now. Enjoying life.”
“I’ve been photographing for hours now, and I think this is my official ten-minute break. Could I spend it dancing with you?” He stood and extended his hand.
“I…”
“C’mon, Reece. One dance, that’s all. For us single folk.”
Reece looked around at all the fun and smiles. “Okay, sure, why not. One dance won’t hurt.”
◆◆◆
While Reece danced, Shanahan and Jessie held hands, merrily strolling around the festive wedding grounds. Shanahan watched from the corner of his eye as a man he didn’t recognize approached.
“Mr. and Mrs. Shanahan, I presume?”
“That’s us,” Shanahan responded.
“I understand you’re out of work.”
“Voluntarily. Who are you?”
“My name is Black.” He turned to Jessie. “We’ve heard all about your husband and what he’s capable of.” Black turned to Shanahan. “I could use someone of your many talents.”
“Excuse me? What are you talking about, exactly, Mr. Black?”
“I represent a client who pays extremely well. He has a problem. And he wants you to solve it for him.”
“Black, I appreciate it, but I want to spend more time with Jessie. As a lieutenant I never saw her enough.”
“Please take my number, Shanahan. In case you change your mind.” Black handed a business card over. “Did I mention my client’s problem involves keeping a family safe? An unknown organization attempted kidnapping a woman dear to my client. She’s also a mother of a young boy.”
Shanahan and Jessie looked at each other and then back to Black.
Jessie asked, “What exactly did you have in mind?”
◆◆◆
When it came time for the flower toss, Reece did her best to sit it out. But Beryl and Austen wouldn’t let her, amidst Reece’s complete dismay and multiple protests.
Standing in the group of girls, trying not to pay attention, Reece lowered her head and kept her eyes on the ground.
Maisie threw the flowers behind her.
Reece only glanced up to see the look of joy on Maisie’s face as she spun around, barely containing her excitement for whoever would catch it.
Imagining a million ways to dodge, Reece’s finely tuned reflexes traitorously kicked in. The world moved in slow motion. Instinctively, she reached up.
The flowers landed squarely in her grasp, her fingers closing around the stems.
“Reece! What if it’s true!” Maisie exclaimed as she came rushing over.
“I don’t believe in all that superstition stuff, Maisie. And I can’t believe you threw those at me.”
“I wasn’t even looking,” Maisie insisted, her eyes almost as wide as her smile.
Then she cocked her head and slyly said, “Reece, I think you’ve figured out by now…you can’t dodge fate.
The End
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