“Really?” Joe asked. “Where abouts?”
“Just a few minutes away, down the hill in the equestrian community.” He was very proud of himself.
“Terrific!” Seamus slapped Dillon on the back. “You need help moving in? Liam and I would be happy to help!” The men were clearly bonding and it made Lou smile.
“Oh, to be honest I don’t have anything but a duffel bag.” Dillon seemed a little embarrassed. “The place comes fully furnished with all new stuff so I am good to go. Thank you for the offer! I may need some advice on buying a barbecue though. Maybe you will all come over for a cook out? Help me celebrate?”
“Damn right we will!” Seamus chortled. “We need to come up with some sort of a code though in case I start slipping around Vinny.”
In that instant Lou knew it was all going to be fine. Seamus had made his decision by virtue of what he had just said.
“You might want to let your wife and son know that you are good with this then. So they can stop stressing.” Lou suggested.
Seamus blinked a few times, acknowledging he had indeed decided without even realizing it. “You are absolutely right!” He got up and marched into the kitchen.
“Whew.” Joe sighed with relief. “Thanks Dillon, we owe you one. Or two.”
“Me?” Dillon was unsure of what he had done.
“Yes, you.” Lou knew what Joe meant. “Telling Seamus your story showed him the greater purpose in things. The nobility and goodness in the Sanguinostri as opposed to the serious draw-backs.”
“I just told him what I told you earlier.” He looked at her, still confused.
“Exactly.” Lou grinned at him. “Now come on you two, I’m sure Max needs to formalize this so let’s get in there and help him pin Seamus down.”
Lou’s new partner and her step-father got up from the bar and followed her in to the kitchen where they saw Seamus in a group hug with his wife and son. Shevaun was tucked securely under Max’s arm, crying and giggling at the same time. He gave Lou a wink, indicating all was well in the McAllister universe once again. It was a major hurdle they had just cleared and a huge weight off Lou’s shoulders.
“Group hug?” Abby shouted as she walked into the kitchen carrying a huge pot of something. “I want in!” She set the pot down on the stove and headed straight for Shevaun and Max where they obliged her.
Niko and Frank came in behind her carrying big boxes which they sat on the counter next to the stove.
“You bring everything?” Max asked and they nodded in the affirmative. “Excellent. Seamus, Nora, Liam, let me introduce you to...” Just then the rest of the Council filed in carrying more pots and boxes with Marta, the housekeeper behind them.
“We missing anyone?” Lou chuckled. “This is the Aegis Council, Niko, Yuri, Connor and Finn...” Lou introduced everyone to everyone and the greetings began while Marta and Max started setting the table.
It was becoming a family tradition to seal deals with a big feast and Abby and the guys had brought the goods. The huge pot was filled with some sort of simmering beast and the men started unloading foil trays and setting up a buffet style assembly line. Jokes started flying as Dillon was introduced to the rest of the Council and Abby looked at Lou sheepishly from across the kitchen. Lou just blew her a kiss to let her know that everything was alright and Abby beamed a smile back at her.
Just another day in the new life, Lou thought to herself as she marveled at the hoard that was her whole family now. As much as she wished Vinny could be a part of it, that was not what was best for him. She opted to take Dillon’s attitude on things and be grateful for having as much as she was already given. It was a lot, after all.
“The oath should only take a little bit, then we can eat and talk afterward.” Max whispered, having snuck up behind her.
“We can talk tomorrow.” She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled.
“No, Frank told me you needed to talk to me and that it was important.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “I just wanted to make sure you knew I hadn’t forgotten.”
“I know you wouldn’t forget.” She needed the time to gather her thoughts on everything from her conversation with Inspector Dunhill anyway. “We may need an impromptu Council meeting.”
Max raised an eyebrow. “Very well then. Let’s get things started.” As Marta began ushering people out of the kitchen, Max took her cue and led everyone into the family room where the indoctrination ceremony could take place.
Max had Shevaun assist him through the ceremony which made it all the more special. Seamus was good and sober as he made his vows alongside his wife and son. Lou couldn’t help but cry. It was extremely moving and powerful, reinforcing Lou’s own vows that she had taken just a short time ago. The meaning to the words grew richer and deeper as she listened to her uncle recite them. It was not as formal and solemn as her mother and her ceremony had been which to Lou’s mind was a good thing. Her family deserved some joy and levity after everything they had been through. It was all very good.
For the first time ever, Lou was grateful that her mother had insisted on having such a huge, custom built, dinning room table. Lou had always thought a table that seated eighteen was ridiculous, but between her parents, Dillon, Marta, her aunt, uncle, and cousin, then the oversized men of the Council and Max, the table needed every inch to seat them all. Joe once again insisted that Max take seat at the head of the table, with Lou sitting to his right. Joe had used the excuse that he knew they had business to discuss but she had caught him winking at her mother afterward and knew they were playing match maker again. Lou would never admit to them that she appreciated their efforts.
As plates were passed and stories were shared, Lou filled Max in on everything that Inspector Dunhill had told her. She noted that his expression had grown more serious as she relayed Dunhill’s concerns over his Dominor and the issues of the blood born.
“Dunhill said he has evidence?” Max asked.
Lou nodded as she rushed to take another bite of the delicious chicken masala that Abby and the guys brought. She swallowed prematurely and nearly choked but quickly regained her composure. “He said that he and a few agents have evidence to support Esterhuizen smuggling a blood born out of the country.”
Max set his fork down and folded his hands. “They informed their Council of all this?”
“That’s what he said.” Lou told him as she too sat her fork down. “He said that his Dom wanted it handled in house but that was months ago when Esterhuizen left Cape Town on the freighter. It was only when we found Esterhuizen dead in Arcano’s house that their Dom ordered the Council to do a head count.”
“What the hell is he thinking?” Niko chimed in from half way down the table. He had apparently been listening the whole time.
“I don’t know.” Max replied, then grew quiet for several moments before he turned to Frank at the other end of the table. “Frank...”
“Already done.” Frank cut him off before he could finish. “He’s faxing everything to you at the hotel.”
“How much longer are you guys going to have to stay there anyway?” Lou asked. “Hell, Dillon just got here and he’ll be moved in to his own house before you.” She grinned and took the opportunity to resume eating.
“Very funny.” Abby scoffed. “We had a little technical set back because of the rain but a few weeks at most until it’s ready to move in.”
“Are you all going to be living at Max’s home?” Shevaun asked.
“Frank and I will be there for a while.” Abby explained. “Some of the guys will be moving in to the Ops center when it’s done but that won’t be for a while.”
“Your neighbors, the Davies, they are moving back east.” Finn broke into the conversation. “So they are letting us lease their place until Ops is done.”
Dillon’s ears perked up. “I have two extra rooms in my new place, you’re welcomed to stay with me as long as you like!”
“That’s really nice of you.” Nik
o noted. “I might take you up on that. I’ll need to set up your security system anyway so it will give me time to fine tune it.”
“Outstanding!” Dillon looked like that goofy kid again to Lou. It made her grin. “I’ll have extra keys made and get them to you as soon as I have them.”
“Why don’t the rest of you just stay here in the meantime?” Shevaun said, looking at Max and Abby, causing Lou to choke on her iced tea.
Max grinned and patted Lou on the back as she coughed. “I couldn’t impose on you like that, but thank you for offering.”
“Nonsense!” Shevaun looked at Joe for approval and he smiled at her. “Max, you could stay in the guest house while Frank and Abby stay in the guest rooms here. That should provide you with enough privacy. You already have all the security set up here and you’re practically here every other day anyway!”
Max leaned in towards Lou, still grinning. “Are you alright?”
Lou was beet red with embarrassment. “Yes, thank you. Went down the wrong pipe.” She explained with a croak.
“Would you have a problem with us invading your space for a week or two?” He didn’t need to ask her, he could take Shevaun’s offer whether she liked it or not.
“Not at all!” Lou tried to keep her enthusiasm to a minimum. “You might want to think hard on accepting though. I annoy you with calls daily as is. Just imagine if you are just across the yard.”
Max tossed his head back with a hearty laugh. “I better start getting used to it since I am going to be just across the meadow.”
They laughed a little while longer, joking about Marta needing to hire staff for room service and warnings of Frank’s colorful pajama collection. Soon things came back to the more serious issues and the discussion on how Max was going to proceed with confronting the African Dominor about a possible missing blood born began.
“How long does it take for the Council to do a head count?” Lou asked.
“There is an automated way to initiate a roll call.” Frank explained. “As you know, once indoctrinated, you are given a secure contact line, a phone and an email address that we communicate through for official business.”
“It’s like sending out a mass email.” Abby simplified the matter. “The request receipt on ours is a little more absolute though.”
“Right.” Frank concluded. “As in if you don’t respond within the requisite time, Niko will be at your door shortly thereafter.”
“Why am I always the one to go?” Niko wondered aloud.
Lou looked at him like he was insane. “Seriously? You don’t know why?”
“I suppose because I’m first lieutenant.” Niko assumed.
“Or it’s because you are an extremely intimidating and scary looking guy.” Lou corrected him.
Niko looked wounded. “No. I do not.” He turned and looked at the others. “Do I? Is that why?”
“Of course not.” Max stifled a chuckle. “It’s because you are my Number One.”
“Anyway...” Abby brought the conversation back to the subject at hand. “Johannesburg is nine hours ahead of us so the roll call was probably initiated first thing Monday morning.” She calculated in her head before continuing. “There are so many different time zones, I would say they would have put a seventy-two hour cut off on it. Tomorrow morning they will have a head count and be sending agents to the unanswered calls.”
“That would be my take as well.” Max concurred. “I’ll call Moshe first thing in the morning. I’ll use a rumor about role being called as an excuse to broach the subject. He’ll either fess up or bury himself.”
“Moshe?” Lou asked. “Is that the African Dominor?”
“Yes.” Max confirmed as he pushed himself away from the dinner table. “Seamus, can you be at the hotel around noon tomorrow?”
Seamus looked surprised. “Sure, I guess. What do you need me for?”
“I realize you are retired but I’m afraid I am going to need to recruit you. I will try to keep it to a part time situation but I honestly cannot guarantee that.”
“Recruit me? I don’t understand.” Seamus’ confusion continued.
Max folded his napkin and set it on the table neatly before elaborating. “As I spoke earlier, about Aegis International, I was explaining that since we relocated on the West Coast I have been stretching Lou thin with regional assistance. Now that she is Principate that is no longer feasible. We are going to need someone to act as operations liaison and I insist it be someone with existing ties to local law enforcement.” Max was setting the stage brilliantly. “I would consider it a personal favor if you would accept the position.”
Seamus blinked several times before speaking. “I’m not sure I understand what that means or if I’m really qualified.”
“Which is why I am hoping tomorrow noon is a good time for you.” Max stood up and walked around the table towards Seamus. “We can go over everything and finalize all the details. I would like to get that off of my agenda since we are shifting bases here temporarily.”
“Actually, the shift would be an excellent time to show him our tech set-up.” Frank interjected.
“I should go over that with Liam too.” Connor added. “I’ll need a copy of your work schedule as well.” Liam nodded in understanding.
“So noon then?” Max looked down at Seamus who was still rather confused.
“Sure, noon.” Seamus confirmed.
“Excellent.” Max gave him a jovial pat on the back and Shevaun a discrete wink of his eye. “As much as I hate our gatherings to end, I’m afraid I must get back to the hotel.” Max walked around the table, leaned down and gave Shevaun a kiss on the top of her head “Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon and evening.”
Both Shevaun and Nora snorted. “I’m not sure where you were but that did not qualify as a lovely afternoon in my book!” Nora said with a chuckle. “Nothing like watching an Irishman throw a tantrum then get piss-faced drunk.”
“I was not drunk!” Seamus protested. “I will admit it may have been a wee bit of a tantrum though. I apologized!”
“Max grinned as he came to Nora and kissed her too on the top of her head. “He did at that.”
Coming behind Liam he placed a hand on his shoulder and the other he offered. “No harm, no foul, right?”
Liam smiled up at Max and shook his hand. “Absolutely right.”
Max walked around to Dillon who stood up immediately and saluted him. “No need for such formalities, we are family here.” Max smiled and shook his hand. “I do want some time carved out for me though. Make yourself available this weekend. Abby will settle the details with you.”
“As you wish, my Dom.” Dillon bowed his head in respect.
“Don’t forget we are dedicating the park Friday!” Max waggled his finger at everyone. “I expect all of you to be there! Lou, would you mind escorting me out?”
“Sure.” Lou tossed her napkin on the table and scooted herself away.
Max looked around at his men. “Do I finally get to drive myself?
“Oh crap!” Yuri leapt up from the table, ran around and gave Shevaun a kiss on the cheek, thanked her for her hospitality then ran ahead to get the car.
“It was worth a shot.” Max grinned and waved to everyone then headed for the door with Lou following behind him. When they reached the porch, Max turned and looked down at Lou with a serious expression. “Are you content with Mr. Cole as your partner?” He asked her.
“Dillon? Absolutely.” Lou felt a sense of relief. She expected Max had something grim to tell her. “I’m still cracking up that Abby was able to pull that off.”
“So am I, actually.” He smiled at her. “But if you are unhappy with him, I can arrange for a change to be made. You just need to tell me.”
“No!” Lou chuckled. “I liked him before I knew he was one of us. This just makes my life so much easier.”
“Very well then.” He nodded and turned just as Yuri pulled up. “I’ll call you in the morning after I talk to M
oshe.”
“Good luck with that.” She snickered as she watched him get into the car.
“Sweet dreams, Detective.” He paused to look at her before he closed the door.
Lou grinned. “You too, my Dom.”
The cozy, warm depths of slumber were ripped away and replaced by the sound of an electric guitar blaring into Lou’s right ear. As she realized it was the sound of Vince Neil screaming something about his heart, Lou knew someone had tampered with her ringtones. While the infamous Motley Crue song blared on, Lou reached for the phone and saw that it was Dillon calling.
“Did you do this?” She answered.
“Lou? Do what?” He asked her.
“Did you steal my phone and make your personal ringtone Kickstart My Heart?” As she asked she realized it really wasn’t his style and decided it had to have been either Niko or Frank. Her money was going on Niko.
Dillon laughed. “No, but I like it! I’m just calling to let you know that I have to make a stop at the bank for that cashier’s check, then I am on my way.”
“Call me back when you are leaving the bank.” Lou started to set the phone down so she could go back to sleep.
“No! Lou!” Dillon was yelling at her. “No going back to sleep! Get up and get coffee!”
Lou grumbled and put the phone back to her ear. “I can get twenty more minutes. Shush.”
“No Lou! Get up! Vinny was firm about this! I need to hear you making coffee!” Dillon muffled the phone but Lou could hear him honking at someone. She laughed. He was already turning in to a Vinny.
“Fine!” She groaned and sat up. “I am up!”
“No Lou, I need to hear the coffee pot going. Get up and out of bed now.” He insisted.
“Wow.” Lou opened her eyes fully. “Someone is getting a little happy with himself. Bossing me around already?”
“I’m sorry Lou, but I have to.” Dillon muffled the phone again and Lou could hear him yelling and a horn honking in the distance. “Go. Now.”
“Me or the jackhole you are honking at?” Lou grinned.
“Both!” Dillon was losing patience.
“Fine!” Lou tossed the covers off and headed for the coffee pot then set it to brew. She held the phone up to it so that Dillon could hear the water start to siphon. “There ya go.” After the coffee maker gurgled she put the phone back to her ear. “Happy now?”
Shadows of Deceit (A Series of Shadows) Page 27