It didn’t take long for a group of well-dressed locals to join Fredo and his cadre while they were drinking alone under a thatched roof palapa near the shore. They stayed away from the rest of the Team on purpose. Fredo was wired, though, using a tiny microphone he’d installed at the back of a button on his shirt. Coop monitored everything back at their cabin with T.J. while Kyle, Jake, Tay and Ollie strolled a block away, in case they had to jump in. Kyle and Jake were also wearing embedded Invisios and could hear every bit of Fredo’s conversation.
“Order these fine gentlemen a beer, if you please,” the newcomer said in Spanish to a young waiter making his rounds. Fredo turned and thanked him.
“I’d offer you a chair, but there aren’t any.”
The newcomer whistled, and another cabana boy brought over three rickety chairs, and Jake could hear their three new friends sit. Six more beers were delivered to the table and no money was exchanged, although Fredo had started to pull out his wallet and had been rebuffed.
“Not necessary,” the newcomer said, again in Spanish.
“Gracias,” answered Fredo. Danny and Armando mumbled thanks as well.
“Forgive me for intruding, but I couldn’t help but overhear you have recently been discharged from the Navy, then, is that right?”
“Depends on why you’re askin’.” Fredo’s voice sparked attitude and distrust, also something planned.
“I get you, my man. Well, if it is true, here’s to your honorable discharge, amigo.” He clicked his beer bottle to Fredo’s. The man’s two other friends similarly toasted Armando and Danny Begay.
“Discharged?” Fredo spat in the sand. “More like shit upon.”
“Sorry, man. So I hear they’re making everyone turn in their uniforms these days. What’s up with that? They recycling everything now? Who is gonna go around in your Goodwill uniform?”
“Exactly. Nah, I didn’t turn nothin’ in.”
“Which makes you a dangerous man, amigo.”
A block away, Jake and Kyle high-fived and kept wandering through stores, pretending to look for sunglasses.
“Not here. I’m not that crazy. But yeah. I’ll be ready for the zombie apocalypse, my good man.” Fredo clinked beer bottles again.
“How about you guys?”
As was prearranged, Armando said he was still in, and Danny confirmed he’d failed a drug test. That last comment earned them all another round of beer in celebration.
“My manners are somewhat lacking, but I’m Rodrigo, and these are my two associates, Benji and Que Pasa.”
“¿Que Pasa? Armando asked.
“It’s a nickname. Cristobal Passa,” the local on Fredo’s right said.
Rodrigo pointed to Benji. “His mama was watching cartoons when he was conceived. She was a little young.”
This also got Kyle and Jake’s attention.
“So how long are you fellas going to be here?”
“We all came down to go sport fishing. We thought we’d drive down to Cabo and do a little exploring. But now, I think I’m ready to go home,” said Fredo.
“I’m so sorry. It’s lovely here. You are of Mexican descent?”
“That’s right.”
“What province?”
“Sinaloa. But my mother brought me to LA when we were kids,” Fredo truthfully answered.
“Ah, I love Sinaloa. Have lots of friends there. Beautiful place. Although this is more peaceful, wouldn’t you agree?” Rodrigo asked.
“I have no clue. I’ve not been down there since I was a kid. We have no family living there any longer.”
“Yes, you have to be careful if you are American. But we travel safely without problem. You just have to know somebody.”
“So I’ve heard.”
They continued the small talk. A couple of local girls came over to offer back rubs and oil rub downs. Jake could hear Fredo turn his down, but Danny and Armando removed their shirts and accepted the massages.
“You like pretty girls?” Rodrigo asked.
“Who doesn’t?”
“If perhaps you are homesick and need some company, these lovely girls can come cook and clean your place, and they give nice massages, too.”
“They look young,” Fredo answered.
“Young and untouched. The finest you can buy here.” Rodrigo paused and Kyle and Jake heard him refer to Fredo’s wedding ring, which he refused to take off, even if they were on an undercover mission. “But you are married, and so I respect that.”
Rodrigo ordered finger foods, and Jake had to endure hearing Fredo munching down on fresh shrimp and Mexican lobster. Fredo was waxing eloquent about all the food, and Jake suspected it was for especially Coop’s ears, when he added,
“I got a friend who doesn’t eat anything that isn’t organic. Tofu. Shit like that.”
“Bean plastico,” Rodrigo said.
“¿Plastico? asked Danny.
“They make it into a paste, and then bake it and make jewelry out of it, buttons, too. Hair clips. It hardens just like plastic. It’s not intended for human consumption.”
“I completely agree,” said Fredo.
Jake smirked, and Kyle was shaking his head, hands on his hips. They both knew Coop was having kittens back at the complex.
“Well, I’m afraid we have to cut our little meeting short. That leaves all this food for you. They will wrap it up if you ask them.”
“What about the bill?” Fredo asked.
Just before the three strangers walked away, Rodrigo softly told them, “My brother owns the whole town. The bar, the resort, even the airport. Your money is no good, my friend. While you are here, you and your friends may consider yourselves guests. You want anything? You just ask and it’s yours.”
“Wow. Thank you. I guess this is my lucky day.”
“This evening, we are having a little party at my brother’s home, which is up on the hillside over there. You see it? The big pink castle?”
“Yes, I see it.”
“Here is the address. I’ve written it on the back of this business card. You shouldn’t get lost, or should I send a car around?”
“No, I can drive fine. We have a van for all our equipment. Um, what time is the party?”
“Around here, parties don’t start until about ten o’clock. There will be tons of food, so don’t eat dinner beforehand or you’ll get sick. Guaranteed.”
All three of them thanked their host.
“My pleasure.”
After some minutes had passed, Jake heard Fredo’s voice again. “You get all that? I certainly hope so. Listen, I’m going to stay here a bit and finish off some of this awesome crab and shrimp and dip it into all this melted butter. I’d like to finish some of the fresh papaya and pineapple, too. But when we’re done, we’ll bring home a care package. After all, sharing is caring.”
Jake knew Coop was swearing up a storm back at their lodging. And T.J. was probably laughing his guts out.
“How’s your dad?” Kyle asked.
“Haven’t heard yet today. Ginger is supposed to call me if there’s any change. So far, no calls.”
“You know I could probably spare you, if something big comes up. But it’s a pain in the ass to get it and will take me a half day. But if you need to go, we’re good here. And it looks like we’ve met our target.’
“I appreciate that, sir. Your wife is helping out with the girls so Ginger can console my mom. So, I owe you thanks as well. You’ve done a whole lot already. But if I’m a third wheel, I don’t mind paying for my own flight home.”
“Let’s play it by ear.”
Jake got a text message from Ginger.
No change. Do I call the exes? If so, what numbers?
Jake returned the text message.
Let’s wait a few more hours. You holding up okay?
Missing you.
Baby, me, too.
Chapter 19
Adele had called Burt’s office and let them know their boss was in the hospital. So, just
after lunch, his secretary showed up, as well as a couple of the long-term brokers who worked for Green & Green. Ginger was introduced to everyone as Jake’s wife, which alarmed her somewhat.
“Is he expected to pull through?” Belinda asked her.
“We’re hoping so. The longer he goes without further incident, the better it is for him, but they said he’s still not out of the woods yet.”
“I’m so sad. He’s a young guy, really, and pretty healthy, too.”
Ginger looked at Belinda’s sweet face and suspected perhaps she was Burt’s new interest du jour, but when she didn’t pick up any animosity from Adele, lay that thought to the side. She was younger than Jake, about Gerud’s age.
After realizing Mr. Green’s care was still in the air, Belinda excused herself, gave her condolences to Adele, and promised to go back to the office to keep the doors open and inform anyone who was inquiring after him. Of course, she was not only telegraphing about the health of the owner, but the company as well.
“You make sure to tell everyone not to worry, that Mr. Green will be back at work in no time. Tell them he’s getting better,” Adele said as she delivered her command.
“I will certainly do so,” Belinda said without an ounce of opposition.
Adele did look rested and was beginning to get more organized. She called Burt’s attorney. Concerned that her husband would be in the hospital for some time, she let Bob Fellows know she’d have to be put in charge of the financial affairs, something that had been put in place years ago. She was a fifty percent owner in the company, she reminded him, so she needed banking authorization so that checks could be written and deposits made. Fellows told her he’d bring paperwork and go over what had to be done when he got there.
Ginger offered to retrieve Adele’s makeup and a fresh set of clothes from the house, but she declined, instead insisting Ginger stay, and left to take a shower and bring back some things for a more prolonged stay.
Shortly after Adele left her alone in the family waiting room, until, the attorney arrived. She’d met him before at gatherings at the Green house, and she recalled he had attended her marriage to Jake.
“Good to see you, Ginger, although I’m so sorry it’s under these circumstances.”
“Yes, same here.”
“Any change?”
“No. He’s still sedated, but as far as I know, there have been no more incidents. He had a couple very minor ones last night, apparently. But we are glad he’s still looking stable, for now.”
“Where’s everyone else?”
“Adele went home to get some things, and take a shower. My girls are over at Jake’s boss’s house. We haven’t been able to find Gerud. Adele’s more concerned about him right now. But, I’m sure he’ll show up. Burt’s secretary dropped by and promised to keep the office informed. And Jake’s on deployment, but I’ve called him and. Unfortunately, it’s not likely he can come home.”
“I see. Tell me who the secretary is? I’ve forgotten her name.”
“Um, Belinda, I think. Pretty little thing. Very loyal.”
“Okay, that’s good. Anyone else stop by?”
“Like who?”
“Is there any other family that you need to call or are waiting to see him?”
“No. Not unless you consider Jake’s other wife and former girlfriend.”
Fellows frowned and put his hand on her shoulder. “Burt liked you very much and hoped that you’d get re-connected with Jake.”
That forced her to look away, a blush forming on her cheeks. When it occurred to her Mr. Fellows had used the past tense in referring to Burt, it worried her.
Just then, Gerud strolled down the hallway with determination. Behind him, Monica was in tow, wheeling Jake’s newest offspring in a stroller. Monica made it obvious she wasn’t the least bit anxious to bury the hatchet, literally, and ignored Ginger.
Fellows stiffly gave Gerud a handshake and made nice over Monica’s baby and her introduction.
“Has Jake been here?” Gerud asked.
“No, he’s on deployment. I don’t think he can come home.”
“Oh darn.” Gerud was rocking back and forth in his boots. “Mom’s coming soon?”
“Yes, she spent the night here, just went home to freshen up and bring back some things. They were very nice, made up a bed so she could sleep.”
“How you holding up?”
“Fine for now, but I’ve been up all night. Your mom should be back any minute now.”
“Gotcha.” He looked at Monica, who had kept her back to Ginger and he whispered something to her ear and then waited for her answer.
Fellows sat down, his briefcase on his lap, watching Gerud and Monica carefully.
“Listen, Bob,” Ginger said, “I’m going to give Jake a call, now that you and Gerud are here. I need to give him an update.”
“Okay. Ask him if he wants me to say anything to dad on his behalf, Ginger,” her ex-brother-in-law said from clear across the hall.
“Sure. Will do,” she returned. The attorney just nodded.
Ginger could hear mariachi music in the background when Jake picked up her call.
“Hey, baby. How’s Dad?”
“The same. Gerud’s here. So is Monica and the baby. And your dad’s attorney stopped by, too. I guess your mom has to sign something?”
“Beats me. I never talked to dadDad about any of that. Must have to do with the business.”
“Yes, I think it does. How are things there?”
“Good. We’re progressing. Kyle says I might be able to come back early. Are you okay? You get a chance to catch some sleep?”
“No. But I’m okay. Just missing work, and Christy has taken the kids. I’m sure they’re having a ball. The puppy is over there, too.”
“Oh, boy. Not telling Kyle that. Bet the kids are thrilled. You picking them up tonight?”
“Probably.”
“Well then, get some rest sometime this afternoon if you can. You up to calling Karlene?”
“If you think it’s time.”
“With both you and Monica there, I think she’d expect a call. I don’t want to do it from here.”
“Just text me the contact and I’ll do it.”
“Look, I gotta go. I’ll try to call in the morning. We’ve got some stuff to do tonight.”
“Sounds good. Love you.”
“Miss you and love you more.”
“Not possible.”
“Can’t wait to duke it out with you when I get home.”
“It’s a date.”
Ginger called Karlene who decided she’d bring her son over after school. She sounded brittle when she heard Monica had already been there and Ginger had spent the night without calling.
“It’s been a little exhausting, Karlene. Adele has been a mess. I wanted to focus on being there for her. Don’t read anything into it, please.”
Karlene apologized. “I’m sorry. Everything is so complicated.”
That was the understatement of the century, thought Ginger.
“Well, I’m sure if he wakes up, he’ll want to see his grandson. That’s the main thing to focus on. And we can always use some extra prayers,” Ginger said as she noted the chapel sign again, and hung up the phone.
She needed a neck rub. She needed to get off her feet. She was about to ask if she could lie down on Adele’s made up bed, when the doctor came into the hallway, surveyed the group and announced, “He’s awake. I don’t know how long for, but I can’t let all of you in. Just two at a time, please.”
Gerud bolted for the door. Monica was right behind him, shoving the stroller ahead of the attorney’s feet and making it through the doorway of Jake’s room before Ginger could even react.
Bob Fellows was pacing back and forth, glancing up to the darkened room, his expression somber. Several times he sighed, and waited, listening to hear any conversation coming from Burt’s bedside. His briefcase looked heavy, and Ginger felt sorry for the man.
�
�You want something, Bob? Can I get you some tea or some water or something??” she asked him.
“No, thank you. I don’t need a lot of his time, and I don’t want to miss my chance.” He glanced into the room again.
The doctor came forward.
“Doctor, listen, I have some papers for the business. It’s critical they be signed. Adele isn’t here, and she’d want these things handled. I’m afraid, with Gerud and—”
“I understand,” said the doctor, who disappeared inside.
Ginger heard voices being raised and the unmistakable sound of Burt swearing a blue streak. Gerud was returning fire, and the baby began to cry.
“Jeez!” Fellows mumbled.
The altercation was getting more and more heated, and finally it was the doctor’s voice that rose and demanded Gerud and Monica and the baby leave the room.
Burt was coughing.
Gerud and Monica stormed past her, past the waiting area, arguing amongst themselves, the baby wailing at the top of his lungs. They disappeared into the elevators without saying a word or stopping or even glancing her way.
“You literally have not much time at all, sir. I shouldn’t allow you access,” she heard the doctor tell Fellows.
“It’s critical. And I need you to witness the papers. I have to have you stay.”
The doctor sighed and allowed entry. Ginger came to the doorway and was shocked at Burt’s pale coloring, a light shade of greenish-purple. His lips even darker. He had a tube running across his face, hooked on his ears, giving him air. His coughing stopped, and he slowly opened his eyes fully and slowly recognized her. He raised his hand meekly and waved with fingers wiggling, and then dropped it heavily to the bed.
Ginger was shocked how weak and unhealthy he looked.
The doctor was on the window side of Burt’s bed as Bob Fellows brought out several stacks of paperwork and placed them on a wheeled tray in front of Burt, handing him a pen and showing him where to sign. Burt tried to lean forward but couldn’t, so the doctor stepped aside to allow more light into the room.
Band of Bachelors: Jake Book 3 Page 11