by J. A. Owenby
A knock at my door pulled my attention away from our conversation.
“Yes?”
Jeffrey poked his head in and smiled.
“I’ll call you back, man,” I said to ZW.
“Later,” he replied and hung up.
“Come on in. I need to know who Dad’s financial advisor is and get assistance with … well, everything.” I motioned to the shit show of files on the desk.
“I can help with part of it.” Jeffrey strolled over to me.
“Thank God, I don’t even know where to start.” I glanced up from the stack of paperwork on my desk. “You know what, let’s start here for the time being. Have a seat.” Steepling my hands together, I assessed the man that had met us at the airport and driven us home. Normally, I’d have been all over him with questions the moment he introduced himself, but between losing Dad and landing in Portland, my thought process had been knocked off balance.
Instead of squirming under my gaze, Jeffrey met mine with subtle confidence.
“You did a lot more for my father than just drive,” I said.
“Yes, sir. I did.”
“Like?” I prompted him to continue.
Jeffrey shifted in his chair and crossed his legs. I’d scoped out Jeffrey the second I saw him. His presence was calm but solid. I immediately knew he wasn’t a pushover. His dark brown eyes were alert, evaluating his surroundings constantly. I’d place him in his early forties with street smarts, yet he effortlessly blended in with the corporate world. A chameleon. He melted in where needed, which also meant he could be very valuable during the right situations. Although I’d not asked him yet, I had a strong suspicion Dad trusted him with everything. What that everything meant was still to be seen. It was time to dig in.
“What exactly did you do for Dad?”
“A lot. I don’t just run to the grocery store. I was also his confidant. There’s not much I don’t know about your father’s legal and illegal activities.”
My brow shot up. “Illegal?” I continued to survey him. I’d been off my game. I should have sat down with him the moment we’d arrived.
“Your father didn’t chase down illegal opportunities, so don’t worry. His were mostly related to weapons, which I’ll show you shortly. Also, he would protect his clients at all costs, even if it meant he broke a few rules while achieving the goal. Your father was an honorable man. From what I’ve seen, you two are very similar in your thought process and actions. I suspect you’ll do whatever necessary to bring Claire Forrester home.”
“To me, sometimes you have to bend the laws. We’re not dealing with law-abiding citizens anyway, and I’m not a cop or detective that would mess things up in court if I implemented a few creative workarounds during a case. Not to mention I’d cover my tracks.”
“You can’t put a value on someone’s life,” Jeffrey agreed. “Your father also had a temper which I’m sure you saw at times. I was his...” He paused thoughtfully. “I kept him more balanced. We discussed all of the cases he managed and the ones he was considering. I was his sounding board.”
“And you’re willing to continue that same role for me?” God knew I needed a sounding board. I trusted ZW and Redd with my life, but we were in our twenties. Jeffrey had more experience and if I was smart, I’d learn from it.
“Yes I am. I’ve seen nothing but good from you. Even during your bad moments, but those are expected under the circumstances. You’ve had several major developments in a short period of time. Plus, I think every person could use someone in their life who’s older and can provide some wisdom if asked.”
With Dad now gone, I had no parents or grandparents left. I needed some good men I could talk to. I knew I could depend on Franklin Harrington and Da Shifu. They had proven to be honorable and trustworthy. I’d seen Franklin stand up and take care of his family when they were in danger this last year while I worked for him. But my gut instinct told me Jeffrey was irreplaceable.
“Do you have any information on this case that I’m missing?” I drummed my fingers on the desk, deep in thought while my focus returned to Claire’s circumstances.
“No, your Dad had just accepted Sutton’s case. He’d not talked to me about it yet.”
I’d been gone for nine years and had purposely stayed out of touch with anything in Portland except Dad. “Are you from here?” I asked him.
“Born and raised, sir.”
My wheels started turning. Maybe Jeffrey could fill me in on the gang activity.
“Wife? Kids?” I asked.
“No. My work doesn’t allow a lot of time for it.” Jeffrey flashed a sad smile. I wondered what was behind it, but I’d save it for another day.
“I get it. What can you tell me about the Sons of Chaos?” I asked, diving right in.
A flicker of fear passed over Jeffrey’s expression.
“I stay as far away from them as possible.” He uncrossed his legs and sat up straight in his chair. Maybe he stayed away from them, but it didn’t mean he didn’t know anything.
“I understand, but I’m afraid I’m going to end up face-to-face with one of them soon. I just wanted to see if you knew anything about them.”
Jeffrey cleared his throat. “Saul Simpson leads the group.”
“Saul?” I was unable to hide my surprise.
“You know him?” Jeffrey scooted to the edge of his chair. I had his attention.
“He and Lionel Keaton … I was under Lionel’s protection for years.”
Jeffrey’s eyebrows shot up. “Lionel Keaton? As in the same man who is the President of the Midnight Silence Motorcycle Club?”
“Yeah, that’s the one.”
Confusion danced across Jeffrey’s expression.
“Mom … we … we struggled when I was young, and the only house mom could afford for us was in the hood, and it was full of gangs. Some more powerful than others. Everyone knew whose turf was whose. Since I was the only white kid in the neighborhood, I had to learn the rules real fast. It was difficult for me to fit in anywhere, which left me vulnerable and open to getting my ass beat. I also started martial arts training when I was in second grade. One evening, I was about thirteen and was walking home from my friend’s house, and a group of older kids jumped me. I handled myself pretty well even though I ended up with a broken nose and got my ribs kicked a few times. Lionel stepped in and declared me as his, which gave me protection. He never told me why he did it. I’m guessing he felt sorry for me and knew I wouldn't survive long on my own. From that day forward, no one touched me. No one messed with me.”
“What did you owe them?” Jeffrey asked quietly.
Jeffrey knew how this worked. I hesitated, recalling the conversation with Lionel when I’d turned sixteen.
“He told me the best thing I could do was get the fuck out of Portland. When I was done with high school, I’d either have to join the MC or get out. Lionel’s protection had bought me a little time, but everything has an expiration date. Until then, he made sure I was stocked in every kind of drug I could sell, and I kept thirty percent of the profits. Basically, I paid for my safety.”
“Had you planned on staying?” Jeffrey’s brows knitted together. “That would be a difficult choice either way.”
“It was. Sutton and I had our future all mapped out. Marriage, house, and kids eventually. She didn’t know he’d given me an ultimatum, and after thinking long and hard on it ... I’d decided to stay. Even with the risks of the MC life, I didn’t want to leave Sutton and Mom. The money I’d saved from working for Lionel went to a car, and I also had a down payment for a house. I wanted to take care of both of my girls. When my plans plummeted out from beneath me, I got out of Portland the next day and stayed with my cousin in California, then joined the Marines. Unfortunately, I was faced with a difficult decision I had to make quickly. I left Mom the money for the house and told her to get out of Portland and start her life over, but she refused. I look back now and wonder if she knew she had cancer. OHSU specializes in c
ancer treatment. It’s the only reason I can think of why she wouldn’t leave.”
My lips pursed together with the thought of her. There were moments I missed her so much, it felt as though the oxygen was being squeezed out of my lungs.
“Circumstances changed, and I had to go,” I said, regret hinging on every word. “To this day, it’s the one decision in my life I hate myself for. It cost me everything I loved.”
“We all have those defining moments that literally set our path on a different course,” Jeffrey said gently. “I chose to never marry or have children. I’d seen too much, too much anger and hatred. Too much violence. How could I bring an innocent child into the world with so much corruption?” A deep sadness settled over his expression. One day, maybe I’d learn more about what caused his regrets.
I nodded. “I’ve thought the same. And if I’d stayed here, I don’t think things would have gone well. I’d most likely be dead by now, leaving Sutton on her own, or raising our kids as a single parent. History would have repeated itself. So although I wished I hadn’t left, the people I was involved with … that life would have killed me if I’d stayed. I’m surprised Dad didn’t share parts of my past with you.”
Jeffrey’s eyebrow shot up in question. “He never talked about his past with me. I knew about you, and he did tell me when you started working for him, but not your earlier years. We discussed cases, his clients, and his company mostly. Dominic would tell me what case you were currently on and how quickly you caught on to the business. He said you were a natural and it ran in your blood. Other than that, your father was a very private man, and I respected that.”
A heavy silence filled the room. Dad had said I was a natural? He’d told me he was proud of me on occasion, but to hear it from someone else nearly choked me up.
“I think it would be beneficial for you to meet with Mr. Voss at the bank to review the finances and investments. He’s worked with your father for twenty years. You can trust him,” Jeffrey stated.
I had to give kudos to the man. He knew when it was time to switch topics.
“Thank you for the help. I’ll call him to schedule an appointment. I feel like I’m walking into this blindfolded. For now, I need to take Sutton’s car to her place, so it looks as though someone is at home. Give me just a few minutes, and I’ll meet you at the front door.”
Jeffrey nodded and left the room.
Flipping open Dad’s laptop, I opened the folder on Jeffrey. There wasn’t a lot of information except pay, years worked, and what I’d already learned. Then I smiled. Jeffrey certainly hadn’t started in his current position. Scanning the rest of his employee record, I suspected that Dad knew more than he would have kept on file anyway. At least Dad compensated Jeffrey well. Very well. And so far, he’d already begun to prove his worth. I looked forward to the new partnership with him.
Somehow, I managed to keep my distance from Sutton the rest of the day. It was difficult since she had taken time off work and was pretty much forced into staying at the penthouse. I didn't want her running around town at this point anyway, even with a bodyguard. She might trust this Gregory guy, but I sure as hell didn’t.
Since the financial office was open and Mr. Voss was available, I took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about Dad's finances. I asked Redd to stay with Sutton while Jeffrey took me to review my accounts and run errands. It was a great excuse to think of something else other than her, too. But most importantly, I’d gleaned valuable information from Jeffrey. Lionel was still around, which meant I might have an ally.
My head pounded from all the meetings today with advisors, investors, and the insurance policy company. Jeffrey had also taken me to Westbrook Security headquarters downtown where I met my assistant, Crystal—a polished and well-spoken woman in her fifties. I’d also called an introductory board meeting which went well. It would take time to get used to, but I left feeling confident I could continue to run Westbrook Security. Dad had made great investments, and I no longer needed to worry about cash. I could retire tomorrow if I wanted to and never worry about money again. I’d also learned I could easily list the penthouse for almost five million. With the current market, Mr. Voss even anticipated a bidding war.
Jeffrey opened the passenger door of the Mercedes for me, and I hopped in. It was awkward sitting in the back since I typically drove the wealthy people around.
“Feels strange being rich,” I muttered, buckling up my seatbelt.
Jeffrey chuckled. “You’re more than rich.”
I wasn’t exactly comfortable with the idea yet. “How do you feel about Spokane?” I redirected the topic.
“I’m not sure,” Jeffrey replied.
“You’ve never been?” I asked, surprised.
“I’ve always stayed here when your father traveled. I oversaw any assignments in the area, worked with the team leads, and updated Dominic with any new turn of events.”
“You could also do that from Spokane. I’ve not decided yet, but I might want you to travel back and forth, so I need to know if you’re up for it,” I said.
“Anything you need, Pierce.”
One thing I knew about my father, he surrounded himself with people that would take a bullet for him. Now I needed to make sure they were that loyal to me as well. From what I could tell, Jeffrey was on board, but I had several security guards and house staff to manage.
“So you were Westbrook Security’s first bodyguard, huh?” I asked, smiling.
Jeffrey’s dark brown eyes met mine in the rearview mirror.
“Yes, it was my first real job.” He flashed me a big grin. “I was just a kid, but I grew up on the streets, and like you, I’d learned to trust my intuition at a young age. I’ve trained in martial arts for years, and even though I’m forty-one, it hasn’t slowed me down any. I’m licensed to carry, and your father made me wear a bulletproof vest when we were out in public.”
“Excellent. Now I have an excuse not to use Redd and ZW when I leave the penthouse.”
He smiled while he maneuvered through the intense downtown traffic. No way in hell did I miss the congestion. I’d take Spokane any day.
“I don’t think you need a reason. It’s your company, and they’re your employees,” Jeffrey reminded me.
Minutes later, Jeffrey parked the Mercedes in my building’s garage, and we took the elevator to the top floor. Now that I was aware that he was a bodyguard, I stepped back and let him check the halls of the penthouse floor before we proceeded.
“All clear, sir,” he said.
“Thank you.” I patted him on the back, punched in the key code to the penthouse, and entered. The smell of something delicious drifted through the house and reached my nose.
“Redd?” I asked, stepping into the living room.
“In here, boss,” he replied from the kitchen.
I eyed Sutton on the couch reading a book as I passed by and went to catch up with Redd.
“I’ve got some business to catch up on. I’ll be in the living room if you need me,” Jeffrey said.
I nodded, then followed my nose.
“Dinner smells amazing. I might have to fire Dad’s chef and hire you instead,” I joked.
“Pass. I gotta be in the field, boss. Otherwise I’ll grow fat and lazy while we eat all day.”
“No worries, man.” I sat down at the island and watched him sauté mushrooms.
“It turns out Jeffrey was one of the first bodyguards Dad hired.”
“Really? Wow, I’d say he trusts him, then, if he’s still with your … If he worked for your dad all these years.”
“I’m thinking the same. And this will also free you and ZW up. You don’t need to stay close to me. Jeffrey and I can take care of anything that comes our way.”
Redd turned around slowly, a mischievous grin easing across his face.
“You just want us out of the way so you can spend time alone with Sutton,” he said in a sing-song voice.
I winced. “How old are you?”
I shook my head.
“Twenty-five.” He laughed.
When my phone buzzed in my back pocket, I pulled it out and viewed the screen. “I gotta take this.” This was the call I’d been anxiously waiting for. I hurried to the study and closed the door behind me.
Chapter 14
“I need everyone in the living room, please,” I said ten minutes later.
Redd, Jeffrey, and Sutton joined me, and I waited while they all settled into their seats.
“I just got off the phone with Brian, my FBI contact. Sutton, they’re now considering this a kidnapping case, and the FBI is stepping in. He swears his task force is clean, no MC connections, so rest assured they will push until they find out where she is.”
“But the police were saying she ran away. What changed their minds?” she asked. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad someone is moving forward, but …”
I studied everyone in the room, their expressions intent while they waited for me to continue.
“They have a new lead. Her history professor has also been missing. Same amount of time, same days,” I explained.
“What does that mean exactly?” Sutton rubbed the palms of her hands on her jeans.
“Brian didn’t have a lot of information yet, but this is what we do know. Professor Colbert has been teaching history for the last three years. Claire was enrolled in his class this last term. He’s not shown up for work since last Friday, the same day Claire went missing. Colbert’s family is also gone. His wife hasn’t reported to work, and the two daughters haven’t been to school.”
“Has he been in any trouble? Does he have a reputation for hitting on his students or having affairs?” Sutton asked, frowning.
“No, the guy has no record at all. As a matter of fact, he seems kind of boring. However, there is one thing that stands out. He used to be a tour guide for the Shanghai Tunnels. That's a perfect summer gig for a history professor though, so maybe it's nothing.”
“So why the Shanghai Tunnels? What’s special about all of this?” Redd asked.