The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy

by Melissa Devenport

  “Miss Evans, I feel like, given a little more time, we would be able to find sufficient evidence to charge Mr. Bailey. I believe the prosecutor will be compliant with ensuring Mr. Bailey remains in custody for the full seventy-two hours we are entitled to hold him here,” the officer spoke a little too cheerily for Red’s liking.

  “Please, Officer Williams, as I have said before, my client is entitled to a speedy trial guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. According to our state law; unless the prosecutor has filed charges within seventy-two hours of placing Mr. Bailey in custody, he’s free to go, or you’ll be in violation of his rights. I know you have no evidence that proves my client started the fight, as no witnesses have come forth, even after interviewing the entire bar. I would suggest you make this easier on everyone and just release him. My client was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time and has been detained for no good reason.”

  Red was impressed with the fiery little redhead sitting next to him.

  Not only is she fucking gorgeous, but she has some top-notch brains too. The twins have done well to find such a gem in a city full of muck. I might just have to show her how much I appreciate her presence when we leave here…

  “I must say, Miss Evans presents a compelling point, Office Williams. As of yet you have presented no evidence pointing this man to any crime. Other than the initial phone call detailing him, nothing else has been found to directly link Mr. Bailey to starting the bar fight. I feel this is a waste of the state’s time trying to prosecute this man as it won’t stand in court. Have you had anything new crop up since we last spoke?” the prosecutor’s voice was nasally.

  “No, Sir,” the officer suddenly looked more serious.

  “Then there is nothing I can do, but release the man. It would appear this man is held high within his local community, since no one could be found to supply a witness statement. But what about the original caller? Any chance there?”

  “I’m afraid the call was made anonymously, Sir. The man who called has not presented himself to the station to offer a witness statement,” the officer was now looking downright depressed.

  “I rest my case, Sir. Can my client be released?” Rachel was practically beaming across the table.

  “I believe so. Officer Williams, please can you release this man without delay. Mr. Bailey, I would suggest you stay away from any bars for the time being.”

  With that the prosecutor pushed himself away from the table and shook the occupant’s hands individually before exiting without another word. Rachel looked absolutely overjoyed as she smiled at Red. Red grinned back.

  “It appears you’ve gotten away from it this time, Mr. Bailey. Don’t let me find you causing any more trouble around here for a while. You and your brothers have been causing enough shit in the city for too long. Can’t you three just settle down like normal people?” Office Williams interrupted the moment.

  Red cast a sideways glance to the officer, “Officer, my family is none of your concern. We do our business and stay out the way. Maybe you should do the same?”

  The officer looked like he was going to hit Red, before he registered the size of the man standing in front of him. Red could tell that the man felt threatened, but Red would never hurt someone who upheld the law. As far as Red was concerned, Officer Williams was a good man, but he hated when people spoke about his family like they were bad people. They were just trying to get by in this crazy world.

  “I apologize for my words, Officer. I’ve just had a rough night behind bars. Mind if you release me soon? I have a certain lawyer I’ve got to thank over dinner.”

  He winked at Rachel as the officer led him out the room.

  “How does it feel to be a free man?” Rachel bounded up to him as he left the station.

  “Got to say it suits me. All thanks to you, that is,” he grinned at the woman springing up and down next to him.

  She certainly is energetic for a blood-sucking lawyer. Actually she looks surprisingly young. How old is she? I guess I can find out over dinner.

  “So, I had to leave my bike at the bar last night. Do you mind giving me a ride back? They’ve got some excellent grub cooked there too.”

  “Miss Romano has already asked that I take you back to the bar, so you can pick up your bike. But I don’t think she would be too happy, if I stayed for dinner.”

  “Who says she has to know? And she’s making you call her Miss Romano? There’s nothing ladylike about the woman except her body. Her name is Pearl and her brother is Joe. Have you met them both yet?”

  Rachel looked anxious before replying, “I’ve only met Pearl. This was kind of my first case.”

  “With them?” He raised his eyebrow.

  “Ever. By myself, that is. I’ve passed the bar exam and everything, but I only started working at the firm yesterday.”

  Red was astonished, “But the way you were in there was amazing! You were so confident! Now we really must celebrate your success on your first case and my freedom. I won’t take no for an answer.”

  Rachel seemed to hesitate for a moment before shyly nodding and leading the way to her car. She drove a small peridot-green colored hatchback. Red smiled, it suited her personality. When he first met her, he thought she was just going to be another uptight academic, but nothing could be further from the truth.

  It wasn’t easy for him to squeeze into such a small car, and he caught Rachel smiling, as he was trying to adjust the seat, to make his legs fit in properly. Once he was somewhat comfortable and belted in, she started the engine.

  “Can you give me directions to the bar from here, or do I need to use my GPS?” she looked over at him.

  “I know this city like the back of my hands. Don’t worry, I can direct.”

  The car was silent, apart from the occasional direction Red blurted out, as they drove through the bustling city. The afternoon was warm and the sun was glistening in the bright blue sky. It appeared as if everyone had decided to come out and be part of it. Old and young couples were holding hands everywhere.

  Aren’t I in luck? It seems like today has everyone feeling romantic. Maybe Miss Evans will appreciate my gratitude more than she knows. At least, if I bring a girl home, Van won’t start screaming at me as soon as I walk through the door. That, can wait until morning.

  Evening was creeping upon them as they finally reached the bar. Red could see his cruiser still parked where he had left it and felt relief. He knew that none of the locals would touch it, but he wouldn’t put it past the Martinez gang to sneak back and wreck his most prized possession.

  Well, that and mom’s wedding ring.

  “Let’s go and get something to eat,” Red got out of the car before Rachel had a chance to protest.

  He watched as she hesitated, staring anxiously out the window, before clambering out the little hatchback and following him to the entrance. The bar wasn’t the fanciest, but Red could easily call it his second home. Although, he wasn’t sure he would still be welcome inside after last night’s mess. He swung open the door.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing back here?”

  Red whipped his head to the side to find Bill, the owner, standing there with hands on hips, anger flaring his nostrils. Bill was a big man, a belly spilling out over his trousers which even put Paolo to shame. Bill, although typically grumpy, was even more pissed off today than usual. Red knew that he wasn’t impressed by his appearance the day after wreaking havoc in his bar.

  Red raised his hands in mock surrender, “Listen Bill, I’m sorry. Things got a bit carried away yesterday.”

  “A bit?!” Bill fumed, saliva spitting from his mouth.

  “The Martinez gang showed up and tried to drug a girl.”

  “What?” confusion registered on Bill’s face before anger reappeared, “Those fucking bastards show up on this side of the city? Did you tell the twins? And they tried to drug someone in my bar? I’m going to fucking kill them!”

  “Calm down
before you give yourself a hernia, old man. I’ve already told Pearl and she’s on the case. Checked your bank account recently? I think you’ll be a bit cheered up if you do. Anyway, can’t you see I’m with a guest?” Red gestured to Rachel, who was awkwardly standing behind him, staring at everything but the explosive conversation in front of her.

  Bill straightened himself out before offering his hand, “My apologies, young lady. I’m afraid you’re seeing the bar at the wrong time. Before this fucker came in and busted the joint up, it was a very respectable business. My name’s Bill Tucker and I’m the owner of this shithole.”

  Rachel’s petite hand was swamped by the beefy bar owner’s, as she accepted it gracefully. She shyly smiled before replying.

  “That’s quite alright, Mr. Tucker. My name is Rachel Evans and I’m Red’s attorney. And actually, I was here yesterday, earlier in the day before my client decided to start a boxing match in your bar,” the thought of Rachel being in his bar shocked Red into silence.

  “Call me Bill. And you’re the one who busted him out of jail?” Bill laughed, “Should have left him in there to fester for a couple of days. That would teach him right for all the trouble he’s brought to my doorstep. Anyway, you must excuse me, I have to go check my financial situation and see what I can salvage from my bar’s massacre.”

  Bill gave Red one last angry glare before storming off out the back door towards his office. They both watched him go, before Red gestured at a nearby table. One of the only ones still intact. He pulled the chair out for Rachel to sit before taking his seat opposite her. He could see her eyes darting around the room, analyzing the chaos surrounding her.

  “You should have seen what it looked like yesterday before I left. They’ve done a good job.”

  “Is it true what you said?” She blurted out.

  He looked at her surprised, “Is what true?”

  “Did you really save a woman from being drugged?”

  “Of course, why wouldn’t I? I’m pretty sure any decent man would do the same.”

  “I wouldn’t think there are many decent men left in the world, but I’m glad you were there for that woman last night. How did you know it was the Martinez gang who tried to drug her?”

  “They all have the same matching neck tattoos. It seems like you’re quite salty about men, do I dare to ask why?”

  “No,” she shut him out instantly.

  Red stared at her for a second before letting the conversation die out.

  We all have our secrets, why should she share hers with me? I wouldn’t tell anyone mine, not even my brothers. Some things you just have to take to the grave with you. Not that I have any choice.

  “You’ve drifted away, Red. Something on your mind? You know I do the same thing sometimes. My friend, Alyssa, always points it out.”

  Red snapped back to reality, “Is Alyssa as hot as you are?”

  Rachel emitted a drawn out sigh before one of the bar staff saved them from another lull in the stunted conversation. Ciara was one of his favorite bartenders here and not only because of what was under her clothes. Red gave her a massive grin as the busty Irish brunette offered them menus.

  “Bill must have been pleased to see you,” she joked, her accent thick with the Emerald Isles.

  “Ah, don’t you know it. He’ll get over it as soon as the place is back up to scratch. And with the present he’s received, I’m sure there’ll be some additions in the place pretty soon too. I didn’t see you last night?”

  “I’m working the day shift this week. Unfortunate for me as I was hoping to see a good fight. I just got to clean up the after mess this morning, thanks a lot. I hope the other guy looks worse than you do.”

  “You know me, of course he does! Ciara, I’d like you to meet Rachel Evans, the lady who got me out of trouble. Rachel is my lawyer.”

  Up to this point, Ciara had barely noted Rachel’s presence but Red wanted to ensure that the woman who had saved him from a potential conviction was known to everyone around him. Rachel shook Ciara’s hand before turning back to the menu, scanning it and placing it down on the table.

  “Ready to order?” a slight shine from Ciara’s tone seemed to have disappeared after Red had so enthusiastically introduced the woman sitting across from him.

  “I’ll have my usual. And what about you, Rachel? Order anything, I can promise you it all tastes great. Although I guess you already know that.”

  “I’ll just have the cheeseburger with fries and a coke to drink, please.”

  “Don’t you want something stronger to celebrate?” Red raised his eyebrow.

  “I tend not to drink with my clients.”

  “I thought I was your first one.”

  “Well, I’m setting a precedence then,” she giggled.

  Red smiled at the joy in the lawyer’s face as Ciara took the order and walked away. There was a glow to Rachel’s cheeks whenever she was happy and it made Red feel good inside. There was something different about this woman, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

  Although I wouldn’t mind putting my hands all over that body.

  “Your last name, Evans, reminds me of something. Have you been involved with the twins before?” Red puzzled.

  “That would be my uncle you’re thinking of. I work for my uncle’s firm. It came to light today just who his clientele exactly is,” she looked down at her lap.

  “You don’t seem overly impressed with it. Listen, your uncle has helped a lot of the guys out and for that he’s made a lot of friends in the community. Probably a lot of enemies too, come to think about it. But that’s beside the point. Your uncle is not a bad man. The Romano Mafia aren’t the worst of people. They give a lot back to their community, unlike most. I’m not going to lie and say they’re upstanding citizens, but they are people too and some of them have families. Like my brother. He met his wife through the mafia and now they’re on their way to having their first kid.”

  Rachel looked up, “Congratulations. That’s quite a place to meet your wife.”

  “Long story, I’ll tell it to you another time.”

  “Another time?” she raised her eyebrow, “I hope not. The only reason I should ever be seeing you again is if you get into trouble. You’re not planning anything stupid, are you?”

  Red laughed, “I work for the mafia, Rachel. What do you expect? And anyway, why does everything have to be work-related? Can’t we just meet for pleasure?”

  He watched as a blush crept up on her cheeks. Clearly he wasn’t the only one feeling the attraction. Suddenly, Ciara appeared from behind a column with the tray of food. She laid down Rachel’s burger and drink first before presenting Red his chicken wings and beer. She winked at him before sashaying away back towards the bar, swaying her hips even more so than usual.

  They both tucked in, Red laying into the meat, before Rachel had even managed to neatly fold her napkin onto her lap. He finished and sat back happily rubbing his stomach, sipping on the cold brew. The foam bubbled up as he brought it to his lips and the bitter taste of the golden liquid ran down his throat. He examined his dinner date from across the table.

  I’ve never seen a woman with hair like hers before. Sure, I’ve seen redheads, but she has hair like a fire on a moonlit beach. And those eyes. They’re like emeralds nestled into that perfect porcelain face of hers. Her features are all so perfectly sized and shaped. Especially that cupid bow of a lip. I wonder what it tastes like…

  The clatter of her silverware as she finished her plate, brought him back to the present. She was staring across the table at him and shyly smiling. He wondered whether she was thinking about him too.

  “Well, I must say the food is pretty good here. Although I don’t think the service liked me too much,” she glanced over at Ciara, who was staring daggers at her.

  “Ah, don’t mind her. She’s all bark and no bite. Although if I remember correctly, she doesn’t mind biting too much in certain positions,” Red grinned.

  Yet aga
in this comment brought a blush to Rachel’s cheeks and she turned away. Red couldn’t resist as he leaned in closer towards her.

  “I wonder why my words have so much of an effect on you. Could it be that little miss professional is having some rather unprofessional thoughts about her client? Don’t worry, wouldn’t be the first time a woman has wanted to get into my pants. Your place or mine?”

  “Stop it!” Rachel’s voice was shrill, but he could see some deep-forming lust behind her eyes.

  “Not until you give me a better reason than being your client. Tell me Rachel, why don’t you just give into temptation for a bit and enjoy the night? After all we are celebrating your first case, and very successful might I add.”

  Rachel looked out at him from under her eyelashes. He couldn’t help but be pulled in by her mesmerizingly green eyes. His eyes wandered down to her cherry red lips before instinctively running his tongue along his lower one.

  “Well, thank you Red but I really should get going…”

  “Stay for another drink at least, let’s just talk for a bit. I wouldn’t mind getting to know the woman who singlehandedly saved me from a criminal record.”

  “You haven’t got a criminal record already? In the line of work you do?” Rachel raised an eyebrow, disbelief washing across her features.

  Red smiled, “As I said before, I keep myself out of trouble. I’m as careful with my work as I am with my women. Just this time, it wasn’t a planned job so I might have fucked up a little.”

  “It’s lucky that you had people around you, who weren’t willing to provide witness statements. I understand your friends agreeing to that, but why didn’t the regular people who saw it all?”

  “As you understand, my reputation tends to proceed me. No one testifies against anyone in the Romano mafia especially not the Baileys.”