by Ellen, Tracy
“Well, well, it’s another gold star for my best pupil.”
John drawled, “What do I get for three gold stars, Ms. Anabel?”
Luke’s dimple flashed at John’s question and Anna snickered, but she saved me from responding when she asked, “Is Maria’s immediate payoff demand so that Jorge doesn’t go spend the cash?”
I said evasively, “Yes, that’s the reason.” Something in my voice had Luke’s head tilting infinitesimally, so I hurried on saying, “Maria, you insist Jorge makes the arrangements immediately for the payoff. When Jorge calls Nasty Nestor, you listen to his call. Without Blanca there as Jorge’s insurance for not getting his body parts cut off, I don’t think he’ll be idiotic enough to gamble away the payoff money. Still, let’s not take any chances, eh? This will show Jorge you mean business and don’t trust his gambling butt one damn bit.”
“This is the truth!” Maria swore, beating her fist against the table again. “I will not give Jorge the money until the minute he is leaving! I will never forgive him for putting Blanca in danger, the…” She went off in a burst of Spanish words that caused Luke and Anna to laugh, while John and I shrugged blankly at each other.
I called Maria back to task and got her to repeat her part until I was satisfied she knew what to do tonight and tomorrow.
Smiling at the excited woman, I reached in my purse and passed her the envelope of cash. “Here you go. So, that’s it then, Maria. It’s time for you to leave and speak privately with Blanca. We’ll see her at midnight tonight. Stress to your niece the importance of keeping her mouth zipped, or Blanca may be stopped if the wrong person hears of her leaving. That means Blanca’s mother, Blanca’s friends, your other relatives—absolutely nobody should be told.”
Maria nodded and asked tentatively, “My Blanca may be frightened. Should you have a secret code word to tell Blanca when you and Anna pick her up at midnight?”
“Absolutely! What a good idea!” I grinned, and Anna added her agreement. “You pick, Maria.”
The Hispanic woman screwed up her face in thought for a second and then broke out in a beaming smile. “Asswipe!”
Anna and the guys laughed while I twirled my fingers and said, “Asswipe it is! You have our numbers and I have your number, right?”
Wreathed in smiles, Maria hugged the envelope to her awe-inspiring bosom. “Yes, everywhere I can be reached is in the notebook.” Beaming across the table, she added, “Dear Anna knows my phone number, too.”
Anna got up and came around to hug Maria, adding her assurances to mine that Blanca would be happy and safe. She promised to give Maria progress reports at every tutoring lesson.
Luke stood up politely, helping Maria to scoot back her heavy chair as she rose. “Maria, nice to meet you and don’t worry.” Smiling down at her, he added enigmatically, “Your niece is a lucky girl.”
Glowing, she looked from Luke to John, who smiled back and nodded encouragingly. She spread out her arms. “Bless you all, you are my saviors sent from Heaven above to…”
Wise to her ways now and before she could really start in on the accolades, I tucked her arm in mine. The men relaxed visibly when I led the chattering, radiant Maria straight to the door.
We discussed communicating tomorrow, assuming there were no problems tonight with the rescue plan. I then squeezed her shoulders lightly and said, “Go get ‘em, Auntie!”
She held my face before I could get away and with a loud smack, kissed me full on the lips. Shaking her head, Maria’s eyes filled with sparkling tears and she cupped my cheeks.
She started on a whisper, but Maria’s voice wasn’t built for whispering and it rose in a crescendo of emotion, “Thank you, Anabel. What you have done for me, a perfect stranger, and for my beloved niece is a debt I can never repay. You are an angel! You will all be in my prayers every night, I promise you this.” She nodded slowly and avowed, “Yes, every night for the rest of my life!”
Wincing at that damn A word, I turned my back to the others and kissed her cheek fondly. “We’re not strangers any longer, but thank you. I’ll never turn down an offer like that from a good woman like you. Will you accept my apology for yelling and swearing at you so rudely?”
Maria scoffed and replied, “Of course.” She grinned, round cheeks shining. “It’s not the first time this has happened to me when I get a little upset.”
Laughing, I said, “Be careful, Maria.”
Sending Maria on her hip-swaying way down the aisle, I glanced around quickly. Bel’s was buzzing with people and all the staff was busy. I started to close the door, but Anna slipped by me.
“Bye, guys! I’ve got work to finish.”
Over Luke and John’s goodbyes, I called after her, “Hey wait! I’m hungry for dinner, aren’t you?”
“You’re on your own. I have to go get ready!” She called back before disappearing.
Closing the door, I leaned my back against it with a sigh of relief. Anna choosing to leave actually worked out great. Part three of my plan was for the men’s ears only.
Glancing up at their two faces regarding me back with amusement, I spoke rapidly with studied unconcern, “Okay, nobody but us has heard this next part of the plan. Part Three consists of us following Jorge the Gambler to Minneapolis. After he goes inside to pay off Nasty Nestor, we will wait and watch. When Jorge has paid off his debt and is leaving, John Smith here will stop him by creating a huge, outrageous scene. John, you will be dressed up like a drag queen out on the town. You’ll simper and flirt to gain the attention of any men still hanging around the loan shark’s place that time of night. You’ll come onto them big time.” I grinned. “Then the real fun begins. Luke, you get to beat the pedophile into a pulp, take out any other enforcers going after John, and steal back my money. John, you get to beat up Jorge as a lesson.”
John exploded on a laugh, “Whose lesson, mine or his? Jesus Christ, a simpering drag queen!”
“Whoever needs one taught, John,” I responded, sweetly.
Luke’s fingers were drumming slowly on his washboard abs, but otherwise his face was showing no reaction to part three of my plan. After a moment, he asked mildly, “What if they meet in a parking lot, Anabel, and don’t get out of their cars?”
Allowing some peevishness to creep into my voice, I answered, “Geez Louise, you boys use your imaginations! Do I have to do all the work in this Pact of Power? Tell you what; I’ll make you both a deal.” John groaned at these words, but Luke’s arched a black brow and smiled slightly. Ignoring his blatant attempt to ignite my sexual addiction for him, I said reasonably, “You men promise to get my money back and beat up Jorge and the pedophile, and I’ll leave it up to you how it gets done.” I smiled, and added helpfully, “You can count on Tre J to drive the getaway car because she knows Minneapolis like the back of her hand. Jaz and I will be extra eyes and cover your six with firepower. You let us know when you need us, okay?” Not waiting for them to answer, I clapped my hands. “Good! This meeting has run fifteen minutes over schedule and is officially done. Luke and John, thank you very much for your time.”
Reaching across the table, I snatched up my purse. Holding the door open, I was ready to exit the Garden Room and go find some dinner. On my dignity, I ignored the shouting yips of laughter coming from John.
He gasped to Luke, “Did I hear her say she would cover our six’s with…with FIREPOWER?” He burst into paroxysm of snorting, high-pitched laughter and slapped the table repeatedly while rocking back and forth in his seat. Shaking his head, he croaked on a laugh, “Drag queen?” and was off again.
Behind me, Luke’s voice was devoid of any mirth when he said, “Anabel, come here a minute.”
I smiled to myself, but didn’t turn around. I hesitated, debating on pretending like I didn’t hear Luke’s summons. He settled the matter by coming up from behind and putting his hands on my shoulders.
John was still laughing and yipping, so I muttered, “What a damn repulsive hyena.”
Luk
e chuckled, but it turned into a small wince. I had turned in his arms and buried my face in his chest, so that he couldn’t observe me. At his wince, I lifted my head and wondered how I’d hurt him.
He read my mind. “I must be bruised. John snuck a jab under my guard when we sparring in the barn today.”
“That sneaky bastard,” I sympathized with feeling. I gave John the finger behind Luke’s back, which only caused the hyena to laugh louder.
“Are you flipping John off, Anabel?” Luke asked sternly.
“Umm…I plead the fifth, Counselor.”
Chuckling, he pushed my hair aside and kissed high on my cheek. “The first part of your plan is solid. It should work like a charm, as long as Blanca cooperates fully and doesn’t tell anyone where she’s living. I’m sure you’ve got that covered, too. Good job, baby, I’m impressed.”
He kissed the top of my head and squeezed my waist while I rolled my eyes at his patronizing endearment. Boyfriend must really think part three of my plan completely blows to be praising and petting me so much.
Relaxing into his warmth, I was careful not to touch his bruised chest while I waited with amused interest to see how he’d break the bad news and destroy my fragile ego.
Luke’s voice was conciliatory and kind. “The second part of your plan is good, too, but the third part? That part needs some work on the details.” Behind us, John’s gusts of laughter renewed at these words. I give Luke credit for keeping his voice determinedly steady and supportive when he went on, “I get you want your money back, and that you want the bad guys thumped for being such assholes. It makes sense Jorge gets beat up, too. We don’t want them to come after his family again once we steal back your money. I’ll hold up my side of our pact, Sweetheart.”
Smiling inwardly against my Hero’s soft sweater, I only sorrowfully sighed out loud. “Ah, go ahead and laugh, Luke. My feelings won’t be hurt. It’s fine, really. I know part three of the plan has some loopholes. You men do whatever you need to do, okay?”
“Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind,” Luke teased and started laughing, gently tugging on a piece of my hair this time. “I hope it’s okay if I laugh about Maria locking lips with you, too? I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on your face…”
John spoke over Luke, sniggering, “What the fuck you talking about, Drake? That wasn’t funny, that was hot, man, as in SEX-U-AL. I saw tongue, didn’t you?”
At Luke’s grin, I rolled my eyes and told them to have fun with their girl-on-girl fantasizing, but I had stuff to do.
Remembering Luke’s parents were due to arrive at the farm sometime soon, I assured him the Blanca Midnight Express was being handled by us girls and not to worry. I think Anna was over her freaking out, Blanca lived in Northfield, and it sounded like an easy enough plan to do without Batman and Boy Wonder.
Luke thought it over. “Okay, but call me tonight when it’s done, Anabel.”
“We’ll be fine.”
He squeezed my waist and did the arrogant nose move. “Call me regardless.”
“Okay, baby,” I shrugged agreeably and followed them out into the store.
The men walked over to tear Svettie away from the Laissez Fare’s counter. With rapt attention, the white-furred cougar was watching Trent handle the crowd. He was showing off his expertise at mixing smoothies with flair. Coming up behind her seat, I could tell Trent was doing his usual flirting routine with Svettie. This included waggling eyebrows, leering glances, and asking bizarre questions about her Russian perspective on life. A few feet away, I overheard Trent’s current question and had difficulty holding back my laughter.
Trent was asking Svettie if she had to choose, as a female, would she prefer to be imprisoned in a Kolyma Gulag or at Guantanamo Bay (before the media tattled), and why? Unfortunately, I got called away before hearing her answer, but after insisting the increasingly trapped-looking Trent repeat his question several times and explain what he meant, Svettie appeared to be thinking about it real hard.
Chapter XV
“Layla” by Eric Clapton (Derek and the Dominos)
Wednesday 11/21/12
7:05 PM
I was still laughing to myself forty-five minutes later thinking about Luke and John while zooming to the airport with the girls. Of course I have no clue how to come up with a solid plan to get back at Jorge and the pedophile, or get my money stolen back. Nor did I try. My first concern was getting Blanca safe. I wanted to help her have a chance at a decent life. Getting Jorge beat up and my hard-earned cash returned would be great. The pedophile disappearing permanently, and not just thumped, would be the real icing on the cake. However, my real reason for creating an impromptu part three of the rescue plan was simply my way of providing Luke with some fun action during his Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Between my store and my activities with the girls, I’ll be busy with my own plans. I was satisfied the men were now thoroughly motivated by my girlish ineptness to take over part three of the Blanca Rescue Plan.
I relaxed and looked around. We were luxuriously, if loudly ensconced in Jazy’s surprise transportation for the weekend--a Barbie doll-pink, Range Rover limousine about a block long. Inside, everything was swirling, psychedelic pink and black leather. The limo came complete with two disco bars, a lit disco floor, three TV’s, fiber optic lighting, and when Jazy flipped a switch, a laser light show. It was like sitting on the inside of a shaken Pepto-Bismol bottle.
Anna was bringing the girls up to speed on the rescue meeting while music played softly in the background. This was very funny to hear from her point of view and they were all laughing uproariously. The girls were excited to save Blanca. Everyone was arguing where Blanca should sleep tonight, and if we should whisk her away in the limo or not.
“Or not,” I responded firmly on a snort of laughter, imagining this piece of bubble gum on wheels trolling through a neighborhood to pick up Blanca at midnight. My mind soon wandered away from listening to their debates of the best safe house, Jazy’s farm versus Mac’s place. I’d already decided Blanca will sleep at Mac’s tonight, or more accurately with Stella in her studio garage apartment, and then live out of sight at Jazy’s farm in Dundas for the next month over Christmas.
I savored a sip of my Bailey’s on the rocks. This day has been so long, but so rushed. I still felt disorganized. Staying up all night for His Turn, setting up a grapevine alert for a crime boss’ enforcer, putting together a rescue plan--even a bad one--and fending off Mad Mike’s marriage proposal were not on Wednesday’s to-do list. I was behind on my work schedule. I was also hungry and tired. My dinner was a sliced apple slathered with chunky peanut butter and a glass of orange juice.
After the rescue meeting, I quickly did some necessary store duties. I touched base with Billy before I left, since he’s closing the store tonight. Then I dashed up to the apartment and showered for the third time since dawn, and as instructed by Mac, dressed in black from head to toe.
My flapper top was sleeveless, scoop necked enough to show some cleavage, very tight, and ends at my waist. Best of all, the shirt was covered in rows of slinky fringe that sways when I moved even slightly. On the bottom half, I was wearing hip hugging leggings that reached my ankles and ballerina slippers. It was probably a good thing I didn’t eat dinner when wearing leggings that fit like tights. With the dramatically swooping black eyeliner I applied, my hair parted down the back and worn in two long braids down the front, and the pink-plumed Indian headband, I resembled a crazy mixture of a 1960’s go-go dancer gone Goth and Hippy.
Moving restlessly on the leather bench seat and sipping my yummy whiskey liqueur, I was feeling my tiredness, despite all the frenetic energy induced by the limo’s interior decor. The lowball tumbler made of lead crystal was heavy in my hand. Excited as I was to see the Floridians, tonight was going to be a long night. All the girls have agreed to stay local this evening, but everyone wanted to hit a bar or two in town to start off the weekend. I was taking these moments to recharge and get
into the partying mood.
We all knew Celeste and Misty were pumped to experience small town life and meet Minnesota men. Old towns in Florida were much different than a historical frontier town in the Midwest, and I got the excitement of meeting new men whatever town you visit. We’d invited people to join us later tonight and give the girls a friendly welcome.
Closing my eyes to the soothing background of laughing, chattering women, I felt jaded and full of a nameless anxiety.
The jaded was because while I got their excitement, my twenty-ninth birthday was in December. It’s been years since the idea of meeting new men in a bar excited me, if it ever did. I considered it more of an extension of my day job and a test of my endurance. These last couple of years, I’ve alleviated some of my boredom by using men, and sometimes women, as guinea pigs. If a person hit on me and I wasn’t interested, it was a perfect opportunity to test out a new customer service technique. If the technique employed was successful in rejecting, without bloodshed, a person determined to hook-up in a bar; I could later demonstrate it as a tool for my staff at Bel’s. It was a harsh fact of retail life; you would have to deal face-to-face with disappointed or even angry customers. The armory of disarming weapons could never be too large or too varied.
I understand the jaded feeling but the last time I felt this anxiety, we got rammed off the road by the Hammer.
Thankfully, I didn’t sense any ominous threats of that nature looming on the horizon, other than meeting Luke’s parents tomorrow at dinner. I shelved that thought, since it probably wouldn’t matter in the long run what they thought of me anyhow. Not once Svettie cried and filled them with tales of An-a-bel the Cow, and John told them his gospel that I’m the Slut of Northfield, and they saw for their own eyes that Luke and I don’t have a real relationship, but just a really hot sex thing going on.
A father may secretly appreciate this for his son, but not a mother.
I’ve never wondered if a mother would like me, or want me for her son’s girlfriend. It was an amusing, if sobering concept. Mike’s mom liked me before I started dating her son because I knew her from the store. Since then, worrying about a mother’s love was the farthest thing from my mind with the men I’ve dated.