by Amy Shannon
“Oh, please, he likes being controlled,” Oscar said. “He has his likes and I get to do what I want. He’ll come back to me, you’ll see.”
Adler shook his head. “I may have done wrong, but you hate me. I don’t know why you want me… your own father dead.”
“I just want your damn money. I want nothing to do with you or your creepy collections. I just want the damn money,” He stood up. “Hurry up!”
“Hurry up?” Adler glared at him.
“Yeah, hurry and die already, old man. I’m getting tired of waiting for my inheritance.”
“You’re not getting anything,” Adler said. “I’ve revised my will.”
“You can’t do that,” Oscar yelled.
Strick pushed Oscar back in the chair. “Actually, he can do whatever he wants.”
“I am leaving you something,” Adler said. “One dollar, that is if, you aren’t in jail for my murder.”
Oscar grunted. “Just try to prove I broke the barometer. I wore gloves. I’m not stupid. I didn’t want to get sick. I just wanted you to die. You should have been in the house when I torched it.”
Strick watched the officers hurry into the room. “He’s right here and he confessed.”
Jim stood in front of Oscar. “Stand up, sir and put your hands behind your back. You’re under arrest.”
“For what?” Oscar asked, standing up. He put his hands behind his back. “Father, help me.”
“Officer, we have it recorded,” Adler pointed to Leonard.
“I’ll send it Tim Reynolds,” Leonard said.
“Thank you, sir,” Jim said as the other officer cuffed Oscar’s hands behind his back. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in court. You have the right to the presence of an attorney before and during any questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you free of charge before any questioning if you want. Do you understand?”
“I understand. I want my damn lawyer,” he grunted as they led him out of the room.
Leonard took Adler’s hand. “I’m sorry. Are you all right?”
“No,” he sighed. “I keep smelling this food and it’s making me hungry.”
“Let’s eat,” Leonard kissed his cheek.
“Definitely,” Savvy sat down next to Strick. “That was quite unpleasant.”
“I’m sorry I got you all in the middle of this,” Adler said. “All for an ancient skull of an ancient evil.”
“Oh, that reminds me. I have the skull in my safe,” She smiled.
“You found it?” Adler asked.
“Yes,” she said.
“Oh, thank you,” he smiled. “I don’t know if it was worth it or not.”
“It was,” she smiled. “It’s not just finding the skull, we also are keeping you safe from your son.”
“I hope it’s over,” Adler said.
“So, do I,” Leonard said.
36
Two days later
Savvy knocked on the door to Adler’s new storefront. Dark curtains hung over the display windows as they did before in his old storefront. Leonard opened the door. “Savvy, you’re here.”
“I wanted to finish business with Adler if that’s all right. If he’s not up to it, I can come back,” She looked at the silver case in her hand.
“No, come in. I was just helping him put some things in order. He’s with the workers, securing his new room for his priceless collectibles.”
She walked into the storefront, closing the door behind her. “Oh, well, that’s good. If he’s too busy, I can come back. I know he’s still recovering.”
“He’s doing better,” Leonard said.
“What about you?” she asked.
“What about me?”
“Well, Tim asked you if you were going to talk with Ryan and you didn’t answer him. You were worried the other day about your feelings for Adler. You’re still waiting about the bar exam results.”
“I don’t even know why I took it,” he sighed.
“Leonard, what’s wrong?”
“I passed the fowl bar exam.”
Savvy smiled, her eyes lit up as she hugged him. “You passed, and you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t tell anyone. I got an email earlier and they’ll be sending the information through a messenger. I got a 99 percent.”
“Really?” she smiled. “That’s great, but why aren’t you excited?”
He pulled up a crate and sat down. “I don’t know. I guess there’s a lot going on.”
“Honey,” she sat next to him and put her arm around him. “You’re not your bubbly self lately. I thought you loving Adler would put that light back in your eyes, in your heart, but you still feel like what?”
“Ryan betrayed me, and it hurt more than I let on. Then he shot me. He could’ve hurt you,” Leonard sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. But one thing I just noticed.”
“What’s that?”
“When I told you that you loved Adler, you didn’t deny it.”
“Well, I do, but we haven’t said it to each other. Maybe it’s too soon.”
“It’s not,” Adler said, holding on to his cane as he limped into the room. “Leonard, I’ve been looking for the courage to say it out loud.”
Leonard and Savvy stood up. Leonard walked over to him. “I guess I have, too. I didn’t want to rush into anything. I’m still getting over what was done to me by Ryan.”
“And I’m dealing with my son’s betrayal and abuse, but the one, no there are three shining lights in my life and you are the most important.”
“Three?” Savvy asked.
“Yes, you, Strick and Leonard. You three brought me into your life and I was just a client. You all took such good care of me and gave me such great support.”
“Well, we were glad to do it and we love having you in our life,” she smiled. “I didn’t mean to disturb the two of you; you probably have a lot to talk about. I just wanted to return your property.”
“Oh,” he smiled. “Thank you.”
“I’ll leave it here and you two should really talk,” she kissed Leonard’s cheek and then Adler’s. “We can finish our business later.”
“No, please finish it now,” Leonard said.
She set the silver case on the display case and opened it. “Please just look at it to verify that it’s your Adolf Hitler skull.”
Adler lifted the skull and examined it. “Except for a few chips, this is it.”
“All right,” she smiled. “Oh, I do have the few pieces of the bone chips. I found some of them before I was able to recover the skull. I’ll get those back to you.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be right back,” He left the room and returned a few minutes later. He handed her a secured zippered bank bag. “This will cover your fees and a bonus for getting it back within the month. I am sorry for all the problems this caused.”
“No problems at all,” she smiled. “We just found more answers than we had questions for. I just have some paperwork for you to sign,” She reached in her bag and pulled out a folder. “I require this to close out your case.”
He took the folder and pulled a gold pen out of his breast pocket. He leaned on the glass display counter and signed his name where it was needed on each of the ten sheets of paper. He handed the folder back to her. “Thank you.”
“Well, I better be going.”
“Uh, Savvy,” Adler said. “I also wanted to thank you for letting me move into this storefront. I still must buy all new furniture and some things for the home. I’d like to rent this space and the apartment for a year and if it works out, I’d like to buy the space. Is it available for sale?”
“Yes, it was part of the gift that Angelica gave the three of us. I don’t see a problem with it. I’ll have our attorney draw up the papers,” she looked at Leonard.
“Thank you,” Adler smiled.
“I’ll see you later,” Savvy touched Le
onard’s cheek. “You’ve got this,” She smiled as she left the building.
Leonard gazed at Adler. “I’m a little nervous.”
Adler walked over to him and touched his cheek. “So am I. I was worried about my age, my son, my own feelings for you. Leonard, I love you.”
Leonard smiled. “I love you, too,” he softly kissed Adler’s mouth. “I do love you.”
“So, do you have the day off?” he smiled.
“Yes, I don’t have to report back to the Agency until Monday,” he smiled. “I took some time, so I can help you here and finish unpacking in my own place.”
“Good. I’d like your help picking out the new furniture. I definitely need a new bed and new sofa. They should be finished with the room in about an hour or so, then I’ll need help unpacking.”
Leonard smiled, setting his hands on Adler’s shoulders. “I’ll make you a deal,” he kissed his mouth softly.
“A deal?” Adler smiled.
“I’ll help you here if you have dinner with me later and help me unpack. And you can spend the night at my place until we can get you a new bed.”
“What if the bed comes today?” Adler flirted.
“Then, you still spend the night,” he smiled.
“Deal,” Adler said. “When I was out of the room, did she mention Oscar or anything?”
“No, but I’m sure Tim will call me later. Unless you want me to call him?”
“Well, you have to give him your answer, right?” Adler and Leonard walked toward the door that led to the apartment off the storefront. Adler’s space consisted of a two-floor apartment and storefront.
“Answer?” Leonard asked.
“About that Ryan,” Adler said as he slowly sat down on a large crate.
Leonard sat next to him. “You think I should?”
“I think if you don’t, it’ll bother you. He made a deal and once he’s officially sentenced, he’ll go to prison.”
“Maybe I should. I’ll call Tim and see if I can do it tomorrow. Today, I’m yours, all day.”
“No,” Adler said. “I’m yours. For keeps.”
“For keeps,” Leonard put his arm around his lover.
37
Savvy walked into the Agency and smiled at Strick, who was pulling down all the plastic sheeting. “Looks good. Different but good. They finished the private office and the file room?” she asked.
“Just a few minutes ago,” he smiled. “Just needs to be cleaned up and then the furniture put in. Bookshelves, files, desk and chairs. Right?”
“I was thinking more like a table, rather than a desk,” she said.
“Sounds good. I’ll just update the order. Anything else?”
She studied the room and noticed her painting, leaning up against the wall. “Cloud Dancer’s painting, over on the far wall near the whiteboard.”
“I’ll hang it now,” he smiled. “So, you OK?”
“Yeah, I closed Adler’s case officially, but it’s far from over. He still needs to deal with his son. He also mentioned he wants to rent for a year and then if all goes well, buy it after that.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
“And Leonard passed the bar and didn’t tell me.”
“Oh, so he’s a lawyer now. Good for him. He’s been nervous about it.”
“Yeah,” she smiled. “He and Adler love each other and they’re both afraid about it.”
Strick put his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. “Love shouldn’t make you afraid.”
“Definitely not,” she kissed him softly. “I do love you.”
“I love you, too. Now, Tim did call when you were out,” he smiled. “He said Oscar was denied bail and that we’re supposed to have dinner at Harry’s tonight.”
“Oh, yeah, some big family thing. All my brothers will be there, uh, I think.”
“Well, good,” he kissed her again. “I’m going to clean up here and I think we should start our reorganization of the office. Spread us out a little more.”
“I’ll help. I just have to file these papers,” she turned around when the door chimed as it opened. “And talk with Angelica.”
“Oh, Savvy, you’re all right,” Angelica said as she slowly walked into the Agency.
“Your hip is still bothering you, isn’t it?” she walked over to Angelica and led her to the chair.
Angelica sat down. “So, let me see your ring.”
Savvy extended her left hand. “He made it for me.”
“Oh my, that’s so beautiful,” she glanced toward Strick, who was sweeping the floor by the new office. “This is bigger, right?”
“Yes, just finished it. We’re still going to all be in one room. And we’re waiting for new furniture.”
“Can I help?” Angelica asked.
“We’re good. We just need to complete our order. Now, what brings you here?”
“I wanted to make sure you were all right. I also hope that we can do our afternoon tea again.”
“We will. I was wrapped up in this case that I just closed, and you weren’t feeling well. I’m just glad you didn’t get sick.”
“I heard that Mr. Stein was sick.”
“He’s better. He and Leonard are very close.”
“That’s good. Now, I did come here to see how you were, how you both were, and I wanted to remind you that you can have your wedding in my rose garden.”
“Well thank you. We haven’t even set a date.”
“When you do, let me know. I’d like to help you get your dress or whatever you’re going to wear. You aren’t wearing corduroy to your own wedding, are you?” she pointed to Savvy’s pants.
“Nah, I doubt it,” she laughed. “I guess I’ll have to buy a dress. I only own one.”
“I’ll help you,” she smiled.
“I appreciate it. Uh, when I do get married, will you stand up with me? I mean, be my matron of honor?”
“Oh, Savvy,” she wiped her eyes. “Now you’ve gone and done it,” She slowly stood up. “I’d be so honored.”
“Good.”
Angelica hugged Savvy and kissed her cheek. “Call me tomorrow. I have an appointment to get to. I’ll see you later.”
“Oh, Angelica, I was wondering something about the museum board.”
“What’s that?”
“How does one become a member? I know that Gardner was grandfathered in, but will he lose his seat?”
“That’s the appointment I have to sit on. We have a board meeting. Savvy, are you interested in becoming a board member?”
“I don’t know. This case was interesting, but Strick is more of the history buff than I am.”
“Well, you could both be part of it. I could recommend both of you,” she smiled. “I’ll do that today and then if they agree, I’ll let you know. I’m sure you’ll be put in. You were a big help to the museum.”
“Well, thank you,” she smiled. “Call me later.”
“I will,” she blew a kiss to Strick and slowly left the Agency.
Savvy looked at Strick. “How ‘bout that,” she smiled.
“A board member of the museum? What do we do as board members?”
“Well, I have no idea,” she smiled. “I do know that they have a say in what gets displayed, they can make recommendations as to special displays and they get a first look at the pieces to be in displays. I wonder if Mr. Gutenberg was going to be there. I heard he was going to be released soon.”
“You saved his life,” he smiled. “Now, my love, let’s get this Agency back into shape.”
“Yeah, I’ll help,” she smiled. “I can file the papers later.”
38
Strick and Savvy walked into Harry’s apartment when he opened the door. Savvy scanned the large living room, where her brothers Rain, Breeze, Midnight and Romeo were sitting. “Oh, you’re all here,” she smiled. “Romeo, I didn’t know you flew back.”
Romeo stood up and kissed her cheek. “Hello, Sunshine,” he smiled. “When Harry calls, I li
sten. Well, most of the time. He said we needed to have a family meeting,” He sat back down.
Tim walked into the room carrying a tray of drinks. He set it on the coffee table. “It’s all the same, so no fighting,” Tim smiled as he sat down on the arm of the chair next to Harry.
Savvy and Strick sat down on the empty love seat. “So, what’s with the meeting?”
“Before we get to the main event,” Harry said. “I thought you should share your news with the family.”
Savvy sighed. “Strick and I are going to get married,” she showed off her ring on her left hand. “He made this for me.”
Breeze stood up. “You deserve gold,” he said as he examined the ring. “But it is beautiful.”
“I love it,” she snapped. “I don’t need some expensive ring, or anything expensive. He made this for me out of love.”
“And it’s beautiful. I didn’t mean anything by my remark. Sheesh, Sunshine. I am sorry.”
“It’s all right,” She looked around the room at her other brothers. “Anyone have anything else to say?”
Breeze sat down, and Rain leaned forward. “Congratulations, Sunshine.”
“Thank you,” she smiled, looking toward Romeo and Midnight. “What about you two?”
“First, congratulations,” Romeo said.
“That goes for me, too,” Midnight said, running his hands through his dark hair. “And we have to apologize to you both.”
“For what?” Strick asked.
“Trying to involve ourselves in your life. Strick, when we offered you money, it was a test to see if you were worthy of our sister. We apologize, even though you passed,” Midnight said. “When we gave Friend money to offer Ryan, we thought he’d do the same thing, but he didn’t. He not only took the money, spent all of it, but he tried to shoot you, Sunshine. He did shoot Leonard. We are so terribly sorry. We don’t want to be out of your life or Leonard’s. We all were involved with him, but he’s part of our family. We don’t want either one, uh, any of you hurt.”
“Well, I can’t speak for him but I’m sure if you talk to him, he’ll at least listen. He had plans with Adler tonight, so he won’t be coming.”