Allison knew Tommy would wait until the following morning to call the EMTs because he hadn’t been able to wake Basil. Once he answered all the questions about his deceased employer he would return home to await his next assignment.
Chapter 17
Ana covered her mouth with both hands when she read the crawl along the bottom of the television screen: Music mogul Basil Irvine found dead in his L.A. mansion of an apparent heart attack. He was 43.
Springing up from the chair in the sitting room, she opened the door to the balcony. “Jacob! Come see this.”
He stepped off the balcony and into the air-cooled bedroom. “What is it?” Ana pointed to the flat screen resting on the table in the alcove. “It’s over, Jacob. I don’t have to hide anymore.”
Jacob wrapped his arms around her body, holding her close. It was over. Now he and Ana could live their lives without looking over their shoulders. He could take her to meet his mother, knowing Gloria would love Ana as much as he did.
His cell rang. “Excuse me, baby. I have to answer this.” He returned to the balcony, closing the door behind him. “What’s up, Diego?”
“Irvine’s done.”
“What happened?”
“I suppose he had a bad heart. His brother just issued a statement that Basil was healthy as a horse, and that he’s going assume the responsibility of running Slow Wyne.”
“What do you know about the brother?”
“His name is Webb Irvine. He served time for manslaughter. Reportedly he stomped a man to death when he was still a kid.”
Jacob stared at the choppy waters. Meteorologists were watching a tropical depression off the coast of Jamaica that was expected to make landfall in another twenty-four hours. “Do you think we’re going to trade one devil for another?”
“He bears keeping an eye on. But that’s what I’m paying Simon to do. His people will make certain he won’t fly under the radar. How’s Ana taking the news?”
“She’s shocked and relieved. I’ve got another two weeks before I go back to work. I’m going to take her to see her folks tomorrow, then we’re going to Winter Haven so she can meet my mother. And if there is enough time we’re going back to Long Key to do a little fishing.”
“Ana hates fishing.”
“That’s not what she told me.”
“Then my cousin has really changed. On a more serious note. What I can do to thank you for all you’ve done?”
“Stand in as my best man when we say our vows in front of the family New Year’s Eve.”
“Eso es una promesa, mi amigo.”
“I’m going to hang up now. Ana and I have a little celebrating to do. Kiss S.J. for me and let him know I’ll see him soon.”
Jacob ended the call, and when he turned he saw Ana staring at him through the glass. Her dimples winked at him. Opening the door, he pulled her out into the humidity, cradled her face and covered her mouth with his.
“How would you like to go out tonight to celebrate, Mrs. Jones?”
“What are we celebrating, Mr. Jones?” she whispered.
“Our love.”
Ana scrunched up her nose. “I like that.”
“I love you.”
“I love you more,” she countered.
The banter continued as they prepared to live their lives on their own terms.
* * * * *
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ISBN: 9781459234659
Copyright © 2012 by Rochelle Alers
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Summer Vows (Arabesque) Page 29