Vinny: Alvarez Security Series

by Maryann Jordan

  “So I was just a random victim to begin with?” Annalissa asked hopefully, still not able to grasp the concept that she was targeted.

  “We’re not sure, but still checking every angle. We don’t want to assume anything and let our guard down.”

  “Give me the names of the major distributors and let me see if I can find a connection from anyone on our list,” BJ said.

  Lily sat quietly, her lips pursed in thought. Her husband, Matt, Looked over. “What’s on your mind, babe?” he inquired.

  “I keep going back to motive. If we’re just looking at the drugs being smuggled in a large container, then a harp makes sense. But if we are looking at something more personal, who would want Annalissa to suffer?”

  Annalissa’s gaze cut over sharply to Lily. “What are you thinking?”

  “Tell me more about some of the people you work with. What about Sharon and Parker?”

  Laughing, Annalissa said, “If there were two people who were definitely not involved, it would be them! They’re the only ones that really talk to me, you know like they want for me the same things that I want for myself. Never demanding…always supportive. When I travel, I am surrounded by people who are pulling me in different directions. But Sharon and Parker keep me sane.”

  “How did you meet them?” Vinny asked.

  Her brow crinkled in thought as she tried to remember. “I think either Todd or Gordon arranged for them to be with me the first time I had a solo performance with the Richland Symphony. I’m sure my father made the request,” she added ruefully.

  “Okay,” Lily said. “What about Les and the members of the band that you play with sometimes?”

  Feeling Vinny tense up next to her, Annalissa patted his knee. “Lester heard me practicing the harp one day and knocked on my door to talk. He was getting some friends together to play in a bar and wondered if I would ever consider playing with them too. We became friends and when I can, I work with them.”

  “Any of them party hard?” Gabe asked.

  Annalissa looked over at him, confusion knitting her brow. “I…don’t know,” she answered, not really understanding what he was asking.

  Vinny leaned toward her, saying, “Any of them do drugs that you know of?”

  “No,” she answered vehemently, her eyes flashing. “I mean I don’t know them very well, but no…not that I know of. Not in front of me.” Turning to glare at Vinny once again, she said, “I really hate this you know. You have me wondering about everyone I know. I had few friends before this mess and I’ll have even less now!”

  Vinny wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders, pulling her in closely. “I’m sorry, princess,” he whispered. “I know this is tough on you.”

  “I just really don’t think that anyone I know would do this on purpose to me. I must have just been the random, large case at the airport that got picked.”

  Lily smiled, but remained thoughtful.

  *

  Vinny dropped Annalissa off at Ross’ school where she met Jennifer. After having played for them at the Malloy’s pub, Ross had told his music teachers about her and she received a call to show some of the students her harp during their music class. Standing in front of the school, Vinny resisted the urge to kiss her. “Either I or Jobe will be back to pick you up in two hours, babe,” he said softly, knowing she hated to be reminded about needing security.

  “There hasn’t been any threat to me for several weeks,” she protested. “Can’t I use the cabs again?”

  “Not budging,” he announced as she huffed. Looking down into her eyes, he added, “Not taking any chances.”

  Smiling, in spite of herself, she knew he cared. Nodding, she and Jennifer walked into the building.

  Thirty minutes later, she sat with Easnadh in her lap playing songs to the fourth and fifth-grade classes. As she finished her performance, she allowed them to ask questions and to pluck the strings of the harp. The teachers allowed the most interested students to stay and she continued her mini-lessons for another hour.

  “How do you know which strings to play?” one little girl asked.

  “See the red ones?” Annalissa asked. “They’re for certain notes and as I play, I can quickly see where I should be by looking at them for guidance.”

  “Don’t that hurt your fingers?” came the next boy, reaching out to feel the wires.

  “I usually pluck the strings with my fingernails, but can use the pads as well. Here, try it,” she encouraged.

  The time passed quickly and she looked up when she heard a noise at the door. Jennifer had returned and was standing there with Vinny. His warm eyes were on hers and the smile on his face took her breath away.

  “Miss, miss,” a little girl said as she dragged Annalissa’s attention back to the task at hand. “If I wanna learn, would you be my teacher?”

  Annalissa smiled at the child and answered truthfully, “Right now I’d love to say yes, but I’m still traveling a lot playing concerts. But I tell you what—if I can start teaching soon, I’ll have the music teacher talk to your mother.”

  The little girl ran back to class smiling, and Vinny walked over as she placed Easnadh in the case. He leaned over, snagging the case from her hands as she finished and walked her back to his truck.

  “Let’s grab something to eat.”

  “Sure,” she replied. “What are you in the mood for?”

  He lifted an eyebrow in response, eliciting a giggle. “Didn’t you get enough of that this morning?” she asked. Before he could respond, she quickly added, “I know, I know. You’re insatiable.”

  “Only with you, babe. Only with you.”

  They turned into the parking lot of a little restaurant overlooking the river. After being seated by a window where they could see the river slowly meandering by, they settled for pizza and beer.

  “You looked good earlier,” he said. “Seeing you with those kids, babe. You’re a natural with them. You’d make a good teacher.”

  Smiling up at him, she stopped mid-bite with a long string of cheese hanging out of her mouth clinging to the pizza. She chewed quickly trying not to choke. He chuckled while patting her on the back.

  She sat silently for a moment thinking on his words. No one’s ever accepted that about me. What I want. What I’d like to do. She closed her eyes, letting his words slide over her. Clearing her throat, she replied, “Thank you. That means a lot to me. It…it means everything to me.”

  “What do you want to do babe, if you could do anything?”

  She thought for a moment before answering. “I’d like to be like my mom,” she said. Seeing his questioning look, she continued. “I like performing. I really do. I wouldn’t want to give up performing. But I just don’t want to travel every month for a week or more. Maybe just five traveling concerts in a year plus what I am doing with the Richmond Symphony. Then I’d like to teach children.”

  “Then that’s what you should do,” he claimed.

  “Well…” she said, smiling. “I’ve been planning on telling Gordon not to book the concerts that Todd was lining up. In fact, I’m calling him later tomorrow.”

  *

  “Annalissa, darling. How are you?” came the smooth voice of Gordon on the other end of the phone.

  Rolling her eyes, she replied, “I’m fine. Great actually.”

  “Good, good. Well, I just wanted to let you know that I was going to be in town for the symphonic gala. At your father and Todd’s invitation of course.”

  “Okaaay,” she said hesitantly. “Um…I’m not playing that night.”

  “I know, but I’ll want to see you anyway. I’ve got some bookings that Todd sent to me and I want to get busy with them. We need to get you back out touring again soon.”

  “I told Todd that I wanted to slow things down—”

  “Nonsense, darling. You’ve got to keep your name out there if you want the kind of success that we all want for you. Now, I’m looking at renewed visits to New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago
. We have a real interesting possible booking in Miami. Todd and I have talked, we think that trips to Florida might be profitable.”

  Pursing her lips, she sucked in a deep breath letting it out slowly. “Gordon,” she said deliberately. “Just stop. I’ll see you next week when you come into town but do not book anything yet.”

  “Look, Annalissa. I’ll be patient, but you’ve got to continue to travel more. If you won’t be reasonable, I’ll talk to your father.”

  “Go right ahead, Gordon. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m an adult and I’ll make my own decisions. Granted, I gave control to my father for a long time, but those days are over. I’ll be making my own career choices from now on.”

  “Fine,” he bit out. “We’ll talk in a week.” With that he hung up.

  It did not take long for the phone call from her father to come in, demanding that she come in for a meeting. Walking into his small, crowded office that afternoon, she realized that her heart was no longer pounding. No fear. No trepidation. Just the peace that came from knowing that there was someone who loved her. Wanted her happiness.

  With a genuine smile on her face, she walked over and gifted her father with a hug. Surprise crossed his face as he patted her back uneasily.

  “Hello, father.”

  He nodded to the chair across from his and as she sat her eyes roamed the room. Music books, sheet music, and instruments filled almost every space. He’s been a symphonic conductor for most of his adult life and it’s all summed up in this tiny room. Suddenly, she felt sorry for him. Her mother had been his catalyst. The reason they put down roots instead of traveling the world. The reason there were things in their life besides just music. And with her gone…now her father only had his music. If you would let me in, father, I’d now be able to bring to your life what mom brought to ours. If only…

  “I’ve heard from Gordon and Todd.”

  The statement hung out there between the two, creating a wall as sure as if he had built one from bricks.

  Sighing she said, “Yes. I told you that I’m now taking charge of my career. I want to teach part time and perform part time. If I can do a CD, then I will. I plan on spending most of my time in Richland and only traveling when necessary or to do several concerts a year.”

  “It’s him, isn’t it?”

  Smiling, she said, “If you are referring to Vinny, then yes. Part of it is because of him.”

  “You’re letting a man who knows nothing about the classical music industry, one you have known for a few weeks, make decisions for you?” he accused.

  “No, I’m not, father. I’m letting a man who would lay down his life for me, one who has saved me, comforted me, discovered what I want. One who has given me the freedom to be who I want and the courage to stand up for myself, even though it’s long overdue. And one whom I’ve fallen in love with. That’s the man who I choose to be with.” Standing, she looked down at her speechless father with nothing but pity in her heart and continued, “This is me…being me. If you can find a continued place for me in your symphony, and in your heart, then I’ll be there gladly.”

  Turning, she walked to the door but his voice halted her. “Will you at least consider some of the concerts?”

  A lovely smile curved the corners of her mouth. “Of course. I’ll be happy to discuss any of the possibilities with you. I’d value your opinion.” With that, she opened the door and walked down the hall.

  As soon as she turned the corner, she ran into a wall. A human wall. Bouncing back, strong arms reached out to grab her arms to steady her. “Vinny!” she squealed, her smile now lighting her face. His customary close-fitting jeans stretched across his thighs and blue shirt that barely contained his muscles were a sight she would never tire of. Lifting her gaze to his strong face, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

  “Knew you were coming to talk to your father and thought you might need some support. You okay?”

  Green eyes sparkling, she nodded. “Yeah. I’m…perfect.”

  “You sure are,” he chuckled.

  Playfully slapping his arm, she added, “No, I mean with my father. I know he’s not happy, but I finally realized that I’m not responsible for his happiness. I can’t bend my life to his vision if it makes me miserable.”

  Touching his lips to hers, he offered a chaste kiss. One that he would like to take deeper. Longer. But that was for later. Now, it was just for her. “Proud of you, princess.”

  “Me too.” Sucking in a deep breath, she said, “It feels…freeing.”

  Throwing his arm across her shoulders as they walked out of the large concert hall, he asked, “So how do you want to celebrate your new freedom?”

  “Hmmm,” she said, tapping her forefinger on her chin and looking at him through eyes filled with desire.

  “Don’t start that here or I’ll likely go back into that building and find an empty practice room,” he warned.

  Laughing, she said, “Well, practice makes perfect.”

  Swatting her ass, he laughed. “Come on, I’ll take you to lunch. I think the guys are meeting at a little deli near here and if I know them, some of their wives will be there also.”

  “Lunch with you and friends…perfect!” she exclaimed, linking her fingers with his as they walked down the sidewalk.

  Chapter 21

  After lunch, Tony invited Annalissa to join them back at the agency for a briefing. As they filed in and sat at the large conference table, he began.

  “There’s a gala next weekend that we’ve been contracted to provide security for. Should be a minimal security contract. Mostly local and state dignitaries present although, there may be some others that are higher profile. It will be, for all intents and purposes, our standard contract mission. Security outside the building and a detail inside. Those inside, formal dress of course.”

  “I know what you’re talking about,” Annalissa interjected. “That’s for the annual fund-raising ball for the Richland Symphony.”

  Tony nodded, “Yes. And that’s why I’ve asked you here. I want to discuss another security contract with you.”

  Vinny’s eyes cut sharply to his boss’ face. What the fuck are you talking about? About to interrupt, he heard someone clearing their voice and he looked over at Gabe. Their unspoken communication told him that he needed to at least listen to what Tony was proposing, but his heart was already pounding.

  “Okay,” she said, her attention divided between Vinny and Tony.

  “If the drugs were planted in your harp before it left for the airport, then just about everyone who’s a possible suspect will be at the gala or the vicinity. We’d like to—”

  “No fuckin’ way, Tony. You’re not using her for bait,” Vinny shouted, his face red with anger.

  “Bro,” Gabe started.

  “Man,” Jobe jumped in.

  Tony eyed the large man, one of his best, who was not the calm, cool, collected marksman of the team. In front of him was an enraged man in love with a woman who was being threatened. He had to fight to keep the smile off of his face thinking of the big man who had fallen so hard.

  “Not using her as bait,” Tony explained.

  Placing her hand on Vinny’s arm to calm him, she turned to Tony asking, “Then what do you need from me?”

  “Your harp.”

  “Easnadh?” she asked, her voice cracking. “I’d rather you use me.”

  “Goddamn it, Annalissa,” Vinny bit out. “We’re not fuckin’ using you.”

  Jobe spoke up, “What’s the plan, Captain?”

  Tony looked around the room, once more in command. “Whoever put the drugs in your harp knew what they were doing and must have trained someone at the airport to retrieve them with no damage or consequences to the instrument. And, as far as we know, they think they’re still there.

  “Whoever was responsible has got to be feeling some pressure from above to get their hands on it. No gang, no matter how wealthy, wants to take a hit for a half a million dollars worth of coca
ine. We’ve protected the harp, but now this gala provides the perfect chance to get whoever targeted Annalissa.”

  “But, I’m not scheduled to play at the gala. I wouldn’t have a reason to have her there.”

  Tony nodded, “But would it be difficult to get a chance to play?”

  She thought for a moment of all of the possibilities, then realized all eyes were on her, awaiting her response. Blushing, she admitted, “Sorry, I was thinking of the best way to go about it.”

  “Never apologize for brainstorming a mission. That’s exactly what we do,” Tony assured.

  “My teacher,” she stated. “Part of the gala is a tribute to his work in strings since he’s been in this country. He’s not only a brilliant musician and teacher, but restores antique string instruments. He was one of the first to encourage me to travel.”

  Shrugging, she said, “I think if I approach him, he would agree with me doing a duet with him, and that would give me a chance to have Easnadh at the concert hall.”

  “Not liking this,” Vinny admitted, his face no longer angry but full of concern. “Tony, I’ve never bucked a mission, but fuck, boss.”

  “Annalissa’s never going to be a target,” Tony added. “We need to make sure that it’s well known that she’ll be there playing her harp. That will be too great a temptation for whoever is smuggling the drugs. They need that retribution to their supplier.”

  Sucking in a huge breath and letting it out slowly, she agreed. “I think it could work.”

  Tony nodded as Jobe winked at her. Gabe smiled, but his gaze stayed on his twin, knowing that even the hint of danger to Annalissa was killing him.

  “Then let’s start planning,” Tony announced as the group turned their attention to the concert hall’s floor plan that BJ pulled up on the screen.

  *

  “Mr. Feinstein?”

  “My dear, he’s in the back,” announced Mrs. Baxter, appearing around the corner. “You can go on. He’s expecting you.”