Vinny: Alvarez Security Series

by Maryann Jordan

  He was standing in front of the windows, the evening sunset behind him. His black, fitted tuxedo stood out in stark contrast to the crisp white shirt that he wore. She knew it had to have been specially made—it fit him to perfection. And perfection he was.

  Tall, handsome, and that smile. Dear God, that smile. His eyes were pinned on her and she felt her breath catch in her throat.

  While she had been perusing him from head to toe, he had been staring at the vision in front of him as well. Every inch of her was elegant. The hair. The dress. The makeup. The shoes. Elegant. And perfect.

  “Princess,” he called softly, holding out his hand.

  She glided toward him, taking his much larger hand in hers. “Babe, you take my breath away. Absolutely fuckin’ away.”

  Smiling, she ducked her head, but he lifted it again with his fingers under her chin. He offered her a kiss. Just a touch on the lips. Just a promise.

  A knock on the door interrupted their moment and as Vinny called out, Jobe entered. He looked almost as marvelous as Vinny and she smiled as she walked over to welcome him.

  Jobe looked her over, his eyes twinkling as he took her hand and lifted it to his mouth to place a kiss there. She giggled as Vinny gently pulled her back.

  “You get the harp and I get the girl,” Vinny jokingly reminded him.

  “Just my luck. Well, come on Easnadh,” Jobe said, as he carried the case down to the limousine that waited for them.

  *

  “We can’t afford to fuck this up tonight.”

  “You think I don’t know that? You think I haven’t laid awake every night trying to figure out how to get our hands on that harp?”

  “All I know is I’ve got no plans of this taking me down. And if I make one more call to Jawan, then the next thing coming from California is someone to take care of me—permanently!”

  “Shut-up! You’re not making this any better. I’ve got this. It won’t fail.”

  The two continued to argue for several minutes, each hoping that tonight, this entire fucked up situation would be over.

  *

  Once at the Richland Concert Hall, Vinny left Annalissa’s side reluctantly as she made her way with Easnadh to the ballroom upstairs. The guests were still meandering around as they arrived, hor d’ouevers being passed by the wait-staff. As they made their way to the room where the evening’s activities were taking place, Tony’s men mingled.

  Tony had several men outside providing their regular security service for some of the city’s dignitaries. Security cameras had been installed on the inside of the ballroom focusing on the small stage where Easnadh would be for most of the evening. BJ was at the helm of the van outside, monitoring the cameras and training another new hire.

  On the inside, Tony placed the men he trusted the most. Terrance and Doug had been working for him for about a year and had earned the right to work security on the inside. Gabe, Jobe, Vinny, and Tony himself considered Annalissa and her harp to be their mission. And one they would not fail.

  Once upstairs, she saw Maurice near the small platform stage where they would perform. Making her way over to him, she set her harp down to offer him a congratulatory hug.

  “Oh, Mr. Feinstein, this evening is all for you. And I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.”

  Returning her hug, he smiled warmly down at his protégé. “Malyshka, I am so pleased to have you with me tonight.”

  Sharon called her over from the side of the platform and Annalissa made her way toward her. “Hey, Parker and I are in a small room back here if you want to touch up. Todd said that we can use this room and you can leave your case here if you need.”

  She followed her into the room, surprised that it held mostly stacked chairs that were not being used. There was a temporary mirror that Parker had placed on the wall and was already moving her in front of it. Fixing a few pins in her hair, he declared her ready for any performance.

  Sharon had stepped through a door at the back and was re-entering, tossing a cigarette behind her. There was a small balcony overlooking the river beyond her. “Sorry,” she grimaced. “I just can’t break the habit. I know it’s nasty and I always go outside so I won’t get any cigarette smoke on you.”

  Parker waved his hand in front of his face, fanning the last of the smoke away. “That’s why this room is so good—you can have that outside door if you need it.”

  Sharon moved in front of her, eyes roaming over Annalissa’s face. “Makeup looks good, dearie.”

  Smiling, Annalissa walked out of the room, setting Easnadh’s case at the edge of the platform, near the door. Taking the instrument out on the stage, she placed it next to Maurice’s violin, nervously patting it.

  “Annalissa,” came a call from behind. In no time, she was surrounded by Gordon, Todd, and her father. The guests had moved to the ballroom and she was ushered to her seat at the place of honor next to Maurice.

  The dinner passed quickly, although Annalissa had to admit to herself that the conversation was tiresome. An elderly senator, who appeared to be attempting to enter the campaign race a little early, and his wife dominated the conversation. She could hear Gordon from the table behind corner an airline mogul and was trying to hash out a deal for her travel. Todd, at another table, was whining to the waiter about his wine not being the proper temperature.

  Just when she wanted to face-plant into her plate, her gaze landed on Vinny. He was staring straight at her as well. With a wink her way he moved around the room, seemingly casual, but she knew he was on high alert.

  Finally, it was time for her and Maurice to step up on the platform stage to perform. They settled their instruments, beginning a violin and harp duet. The music flowed from her fingertips once again, weaving a spell over the audience. She closed her eyes occasionally, letting the rhythm move through her. When she would open them, she would glance at her partner, but find that he was as lost in the melody as she was.

  Vinny stood in the back of the room, not taking his eyes off of her. Perfection, he thought. The moving vibrations flowed over him, finding their healing way deep inside. She had taken his agony and turned it into peace. She looked as though Easnadh was merely an extension of herself. The two needing each other to make the music as beautiful as it could be.

  As the first selection came to an end, the gathering erupted in applause. The second piece was just beginning when he heard a voice from behind him say, “And you would keep that gift from the world?”

  He turned, seeing her father standing nearby looking at him. The man’s eyes were not cold…just evaluating.

  He held Mr. O’Brian’s gaze for a moment and then turned back to watch the performance. “No, sir,” he answered. “I would protect that gift with my life.”

  He could tell when her father had moved along, but did not care. All that he cared about was the beautiful harpist on the stage. Annalissa and Maurice were on their final selection of the evening and he did not take his eyes off of her, still allowing the harmonies to fill his soul. When the last strain was ended, the crowd erupted once again, giving the pair a standing ovation.

  Annalissa set Easnadh down, then turned to hug Maurice, once again congratulating him on his honor. Seeing Gordon and Todd making their way through the crowd, she quickly placed her harp in its case. Looking around she did not see any of Tony’s men. The plan had been for her to leave the harp near the stage and Gabe would keep it in sight.

  Gordon managed to catch up with her, immediately engaging her in conversation. “I’ve been networking darling. I’ve got some people I want you to meet.” Seeing her standing with her harp case, he waived it dismissively. He saw Sharon coming out of the small storage room and signaled for her to wait. “Where’s Parker?” he asked.

  “He’s gone for the evening. He said he’d just get the dress from her tomorrow. Why? What’s up?” Sharon asked, her gaze moving between Gordon’s and Annalissa’s.

  “Todd’s got people she needs to meet and I was going t
o get Parker to take charge of her harp.”

  Annalissa wanted to protest, knowing that if her harp was taken out of the building they might never catch who was moving the drugs.

  Sharon looked around then said, “Annalissa, what about that storage room? The door’s right here and you’d be close.”

  She noticed Vinny near the back of the room and was glad he was so tall. He gave her another wink and she smiled as a warm feeling filled her heart. She moved into the room with Sharon, setting the case down, then they followed Gordon back out to the ballroom to meet with Todd and some music admirers.

  *

  Vinny moved casually around the room, making his way over to where Gabe and Tony stood. The three men made an impressive sight, all over six feet tall and in their tailored tuxes, each with discrete, wireless ear-radios so that they could maintain constant communication.

  “Hate this shit,” Vinny admitted.

  “The job or this particular mission?” Tony asked, eliciting a raised eyebrow from Vinny.

  “You know me, boss. I’ll take anything you give me—but trying to protect someone you love? Fuckin’ hard as hell.”

  Tony and Gabe nodded ruefully, both having done just that.

  “I look at everyone as a suspect and try to keep my eyes on her at the same time.”

  “You focus on her and let the rest of us watch everyone else,” Tony ordered. Not hearing a response, he looked at Vinny sharply. “Do I need to pull you from this job?”

  Vinny’s eyes cut over to Tony’s. His former Captain. His boss. His friend. Shaking his head, he answered, “No, sir. I’ve got it.”

  Nodding, Tony moved on around the room leaving Vinny with his brother, who was looking at him with sympathy showing on his face.

  “I know it sucks, bro. And honest to God, if we never had to worry about our women it would be fuckin’ great. But we’ve got this. We’ve got an eye on the crowd and an eye on her. We know where her harp is and we’ll make sure that they’re both safe.”

  Vinny rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the hairs standing on end. He looked into Gabe’s eyes and said, “I know we’ve got it planned out, but I’ve gotta tell you…I’ve got a bad feeling. Like when a mission is ready to go to hell.”

  Gabe clapped his brother on the back before moving away into the crowd again, not acknowledging to Vinny that he had the same feeling.

  *

  “What are you doing? You barely spoke to the Mayor and his wife,” Todd hissed to Annalissa. Turning, he then spoke loudly, “Ah, Mayor Fisher and the lovely Mrs. Fisher. Here is our delightful harpist. She was understandably pre-occupied earlier, her mind on her performance.” Leaning in toward them, he said conspiratorially, “You know the artistic type.” Chuckling loudly, he pulled himself up to his inconsequential height and continued, “But she’d love to talk to you now.”

  After chatting with the couple, other patrons approached her. She relaxed and began to enjoy herself, talking about her music and Easnadh, as Gordon and Todd seemed to disappear in the crowd.

  “My dear,” one elderly gentleman addressed her. “We understand from the program that your harp was restored by Mr. Feinstein.”

  Smiling brightly, she said, “Yes.” She glanced around to find Maurice hoping that he could join her for the conversation, but could not see him anywhere. “It was found in a dump and sent to him to see if it was repairable. He was able to restore it and gifted it to me—”

  The screeching sound of the fire alarm howled throughout the room. For a second everyone was stunned into silence before the crowd immediately began to rush toward the doors. The meandering patrons of a moment before, wandering with their wine glasses, became an unruly mob all pushing each other, clambering for escape. Crystal could be heard shattering as some knocked into tables to rush to the doors.

  Annalissa felt herself being pushed along by the throng, unable to see over the taller bodies nearby. The unnerving shriek of the fire alarm made rational thoughts fly from her head.

  Easnadh! Oh my God, Easnadh! Turning, she began to force her way against the tide of people moving in the opposite direction. Managing to wiggle and thrust her way toward the back of the room again, she stumbled out when she passed the last person. She ran around the platform stage to the door of the storage unit, praying that someone had not locked it.

  The knob turned easily and she threw open the door, rushing in.

  *

  The fire alarm jolted Tony and the others into action. Not knowing if it were real or not, they had a responsibility to make sure the congregation exited the building as quickly as possible.

  Tony barked out orders to his men. “Jobe, front entrance. Gabe, main stairwell. Terrance, back stairwell. Doug, top of the stairs. Vinny, get Annalissa.”

  Each man hurried to their station, offering assistance and reassurances along the way. Vinny had no need of instruction—he was already on his way through the masses to where he saw Annalissa last. His progress was halted as he felt a jerk on his arm. Looking down sharply, he saw the frightened expression of her father.

  “Are you getting her?” he asked, breathlessly.

  “I don’t care about the fuckin’ harp,” he growled.

  Confusion filled the older man’s face…and then guilt. “No, no,” he said with pain. “I meant my daughter. Please save Annalissa,” he pleaded.

  Vinny held his stare for only a second but nodded curtly. “With my life,” and he hurried along.

  He had lost sight of her group, but being taller than most there he tried to see over the heads of the throng. Where the fuck are you, baby?

  He barked into his earpiece, “BJ. Where is she?”

  BJ’s voice came back immediately. “She ran around the back of the platform stage. It looks like she is heading toward that storage room where the harp was placed after it left the stage.”

  Tony, hearing BJ’s comment, barked, “Gabe, follow Vinny.”

  Gabe immediately turned and began moving through the crowd toward the back as well. An elderly woman stumbled in front of him and he was slowed when he stopped to assist her. By the time he was able to hand her off to another man, he saw Vinny just approaching the back and he ran toward his brother.

  Chapter 23

  As Annalissa rushed into the room with the shrieking fire alarm ringing in her ears, she stumbled over her high heels. What the hell? The small back door was open, allowing the night air to blow into the room from the outside balcony. She teetered forward, grasping a stack of chairs to regain her balance as she looked down at…

  Sharon was bending over the open harp case, the base of Easnadh lying to the side, with her hand up inside the body of the instrument. She looked up in surprise, her face a mixture of guilt and…rage.

  “You? You?” sputtered Annalissa, unable to believe who was searching her harp.

  “You bitch, you found it. You found my stash and took it. Where is it? Where is it?” Sharon screeched, loud enough to be heard over the alarm.

  Annalissa rushed forward, bending to grab Easnadh, and screamed, “We have to get out. The building’s on fire.”

  Before she had a good grasp, her arm was jerked around and she missed seeing Sharon’s flying hand as she was slapped hard across the face. Her cheek stung, but before she could react, she looked down to see what was in Sharon’s other hand. A gun. Pointed right at her.

  “You stupid bitch. Who do you think started the fire in the first-floor bathroom? Paper towels and my handy lighter was all it took to make the high-brow crowd run for the exits. And you should have too. I should have known you’d come back for your precious harp.”

  “Sharon,” she said, trying to still her pounding heart. “It’s gone. I gave it to the police. They’re on to you now. They’ll know it was you. You can’t get away.”

  Just then the door slammed open with a bang as Gordon rushed forward, screaming, “Have you got it?” He came to a halt as he saw Sharon holding a gun on Annalissa. “What the fuck are you doing? Y
ou were supposed to get the shit and get out unnoticed.”

  Annalissa felt her head spinning, adrenaline rushing through her veins. “Gordon?”

  His eyes, round with fear, looked at her incredulously.

  Sharon smirked as she held the gun steady, still aimed toward Annalissa, and as she jerked her head toward Gordon, said, “Seems like he got a little greedy with the stuff going up his nose and agreed to let me know your flight schedules. And the flight schedules of others. I had a good thing going until you cocked it up. Now get over there,” she barked while jerking her head toward the back door.

  “No, no, you don’t have to do this.”

  “Your security stud will probably come through that door any second. You get out there or I blast him the instant he makes it here.”

  “Fuck, Sharon. This is not what I signed up for,” Gordon whined. “You can’t shoot her.”

  “You moron,” Sharon barked. “You don’t tell me what to do. I’ve been running this shit for a while now and got a name for myself with some people that can make my movie dreams come true. Now shut the fuck up or you can get over there with her.”

  Annalissa, unable to think rationally, moved toward the balcony, but stopped as she looked down at Easnadh. Bending to grasp her harp, she clutched it protectively, but the motion unnerved Sharon, who fired her pistol. The shot hit the column of the harp, splintering the wood. Shards flew out, deeply embedding into Annalissa’s chest and neck. The pain caused her to stagger backward out onto the small balcony, the rail hitting her back as blood flowed over the broken instrument. Easnadh clattered to the floor as she was unable to hold it any longer. Looking down in numb surprise, she saw a large piece of sharp wood sticking out of her upper arm, blood flowing down.

  The cool night air washed over her and she could hear the river two stories below now that the inside alarm was less piercing. She turned her hazy gaze to the specter in front of her. Sharon, her face a mask of rage, moved toward her with the gun raised again.

  “I was stuck making others look glamorous. That money, that money was going to get me noticed. It was my ticket out. And you had to ruin it all.” She grabbed Annalissa’s arm with her fingers digging into the flesh.