Investigators from the State Police had been called in to take the case over from the Capitol Police. It was understandable, but Bryan was comfortable working with his former buddies at the P.D.
When he was a detective, they worked tirelessly and proficiently, cracking homicide cases and cleaning up the streets. His team had worked with the Justice Department to create a cease fire with the area gangs. The city streets were being ripped by gun violence. A week never went by without someone being gunned down in broad daylight.
Dante was a leader of one of the most violent gangs in Albany, known as the Jungle Gangsters’. After three members of his own family were gunned down, including his young wife and five-month old daughter, he agreed to help stem the bloodshed, after Bryan reached out to him.
Their rapport was still strong, six years strong at working together and slowly making changes. Bryan had gained a valuable insight into the culture of violence that plagued his city. Kids as young as ten and eleven, were being sworn in under the mentality they needed to, in order, to survive on the streets.
Bryan’s eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he recognized the landmark silhouettes around the port, where he and Dante always met. He pursed his lips and whistled, a sound, that only Dante would be familiar with. Within a matter of seconds, Dante returned the call and stepped out of the shadows. He spoke in Spanish, since he knew that Bryan would understand.
“Hey, hombre. It has been too long?”
Bryan reached him in three steps, extended his hand, and pulled him in, as they bumped shoulders in greeting.
“I hear you have a new wife and twins. You are well?”
“I have been blessed, yes. One day we will move from here. But, my friend, you are here for a reason, yes?”
Bryan smiled and cut to the chase, replying.
“There was an incident a few weeks ago at my office. Have you heard anything about it by now?”
The gang leader gave one shake of his head and shrugged nonchalantly.
“If you do –“
Dante interrupted. “I will let you know.”
Bryan had no reason to think, that Dante would withhold any information from him. Their relationship was built on years of trust, of borderline working the system, so that lives could be saved, so that the inner-city kids had a better chance of growing up to be successful and productive adults.
They shook hands and departed without exchanging any other words.
Once Bryan entered his car, he checked the time on his cell. It seemed much later than 6 p.m. Once the clocks were changed, it got darker earlier and soon it would be Thanksgiving. He thought of Jessica and a craving to hear her voice washed over him. He called her line at the office and the connection was immediate, as she answered right away.
“Hello, this is Jessica.”
“Hey, it’s Bryan.”
“Did you just remember, that you forgot your notes for your meeting with Sen. Talbot tomorrow?”
Bryan smiled inwardly. She had only been working with him a few weeks now, and she knew him well. He had totally forgotten about his notes, but used it as an opportunity to draw her out.
“As a matter of fact, yes. You wrapping up there?”
“I am. I can stay though, if you’re coming back.”
“Do me a favor, grab my notes and meet me for dinner. I’m starved, I know you barely took a break today, and we can go over them together?”
There was only a short pause, before she replied.
“Where do you want to meet up?”
“I’m just a few blocks away. I’ll meet you out front and drive you back to your car later.”
“Okay, I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
---
She had just hung up her phone, when her line rang again, and she chuckled, figuring it was Bryan.
“Did you forget something else?” She chuckled.
“I haven’t forgotten you for one single moment. Have you forgotten me?”
The sound of his voice made her body shudder and that feeling of needing to throw up tickled the back of her throat. She knew at one point in time, that she might hear from Richard’s father again. She hadn’t expected it to be this soon. Her voice was venomous as she replied.
“How did you find me?”
“When you have money, my dear, anything is possible. You didn’t answer me.”
“It doesn’t warrant an answer and this conversation is over, Hal.”
“Oh, come on! Have dinner with your old father-in-law? Let bygones be bygones, as they say.”
“I want nothing to do with you, ever again. Do you hear me? And, if you continue to harass me, I’ll see that charges are brought up against you.”
She slammed the phone down in his ear and stared harshly at it, visualizing his face and then closed her lids tightly.
What now? Whatever is he up too?
A thousand other questions filled her mind and she hated the fact he might prove a bone of contention. He just couldn’t leave her alone. There were dozens of women he could have right there in Maine, who would jump at a chance of being his paramour. Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? She checked her watch, and knew she had to hurry. Bryan would be pulling up downstairs shortly.
She decided not to say anything to him. She wouldn’t be surprised, if Hal just called to goat her. He had a sick sense of humor like that. She wasn’t about to let him ruin her evening with Bryan.
---
Jessica had pretty much gotten used to Bryan’s crazy hours. She didn’t mind it at all. Her days flew by quickly, and for the first time in her life, she felt fulfilled, useful, and pretty, damn awesome about her new life. There were so many facets of her job she loved. Having the opportunity to join Bryan in the Senate Chambers, when he needed her, being recognized and respected for the position she held on his staff, meeting constituents that adored him, and attending important meetings as his liaison were pretty much a part of her world every day, but still cool and exciting. Life was good, finally, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She had put the incident outside his office, out of her mind. Security was beefed up, she was escorted to her car every night, and she knew that the State Police were actively looking for the man, who tried to accost her. If she dwelled on it, it would only reopen old wounds she’d sooner forget. Jessica didn’t want fear, any kind of fear, to have a hold over her life ever again.
She hadn’t told Bryan yet, that she had purchased a small snub-nose revolver to keep in her shoulder bag. She also took lessons at a nearby gun range to learn how to aim and fire it accurately. It wasn’t against the law for her to do so, just as long, as she kept it concealed. With that madman still running around, she wasn’t going to take any more chances.
She also took self-defense classes on Saturday mornings at the YWCA. It was something she should have done a long time ago. Jessica knew her best protection was being aware and knowing how to fend off an attacker.
Bryan tooted, when he pulled up in front of the Legislative Office Building, and Jessica exited immediately.
He was quite the gentleman, as he stepped from his car and walked around to open the passenger door for her and waited, until she was comfortably seated inside.
He smiled warmly upon entering and buckled his seatbelt.
“How does Angelo’s Prime sound?”
“A little pricey, don’t you think?”
“Hey, you deserve it. You’ve been a lifesaver.”
Jessica was tickled that he thought so. She needed to hear that, considering, her last phone conversation. If anyone could make her forget, Bryan could. It wasn’t easy working so closely beside him every day. She wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. Her attraction for him was stronger than ever. She tried to keep her feelings at bay and not let her expressions give an impression of what was raging inside of her. As much as she feared involvement with another man, every day with him, working beside him, seeing him in action, even at his worse, was a true testament
to just how wonderful he was.
“Not just me, Bryan. You staff is truly commendable. I can’t express enough how impressed I am by their working acumen and dedication to you.”
“Oh, I agree and show my appreciation individually whenever I can. Tonight, it’s your turn.”
She nodded respectfully and smiled.
“Well, thank you.”
The look in his eyes, told her there was something more and she quickly looked away. She didn’t want to believe it was anything more … well, she did, but she knew she shouldn’t. She dug in her briefcase for his notes and pulled them out quickly.
“I looked over these briefly and they’re a … a …”
“Scattered mess,” he answered for her, chuckling.
She returned his smile and giggled softly.
“Well, I wouldn’t go quite that far, but close.”
“I agree. My thoughts were all over the place. Sen. Talbot is a man I need in my corner. If I can get his support on the DP bill (death penalty), then more will follow his lead.”
“Look, to get a handle on the serious murder rate in this state, this bill needs to be passed, Bryan,” She answered. “You know, and I know, that it’s not going to solve the problem, but it sure as hell will make criminals think about killing someone and give the system a chance to right itself in time.”
He pondered her words thoughtfully, as he pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot and up to the valet parking area. Two cars were ahead of them, as he turned to answer.
“You make a good point. There are key questions I know will come up like does capital punishment deter crime? Will innocent people be executed? Am I pursuing it to further my career? Will the statutes unfairly target minorities?”
“And probably,” she interrupted, “what the financial impact on the state will be?”
“Yes, that too,” he agreed. “If we can get through these over dinner, then I think we have a good chance at winning Talbot over.”
Two valets quickly appeared to open each of their doors, they exited, and together entered the establishment.
Angelo’s was one of the city’s most upscale steakhouses. It was extremely popular with the members and their staff, because of its proximity to the Capitol. It had the class and flair of the dinner clubs back during the Roaring 20’s, and the modern sophistication of a five-star restaurant. It took them nearly fifteen minutes to make their way to the table they were being escorted to, as they were stopped by acquaintances, colleagues, and other government officials.
Jessica was surprised they got a table so quickly, as her chair was gallantly pulled out by Bryan for her to be seated.
“Aren’t we the lucky ones to get seated so fast,” she stated, as their hostess handed them each a menu.
“I called and requested a table after we spoke,” he admitted, and playfully raised his eyebrows at her.
Jessica shook her head in amazement. He was quite the man, this Senator of hers.
Their waiter approached, introducing himself, and began to recite the specials for the evening. They listened intently and Bryan immediately ordered a bottle of Sauvignon for them to share.
Jessica released a deep sigh of contentment, as she sat back in her chair, slipped the heels from her feet, and rubbed the soles of her feet against the carpeted floor.
“It has been quite a week. Where does the time go?”
“You’re playing in the big leagues now. There is no such thing as time where we work. Business happens no matter the hour.”
“I heard the farther we get into Session, the longer the hours become. Is it true, that you’re sometimes in chambers, until two ... three … four o’clock in the morning?”
“Um hmm,” he uttered. “The staff of the members will wear their slippers, bring in their pillows, snacks, and yes, we even allow spirits within reason. It’s tradition and kicks in around budget time, and doesn’t stop, until we break for summer.”
“Nothing quite like it, I suppose.”
“What I like to do is give the staff comp time. Because everyone is salaried, there’s no overtime pay. So, Claire keeps count of everyone’s o.t. past 5 p.m., and then the staff is awarded that time off with salary, during the summer. The only one, who doesn’t, are the interns, but I compensate them with a nice cash gift card on their last day.”
“You’re a very just and decent man, Bryan Gallagher.” She offered.
He bowed slightly.
“It’s the way my parents raised me. They get all the credit.”
She raised her point finger to emphasize her remark.
“That may be true, but one can be gravely influenced by outside sources. You’ve chosen not to be.”
The waiter arrived with their bottle of wine. He poured a mouthful for Bryan to test. When Bryan did so, and nodded his pleasure, their glasses were filled and the waiter departed.
Bryan raised his glass to toast, and Jessica followed suit.
“Here’s to the women, who mold us, to the women, who keep us in line, and the women, who dare to love us.”
His message was loud and clear, as the look in his eyes, reflected what he wanted her to feel, to know, and act upon. She clinked her glass softly against his. Her eyes never wavered from his and her right brow lifted ever-so-slightly in acknowledgment, and he did the same.
Jessica was glad the waiter had chosen to return at that precise moment to take their orders. The interruption helped to quell the awkwardness she felt. It was only moments later they fell back into that same rhythm of ease always existent between them.
Bryan had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick to come back with a witty remark, that always left her chuckling. To her, nothing was sexier and more attractive, than a man, who could make a woman laugh.
Throughout dinner, they addressed Bryan’s questions and concerns. She took thorough notes, because she knew she would have to prepare speeches for him in the very near future and answer questions herself, reporters would ask.
When their dishes were whisked away, they passed on coffee and dessert, and the last glass of wine was poured, Bryan took her by surprise with a personal question of his own.
“Are you happy with me?”
She knew a dumb-founded look passed over her face like a shade being drawn.
Umm. Umm. Kept repeating in her head like a broken record. She didn’t know, how quite to answer. Did he mean personally? Her brows furrowed deeply.
“You know, with the office,” he prompted, “the staff, your position, us working together,” he emphasized, as he waved his hand back and forth between them.
Her mouth opened and closed like a guppy and she replied, feeling foolish, as she rolled the stem of her wine glass between her point and thumb fingers.
“Yes! Yes, of course. I couldn’t be happier.”
He reached out and brushed the tip of his fingers over the top of her hand just then and the reaction was totally unexpected. It was like an electrical surge coursed through her veins, shooting up her arm, and sparked the hairs on the back of her head.
The sincere look of fondness in his eyes made her want to sigh deeply, but she contained herself.
“I need to say something here, but I … I don’t want you to feel … well –“
She wanted to hear it … whatever it was, and she prompted him along.
“Go ahead.”
“Jessica, the first time I met you at my fundraiser with your Aunt, I damn near felt like I was zapped by a Taser.”
She couldn’t contain herself and chuckled, “In a good way, I hope.”
He took her hand in his, and his thumb glided softly over her knuckles.
“Yes,” he smiled, and his dimple deepened, making her heart lurch.
God! Those eyes of his. I could stay lost in them forever! She avowed silently.
“Jessica,” he continued, “I don’t know, if what I’m feeling is mutual, but if it is, I sure would love to pursue it.”
When she opened her mouth to speak,
he raised his other hand to stop her.
“Hear me out first, please.”
She nodded slowly in the affirmative, and let him.
“I know you’ve been hurt deeply, terribly, that … your husband was a brutal man.”
She knew her face registered shock. She couldn’t hide it.
“The circles we travel in, everyone knew of the Wilton’s reputations … all of them. I’m not like him, and never would be.” He placed his palm over his heart. “By the soul of my mom, my grandmothers and female ancestors before them, I am not that man. I know the scars left by him, run deep. I can and would be patient. I would love to spend time with you on a more personal level … see a movie, have more dinner dates, go hiking, or biking and dancing, take cooking classes together, whatever you wish. How do you feel about that?”
Holy smokes! He wants to date me? The boss wants us to be a couple … a State Senator … me?
She gulped down the remaining contents in her glass. Her head was spinning with a lot of arguments in one respect, and in another, she wanted to jump on the tabletop and do an Irish gig. She gazed back at him and said the next thing that came to mind.
“Is that allowed?”
A hearty laugh escaped his lips, before he replied.
“Well, there’s nothing in the Senate rule books, that I know of.” He jibed. “You’re a widow. I’m unattached. We’re two consenting adults. I’m speaking of a platonic relationship right now for the time being, until we see, if something can grow from what I feel is building between us.”
How could she say no to this man? Why would she want to? Every moment, every day she has spent in his presence, were by far, some of the best, ever in her entire life.
Besides, Florence simply adored him, and if her Aunt held him in the highest regard, she need not have to worry further. The question was, was she ready to open her heart and take a chance on love again? As she looked deeply into those cobalt blue eyes of his and felt the caress of his hand on hers, she was lost, and smitten, and mesmerized.
A Pawn for Malice Page 9