by K. Marie
“And this detective, does he have a name?” I asked.
“A detective by the name of Broggs. He reported that he’d questioned Mrs. Vidov a couple of times in coordination with the Michigan State Police,” Emilio supplied.
“Yes, I’m very familiar with Detective Broggs, the man has had it in for me the past year, it seems. A completely ill-conceived and misguided endeavor, mind you. Andrei Chvetski and I did a business deal together a couple of years ago that didn’t quite pan out. For various reasons; I had to cut ties with him. Afterward, there was some bad blood on his part. After he disappeared, his niece started making accusations. Apparently, Detective Broggs was dating the niece,” I explained.
“So, you’re saying this detective has personal involvement—that he’s got a personal grudge?” questioned Emilio.
“The detective definitely has a personal grudge, I can attest to that fact. I was with Mrs. Vidov at the station when she was questioned. To say that the detective was hostile and bordering on conduct unbecoming, would be an understatement,” said Michael.
“Broggs was the detective who questioned me about Chvetski, how he also got assigned to the McKellan case is perhaps just plain bad luck on my part. But in case you were wondering, I was not involved in either case,” I told Emilio.
What else was I supposed to say?
“How does any of this connect to New York?” he asked.
“I’m guessing you’d have to ask Detective Broggs that question. Perhaps in his estimation, all Russian’s know each other. Or else, we're all criminals,” I said sardonically.
“This matter seems a little below your pay grade, Mr. Mayor. If you don’t mind me asking, how’d you come by this information?” asked Michael.
“I have eyes and ears in the department, counselor; supporters who watch my back and look out for my interests,” he answered smoothly.
Because I was one of the Mayor’s supporters and regular donors, I guess anything relating to me would be considered part of his interests. I’m also guessing, my regular donation had just gotten more expensive.
“So, what are we looking at here? Should we anticipate more harassment from this detective?” asked Michael. “Because, as I understand it, no actual crime has been established in either the Chvetski or McKellan cases. Not to mention, absolutely no evidence has been produced to substantiate any claims of connection to my client.”
That’s what expensive-ass lawyers were for.
“From everything I’m hearing, I would say this was going nowhere. I look out for those who look out for me, which is why I’m here today. Now that I have more information, I will try to quash this thing quietly,” Emilio said.
Exactly as I expected him to. After all, that is how this thing works.
“I appreciate your time and attention to this matter, Emilio,” I said graciously, showing the proper amount of gratitude. Even though, we both knew it to be a transactional relationship.
You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.
“Well, don’t thank me just yet, Vidov. You might not feel so thankful after I order my absurdly priced Country Club breakfast on your dime,” Emilio laughed, picking up his menu.
“The courier just left, sir, the package is on your desk,” Sharon said as soon as I walked into the office.
“Thank you, Sharon, it’s always nice to be greeted with good news,” I returned, passing by her desk.
The fifty-three-year-old mother of two had worked as my assistant four years now—and was worth her own weight in gold. When it comes to competence, Sharon exceeded even my high expectations. It was as if the woman was telepathic, always eerily anticipating my requests and making things magically appear in record time. I was damn lucky to have her.
“I’m dying to know what’s in that box; I’ve never seen you this excited about anything. Actually, I take that back; you wore a smile around here for at least a week after Roman was born,” Sharon said, following me into my office.
“I’m still smiling over Roman, almost six weeks later,” I corrected her.
“As well you should be; babies are always a blessing. And that precious little boy of yours would put a smile on anyone’s face.”
“If you’re angling for a raise, you’re close to getting one,” I told her, moving to take a seat behind my desk.
“I’m angling to know what’s in that box, I get the feeling it’s far more exciting than the prospect of a raise,” she shot back.
“If I tell you, I might have to kill you,” I deadpanned.
“I’ll take my chances,” Sharon returned, undeterred.
I chuckled, she was like a kid who couldn’t wait to open their Christmas present.
“You’re shamelessly nosy, Sharon, but I’ll go ahead and put you out of your misery. Inside this here box, lies a key,” I told her, picking up the box and waving it tauntingly.
“A key?” she questioned with a skeptical look.
“Yes, a key.”
“A key to what?”
“Ah…now that, you’ll have to wait to find out,” I answered cryptically.
Sharon curled her lips back in a displeased, motherly fashion. “Playing hard to get is so lame, as my youngest would say. How long will I have to wait for this delayed gratification?”
“Until tonight, you will be there, won’t you?” I said, unable to hold back my grin.
She quickly turned her frown upside down. “So, it’s a present for Camry! That key had better be to the locks of paradise, in that case. And, yes, I will absolutely be there. You think I’d not enjoy the fruits of my own labor?” she asked, eyes shining in humor.
The woman was a miracle worker and a saint.
“Can you please get me, Dieter—over at Harlow, on the phone,” I told Sharon’s retreating back.
“Sure thing, boss.”
The project manager of my recently purchased golf resort in Palm Beach was good at his job, but a bit of a high-strung drama queen. It was time the two of us had a little man to man chat. He needed to understand the rules of engagement better, meaning, my rules, of course.
Thirteen
C A M R Y
“You really need to get your people under control, that guard at the gate needs to be fired,” complained Marie, a hassled look on her face when I opened the door.
I laughed. “I’m so sorry, that was my fault. I forgot to notify security that you guys were coming,” I explained.
“We were just here yesterday, Pablo Escobar knows damn well he remembers us,” she griped, still not appeased.
I sputtered another laugh at her accurate but unfair physical description of the man. “That’s not nice; Ray was doing his job. The last thing he wants is Viktor getting in his ass,” I told her.
I completely sympathized with Ray, all of the guards knew the drill, as well as not to ever deviate from it. A car full of cute girls or not.
“Happy Birthday, Camry, you look pretty today,” said Anna, kissing me on the cheek.
“Yeah, happy birthday, Cam—ignore Cruella over there,” said Lauren, shooting Marie a look. “Now, where are my niece and nephew?” she asked with a big smile.
“In the house somewhere with Katherine, last I saw them.”
My nurse midwife had quickly turned into my nanny, it seems. Katherine stayed on after Roman was born because I was such a headcase. But almost six weeks later, she’d become nearly a permanent fixture. She was magic with Roman, Autumn loved her, Teresa; our housekeeper, had found a new buddy, and hell, I wanted her to move in permanently.
“Well, let’s go meet this nurse of yours,” Lauren prompted.
“She’s technically no longer my nurse. But she’s been such a Godsend; helping me out with the kids—especially when I first came home from the hospital,” I said, leading the way.
My water had broken while in labor, but I still wouldn’t fully dilate; necessitating an emergency c-section. Recovery was hell the first couple of weeks; I could barely carry Roman, let alone walk up and
down the stairs.
“So, is she serving as sitter tonight while you go out?” Lauren asked.
“Yes, she volunteered to stay with the kids again tonight,” I answered.
My husband had planned something special for tonight, according to him. I had no idea what it was. Dad, Lilly and the girls also had plans of doing something this evening, so Katherine was kind enough to have volunteered her services. Today’s brunch had been planned as a way of spending part of my birthday with my family. But, I’d invited Katherine and Ann as well.
“Aunties!” Autumn yelled excitedly when we walked into the Great Room.
She always referred to everyone as auntie, even though Marie and Anna were technically her cousins.
“Hey, penguin, you’ve been keeping a watchful eye on your little brother?” Lauren asked, stooping down to hug her.
“Mommy let me change his diaper!” my daughter announced proudly.
After everyone had said their hello’s to Katherine, I asked, “You do know that you were invited to feast and have a good time today, not to babysit?”
“Being with the little ones is a joy, not at all babysitting,” Katherine said, waving away my assertion.
“And she said that Roman smells like candy, that’s why she likes holding him,” Autumn added with a giggle.
“He does smell like candy, like cotton candy,” Katherine said, smiling down at the bundle in her arms.
Garland always commented on how Roman smelled as well. I made my own moisturizer for him with shea butter, hibiscus, almond, and lavender oils. I mentally patted myself on the back for a job well done.
“Since the gang is all here, let’s head on out, Helena will be upset if everything gets cold while we dawdle. Lilly is already out there helping her set-up,” I told the crew, heading for the patio doors.
As we all filed outside, I saw that Helena had a large, elegant, gazebo-looking tent erected on the grass off to the right of the patio. From where she’d pulled it, was a complete mystery. However, I guessed that was where we’d be eating.
After entering the tent, I gasped in delight when I saw all the pretty lights hanging down in cascading strings from the tent’s roof. There were also twinkling lights inside of some sheer material behind the table where the food sat. A “Happy Birthday” banner too.
It was perfect and so darned thoughtful.
“This is beautiful, Helena, you didn’t have to go to this much trouble,” I told her, looking around at all of the food that sat on a long table against the tent’s back wall.
“It’s your birthday, you thought I’d just plop some dishes down onto the patio table outside?” she asked with an incredulous look.
I laughed at her expression. Helena took pride in both her food and its presentation; my lowered expectations were a blatant insult.
“Well, I love it, and the food looks fantastic. Between this and those pancakes this morning, I’ll have gained five pounds before the night is over,” I joked.
“Enjoy, it’s your birthday—not the time to count calories. I included your favorite, seafood, and there’s non-alcoholic pear Mimosas and Bellini’s.”
I let out a sigh, wishing I could have the alcoholic version instead.
“Dad, I don’t think you’re supposed to be eating before the birthday girl,” I called him out, spotting him over in the corner munching on something.
“I’m not eating, my dentures fell out,” he responded, telling a big fat lie.
My dad had all of his natural teeth.
“You’re setting a bad example for your grandchildren,” I admonished.
“Nah, your husband is the bad example, he gave Autumn chocolate this morning,” dad said in defense of his actions while being a total snitch.
I laughed, shaking my head as I went to grab a plate, preparing to feast. But I stopped cold when Ann appeared in the opening of the tent.
“Ann!” I exclaimed, rushing over to hug her.
I hadn’t seen her in over a month; since the time she came to the hospital two days after Roman was born.
“I’m so happy you made it—and look at you! If you pop today your baby and I will have the same birthday,” I teased.
Ann was due any day now. Literally. Her due date was in two days.
“You thought I’d miss this? Not even labor pains could keep me away,” she said, brandishing her trademark infectious smile. “Happy birthday, Camry, you look stunning; I’m jealous,” she said, handing over two gift bags.
Ann and I never got to do our mommy spa-day. After I went into labor that day at the coffee shop, I never saw her again until I had Roman. We’d both had a lot going on, but as soon as she was no longer pregnant, we would have to put the spa-day on our calendars.
“Come on, let me introduce you to the gang,” I said, leading the way.
“Your home is absolutely beautiful, by the way. And you live in a fortress; it was like trying to gain entry into the Pentagon,” Ann remarked, causing me to snort a laugh.
Her assessment was entirely accurate.
“I told you before, my husband is secure in all things,” I said with a mischievous grin.
“I’ve got to meet this secure man, is he here today?” she asked.
Ann and Garland had never met, as the occasion never arose. Even the day she came to the hospital he hadn’t been there. She probably thought I was married to an eccentric weirdo.
“The hubby had some business to take care of, but he might make it back before you leave. He might even bring Viktor with him,” I teased.
After Ann had met everyone and we’d all piled food onto our plates, we sat chatting and eating. I’ve never been huge on birthdays or parties; I wasn’t one of those people who claimed their birthday as some sort of national holiday—or worse, declared the entire month as their birthday. I found those people to be so damn self-honoring and annoying. However, today; this moment, was one to cherish.
“Camry, how many guards do you have here on the Corleone compound?” Marie asked, making me almost spit out my shrimp salad.
Seriously?
“I was asking for Ann,” she said with an innocent-looking face but with laughter in her eyes.
“You’ve got jokes?” I said, unable to suppress my laughter.
“Come on; you’ve got to admit; all you’d need is a few of those Rovers blocking the guard’s gate to make it look like a modern-day Corleone compound,” Marie cracked, laughing her ass off.
“I suppose that would make me, The God Father,” Garland’s voice said from behind us.
All heads turned in his direction at once.
He flashed us a charming smile and a wink, and I’d swear all the women collectively sighed. Or, perhaps it was just me.
Yes, he still sometimes had that effect on me when he walked into a room.
“Definitely the Michael version, though, not Vito,” Marie assured him.
“Well, I guess that makes a difference,” Garland replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Laughter resounded around the tent.
“Daddy! Papa told mommy you gave me chocolate this morning,” Autumn blabbed.
I suddenly found several pairs of questioning eyes turned my way.
It took a beat before I remembered. “That started this morning, Autumn didn’t like Roman being the only one with a daddy,” I said in answer to their obvious question. I was still getting used to it myself.
“Is there no such thing as the bro code anymore?” Garland asked dad, laughter in his eyes.
“I needed a quick out, and you were it,” dad said in apology.
“Which means, he was doing something he wasn’t supposed to,” I interjected, aiming a chastising look at dad.
Abandoning my chair, I walked over to where Garland stood. “Hey, I didn’t think you’d make it back so soon,” I said, giving him a quick kiss in greeting. “I’m glad you did, though, because I’d like for you to finally meet Ann,” I told him, looping my arm through his.
Pulling him with me, we made our way over to her. “Garland, meet Ann, the woman who saved me from completely falling on my face when I dramatically fainted,” I said on a laugh.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ann, I owe you a debt of gratitude,” he told her.
“You owe me nothing at all. Your wife is a sweetheart, no way was I letting her land on that pretty face,” said Ann.
“What’s this business about fainting?” Lilly asked, overhearing her.
Shit. I never told any of my family what happened the day I landed in the hospital.
“Oh, nothing major, I just got a little dizzy when I stood up too quickly. Luckily, Ann had the reflexes of a ninja and caught me before I hit the floor,” I explained, being less than truthful.
“You never mentioned that,” dad said accusingly.
“It must have slipped my mind,” I murmured casually, wanting to forget that day ever happened. That was the day Jason died.
And, if I were honest; I’d admit to having unanswered questions about it.
“Hey honey, why don’t you invite the guys to come and eat; there’s a ton of food here. I was remiss when I forgot to mention it to them earlier,” I said to Garland, quickly changing the subject.
He looked like he was about to say something, but thought better of it when he looked into my eyes. Whatever he saw there had him nodding his head and going to do my bidding.
It seemed no matter how hard I tried to forget everything and push past it, little moments like this just wouldn’t let me.
“This miserably huge pregnant woman needs some air, come with me?” Ann asked.
I followed her outside, where we walked over to the other side near the pool and took a seat on the blue cushioned patio chairs. The weather was perfect for a change; it was neither sweltering or humid. And the perfume from all the flowering bushes permeated the air, making it an ideal day to enjoy outdoors.
“Are you okay?” Ann asked in concern. “It didn’t escape my notice that you seemed in a hurry to not talk about what happened that day.”