Honor Love: Saints Protection & Investigations

by Maryann Jordan

  “Angel,” Jack said, then waited as Monty turned her gently toward his boss. Making sure she looked at him when he spoke, he continued, “We’re going to let you know that it’s our feeling that it’s not just the sorority that is tying these cases together, but it has something to do with Colonial Financial Group.”

  Monty sucked in a deep breath, hoping to have been able to keep Angel from knowing what they were investigating since it possibly implicated her friend.

  Cocking her head to the side so that she could hear better, Jack recognized the maneuver and apologized. “I’m sorry. I should have spoken clearer. We don’t think your whole former sorority is in danger, but rather those of you connected to Colonial Financial Group. And that’s what we’re working on.”

  “I don’t understand,” she confessed, her mind grappling with the possible implications. Suddenly looking up at Jack and then twisting around to Monty, she said, “You think Marcia had something to do with this?”

  “We’re considering her involvement since she was the broker for the other three of you,” he admitted.

  “No! You have it all wrong,” she protested, shaking her head. “There’s no way Marcia would have done anything to hurt us.”

  Monty quickly added, “Angel, we don’t know anything for sure. But we’re looking into the finances and practices of the group.”

  She lifted her hand to her pounding head, sighing heavily. She looked back at Monty, proclaiming, “I’m done for today, sweetie. I’ve lost three of my closest friends, my shop, my equipment, my building, my home, my possessions, my hearing, and now I have to face the possibility that one of my friends may be involved in something I don’t want to have to face. I’ve got no more fight left in me.”

  Leaning into his arms, she grunted as he swept her up, carrying her into the bedroom. He set her feet on the floor and pulled the covers back. Assisting her into bed, he tucked her in tightly. “I want you to rest. I’m going to talk to the others for a few minutes and then I’ll be right back.”

  She nodded, but as he kissed her forehead and started to walk away, she tugged on his arm. “It wasn’t Marcia,” she implored. “And I know you’ll catch them, whoever they are.”

  Kissing her head once more, he left the room.

  *

  The next morning, Monty lay awake as the pink, pre-dawn sky filtered into his bedroom, bathing the room in a soft pastel glow. Why have I never noticed that before? He knew the answer as he watched the light stretch across the room, offering a slight illumination over the woman sleeping in his bed. She brought the color into my world.

  She had been restless during the night, at times throwing her arms up as though to protect her face from the explosions in her nightmares. He had slept little, preferring to watch over her. His mind had wandered to the final conversation of the Saints before they left yesterday.

  Luke had headed back to Jack’s to pour over the financial records, hoping to use his new mystery contact to wade through the data quicker. Jude had left with Sabrina but was joining Luke in his searches.

  Bart and Cam had decided to head out last night, taking another look at Geoffrey Daly. Blaise said his money was on Scott and Carlton. Jack had wanted to delve into Bill Bradley more. Chad and Marc had gone back to Angel’s apartment to see what else they could find.

  Before Monty had a chance to ponder if his co-workers found any more evidence, his attention was diverted by Angel waking.

  She slowly opened her eyes, flinching as her strained muscles and abrasions twinged when she stretched. The white walls were unadorned and she sat up quickly, trying to determine where she was. Monty’s place. Remembering why she was here sent her flopping back to the bed. Turning her head, she saw his worried face.

  “Don’t be worried, sweetie,” she whispered. “I’m alive, remember?”

  “I don’t want to ever feel like that again,” he said, his voice rough with emotion.

  Smiling, she cupped his face. “I’m here with you.” Her eyes shifted beyond his shoulder as she made a decision. “I want to go back to my place today. I need to see it.”

  “Oh no—,” Monty started to protest, but she interrupted.

  “I have to. I need to do it for lots of reasons. I need to sort through to see what can be salvaged. I need to check on my new location and see if I can hurry that along. I need to talk to my employees. And I just need to see it. It was my shop…my apartment…where I worked and where I lived. I need to see it again.”

  Monty had to admit that her reasons were valid, so he agreed. “But I’m going with you,” he declared. “And if it’s too overwhelming—”

  “I’ve been taking care of myself for a while now, so I’ll be fine,” she assured. “But thanks for caring.”

  They lay for another minute, pressed together, arms tight around each other. “I love you, you know,” Monty whispered into her left ear.

  Smiling, Angel nodded against his chest. “I love you, too,” she whispered back.

  *

  Standing in front of the burned out bakery, Angel felt her anger rise again. Grimacing at the destruction, her hands fisted at her sides. Yellow caution tape encircled the area with Keep Out signs plastered on the brick walls.

  Not heeding the warning, she stepped inside, looking around. The shop area still stood, the glass windows and cases shattered. The colorful walls were blackened and water damaged. Stepping over rubble, she walked to the back of the shop and stared at the damaged mural. Placing her hand on the painting, she noticed the face peering out at her was still barely visible. Thank you. You kept me safe and I’ll make sure you go on the new wall. Turning to walk away, she glanced back over her shoulder. If it’s possible, can you please help Monty find the killer? Please.

  Moving on to the other wall, she peeked into the kitchen seeing nothing but destruction. Sighing heavily, she realized there was nothing she could save. She had planned to take the baking tins, mixers, and all of her kitchen equipment to the new site with her. Looks like I’ll be buying all new items.

  “You can’t go in there,” Monty chided, pulling her back slightly. “I know Chad has been looking around, but I don’t want to take a chance with you.”

  She nodded her agreement, knowing there was nothing to salvage. Stepping back out, she made her way to the side of the building and walked toward the fire stairs. She stopped and looked down; the little bit of snow that had not melted was dirty.

  Monty followed her line of vision, knowing she stared at the spot where their snow angels had taken shape. Squeezing her hand, he leaned down and promised, “Those will only be the first snow angels we make together. We’ll have lots of winters to do the same each time.”

  Smiling at his thoughtfulness, she started for the stairs but stopped as Chad rounded the corner.

  “I’ve been up there,” Chad explained, “and the floor seems sound, but I wouldn’t trust it.”

  She pierced him with her gaze. “Tell me the truth, Chad. Is there anything salvageable in my apartment?”

  Sighing heavily, he looked at Monty first before facing Angel straight on. “The fire did get to part of your apartment, but what ruined almost everything was water damage from the hoses and smoke damage. None of your clothes or furniture will be salvageable. If you had pots, pans, dishes…maybe those would be able to be used again. But honestly, Angel, the insurance company will pay you for everything lost.”

  “We can go on a buying spree,” Monty promised, trying to steal the sadness in her eyes.

  After a moment of pondering what she had upstairs, she looked up sharply. “I have a filing cabinet up there…near the door actually. My dad bought it for me and it was fire resistant.”

  Chad looked at Monty and asked, “Do you want to give it a try?”

  Thrilled to be able to retain something of hers, Monty agreed. The two men carefully made their way up the fire stairs and disappeared into her former apartment. After only a minute, they emerged, each carrying an end of the metal drawers.<
br />
  Feeling a sliver of optimism for the first time in twenty-four hours, Angel smiled. “Oh, thank you. This holds both my work and my personal business papers. I was working on taxes the day before all this happened.”

  As they walked back to Monty’s vehicle where the men put the cabinet, she turned to Monty and whispered. “You saw it. Was Chad right? Is it all gone?”

  Hating to break her heart more, he turned and cupped her face, allowing his warm hand to press against her cold cheek. “I’m so sorry, Cupcake,” he said, “but Chad was absolutely correct. There is nothing salvageable.”

  She closed her eyes against the blinding rage that poured over her, but his voice brought her back.

  “Angel, I promise to get whoever did this. And I promise to be with you as you start over…and would love it if we could do it together. Blend our lives…join our homes.”

  Looking up, she watched as he brought his lips to hers. A warm kiss…one of the promise of a new future.

  Chapter 26

  “Scott, I’m so glad you were able to see me today,” Angel said, smiling at the familiar broker sitting behind his desk. The desk that used to be Marcia’s. Stop! It’s only right that he should have her office now. Forcing her mind to remember that life goes on, she hoped her barrage of emotions did not show on her face.

  Having taken her hand in a warm greeting and ushering her to one of his deep leather chairs, he called out to Cindy for coffee. Settling himself down behind his desk, he expressed his condolences at her recent losses. “I’m shocked and angered for you, Angel. With the loss of dear friends and now your business…” he appeared to search for the right words. “Well, I hardly know how to express my feelings. But please know that CFG is here to assist you with anything you need.”

  “Thank you for replying so quickly to my email,” she responded. Placing several files on his desk, she said, “I know we have a lot to discuss today. We need to take a look at the discrepancies in my statements and also I should be getting my insurance check by the end of the week.”

  “What would you like to start with?” Scott asked, his conciliatory voice smooth.

  “Well,” she pondered, “I suppose there really isn’t much to say about the new store. I won’t be investing any of the insurance money until I have bought all of my new equipment. I planned on taking my furniture, cases, and kitchen supplies with me. Now I’ll have to buy all new everything for the shop.” Sighing heavily, she admitted, “It really won’t be hard to replace everything for the new bakery…it’s all of my personal belongings that will be difficult.”

  “Yes, what will you be doing about your living quarters?”

  “I’m staying with a friend for now until I decide where to live,” she answered.

  Scott looked down at the files on her desk. “I’m surprised that these survived the explosion. How fortunate they were somewhere safe.”

  “Yes, I keep everything in my apartment and not in the actual bakery.”

  They were interrupted when Cindy brought in coffee for both of them. Setting down a tray with two cups, creamer and sweeteners, she asked how Angel liked her coffee.

  “Oh, I’ll fix it,” she replied, smiling at the assistant she knew was a favorite of Marcia’s. “Thank you.”

  Cindy nodded and returned her smile as she barely glanced at Scott. Turning, she left his office, leaving his door open.

  “So,” Scott said, bringing them back to business, “you don’t need our assistance for the new shop right now.”

  “That’s right,” she agreed. “Although, when all is said and done, I may be investing some of the insurance money if possible. What I’m really concerned about are the discrepancies.” She held his gaze but felt the prickle of guilt sliding through her. “I can’t believe that Marcia was doing anything wrong or purposefully harmful, but…well, I’m confused.”

  Nodding, Scott agreed. Taking the file from the desk, he opened it, his eyes scanning the documents. A crease furrowed his brow as he said, “I…well, I’m not sure exactly what some of these numbers or companies are. I’d like to look into this before I give you an answer.”

  “Of course,” she said. Biting her plump lip for a second, she then looked at him with a determined expression. “I’d like to have a copy of everything before I turn these over to you.”

  “Absolutely,” he agreed. “Cindy?” he called out. She appeared at the door. “Will you copy these files for Ms. Cartwright?”

  Cindy walked into the room, taking the files while smiling at Angel. “I’ll be right back with these,” she promised, once more barely sending a glance toward Scott.

  As she moved down the hall toward the workroom, Scott sighed heavily. Angel looked back, wanting to ask about their relationship, but stopped herself. It’s none of my business. Glancing around the office, she saw that Scott had changed very little since taking it over. Marcia was so efficient he probably discovered it needed no change.

  Cindy walked back into the room setting two sets of files on Scott’s desk. “Here you go, Ms. Cartwright. Scott.” Turning, she left once more.

  “I’ll take a look at these,” Scott promised, “and will get back to you. Can you give me a couple of days?”

  “Sure,” Angel smiled. “I’ll be busy with the new shop anyway. I needed them so that when I send everything to my accountant for taxes, they’ll be correct.”

  Shaking his hand, she took her duplicate set of files and walked out of his office. Cindy rose from her desk, saying, “I’ll show you out.”

  Placing her hand on the young woman’s arm, she asked, “How are you doing? I know there are a lot of changes now and you worked so well with Marcia. I loved her like a sister and knew she appreciated your help.”

  At that, Cindy’s eyes jumped up to Angel’s. “Yes, we…well, we just clicked. So many people wondered why I didn’t strive higher in my career but, honestly, working for Marcia was a dream job. She was so efficient. So dedicated.” Sighing, she looked back toward Scott’s office. “I won’t deny it’s hard, but there’s a lot to keep an eye on now.”

  Arriving at the reception desk, Angel offered her hand to Cindy as they parted. Walking back to her car, she wondered about her words. A lot to keep an eye on now.

  Unbeknownst to Angel, dark eyes followed her to her pink VW, anger flowing from them. Knowing they missed her with the explosion, they vowed to not make the same mistake again.

  *

  Luke worked diligently using the new program his mystery assistant had sent. Smiling, he was making more headway in a few hours than he had in the previous week. As the meta-data analyzed, he moved over to the workroom counter to fix another cup of coffee. Rubbing his chest, he noted the slight pain. Knowing it was time for his physical, he hoped he did not have an ulcer. As he poured a liberal amount of creamer in his cup, he heard the ding of his secure email. He jogged over, quickly scanning his screen.

  I see it is helping.

  He immediately replied, Yes, thank you. How can you know what I’m working on?

  I’m just that good. Lol

  A joke? This person has a sense of humor? No doubt about it. Can you tell me where you are?

  You know I can’t. Too dangerous. Eyes everywhere. But I will help when I can. Remember, do not take everything at face value. Some things are not what they seem.

  Shaking his head, both in gratitude and frustration, he knew whatever this person was involved in, he did not want to risk their life. Imagining a young man, hunkered down in their messy apartment, hacking into Gods-knows-what accounts, Luke finally decided on, Then I will just say thank you again.

  No reply came, but Luke knew they could still see what he worked on. For the first time, he was not upset someone had hacked him. If it helps solve these fuckin’ murders and keeps Angel safe, then bring it on!

  He glanced over to another computer, seeing results of the analysis coming up. Scanning the side-by-side comparison page between the investments of the three women, he quickly saw an in
teresting development.

  The amounts in the various investments portfolios differed between the women…but the companies did not. Marcia had placed all of their money in exactly the same companies, regardless of what the individual women had requested.

  *

  Angel stood inside the space that would soon be the new Angel’s Cupcake Heaven. She had been surprised at the number of former customers who left notes of consolation, assuming the damage to the old shop was from a gas explosion, that were also excited about her new shop.

  The building owner for the new location, Mr. Jameson, was standing with her, his exuberance almost matching her own.

  “Ms. Cartwright, when the previous tenants left and the restaurant closed, I was distraught. Obviously, the rental income loss was felt, but it was more than that. This area of town is being revitalized and the empty space just felt like it did not belong. I’m thrilled that Angel’s Cupcake Heaven will be here.”

  She smiled at the man’s enthusiasm before turning to Stan, the kitchen equipment contractor, who was meeting them here.

  “I’ll have the counters put in tomorrow,” Stan assured, “just like we talked about. The ovens and stoves here are all in working order. So is the large, walk-in refrigerator and freezer.”

  Angel held back on the desire to dance around at the larger space and some of the new location’s amenities. The huge refrigerator and freezer were something she did not have in her former shop and would make pre-baking cupcakes for weddings and events easier.

  She and Stan walked around the kitchen space as she explained how she wanted things to be and he took notes. Nodding, he assured her that by the end of the next day it would be ready.

  Just then, another provider walked in and introduced himself. Mike, of Restaurant Necessities, walked around the shop area with her. She had needed to purchase a sales counter, display cases, tables, chairs, and dishware. Going over the list with him, he also agreed everything could be in place tomorrow.

  Mr. Jameson beamed at her. “Oh, my, Ms. Cartwright. It looks like everything is right on schedule.”