“We don’t want to just plunge right into it Dad,” Ellen continued, “but you have to admit, we do know how to work the computers, and follow many of these cases to a conclusion, without ever leaving the computer room. If we can make money at it, and take pleasure in doing it, we can’t lose. Besides, with this war on terrorism going on, we’ve all been in danger.
You said yourself you would be proud if we have to serve, but seeing us go in the service would scare you.”
“Yea, I try to forget sometimes about this ongoing terrorism mess, at least for a few hours at a time,” Sotello admitted. “You both certainly handle the research aspect as well or better than anyone I ever worked with. The two of you make a great team. I will take you both out with me more often, and let you do the legwork. Except for the service part of it, this business has become more and more a computer-generated deal. On the other hand, I played through the tape Craig made outside the restaurant. I know on sight now, Sanders’ closest henchmen. If he does consent to let me handle bringing his daughter back, I will know if he puts these guys on me. Three of them never came into the room while I talked with him, and yet they entered the restaurant with him.”
“Our clients do require a hands on approach, more often than not Dad, when it comes to cheating spouses, missing kids, and insurance frauds,” Craig added.
“I know, but the more research we do, the less surprises we encounter,” Sotello countered. “I…” The phone rang, and Sotello answered it.
“Jim, Darren here, I want you to go ahead with this your way. I have sent some people over to catalogue Phillips’ movements for your trip over. I want you to have all the on-site intel I can give you before you go over. Do you think you will be ready in a week’s time?”
“Yes, I am extracting myself from this Placerville mess, with some lawyer help from Gillingham. There should be nothing stopping me from going in a week. Your help with tracking his actions will be invaluable.” “I heard you had a break-in at your house,” Sanders stated.
“Your police sources seem to be excellent.”
Sanders laughed. “Yes, well what I meant to say was I will let you know about the whereabouts of those two if they ever get out.”
“I really appreciate that Darren. I would not care for another surprise. I will make the reservations for Lynn and myself.”
“Fine, I’ll send over the intel just before you leave,” Sanders replied. “Take care Jim, talk to you soon.”
“Count on it. Thanks Darren.” Sotello hung up.
“He sounds cooperative,” Craig remarked.
“He loves his daughter. I could tell as much at the restaurant. He thought it through, and probably figured the trouble with this whole deal leads back to his daughter’s own gullibility and error in judgment. He would like to make sure she lives through it.”
“I probably don’t have to mention this Dad,” Ellen added, “but he can reach out and get Phillips anytime after he gets his daughter back.”
“I have thought of that,” Sotello admitted. “A lot of angles and unknown equations have been popping up in this since the beginning. I will play it out as carefully as I can. A lot will depend on his daughter, and her perceptions. I cannot simply grab her up in a foreign country, and force her to return. She will have to come to the decision herself, or this will all be wasted. Sanders can have people there ready to take her once I separate her from Phillips, but what good would that do? Darren can’t imprison her, anymore than I can watch every move you two make, or the Websters can watch over every one of Trisha’s little moments.”
“When would you want to go after Simmons?” Craig asked.
“Do you have a class tomorrow?” Sotello asked.
“I have one in the morning until nine, but won’t the traffic be outrageous on Friday going to Reno?”
“It won’t be bad if we leave right after your class,” Sotello answered. “Let’s meet up back here at 9:30, and then we’ll be in between the commuter traffic in Sacramento, and the people heading up to do some weekend gambling after work.”
“If anyone else calls,” Ellen put in, “should I just start lining up another fifty or so cases? I don’t want you to slow down and miss your stride.”
“Very funny,” Sotello replied. “No, I want to keep things open. We have another chance to add to our growing number of foreign clientele with the woman from the computer firm in Taiwan. The Silicon Valley and San Francisco attract a lot of foreign traffic. They pay well for our services, and we have zero risk to life and limb. I wish to cultivate as many of those as we can. Craig speaks Chinese well enough to go with me on that one. I will act as the bodyguard, while Craig applies the charm. You, of course, will coordinate her schedule with our services, all in all, a very tight little deal.” “She probably speaks English anyway,” Craig replied.
“Even so, we will be speaking Chinese on our trip to Reno. I want your conversational skills to be top notch. The attention to detail always impresses clients.”
“I understand the reasoning,” Craig replied in Chinese.
“Number one son very suave operative,” Sotello answered in Chinese. “Now if I could get him to be less of a smartass, he would be perfect.”
“No can do ancient one,” Craig rejoined in the same language.
When both Craig and Sotello burst out laughing, Ellen put her hands on her hips. “Okay, how about keeping the jokes in a language I understand.”
“I told your brother he speaks like an undisciplined lout with no conscience, and his disrespectful use of language towards an elder reveals his ignorance,” Sotello told her in French.
“No you didn’t,” Ellen replied in French, laughing. “I just wanted to make sure I was not being made the butt of one of butthead’s jokes.”
“Enough of this,” Craig said. “We’re beginning to sound like dueling banjos.”
“Do you two still want to come over to the house and have dinner with Lynn? She wants you both to come.”
“Are you going to have the bomb squad go over the house before we arrive?” Craig asked.
“Yep, and a swat team standing by while we eat dinner,” Sotello replied.
“Well, I guess in that case, Craig and I will be there,” Ellen acquiesced. “Do you want us to try six o’clock again?”
“Yes, because with Craig having a class and then heading out with me tomorrow morning, we better all get some sleep. You have class tomorrow too, don’t you?” He asked Ellen.
“I have class and lab tomorrow, so I will be out of the office until afternoon time. Will that be a problem?” Ellen asked in return.
“No, because Craig and I won’t even be over the mountains by then,” Sotello replied.
“I think Ellen might be thinking about possible breakdowns, with us taking the Dodge bomb,” Craig cracked.
“I will have to start instituting a fine for disrespectful comments regarding my Dodge: five dollars per insult.”
“I’ll go along with it,” Ellen remarked, “if it will help you to afford a new car.”
“Enough about my Dodge,” Sotello said. “I would think the sentimental value alone would make you two think twice about ever losing the Dodge.”
“I used to have a clown costume too,” Craig replied, “but I don’t still wear it now.”
Sotello took out a notepad from his inside jacket pocket. “I’m putting you down for five right there, Mr.”
“What would you like us to do for the next couple of hours until dinner?” Ellen asked.
“Do your homework if you have it, or whatever you like. I am going to take a few moments to work out,” Sotello told them.
“Hell Dad, you do all those sit-ups and pushups every day,” Ellen said. “Why do you have to work out after everything that’s happened? You should rest up.”
“I do it just because of everything we’ve gone through over the last few days,” Sotello replied. “Besides, so many years have passed with the routine, I feel guilty not doing them. Remember
, fear and discipline.”
“You would bring out the Soldier quote.” Craig laughed. “You know, you, Ellen and I are probably the only ones who liked that movie with Kurt Russell.”
“Sacrilege,” Sotello said pointing a finger at Craig. “We’ll close up and head for the house as soon as I finish, and shower up.”
“Okay Kurt,” Craig said. “Don’t get hurt in there.”
“He just wants to look buff for Lynn tonight, right Dad,” Ellen added.
“Yea, that’s it,” Sotello said on his way back to their workout room.
Chapter 17
Trip To Reno
Sotello opened the door. Lynn stood on his doorstep with two bags in hand. “I hope you’re hungry Jim,” She said smiling. “I guess we don’t have to worry about an attack tonight, huh?”
“No, the bad guys have all promised to allow us a last meal before they move on us.” Sotello took the bags from her, and led her into his house. Craig and Ellen were sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. Craig had on jeans and a gray sweatshirt, while Ellen still wore the burgundy dress she had put on for school. Sotello had changed to black slacks with a open-necked gray shirt. Although the two men wore tennis shoes, Ellen wore a pair of giant bugs bunny head slippers, which Lynn saw and immediately broke out laughing.
“You like my slippers Lynn?” Ellen said, standing up and turning so she could show them off.
“Now those are what I call a fashion statement. They sure look more comfortable than these,” she pointed at her black high heels. She wore a navy blue dress, cut at mid-thigh. The top opened at the throat with a small collar.
Sotello showed her around the kitchen, and helped her dish up the spaghetti. He cut up the fresh Italian bread she brought, while Lynn served the ready-made salad. Lynn then poured the wine for all of them. The dinner proceeded without any talk of the events over the past few days, and when they had all finished, Sotello poured coffee.
“Your spaghetti dinner was excellent Lynn,” Sotello said. His sentiments were echoed by both Craig and Ellen.
“Thanks, what do you all have planned for tonight?” Lynn asked.
“Dad and I have to drive to Reno tomorrow morning,” Craig informed her. “So I think I will probably take Ellen home, and go get some sleep. I also have a class in the morning.”
“I’m ready whenever you are Craig,” Ellen added. “I need to study for class tomorrow.” She came around the table and kissed her Father goodbye. Craig just gave him a push on the side of the head, which Sotello took with a grin and a sigh.
“I guess you two will be flying on out of here and leaving me to clean up, like always?” Sotello asked.
“Yes,” Craig said simply.
“Ditto that,” Ellen said leading the way out the door. “Goodbye Lynn.”
“Don’t stay up too late young man,” Craig told his Father. “Goodnight Lynn, thanks again for dinner.”
“Goodnight Craig, Ellen,” Lynn said with a wave. She looked over at Sotello as the door closed. “Are you planning on kicking me out of here tonight?”
“Lynn, I appreciate your acting as my lawyer in the Placerville matter; but starting up something else, with all we have as baggage already, seems to me like poor judgment on both of our parts. For me, it would be just poor judgment, but for you, it would be poor judgment and dangerous. You don’t need anyone else to start thinking of you as an enemy.”
Lynn put her hand over Sotello’s. “I’m not asking you to marry me, or if I can move in with you. I thought maybe a little sharing of humanity between two friends might not be a bad place to start.”
Sotello leaned forward. “Start what Lynn? You and I are about as different as any two people have ever been. Where would we go from here?”
“How about just friends, if nothing else? I can’t be that hard to look at.”
Sotello laughed. “No, looking at you presents no problem at all. But…”
Lynn came around and sat in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Then kiss me and let’s see what happens.” She leaned in closer.
“But, becoming involved with you presents a few problems.” He kissed her, and soon, as he had worried about earlier, Sotello forgot the problems.
__
Sotello heard the phone ring, and before he remembered he had not slept alone, he heard Lynn pick up the receiver. “Don’t answer…” Sotello began, but her voice said hello in a husky, half asleep voice.
“Oh hi Craig, sure, he’s right here.” Lynn handed him the phone as he groaned, and she leaned her head inside the crook of his arm.
“Hello,” Sotello said shortly, knowing what was to follow.
“How’s it hangin’ ancient one?” Craig asked laughing. “You big stud you.”
“A lot better than your head to your neck when I get my hands around it,” Sotello replied.
“I see you decided to let someone else do your thinking for you last night,” Craig observed, “but if you’re making the decisions this morning, I was wondering if you know for sure when you want to leave.”
“Right after your last class, wise guy. I will meet you at your apartment at about ten o’clock.”
“That works. See you then Studly.” Sotello heard the line go dead, even as he cursed under his breath. He then turned to Lynn.
“Did you have to answer the phone? Do you know what I will be putting up with all the way to Reno?” Sotello asked as he traced a hand down along her side as she shuddered.
“I didn’t think.”
“It could have been Sanders,” Sotello said, “and believe me, he would not think this was funny.”
“I’m sorry,” she said softly, pulling the covers away. “Let me make it up to you?”
__
Sotello pulled up alongside the curb in front of Craig’s apartment. Craig came right out, dressed in a suit and tie, with trench coat. He had a carry bag, Sotello figured must contain a change of clothes. Sotello went back and opened the trunk for him to put his bag into.
“You look nice Number One,” Sotello commented, as they climbed back into the Dodge.
“Good enough to get lucky in love like you Studly?” Craig quipped.
Sotello sighed, started up the Dodge, and headed for the freeway. “This will be a long ride if you plan on ragging me the whole way to Reno.”
“A long ride for you ancient one, but not so long for me, I think.”
“I never told you I was made of stone,” Sotello said defensively. “Before, when we talked, I explained about being unaware of how much trouble I could get into, mixing business with pleasure.”
“And now?”
“Now, I know almost all of the trouble I can get into,” Sotello replied.
“And that would be how much?” Craig persisted.
“A whole lot, from about three sources I’ve met, not counting Lynn, and God knows how much I still am unaware of.”
“Oh well, just so you have it under control,” Craig said laughing. “You do not sound like a man who just spent an evening with an extremely attractive woman.”
“Yea, well I went ahead and did exactly what I said I would not do,” Sotello admitted. “I deserve all the ragging I get over it. I suppose you already informed your sister?”
“The call after I talked to you and Lynn.”
“You loose mouthed little weasel,” Sotello said grimly. “Why not just take an ad out in the paper?”
“I would have, but I’m a little short right now,” Craig informed him, with regret in his voice. “If you’ll loan me the up front cost, I can get it in this evening’s edition.”
Sotello shook his head, looking up in supplication to the heavens momentarily. “Why me Lord?”
“Hey Dad, how long has it been since you went out with Kathy?”
“Maybe six months,” Sotello said cautiously. “She moved to Texas with her job, remember? Why?”
“I was just wondering. You really liked her.”
“She was good company
,” Sotello agreed, “not to mention she did not have three or four cons, and one partial kidnapping-extortion plot working. Add to the mix she had never met a mob boss in her life, and you would have to say involvement with her came pretty easy.”
“You didn’t mention her not being a lawyer,” Craig added.
“Yes, but I have a law license too, and it would be pretty hypocritical to hold that against Lynn too, although I considered it.”
“I liked Kathy. I never thought she would move to Texas,” Craig said.
“I liked Kathy too, but she loved her job. I always find it attractive in a woman when she loves what she does for a living.” Sotello replied thoughtfully.
“She could have stayed in the Bay Area and started teaching again,” Craig said.
“The engineering outfit she worked for let her roam around, and do troubleshooting for some diverse projects. I know she did not enjoy teaching enough to give up either the money or the excitement to stay around here,” Sotello replied.
“Maybe you should have followed her down there then,” Craig continued.
“It would have had to have been more than like for me to have done that.”
“Maybe this thing with Lynn could be a good thing then Dad. I like her too. She’s funny, smart, well connected, and she sure can roll with the punches.”
“I think I could work together with Lynn if this Sanders’ thing clears up, but I do not see a relationship developing between her and I. When people change for the better, it takes a while before anyone trusts them again. Lynn can turn things around, but her ambition works on the dark side of the force. Instead of providing energy to help her achieve, it creates a dark web around her, which draws innocent people into danger.” Sotello glanced over at Craig. “She makes me uncomfortable.”
“Dad, you walk around with a big fat enigma sign all over you, and Lynn makes you uncomfortable? Lynn had nothing to do with Ellen getting beat up, and I do not believe she would have jumped in a car and went to Placerville, staked out the guy, and nearly beat him to death. Sometimes, you make me uncomfortable, even when I trust you to always have the right reason behind anything you do.”
Sotello: Detective, ex-FBI, ex-Secret Service (DeLeo's Action Thriller Singles Book 1) Page 18