“Got any actresses or hot female musicians?” Vinny asked, only partially joking.
Tony smiled, acknowledging, “I might have something that I think will be just down your alley, but I’m still negotiating.”
“Hot damn, just what I’ve been waiting for,” he quipped.
Tony knew Vinny’s reputation with women involved consensual sex only…no strings, no complications, and rarely repeat performances. Yeah Vinny, I may have just the job for you. Moving on, the men discussed the upcoming security details, outlining what resources were needed.
“Jobe, anything new on those missing girls?”
Jobe shook his head in frustration. “Like they just disappeared. No one at the bus or train stations remembers them. We’ve checked with local schools to see if they recognized them, in case they tried to register. We looked into homeless shelters and checked with DSS.”
Tony nodded. “I knew it would be a long shot, but write up what you have and I’ll report to the grandparents.”
Jobe looked up sharply. “Sir, I’m not giving up yet.”
With the next few weeks planned out, the meeting ended. As the men filed out, they each shared a look with Tony, words unspoken. Looks of understanding. Looks of support. Tony sat for a few more minutes in his office, his surroundings the same but his feelings completely different. Instead of working until late to keep from going home to a bland, lonely apartment he could not wait to get to Sherrie.
Pulling out his cell, he called her number.
“Hi, sweetie,” she greeted. “What’s up?”
“I just wanted to hear your voice,” he admitted honestly.
A giggle was heard from the other end of the line, shooting straight to his heart. “I think I like that,” she said. “A big, strong man calling just to hear me.”
“Well, it’s the truth. How’s your day going? You gonna be home on time?”
“It’s been really weird, to be honest. Can we talk about it tonight? I’ve got a little more to do here in the office and then I want to take a quick drive to check out something, but I’ll be home about the same time you are.”
“You want me to pick up some take-out on the way to your house?”
“No, I threw some chili in the crockpot before leaving this morning. It’s been slow cooking for hours and will be the perfect way to end a cold, winter day.”
“I’ve got a better way to end a cold, winter day,” he said.
His warm promise slid over her, immediately causing her nipples to pucker as well as her inner core to clench. “Oooh, promise?”
“You got it, baby,” he vowed. Hanging up, he found that just talking on the phone with her and the promise of a perfect evening had his cock twitching. Down boy, we’ve still got some work to do.
*
Sherrie had been sitting at her desk, going over the report that she had typed on Betina’s situation. She could face the possibility that the young teen had run away because of rebellion, but it did not fit the girl she had come to know.
When she had discussed it with Simon earlier, he warned her that as a CASA she would need to be non-biased in her dealings. Question everything, he had said. Something is just not right, but I’ll be dammed if I know what it is.
She tried a quick internet search on Hernando Valesquez, but all that came up was information about his store and the few other businesses that he managed. Other businesses? Deciding to drive by to just check them out, she said her goodbyes to the others in the law office and headed to her car.
Driving back to Betina’s neighborhood, she went passed the grocery store. It was only five p.m. but already getting dark. She could see activity inside the store, and knew it would be open for several more hours. Using her GPS, she drove a few blocks away to the next address, that of a laundry facility that Mr. Valesquez’s managed. It appeared to be closing, but she could see lights on in the back and someone was just locking the doors. Parking in a well-lit area, she jogged over to the door and knocked loudly.
A tall, lanky teenager stood on the other side of the glass door, calling out, “We’re closed. Come back tomorrow.”
She hated yelling through the door, but wanted to make sure she had the right place. “Is this laundry owned by Mr. Hernando Valesquez?” The eyes of the teen grew large and he backed away from the door. “Do I have the right place?” she shouted once again.
“No speak good English. Come back tomorrow,” he called before turning and running to a door behind the counter. With a quick slam of the door, the light that had come through was shut out and she knew that continuing to stand there would be pointless.
Giving a quick glance around she noted the deserted street, but was glad for the bright lights of the parking lot. Moving quickly to her car, she got in and drove down the street. A couple of blocks away, she came across the next business belonging to Hernando, but is also appeared to be closed, as were all the businesses on this street.
Coming to a dead end, she was about to turn around when a young man ran down the street, waving his arms.
“Can you help me?” he shouted.
Jumping from her car, she heard running steps from behind and before she could turn around, she was slammed forward into the car.
A large, strong body pressed up against hers, trapping her against the cold metal with her face pressed into the glass. She tried to scream but a large hand clapped over her mouth.
“Whatever you’re doing here, bitch, you need to stay the fuck away,” the gravelly voice commanded.
This was no teen; this was a man’s voice. The teen was just a diversion. She tried to gasp for air but his thick fingers pressed against her mouth and nose. Her legs grew weak as fear and lack of oxygen made her faint. Realizing what was happening, he moved his hand from her nose while keeping her mouth covered. Inhaling deeply through her nose, her mind began to clear enough for her to feel the cold, metal blade of a knife pressing into the side of her neck.
“Keep your goddamn mouth shut or I’ll slice your throat,” he growled. He moved his hand from her mouth and grabbed her left arm twisting it cruelly behind her.
Agonizing pain sliced through her shoulder as she was sure it dislocated. Feeling faint again, she thought of Tony. I’m going to die and he’ll be alone again; the thought cut through her fear.
“Don’t know what the fuck you’re looking for, but stay away and keep quiet. You don’t, next time I’ll be happy to slice you up. After I have some fun,” he laughed. Pressing tighter against her, she felt his erection against her ass.
“No,” she whimpered. Pain and fear had her sliding down the door, but his hand moved from her front to the middle of her back.
“Count to twenty bitch before you leave. And remember to keep your goddamn mouth shut. Or maybe someone you care about will get hurt.” With that, she suddenly felt the cold on her back, telling her that he had moved away.
After a few seconds, she managed to get her car door open and fell inside. She knew it was only a matter of seconds before the pain in her shoulder had her passing out again, so she grabbed her cell phone. Slumping over, the last thing she managed to do was dial 911.
Chapter 14
Turning into Sherrie’s driveway, Tony was disappointed to see that her car was not there yet. Amazed at how quickly she had acclimated into his life, he could not wait to see her. And if our after-dinner plans turn out the way I think they will, then—
His cell rang and he grabbed it out of his pocket on his way toward the front door hoping it would be her. Seeing Matt, he connected, although disappointed.
“Tony, you gotta get to the hospital. Richland General. Sherrie’s here. She was attacked.”
He felt his legs go weak, stumbling as he turned and ran back down the front steps. Oh, Jesus. Not again. Twenty heart-wrenching minutes later, he pounded through the doors to the ER and was met by Matt. Vinny, Gabe and Jennifer came in right after him.
“Where is she?” he bit out.
“She’s back here
. I’ll fill you in as we go.”
Matt told him about the call to 911 and what he knew so far.
“What the fuck was she doing there anyway?” Tony asked.
“She said she was trying to check out some of the businesses that her CASA child’s stepfather owns.”
As they arrived at the ER room, the doctor was just coming out. Assuming Tony was another policeman, the doctor reported the extent of her injuries. “She has a pulled shoulder that we’ve given her a sling to keep immobile, as well as some bruising around the face where her assailant held his hand over her mouth.”
His knees weak again, Tony barely noticed when Gabe and Vinny moved to either side of him. “Can I see her?”
“I don’t think she’s up for any questioning now that she is on pain meds. She’ll be ready to check out soon, once someone comes to take her home.” With that the doctor moved back down the hall.
Taking a deep breath, Tony strode into the ER bay, then halted as soon as his gaze landed on his woman in the bed. Faint bruises were around her mouth and nose and her arm was in a sling. Her eyes were shut but the purple shadows were evident. A strangled sound came from his mouth, causing her eyes to jerk open.
A sloppy grin split her face as she greeted him. “Tony? Dish you come fer me? Ooooh, you brought some friensh?” she said, looking past him at Jennifer and the other men.
Crossing the room, Tony leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead, saying, “Yeah, I came for you, baby. What the fuck happened?”
Her large blue eyes teared as she tried to focus on his face. “You’re mad at me,” she wailed.
“Tony,” Jennifer admonished, moving close to her friend. Grabbing Sherrie’s hand, she leaned down and said, “Oh, honey, he’s not mad. He’s just scared for you.”
Sherrie’s tears dried up as quickly as they had come, replaced by the sloppy smile once more. Looking up at Tony, she pulled his head closer and tried to whisper, “You gonna spring me from thish joint?”
He rolled his eyes as the others behind him tried to hide their smiles.
“She like this when she’s drunk?” Vinny asked, as Jennifer shooed the men out of the room so that she could help Sherrie dress.
While outside, Matt showed Tony the report as he had it. “She was in a lot of pain when she came in and we didn’t get a lot. Shane and I’ll come by tomorrow to get the rest of her statement, if that’s okay.”
Tony nodded and gave them Sherrie’s address. Saying goodbye to his friends, he went back in to take her home. With some difficulty, he managed to get her to lay in the back seat while he drove them to her house. Picking her up carefully, he carried her inside and up the stairs to the bedroom without her waking. Laying her down on the bed, he quickly stripped her skirt and shoes off, sliding soft flannel pajama bottoms on. Pulling the covers up, he made sure she looked comfortable before going back downstairs to secure the house.
Coming back out of the bathroom, he stood over the bed and watched her sleep in a blissful, drug-induced slumber. Rubbing his hand over his face, he tried to still the pounding of his heart. Jesus, fuck, what did she stumble into? She wasn’t robbed. Was she about to come across a crime scene and was warned off? That part of town isn’t great, but it’s not too bad either.
His hand squeezed the back of his neck as a tension headache built. Forcing himself to breathe deeply, he slid under the covers on the side away from her injured shoulder. Grateful that she was not hurt worse than she was, he vowed to find whoever threatened his woman. No one does this and gets away with it.
She moaned in her sleep and he repositioned himself to try to make her as comfortable as possible. Knowing sleep would be impossible, he nonetheless wrapped himself around her, protecting her as much as he could, even if for tonight it was just in her dreams.
*
“Guys, I know I’m no help, but honestly I didn’t see anything,” Sherrie said, leaning back on the sofa with Tony’s arm draped around her. Wearing pink pajamas and a pink flannel robe, she felt self-conscious. But Tony had insisted she be ready for bed as soon as the group meeting was over. She fingered her sling, feeling useless and angry at herself for being a victim.
Shane, taking notes, just nodded as he prodded, “Anything you give us, even tiny details, can help.”
Sucking in a deep breath through her nose and letting it out slowly to clear her mind, she agreed. Tony had wanted her to take more pain medicine this morning when they woke up, but knowing that their friends were coming she had refused. At least until she could give her statement.
Matt and Shane were there officially, but had been joined by the Alvarez inner circle of BJ, Lily, Gabe, Jobe, and Vinny. Sherrie looked around, thinking how far her life had come in the past year. From being virtually alone to having good friends who cared…she sat up straighter, determined to give a good accounting of herself.
“When I visited Betina at her stepfather’s store…actually I need to make sure to call him Mr. Valesquez because he’s not her legal stepfather. When I visited Mr. Valesquez’s store, everything seemed fine, although I got a strange vibe from everyone. As though they didn’t want me there.”
“Since you actually represent the court system as her CASA worker, do you think that vibe was just a distrust of your position?” Matt asked.
“Maybe,” she said slowly, “but…you know when you just get a weird feeling about something? That was how I felt.” Looking around, she admitted, “I guess that’s sounds very flimsy, doesn’t it?”
“Not at all. Those feelings of instinct are what make a good detective,” Shane added. “So what gave you some of those feelings? What did you see? You can even just list things, if that makes it easier.”
Sherrie closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to the previous day. “I noticed that a lot of the workers there were teens and some looked to be young teens. I noticed that some kids from Betina’s school that she had said could get some food at the store, were there talking to Mr. Valesquez and he was giving them bags. I noticed that the ones running the butcher shop carvers were young boys, not men. I noticed that no one smiled at me. One of the women that was there would stare, but then when I would turn toward her, she would dart her eyes away.” Opening her eyes, Sherrie blushed, saying, “I guess that’s not much to go on, but when I left I decided to drive by a couple other business that he runs.”
“Why?” Matt said, still jotting on his pad.
“I…it’s just that…Betina doesn’t seem happy. Not at home and not at work. Her teachers say that she is smart and artistic, and that while she is quiet, she also befriends the loners. I just wanted to know more about her and since Mr. Valesquez is a big part of her life since he lives with her mother, I wanted to know more about him.”
After describing the encounter and threat in detail one more time, she was showing more signs of exhaustion.
“So you don’t trust Valesquez, right?” Vinny asked, leaning forward with his forearms on his knees.
“I really don’t. After years of dealing with the kind of people Charisse was involved with, I developed a sense about who might be untrustworthy. So I wanted to see if his other businesses hired a lot of teens and what those businesses looked like.” She leaned back into Tony’s embrace.
Before Tony could comfort her, she jerked forward again, wincing at the pain in her shoulder but ignoring it.
“I’ve seen the underbelly of this city. I’ve been there. I may have been in a normal family at birth but once my parents died, I knew what it was like to be at the mercy of others. Some great foster families and some not so great. I know what it’s like to do anything and everything you can to keep peace in a family that you don’t really belong to. I know what it’s like to go into alleys, bars, or cheap motels to drag out my drunk, high sister out of trouble. And I’ve looked into the eyes of the ones that were pulling her under. I worked as a waitress in a strip bar, dealing with scum. I can look at someone and tell if they are lying, cheating, or just plain mean.
And I’ve seen evil, even when it is hiding under layers of normal.”
The group watched, mesmerized, as her chest heaved with exertion and her face a mask of pain. Reaching around to try to ease her shoulder, she slumped as the fight went out of her. “I can’t give you a viable reason as to why I don’t trust Hernando Valesquez, but I don’t.”
“Darlin’, that’s enough for me. I trust your instincts,” Shane added, as Matt flipped his notebook shut.
Lily, quiet during the questioning spoke up, “BJ and I’ll start a background check on him and his businesses and see what we can dig up.”
Matt winked at his wife as the meeting broke up. Leaving Sherrie comfortably reclined on the sofa, Tony walked the group outside.
“We’ll push the party back a week and give her a chance to heal more,” he said. The others quickly agreed and promised to come. “I want to thank you all,” he said haltingly, the emotion of having caring friends overtaking him. How many times have I sat at meetings just like this when one of their women was threatened, without realizing how overwhelmed they were? He rubbed his hand over his jaw, feeling the stubble, before pulling his hand through his dark hair, making the waves stick up.
The men nodded, understanding the emotions behind the words, and knowing he had been there for them.
Matt and Shane left in their vehicle, leaving Tony with his crew. Jennifer slid her arms around him, hugging him while Gabe clapped him on the back. “You know we’re here for you and Sherrie. You need us, just call.”
Jobe moved in next. “Captain, we got your back, and I mean both of you.” Turning toward his truck, he stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Tony, no one deserves that good woman more than you. Happy for you, man.”
Tony just nodded, not trusting his voice. His gaze wandered over to Vinny, the only one left in the driveway.
Vinny pulled him in for a man-hug complete with slaps on the back before admitting, “Never thought you’d fall in love again, Tony. Not that I didn’t want you happy, ’cause I did. But seeing you with Sherrie…well, you both deserve to be happy with each other.”
Tony: Alvarez Security Series Page 15