Her wild eyes locked onto his. Searching. Hoping.
“Baby, you’re not going anywhere and you’re not taking Ross anywhere. You are safe in this building. It’s secure and I can protect you here.”
“But we can’t stay here forever.”
“Ross can miss a couple of days of school and—”
“Don’t you dare suggest I miss more work,” she argued.
Sucking in a deep breath to calm himself, he rolled off of her taking her with him. Sitting up against the headboard, he pulled her across his lap so she was straddling him. “Gonna put a man on you and Ross until this mess is cleared up.”
“A man?”
“Yeah, either me or someone from Tony’s will be with you and Ross. Take him back and forth to school, and someone to take you as well. No more public transportation for either of you.”
She nodded slowly, then looked back into his face. “How can Tony do that? Afford that, I mean?”
“Baby, you’re mine. Ross is mine. I take care of what’s mine. And my brothers? We take care of each other. We’ve got this.”
Sliding down into the bed, he gently pulled her down with him. Let’s sleep for now. In the morning, I’ll talk to Vinny and Tony and we’ll set up what we need to do.”
She acquiesced, but sleep did not return. For either of them.
*
The next afternoon found Jennifer and Ross accompanying Gabe into Alvarez Security. After settling Ross in the safe room and answering his non-stop questions about everything he was seeing, Jennifer and Gabe went into one of the large conference rooms. Shane and Matt had joined the assembly. Lily hugged her and then they all sat down. Gabe’s arm was thrown casually across the back of her chair, but everyone knew she fell under his, and their, protection.
All eyes turned toward her, but she just stared dumbly at them. “I know…I know you all want me to have some kind of answer or reason for this, but I—”
“No Jennifer,” Tony spoke up. “We just want to pull together as much intel as we can so we know who we’re fighting.”
Shane spoke first, saying, “The man you identified as assaulting you clammed up in the station. Wouldn’t say anything and we knew he’d get out on bail. He had no priors and no record. A fisherman out late last night saw him in the water. When he was fished out, he had been shot in the head at close range, with his hands tied behind his back. Definitely an execution.”
Matt took over, “We’ve identified him and while there is little on him, his mother did say that her son had been dressing nicely and telling her that he had a good job. She assumed he was in business, but there’s no record or taxes. His face was partially blown off—”
At this Jennifer gasped and Gabe glared at him.
“Sorry, honey. We took his driver’s license photo to a couple of people who have been complaining of extortion and have a positive identification that he and a partner have shown up at business or buildings.”
“Extortion? I don’t really know what that means, other than like in the Godfather movie,” Jennifer said honestly.
Shane nodded, “It’s the same thing. Someone wants something and doesn’t want to have to pay for it. Or they want someone to pay them for something they shouldn’t have to pay for. So they send in enforcers.” Seeing her forehead crinkle in confusion, he continued, “Thugs. Someone to threaten if they don’t get their way.”
“Okaaay,” she said slowly, nodding in understanding. “But I still don’t see how that affects me.”
“Some of the old buildings in your area have been sold for next to nothing and then flipped into nice buildings that are then sold or rented for a huge profit. You’ve already said that someone’s been interested in the building you’re in.”
“Yes, but I don’t own it. A Mr. Stuart Mason owns the building. I’ve talked on the phone with him a few times and he assures me that he has no intention of selling.”
“Maybe if your program is scared out of the building, Mr. Mason will have to sell because he’ll need some money if no rent or grant money is coming in.”
Lily piped up then, saying, “I’ve continued to try to run down the interested parties in her building. Mr. Michael Gibbons of Gibbons’s Realty has looked into several buildings in the area for clients. His business itself appears completely legitimate. He handles real estate for many clients, generally the high-end ones who have millions to spend on big houses or condos. He also handles the real estate needs for a lot of the businesses in the city.”
“I met him at the event the other evening. He was there with his wife. They seemed friendly with the Senator and his wife as well.”
“Just because he’s legit doesn’t make his business partners or associates legit,” Tony noted.
“Exactly,” Matt agreed. Turning to Lily, he said, “Can you keep digging? On his clients, associates, anything to tie into the extortion.”
“On it,” Lily said with a smile and a wink.
Gabe’s hand slid from the back of Jennifer’s chair to her shoulder, massaging the tightness. She turned to look into his confident face. “Told you babe. We’ve got this,” he said.
“Ross—” she started.
Tony interrupted, “We’ve got him covered too. Vinny or Gabe will drop him off at school and then we’ll make sure someone picks him up at school every day. We just need you to notify the school that someone with an Alvarez Security identification will be there to pick him up.”
She nodded, “Okay. I can do that. I…just don’t know what to tell him.”
The table was silent for a moment as they group pondered. None of them were parents, but Jobe spoke up. “Honesty’s always best. Kids know when things aren’t good or aren’t right. Don’t scare him but don’t keep him in the dark.”
She looked over at Jobe’s handsome face, seeing wisdom beyond his years. “I think you’re right.” Turing to Gabe, she said, “Will you be with me when I tell him?”
His eyes warmed as he lost himself momentarily in the depths of her crystal blue ones. “Yeah baby. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, than right by your side.”
Vinny smiled at his brother’s good fortune in finding such a woman as Jennifer, then sobered. “Besides a security detail for the two of them and Lily and BJ digging into Michael Gibbons’ clients, what else?”
Shane said, “We’re investigating the extortion end of things. If you can look into anything involving Jennifer’s work or the center that’d be good.”
Tony added, “Gonna do some digging into this Monty character.”
At that Jennifer looked up and said, “Oh I have someone who’s helping me with that.”
The group looked at her and she noticed Tony’s eyes cut sharply to her. “I have a friend that’s at the capitol building a lot. The lawyer she works for has several clients who work there and Monty’s used to her. She’s going to do some digging for me.”
“Sherrie? Like hell she is,” Tony growled, losing his normal cool.
The eyes that had been trained on Jennifer now turned to look at Tony. Recovering his composure, he explained, “Call her off. She’s not trained.”
Smiling, Jennifer said, “Well, I think Monty may like her so it makes it easy for her to get some information.”
Tony scowled but said nothing. That seemed to signal the end of the meeting. As they stood, each moving to their own destination, Tony made his way over to Jennifer. Looking uncharacteristically awkward, he said, “You really do need to tell her to back off and let the professionals handle things.”
“I’ll tell her, Tony. I don’t want anyone in harm’s way on my account.”
He nodded and walked away. Jennifer turned her face up to Gabe’s and said, “You know, if he would just admit that he likes her and would do something about it…”
“The man’s got his own demons, baby. Can’t rush it.”
They headed out of the room and down the hall to the safe room to collect Ross. Vinny was walking out of the room with Ross at his
side.
“Vinny says we can go to his parents’ place again and go out on one of the fishing boats,” Ross yelled, jumping up and down.
Jennifer’s eyes snapped and Gabe glared at his brother. Vinny threw his hands up in defense.
“Whoa, little buddy. I said we needed to ask your sister and Gabe if we could do that.”
“She’ll say yes, won’t you sis? Especially if Gabe asks her. Gabe will you ask her? Please?” Ross begged.
Vinny had the good sense to look embarrassed. “Sorry guys, I should have asked you two first.”
Gabe was suddenly filled with pride at the realization that his brother had included him in who needed to be asked when it came to Ross and Jennifer had not protested. He looked down at her, seeing her smile as well.
She turned her face to Gabe and said, “What do you think, honey?”
“I think it’s a good idea. We could leave tonight and spend the night with my parents. They’ve got friends with fishing boats that would take us out for a little while tomorrow.”
“Yay,” cheered Ross, jumping up to high-five Vinny. Vinny bent down to remind him who he needed to thank. Ross turned and ran to Jennifer, throwing his arms around her waist and hugging with all of his strength. Letting go of her, he turned to Gabe and threw his arms around him as well. Gabe bent to picked him up as Ross’ arms went around his neck.
“Thank you, Gabe. I love you, you know,” he said, with his face buried in Gabe’s neck.
Gabe’s gaze caught his brother’s as they looked at each other over Ross’ tow head. His heart pounded with completion and as they turned he saw his group of brothers-in-arms standing behind him. Each with an expression of pride as well.
*
The next day, Jennifer nervously stepped onto the boat, The Sea Glass. Holding tightly to Ross’ hand, she would not let go even as he squirmed. Gabe shared a look with his brother and parents. Patrick stepped up and said, “Here Jennifer, let me take Ross’ hand. I’ll show him the front of the boat where the men pull the nets in.”
The panic on her face was vivid, so Maeve moved in to say, “That’s a wonderful idea. Vinny and Gabe will be with him and then we can sit back here and chat a bit.”
Leaning over, Gabe kissed her forehead whispering, “I’ve got him, baby.”
She released Ross’ hand slowly, bending to make sure his life jacket was secure. Gabe squeezed her hand in reassurance. Breathing deeply, she dropped her hands and watched as Ross grabbed Gabe’s hand and the men moved to the front of the boat.
Maeve saw the tears in Jennifer’s eyes and throwing her arm around her shoulders, she moved them over to a cushioned bench near the back. The warmth of the spring sun was beaming down on them as the light reflected off of the water. Jennifer relaxed as she became accustomed to the movement of the boat.
Glancing at Maeve, she said, “I know I seem so overprotective. I’m not usually like this. I realized that ever since he’s been with me, we’re usually at the center and I have lots of people looking out for him. He’s allowed freedom, but I always knew he was with someone.”
Letting out a shaky breath, she admitted, “Ever since our lives became so complicated, I’m afraid all the time.”
“How was Ross after your talk last night?” Maeve asked, referring to the decision by Jennifer and Gabe to talk to Ross about the need for protection. They had done it in the comfort of Patrick and Maeve’s home with all the adults around, providing a sanctuary.
“He was concerned about bad men and definitely wanted his night light on. But, strangely enough, he wasn’t as afraid as I had thought. Instead, when I kissed him goodnight, he told me he’d protect me.” A tear slid down Jennifer’s cheek at the memory and she quickly wiped it away saying, “You must think me a mess.”
“Oh my dear, I think you’re doing a fabulous job in the middle of what sounds like a mess!” Maeve exclaimed. Leaning forward, she said, “You know, my Patrick and I couldn’t stop talking about you after you left the last time.” Seeing Jennifer’s face, she quickly explained. “We’re so proud of our boys. When they were active duty, I used to lay awake wondering if that knock on the door would come. That’s just being a mama, but I couldn’t help it. But we were so proud. When they left the military, I felt that they were somehow a little lost.”
Maeve looked out over the water for a moment, her mind seemed to wander and Jennifer waited until she was ready to speak. “Both of them had things that they never talked about – even with each other. As a mother, that just broke my heart. My boys had volunteered for missions that I knew were dangerous, but they served their country. And to think that whatever they had endured had changed them…well, it hurt. We’re lucky though. They never took to drink or drugs to fill whatever emptiness might be inside. Tony deciding to open his agency was a miracle also…those men are like brothers.”
“They are good friends to me as well,” Jennifer said smiling. “I’ve never really had that before.”
Maeve patted her hand saying, “You couldn’t ask for better.” Looking into Jennifer’s face, she said, “I know my boys weren’t saints when it came to women and their father and I so wanted them to find someone they could love and would love them the way they deserved.”
“I do love him, you know,” Jennifer said.
“Oh darling girl, that’s why Patrick and I couldn’t stop talking about you after we met you. We think you and Gabriel are perfect together. Now if we can just find someone for Vincent,” she laughed.
By then, the men were returning from the front of the boat and joined the ladies. Ross could not talk fast enough to tell Jennifer all that he had seen and learned about fishing.
“Look what I got! The captain gave it to me.”
Ross opened his hand showing a smooth piece of green glass. “It’s sea glass.”
Jennifer smiled as she bent to examine it, noticing her brother’s excitement. “It’s lovely.”
“He said that glass gets thrown into the water and over time the sharp edges become smooth from the rough water and sand. Then it looks like this.”
She ruffled his blond hair and smiled at the captain as she stood. The older man walked over and offered her a piece of sea glass as well. His face, tanned and lined from the wind and sun over the years, could not hold back the sparkle of his grey eyes. “I also told the little lad that people, just like the glass, can become polished and beautiful from the rough effects of life.” Leaning down closer to her, he whispered, “Your Ross is fine and gonna grow up into a good man. All the things in life that threaten to beat him down will just end up polishing him into the kind of man you want him to be.” With that, he pressed the small, smooth glass into her palm. With a nod, he walked back to the bridge of the ship.
Jennifer stood for a moment, tears filling her eyes, barely noticing when Gabe stepped over to lead her back to the seats.
Maeve moved over to curl into Patrick’s embrace and Jennifer did the same with Gabe. The party headed toward the harbor and Jennifer discovered that she was no longer afraid of the water. Wrapped in Gabe’s strong arms with Ross right at their side, she felt a completeness she had never known. Nothing can touch me as long as we are together. No harm will come to us now. Closing her eyes, she lifted her face to the sun, letting its warmth soak into her soul.
Gabe looked down at the princess pressed into him and the familiar pang hit his heart once again. The sunlight caught the blonde curls, sending them shimmering down her back. How can this tiny woman have come to love me? His gaze moved to the tow-headed boy leaning into his other side. Jesus, I’m a lucky fuck. Vowing to keep them safe, he joined them in closing his eyes and letting the warm sun fill him with peace.
*
Michael and Santo met in his opulent office as the evening sun was setting over the city. Santo noticed that while Michael was agitated, he gave the appearance of calm, offering him a whiskey poured from his cut-glass decanter into crystal tumblers.
Settling back behind his desk, they
drank in silence for a few minutes. Finally Michael began to speak, as Santo stayed respectfully quiet.
“My great-grandfather came to this country from Italy and started a little grocery store in New York in the early 1900’s. His wife complained of the cold winters and so he left his business and settled in Virginia. He had nothing but the money saved from selling his little store. He was smart though. Started another little store and became successful. He found that many people during the depression had spent their money and needed credit from his store, which he gave willingly. But…found that some people needed a little persuasion to pay their bills when it was time.
“My grandfather, as a young man, proved himself worthy of his father by making sure that people were…encouraged to pay what they owed. My grandfather took over the business when he became older. By then, there were several groceries and they expanded. Knowing that war was coming, they bought up old warehouses on the river’s edge that had emptied when times were tough. And having the foresight to know that they would be useful to the government during wartimes…well, let’s just say that by the time America joined the Great War, my grandfather’s business acquired top dollar for the old warehouses. He changed his name from Gambelini to Gibbons.”
Santo continued to sip his whiskey and listen attentively.
“Being German or Italian during the war was not popular and my grandfather was a master manipulator. He buried the name change so that there was little to lead back to the original name. There were a few owners that wanted to hold out for themselves, but by then my grandfather was rather relentless in his business dealings. What he wanted he got. If someone held out…well, the men who worked for my grandfather would go in and when they were finished…there was no impediment to the buyout. The interesting thing was that my grandfather was able to hide all of this underneath his legitimate businesses. He was brilliant.
“My father had been a pacifist during the Vietnam war. He didn’t want to go and from what I understood from my grandfather, my father had been a great disappointment. Not wanting to go into the family business or the war, he fled to Canada, where I was born.”
Gabe: The Alvarez Security Series Page 22