“I just need to know that I’m more than a piece of ass to you.”
Tanner leaned over and kissed her. When they separated, he smiled.
“Of course you’re more than a piece of ass; you’ve got a great rack too.”
Sophia punched him in the stomach.
“You’re such an asshole.”
“Can I drive now?”
“Yes, take me home.”
They were back in traffic when Sophia asked her next question.
“Exactly what went on with you and Sara Blake?”
“We made peace, and for real this time.”
“She’s a crazy bitch, but she is good looking; just how friendly did you two get?”
“We slept together twice.”
“What?”
Tanner grinned.
“I’ll tell you the whole story, after.”
Sophia smiled.
“Oh, you think that’s going to happen tonight, do you?”
“I live in hope.”
“Dream on. And the first thing I’m going to do is take a shower. My hair smells like smoke from that damn fire.”
“That was a very close call, wasn’t it?”
“If Sammy hadn’t known about that tunnel...” Sophia said, and then trailed off as a shiver passed through her.
“I guess that means I owe the kid one for saving you.”
“If anything had happened between us, would you have hurt him?”
“I’m not the jealous type.”
“That’s good to know,” Sophia said.
Tanner stared over at her, but Sophia had turned away.
CHAPTER 8 – Travel plans
The following morning, Sammy arrived at Laurel’s place and parked across the street, inside the underground parking garage.
As he emerged from the darkness of the garage, he saw that there were men guarding the brick townhouse.
They were three of the men who had been at the club the night before, including Big Ralphy. After climbing up the stone steps, Sammy was greeted by all three men with smiles, and they thanked him once again for saving their lives during the fire of the night before.
Once inside, Sammy found that Merle and Earl were there. He had only seen the brothers wearing suits and chauffeur caps, and was surprised to see them in jeans and T-shirts.
Joe sat across from them at the table, while reading the newspaper, and after letting Sammy inside, Laurel had gone upstairs.
Sammy smiled at Merle and Earl.
“What’s with the long faces, guys?”
“That fire damaged the limo; it was just the paint job and tires, but now we’ve got nothing to do.”
“I think Uncle Joe has plans for you, right Uncle Joe?”
Joe lowered the paper.
“What plans?”
“Tennessee, you said that you were sending someone with me.”
“These two?”
Merle smiled.
“I’ll go. Earl and me love Tennessee; it’s almost like being home in Arkansas.”
Joe shook his head.
“I had someone else in mind, Sammy.”
“Who?”
“Tanner.”
“What?”
“You couldn’t ask for better backup, but first I have to see if he’ll do it.”
“I don’t need Tanner to hold my hand, Uncle Joe.”
The doorbell rang, and Merle and Earl went to answer it.
Joe folded the paper up and leaned towards Sammy.
“I believe you can handle yourself, but Bobby Volks is serious business and I’d feel better if you had Tanner backing you up.”
“Why him?”
“There’s no one better, but like I said, I still have to ask him.”
“I don’t like it.”
“You don’t have to,” Joe said.
Tanner walked into the kitchen with Sophia at his side. Sammy took one look at them and excused himself.
“I’ll be in the living room.”
Tanner watched him go, and then turned to look at Pullo.
“You said you had something to ask me?”
“Yeah, but do you two want coffee?”
“No thanks, we’re going to lunch when we leave here,” Sophia said, and then she pointed towards the hall. “Is Laurel here?”
“She’s upstairs, go on up.”
“All right,”
After Sophia left, Joe asked Tanner if he’d back up Sammy.
“If we find Volks, will the kid pull the trigger?”
“Yeah, I gave him a little test last night on Anton and he passed. He also hates Bobby Volks.”
“That’s right, Volks killed his father.”
“Yeah, so it’s personal, and I know it’s not your normal thing, but I’m hoping you’ll say yes.”
“Why not just send me alone? If what I heard about him was true, Volks was a handful; there’s always the chance that the kid won’t make it back.”
“He needs this, Tanner. Plus, if he makes his bones on Volks it’ll give him a rep, you know?”
Tanner smiled.
“You’re grooming the kid, aren’t you?”
“I won’t live forever, and he is Sam’s grandson.”
“He means a lot to you?”
“Yeah, like blood.”
“I’m in, and I won’t interfere unless it looks like the kid is in trouble.”
“His name is Sammy.”
“Right, Sammy, Sammy who wants my girl.”
“Is that going to be a problem for you?”
“Yeah, I think it is, but not the way you mean.”
“I don’t get you?”
“I think Sophia wants him too.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah,”
***
Upstairs, Sophia lay back across the bed and spoke to Laurel, who was seated at a vanity table and applying red polish to her nails.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I thought you chose Tanner?”
“I did, but I can’t get Sammy out of my mind.”
“I can’t tell you what to do, but I will say that Tanner is not likely to ever settle down.” “He said as much last night, so it’s not like he’s stringing me along, and Sammy, why does he have to be so damn young?”
“That’s not a bad thing, is it?”
“Maybe not now, but what happens when I’m fifty and he’s still in his thirties?”
Laurel grinned.
“I see you’ve given this some thought.”
“What should I do?”
“Follow your heart.”
“That’s no help.”
“I know, but it’s what people say.”
***
Sammy wasn’t pleased that Tanner had agreed to come along on his quest for vengeance, and Merle and Earl looked even less so.
“Who said you two were going anywhere?” Joe said.
“We could help,” Merle said.
Tanner smirked at the brothers.
“You two really want to be around me? That hasn’t worked out very well for you in the past, you know?”
“We just wanted to take the trip down so we could check on our farm in Sawyer’s Creek. Arkansas is just across the Mississippi.”
“You two own land?” Joe said.
Earl nodded.
“It’s only about fifty acres, but it’s ours, ours and Laurel Lee’s.”
“What’s ours,” Laurel asked, as she and Sophia came downstairs.
“Daddy’s farm, we still own it.”
“I didn’t know that. When I went back to look for you two, the place appeared abandoned, and the house was damaged by a fire.”
“Lightning burnt the front porch, “Merle said. “But the land is still ours, ours and yours, and with the limo down, this would be a good time to go home and take a look.”
“If you two want some time off, take it,” Joe said. “I’ll even pay your airfare.”
Merle and Earl thanked Joe, and then asked L
aurel if she wanted to come with them.
“I can’t just now, but you have a good time back home.”
“Okay, that takes care of pleasure,” Joe said. “Now, on to business, Tanner, how soon can you go?”
“We’ll leave in two days; I have preparations to make.”
“Go where?” Sophia said. “You just came back.”
“Joe asked me to lend Sammy a hand.”
Sophia stared at Sammy.
“Is it dangerous?”
“It won’t be for me,” Sammy said.
Sophia spoke to Tanner while still staring at Sammy.
“I want to talk to Sammy alone.”
“Fine, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“We’ll all be in the kitchen,” Joe said, and gestured for Merle and Earl to follow.
When they were alone, Sophia moved closer to Sammy.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m going after the man who killed my father.”
“The Russian, Bobby Volks?”
“Yeah, did you ever meet him?”
“No, but I know his reputation. Is that why Joe is sending Tanner with you?”
“Yeah, but Sophia, what do you care? I’m sure that no matter what happens Tanner will come back to you in one piece.”
“I want you to come back, Sammy. Kill Volks, but you come back here.”
“Again, what’s it to you? You made your choice last night, you chose Tanner.”
“That doesn’t mean that I don’t care what happens to you.”
Sammy reached out and pulled Sophia closer.
“Don’t do that,” she said.
Sammy kissed her, and this time, Sophia kissed him back.
CHAPTER 9 – A cynical bastard
Laurel’s townhouse had a small wooden porch at its rear. It looked down on a minuscule patch of grass that the real estate agent had called a backyard.
Although the area was smaller than most rooms, Laurel had beautified it with flowers and an ornate bird feeder.
Tanner sat with Joe on the porch and discussed business.
“What are these preparations you have to make, Tanner?”
“I’m going to get phony ID’s for Sammy and me. I also think that once we land, we should separate.”
“The ID’s are a good idea, but why separate?”
“This town we’re going to in Tennessee, Rainberry? We don’t know what we’ll be walking into. It’ll be best if we don’t advertise that we’re together, and Volks will be less wary of us separately than if we came as a pair.”
“Yeah, I see your thinking, and the town only has a population of about 2,000.”
“Volks picked a good place to hide, but he should have cut all ties, by staying in contact with that man, Fedor, he screwed himself.”
“I appreciate you doing this, and no matter what happens, make sure Sammy stays safe.”
“I will, Joe,” Tanner said, and then he turned and looked through the screen door and into the kitchen. Laurel was there with Merle and Earl, but there was no sign of Sammy and Sophia.
“Something wrong?” Joe said.
“I’m not sure.”
“Sophia and Sammy?”
Tanner shrugged.
“Is that going to be a problem?”
“No. I’ll keep the kid safe.”
“You’re not exactly lucky in love, are you?”
“Is anyone?”
“You’re a cynical bastard.”
“So I’ve been told.”
***
Sophia broke away from Sammy as his hand moved beneath her blouse, and then she gazed at him with tears forming in her eyes.
“That shouldn’t have happened.”
“But it did, and it happened because you wanted it to, face it, Sophia, you want me as much as I want you.”
Sophia held her hands up as if she were signaling someone to stop.
“I need time to think. Can you understand that?”
“I understand, will Tanner?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll talk to him when we leave here.”
“Okay, at least I know that I still have a chance.”
Sophia hugged herself.
“Oh God, I’m so confused.”
“I’m not. I want to be with you and no one else for as long as you’ll have me. Can Tanner say the same?”
“I doubt it.”
“Uh-huh, think about that while I’m gone.”
Sophia wiped away a tear.
“I doubt I’ll think about anything else.”
CHAPTER 10 – Talk to me
MEXICO CITY
Michael Krupin arrived at Mexico City International Airport with two of his men.
The airport was massive and extremely busy, and Krupin and his bodyguards weaved their way among the throngs of passengers and made it upstairs to the Hilton Hotel.
As planned, they entered the Carlo’s Place bar, where they took in the stunning view of the runways, and watched flights take-off and land.
They were soon joined by a group of five men, only one of whom talked, and the handsome young Mexican said that his name was Juan Alvarado.
“My father was intrigued by your offer Mr. Krupin, and he has asked me to escort you to a meeting place.”
Alvarado’s English was excellent, if accented, and he carried himself like someone who was born to power.
“My men and I are ready when you are,” Krupin said.
“Your men will not be coming along, but we’ve arranged accommodations for them in the hotel.”
Krupin swallowed hard.
“You want me to come alone?”
“Yes, I’m sure you understand.”
Krupin didn’t understand, but he also saw no reason why Alvarado or his father would want to hurt him, and after all, he needed an ally.
“I’ll go with you alone, no problem.”
Within minutes, Krupin was climbing into the rear of a limo with Alvarado and two of his thugs, as Alvarado’s other two men rode up front. When the blindfold came out, Krupin squirmed.
“Is that necessary?”
“It is, or you can go back to New York City empty-handed.”
“All right,”
The blindfold went on, the limo roared to life, and Michael Krupin went off to meet his new partner.
***
Sophia and Sammy walked into the kitchen just as Tanner and Joe were coming in from the porch.
Laurel sensed the tension, and asked Merle and Earl to join her in the living room, on the pretense of discussing their trip home to Arkansas.
After Laurel left with her brothers, Tanner looked at Sophia and saw that she wouldn’t meet his eyes.
He then looked at Sammy and found that he was already staring at him.
“We’ll leave the day after tomorrow on an early flight, but meet me at—.” Tanner looked at Joe. “Where will you be working out of now that the club is gone?”
“I own part of a sports bar. I’ll be using the back room temporarily.”
“Fine, give us the address, and I’ll meet Sammy there tomorrow night to go over things.”
“If we fly down, what will we do for weapons?” Sammy asked.
“I’ll handle that,” Joe said. “The Family has got contacts all over the country.”
Tanner caught Sophia’s eye.
“Ready to go, or has there been a change in plans?”
“Yes, I’m ready.”
Tanner and Sophia said goodbye to everyone, and after driving only a few blocks, Sophia pointed out a restaurant that she liked. Tanner placed the car in a parking lot that was nearby, and they walked back to the restaurant in silence.
When the food came, it all looked delicious, but Tanner couldn’t help but notice that Sophia barely tasted it.
He reached across the table, took her hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Talk to me.”
CHAPTER 11 – Be cool, stay in school
Later that day, when Joe arrived at th
e ruins of The Cabaret Strip Club, he spotted two familiar faces.
Carl, the club’s lead bartender, stood beside the club’s best stripper, Skye, and Joe was surprised to see that they were holding hands.
“Hello, you two.”
When they turned to look at him, Joe saw that Skye had tears in her eyes.
“I spent a lot of time in that building.”
“Don’t feel too bad, Skye. I plan to rebuild.”
Skye managed a smile.
“That’s good, Joe, but I’m retiring; I’m getting my real estate license.”
Joe looked at their clasped hands.
“Are you two dating?”
“Can you believe it?” Carl said. “She likes me, a woman who looks like this.”
“Skye’s got good taste, Carl, and so do you. By the way, if you’re looking for work, drop by The Americana Sports Bar on Sixth Avenue. Tell a guy named Jonesy that I sent you. They can always use a good bartender.”
“Really? The Americana? Great, I’ll do that, and thanks.”
Joe left the couple and went to talk to the insurance man who was estimating the damage to the building. Joe had two bodyguards with him, but they hung back while keeping an eye out.
When he was done getting the bad news about the insurance coverage, Joe turned to find FBI Agents Tamir Ivanov and Justina Moretti walking towards him.
“Give me some good news; I could use it.”
“Too bad,” Ivanov said. “We dropped by to let you know that Michael Krupin is in Mexico, and if I had to guess, he’s not there for the tequila.”
Joe grimaced.
“He’s looking to hook up with a cartel.”
“That’s what we think too,” Justina said.
“I know you’re winning, but make peace, Pullo; make peace before this city becomes a war zone.”
“You said it yourself the first time we met, Ivanov; the war will end when somebody wins.”
Justina moved closer to Joe.
“These cartel people play in a whole different league. If they want you gone, they can make it happen, and they’ve been known to wipe out entire families. Put your ego aside and make peace with Krupin, if not for yourself, then do it for those you love.”
“I hear you,” Joe said. “But if Krupin is in Mexico it’s already too late.”
***
Krupin guessed that they had been on the road for well over three hours by the time the limo stopped and parked.
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