Critical Play (Michael Cailen Book 3)

by Mel LeBrun

  “He’s not dead,” he informed her.

  A confused look crossed he face. “But Tim said there was no doubt.”

  “He lied.”

  “Why would he lie about that?!” Jessica said not knowing who to believe anymore.

  “He was trying to protect you. He wasn’t sure he could tell you.”

  “I don’t understand. What happened?”

  Michael took a deep breath as he prepared to explain. “Your father made an agreement with the CIA. He offered to supply them with everything he knew. He is the reason we were able to find the man behind the sale of the nuke. And he has been supplying the CIA with valuable intel on other criminal operations around the world.”

  “Why would he do that? What is he getting out of it?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing?!” she said in disbelief. “That’s not my father.”

  “Jess, I don’t know how else to say this but he gave up everything. He’s been stripped of his wealth, his influence. His whole way of life.”

  Jessica couldn’t fathom why he would do that. “It must have been his only option,” she reasoned. “He needed their protection.”

  “That’s just it, Jessica. He didn’t.”

  She was dumbfounded. “Why would he do that?” she muttered to herself, still not comprehending his reasons.

  “Apparently, he’s hoping he can have a relationship with you,” Michael said.

  Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened as she had a sudden realization. “I told him if he gave up the life he was living, stopped doing those bad things, he could have been in my life.”

  Michael let out a smile as if everything now made sense. “Your father loves you more than himself, Jess.”

  A steady stream of tears fell from her eyes at the realization of what her father had done. She was flooded with mixed emotions. She had despised him for so long it was hard to let go of that feeling. But at the same time, she loved him and deep down wanted to have a father. It would not happen overnight. But for the first time, there was hope of rebuilding their relationship.

  LATER THAT afternoon, Jessica, Michael and Tatiana returned home, as did Josh and Jinx. No longer in danger, the CIA agents assigned to watch over them were recalled. It seemed almost surreal to be home again.

  It was nearing dinner time and after raiding their freezer and cupboards Jessica was able to plan what they would eat. As she was thawing some chicken, the doorbell rang.

  “I’ll get it,” Michael yelled out.

  As he approached the front door, he spotted Corvo’s car in the driveway. He opened the door with a huge smile on his face, happy to see his friend. Corvo was standing at the door holding flowers and a large teddy bear.

  “Lance,” Michael exclaimed. “Come on it. I’m so happy you stopped by. Are those for me?” he teased.

  With a tame smile, Corvo replied, “The bear is for Ana and the flowers are for Jess.” He held them out to Michael.

  Michael refused to take them, insisting instead that Corvo give them to Tatiana and Jessica himself. It was the last thing Corvo wanted to do. He was still struggling with his feelings for Jessica and didn’t think it would be wise to be around her, especially when Michael was there.

  “No, I can’t stay,” Corvo explained. “Just tell them I said hi and that I’m glad everyone is safe.”

  Feeling somewhat baffled by Corvo’s demeanor, Michael took the gifts. “I’ll tell them.”

  “Thanks,” Corvo said. “Look, I’ll catch up with you later.” He smiled, trying to mask his true feelings. “I’m glad you’re home.”

  Though he tried to cover it, Corvo’s words could not have been more insincere and Michael picked up on it. As Corvo walked away Michael looked at the gifts in his hands trying to make sense of what was happening.

  Corvo was almost to his car when he heard Michael calling out to him, “Lance! Wait up.”

  He turned to see Michael jogging towards him. His pulse quickened, but he tried to remain calm.

  “What’s up?” Corvo asked, trying to appear at ease.

  “Lance, Jess told me what you two did to throw off the agents,” Michael said, referring to their kiss on the front steps.

  “Oh,” Lance took a step back, wondering how Michael felt about it. “I thought she might.”

  “I want you to know, I’m not threatened by it,” Michael assured him. “I understand. And I probably would have suggested the same thing if I were in your shoes.”

  Corvo nodded and smiled nervously. “That’s good to hear.”

  Despite his words and attempts to appear normal, the clear lack of eye contact gave him away.

  “Lance, what’s going on?” Michael finally asked.

  Corvo shook his head and let out a nervous laugh. “Nothing.” He smiled again. “It’s just been a long day, that’s all. I’m a little tired. Sorry if I seem strange.” He forced himself to look Michael in the eye.

  Michael’s penetrating gaze only served to deepen Corvo’s anxiety. He desperately wanted to get away before the conversation developed any further.

  “Look, I should go,” Corvo said and tried to turn away.

  “Lance, you don’t love her,” Michael stated.

  Corvo’s heart nearly stopped. “What?”

  “I know you,” Michael said calmly.

  Corvo stood frozen in horror as his worst fear was being realized. Michael knew how he felt. He could say nothing in reply.

  “You don’t love her,” Michael insisted. “How many times have you told me you could never be with someone who’s so emotional?” he reminded him.

  Corvo felt like his heart was about to explode it was pumping so fast. “Michael … I don’t …”

  “Lance, you’re just lonely,” Michael reasoned.

  Corvo felt sick. He had no idea how to respond. Denying it at this point would be futile. He felt like the lowest scum on earth and in that moment prayed for death.

  “Listen to me, Lance. I understand. I’m not angry,” Michael spoke reassuringly. “But you need to realize something. The work you do is lonely. You can’t tell people you work for the CIA and so you are forced to hide a large part of your life. It’s hard to feel close to people when you feel like they don’t know who you really are.”

  Corvo had to admit he was right.

  “But you don’t have to pretend with Jessica,” Michael continued. “She knows who you really are. And that’s appealing.”

  Though Michael was right again, Corvo couldn’t bring himself to vocalize it.

  “But come on, Lance. You know better,” Michael laughed. “With your mouth and her emotions. You two wouldn’t last one month.”

  Corvo shook his head, disgusted with himself. “I know you’re right, Michael. Honestly, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just wish I was dead right now. And frankly, I really don’t understand how you’re taking this so well.”

  “Mostly because I trust my wife,” Michael admitted. “If I thought there was any chance something would happen, you’d probably never be found.”

  Corvo chuckled nervously. “That’s the response I expected.”

  “Look, Lance. Take some time. Get your head on straight. When you’re ready, call me. We’ll go out for a beer.”

  It was hard for Corvo to understand the mercy Michael was extending. “You’re a better friend than me.”

  “You have to be a friend to have a friend,” Michael said.

  “Please don’t tell Jess,” Corvo begged.

  “I won’t.”

  “Thank you, Michael.” Corvo looked Michael in the eyes feeling oddly relieved at having his horrible secret revealed to the one person that mattered.

  “Don’t be a stranger.” Michael said warmly before turning back to the house.

  ONCE THE financial backers of the terrorist group were exposed, it didn’t take long for the authorities to recover the stolen nuke. With much to lose, the wealthy men who had funded the purchase of the weapon denied having any kn
owledge of illegal activity, claiming they believed they were funding a charitable organization. Due to some powerful connections in the Saudi government, the men involved would never face any charges yet with some political maneuvering they were “moved” to assist with the nuke’s recovery. After his arrest, Ivchenko basically ceased to exist. There was no trial. It was never made public. For most involved it went without saying that Ivchenko was being held in some deep dark hole somewhere in Russia until they had gained all they could from him. After that, it was anyone’s guess what they would do with him.

  Chapter 45

  Balloons decorated the Cailens’ house and cars were already lined in front making it was obvious they were hosting a party. Jessica was in the kitchen attempting to help Jinx with the food.

  “I’ve got this covered, Jessica,” Jinx protested. “If I need help, I’ll ask your mom. Now go sit with your guests and relax.”

  “It’s my house. I want to help.”

  Jinx raised her eyebrows and looked sternly at her. “Do I need to call Michael?”

  “Come on, don’t be ridiculous,” Jessica said.

  Michael stepped in the kitchen at that moment. “Did I hear my name?”

  “Please make your wife sit down,” Jinx said.

  “Out of the kitchen,” Michael ordered and started escorting her from the room.

  “There must be something I can do,” she insisted.

  “There is,” Michael answered. “Why don’t you see if Tim, Martin and their wives want to play dominos?”

  Jessica rolled her eyes and gave up on helping with the party. “Fine.”

  “By the way, where’s your father?” he asked.

  “He’s in the nursery with Allison,” she answered. “Probably fighting with my mom over who gets to hold her.”

  “That sounds about right,” he chuckled.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be grilling with Josh?” she asked.

  “Yes. I just came in for more barbecue sauce. Don’t be checking up on me,” he teased.

  “Before you go back outside, can you just check on Irina and see if she needs anything?”

  “I saw her a few minutes ago. She’s teaching Ana how to knit. I told Ana to get her whatever she needs.”

  Jessica smiled. “I'm so glad Ana has her.”

  After saving his life more than once in Russia, Michael couldn’t leave Irina there unprotected. He offered for her to come to America to live near him and Jessica. After much deliberation, she decided she had nothing to live for in Russia and agreed to come. Gatti arranged for her entry to the US while Michael and Jessica fronted the money. They set her up in a nearby assisted living facility and she became as one of the family. They included her in many family outings and had her over for dinner nearly every night. It was a far cry from how she had been living. These days it was rare to see her without a smile on her face.

  The doorbell rang just then.

  “I’ll get it.” Jessica gave Michael a look that said he’d better let her do it.

  “It’s all yours,” he grinned and kissed her lips.

  Jessica eagerly opened the front door and found Dmitri, Ivan, and Timur standing on her doorstep with gifts in their hands.

  “Dmitri!” she exclaimed as she reached her arms out to hug him. “I’m so happy you made it.”

  Holding a gift in one arm he hugged her with the other.

  “Of course I would come.” He smiled. “Now, when do I get to meet the new addition to the Cailen family?”

  “Come on in. I’ll go see if she’s awake. In the meantime, I know Michael would really like to see you guys. He should be out back on the grill.”

  After showing the guys where they could leave their gifts she led them outside to where Michael was. He and Josh warmly greeted them.

  “How’s the leg, Ivan?” Michael asked.

  “Almost like new,” Ivan said happily.

  “Glad to hear it.” Michael then turned to Dmitri. “How’s retirement?”

  Dmitri laughed and took a deep breath. “Boring.”

  Michael and Josh chuckled, knowing how he felt.

  As Jessica was on her way to the nursery the doorbell rang again. This time it was Corvo.

  “Well hello, stranger,” she said with a smile. “Long time no see. I’m so glad you made it. We never see you anymore!” She gave him a big hug.

  Corvo took a deep breath and smiled. “I’ve been super busy. It’s good to see you.”

  “Well come in.” She held open the door. “Dmitri just got here. He’s in back with Michael and Josh if you want to say hi.”

  “Yeah,” he agreed. “Thanks.”

  As Corvo went to meet the guys outside, Jessica continued upstairs to the nursery. She quietly opened the door and stepped in the room. Her father, Jeff, was sitting in the rocking chair holding his newborn granddaughter. Jeff’s ex-wife, Jessica’s mother, sat nearby watching them.

  “As soon as she wakes, she’s mine,” her mother explained with a smile.

  Though divorced the two were able to be civil to each other, even friendly. Though he was angry when she first left, Jeff never blamed Elaine for it. He knew it was by and large his fault. Yet once Elaine worked through her own problem with alcohol addiction, she realized she also carried some of the blame for things that happened. Probably the most significant factor in them being able to work out their issues though was discovering their daughter was still alive and the uniting effect that had on them.

  Jessica kneeled down in front of her father and gazed at her beautiful baby sleeping peacefully in his arms. She would have never thought that her father could change so dramatically. In the months he had spent living under CIA protection, he had become a different person. Though there were things he still needed to work at, his temper was probably the most noticeable change. He had become a softer, gentler person.

  “Well I may have to take her away from both of you,” Jessica said. “Everyone wants to meet her.”

  “They can wait,” Jeff said.

  Jessica gave him a look.

  He sighed. “Fine. As long as I get to hold her again.”

  “Dad, you will have plenty of opportunities to hold her.”

  Jeff relinquished his grip on her and reluctantly let Jessica take her. The shift from her grandfather's arms to her mother's was enough to wake Allison. She looked up at her mommy, still half asleep.

  Jessica smiled down at her and gently caressed her head. “Let's go meet the rest of the family.”

  THE END

  About The Author

  A Connecticut native, Mel LeBrun’s love for writing began in her early teens. After being laid off from work, she found herself with a lot of time on her hands and decided to use that time to finally bring to life a story and characters that had lived in her imagination for years.

  She chose to self-publish to be able to focus on her writing and not have to deal with the time consuming and energy-sapping corporate world of the publishing industry. By self-publishing she can quickly get her work in the hands of readers and then get back to what she loves, writing. When she’s not writing, Mel likes to get away from it all in the great outdoors.

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