Amanda's Return

by June Kramin

  “I know a great burger place. I’ll call in for a variety, I’m not taking special orders.”

  “That’ll be fine.”

  He kissed Mandy goodbye and nodded to Angelo as he pulled out his cell phone.

  The drive took Hunt twenty minutes, which was perfect. The person that took the order said it would be ready in twenty-five. Quick in, quick out. No hassles. Immediately after stepping inside the restaurant, a man called out to Hunt. “Hunter Blaine?” Shit.

  Hunt spun around and faced a man in a sheriff’s uniform. “Eric?” The two men shared a hearty handshake.

  “How the hell have you been, you old dog?” he asked Hunt.

  “Doing good. Married now, have a daughter. Just came back home for a quick visit.”

  “You? Married? If that don’t beat all. Congrats, man.” They shook hands again. “I haven’t heard anything from you since the night all hell broke loose.” Eric was one of the men on the scene when Mandy and Hunt had the final shoot-out at the cabin that left Craig Abbey and a few of Vince’s men dead, and Vince and Hunt shot. “Nothing near that exciting has gone on since. Sure beat the piss out of a stolen bike here or there, not that I want to see that kind of carnage again anytime soon.” He stared at Hunt, making him suddenly uneasy. “You kind of fell off the grid. I talked to Roy a while back trying to check up on you. He said you moved to Europe or something.”

  “Yeah. We’re kind of here and there lately. Wife has some family money and likes to do the travel thing.”

  Eric pulled him aside and lowered his voice. “You’re a lying sack of shit.”

  Hunt grinned. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

  “Relocation?”

  “You could call it that.”

  “Then showing up back here isn’t for pleasure or the smartest thing, is it?”

  “No, but it had to be done. Just pretend you never saw me, okay?”

  “Anything I need to know?”

  “Not at all. If there was anything to worry about, I’d contact your department. I didn’t even bother Roy with this.”

  “You’re not making me feel better.”

  “I swear you’re fine. I wouldn’t—”

  “Shit in my backyard. Yeah, I still don’t feel better. Care to stop by and fill me in, anyway?”

  “We’re leaving in an hour or so. Nothing to tell. You have to trust me on this. Please.”

  Eric sighed heavily. “I’ll trust you, but the minute anything changes, I want to know.”

  “You have my word.”

  Hunt was grateful Eric drove away in the opposite direction. But he would have to take extra care in getting back to the cabin just in case he was being tailed. So much for it being a good idea to send him. The hostess called his name, and he walked over to get his order.

  After getting everyone set up with their food, Hunt and Mandy walked down to the lake to eat alone.

  “Any trouble in town?” Mandy asked. “You’ve seemed a little distracted since you got back.” He explained about running into Eric. “You sure you weren’t followed?”

  “I’m sure. I took a round-about way here and doubled back a few times.”

  “I’m sorry I had you go. I should have done it.”

  “We’re okay. Did you get much out of Angelo?”

  “He was sleeping with Heidi, but you already figured that.”

  “You go easy on him?”

  “Of course, Hunt. I’m here for information, not to play mother.”

  “Anything he tell you lead to any bright ideas?”

  “Not really. We talked for a bit about Face, Gunner, and the rest of the gang. Things seemed like they changed a bit, but I can’t really put my finger on it.”

  “What’s changed? Think of what bothers you the most.”

  “I can’t say. When I worked with Angelo, we were more like bosses to Face and his guys. The way Angelo talks, it’s more like they’re a team.”

  “Is that not good?”

  “I’m not sure. I don’t know why it sits so funny with me.”

  “Did it affect a chain of command?”

  “Didn’t seem to. Essentially they answered to Angelo, but they ran a number of deals on their own and reported back to him. Angelo said he was really beginning to slide into not caring what they did on their own. He received crap from Eddie about it, but as long as Face gave Angelo his share of everything, Eddie cut him some slack.”

  “Is this when he was drinking himself into a stupor? Maybe Gunner felt someone needed to take over. Maybe he’s pushier than Face was.”

  “That’s probably it.”

  “And while Gunner was taking charge, Angelo was sleeping with Face’s girlfriend, who was probably getting anything she could out of him to help Gunner with his undermining.”

  Mandy closed her eyes. “Dammit. I’m an asshole.”

  “But you’re my asshole, babe. You just needed to talk it through. You’re too close to the situation, and so is Angelo. He was probably too loaded to think anything he was saying was of any importance. He no longer gave a shit and just wants out. He’s not purposely hiding anything; he just doesn’t care. This whole Heidi mess didn’t get us any specifics.”

  “Yeah, but it helps. We know she was getting something, just not what. We need to figure out if Gunner was getting info to Face and how involved he is from behind bars. We don’t know if he’s behind the killings and if Angelo was unknowingly helping him.”

  “Still a stretch. I wouldn’t put too much blame on the boy’s pecker for the killings. If any of the mob is going to get capped, they don’t need a specific location given away. It can happen anywhere.”

  “True enough, I guess. Obviously Gunner still has a certain amount of loyalty to Face, even if he thinks he may never get out of prison. We didn’t catch anything in the transcripts, but it doesn’t mean it wasn’t happening somehow.”

  Hunt gave her a kiss. “We could have called and gotten this much, you know. We didn’t have to take a five hour drive for this and a burger.”

  She grinned. “I know. I just really needed to check on him. I did pick up something else coming here, though. We got talking once he got comfortable. I don’t think he would have thought to just spill it, and I wouldn’t have known to ask.”

  “What was that?”

  “From what Angelo has told me, things have changed since I’ve been out of this mess.”

  “Continue.”

  “This deal tonight is going down with a group we didn’t deal a lot with before. Angelo made it sound like they’ve more or less joined forces and work as a team now. This is the biggest deal they’ve ever done together. I really should be there.”

  “Unless there’s unforeseen traffic again, we’ll make it in time, babe.”

  “Can I start warning you now to keep your cool tonight?”

  “Why? Someone in particular I won’t like?”

  “The head honcho, Sully, and I didn’t really click.”

  “I won’t ask you to define that.”

  “Thanks.”

  “One more little thing about the drive.”

  “And that is?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t secretly want you to stop at the house. I never would have asked for that.”

  “I know that, too.” He picked up her hand and gave it a kiss. “I’m not new here.”

  “We need to hustle back now if we are going to hit that deal tonight.”

  Hunt stood and offered her his hand. “Let’s go get him tucked back in and get going.”

  Once they reached the cabin, Mandy turned to Hunt. “I’m going to take a minute and say goodbye to Angelo. I’ll meet you at the car.”

  “No problem, babe.” He waved to Angelo as he walked around the corner.

  “You okay out here, or do you want help back in?”

  “I’m actually enjoying the fresh air. I’ll stay for a bit. I’ll holler for help when I’m ready. You’re leaving already? That was a s
hort visit.”

  “It’s all the time I can afford. Eddie had a fit as it was that I was coming here.”

  “He didn’t want you seeing me?”

  “That’s not it. He’s just being Eddie and trying to be in control of everything. I don’t really care. I needed to know you were okay.”

  “And find out where I’ve been sticking it.”

  “It was relevant.”

  “I know. Sorry to sound like a dick about it. I’m beginning to understand what the phrase ‘cabin fever’ means.”

  “It’s only been a few days.”

  “Yeah, but those two are driving me crazy.”

  Mandy crossed her arms. “You should be having fun catching up with your sister.”

  He shrugged. “A little, I guess, when they aren’t banging their brains out.”

  “Stop being a grump.” Mandy walked over and gave him a kiss on his forehead. “I’ll come back again next chance I get. You heal up.”

  “Just get this wrapped up before the morning sickness sets it. Sex sounds are one thing. If I have to listen to her yacking, I’ll puke myself.”

  Mandy stopped dead in her tracks. “What?”

  Chapter Forty-Two

  “Didn’t she tell you?” Angelo asked. “Angie’s pregnant.”

  “Un-fucking-believable.” Mandy stormed into the house and shrieked, “Angie!”

  Angie slid off the couch and came over to her. Hunt ran into the house, eyes wide.

  “What’s wrong?” Angie asked.

  “You’re pregnant?”

  Hunt shook his head then went back outside.

  “Yeah. So?”

  “So? What are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking I love Darin, and I’m having his baby.” She crossed her arms. “What’s it to you? You don’t want this life. Good for you. The man I love is here, and that’s where I’m staying.”

  Darin appeared and wrapped his arm around her. “We’ll get married as soon as we get back.”

  “Does your father know?”

  “I’ll tell him when we get home. You said to keep the calls to emergencies only. Don’t you tell him either. I want to do it.”

  Mandy ran her fingers through her hair. “You’re all idiots.” She stormed out of the house and joined Hunt. “Just leave. For God’s sake, just go.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Mandy was silent for a long time. Hunt knew her well enough to give her space. Anything he would say could bite him in the ass bad.

  “I’m not only upset about her being pregnant,” Mandy finally blurted out.

  “I know, babe.”

  “She’s too young for starters and an idiot about her choice of a father.”

  “I agree.”

  “She needs to get away from these people, not play house with them.”

  “Absolutely. You are completely right here.”

  “Don’t patronize me, Hunt.”

  “I’m agreeing with you. How is that patronizing you?”

  “You’re just agreeing to shut me up.”

  “No, I agree because I agree. That’s no life for her or for a baby.”

  Mandy rested her head on the window. “It’s not fair.”

  “I know.” Hunt placed his hand on her thigh. “Babe…you can’t live their lives. They’ll do what they’re going to do no matter what. Don’t let it upset you.”

  She sat up straight. “Watch your speed. There’s a cop car up there.”

  Hunt tapped his brakes for a minute, but when he got a better look at the car, he floored the gas pedal.

  “What are you doing? Hunt! You’ll get us pulled over!”

  “That’s the point.”

  “Are you insane?”

  They flew past the police car at seventy-five miles an hour. The cruiser’s lights came on and hurried after them. Hunt chuckled as he pulled over.

  “I’m glad you’re happy with yourself.” Mandy crossed her arms and leaned back in the seat. “I can’t imagine how a two-hundred dollar ticket will help things.”

  “Babe, I’d know that fat head anywhere.” Hunt stepped out of the car and walked towards Roy with his hands behind his neck. “Don’t arrest me, officer. My foot was stuck on the gas pedal.”

  Roy laughed hard. “Blaine, you son of a bitch.” The two men exchanged a hug and a back pat before they broke apart. “What the hell are you doing around here?”

  “Between you and me? Family business.”

  Mandy walked up, and Roy gave her a warmer welcome than Hunt expected. “I have to say it’s actually good to see you, Mandy. I see you’re keeping our boy in shape here and not letting married life get the better of him.”

  “He’s an okay guy to have around.”

  “How’s Hannah?”

  “She’s an absolute doll. Thanks for asking.”

  Roy turned back to Hunt. “Should I be worried about why you’re here?”

  “If you need to worry, you’ll be the first to know.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  “Whoops. You’re right. You’ll be the second to know. I’ll call you right after I’m done with Eric.”

  “Eric? You involved Hamburger Harry and not me?”

  Hunt laughed. “You lose one eating contest to the man and you hold it against him for life. And no, I happened to run into him at Hamburger Heaven.”

  “See. Bastard was practicing.” Roy grinned then winked at Mandy.

  “Look…I really need this on the down low. I don’t want you up there. There will be no problems, and you’re out of your jurisdiction, anyway. I couldn’t ask for your help if I wanted it.”

  “You have someone up at the cabin?”

  “The general area. There won’t be any problems. I honestly thought about calling you when we sent them up there, but it’s really not an issue. Especially not for you. Just trust me on this.”

  “I would have been out a boss and friend if I trusted you last time.”

  Hunt sighed. “This is different. Look, I saw you and wanted to say hello. If I thought you’d give me grief, I’d’ve outrun your ass.”

  “Like you could if you wanted to. Who’s up there?”

  Mandy interrupted. “Roy, please. We needed a quiet place for Angelo.”

  “The kingpin’s son? What the hell for?”

  “We’re putting him into custody. I needed to handle a few things first.”

  “You’re back with the feds?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Oh, do define ‘not exactly.’”

  “She can’t,” Hunt said. “I won’t have you arresting my wife.”

  “You’re doing stuff with Menusco’s gang again?”

  “And I’m helping.”

  “What?” Roy screamed.

  “Chill, dude. It’s all good. I promise I’ll be in touch if we need you in any way.”

  “I don’t like this, but I’ll trust you. Call me.”

  “Only if I have to.” They shared a quick hug. “Great seeing you again, man.”

  “That’s sheriff-man to you.” Roy turned to Mandy and hugged her. “Take care of this oaf, would you?”

  “I will. I actually love that job.”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Hunt and Mandy were at the warehouse with Gunner when a large, white van with a laundry logo backed into the bay.

  “I’m going to get on the top of that building and get a bird’s-eye view,” Hunt said. “See if I can catch anything out of the ordinary.”

  “Like anything would be ordinary for you, watching a few hundred-thousand dollars of cocaine exchange hands.”

  “You know what I mean, baby.”

  “I know. I don’t like to be separated from you.”

  “I’ll be fine.” He kissed her before he took off for an alley across the street. From there he entered a building through an unlocked side door, climbed a few flights, and found a door with roof access.

  As Hunt watched from above, the access door boomed closed. He ducked down behin
d a roof vent. The gravel crunched under the newcomer’s feet as he headed towards Hunt. Wanting to be the one on the side of surprise, Hunt stood and aimed his gun. “Freeze!”

  The black man stood calmly with his hands at his side. “Freeze? Sounds like a cop thing to me.”

  “Maybe I watch too much TV. You are?”

  “Hammer. And you?”

  Hunt lowered his gun. “Well, shit. Must be the name they were handing out too freely.”

  “You Amanda’s boy?”

  “That’s me.”

  “I guess great names think alike. See anything unusual?”

  “Nothing moving down there other than our boys.”

  “Whoever the chicken shit is that’s causing the trouble hasn’t had the balls to come around a big deal like this. I don’t think they have the insight to really know what’s going on. They seem to pick our guys off out of the blue when they’re doing nothin’.”

  “You’d think if they wanted to hurt anyone, it would be in the wallet.”

  “In this case, it seems to be about thinning out the crowd, not about taking our product.”

  “That doesn’t seem right no matter how you look at it. Who exactly are you covering? You’re not one of Gunner’s men, right?”

  “We’re a little west of Gunner. This town is a lot of territory to cover.”

  “Who’s your guy?”

  “Sully. You writing a book?”

  “I need to know the faces, same as you. I may be the new kid on the block, but I don’t plan on keeping it that way.”

  “I’ve been waiting for Amanda to show up at our place and give us the scoop. I hear she’s Vince’s kid.”

  “You heard right. She’s glad to finally get the chance to get that out there. Vince held her back. She has plans to really kick some ass. Things have been pretty crazy since she’s been back, and we had some business to take care of today.” They were both silent for a while, as they watched what was going on below.

  “Sorry about Angelo. He was a good dude.”

  “Yeah. Mandy took it pretty hard. Just makes her more serious about everything, you know?”