by Ginger Ring
“Pleasure’s all mine.” Jasper didn’t let go. “Wait. Do I know you?”
Chapter Four
Jasper
It came back in a flash. He knew this woman. Well, not as much as he’d liked to, but they’d met last fall at Stephanie’s book signing. She was a reporter. He dropped her hand. Journalists were the worst, so why was she here talking to Maddy?
“Don’t you work for the paper?” The last thing they needed was someone nosing around the place.
“I used to. Then, one morning, Madison came in to place her help-wanted ad for the winery, and I was lucky enough to get the job. It was time for a change.” She tilted her head to the side, and a thick strand of red hair fell across one eye until she brushed it away with graceful fingers. What the hell? Graceful fingers? He’d had too much coffee if he was noticing people’s digits. She was a hottie, though, and hard to forget. Her rejection last fall when he’d asked her out on a date still burned.
Out of nowhere, it dawned on him that that was when his downward spiral had started, and she was probably to blame. It both bugged and intrigued him. Until now, he’d not even given her a second thought.
“You were the first to apply.” Her boss spoke up. “I wasn’t sure I’d get any capable people, so I was excited about Jackie’s experience in writing, advertising, and organization skills.”
“So, you’re no longer a reporter?”
It’d be great if she wasn’t.
“Nope. The only stories I wrote at the paper were fluff, anyway. Nothing exciting ever seems to happen around here.” Jackie picked up her pen and twirled it around her fingers.
His gaze locked on Maddy’s for a moment. If her new hire only knew all the stuff that took place in their territory. “Where are you from?” Jasper took a seat again.
“Chicago, but I went to school at the University of Madison for journalism. The job wasn’t what I thought it would be.” Her gaze lowered to the table.
“Good.” Jasper stopped. “I mean, it’s not good that it didn’t work out but that you’re moving on to bigger and better things. Hopefully. That is. Now here. At the winery.” He couldn’t recall ever stuttering before. So uncool.
“Jasp, what are you rattling on about?” Madison teased.
“You know how your husband feels about the press. He wouldn’t be happy about a reporter working here.” That would be the last thing they needed. “No one likes gossip.”
“I’m sorry. What?” Jackie frowned.
“It’s nothing.” Madison shook her head. “My husband is kind of high-profile and hates attention. Let me worry about him.” The front door opened, and they all turned. It was his boss, followed by Arlo and Dominic.
“Looks like the whole crew is here now.” Madison stood, and Roman kissed her cheek. “Jackie, I’d like you meet my husband, Roman. And this is Arlo and Dominic.”
Jackie stood, greeted, and shook hands with each but only spoke to Dom. “I was there at your wife’s book signing last fall. You’d just proposed. It was one of the most romantic things I’d ever seen. Do you have a brother?” she joked.
Dominic just shrugged it off. “We aren’t married yet. Soon.”
“Well, you made her very happy. Anyone could see that.” Jackie blushed.
Jasper remembered that moment. Everyone had stood in line for Stephanie to sign their book, but when Dom showed up, he’d handed her one that was already inscribed. Dominic’s heartfelt message to Stephanie was written inside. It was then that he got down on one knee and proposed. All the ladies in the room swooned, and all the men thought, how the hell do you top that?
He studied the young woman giving Dom the attention and did a double take. It wasn’t just last fall that he’d seen her; it was a couple weeks ago. He’d bet his left nut that she was the beauty walking down the sidewalk. There weren’t many redheads in town, and this chick was the right height and had the same length hair.
“Do you ever go to the Java Shop?” he blurted out, and everyone glanced at him like he’d grown another head.
“Me?” Jackie placed her left hand on her chest, and he almost jumped with joy that there was no ring there. Damn, there he was gawking at fingers again. “Ah, yes. Why?”
“No reason. I just saw someone leaving there a couple weeks ago and just now thought it might have been you.”
“I used to stop by there on the way to work. I just live a few blocks away.” Jackie took her seat again. “What? Did I fall on my face or something for you to remember me?”
“No. I just remembered the hair. You know what they say, don’t ya?”
She just shook her head and stared.
“Gentlemen prefer blondes, but real men prefer redheads.” Jackie blushed and looked everywhere but at him. As soon as he got home, he’d have the tech guys get him her address.
Stalker much?
The others rolled their eyes or groaned until Roman finally said something.
“It was nice meeting you, Jackie. I hope you’ll feel at home here and enjoy your time working with my wife.”
“Thank you. I’m sure I will.” Her cheeks pinked even more with all the attention switched to her.
“So, why are you all here?” Madison sat back down next to Jackie.
“I’m having the guys check out the storage rooms. I know everything’s been inspected, but I’m just double checking to see if anything else needs to be done so it’s all up to code. Dom’s going to work on that railing that’s loose and go over the plans for the break room.”
“All right. Thanks for doing that, guys. We won’t keep you.” They started to leave, but she stopped them. “Oh, and Arlo, I have something to ask. It’s about the charity event. I need you there next week and any of the other guys you can spare.” She smiled at her husband.
Roman put his hands in his pockets. “When is this?”
“Next week. I need some bachelors for a charity auction.”
“Oh, hell no,” Arlo spoke up.
“Come on. I’ll make sure Layla bids on you.” She winked.
Arlo was huge. Nothing seemed to rile him, but this had him tugging at the collar of his shirt.
“Sorry. I need him that night,” Roman said, and Arlo sighed.
“But—” Madison started.
“No buts. We’re busy.” Roman’s word was final.
“Where am I going to find enough guys in that short amount of time?” Madison was clearly panicked, but Roman just shrugged.
“We could contact the local police and fire department for any single men that might be interested in helping,” Jackie volunteered.
“There you go. Sounds like Jackie has it all taken care of.” Roman turned to leave.
“But—” Madison said again.
“No buts. You can have Jasper, but that’s it,” her husband replied firmly.
“What? I never said I’d do it,” Jasper sputtered. He loved attention, but having a bunch of rich society ladies bid for a date with him was just messed up. It seemed almost desperate.
“You’ll do it.” His boss pointed his way.
Jasper exhaled and hung his head. You didn’t argue with Roman. Ever.
“Now, let’s go. We’ve work to do.” Roman led the way. Everyone knew that what Madison wanted, Madison usually got. She rarely did ask, but it was a sign of respect to their boss. If she asked Jasper to dance naked on the table, he’d be stripping now. Fortunately, it was only a charity auction. With his luck, it’d be some rich older women that won a date with him. Not that he didn’t appreciate a woman of experience, but as he took a quick glance back before he exited the room, he kind of had a hot redhead in mind.
Jasper pointed at Madison. “We’ll talk later.” She just smiled and waved.
The winery had some big tanks and vats. He knew shit about wine making, but it seemed pretty scientific. Everything was either stainless steel or wooden. No one spoke as they passed all the equipment and into a storage room. That space had arches on all the walls that looked lik
e openings to other areas, but they were fake. All except for the one in which Roman removed an ornamental piece of trim and inserted a key. A door shifted out, and they walked into a hidden room.
Once it was closed behind them, Roman addressed the men.
“Dom, I’ve added you to the list of keyholders, since you might be here more than the others. Most of the stuff will be coming in from the other way and stored here, but sometimes, we will need to get things from this side as well.”
There were various crates and other items covered by drop cloths about the room.
“That brings me to this.” Jasper swallowed as Roman pulled up a painting and set it on the table. “That was quick thinking on the Studd deal.”
Roman removed the covering to reveal one of the rocker’s prized paintings. “He gets to collect the insurance money for it being stolen. We will be getting part of the cash. We also get to sell this piece, which should go for well over a million.”
“How will we sell something that’s this famous and listed as stolen?” Dominic scratched his head. “It’s a fucking Picasso.”
“The tech guys have a site on the dark web. A type of lost and found, so to speak. Studd lost it, and we found it, so we’re selling it. We also have the option for people to request things that we might be able to find as well.” Roman rested his backside on a nearby desk.
“Won’t the police be investigating the theft?” Arlo folded his arms in front of him.
“Yes, they will be, and they will find nothing of suspect on any of the security tapes. The tech guys have taken care of sweeping them clean during any of our visits.” Roman had thought of everything.
“So, we’re art dealers now?” Jasper knew the painting was valuable, but it wasn’t his taste, that was for sure.
“That and other things. Guns, jewels, gold. There are certain wine, beer, and alcohol that’s only available for sale in this state also. We’re going to bypass that here. Anything our clients want, within reason, we’ll get it for them.” Roman smiled. “At a very high price, that is.”
“Art dealers and bootleggers.” Jasper laughed. “Never a dull moment.”
“What if they want something we can’t get? It’s not like everyone that owes us money is going to have expensive art to just hand over?” Dominic leaned against the wall. He was dressed in his usual jeans, t-shirt, and flannel shirt. Or, as Stephanie called it, the “cross between a serial killer and hot lumberjack” look.
For the next couple hours, Roman went over more of the details for the operation. They had several details to work out, but they would also be getting a new member of the family soon—a highly paid, highly sought-after jewel thief.
“When’s this person coming?”
“Soon. They’re in Europe right now. Acquiring a few orders that have been placed already.”
Jasper met Dom’s gaze. Things were changing all the time. Technology was making old ways out of date, and they had to adapt to keep up.
“Any questions?” Their boss stood and made eye contact with each man.
“No, but if anything comes up, I’ll be sure to ask.” Jasper shoved a hand into his pants pocket. The other two men just shook their heads.
“Okay, let’s go. Dom and Arlo, you come with me, and I’ll show you the other entrance. Jasp, you stay here with Maddy.”
They followed him out, and the three left, leaving only Jasper and Madison still out front.
“Where’s the new girl?” He took the chair that Jackie had been sitting in. Her subtle perfume still lingered. It was citrusy mixed with the scent of flowers.
“Since I need guys, I sent her with a flyer to the cop shop and fire station.” She rested her jaw on her fist. “At least I have you signed up.”
“About that.” Jasper smiled.
“Yeah?” She lifted one eyebrow.
“I’ll do it on one condition.”
Madison exhaled. “And what’s that?”
“You have to make sure Jackie Smith bids on me and wins.”
Chapter Five
Jasper
It was another collection day. They only had five stops, and they didn’t include any celebrities or aging rock stars. Ordinary people were much easier. No cameras or security guards to catch them visiting the premises. The tech guy always let them know first if there was any surveillance in the areas anyway.
Arlo rode shotgun today. The big guy was in one of his moods. Jasper preferred working with Dominic, but with someone always needing to be with Maddy at the winery, they didn’t have much of a choice. There were other soldiers on the payroll, but Roman only trusted a few with his precious wife, and Oscar must have been needed elsewhere today. Dom would be with her all morning while they made their stops.
Lucky bastard.
Jasper wouldn’t mind more shifts there, as he could hopefully get closer to Jackie.
Collections were easy. Take payment or dole out punishment. However, if they didn’t have the money, it was sometimes a bitch finding the person. The family lent money at high interest. These days, most people in a pinch could go to the bank or just put things on a credit card, but if they were into things that required cash only or didn’t have that option, the Caponellis were their new best friend. If they could pay them back, that was. If they couldn’t, then they were their worst enemy.
The first time the debtor didn’t cough up the money, it was a warning. Maybe just verbal, sometimes a physical reminder if they became belligerent. The second time always left a mark and often involved a body part being removed or broken. Often a finger or, if the person needed all digits to make money, a toe nipped or a knee bent might be the better option. One guy offered up his ear. That was messy and ruined a nice jacket Jasper loved.
This was old school mob shit, but it was effective. People were too soft these days. Everyone still thought they could just plead their case and get off easy. The mob never let anyone off easy. That showed weakness and was bad for business. There was no begging or filing for chapter thirteen if they didn’t have the funds.
One of their stops today would be the person’s third visit. If they didn’t pay, he’d be dead. That’s why Dom worked at Madison’s place in the morning. If needed, he’d be free to clean up their messes later in the day.
“Who’s first?” Jasper rubbed his jaw.
“Ricky,” Arlo grumbled.
“I hate that dick.” Jasper had a knack for identifying lowlifes, and this guy made a snake appear tall.
“Agreed.” Richard Harrison was a jerk. Hopefully, he wouldn’t pay, and they could rid the world of the bastard. “I called the garage he works at, but they said he was home sick today.”
“Guess we’ll be making a house call, then.” Jasper scratched his chin and stepped on the gas.
They drove out of town and down a long winding road. Ricky lived with his wife in an old farmhouse. By the look of it, it’d seen its better days back in the twenties or earlier.
They parked, and Jasper walked to the front door, while Arlo went around back. If they had a runner, they wouldn’t get far.
Standing to the side of the door, Jasper knocked and waited. It wouldn’t be the first time someone shot through a door. He wasn’t taking any chances.
“I’m coming,” someone hollered, and their footsteps could be heard creaking on the weak floor from inside. A blonde woman answered, but he couldn’t see her face.
“Richard home today?” Jasper tried to see inside.
“Who wants to know?” She still wouldn’t meet his eyes.
“He owes me some money, and I’m here to collect.” The woman frowned and finally raised her gaze to meet his. A bruise had recently formed on her face. It was a nasty red color, and her swollen eye watered. There were also a few cuts on her cheekbones. The kind fighters get when a fist causes the skin to split. Jasper tightened his fists. If Ricky did this, his death would be painful and drawn out, for sure. “Did he do this?” He spoke so only she could hear, but the door was suddenly flung
open before she could answer.
“Hey, I was just on my way to see you. Thanks for saving me a trip.” It was Richard. His cheeks were red, and the pupils of his eyes twitched. Only ten in the morning and he was already drunk as a skunk.
The man slapped a wad of wet cash in Jasper’s hand. He was sweaty and smelled of booze and cigarettes. Flipping through the bills, Jasper was never so disappointed to have someone pay in full. Even the interest was accounted for.
Damn.
“It’s all there.” The man belched and crushed a beer can in his hand. “Anything else?” Yeah, Jasper wanted to crush the guy’s skull.
“No. We’re square.” The door slammed shut. Jasper folded the cash and stuffed it into his pocket. It was time to leave, but he couldn’t get his feet to move.
“Let’s go.” Arlo was back by the car, and Jasper finally headed his way.
“You drive.” Jasper threw him the keys and climbed into the passenger seat this time. “Did you see anyone else in there?”
“No, just the two.” He started the car, and they traveled back down the road, keeping an eye on the rearview mirror. Neither would put it past the guy to shoot them in the back.
“That his wife?” Jasper crossed his arms over his chest. The urge to give Ricky a black eye burned in his chest.
“As far as I know. I knew Rick was a no-good prick, but I never heard any word about him being abusive,” Arlo grumbled. He must have glimpsed her from the window as well.
“Money problems cause people to do stupid things, but that’s never an excuse to hit a woman.” Jasper shook his head.
“Agreed. I was hoping he wouldn’t pay.”
“Me too, but it’s all here.” He patted his pocket.
“We could throw it out the window,” Arlo joked.
“Yeah.” Jasper chuckled. “Wonder where it came from? He didn’t have it the last two times, and suddenly, it’s all accounted for.”