Make it Rain (The Montclair Brothers)

by Terri Marie

  "I think that's everything," said Emma.

  "Okay, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to pull the car up to the door here when the coast is clear. Emma, I'll text you when to come out, and when you guys open this door, you hurry, and I do mean hurry. We can't risk being followed."

  "What if he's out there and catches you?" Emma looked at him with fear in her eyes.

  "I'd rather him get his hands on me rather than the three of you. No matter what happens, do not come outside unless I say. Emma, call 9-1-1 if you spot him. I doubt the police station knows that Robert has one of their sour apples with him." Tyler gave them each one last look before heading out the door. She knew if she called the police, the thugs would answer the call and show up here with lights blaring.

  Renee sent up silent prayers and tried to listen for any noises which would indicate fighting. She heard Tyler's footsteps as he ran from the building, but that was it. Once he was gone, no more sounds were heard until Emma's cell phone chirped.

  "Let's go guys, now!" Emma hurried and grabbed her purse and the few items on the couch that hadn't gotten packed, while Brian lifted the big suitcase.

  Renee threw her duffle bag over her shoulder and locked the door behind her. Emma was already climbing into the backseat with Brian, so Renee hurried and got into the front. She was thrown against the seat when Tyler stepped on the gas.

  Between the four of them, they were able to keep an eye out for Robert while navigating through a series of side streets to get to Montclair Pharmaceuticals. Once they pulled into the lot, Tyler drove directly up to the doors and put the car in park.

  "Is it safe to be here?" asked Renee, knowing that Robert had met Tyler and knew what he looked like. Emma had told her about his visit to the apartment, and now, Tyler was on Robert's shit list.

  "Get inside. I'll get the door." Tyler jumped out, quickly pressed buttons on the security pad and let the others go in ahead of him. He ushered them inside the elevator. Once the doors closed he called the head of security and locked the building down. Tyler quickly informed them of the situation, and to not even let cops on the premises without a warrant.

  "Renee, we're not staying here, but I have to keep my family safe. If Robert will go through me or Emma to get to you, then he could easily go through my brothers to get to me. I can't have that," he said, with pure conviction in his voice.

  Renee felt nothing but fear and extreme guilt. When had Robert turned to physical violence? After I put up a fuss over money and walked out, that's when. I should have stayed and put up with it to keep his temper from exploding like this. Now I've put everyone in harm's way.

  Within thirty minutes, Tyler had everyone inside of a supply room. Renee had met Sean, Jacob, and Vincent at prior catering events, and she hoped they wouldn't judge her too harshly for the predicament they were now in. Tyler introduced his brothers anyway.

  Brian's eyes grew huge. He began to swallow loudly, and his eyes darted back and forth between the Montclair men and the door.

  "Okay," began Tyler. "We're going to need transportation. We have to stay together."

  "I'll pull the dark blue van with tinted windows into shipping and receiving around back, but you guys have to be fast." He then looked at Tyler with softened eyes. "We'll get through this, Ty, we always do." He patted Tyler's shoulder.

  "If they see a vehicle with Montclair Pharmaceuticals on it, they'll know it's us," Renee anxiously said.

  "It doesn't have any writing or logos on it, but if a cop runs the plate, they'll know it's us." Sean responded to her right away.

  "Are the seats in it?" Tyler asked.

  "Yeah. We'll have to squeeze in though. I'll sit on the floor if need be." Sean answered.

  "Ty," began Vincent with a big smile on his face. "Uh, our grandmother died if anyone asks."

  "Let me guess," said Sean. "You had court appointments?"

  "Nah, that's in a couple of weeks. But I have a hot date who I'm standing up, for the second time," Vincent proudly smiled.

  "You're such a swell guy," laughed Tyler.

  "I think it runs in the family," said Emma as she glared at Jacob.

  "Sean, go get the van before we need an ambulance in here," Tyler said as he looked at Emma's angry face.

  Renee kept her eyes on Brian, who seemed beyond scared. She reached down and held his hand. "It's okay," she whispered up at him. The only person she was worried about was Vincent. Emma told her he was Tyler's lawyer. Hopefully, he could be trusted.

  Tyler glanced at Renee, and then at the young boy who looked absolutely defenseless. "Brian, you can trust my family. We'll protect you, no matter what." Tyler walked over and stood before the boy. After his brothers offered reassurance as well, he saw some of the tension leave Brian's face.

  Until the trial begins, thought Renee, but all she could do was muster up a nervous smile. She hoped she'd made the right decision, and hadn't led Brian into a trap.

  Chapter 18

  Tyler was on the phone with the two armed security guards he'd asked to follow him until they were away from Southfield. He maintained his speed, but it wasn't easy for him to obey the traffic signs. His guts were churning, and he had to get them far away, to someplace safe. If a cop tried pulling him over, the guards were instructed to call their precinct and get directions. There was no way he was going to stop on the side of the road.

  The forty-five mph freeway was hard to travel in many spots. There was heavy traffic near the entrance ramps, and Tyler knew that stopping in the middle of the road was just as dangerous as pulling over. Luckily, his security was keeping a close eye on him and staggering their tail.

  Everyone was crammed inside the van. It was meant to seat eight, but Tyler realized they meant two adults and six kids, or something along those lines. The seven adults were packed into the van like sardines.

  "There's 94," said Vinnie as he directed Tyler from the passenger seat.

  "Yeah I see it. You seem to have forgotten that we've lived in this city for a few minutes. Seriously, if I can't find I-94 by now, I should hang up my license," laughed Tyler. He was trying to decrease the tension in the van.

  "Yeah, yeah," replied Vincent as Tyler got ready to switch lanes and hop on the interstate.

  "Go north on 23 when we get to it."

  "Vincent, you need to stop it. If I go south, we'll end up in Ohio. I'm not going to cross state lines. Wouldn't the law just love that one. Plus, North seems to be the only option. I love you, but shut the hell up and let me drive." Tyler couldn't hide his agitation.

  "Where are we going?" asked Emma. She sounded more irritated than Tyler.

  "We're getting out of Southfield and heading north. Are you okay?" Tyler raised his voice so it'd reach her.

  "No!" she shouted.

  Tyler hadn't heard Emma get this mad since someone boxed her in on the parking lot and she couldn't leave for two hours.

  "Em," Tyler was just getting ready to ask her if she was getting car sick, when he glanced in the rearview mirror and saw the source of her fury. He couldn't pull over, and had no way to remedy the situation. As compacted as everyone was, there wasn't any way to change the seating arrangement without opening up the big door and letting some of them out first. He eyed his brother Jacob in the mirror, and shook his head. Tyler knew that his love-sick brother had piled in next to Emma on purpose. This is going to be a very long drive, he thought. "

  "Hopefully, she won't dig his eyes out," mumbled Vincent.

  "Jacob did it to himself. All we can do is hope for the best and clean up the blood when we stop." Tyler glued his eyes back on traffic. The further he drove out of the city, the fewer number of cars were around them.

  "At least he can go 70 mph now, instead of 45," said Vincent. "Maybe we can roll the windows down and let the wind dry up Jacob's blood after Emma is done with him. Then all we have to do is scrape it."

  "You're sick, Vinnie," laughed Sean from behind them. "Where're we going, anyway?"

  Vi
ncent looked over at Tyler and shrugged his shoulders.

  "Seriously?" Tyler was beside himself. "You're our navigator, and you have no idea where we're going? Vinnie, you told me not to worry, and that you'd handle it. Remember?!"

  "If I told you, it'd take the fun out of the mystery," protested Vincent.

  "Oh my God. You really don't have a clue as to where we're supposed to be heading, do you?!" Tyler was ready to reach over and ring his neck.

  "…No." Vincent didn't meet Tyler's or Sean's eyes.

  Just as Tyler was getting ready to lay into Vinnie, his phone rang. It was the guard, David.

  "We've got company. Robert's in the black Buick behind me."

  "Damn! I see him, thanks. Let me know if he starts to pull up beside the van. I'm going to try and lose him." Tyler stepped on the accelerator.

  "Got it," replied David.

  "Woah!" yelled Jacob.

  "Hang on everyone!" Tyler loudly instructed. "Robert's behind us in the black Buick in the right lane. Try to stay as low as you can!" Tyler gunned it. The van was flying at eighty-five.

  Vincent, while keeping his eye in the side view mirror, spoke calmly to Tyler. "Bro, we need to dump this van. We're going to have to separate."

  "I'm aware we're sitting ducks right now, but I can't exactly go speeding through these small towns off the highway and risk putting innocent people in danger. Think of a better plan."

  "There isn't a better plan. Get close to an exit, and slow down. Wait for him to get side by side with us, and then slam on your breaks. Back up on the shoulder of the road and take the exit. Let me jump out. I'll rent us a car and meet you some place."

  "That's not going to help, Vinnie. You'll be in a different vehicle, but everyone else will still be in the van." Tyler's patience was gone.

  "Keep repeating it Tyler, until you've dropped everyone else off at different exits. We'll pick a place to meet up." Without giving his brother time to respond, he picked up Tyler's phone in the cup carrier and hit redial. The guard answered it.

  "I can still see him," said David.

  "This is Vincent…"

  Tyler listened closely as Vincent informed David of their new, insane plan. When he was done, he handed Tyler the phone.

  "This is crazy, Tyler; but I understand it," explained David. "Robert could easily fire off a few bullets, and strike the gas tank, your tires, or pick you guys off through the windows. You have to get off of the highway, but be able to lead Robert right back on it."

  "I could get us all killed, David." Tyler could feel the sweat bead on his upper lip.

  "When we get to the closest exit, I'll stay on your ass to make sure no other cars get behind you. Do what Vincent said to do. And most importantly, let everyone know to brace themselves!" David laughed.

  Tyler didn't return the laughter. "Next exit is in two miles. I'm going to get in the left lane and slow down when we get close to the ramp. As soon as Robert comes up beside us, it's Indy time. Hang tight." Tyler got off the phone and put both hands on the wheel. He raised his voice and quickly explained the plan.

  "Oh, shit!" was the response by most.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Robert followed the big ugly van as it sped down US 23. The idiots thought they wouldn't be spotted when they left this morning. Robert cackled away as he fondled the cool metal revolver in his jacket pocket. After Ron the Sucky Cop chickened out and drove away from Stupid Emma's apartment complex, due to his fear of yellow paint on asphalt, Robert had almost snapped, but another great idea entered his mind instead.

  Blackmailing Ron the Sucky Cop, was easy. Ronald was a drunk. When he drank, he'd run his mouth. If you're a cop who steals cash out of the evidence room, don't blab your drunkin' ass off about it at a poker game. If you do, you'll become a bitch. Robert's bitch. A half a block later, Robert was at the rental agency, and Ronald was renting him this four-wheeled beauty. That's what friends were for.

  He knew Renee was holed up in the van with that Emma broad. Did they think he was stupid? He drove the rental car directly to the pharmaceutical company as soon as he received the keys, and waited. Robert couldn't see everything through the windows of the van, but he could make out Tyler's profile as he drove right past him. That jackass was probably sleeping with his wife. He must have thought he was being Mr. Important, trying to save the little skanks, as he attempted to sneak them away. He knew the three of them were inside. Easy pickin's.

  Buying the gun was easy. Robert found the first low-life he could, in downtown Southfield, and asked him where he could buy a gun. It was the day after his wife didn't come home. Ballsy move, he thought, as he laughed again. She'd pissed him off royally. Can you just imagine how stupid he'd felt to tell his poker buddies, there'd be no beer and munchies that night? After one lousy hand, the guys left. Robert would teach the bitch not to ever cross him again. He was gonna teach her real good.

  The goon following Tyler was a joke. Did they really think that Robert hadn't recognized him, when the moron was out at the security booth every day, raising and lowering the white gate? What a dumb freakin' job. He'd have to lose the car and get the van alone. Eventually, a vehicle of that size, was going to have to stop for gas. Robert would follow them to where they'd be staying and break the damn guard's neck instead of popping him one with the gun. He had to conserve his bullets. Robert couldn't be caught buying ammunition, so the meth-head gave him the two bullets he had for ten bucks each. Steep, yes, but watching the bodies twitch til the death would be worth it. He even named his bullets. One was Tyler, and one was Renee.

  Robert had no trouble keeping up with the speeding van. Did Tyler really think they could outrun him? He was going eighty-five with ease, and he bet the van was ready to shimmy right off the road. Suddenly, Robert had another grand idea. He'd just push the Buick a little harder and drive up to the van and wave his nice revolver. Maybe that'd cause them to panic and tumble off the road. A nice roll over and explosion would be just as satisfying as pushing a bullet through their heads. Robert pulled the gun out of his pocket and sat it on the seat beside of him.

  As Robert put on his blinker, like a nice law-abiding citizen, he moved from the left lane into the right. Maybe he could even nudge the decrepit guard off the road. Bashing them in the backend would be fun too. The impact would scare the shit out of them. As he sped his slick black car up the right lane to get next to the idiots, he watched with astonishment as the van pulled quickly in front of him. Just as he was getting ready to go back in the left lane, the van braked hard and flew to the shoulder of the road. Robert watched through the rearview mirror as the van fishtailed in reverse, and jumped on the exit ramp. There was no way he'd be able follow them. Pushing the accelerator all the way down to the floor, Robert headed for the next exit.

  He cursed at the top of his lungs.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Tyler rolled down the ramp at an even pace so he wouldn't flip the van. The traffic light was green when he approached, so he drove through and turned on the first side street, drove two more blocks, turned again, and stopped.

  "Vinnie, I swear to God. Keep me posted and stay out of sight!" Tyler gave him a quick hug as everyone else told him to be safe.

  "Go, Ty. I'm cool! Lure him back onto the highway. He's probably taken the next exit!" Vinnie jumped from the van and jogged up the street as he put his cell phone to his ear.

  Tyler looked in his rearview mirror and saw his two security men. He rolled down the window and gave them a thumbs up before pulling back out on the main road.

  "Sean," began Tyler as he quickly turned his head to address his brother. "Get up here."

  "Am I up next?" asked Sean as he climbed into the passenger seat.

  "You got your phone on you, right?" asked Tyler as he turned the corner. "Keep your eyes open for Robert. We need to get him back on the highway."

  "Yeah, and it's charged." Sean patted his side.

  Tyler's phone rang and he grabbed it. "Yeah," he answered. It was Da
vid.

  "Eddie is going to pull in front of you. I can see Robert. Go now through the light and hop on 23. Don't speed, because we need to give Robert time to follow us."

  "Got it." Tyler hung up the phone, and waited for his other security guy to pull out in front. Eddie waved at him as he passed.

  Once David, Eddie, and Tyler were on the highway, Eddie slipped back behind David and they continued on in the right lane. Tyler could see the fear on the faces of everyone in the back of the van, but he couldn't find any words to comfort them.

  Tyler heard Sean's phone ring and listened as he answered it.

  "Okay," said Sean as he opened up the glove box. "What's it called?" he asked as he fished a pen from his pocket and pulled out a map. After a quick pause he wrote something down on it. "See you there, Bro. Please be careful."

  "Was that Vinnie? Is he okay?" Tyler fought to keep his voice calm. He wasn't comfortable dropping his young brother off in the middle of a strange neighborhood while Robert was after them. While he'd watched Vinnie jog away, it occurred to him that it might be the last time he saw him alive.

  "Yeah, he's calling a cab company to take him to the Wilderness Creek Lodge in Benton." Sean folded up the map. "I know where it's at, just go."

  "I've never heard of it before. How do you guys know about it?" Tyler's curiosity peaked.

  "Bachelor party…don't ask," he replied.

  "Enough said." Tyler grinned but refused to let down his guard. "How many more exits are there?"

  Sean opened the map back up. "Only two before the lodge." He looked at Tyler and frowned.

  Tyler called David right away. "We're going to meet up at Wilderness Creek Lodge in Benton. Between here and there, we only have two exits. That's not enough to drop everyone off…"

  "I have an idea!" Renee called out.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Robert was seeing red. The little asshat thought he'd slip one over on him, but there was no outsmarting Robert Preston. If he could get close enough to the van, he was going to fire a shot at Tyler. At this speed, body parts would end up scattered all over the highway. That's what he'd do—I'll take the driver out, and then slow down to watch the show! Robert knew that hopping across the grass medium to head south, and get the hell out of dodge, would be easy. He'd get his kicks out of seeing pictures of the wreckage on the news, and he'd even clip out the articles and keep them. Robert slid the safety off of the revolver, and carefully held it in his right hand, while he steered with the left. Cool guys have revolvers, thought Robert. He knew how powerful and smart he was, but the gun made him feel a surge. Never having to think about Renee again, was a big fat bonus. She'd die in terror, getting flung around. Robert smiled.