“Christ on a Kayak!” Lou jerked when she noticed he had been laying on the chaise lounge for who knew how long. “Where the hell did you come from?!”
Niko ignored her and continued. “Did you know he was a doctor?” He asked.
“That little bastard is a doctor?” Lou squeaked. “The Asian houseboy?
“How lucky is that shit?” Niko chortled. “He’s clammed up tighter than a...” Niko scanned the faces of the ladies in the room and ended his sentence there.”
“That’s way too convenient for my liking.” Lou gave him a disapproving look.
“I swear to God! He really is! Connor nearly kissed me when the info popped up when we ran his prints.” Niko raised his hand as if to swear an oath.
Lou’s cell phone rang and when she looked at the display she put her hands up as if to surrender then answered, putting it directly on speaker. “Hi!” She squeaked again.
“Ladies?” Max’s voice asked.
“Yes?” Caroline, Abby, and Shevaun answered in unison. “Caroline and Abby, I mean.” Max qualified. “Not that you are not ladies, Lou and Shevaun, forgive me!”
“What did we do now?” Abby asked.
“Nothing. Are you finished packing for Lou?” He asked them.
“Yes.” They answered in unison again.
“Then would you be so kind as to drag Niko and Frank out of there and give Lou some peace before she needs to get moving?”
“You bet.” Abby told him as she stuffed Lou’s toiletry bag in the duffel with her shoes. “Go bring her bags downstairs.” She pointed to Frank.
“Aye aye, capt’n!” Frank messed Lou’s hair up like she was a little kid then bounced off the bed to follow Abby’s orders.
“Help me get my stuff out of my car and into yours.” Caroline walked out onto the balcony and dragged Niko off the chaise by his arm.
“As you wish, my lady.” Niko replied in his best British accent. “I’ll get you some breakfast.” Shevaun kissed her daughter on the forehead then headed downstairs.
It had taken Max only thirty seconds to get Lou some peace and she nearly forgot he was on the phone still. “Better?” He asked and she couldn’t help but smile.
“Much.” She replied.
“I’m sure it will take a bit for you to digest where events currently stand, but I hope you will try and de-stress a little before this afternoon’s meeting.” Max really wished she could let the case go long enough to really be comfortable with what was to come.
“You’ll go over things with me during the flight?” She was feeling very insecure.
Max sensed her trepidation. “One of the advantages of having our own plane is that we have complete privacy.”
Lou snorted. “We. Our. Your plane, big guy. I just work here. Barely.”
Max grinned. “I expect an adjustment period, but you will learn. It’s we. Anything you need before then?”
Lou thought for a moment. “So everything is really in its place as far as my case is concerned?”
“How would I know anything about that, Detective?” Max teased. “You’re the cop. See you in a few hours.” He hung up before she could protest.
Lou grumbled when she realized he had disconnected the call then grumbled again when she realized she didn’t know where her coffee had gone. After spotting it on the nightstand, she grabbed it and took a few gulps before dialing Dillon.
“Why are you up?” He asked her when he picked up.
“Good morning to you too, sunshine.” She mocked. “Is everything these invaders here are telling me true?”
“You mean about everything being wrapped up tighter than a...”
Dillon stopped before he could say something inappropriate. “You are hanging out with Niko way too much!” Lou scolded.
“Yeah, is this all true and you are just finishing paperwork for me?” Dillon laughed. “Just finished the last page.”
“What about all the hard drives and everything?” She asked him. “We’ll talk about that on the plane.” Dillon clearly didn’t want to go there over the phone.
“Got it.” Lou understood and should have thought about that before she asked. “When is that exactly?”
“I’m meeting you guys at the Aegis hanger in Van Nuys at noon.” He told her.
Lou felt a little better. “Once again, really glad one of us knows what the hell they’re doing!”
Dillon laughed. “Go take a shower and eat something. Sorry about just dumping you in your dirty clothes but you were out cold.”
“Huh?” Lou looked down and realized that not only was she still in the clothes she had been wearing for over twenty-four hours but she had her shoes on too. “Aw gross!”
“See ya later, partner.” Dillon continued to laugh as he hung up.
Lou set her phone on the charging pad then got up and stripped her bed immediately. She made a mental note to ask Marta to soak the mattress in disinfectant while she was gone. Lou wondered if her clothes would ever get clean or if she would ever want to wear them again. Not wishing to make any hasty decisions, she tossed them to the side and climbed in the shower as directed and tried to wash the death and destruction off her body. She spent far longer in there than she planned, but the hot water just felt so good on her bones that she couldn’t help it. After wrapping herself up in her robe that was easily two sizes too big, she wandered back into her room to fix herself another cup of coffee but was distracted when she heard something out in the yard. Lou snuck up to the window and peeked out to see what was going on. Off in the distance, near the edge where her parent’s property ended and her namesake park began, Lou saw Max lying on his back in the grass being attacked by her two puppies. They were still so new to her that she hadn’t thought to miss them, but they were clearly being well taken care of as she watched Max laughing and playing like a little boy. He had purposely moved to the back of the yard to avoid being spotted and Lou knew she was witnessing a rare moment. The pure joy as she watched the white puffs leaping onto his chest and licking his face while he squirmed in pure delight literally filled her eyes to overflowing. If she hadn’t known for sure before, she knew in that instant she was in deep trouble. She was in love.
There were serious advantages to owning your own sixty-five million dollar luxury jet. Being able to drive right up to the Aegis International hangar then stroll right up the airstairs without having to wait in any lines, show your identification fifty times or take off your shoes was truly decadent. Despite Lou’s stepfather being filthy rich, their lifestyle had been very middle America, save for the current family home, that is. Lou had only ever flown budget coach despite Joe’s numerous offers to pay, or at least spring for an upgrade. Lou would have none of it. She made her own way and earned her keep, always. Today, however, was ultra decadence and Lou was very grateful that Caroline had vetoed what she had planned on wearing. Lou usually wore sweats, a t-shirt or sweatshirt and easy on and off shoes to file through security and squeeze into her cramped coach seat. Caroline wouldn’t allow such a fashion disaster. Instead, she made Lou wear a caramel colored cashmere pantsuit that she didn’t even know she owned.
When Lou had stepped on the Gulfstream she was taken aback by the sheer opulence. The creamy white leather of the seats, the huge windows, the glossy dark wood that she had never seen before. Even the galley towards the back was amazing with the quartz countertops, two sinks, convection oven, sparkling crystal and china all in its place. There were even fresh cut flowers in crystal vases on what appeared to be the bar and the table that separated her and Dillon from where Max and Niko sat. Caroline and Abby sat in the front two seats while Frank parked himself on the sofa. It was all a little overwhelming, least of all the fact that it was the first time Lou had been face to face with Max since she had told him she missed him. Having to sit across from him for an hour had her heart racing and her palms started to sweat. Thankfully, Niko had them get strai
ght to business bringing everyone up to speed on the Black Blood situation. Lou had no idea there was even another person on the plane until a lovely young lady in a proper flight attendant uniform brought a plate of fresh fruit for them to nosh on as well as coffee and juice. She was beautiful and elegant with her light brown hair slicked back in a tight bun, perfectly manicured nails in a nude tone that coordinated with the interior of the plane. Once again, Lou felt very self-conscious.
The flight seemed like it lasted forever thought they had been in the air only thirty-five minutes. Once the flight attendant cleared the dishes, they were on the ground and the cabin doors were being opened for them to deplane. As Lou walked down the airstairs, she could see the luggage was already being loaded into the two limousines that were waiting only yards away. Yes, this beat flying commercial coach any day of the week. The drive to the hotel took about twenty minutes and though Lou had stayed at the Golden Nugget numerous times before whenever she visited with her parents, she had never seen this side of the hotel. They were greeted personally by A.J. Madden, the V.p. Of hotel operations, who escorted them to the ninth floor where they all would be staying. A.J. went through their itinerary as they rode up the elevator to make sure it met Max’s exact specifications, including the room assignments for the other Principates who were staying on the floor just below them. There was a pair of armed security guards stationed just outside the elevator as they exited and were lead up the corridor. A.J. handed each of them their keys as they passed each room, starting with Niko and Dillon, who were sharing a room on the left while Abby and Caroline were sharing the one on the right but down the hall a bit further. Their room was technically across the hall from Frank. At the very end of the corridor, Lou was given the key to her room that was on the left and finally Max, who was across from her.
“I appreciate everything, A.J.” Max thanked him.
“It’s always an honor to have you and your people with us, Mr. Julian.” A.J. was genuinely gracious. “As usual, we have a team in place to assist with anything you need at any time. Do not hesitate to call, day or night.” He turned to face Lou. “It’s a pleasure meeting you Detective Donovan. I’ve taken the liberty of leaving a list of contacts for your team on the desk in your room. As I said, please do not hesitate to call if you need anything, and I do mean anything.” The man smiled brightly as he shook her hand. “I’ll leave you to get settled in. Have a beautiful afternoon.”
“Thank you, very much.” Lou couldn’t help but feel special with the V.I.p. treatment.
“Oh!” A.J. stopped short. “I almost forgot!” He grinned. “Your player’s cards are in the folios on your desks as well. They have been credited with your requested balances so you can just pop them in any slot or stop by the cashier for chips if you prefer.”
“Perfect.” Max was clearly pleased but Lou was confused and he could tell by the look on her face. “I’ll explain later.” He grinned at her.
“If you say so.” Lou had no clue what any of what the man just said meant.
“Excellent. I’ll leave you in peace then!” The pleasant man turned and headed for the elevator, leaving Lou and Max standing alone in the hall.
“You have time to take a nap before our meeting if you like.” He looked at his watch and noted it was barely after one. “The other Principates should be arriving here at about four.”
“The meeting is in your room?” Lou had missed that part of the briefing in the elevator.
“Yes.” Max smiled. “It’s very secure and clearly discrete.” He gestured to them being at the end of the hall.
“No, I’m good with that.” Yet again, Lou was feeling very awkward.
“Or you have plenty of time to do a bit of gambling if you like?” He was asking. “Ah! The players card!” Max explained that he took the liberty of setting up a casino player’s card for her, and the rest of the gang, complete with a little playing money. “Your pin code is your birth date but if you want to change it, just call down and they will help you with that.”
“That’s fine! It’s extremely generous and kind of you, and totally unnecessary.” Lou wasn’t sure she could feel any more awkward.
Max chuckled. “Consider it a business write-off for the company. See you at four?”
“Okay. Thank you for all this!” Lou was really overwhelmed and out of her depth. “I could have taken care of my own stuff, you know?”
“Was I presumptuous with the arrangements?” Max suddenly felt a twinge of panic. “I sincerely apologize if...”
“No!” Lou laughed. “Everything is amazing! I just feel like a burden. I can carry my own weight is all.” The expression on Max’s face made Lou feel much less nervous. She could see that he was feeling a bit out of his depth too and that made things much easier for her.
“You could never in a thousand lifetimes be a burden.” He hated that she could ever think of herself as such. “Get some rest, or go play.” He smiled again. “I know this is business, but I would like you to relax and have a bit of fun if you can.
“Thank you.” Lou dared to brush her hand along his arm as she thanked him. It was another bold move, but it was an instinctual one. She seized upon a rare moment of them being alone in that hall. Something she doubted would happen again during their trip.
His heart skipped a beat, but he managed not to stammer. “My pleasure, truly.”
Lou turned and slid the key card in the slot then stepped into her room, propping her back against the door to catch her breath as soon as was it shut. When she managed to open her eyes, her breath was once again stolen when she looked at her accommodations. This was not the single room deluxe accommodations she usually got upgraded to when she visited, oh no. Lou stepped in from the dark wood paneled entry of the Spa Tower Suite to see a two-story wall of windows that looked out over the pool of the hotel. The suite was larger than the average New York apartment with a massive living area, bar and a dining area nestled into the round cutout of the staircase. As Lou turned to look upstairs from the first floor, she could see a glass wall that enabled you to see the spectacular view from wherever you were in the suite. Now Lou understood how it was possible for the meeting to take place in Max’s room. At first she had envisioned the rooms she usually stayed in and that had seemed odd. Fitting two people in a standard room seemed a bit snug to her but this, this was something on a whole different level. As she ventured upstairs to investigate her accommodations further, she was surprised to see her bags waiting for her in the bedroom. There was another door to the upstairs hallway so she expected a porter had snuck in while they were just making their way to their rooms. Lou figured it as good a time as any to unpack and see what Caroline and Abby had packed for her weekend wardrobe. As she hung everything up, she could not recall that she owned any of the clothing. This was becoming a regular issue with her and she planned to go through her closet to familiarize herself with her own belongings as soon as she got home.
After everything was in its proper place, Lou looked at the time. Only ten minutes had passed since she left Max in the hall and she was way too wired to try and take a nap. She wandered downstairs and found the desk that A.J. was talking about, complete with a magnificent arrangement of flowers that was almost as big as she was. Lou wondered how she could have missed that when she first came in but then she remembered how flustered she had been and had to laugh. The sound of a doorbell startled her but then she reached the door and peeked out the peephole, she could see Caroline and Abby bouncing on the other side of the door.
“Let’s go play!” They demanded in unison as soon as she opened the door.
“Play?” Lou asked as she waved them in. “Did you see this place?!”
“I know! Right?” Caroline giggled as she bounced on to the rich brown velvet couch. “Did you see your bathtub?!”
“I am so taking a long bubble bath tonight!” Lou was giggling now too as she sprawled out on the other couch.
/> “You girls want to pop this sucker now or go down and get a real cocktail while we play some slots or blackjack?” Abby asked as she pulled a chilling bottle of champagne out of the ice bucket on top of the bar.
“Where did that come from?” Lou hadn’t seen that either.
“Pop it!” Caroline demanded. “Let’s have a girlie toast!”
“Definitely!” Lou agreed, getting up from the couch and taking a seat at the bar, Caroline following suit.
Abby popped the cork on the expensive bottle of champagne and poured some for each of them. She raised her glass and looked at both Caroline, then Lou with a huge smile. “Here’s to mixing business with pleasure!” Abby toasted.
“I’ll drink to that!” Caroline tapped her glass to Abby’s, then Lou’s.
“Me too!” Lou clinked with Abby and the circle was complete. “Don’t let me get drunk! Yet!” Lou laughed.
“Oh, you have plenty of time to sober up!” Abby insisted. “Besides, this will help take the edge off those nerves.”
“Good point.” Lou sipped and realized she couldn’t get the stupid grin off her face. “Is it awful that I am having a blast right now?”
“Why would that be awful?” Abby was puzzled.
“Uh, because I am less than eight hours out of a mass murder case?” Lou reminded her. “And there’s that pesky little matter of the blood smuggling? Oh and someone just tried to kill Niko?”
“Oh.” Abby felt bad that she hadn’t remembered all that.
“Lou...” Caroline turned to face her friend. “...if there is anything that all of the past few months has taught us, it’s that life is way too short.”
“Well for some of you.” Abby snorted as she took another sip of champagne.
Caroline just rolled her eyes at her then looked back at Lou. “This is all a blessing!” Caroline waved her hands, gesturing to their surroundings “You should feel guilty if you don’t enjoy it and appreciate it!”
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