by Taylor R. C.
- You are crazy! - She said and he smiled.
"They saw you, not me ..." Benett opened the car door. - In short, if I don't give news in an hour, you know what you have to do!
- Watch out Ben!
He got out of the car and Gisele took the wheel, turned around, accelerating all the way out. He ran his hand over his face without believing that a day as simple as this was starting to turn to hell. She drove at full speed to the docks, because what was happening to the first action was to clean up the traces of the crime and that car was a huge one. She drove to a deserted spot, easy enough that she could clean, remove, everything inside the car that somehow led to her and Benett, then started the car and left it to descend.
- What a waste!
She told herself and then turned away from the vehicle, did not look again, just heard the sound of it falling into the water. His part in the middle of that mess was done, now it was waiting for Benett and knowing if his was done too.
Chapter 11
[22]"Visible horror has less power over the soul than imagined horror."
James wrote the sentence in a small notebook where he locked it inside a desk drawer in his office. It was a habit to write when he was very uncomfortable with something, however, he had realized that in recent times such a technician had not worked and all the words he drew on the damn paper were conflicting, confused and disturbing.
He had been attacked, he had no idea where it came from and above all he felt exposed, he didn't like that position. He got up from the office chair to the drinks table, pouring himself a whiskey, walking to the window. He was frustrated to be standing there, however, he didn't have much to do, because Jack was on the streets looking for answers, searching the underworld looking for something or someone who could tell him where that attack came from.
James' mind was whirling and he went everywhere, he didn't fix himself on anyone, nor could he, things had been "under control" for a long time, but that didn't stop him from thinking about the last time everything went off track dragging the guilty and the innocent, but leaving remnants.
...
It was just another Friday, everything was normal and quiet, James had done nothing different and was very happy with it.
- For God's sake, you can stop a moment with this exaggerated display of affection ...
The couple looked amused at the teenage figure entering the room; Andy, Eliza's sister.
- Now "little sister", you will have to get used to it, after all you will live with us and see it every day!
James replied smilingly stealing another kiss from Eliza that was a couple of shades more scarlet in the face of the younger sister's scrutiny.
- Your house is huge, so I'm counting on being able to get around you!
- The house is technically not mine, since I'm not a Baron yet, but obviously I have to agree with you!
Andy and James smiled knowingly. The two had an excellent relationship, given the circumstances of their personality, but when they got together to get something done it was a real revolution.
- Enough, you two! - Said Eliza determined. - Andy, we are choosing the wedding reception arrangements, do you want to help?
The girl, who was about sixteen, gave a negative nod sitting in front of them much more engaged in eating a piece of cake than going into the subject: "wedding organization" that would happen in two months.
- I'd rather abstain from this topic, when it comes to choosing the cake then call me!
James burst out laughing as his bride rolled her eyes.
- Thanks for the contribution ...
Eliza said, and James would make a comment, however, his phone called, took his arm from the bride's shoulders, and took the cell phone out of the jacket pocket that lay aside at the back of the sofa. The name that glowed on the screen when you read it was your uncle's, he answered it immediately.
- Say it, Sir. Blackcastle!
He spoke in a cheerful and carefree tone, there was silence, before he heard anything from his uncle Baron.
- I need you, there was a problem!
Without other words, the Baron hung up, James swallowed, that call could only mean one thing: The organization was under attack. Your uncle would never call you if it wasn't something serious, as he had not yet taken control of the organization, so he resolved what came without him, said he was not yet ready to actually go into business for good.
- Need to go...
James said while looking at the bride that he got a little more serious when he felt his mood change.
- Some problem?
- No ... - He forced a smile trying to look relaxed. - Just business baby, don't worry, I'll be back later ... Okay?
James touched her chin and saw a smile, the kind he loved to expand on his lips.
- Yes, I will miss you ...
He looked deep into her blue eyes and felt his heart sink. James had no idea that this was the last time he would see her.
...
Today the then Baron of Blackcastle knew that he had underestimated the rotten reality of the world in which he lived, not only he, his uncle as well, so when looking at that perspective he decided that going back and waiting was the best thing to do. He thought of Gisele and even if nothing indicated danger to her, he decided to take action, he would not sin again for the sense of control he thought he had.
James returned to his desk by pressing a button on the table that was connected to the east service floor, where Pottes normally was. He sat and waited for fifteen minutes or so, then his butler entered the office with the usual cadence of silent steps and his circumspect gaze, which masked the devilishly sharp mind.
- Sir. Blackcastle, how can I help you?
- I am going to travel, I want you to have the jet ready for six hours from now, I will pass the coordinates from where I will go directly to the commander and you will not ask me questions about this, nor about what I will ask for next, understand? He paused while Pottes gave him a very solemn wave, which almost made him snort. - I want you to prepare a suitcase with basic basic clothes, simple evening dresses, swimsuits and the rest in general, but feminine ... As for the measurements I pass on your phone, follow the same line for my suitcase!
Pottes' face was a blank page, very well composed, however, the man's eyes were like Brazil at carnival. James was indifferent, not wanting to explain the sudden trip with a female figure whose butler knew who she was.
- I will get everything and will be on the jet waiting for you, Sir. Blackcastle!
- Great! Now get out of my sight and let Barros know that we're leaving!
- Do you want something more?
- Not! Pottes nodded and smiled.
- I hope your trip is profitable, you can extend it a lot, I guarantee that nobody will miss you while things calm down here ...
- Outside your nosy! James shouted.
Pottes came out laughing. James knew the guy knew what had happened, about the attack, Jack and he had their differences in everything but the protection of him and the Blackcastle business. They were in this life too long not to come together in search of something greater, survival, for everyone was aware, if the Baron of Blackcastle fell, everyone who was behind him would also fall.
£££
Gisele was sitting in front of her cell phone waiting for her partner's bastard to show some sign of life. It was no surprise to say that an escape suitcase was already ready, this time no European countries, or America, would make their trip to Brazil, things there were more peaceful and manageable, and that was an undeniable truth. The whole plan was already outlined if Benett said things were complicated to a point that he cannot resolve.
She took the glass of wine next to her cell phone and drank some more hoping that it would make her less "plundered" after all, it seemed she had killed someone, something that made her stomach sick, but that was not why she was impregnable with her " code "of self defense, because Gisele would always think of herself before anyone and if she nee
ded to kill to survive she would do it, she wouldn't think twice as it had happened.
But a question haunted her and made her more nervous, not knowing who that biker worked for, and the logical thing was that she was following him, or actually, she was following Benett, yes that last finding was the one that made the most sense for her when she started to see the situation from another perspective. Obviously, all that went on in her head was that she was someone who worked for the Baron, however, it didn't make sense and then Gisele went back to the beginning of everything she was; If it wasn't someone at James's behest, then who was it?
- Gisele?
James' voice at the top of the stairs on the first floor made her start. Holy shit ... Gisele thought immediately looking at the room looking for something that could defend herself if James already knew everything, she would have to erase him at least temporarily, only then would she have a chance to escape. She really wasn't expecting the guy to show up even more for the way he was gone.
- Here in the room...
She put on her "good girl" mask with a smile on her face. James appeared there in the next second, he was all black, his hair in an abnormal but sexy mess, or rather, his whole vision denoted something purely masculine and intoxicating. She stayed in the position she was sitting, waiting for his first step, taking into account that she believed that in the face of the explosive temper that she had, she would obviously send her to hell if she knew of the blow, or that she had killed the "pursuer" of the bike.
- I sent a message, didn't you see?
He asked taking off his blazer and joining her on the sofa, hugging her, in a very affectionate way to say that it was someone he knew had been passed over, but it was only when he met her eyes that he was sure that James I didn't know anything. His blue eyes were sweet, full of that kindness that he hid from everyone, but there was also concern and "what" it was that intrigued her.
- Sorry, I was distracted, it was a hard day ... - She didn't lie. - I ended up just getting home and getting a glass of wine to relax, would you like some?
Gisele offered him with a captivating look that made James feel a little twisted inside, he had been tense after she hadn't answered him, but now everything seemed to be in order before her. He would never get used to how beautiful she was. Men should beware of creatures so close to the goddesses, he always did, but for some reason this time he was caught by the heels, perhaps because he was not expecting that goddess to have a temperament so similar to his own.
- In another moment ... - He stroked her cheek with the tips of his fingers. - I have to take a trip, what do you think of going with me?
Gisele thought for a moment and then looked at her phone, Ben was gone, and her deadline was over, what the Baron was offering was a way out.
- Travel? - She pretended not to understand. - Where?
- USA, San Francisco, I have to settle some deals with some partners there, so I would love it!
Another exit door, she could go with the Baron and then disappear if necessary, she already felt more than clear that he knew nothing about the coup, however, it was always good to stay on the sidelines.
- I have my job James! - She had to put some barrier to disguise.
- Tell him you need to go to New York, let him know that there are some pending issues and that you must resolve to stay in London ... - He had a pitying look.
James knew that that argument would be used and so he would work hard to dissuade her if necessary, he thought a lot, he had a line of good "against arguments" to use.
- I don't know if they will release me ...
- It says visa problem! James shrugged.
- Why do you want to take me so much to travel?
- Why not?
The Baron was obtuse, he deviated very well, but Gisele was not so easily beaten by evasions, however good.
- You wanted discretion and now that you take me around?
- I have a jet my love, everything will still be very discreet and private ... - He held up a finger interrupting her to speak. - And no, I'm not ashamed or anything, I'm just very reserved ...
Reserved, mysterious and full of tricks ...Gisele thought. It was very difficult not to look at the Baron and not think about the reason for all that, if the situation were a common case of "dating" it probably would not last, at least not with her.
"You tie every knot in my head, James Watts, Baron of Blackcastle ..." She stared at him, narrowing her eyes. - I'll call my supervisor and see if I can get this release, for what date?
- For now...
Gisele stopped blinking for a moment, looking at the Baron's compassionate countenance, who waited for her agreement. That sudden trip made her stay even more with the flea behind her ear.
- Today? - The disbelief in her voice was not feigned.
- Yes, the jet is already waiting for us!
- James has something he is not telling me?
There was to be, Gisele knew, but the Baron hid it with a big smile. After all, James had no predisposition to tell about all the criminal shit that he was involved in and that seemed to have been thrown on the fan.
- No, of course not, honey!
If he was lying he did very well, Gisele admitted, he found some fun in the situation, but it didn't show.
- I'll call my supervisor ...
She got up picking up her cell phone and walked away to the window, only when he was out of sight of her, did James let his falsely relaxed posture dissolve a little. At times he had the strange feeling that Gisele could see him through the thick layers of self-protection that adhered to himself, and it was disturbing because he would never want her to see him in his true "me".
Gisele was not calling her supervisor to whom she just passed a message, but to Benett, she knew she shouldn't, only that she did, because deep down he was her partner and friend, and there was still some feeling inside her that worry about him. When I was almost giving up the blessed call was accepted.
- Where are you? - She said in an angry whisper.
- Sorry, the cell phone discharged and I couldn't go to your house ... - He said in a bad mood. - Well, it worked, you hit three bullets in the bastard's chest, he died instantly, I went to check in the hospital, I got his name and I'm picking up the file, he has no connection with the Baron as far as he could see, our plan continues firm, now i'll have to find out what this biker wanted is who is the real mastermind!
A weight was lifted off Gisele's back. I wasn't happy, not really, just relieved. He had killed someone and he did not know, nor did he want to enjoy it.
- I am going to travel with the Baron, he came here to invite me, I am going to San Francisco, I think it will be good he is outside the lines of the game ...
- Okay, but you must be careful, the Baron is not a flower to be smelled, we already lost that, right? - Ben asked.
- Yes, but be calm and now take care of yourself, anything about this biker warns me ... - He asked quietly.
- I'll do it, send me daily news ... - This time his tone had a more evident tone of concern.
- Everything will be fine, now I have to hang up!
And she did just that after hearing his farewell reply. Gisele looked at her message box and Victoria had already replied, saying that she could be absent from work since she had very important matters, such as a "visa", but she had asked how many days she needed.
- James? - She turned to the man. - How many days?
- One week? - The Baron shrugged.
- What?
- Four days, all right?
For now, but with all that movement, the rush to travel was at least strange, leading Gisele to think that no, everything was not quite as the Baron painted. She gave a positive nod and warned Victoria, getting the release.
- I am released, no more days! - She said coming back to the Baron.
This in turn gave him a smile and making a mental note that he should make some very good excuses, as he was sure, Gisele had not bought into the idea of the su
dden business trip.
- Great, then let's go! James didn't even let her sit down, took her hand.
- Wait a second! - Gisele was again surprised. - What do you mean "let's go"?
- Now, "let's go" is a verb to go!
Gisele really wanted to punch the Baron, but she just gave him an angry look, which the man couldn't help but notice, but he thought it was totally amusing, he knew that this angry woman must be glorious.
- Sir. Baron of Blackcastle, has it ever crossed your mind that I need time to pack my bags?
- Forget it ... - He shrugged. - Luggage is overrated, I have everything ready!
- I don't like this ...
She said she really didn't like it, crossed her arms in front of her, defensively and then James decided it was time to step back in his maneuvers that were clearly being very aggressive.
- Okay, I may have rushed, but it was due to excessive expectations ...
Gisele discovered that the Baron had a great "puppy without owner" face that probably worked very well with whomever he wanted after all she found herself falling for that dirty trick.
- Stop looking at me like that!
- As? - The man was innocent.
- Like this...
His smile widened as he approached, Gisele felt a frisson, before being trapped in the Baron's strong arms and receiving an avid kiss. She wrapped her neck around him, bringing him to her, immersed in the sensations that that meeting of bodies provided. There was something physical and magnetic between them that Gisele could not deny, deep down or want, she liked being with James in that sense, or in fact, much more than she told herself.
£££
Lowe was angry. He wanted to be able to break things and hit people, even better, he wanted to be able to pour all his anger on the figure of a certain Baronato.
- Like? How did this happen?
The man shouted in front of the private investigator, who was calm in the face of such a fury, had many clients and several of them with the same explosive profile as Mr. Carter, so there was no strangeness.