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The shot rang out, and Renaldo fell back into the chair in shock.
* * * *
It was late and Ellie was on the phone with Unc.
“Are you sure one of them is going to pick you up from work? I can be there in ten minutes.”
“Yes, Unc, Hunter and Seno are on their way. I just can’t believe this entire mess is happening. Luke was shot and killed in the office at the new restaurant this afternoon and Renaldo is missing. It’s so crazy.”
“I told you that Renaldo Sentinel was bad news. I didn’t like the fact that you were working for him either. His reputation on the streets says it all.”
“I know, Unc. As much as I disliked him hitting on me, and trying to get me to go out with him, he was still very charismatic, and his love for art was impressive. To think that he’s involved with the illegal prostitution ring and the stolen art is shocking.”
“Not from my perspective. He’s a greedy bastard and someone finally gave him what he deserved.”
Ellie wasn’t surprised by Unc’s dislike of the man. Being a retired cop, Unc didn’t have much patience for the criminal element. Her uncle Brian hadn’t either. The way he died in some convenience store robbery was crazy. They never found the shooter, but the two other men were found weeks later dead in what the police thought was a shooting war. She took a deep breath and released it.
“Text me when they get there. Are they taking you home?”
“No, I packed a bag this morning. I’ll be going to their place, and then I have an early meeting tomorrow to close out this project. You know what’s really crazy? The realtor who posted the restaurant, which is still under construction, has received over a dozen calls about buying it. No one can do anything until Renaldo is found dead or alive.”
“Who even cares? Just cut your ties with this whole thing and move on. I really wish you had a less dangerous job, Ellie.”
“I’m in advertising, marketing, and designing. How less dangerous of a job can this be?” She laughed.
“You should consider coming to Ray Ray’s and working with me. Maybe you and I can open up our own place?”
She leaned back in her chair and smiled. “That was your and Uncle Brian’s dream. It would have been nice.”
“We could still make it a reality. Our dream.”
She heard the sadness in his voice. “So much has changed, Unc. Meeting Justice, Hunter, Mace, and Seno and surviving being attacked by Paul have put life into perspective.”
“And?”
“And, I love them. I want to have a future with them. They’re good men, Unc.”
“I wouldn’t know. You haven’t exactly introduced them to me. You’ve only told me about them over a week ago at the bar.”
“I’m sorry. With everything that has been going on and dealing with work, I should have made time to introduce you to them.”
“I am your only family.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Oh, Seno is texting me now. He’s outside with Hunter. They’re on their way up. So I’ll talk to you tomorrow and we can make plans?”
“How about lunch?”
“I’ll have to check with Justice.”
“Why?”
“I think because of the investigation, and because Paul disappeared. They don’t want me going anywhere alone, and I honestly don’t want to either.”
“Well, you’re always safe with me. Remember that. Maybe tell the bodyguards that you’re in good hands.”
She chuckled. “Okay, bye.”
She disconnected the call and grabbed her things. As she was pulling on her coat, the secretary came in. “The florist called and said there was a delivery for you. They’re behind, so they want to deliver it tomorrow. Is that okay?”
