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“Ezra realized that he was next, so he faked his death and left the country with his pregnant wife: my great–grandmother. They didn’t settle in one place at first, out of fear of being found. So they went from city to city and town to town before settling in Brattleboro, which was just a settlement back then. He got into the construction business and helped build more than eighty percent of the structures in town. Turns out, he wanted to leave the life of a gangster behind, but it was a part of him. Organized crime was the only way he knew how to operate a business, how to get exactly what he wanted at every turn.”
“Wow. I didn’t realize your family had such a long history with Brattleboro, but it explains why you’re all so possessive of it.” I pause, then ask “And the French connection explains your…tendency to sprinkle the language into random conversation…So, did Ezra, the first, start a new mafia organization here?” Is that where this is going? I gulp, trying to ignore my pounding heart.
“No, not exactly,” he says after contemplating my question, and I blow out a breath of relief. “He was out of the mafia for good.” He continues, “But the thing is, he was already used to the convenience of a life of crime, he couldn’t just stop. So he committed petty crimes quietly to get his business up and running. It ranged from bribery and extortion, to threats and occasionally torture when absolutely necessary. Anything to make sure his was the only construction company solidifying most of the local contracts. Present day Beauforts have continued down this path to reach the level of success we now have, but we always followed a very strict code of conduct. Our crimes, a well-thought balancing act of take and give-back to those who need it. While, of course, benefiting financially ourselves.”
He pauses to study my expression, probably wondering how I’m taking it. I give him a reassuring nod and smile. “Okay.”
“He did eventually get into drug dealing, but our family stopped doing that several years ago. Alex and Dad’s attempt at removing the temptation for me, which you know didn’t exactly pan out. But we’re still the only construction company in town, and we’ve been doing everything possible to maintain the monopoly. The long history, coupled with being the only construction company in town and the connections we’ve gained has granted us quite a bit of power in Brattleboro. And the misdeeds we commit aren’t for nothing. The assholes we carefully single out usually have it coming; they’re mostly elite, corrupt, asshole politicians, and the like. It’s not common knowledge, but the Beaufort’s dark side is suspected; the community benefits greatly in return for their silence. The power we’ve gained in this town is all built on respect. My father, Alex, and I hope that one day I will be among the most respected men in the state.” He finally concludes with an air of pride in his tone.
“Is that everything?” I ask and he nods. I squeeze his hand again. “That’s fine, Ezra. I’m sure it’s nothing my father or grandfather didn’t do in their respective lifetimes. I’m not so deluded to think Square Construction being the only construction company in Burlington didn’t involve some corrupt back-door deals.”
His lips part in surprise. “Charlotte.”
“What? Did you think I’d blow a fuse again? I don’t really care what the Beauforts do in this town, as long as it doesn’t involve innocent people getting hurt. Or me and our family being at risk. Just no more secrets, okay?” I don’t care.
“One last thing…” he trails off looking sheepish, but in the most charming way. “Our house.”
“Oh God, what about it?” I ask terrified of his answer. Are we about to be homeless?
“It’s actually yours.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“The deed is in your name, a forgotten gift from dear old dad to sweeten the engagement deal. So, technically, I should’ve asked if I could move in with you.”
“That, I can live with. Roommate,” I add with a wink, relieved that he hasn’t dropped another bomb on me.
“Come here.” He pulls on my arm, trying to drag me into him. I let out a little laugh as I climb on the bed, careful not to jostle it. His right hand sinks into my hair, and he tilts my head up just so for a sweet kiss.
“God, I love you,” he murmurs against my lips.
“I love you too, Ezra.”
EPILOGUE
CHARLIE
ONE MONTH LATER
“Where are we going?” I grumble good naturedly as Ezra links his fingers with mine and gently drags me to the stairs. “Hold on! I’m not even dressed!”
He tosses a mischievous grin my way as he takes in my pajamas: boy shorts and his shirt. “You’re fine. We’re just going outside.”
I narrow my eyes suspiciously, but continue walking behind him. Not that I have a choice with the way his hand grips mine tightly. He leads me to the flower garden. I smile when I see the picnic blanket spread out on the ground as well as an assortment of my favorite snacks.
“Are we having a picnic?” I ask, pushing my shoulder against his playfully.
“Yes, but first–” He rummages through the basket then stands up raising two headsets up triumphantly.
“Is that a VR headset?” I gasp as I take the one he offers and turn the white headset this way and that in my hand. “What’s this for, Ezra?”
“Come here,bébé.” He toes off his shoes and sits cross legged on the blanket. I join him with a small smile.
“Close your eyes,” he instructs as he takes the headset from me. I do as he says and the weight of the headset slowly settles over my eyes.
“Ezra–”
“Shh. Are your eyes still closed?”
