AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, yeah. Absolutely,” he says.
“You know the parts store across the way here in town? Go tomorrow morning and ask for War. He’ll get you in touch with they guy. They’re close friends. Don’t let the big man scare you. He’s a great guy. I’ll let him know you’re coming,” I say. Wanting to be fully upfront, I tell him, “It’s a Pride business. We’re legit and we do right by our employees, but I want you to have all the facts.”
“I’ve got no problem with that. I hear what you’ve done for this town and the work that’s come because of it,” Robert says, his face beaming with a smile. He looks at the counter, where Rosie has lured Robbie to help pick out the colors for his mom’s flowers.
“He seems like a good kid,” I say.
“He’s the best kid. Smart and looks after his mom when I’m away. It’s not right that he has to grow up that fast.” He sighs. “He’s using his savings to buy those for her. Marnie’s pregnant with our second, and things are tight with the baby coming and all,” he confesses.
“Go see War. Then go to the clinic and talk to Saint. Like I said, we take care of our employees. You treat us right, we treat you right,” I tell him.
“Saint?”
“The clinic in town, he’s one of ours. Your wife needs a doctor close by, and he’s the best.”
“All ready, Dad. Aren’t these great?” Robbie is proudly holding a bouquet with three pink roses and baby’s breath. “Mom’s going to be so surprised.”
“Thank you.” Two simple words that hold a lot of meaning.
* * *
Later that night…
With the group safely at the compound, I leave Rosie in good hands with Maddie and Izzy while I go talk to War about the visit he’s going to get from Robert tomorrow. I explain the situation while Orion runs a background check to make sure he is who he says. We can’t be too careful, and Guard’s rules are there for a reason.
Orion rambles off what he’s found. “Guy’s clean. A couple of parking tickets in all his driving days. No accidents, and he was the last one let go from his last job. His boss liked him and respected him. He’s accumulating debt since being let go, but he makes the minimum payments at the very least.”
“Right. We need a good man, and if this works out, it’s a win, win, for everyone,” War replies.
I shift our talk to the bigger issue. “Got anything new on Cora? Or the new game in town that killed her boss?”
Orion says, “Demon’s people are working on it. All he’s got so far is that Clarissa and Cora both worked for Harvey. The other women in his harem looked for protection elsewhere as soon as Harvey was killed. Demon thinks he’s found a woman who can give him more information, but she’s not talking. He says she’s scared to death and refuses to even meet with him.”
“It hasn’t been confirmed, but the new player is Russian with ties to the mob,” Guard says as he walks through the door. “Demon will find a way to get to the girl,” he adds. “Spoke with Dante and he’s checking out the situation and takeover of Harvey’s territory. He’s not convinced it’s the Russians.”
“This sit-and-wait game is killing me,” I grumble.
“Patience has never been your strong suit.” Guard laughs, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “We’re getting closer. Enjoy the evening with Rose. Tomorrow is another day.”
“The best part of the day was that kid,” I say. Guard knows my history and my lack of a relationship with my parents. “He was so happy carrying those flowers out the door.”
“Kids are pure and honest. It’s a shame that the world has a way of tainting them as they get older. His parents have given him the love he needs, and that’s a hell of a lot more powerful than any amount of money,” Guard states. Truer words were never spoken. I would have given up every gadget I had to have a real relationship with my parents. “You did a good thing today. You gave the guy hope. Hope for his family and for the future.”
FIFTEEN
Talk or Fight
THUNDER
After the talk with Guard and the others, I go looking for Rosie. Maddie tells me she went upstairs to our room. As I come through the door, I hear the shower running and Rosie singing. I push the bathroom door open a crack and see her silhouette through the steamed glass.
She looks like a goddess with her head tipped back, water streaming down over her hourglass shape. Her long brown silky hair cascades down her back, her eyes are closed, and her hands are running over her body.
It’s a sight too tempting to ignore. I undress quickly and slide open the shower stall. Her head whips around as she clasps a hand to her chest.
“You scared the life out of me,” she breathes.
“I’ll make it up to you,” I say, stepping inside. It’s not a large space, and when Rose steps back to accommodate my large frame, she’s up against the tiled wall. I place my hands on either side of her head, lowering my mouth to hers. Electricity surges between us. It happens every time our lips touch.
