Chapter 31 Back Off

Adam

We finished at the pharmacy quickly and since Jennifer wouldn’t tell me who exactly we were meeting tonight I had to assume the worse. While she was picking out a suit for me I told Liam to call for more backup, just in case things went sideways.

“I love it”, she said excited as I stepped out of the changing room. I stood on a platform in front of four mirrors.

I hated it, I normally only wore Brioni or Armani but somehow Jennifer had convinced me that Ralph Lauren was just as good.

“It’s so….blue “, I saw nothing wrong with a normal black suit.

“I think you look dapper”, she said circling me.

“Thanks Mom, I think I’ll be ready for eighth grade graduation”.

Standing in front of me she sized me up, I liked her eyes on me like this.”Is it the color? Because that’s what I like most about it, Navy looks good on you”.

“Not for tonight, we have to be a force of nature. The second we step into the room we control the situation. This suit doesn’t scream in control it says I’m trying to be a big boy but just not there”, she laughed at that.

“I think it’s chic and new, and you don’t have to worry no matter what room we walk into everyone knows you’re in control. It’s not the suit that demands respect and holds all the power; it’s the man in the suit”, she said making my ego rocket sky-high.

“How are we doing?” the salesman asked.

“Not so good”, she said peeking over my shoulder to talk to the salesman.” He wants a traditional black suite the navy is to much—“

“I’ll take this one and the Armani we saw in the window”, I said.

“Excellent choice, I’ll have it tailored and sent to the address you gave us before the end of the day”, the man said walking away.

“I thought you didn’t like the navy suit?” Jennifer said smiling.

“I don’t, the misses does though”, she kissed me pressing herself against my side.

“Yes, she dose”, she separated from me and stepped down off of the platform, “I’ll go and pay”.

That caught me off-guard I spun around and asked, “How?”

“What do you mean how? With money” she pulled out her wristlet.

“On a bartender’s salary? Armani suits start at $4,000, I have no idea on this”, I point down at myself.

“Oh right! I never told you about our rainy day fund… The Houses still pay tribute to me and Brandon paid me for my time standing in as you. Half I’m giving to Jemma as savings for her College, The other half is for us just in case we ever need to make a quick escape.”

That’s how she got the car.

“They’re still gifting you?” I’m not surprised they like her a lot more than they do me. She paid and came back to me.

“Why do we need a rainy day fund?” I chuckled.

“Because your situation is very delicate, all it takes is one person wanting what you have and a little bit of planning….” They could take everything from me,” I just want us to be prepared for anything that comes our way. Plus, is it wrong to want to wine and dine my husband”.

No. It’s just different.

I decided to wear the navy suit for the rest of the day we still had to get her a dress. We found a small boutique not far from the hotel.

“I promise it won’t take too long.” Lie, but I didn’t mind. I found a chair and let her look.

Vvvvvzzzzzttttt vvvvvzzzzzzttttt

That wasn’t my phone, I padded myself down. It was Jennifer’s I don’t know how I became the designated carrier.

Elliott.

His name was coming up more than I liked, I sent him to voicemail.

Vvvvzzzzttttt vvvvvzzzztttttt

Take a hint, Elliott.

“Is that me or you?” Jennifer called out to me.

“You”, I said handing her the phone.

She immediately took the call, “Hey!…Really? I didn’t know you cared so much….Yeah… I’ll text you the address… Yeah?” She started laughing,” Parker hates you so you brought that on yourself….I’ll see ya…bye”.

“What did he want?” I asked.

“To know where we were at. I can’t believe he actually flew in, who would have guessed that Elliott actually cares”. I could have! After that moment they had at Main House and the photo shoot. Yeah, he was definitely feeling something for Jennifer and it made me want to break his ribs in.

“After this we can go get some lunch”, she said to me in the dressing room.

“Fine with me”, I said.

I started doing some work; it amazes me how fast I can fall behind from not being available for 3 days. I finished most of my emails and phone calls and when I looked at the time two hours had past.

“BE HELPFUL”, I heard Jennifer hiss.

“Fine, you look fine. It’s very you and all the other cliché’s you want to hear”, I heard a clapping sound and a squealed ouch.

“I don’t want fine, gezzz you’re the worst person to go shopping with. It’s at times like these I realized I take Nate and Michael for granted”, she said. I stood and went to her dressing room.

“Hey stranger, where have you been? What do you think? Is it too much because it feels like it’s too much, but at the same time not enough. Thomas said it was good and Elliott said it was fine”.

“You look beautiful, love” which was true. Jennifer could wear a plastic bag and still be the most breathtaking girl in the room. She was wearing a beaded floor length champagne-colored gown. It was a mermaid style backless with shimmering jewels in a encrusted design starting at the neckline with cap sleeves over sheer illusion mesh. The dress cascaded on her perfect body down to the curve hugging skirt. Yards and yards of tulle made up the long trumpet skirt that flares out for a drama look. She would be the center of attention in this dress.

“Anything would be beautiful if you put an $800 dress on it”, Elliott said leaning against one of the racks.

“Good thing no one asked you”, I said to him.

“$800 and I get 35% off plus there’s a small rip and lady said she would gave me another 20% off. So that’s 55% off. Its ends up being $360 plus tax, but still really good”, I had almost forgotten how Jennifer was weirdly good with numbers.

“Can you just get it and let’s go. If I had known I’d be standing around a store for an hour and a half I would have gone and had lunch by myself” Elliott whined. I had a feeling he and Michael would get along.

“Ok. I think this is the one, someone unbutton me, please”, she said turning around and lifting up her hair. I went to unbutton the dress but so did Elliott.

Back off!

As if he heard my threat he threw up his hands and walked away. I undid the dress and kissed her cheek, “Words can’t describe how lovely you are”, and she smiled at that.

“I have some stiff competition to compete with”, she said looking at me in the mirror. She walked in to the changing room leaving the curtain slightly open, I went to shut it only to see her staring at me in the mirror. She slowly took off the dress, I watched as her dress slowly fell to the floor. I’ve seen Jennifer naked before but every time felt special, knowing that she was mine to hold, to love, to fuck. She kept eye contact never breaking from me.

“Sir?” I closed the curtain fast, Thomas was standing behind.

“Yes?” I said recomposing myself.

“I don’t doubt your decision to meet this person tonight, but is it necessarily wise to meet on his terms? We could easily go in and take this guy, it would put you and Mrs. Caffery in less danger”, he was right. That’s what I wanted to happen but I have a feeling if this guy sees an army swarming the building he’ll disappear and we’ll lose our best and only lead.

I walked away from the changing room so Jennifer was out of earshot… “Between you and me I think that’s what needs to happen, but I can’t risk…” Losing Jennifer’s faith in me… If this meeting doesn’t happen, there’s nothing to stop her from flying off the handle again and taking matters into her own hands. She had just calm down; if it happens again I definitely wouldn’t be able to find her.

“Giving up the opportunity”, I settled on.

“Ready!” Jennifer sang out.

“Finally”, why did she invite him?

Calm down.

It’s just lunch, and then he’ll be done. Right?

Wrong!

I’ve never seen two people fight so much; you would think picking where to eat was a matter of national security. Where to sit was like forming The Treaty of Versailles terms. We ended up at Coco Pazza sitting out in a small garden. The menu was very Tuscan with a long Italian wine list.

“Parker still won’t let you in her lab? Why do you want to work with her anyway? Why not Dr. Paul”, Jennifer asked.

“She just got a grant to continue her research. It’s going to human trial’s which means if she’s successful we are that much closer to a cure, at least a prolonged life”, what are they talking about?

“Prolong life from what?” I asked returning back to the conversation.

“Thyroid cancer”, Elliott and Jennifer both said… Elliott has cancer?

“Remember Elliott is going to find a cure? That’s his life mission”, Jennifer said proudly. Just like how she wants to open a hospital… We still need to talk about that too.

“Fingers crossed she stops being sexist and lets me in”, Elliott said.

“Or just ask Nate if he’ll open up a lab in New York and let you use it. Do your own research, hire your own team and bend to no one’s will. Nate win’s too from the situation because if you do actually end up finding the cure Henry-Faust gets all that publicity”, she said.

“Why would he say yes?” Elliott asked; a damn good question.

“Because you’re smart and Nate was already trying to head hunt you. It doesn’t hurt to ask, all he can say is no”, She said.

The waitress came up to us, “Are you all good?”

“Yes, I think we’re ready for the check, please”, Jennifer said. The waitress nodded and went to retrieve the check.

“I need to get us some clothes, I never want to see this dress again”, Jennifer said to me.

“Where are you going?” Elliott asked.

“Ross, Target, Nordstrom or Old Navy, and no I’m not doing any shopping for you. Assholes don’t get favors”, she said slipping her wine.

“I asked for one thing a book so I could have something to do while running PCR. You bring back Twilight and some sex book I’ve never even heard of”, Elliott said frustrated.

“Team Edward forever! You said you never read it before and it was on sale. Fate wanted you to read that book”, she stated with her hand on her heart. Normally, I would scoff or laugh at something like that, but since I’ve joined Yvonne’s book club I’ve read some pretty sexual aggressive and weird things.

“Here you are”, the waitress said leaving the bill.

I reached for it, but Jennifer took it and not even looking at Elliott said, “I’ll pay, you tip”.

“Duh”, he pulled out some money and the bill was settled. It happened so quick I didn’t have time to register what was going on. How many times have they done this for it to be second nature?

They go to dinner?

I shouldn’t hate Elliot as much as I do but the idea of them alone makes my blood boil, “I wanted to–“

“Paid?” She said smiling at me,” I know you did, but you always pay. I’m whining and dining you today, remember?” She said standing up.

We spent the rest of the evening shopping for clothes and supplies that we would need for the rest of our stay here. The more Elliott and Jennifer talked the more I felt like an outsider on their conversations. I know she was trying to include me but I just wasn’t interested in anything Elliott had to say. The fact that he was here annoyed me to no end. In fact why was he here? What happened to make him want to fly all the way out to Chicago just to annoy Jennifer and me? I made a mental note to ask Brandon to look into him.

After shopping we returned back to the hotel to prepare for night ahead. I was dressed and ready to go sitting in the living room with Thomas, Liam and five other security members.

“Ready?” Jennifer said picking up her clutch bag. She looked Heaven sent, her hair was perfectly curled, and she had light makeup with cherry red lips.

“Yep”, I said standing up.

“For you, just for tonight”, she said holding up a sliver watch.

“Is that IZOD?” I look down to watch the she gave me for Christmas when we first met,” I think I’m good”.

“No, you’re not”, she held the watch out and pulled the crown on the side of the watch revealing piano wire. She walked over to me and took off my original watch and put this new weaponized one on.”Just in case; you’re now battle ready”.

“When did you have time to make this? How did you make this?” I said shocked, but also very impressed.

“While I was letting my hair curl and watching YouTube… They’re probably going to pat us down, this just evens out the playing field”.

“What do you have?” I asked.

“You’ll see”, she said with sinister smile.

Hooking arms I said, “Shall we, Mrs. Caffery?”

“Lead the way Mr. Caffery”.

Chapter 32 WTF

Adam

We started the short drive to Everest, I had never been there before, all I knew was it was on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange Building.

“Can we take a detour?” Jennifer asked.

“Sure, where to?” We had plenty of time before we actually had to be there.

“Henry-Faust?”

“Why?” I asked.

“I want to pick up a job application for Elliott. I mean the next logical step for Nate would be New York he already has offices in London, Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, St. Louis, California, Texas and Chicago. I think he’s just nervous to ask. So, I’m going to push him to greatness”, she would just like she’s doing with Danielle and Gamila.

Me too.

Just why did it have to be Elliott? Because Jennifer has goodwill towards all people, even Elliott. I told Thomas to go to Henry-Faust; we parked on the sidewalk and Jennifer jumped out of the car.

“I will be right back”, she said running in. I was going to get out and walk with her but she was gone. I’ve never seen her move so fast in heels before.

“Do you want us to follow her in, boss?” Thomas asked.

“No, after everything that happened in London I’m starting to think that Henry-Faust may be safer than any place on Earth”, Nate wasn’t playing around with any of his security. It was harder to get into this building then it was Fort Knox. Besides she’s only getting a job application.

Ten minutes passed and Jennifer came back out with the application in hand, “Sorry, I–“

“Started making friends”, I said chuckling, “You do that everywhere you go”.

“Yep” she said slamming the door closed. She turned to face me “Now we can go no more interruptions, I’m ready”.

With that said we made our way to the restaurant. As soon as we stepped out of the elevator into the black and gold marble entrance with dimly-lit chandeliers, we were met by a security team. I already knew the drill so did Thomas and Liam. We made it through the check gate with no problems but Jennifer wasn’t so lucky. I didn’t like the way they were patting her down even the TSA wasn’t that invasive.

“Hey! You can’t take this in” one of the security guards barked. I went back through the gate to help her.

“Gentleman, what seems to be the problem?” I asked pulling her close to me.

“No tubes, no excuses”, he said rudely. Jennifer looked to me not liking that answer. I picked up the tube in question it was just a lipstick that she had bought today.

“You’re not going to let her come in for a tube of lipstick? What do you think is in here?” I scoffed.

“Could be a bomb, either way it stays here”, the man said puffing out his chest and crossing his arms.

“Then we go, we came here in good faith and you accuse my wife of carrying a bomb. Tell your boss to go fuck himself, and his help”, I waved Thomas and Liam over. I took Jennifer’s hand in mine and we headed back towards the elevator.

Before Jennifer this would have ended very differently, I would have had Liam and Thomas hold him down while I broke his fucking legs with a hammer. I don’t think Jennifer would appreciate that though.

Whoever we are supposed to meet tonight can go fuck themselves. I don’t have time nor do I have the patience to play games. Whoever this person was he didn’t want to play nicely..

Ding!

The elevator was here.

“Wait, sir”, the security officer said running to catch us up,” I was just told to let you in”.

“With the lipstick”, I demanded.

“Yes. Forgive me, sir”, the man said.

“It’s not me you accused of carrying a bomb”, I said pointing to Jennifer and stepped closer to the man and whispered in his ear darkly I warned him, “If my wife wasn’t standing here I would have killed you, for even thinking you have any goddamn right to accuse me of anything. By the end of tonight you will know fear”, I slapped him on the back hard, “Now I think you had something to say to my wife”.

Stammering the man apologized and Jennifer graciously accepted.

We made our way into the restaurant which was completely glass fronted giving a beautiful bird’s-eye view of Chicago a beautiful panoramic view at night. The restaurant had an air of sophistication.

Someone was trying very hard to impress us.

Whoever this person was they had rented out the entire restaurant for the night so it would just be the three of us. Liam and Thomas took their positions in the circular room.

“Thank you”, Jennifer said looking up at me.

“For? Whoever this person is they have no right to make any kind of demand from you, love and no one gets to talk to you like that either”, I said.

“For bringing out the monster for me”, she gave my hand a slight squeeze. I kissed her forehead.

“It will always be there for you”. There he was, the person we were supposed to meet, his back was to us.

Cheap.

Cheap suit, cheap cologne and clearly new to the game. I could already tell that and I hadn’t even seen his face. He stood hearing our approach.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I thought I put a hit out on you”, I said stopping short from him.

“You did but fortunately your wife canceled the order after your unfortunate accident. Because of her I get to be standing here right now. I hope to repay her kindness by calling a truce. Until we can all stop this new unforeseen threat”, Shepherd said.

“Since when did the DEA start giving a damn about infighting between the eight houses?” I questioned.

“I don’t know, you would have to ask them yourself. I never said I was DEA I pledge no allegiance to any country. All I care about is my wellbeing”, He said.

“All the more reason not to work with you”, I tossed back.

“Do you like standing on your pedestal looking down at me? You don’t get to judge me when you double dip between two women. What was her name– Gamila? As far as black women go I think you found the most patient one in Jennifer;” I was going to punch him.

“Do I sense a hint of jealousy? I don’t have to take advantage of women in gardens. Your mind games won’t work on us”, I said stepping closer.

“No but my Ricin did”, I was ready to swing.

“Gentlemen enough with the penis measuring contest! You’re both very impressive now put them away and lets discuss the threat that is playing the both of us”, Jennifer said annoyed.

“Clearly, she’s the one that is civil in the relationship, the peacemaker.” He walked over to Jennifer and spoke to her” Mrs. Caffery, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Unfortunately fully clothed”, he kissed her cheeks and she did the same.

I was gritting my teeth, I was sure I was going to shatter every single tooth.

“Let’s sit, we have so much to discuss tonight” Jennifer said. Bullshit! What we needed to talk about is why she let him live.

Reluctantly I sat next to her across from Shepherd.

“We’ve both had a run-in with the mystery voice on the phone. He’s proven impossible to track, and always seems to be 10 steps ahead of us. I want him and anyone involved gone just as much as you do. That’s”, he cleared his throat, “that’s why we need to”, he coughed,” to… To work—” was he suffocating?

“Enough from you, Trey”, Jennifer said leaning forward resting her chin on her hands that where bent perfectly in front of her.”Again, when are you going to learn you’re playing out of your league?”

What the fuck?

“Ww-wh-hat dddd-ii-dd–” Shepherd struggled to speak.

“You always underestimated me, you underestimated me in the garden and now you’re about to die for not learning your lesson. You came here thinking Adam was the threat. You have no idea the monster you unleashed the second you step foot in our bedroom”, She said coldly wiping her lips free of her lipstick. He fell to the floor weak and gasping for breath.

Jennifer went into her purse and took out her lipstick she unscrewed the bottom pulling out a small syringe and injected it in her arm, “Since you’re not a biology major let me give you a breakdown of what’s happening to you. Cyanide is the fastest acting poison on this planet; it can kill a full grown man in less than 60 Seconds. Did you really think I would let you get away with trying to kill my husband? I didn’t know you poisoned him, but Its almost poetic justice now. I was going to save you, but now I’m not so sure”, she said in a bored tone.

What the fuck!!

I stood up and looked at her shocked. She stood and calmly walked over to Shepherd and knelt down at his side. Roughly she grabbed his face, “This isn’t a partnership this is domination. If I call you come running, my word the Caffery word is law. If you try to run there won’t be a hit put out for you, you’ll just find a bullet in your brain and I will make sure that I am the one that puts it there. Do you understand?”

WHAT THE FUCK!

Weakly, Shepherd nodded unable to speak either because of the poison or the fact that Jennifer was squeezing his neck.

She watched him suffer for a few moments more before saying, “good”; she pulled out the lipstick tube and jammed another needle into his neck. She stood looking down at him, “you should really get to a hospital”, his phone had fallen off of the table and onto the floor, she stomped her heel on it putting a giant hole into the shattered screen. Walking away she threw back,” The details may be a bit sketchy, but I think you’ve been poisoned”, she then called out, “Liam with me please I think we’ve made our point”.

“What the fuck”, I said to no one in particularly.

“Sir, I think its best we leave now”, Thomas said snapping me out of my shock.

“Yeah”, I said still dazed from what I had seen. When did she learn to go all out Scarface? Jesus Christ, I know why the other houses are so afraid of her now. She won’t just kill you she’ll kill you in the worst way imaginable, and then watch you slowly die. Your life is literally in her hands.

I love her.

Chapter 33 Afraid

Adam

“What the hell, love?” I said getting into the car… Jennifer was texting on her phone.

“What? Did you actually want to eat there?” She said snuggling up against me.

“You were going to kill him? He’s our best lead, our only lead!” I said still shocked that she would kill anyone.

“He pistol-whipped you, when I saw him creeping up in our room I thought we were both going to die. Adam do you know how long you laid motionless on the floor? Four hours! That was four hours before Shepherd untied me. And he poisoned you and Gamila,” I could hear the heartbreak in her voice.

“Did he…” I wanted to be delicate just in case something had happened.

“God no!” She yelled… I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath until I let out a sigh of relief.

“When did you come up with this plan? You should have told me and we could have—“

“What? What would you have done differently? Broken some bones? Shot him? You would made him feel pain and he would have done anything to make it stop. I wanted him to fear like he’s never known fear before. And nothing scares a grown man straight like literally feeling his body shut down. I was going to use Batrachotoxin, it’s found in the poison arrow frog, but it would have taken at least a day to make the antidote and we didn’t have the time. Plus, it would have acted to quickly and going into cardiac arrest was too good for him I wanted him to realize what was happening. Now, Botulinum Toxin type H would have been perfect, it’s a bacteria that would have made its way into his body and started slicing up his nerve cells which causes paralysis then a very slow death”, she said so calmly.

“Shit”, Liam said from the front of the car, “Sorry, sir”.

“No, it’s all right I think we all just learned something today”, that my wife is fucking Poison Ivy.

“Cyanide is quick and easy to make, it can kill someone in less than a minute but what a minute it is dizziness, headache, vomiting, seizures, weakness and convulsions. Ultimately, it stops the cells in your body from being able to use oxygen. Which we all know we need to survive”, I don’t even know what to say to that obviously she had done her research. “I obviously didn’t use a fast acting dose he has time now to seek help… Why are you acting so surprised Elliott and I literally talked about this at lunch. You were sitting right next to me”.

“Love, I had no idea what you are saying half of the time with your science stuff. LS50? And abran?”

“LD50 is median lethal dose… That’s the amount of a chemical that will kill half the population it’s exposed to over a period of time. Abran is on the same level as Ricin it comes from the seeds of Rosemary P, both can kill a full grown adult with the mass of a snowflake”. She took my hand in hers,” if you don’t understand something why don’t you ask me? I could talk all day about poisons and their side effects”.

“When you get excited about a topic everything goes straight over my head. Especially when it comes to science and medical stuff, so I just let you talk”, she flinched at that.

“I’m excited because I thought I was sharing something cool, so you’ve been faking your interest!” she snapped.

“Not after tonight… Is that why we went to Henry-Faust? You needed to make poison?”

“And to get the application for Elliott, I can do two things at once” she let go of my hand and crossed her legs and arms.”Don’t do that again don’t pretend to be interested if you’re not! If I’m going to be a doctor I have to be able to communicate with people who don’t have a medical degree”, she turning her head to face me.

“I don’t want you to dumb yourself down”, I admitted.

“Thomas? Liam? Did either of you now about LD50’s, the side effects of cyanide or any of the other poisons I mentioned”, she got a strong but awkward no.”See I’m odd one out, I’ve got so used to talking to Nate or Elliott I’ve forgotten that everyone else doesn’t have the same background as us. So call me out on it”, she said.

“Are your lips still poisonous?” I asked.

“No, I made a boot leg antidote of Hydroxocobalamin which is the vitamin B-12, that was the needle I jammed in my arm. See the interesting thing about—“

“Nope, that’s more than enough, love”, I pulled her closer to me letting her head rest on my chest.We arrived back at the hotel by midnight ready for bed.

We said goodnight to the security team and went to our room. The room was littered with our purchases. I changed into the pajamas pants that Jennifer had bought me …”Can you unbutton me?”

“Always”, I said walking in to the bathroom, I rubbed my hands together to warm them up and began undoing the dress.

“Adam?” She said looking at me through the mirror…”You’re not afraid of me are you?”

“Afraid? No… Impressed would be a better word. I see why the other Houses want to keep you happy. Poisoning and a mass killing, no wonder Rodger sides with you”. I finished undoing her dress letting it fall to the floor. She stood in a white slip, showing off her soft curves, wiping her makeup away.

“I just wanted to make sure, you weren’t afraid to kiss me”. I pulled her roughly back against me running my hands up and down her body rising up her slip. I wanted her to feel how hard I was. How much I wanted her, I spun her around and kissed her like my life depended on it. Her little moans of pleasure all but sent me over the edge. Not breaking our kiss I picked her up and placed her on the bathroom counter. Jennifer wrapped her legs tightly around me grinning against me. Her fingers wildly ran up and down my body.

She pulled away, “What? Did I hurt you?” I said cupping her face in my hands.

Out of breath she said,”Air”.

I let her catch her breath and she unwrapped her legs from around me,” Stay right here don’t move”, I all but ran in to the living room.

Where the fuck is that Walgreen’s bag.

I know we got condoms.

“On the coffee table”, Jennifer yelled.

Got it!

I was back at her side and in her in no time. Pushing her back against the mirror, I drove myself deeper and deeper into her sobbing wet pussy. Her nails dug into my back and she rocked her hips in perfect motion with mine. I wanted her naked; skin on skin. But, in this moment everything was perfect; my hands on her hips and pulling her hair. Shit I was close.

“Harder”, she moaned she was close too. Pulling her legs up higher I did just that.”Yes… Yes! Yes! Adam yes!” She was shaking in pure ecstasy. Nothing sounds as sweet as my name on her lips,” I’m coming. Don’t stop”.

She came hard unraveling in my arms and that was just enough to send me over the edge with her. With heavy breathing I collapsed into her breasts and she wrapped herself around me holding me up.

She pulled the condom off and tossed it in the trash.

“Are you ok baby?” She said stroking my back. I was more than ok. I was fan-fucking-tastic. I lifted my head out of her chest and kissed her slowly wanting to thoroughly explore every inch of her mouth. I picked her up and carried her to the bed. I gently placed her down and I joined her. I laid on my stomach pulling her closer to my side. I slid my hand under her slip and softly ran my fingers over her breast in small circular patterns.

“So definitely not afraid”, she said smiling.

“After that, I’m fine with death. Love, I can honestly say you fucked me stupid”, I said.

“I know the feeling”, she confirmed. We sat in silence for a few minutes.

“I love you Jennifer, every part of you. I’ll never forget tonight”, I said.

“Because attempted murder it’s so romantic”, she stated.

“In a way, yeah…You were willing to kill for me, not a lot of people would not without being paid a lot of money. That kind of love or bond is unbreakable, I love you even more for it”, I said softly.

God damn was my voice breaking?

“So the bomb at the wedding, the plane crash, the coma, the shooting and now all this; is what makes us unstoppable? I think we’ve been that way since the beginning”, she said.

“This is different, love. You didn’t have to poison him, you wanted too for me”, I said feeling small.

“Of course I would. How many people have you killed to protect me? I did get to read your kill sheet when I was in charge. I noticed an increase around December when I first showed up. Like you promised you kept me safe and I didn’t even know you were doing it”. She took my hand with my watch on it and kissed my wedding band, “I’m your wife, I’m going to protect you too. We’re not that different when it comes to getting what we want. We’ll do whatever needs to be done for the protection of our family. I called you a monster for it once but I know now we need to be if any of us are going to survive”, she said.

“I saw yours today and I couldn’t be more proud of your “monster” she’s a cold hearted bitch. I wouldn’t fuck with her”.

“Really?” She slid my hand in between her legs,”I was kind of hoping you would. Let your monster meet mine”, I was on her faster than lightning.

“I think that’s a different monster you want”, I said burying myself in the crook of her neck.

Laughing she said, “Is that what we’re calling it?”

“That’s what you’ll be calling it when I’m done with you, love”, I said.

“Good”, I lost myself in her; each time was more amazing than the last. We finally fell asleep tangled in each other’s arms.

Chapter 34 Compromise? Compromise.

Adam

Meeeoooowww.

I reached out for Jennifer patting her side of the bed. She was gone, I opened my eyes and saw Belle lounging on her pillow.

“How did you get here?” I questioned “and with a new ruby collar no less”. I looked around and the room which was spotless. It was also five in the evening.

I slept all day! Well we did stay up all night and most of the morning too. I put on my pajama bottoms and a zip-up jacket.

To bright.

I put my hood up too and grabbed Belle. I went to the dining room and found food and a note from Jennifer:

Starbucks was the best I could find this morning. When you wake up we’re in Liam’s room across the hall.

Love you,

-Jen

With who?

I shoved the donuts and cake pop down my throat and made my way across the hallway.

I knocked and Michael answered the door, “Hey Eminem”, he took Belle and said to her, “I don’t want you hanging out with the real Slim Shady”. I rolled my eyes,” What? Would I have gotten a laugh if I said I didn’t want you hanging out with a rap god”.

“Really puns?” I said pushing past him into the room.

“There’s nothing else to do around here”, he said lovingly petting Belle.

“Where’s Jennifer? Why are you here? When did you get here?” I had too many questions.

“Someone woke up cranky; Jennifer’s in the back, leading the mission. I got a text yesterday saying to come to Chicago so I tossed on a wig and run out the door. I got here this morning at 10. Everyone else got here around noon and then they left around 2pm to carry out her plan. It’s really working”, he said leading me further into the room.

“What plan? What mission?” I ask confused.

“You haven’t checked your phone have you?” Michael said, “Well it’s best to just see it with your own eyes, it’s happening so there’s no turning back now”.

And see I did, the whole bedroom was covered with computers and wires. The TV was on full blast with CNN on they were reporting on a terrorist attack? At The Langham. No! She didn’t.

“You did not blow up The Langham!” I cannot believe I had to actually say those words. Jennifer sat next to Brandon they were both keyed in on whatever was on Brandon’s tablet. She was wearing a grey swing dress.

“Good morning or should I say afternoon to you too, and no I didn’t blow it up it was a tiny little bomb, no was hurt. The news is just blowing it out of all proportion”, she said not turning around to look at me.

“Homeland Security will be all over this!” Was no one thinking straight!

“That’s what we’re hoping for”, Brandon said.

“And in the midst of all the confusion Alejandro and his team can do a sweep of the whole hotel. Thanks, to Brandon’s impressive forgery skills, we have four “FBI agents” scanning the scene”, she got up and kissed me briefly.

“Everyone in the hotel will be interviewed and have to be accounted for. Once Homeland Security does all the work for us it’ll be easy to get over their firewalls and security. Then, we’ll have the names, addresses everything we really need to identify whoever the voice is”, Brandon said still fixated on the tablet.

“I know it’s fucked up, but still it works”, Michael said sitting in one of the chairs in the corner.

I lowered my voice so only Jennifer could hear me, “We are going to talk about this later”.

“I look forward to it”, she said matching my tone. She placed my phone in my hand and said,” but you don’t have time for this you’re needed in Honduras. I called James and Ross for you they are downstairs at the bar. Your contact was adamant that he speak to you and only you”, she said.

I looked around at all the chaos, “No, I’m not going Amir will just have to wait”, I said.

“Your clients don’t wait”, today they do.

“They’ll be fine until this passes”. I want to trust her word but Jennifer is smart. This could be the perfect way to get rid of me and do God only knows what.

Like blow up a building.

“Adam, Amir is one of your greatest allies without him you lose half of your personal wealth. Are you sure this is the man you want to blow off?” She was right; almost all of our cocaine comes from Honduras. I pulled her into the dining room away from my brothers.

“Love, I can’t leave you right now, I love you but when it comes to this person I can’t trust your state of mind or your decision making, it’s too personal for you”. Hell it was to personal for me!”I’m fine losing Amir’s business if it means I can keep you safe and find this SOB”. Our lifestyle wouldn’t be too affected I would need to quickly find another supplier in the next two or three month’s or then we would feel the effects.

“You don’t trust me?” she was deflated.

“Just for this situation”, I pulled her close making her look at me. “I trust you more than I ever thought possible. It’s…just you don’t think straight and that Homeland Security is involved we need to be very careful”, please understand that.

She nodded “How much do you trust me?”

“With my life” especially after yesterday.

“Send me to Honduras to meet Amir in your name”, she said.

“No”, absolutely not.

“Why? You stay here and finish this the right way. I know you won’t stop until we find the person on the phone. I know how to appease our allies; I did it with Antonio”, she did. Antonio was dead now… I just couldn’t let him keep short changing me, her first instinct was right.

” Where you would be going is one of the most dangerous places on earth. San Pedro Sula isn’t a joke and neither is Amir, he won’t even talk to Michael—“

“He will talk with me; I’m not helping here so let me do my part in Honduras. I wouldn’t be alone I would have Ross and James. We need to keep our friends happy especially when they bring in over twenty-four million dollars of revenue for us”. It was more like seventy-nine now that Antonio was gone, “Let me do something”.

“No. No. No, absolutely not”, I meant that.

“Fine, I’ll stay here and keep blowing up buildings like Sherman’s March “, No.

“I’m sorry love but this just isn’t a negotiation I will lock you in the hotel room before I let you leave or burn all of Chicago down. Let’s be sensible….where are you going?”

“To get my phone I want Alejandro to set off another bomb”, what the hell did I just say!

I blocked her path to the door, “Move, please. You want me to stay then I’m staying my way. God help anyone in my way because—” she cut her self off as I picked her up and threw her over my shoulders, “ADAM! PUT ME DOWN!” She yelled hitting me.

I heard Michael walk into the room and say, “Everything ok …” He looked at the situation and turned around saying,” Never mind, I saw nothing”. I started to walk to the door but Jennifer was moving so much I was going to drop her so I slapped her ass.

“Hey!”

“Stop moving!” I demanded.

“Pic kee toi! Feet pue tan!”I knew she was probably cussing me out in Cajun. So be it, her war path stops here. The US government is not a force to fuck with and going to San Pedro Sula was a hell no.

I got her back into our suite locking the door behind me. I put Jennifer on couch, just as soon as I let her go she was running to the door I caught her by her waist. We wrestled a bit until I pinned her on the floor.

“Why! Why are you the only one that get’s to make the decisions”, she yelled struggling to break free.

“Because I’m the boss”, I yelled back.

“And I’m your wife! We’re supposed to be partners; I work with you not for you. I know I can do this because I’ve done far worst things”. I rested my head on her chest; she wasn’t going to let this go.

“Why can’t you work with me at school? Literally anywhere else – in any way else? Why this? Do you always have to push to be more involved in this world?” I really wanted to know.

“Your world is my world now, what hurts you hurts me. Let me do something! You say I’m too attached, that I’ve made this situation too personal then send me somewhere where I’m not attached but where I can make a difference. I know I can help you, just compromise with me”.

“There is no compromise; it’s you still getting your way”, I was getting frustrated.

“And me doing nothing is you getting your way”, she pulled me off her chest but I still held her wrist down.

“Compromise?” I said letting her go.

“Compromise”, she sat up.

“I definitely don’t want you to make any more plans for our mystery person and I don’t want you going to San Pedro Sula”, I said.

“I’ll step away from the mystery voice if I can take care of your Amir problem”, she said.

“Why do you want to handle the problem? Why can’t you just step away and come back once I’ve found them?” I stood up pulling Jennifer to her feet with me.

“That’s not a compromise and I already told you because I know I can handle the situation. Why are you so against Honduras? If none of this was happening you wouldn’t even think about not going. Why are you so against me going?” She said flustered and annoyed.

I held her shoulder trying to stay calm,” because all the times I make a trip south of the border I don’t come back half dead, like you and Michael did”.

Her face fell.

“Did you just forget the last time you went to make a deal? I haven’t! I don’t want to wake up to find out you were murdered somewhere in Central America; or raped, or tortured, or sold off into the sex trade. If I’m not there with you, Amir or anyone else who recognizes you will trying to take advantage of that. I know you’re capable and could organize this whole operation but my number one priority is keeping you safe.”

“What happened in Coahuila won’t happen again”, she vowed,” We weren’t prepared for what the Bellefonte’s had planned. Now we know what to do, and it’ll never happen again. If you won’t let me go there we’ll meet them half way, somewhere in your territory”, Jennifer said.

“I could live with that… Paris, he could meet you at one the houses you took from the Crypt’s”, I still didn’t like this but it was a compromise… “With a security team and I want James and Ross there too–“

“Fine, I have no problems with that”, she was pleased with herself but I was still worried about what could happened.

“I want you to check in too, the same as Michael does”, after the Bellefonte attack I drastically changed the way we held meetings and deals. No one goes out alone, and everyone checks in every 30 minutes when on a job. Your team has to have some type of military personnel and under no circumstances do you change from the plan we agree upon before you leave. So if the meeting is in Mexico City you can’t change it to Coahuila”.

“Ok anything else?”

“I want to be Skyped in”.

“Lots of demands but okay, I’m fine with that. I’m almost afraid to ask; is there anything else?”

“Be safe, love” that was more of a desperate plea.

“Of course and you’ll be safe too”, she wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Yes”. I sat on the couch pulling Jennifer down with me so she straddled my lap. I got my phone out to call Amir, if I’m lucky he’ll just postpone or refuse to meet at all.

I put him on speaker so Jennifer could hear, she was not going to like what Amir had to say about women and work. Amir was so old school it made Rodger views seem liberal.

The phone rang.

“How well can you do two things at one time?” She started rocking her hips.

“Not that good, love”, she rubbed her hand over my now throbbing dick.

“You want me to stop?” She said lifting herself off me.

“Hell no!” I yanked her back down; she took her dress off and let it fall to the floor.

“You just focus on getting Amir to Paris and I’ll focus on you”, she was seducing me. She pulled down my pants and ever so slowly slid down on me. I had a firm grip on her ass. She moved slowly like a gentle waves.

God she’s so wet.

I wanted to go crossed eyed.

“Hello? Mr. Caffery?”Amir’s voice came over the phone, clearing my throat I said, “Airm, you called?”

“Yes, I would like to discuss trade options in person…..” I stopped paying attention Jennifer was kissing my neck driving me crazy she increased her grinning speed.

She lightly slapped me.

Right, I need to pay attention.

“…. so what do you say?” I have no idea what Amir was talking about.

Fuck.

“I…I have a proposal”, I struggled to speak, I was so close to cumming,” Amir…I we’ve done business…for the better part of five months. If I could come to Honduras I would”, deep breaths,” it’s just I can’t, I know it must be frustrating, but I would like to GIVE you the option…of talking to my wife?”

“What does she know of trade routes? Every day it becomes more dangerous to operate here…” Yes. Yes. Yes. I matched her pace and came hard.

“Yes!”She stopped crossing her arms in front of her, very pissed off.

“I’m glad you agree; women have no place in business it’s just too much for their little heads” Amir said so nonchalantly.

Fuck.

“No, that’s not what I meant; I guarantee you my wife is more than competent when it comes to export trading. If she wasn’t I wouldn’t even bring it up, but since your issue is so pressing I would like you to meet her in my place. She will be able to give your issue the much deserved attention it needs. I would be Skyped in as well, and for the inconvenience I invite you to our home in Paris”, I was still getting a dirty look from Jennifer.

“Fernandez, I promise you, you will be in the best of hands with my wife she has worked with the Jalisco New Generation and The Unseen. Not to mention her work with the other seven houses all of which you benefit from. I’m giving you to the most capable person in my absence”, Jennifer kissed me. “Let me send a plane to pick you up and you can have your meeting by this time Friday”. Say yes; please say yes, like Michael’s hot air balloon this situation is not going to go away without a yes.

“And you will be Skyped in?” Thank God.

“Yes, can I take that as a yes?”

“Yes, I will meet with her, if only in good faith for our relationship”, a yes is a yes so I will take that. I quickly rushed him off the phone and hung up.

Rubbing my hands over my face Jennifer said,” I really hope you weren’t paying attention and that you don’t think women should not work and don’t have the mental capability of understanding business.

“You’re the smartest person I know. You know I don’t think like that, the strongest people in my life are women”, I said thinking about my mother and how much shit she had to put up with Rodger just so that she could give us the life she wanted us to have. Gamila may play dumb but underneath it all she is actually very intelligent. Dani had a photographic memory when it came to gossip and people. And Jennifer was going to school to be a doctor and made a poison in less than fifteen minutes with the antidote to go with it.

That was just this week.

“Just checking… Now that you brought up the Jalisco New Generation I could have Alejandro make a call; we could easily get rid of him”.

“Appreciated and noted but, I won’t have him killed just because he’s a sexist prick”, I said drawing a small circle on her shoulder.

“You guys are fucking weird”, I pulled Jennifer behind me and fixed myself, not expecting someone to be in the room.

“Nate!” Jennifer said running to him.

“Eeewww”, Nate said holding his hand up,” Don’t get on me when you’ve just been on him”.

“How did you find us?” I asked. He pointed to Jennifer, I guess they made up.

He turned his attention back to Jennifer,. “You wouldn’t believe the flight in, something about a terrorist attack and bombs – shit was crazy!” Nate threw himself on the couch across from me,” Is that the underwear set I got you?”

“Nope, it’s a Target exclusive”, Jennifer said sitting next to him.

“You buy underwear for each other?” Okay that was weird… Right?

“If I happened to see something, yes. I can’t count how many times I’ve been dragged into Victoria Secret”, Nate said, “Go put on some clothes so I can take you and Elliott out for a drink”.

“What are we celebrating?” Jennifer asked.

“Henry-Faust is coming to the Big Apple. I want you to run it, from the job application you sent me I’m guessing Elliot wants to work there too?” Nate stated.

“OH MY GOD! Yes! He wants it! Nate I swear to you, he’s going to find the cure for cancer! Did you tell him? Can I tell him? We should both tell him!”

She was off.

Chapter 35 GHB

Jennifer

“Because I like her, that’s why I lie to her” Michael tried to explain to me as we waited for our drinks at the bar where Nate had decided to take us out to celebrate. I waved back to our table where Adam, Elliott and Nate were sitting; taking the two most talkative people out of the equation they are literally just sitting there staring at each other. Nate picked The Mid which was a mix of a traditional nightclub and the one you see in every rap video. Flashing lights, a DJ blaring music, full bottle service and nothing but a good time.

“Do you really think Sara would just walk away from you? If you explain to her that–” he cut me off.

“That I’m part of one of the biggest syndicate crime houses in the world and I facilitate deals with drug cartels, murders, liars, thieves and just some of the worst people you’ll ever meet. Yeah, she’ll be completely fine with that”, he said sarcastically.

“You don’t have a choice, are you just going to lie to her until you either get married or break up”, I questioned.

Slamming his hand down on the bar he said,” That’s it! After we have a couple babies and she can’t leave that the perfect time to say something”.

“That’s entrapment!”

“No, that’s genius! Then she can’t leave”, he said as if he had solved The DaVinci Code.

“First off, a couple things about Sara she’s too damn smart to be trapped by you. Secondly, she saw you at your lowest and still stayed. Thirdly, you both make long-distance work. And lastly, how could you live with yourself if you didn’t give her an option?”

“Adam didn’t give you an option; you still stayed”, he pointed out.

“First off the circumstances are way different! When I first met Adam I didn’t really have a choice, I was trying to save my father’s company. You and Sara met at Dave & Buster’s and for some reason she liked your rude ass”, I said while trying to wave down the bartender.

“Don’t hate because ladies like my confidence”, he said with a confident grin

I rolled my eyes, “So have you officially asked her to be your girlfriend? Because that’s important”.

“Why? She’s the only girl I really care about, she knows that”, Michael implied that was the stupidest question.

“Do not make me break out into the Enchanted song That’s How You Know. If you’ve never said it how does she know”, I said.

“I don’t know the cars, jewelry, shopping sprees and trips. Would all be a strong indicator”, Michael stated.

“Those things are for you! Sara grew up in a trailer park with a cracked-out family. Yeah, she likes spending your money but who wouldn’t when you spend it so freely, and now that she’s out of school you should be thinking about getting serious. Before, somebody else has the balls to”, Sara just got an amazing job at Monsanto.

“I’m going to your shitty state at the end of the month to see her. I guess I’ll just have to roll the dice and see what happens”, he said.

“Be honest and open, try to be romantic Michael and put Sara’s feelings first. Once you tell her yeah she’s going to be shocked, but give her time and for the love of God be patient with her and she may just surprise you. Remember you deserve a happy ending too, hopefully it’s with Sara. If not there are a million other girls that would love to be with you; even with your quirks”.

“Gee , thanks Mom”, clearly not liking the answer I gave him.

Changing the subject abruptly Michael yelled to the bartender waving a fifty-dollar bill … “Can we get some service over here!” .

“Stop it you’re being embarrassing! The poor man is not a stripper and we’re not the only people here, he has a hundred others to serve. See there you go being rude again”, I said trying to not look like I was with him.

“Hey, having trouble getting Sean?” A man said sliding in between Michael and me. He had a real frat boy look to him with his white Polo popped collar and pink shorts. I hate to judge people, but I could easily see him saying, ‘my father will hear of this!’

“Excuse you!” Michael said tapping him on the shoulder.

“Sorry man I didn’t see you. Anyway the bartender and I go way back let me get him for you”, surprisingly enough all he had to do with wave his hand and the bartender immediately came over to him so I placed our order.

“Thanks,”

“No problem. I’m Lance by the way”, he said.

“I’m—“

“Not interested and married”, Michael said pulling me back to our table.

“Rude again! He was just being nice”, I said.

“Please, I saved you, guys like that don’t come up to girls like you just wanting to have a friendly conversation”, Michael said turning to face me.

“The whole world isn’t trying to get into my pants”, I said crossing my arms.

“No they’re trying to get under that very short tight dress. Did you learn nothing from Rome?” He said.

“Did you learn nothing from Coahuila? I can take care of myself”, I said.

“Family! You don’t get to take care of just yourself you are my sister-in-law, deal with it!” We walked back to our table.

Dead silence from all of them.

I sat down in between Adam and Nate, “Oh thank God, your back! I could not fake text on my phone anymore”, Nate announced putting away his phone putting away his phone.

“Same”, Elliott said.

“Yup”, Adam said draping his arm around the back of my chair.

“You all should be ashamed of yourself; you couldn’t have a 10-minute conversation amongst your selves -about anything sports, movies anything!” I chastised them.

“They need us for the conversation”, Michael said.

A waitress brought our drinks to us and said they were on the house, “Thank you, that’s so nice!” I cooed.

“No problem, Lance convinced Sean to so enjoy!” She walked away.

“See! More than just a friendly; how do you do!” Michael exploded.

“What?” Adam said.

“It’s nothing. Michael’s having a hard time believing that people can just be nice. No quid pro quo just people being nice to people”, I said.

“The guy gave you the fuck-me eyes”, Nate said, “The only conversation he wants to have is are you DTF?”

“New topic!” I announced taking a big gulp of my drink, “Never have I ever! Who’s game?” Everyone said no.

“To bad we’re playing! So drink if you have… I’ll go first, never have I ever driven without a seatbelt”, everyone but me drank.

“Nate! I expect that from them but not from you!” I said shocked.

“Sometimes I just don’t want to put it on. I’m still here so…winning!” He said, “I’ve got one. Never have I ever, ran into a barbed wire fence”.

“It was dark and you said go left!” I said being the only one to taking a drink.

“What’s the story there?” Elliott said.

“Yeah, love”, Adam said for the first time agreeing with Elliot.

“Let me tell you about the time Leo got back from basic training and his parents threw a huge party at their house. Everyone we knew was there and everyone was drinking like it was the end of the world. So to make a very long story short the cops got called out because some people were under 21 and drinking, including us. When we saw the cop lights come speeding down the driveway we all scattered in different directions. We ended up running through the back part of the field at their house trying to get away. I swear to God I said… ‘Watch out for that fence, I shouted go right’, and bang right in to the barb wire fence Jen goes.”

“Hahaha like to see try running wedge heels”, I said remembering the pain from being pulled from the fence… Well “who’s next?”

“Me”, Michael said looking directly at me, “Never have I ever, fucked my brother”, I took another sip of my Long Island Iced Tea, my face was hot and I felt a little dizzy.

“We were having a good time and you had to go and make things awkward” I complained. After a few more we settled into nice rhythm. It wasn’t awkward anymore just friendly conversation, the longer the night went on the more laughs we had.

“I got one… Never have I ever almost drowned in four feet of water”, Elliott said laughing.

“Oh my God you’re like the worst teacher ever! I did eventually get it”, one more sip.

“When did you almost drown?” Adam asked.

“Oo wow, when did that happen? Right after London”, when me and Adam had broken up. I saw Elliot almost every single day even though we didn’t live in the same building and it came up randomly that I couldn’t swim and the next day we were practicing swimming. I am no Michael Phelps but at least now I can tread water.

I took another sip fanning myself with a menu.

Hot!

“How considerate of you Elliott?” Adam said and I could feel the tension at our table start to build.

“It’s just what friends do”, Elliott said nonchalantly in a dismissive tone.

How were they wearing long sleeves?

“Is it?” Adam questioned.

“Problem?” Elliott said.

I’m going to pass out it’s so hot in here.

“Yeah, is there a problem?” Nate said siding with Elliott.

I’ve only had a couple sips of my drink but I feel dizzy and hot. I have only felt that way once but then I had, had a lot to drink.

“I..havveee…” my speech was slurred.

“There’s no problem over a little kid’s game. Back me up, Jen”, Michael said.

Roofied. I’ve been roofied.

I turned to Elliott my vision was blurred, struggling I tried to say, “GHB” I was basically drooling on myself. I tuned out everyone’s arguing.

Help!

Michael was sitting right across from me squealed, “Ewww what the hell is wrong with you? Jennifer?” Elliot, Nate and Adam were all arguing Michael was the only one that came to my rescue.

“G…H……B” I managed to say.

“I don’t know what that means? What’s wrong?” Michael said coming to my side, “Hey! You, other smart person, what’s GHB?”

“It’s a very strong roofie”, Elliott said getting it right I was seeing black spots.

“I knew it! Fucking Lance! I’m going to break his God damn teeth in!!” Michael said completely calling it.

The last thing I remember is Adam’s voice telling me it’s going to be okay

Chapter 36 Car Vs. Human

Adam

Lance was tough I’ll give him that but a car versus a person. The car was always going to win, he stupidly tried to run.

Tried.

I had Nate take Jennifer to a hospital we didn’t have time to wait for Dr. Pellegrini, Elliott went with themtoo.

Muffled yelling came from the trunk”,He can’t get out”, Michael said looking to the back of the SUV.

“No”, I highly doubt he could even walk after I took a tire iron to his legs.

After a short drive to Englewood Michael and I found an abandoned house.

Good enough.

All the houses on this street were abandoned. It was the perfect place to abstract some information. I parked the car a block away and we dragged “Lance” in to the last house on the street. The house was small with boarded-up windows and the floor had sunken in towards the middle of the living room. The place was gutted of all pipes, the walls were peeling and the only light that came in was from the street lights through the door we had broken down.

Lance could scream, cry and beg all he wanted no one would here. I pulled him to his knees by his hair, “Who gave you the roofies?”

“I don’t know! Please! I just did what I was told to do!” Lance cried.

“By who?” Michael said next to me holding the tire iron.

“I don’t know!” Lance said.

“Why?” I dropped him.

“I was cut off by my dad, I needed the money. I swear to you I wasn’t going to touch her. I was just supposed to drop something in her drink and leave”, he said in the fetal position on the floor.

“And go where?” I asked.

“Buckingham Fountain, I was supposed to call him and let him know it was done; then go there” he coughed.

“Take off your clothes and trade”, I snapped at him.

“Please don’t—” Michael knocked him out swinging the tire iron like Babe Ruth. I don’t think Lance was dead but he was definitely going to feel that when he woke up.

“What in seven shades of fuck are you thinking!?” Michael shouted.

“You’re both around the same height, same hair color and more or less the same build. From afar no one would be able to tell the difference. We’ll put some sunglasses on you and a hat and you will be the new Lance”. I started taking old Lance’s clothes off…”Take this” I said giving him the watch with the piano wire in it.

“You know I’m all for having your hand me downs, but what the fuck is this? It’s not even Armani”, Michael complained.

“Pull the crown”, I said.

“What is this? Wire?” Michael said puzzeled, pulling the wire completely out.

“Stainless steel piano wire, Jennifer made it”. I finally had Lance’s clothes off. I tossed the clothes to Michael.

“Who the hell were you trying to kill?” Michael asked.

“Remember Shepherd, from mom’s charity event? He won the mini date with Jennifer. Apparently he’s a part of this too; he tried to make a deal with us but Jennifer poisoned him and now he works for us”.

“Shit”, Michael started to change,” does he know anything useful?”

“I don’t know but I’m going to figure out tonight, from what Jennifer has told us about how he works the voice is going to send you walking around until eventually you get your money. Follow the trail he sending you on and anyone that comes into contact with you we take them. Take James and Ross with you; get them to follow you at a safe distance.”

“Can I take Alejandro and Liam? No offense to James or Ross but they’re your guys and they would die for you… Me, not so much”, Michael said quietly.

“They would die for you, you know that. I don’t understand why you and Jennifer trust Alejandro”, Michael was dressed and we started walking back to the car,” he has no loyalty and no respect”. I wanted to kill him for what he put Michael and Jennifer through.

“In the beginning he had no loyalty, but now that he has had a taste of real power and money he’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep his seat at the table. And that loyalty to himself, is all I need”. We got into the car, “Jennifer mind fucked him so skillfully he thinks he’s in control, when it’s really her marionetting him around”.

“Just be careful” I said.

“I will, where are you going?” Michael asked.

“It’s time I got to know Shepherd a little bit more”, I started up the car.” Whoever the voice is they are getting bolder which means Jennifer’s terrorist attack has got them on the run. Tonight wasn’t a planned out calculated move, it was a warning to back off or else. He could have easily have killed her but he decided to poison her to send a message, which means we are so close to finding them”.

“I hope so because next time we may not be so lucky”, he said.

We drove in silence and I dropped Michael off at the hotel, I had texted Brandon before we left to find Shepherd. He was at a Motel 6 in Elk Grove, for Jennifer I would do my best to get along with Shepherd until we found ‘the voice’. If Shepherd was as desperate as I thought he was, he needed this alliance just as much as we did.

James and Ross were already at the motel waiting in the parking lot for me. I exited the car and we made our way up to his floor.

Room 53.

“Ready boss?” Ross asked.

“Break it down”, they did.

Fuck.

Getting into the room I saw it was trashed, The bed was tossed on its side, the TV was broken with a giant whole in the middle, broken glass was all over and the smell of gasoline was everywhere.

“Get back!” I yelled running out of the room.

BOOM!

The bomb blasted me into the guard rail; fire licked my face singeing my clothes and hair.

Fuck!! Fuck!! FUCK!

My jacket was on fire; I ripped it off my body and threw it over the rail. James and Ross made it out but they had caught the most of the impact.

Bbbburrrrrooomboomboomboom.

I turned my head and saw a motorcycle speeding out of the parking lot. That motherfucker! It had to be Shepherd. Not wasting any time I ran back to the car yelling back to James and Ross to get to a hospital. Hopping over a bush I made it back to the car at a break neck speed.

I sped out of the parking lot following right behind Shepherd, because he was on a motorcycle he could easily maneuver around cars but I was close on his tail. I just had to get a little bit closer to ram him off the bike.

We both weaved in and out of traffic, at one point Shepherd was actually on the sidewalk gaining speed, I was going to lose him.

Panicked I called Brandon on the car phone, “Yeah?”

“I’m chasing down Shepherd and he’s about to get away can you keep a track on him?” I said.

“I would need time, tell me where you’re at”, he said.

Shit!

“He just got on Highway 53 heading west, how do I follow behind him” I was breaking every traffic law trying to keep up with him.

“Got it, take West Frontage outer road. You can follow him all the way down the highway”, Brandon said.

“Thanks”, I pushed the car even harder trying to keep up with him on the highway.

Shepherd lost sight of me and slowed down to a normal speed on the highway. I sped up hoping to catch him coming off the ramp.

Just as I had expected he came off of the ramp and I speed over a little dip and went flying straight into him.

“AAAAAA FUCKING CUNT! YOU SON OF BITCH! AAAAA” I didn’t mean to hit him that hard but it just happened. I knew I hit him too hard when his shoes went flying off. I exited the car and saw that Shepherds leg was definitely broken the bone was sticking out, his arm was dislocated and he has scratches covering his body.

“You going to come with me or do you want me just to hit you again with my car and end it?” I said shouting over his screams.

“Fuck you!” He shouted.

“If you come with me I’ll get you a doctor. I didn’t come to hurt you; I’m here to offer you an alliance. We both want the mystery voice gone, if we work together we can get rid of them”, I walked closer towards him the bike was completely wrecked.

In pain Shepherd struggle to say, “Bullshit, you’re crazy fucking wife almost killed me and you’ve just ran me the fuck over!”

“You’ve poisoned me and tried to blow me up I would say we’re more than even”. I needed to move him fast before any witnesses showed up. “I hate to do this but…” I knocked him out and carried him back to the car. After a good duck taping I put him in the trunk and slammed the hood down.

Welcome to the team.

Chapter 37 Five Minutes

Jennifer

I opened my eyes.

God my stomach hurts.

I saw Elliott sitting in a chair a sleep, Nate was on a roll out bed next to him.

This isn’t the Waldorf Astoria. Where are the boys?

I sat up in pain, wincing as I held my stomach.

“Lie back down”, Elliott said standing up with his arms crossed.

“Where are we? Where are Adam and Michael?” Elliott pushed me back down on to the bed gently.

“You’re at the Peninsula Hotel, I’m pretty sure Adam and Michael went to kill that guy from the bar, we haven’t seen them since last night” Elliott said with a hint of annoyance. I started to look around for my phone but couldn’t find it and walking was out of the question right now.

“Jen, I got to say something” Elliottwas serious, I turned to face him.” You don’t think this is crazy? Hanging out with people like this? Marrying into whatever Adam dose? I really don’t want to know the specifics, I mean are they forcing you to be with them? We can go to the police they’ll help you get away from them, or I could get you a lawyer if their blackmailing you—“

“I’m not being held against my will or being blackmailed. I am really married to Adam because I love him”, I said.

“Why do you have bullet wounds on your chest? I’m trying to understand… I can’t work out your thought process. Why would anyone stay with someone who is clearly so dangerous? Is it a money thing?” Elliott was pushing this.

“No, I just told you; I love Adam. This just comes with being with him”. Pushing past the pain I went and searched for my phone.

Standing in front of me and blocking my way Elliott said,” Do you have any idea how crazy that sounds. You sound like one of those women that justifies domestic violence getting hit. Come with me to the police”, Elliott begged.

“Elliott really I’m fine, I need to know what happened after I blacked out”. I walked past him only to have Elliott grab my wrist and turn me back in his direction. “Help me understand then, Why? Why him of all people. Just explain why you’re will to risk death to be with a murder and drug dealer? Please see reason, if I gave you a case study showing your self-destruction you wouldn’t say this is love. Infatuation maybe? Lust perhaps. Nate told me how you two met, Jen you know how Stockholm syndrome works”.

“Elliott, I swear to you I am fine”, I said taking back my wrist and walked into the living room with Elliott close behind me. Since when does he care so much about anyone but himself.

“You know this is fucked up… We’re going to be doctors; we do no harm; just on an ethical level, the Hippocratic oath you must see that he’s bad”, Elliott pushed.

Frustrated and annoyed I turned to Elliot and got in his face,” What do you want me to say? That I don’t see what’s happening? That I don’t know the risks? I do- every day I walk out the God damn door I know the risks. I could be shot by an assassin, stabbed on the subway, kidnapped from my own apartment and thrown into the sex trade, raped and left for dead. I know what I signed up for! I know! I love him! If it ends in a hail of bullets, then so be it”. I turned around and saw Adam standing in the doorway. I ran to him wrapping my arms around his neck. He kissed me deeply, then pulled away quickly.

“That is never going to happen, love”, he pulled me in to a hug holding my head. I didn’t need to see Adam’s face to know he was pissed at Elliott.

“What happened last night?” I asked. Adam ripped his death stared from Elliott and looked at me. I could smell smoke on him.

“We need to talk”, I nodded, then told Elliott I would be right back. We stepped into the hallway. Adam led me down the hallway to a dead end with a window. He opened the window and sat on the edge of the nook I sat on the other side. We had a beautiful view of Michigan and Chicago Avenues even though it was raining.

He took my knee in his hand traced a circle with his thumb,” What happened?” I asked.

He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and put one in him mouth and lit it, “I don’t even know where to start”, he said blowing out smoke.

“Pick a place to start”, I said taking the cigarette out of his mouth and tossing it out the window,” Smoking isn’t sexy so don’t start that bad habit. I want you to live to be a hundred”. I held out my hand for the pack.

He laughed lightly showing off his beautiful smile, “Fine”, he put the pack in my hand and I tossed it in the trash.

“Since when do you smoke?” I said crossing my arms.

“Only when I’m stressed, it’s better than grabbing a bottle like Rodger”, he said looking off and disheveled.

“Tea is better”, I said looking out the window.

“I’ll keep that in mind, love”, he said,” Lance is dead and I’m working on getting Shepherd to be more cooperative. Michael is subbing in Lance’s place”.

“Who’s Lance?”

“He’s the guy who roofied you last night”.

Oh ok.

“Are you still up for meeting Amir? It’s ok if you’re not”, he said.

“No, I’m good nothing some medicine and food can’t fix”, I said turning to look back at him. He was holding something back I could tell.

“Did something else happen?”

“No,” he said to quickly.

“Liar, I have a PhD in you what else happened?” He paused for a moment.

“I hit Shepherd will my car after he tried to blow me up”, he finally said.

Jesus!

“So nothing less of a bad night, have you slept?”

“No, I still need to check in with Michael and get back to Shepherd. I just wanted to check on you before I headed back out”, Adam said running his hand through his hair.

“You need sleep; I don’t need to be in Paris for another two days. Let me work with Michael and Shepherd just for today. That way you can get some sleep”, I was worried about him he seems so drained.

“I can’t, love. I have to—“

“Get some rest Baby, you look like death warmed up, it’s just one day. Hell, a couple hours really”, he really didn’t want me to have any part in what he was doing to Shepherd and what was going on with Michael.” I’m sure I can make Shepherd be more cooperative and as for Michael I’ve been in the same place he’s been in. If anyone can help him it’s me”.

“I know you can it’s just I need to stay on top of this before I sleep”, Adam said yawning.

“Ok, but let me come with you, maybe I can get Shepherd to talk? I just need shoes”, he agreed.

And maybe a new change of clothes I don’t think the tight black dress I wore last night screamed intimidating. We walked back to the room. Taking the time to look around the room I could see Elliott had expensive taste. The suite was timeless with every amenity you could wish for from a baby grand piano to wrap-around terrace overlooking Lake Michigan and an outdoor whirlpool tub. The room was flooded with natural light, giving a fresh, bright feel of the entire hotel.

“Wait here”, I said to Adam,” We don’t need a fight”.

“Maybe that’s exactly what we need”, Adam said leaning against the front door.

“You wouldn’t be the first or last person to say that to me. I’m ready whenever you are”, Elliott said standing in the bedroom door way with my phone which he threw it to me.

Oh God no.

Adam pushed off of the door and started walking to Elliott. When did Adam start to hate Elliot? I could feel his rage radiating off of him, he wanted a fight. Standing in between both of them, I stretched out my arms to keep them away from each other.

“Stop! Now is so not the time for whatever this is”, they were truly ready to fight each other.

Vvvvzzzzzttttt Vvvvvvzzzzzttttt

I looked to Adam hoping he would answer his phone and walk away, he didn’t.

“It could be Michael you have to answer”, I put my arms down. They just gave each other dirty looks. I reached into Adam’s pocket and pulled out his phone. I answered.

“Hello?”

“You are becoming a cockroach under my boot”, it was him, my blood ran cold.

Trying to stay calm and collective I said, “What do you want?” That got Adam’s and Elliott’s attention, I put him on speaker phone.

“Mrs. Caffery you don’t sound happy to hear from me”, the voice said.

“I don’t think you called for my wife, what do you want?” Adam said.

“It’s not what I want it’s what you most likely want. I was very comfortable at The Langham until you two showed up, well two can play at your game… Mrs. Caffery you already know the game. You have five minutes to reach Oak Street Beach and Montrose beach, at both of these locations you will find one of your brothers you had better act quick high tide is coming. Last time I checked Michael wasn’t looking so good. You had better get moving”. The phone line went dead.

“Oh my God!” I ran to the door flinging it open.

“Shit!” Adam shouted passing me in the hall.

“I know how this works he wants us to pick one to save and the other to die, Adam you go to Montrose beach and I’ll go to Oak Street”, I yelled as we ran down the stairs.

“You’ll need a car if you go to Montrose its ten minutes away”, Elliott said behind me.

“And a doctor, Adam work with Elliott!” I yelled down to him Elliott passed me.

“Fine!” Adam shouted.

We made it to the street.

“Where are the cars?” I said, frantic we were running out of time.

“I just have the one”, he said.

“Give her your keys we can take mine”, Adam tossed me his keys and I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I slid into the familiar SUV and slammed the door shut and took off like a bat out of hell. I pushed the engine as hard as it could go I broke every speeding law and ran every red light.

Please let me make it! Please be ok!

I did this, If Brandon or Michael ended up dead then it will be my fault.

Almost there!

Please! Be alive!

I’m coming.

I parked the car on the out road and ran for the empty beach.

I didn’t see anything!

“Damn it”, I said to myself desperately looking around for any sign of Michael or Brandon.

I called Brandon.

Nothing…

I tried Michael.

Nothing…

“Where are you?” I screamed as hard as I could, I ran in to the water.

He said high tide.

I looked out at the beating waves.

“Oh my God!” I ran in to the water taking off my dress as the material was slowing me down. I saw Michael tied down to a yellow buoy. I would never make it to him in time.

Or drown both of us.

I called 911and quickly explained where we were I threw my phone on to the beach in the hope of saving it from the water and dived into the incoming waves. The water was freezing and the current was acting actively against me. Every inch forward felt like I was going five back as the tide came in. My slow dog paddle was killing Michael.

I kept my eyes on Michael he was zipped tied to the bottom of the buoy he wasn’t moving.

Another big wave hit me hard and I swallowed some sea water causing me to cough. I pushed forward.

“Michael!” I screamed, “Michael!” I was getting tired, my muscles ached in pain, my belly was full of water and I was so cold. I dived under the water again and had made my way forward, only came back up for air.

I made it to Michael, Grabbing onto the buoy I tried to pull myself up treading water. No luck.

“Michael”, I lightly tapped his face he was so pale and his lips were blue. He was barely breathing.

Hypothermia had set in.

I wrapped myself around him hoping to give him any heat from my body but by now I was so cold my teeth chattered.

“Help is coming. Ok Michael? Just hold on a little more”, I struggled to say but he made no response. There was no time to wait; I needed to cut him loose. I reached for my knife only for my number fingers to drop it. I watched as it disappeared into the black water.

Damn it!

I had no other options so I used my teeth and started to bite down on the zip ties. I pulled and gnawed at the restraints like a wild animal, until they broke. I could taste my blood mixed with salt water but I needed us to get back on land.

Ok let’s do this.

Chapter 38 Blink

Adam

Jennifer ran to the SUV as I ran behind Elliott into the parking garage.

“It’s the red one”, Elliott shouted back to me.

Zenvo ST1.

We jumped in and took off at a break neck speed. I called Ross and James and told them meet us at the beach.

What happened? We were careful. We changed everything.

“Faster!” I demanded,” You can go at least—“

“Zero to sixty in three seconds. I know”, Elliott said and he pushed the car harder.

I looked down at the time, “Fuck”.

“I know”, Elliott said.

Weaving and dodging we finally made it four minutes late. Elliott drove the car on to the harbor and abandoned the car. I jumped out of the car and ran to the beach.

Where are you?

Brandon…

Michael…

I looked around at the dirty seaweed covered beach, nothing obvious. There was nothing here for miles. I felt my word caving in; the world was off its axis.

“Brandon! Michael!” I yelled until my voice went hoarse.

“Over there!” Elliott yelled running past me, “The tower!”

Shit.

The white watch tower was covered in red.

Blood!

The water had risen to the base of the tower.

Where are they?

I ran up the to the eagle’s nest and looked around, there was nothing but an empty desk.

There is nothing fucking here!

I kicked over the desk in frustration.

“Hey! Calm down”, Elliott said.

“Fuck you! My brothers are going to die and you’re telling…” I trailed off. The desk I had kicked over had a tablet in it. I rushed over to it…

Vvvvvzzzzttttt vvvvvvzzzzztttt

“Is that you?” Elliott said looking for looking for the sound.

“No”, I said. I turned on the tablet. A video popped up showing some water. A feed of the ocean?

Michael!

Michael!

That was Jennifer’s voice.

She found him!

She was in the water, pulling him back to shore. She was struggling to keep them both above water. The feed continued until she and Michael were jerked under the water, then the screen when black and showed only text:

Hopefully, they can hold their breath longer than Brandon did.

You. Are. Next.

I couldn’t save Jennifer and Michael right now it was out of my hand all I could do was pray that she could break free and find the strength to get to shore. I have to find Brandon, logic clicked in I have to save the closest person.

“Brandon!” I yelled and ran down to the beach area.

“Try Calling Brandon’s phone”, Elliott said wandering around. He has to be here; then I recalled the voice said something about high tide. “You don’t think he’s in the water do you?”

I called.

Vvvvvzzzzttttt vvvvvvzzzzzttttt

“He’s here somewhere….” I cut Elliott off.

Under!

“He’s under us!” I yelled terrified about what I was about to find, “Help me dig!”

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Vvvvvzzzztttt vvvvvvzzzzzzttttt

He’s here, he’s here. He was under the fucking Watchtower; buried alive!

We kept tossing the sand away, “Hurry up! The tide is coming in”, I shouted panicked.

“What do you think I’m doing?” Elliott said continuing to dig.

Feet, we found feet.

We were then able to pull him out.

Brandon wasn’t breathing; and he was beaten badly with a long jagged scar across his naked body.

“Call 911”, Elliott said snapping me out this nightmarish scene. He started doing CPR and I called 911.

“Boss!” James and Ross called over the crashing waves, “Boss, are you ok?”

I waved back to them; I knew I shouldn’t be here when the paramedics get here but I wasn’t going to leave Brandon when he needed me the most.

Jennifer and Michael flashed into my mind, they need me. No Jennifer will take care of Michael, I need to take care of Brandon.

“When the paramedics get here we found him washed up on the beach. We found him and drag him out of the water. Understood?” I said firmly to Elliott.

He said nothing focusing on doing chest compressions on Brandon. He’s not dead, he can’t be…

I blinked and I was back in my childhood house, standing in my old bed room; with my Power Rangers posters, Lego sets, Nintendo 64, and Pokémon bunk bed set. The walls were painted black covered with glow in the dark stars, my toys were thrown everywhere and someone had finally blown up my inflatable chair. The curtains were open showing that it was raining hard outside. Lightning filled the room in an ominous but familiar tone.

“Sssshh, be quiet or he’ll hear you”, that was my voice but younger.

The closet.

“He’s hurting her”, Michael said trying to silently cry. I turned my head towards the door and heard the familiar sounds of Celine and Rodger fighting. Rodger had thrown something on the ground, he was most certainly drunk.

Rodger roared, “HE’S MYFUCKING SON! And I’ll do whatever I want with him”. I heard a slapping sound, followed by more glass breaking.

“Rodger, please…Don’t–“, that was my mom begging that piece of shit to stop, she needed me but I couldn’t move I was stuck in this one spot- helpless.

“It’s ok, don’t cry”, the younger me said. I could see inside the closet; the door was open just a tiny crack, enough for me to see myself in my onesie pajamas and Michael in his tighty whitey underwear, “Mommy is ok. Daddy is just mad again, it will pass I promise”.

More yelling came from outside the room.

“Promise?” Michael said sniffling.

“Yes. What does Brandon always say?” I asked… I had to be six or seven I repeated with Michael, “My word is my bond”.

“You got it; I’m not going to let him hurt you I promise”, I said confidently. All that confidence disappeared when we heard footsteps approaching the room.

Roger’s footsteps.

“GET OUT HERE!” He yelled. My heart rate raced and started beating erratically. The room started to close in on me, no matter what I did I couldn’t calm myself down.

“Ssshhh”, the younger me said in the closet putting a blanket over myself and Michael.

“That’s enough Dad it’s been a long day. Adam and Michael are sleeping”, from the glow underneath the door I could tell Brandon was standing in front of it blocking Rodger from entering the room.

“Move!” He yelled.

“No, they haven’t done anything wrong. I messed up and–” I heard a punching sound and heard a loud guttural thud. Rodger was going in on Brandon.

“Brandon?” Michael said weakly.

“Sshhh”, I whispered.

The beating continued on, I don’t know for how long I was frozen still just listening to the rhythmic pounding.

Brandon fell to the floor and after an avalanche of cuss words Rodger walked away. Hopefully to sleep it off, my heart was still racing.

“Stay here and sssshhhh”, I said putting my finger to my mouth. I climbed out of our makeshift safe place and crept to the door. I opened it and saw Brandon lying on his side on the floor, he was badly beaten.

“Can you roll in here?” Young me asked… Brandon didn’t say anything he just got up and limped into my room. I quickly shut the door behind him locking it in place. He crawled on to the bottom bunk bed. Lightning filled the room highlighting his beaten and bruised face.

“Where’s Michael”, Brandon whimpered and I pointed to our closet door.”He’s gone bubby, come out”. Peeking out first Michael nervously came out and sat on the floor next to Brandon.

“How bad do you hurt?” Michael said. I didn’t want to hear his response so I went to the bathroom and got a cold wet washcloth for Brandon’s face. I handed it to him and sat on the floor next to Michael.

For the first time in my life I felt hate, pure murderous hate.

“Calm down little man, you’re turning pink on me”, Brandon said.

I was so angry and frustrated I wanted to cry and scream at the same time,” I’m not going to let Dad or anyone else hurt you guys. We’re family, we’re always going to look out for each other”, I wanted to scream.

“Go to bed you two, it’s late and we all have school in the morning” Brandon said. Michael and I climbed the ladder to the top bunk. It didn’t take long for Michael to fall asleep; I just laid there looking up at my glow in the dark stars.

Whispering Brandon said, “Are you still awake?”

“Yes”, I said.

“And Michael?”

“No”, I stated, “Dad’s not family, he hates us too much. He shouldn’t hit you or Mom”.

“It’s the alcohol, that’s not really him… Just the worst version of him, but you don’t have to worry about that. As long as I’m around but he’s not going to hurt you, Mom or Michael”, he said gently kicking the mattress.

“Promise?” I said.

“My word is my bond”, I heard Brandon say I blinked again and I was back on the beach.

He was going to live Brandon had been through too much to not live through this. He is going to make it and I swear on my life whoever did this will pay with theirs.

I promise.

Chapter 39 Just Be

Jennifer

I sat in the hospital watching over Michael, when my legs gave out I thought I had killed us both but my determination was not going to let us die on some beach in Chicago. The doctor that worked on Michael said he had most likely been in at the mercy of the elements for at least nine hours.

Nine hours of floating, not to mention his broken ribs and arm.

Just listening to him breathe I could tell it was labored, every breath was a wheeze.

“You need sleep, I can watch him” … Nate appeared holding up a white suit and heels for me. I had been in a hospital gown for the past day. I thanked him and changed.

“No, I need to get on a plane”, I said looking down at Michael.

“That’s the last thing you should be thinking about. We have no idea where Adam even is. He could be dead the same goes for Brandon or Elliott”, Nate said.

“Even more of a reason to go we may well be the last ones standing”. I had warned my parents, Gamlia, Celine and Rodger that Adam had completely disappeared with Ross and James, “We couldn’t find any bodies so I have to believe this is for a reason”, I have to.

This is not like last time.

“Nate, I think you should go back to London I’ve pissed off who ever this voice is enough to the point where he is actively trying to kill my nearest and dearest. I’m not going to stop looking for him until I put a bullet in his head. That’s the only way this ends”, somberly I turned to face Nate.

“I’m not leaving you to—“

“I don’t want you to die or end up like this”, I said pointing at Michael,” the best thing you can do for me right now is go back to London and be with Josh. Go be happy. When this is over and I can guarantee your safety I’ll reach out to you”. I paused for a moment, “I just can’t ask you to take the same risk I knowingly and willingly accept. I’ll survive this; I just can’t have you added on to his hit list”.

“I would risk it to help you”, he said. I stood to hug him.

“Ma’am we’re ready for you”, Liam said pulling back the curtain; standing next to Thomas.

I nodded and they stood guard outside the flimsy material.

“I know you would… I know I just can’t risk you. One day I’ll be able to repay you for everything. I love you Nate”.

Pulling away he said, “I love you to bitch just be careful”.

“Of course”, I said.

“Ok, are we ready in here?” Dr. Pellegrini said walking in. She had cut her hair so it was a now a bob cut. She looked in her element with her white coat khaki long pants and deep emerald green blouse, “He’s been erased off the system so Michael was never here. Help me put him on the gurney and we’ll get you two out of here”. I pulled away from Nate,

“Got it”, I helped her put Michael on the gurney and we put a cover over his face. I held on to Michael’s hand not wanting to let him go. At least when he got to Paris Belle would be there to watch over him.

“We’ll see you in Paris”, Dr. Pellegrini said pushing Michael away from me.

Bye.

I followed behind her and stopped at the threshold looking back at Nate. I gave him a small wave and made my way out of the hospital. Thomas and Liam followed behind me. Three bullet proof SUV were waiting outside.

I lost track of Alejandro and Shepherd, hopefully they were with Adam.

Ring ring ring

A payphone rang close by causing me to pause and looked to Liam and Thomas.

Ring ring ring

“We should move”, Thomas said.

I agreed.

With everything going on I didn’t want to fly private it would be too easy to be shot out of the sky. I jumped into the middle car and we took off for O’Hare airport. I sat in the middle of Thomas and Liam thinking about Adam. He wouldn’t or couldn’t pick up his phone. I asked Celine to monitor if there was a hit out for any of us and so far it was a no.

So why did Adam just disappear… from me?

I need something or someone to tell me that he’s okay. That he found Brandon alive and he is with Elliott.

The cars pulled up to the airport and we filed out of the cars. I was just about to walk into the airport when another payphone starting to ring.

Who still uses payphones?

Rolling my eyes I decided to ignore it, If the voice wanted to talk to me so badly he was going to have to try a lot harder than payphone.

Vvzzzztttt vvvzzzttttt vvvvzzzzztttt

Ask and you shall receive.

I looked down at my phone to see who it was.

Pellegrini? Oh God, let Michael be ok.

Dr. Pellegrini was flying out of Midway International it was a smaller Airport but I couldn’t risk all of us flying out together.

“Hello, did something happen?” I asked.

“There’s nothing wrong with Michael he’s still in stable condition”, thank God! I don’t think I could take losing Michael too.” It’s just your credit card it’s been declined. This has never happened before so…”

Shit. Of course, why not add frozen accounts to the mix too.

Thankfully, I still had my rainy day fund so I gave the credit card number to her and it worked. So we would have to live off of what I had in savings until we found Adam.

If we find Adam.

Dark thoughts but he has to be alive, I know it.

I paid for our tickets and after a thorough pat-down from the TSA we made our way to the boarding area.

“I’ll be right back”, I said ducking into the restroom. Nate was right I do need to sleep. It wasn’t even noon and the day was already beating me down.

I decided to splash some water on my face to try and wake me up. Wiping my face clear, I noticed an envelope next to me.

“Excuse me, I think you dropped this”, I said picking up the envelope and handing it to a woman next to me, she said it wasn’t hers and walked off.

This is familiar except this time if it’s a death threat I won’t have Adam to put me back together again. Leaning against the sink I opened the letter.

Pick up.

“What part of no don’t you get?” I threw the letter away then headed back out to meet Liam and Thomas we walked to our boarding area and waited for the flight.

Ring ring ring

I never noticed how many payphones were in an airport until they all started ringing. Liam and Thomas told me to ignore them and not draw attention to ourselves and I decided to listen to them.

After an hour and a half of waiting we finally boarded the plane. With the 14-hour flight I planned to get plenty of sleep and then prepare to meet Amir. Once we were seated I was ready for sleep.

“Excuse me”, one of the stewardess said coming up to talk to me, “Would you be willing to switch seats so a parent and child can sit together?”

Uuummm….

Liam answered for me,” I don’t think it’s a good idea–“

“Sure”, I turned to look at Thomas and Liam, “It’s a plane nothing is going to happen”; I said standing up and scooting past them. The stewardess showed me to my new seat and politely thanked me.

What kind of monster wouldn’t let a little boy and his father sit together?

I sat down in my aisle seat and look back to Liam and Thomas and waved. Finally, I can get some sleep. I closed my eyes ready for sleep to take over

“Hi”, a boy said next to me.

No.

“I’m Doug”, I opened my eyes to see a boy no older than 15 or 16 years old. Looking like he just won the jackpot.

“Hello”, I said back.

“So do you fly often because….”

For the next 4 hours Doug told me his entire life story… Where he went to high school, where he was born, what colleges he wanted to go to. His ACT score and most importantly what anime’s he liked.

I deeply regret this.

“So I don’t know if you’re interested but I would like to hang out with… If that’s cool and all”? Doug said leaning a little too close to me…

“Doug, you seem like a very nice person, but I am on my way back home to Paris. After I make this connecting flight I don’t think I’ll be coming back to the States anytime soon”, I didn’t want to hurt the kids feelings he was trying. It’s just I’m happily married and way too old for him.

Once I confirm that Adam was alive I would kill him and then we would be happy again.

That deflated Doug enough that he stopped talking to me. Too little too late it was time to get on the other plane to Paris. We arrived at the familiar JFK Airport ready to go. I waited for Liam and Thomas to exit the plane and once we were together; we made our way to the other side of the airport in silence.

Sleep! I need sleep.

Ring ring ring

Son of a bitch! Enough!

Frustrated and angry I stomped over to the phone. The voice couldn’t hurt me inside of an airport. My family, Michael, Celine, Rodger, Kairi and Gamila were all safe. The people I could protect were fine.

“WHAT?” I said angrily shouting into the phone. My fists were clenched ready for a fight.

Nothing… There was nothing but silence on the other line. For a second I thought I heard breathing and my emotions did a 180 quicker than what I was prepared for.

“Adam?” I said feeling lost.

Silence, is all I got on the other side. This could be a trap or this could truly Adam trying to reach out to me trying to say he’s alive. I wanted to believe the latter.

A song stared to play, Paloma Faith – Just Be.

It was him.

My heart broke and I wanted to ugly cry in the middle of the airport. Adam must have saved Brandon, but if the somber song was any indicator that I would see him soon I would have been lying to myself.

For now we had this moment.

We can just be.

The End..