by Rimmy London
I trudged forward and sunk into the couch, wishing Manwell had come forward. President of the United States and he couldn’t even find the courage to stick up for one man. I tucked my feet under me and they sank into the large cushions. A pillow tilting from the back of the couch covered them in warmth. with a sigh, I leaned my head against the arm of the couch and was asleep in seconds.
The forgotten phone in my pocket buzzed and I woke to find a text on my screen.
-Whatever you’re thinking, don’t do it. Let’s give this some time.
Max gave me entirely too much credit. I wasn’t thinking anything. Except maybe about the last time I was in a hotel room. Givanni was there, sneaking in and giving me the most honest apology I’d ever heard. His eyes had been the clearest shade of green, only vibrant if you looked deep enough. Settling into the cushions I let my brain relax, not bothering to think anymore. I just adjusted the picture in my head until it was perfect—the deep green eyes against his smooth warm skin.
“Loriel,”
I jumped—It was Zoe, barely visible in the pale light and leaning tentatively forward. My phone buzzed again and I glanced down, squinting.
-Meet me in 20 minutes. Four blocks west, two blocks south.
Confused, I read it again, wondering why Max would tell me to sit tight and then want to meet with me. Zoe sighed and I slipped the phone into my pocket, suddenly anxious to be going. “I’m sorry to surprise you.” She padded forward in bare feet, blush colored nightgown swishing around her slender form. “I just can’t believe he could be convicted of such a thing Loriel. Anyone who spends more than two minutes in his company knows he is innocent.” She sunk into the opposite couch, reaching for a throw.
“I know Zoe, but this didn’t seem to be a fair trial.” I said before standing and sliding one arm through my jacket. “I’m just gonna get some air. Maybe something to eat. I’ll be back s—”
“Oh no, wait!” She dashed down the hall, returning in less than ten seconds, hopping forward with one leg in her jeans. Pulling the denim up she donned a knit jacket over her nightgown, looking surprisingly put together. “I’m coming.”
“Well…” Hesitating, I wished I had selected a more solitary activity. How would I ever meet with Max? “I wanted to… go alone actually.” I fumbled, feeling miserable. Zoe was the closest thing I had to a sister. I’d been at her wedding, played with her in a pool on a cruise-liner, and spent time dressing her in just the right veil, and here I was brushing her off like none of it mattered. But she didn’t listen.
“No, you don’t.” She whisked past and opened the door to usher me through. “You don’t want that.”
Conceding, I smiled at her persistence. I knew I shouldn’t let her come, but it felt good to have the company. We took the elevator, and stepped out onto empty sidewalks. “Wait,” I looked down the street. “Let’s go this way.” I pointed to the west and watched Zoe glance back and forth, seeing what I could clearly see. Her pathway was obviously more lighted, but after only a moment she shrugged, following me. The sun will be out before too long, I reasoned, and looking ahead I measured out four blocks.
But the darkness was eerie, and our footsteps echoed down the alleyways. Zoe seemed nervous too, her usually abundant conversation lacking. I lifted my phone from my jeans pocket I glanced at the screen. Nothing. Max wasn’t the type to be so mysterious, at least not with me. Taking a deep breath I pushed the thought aside. We had reached four blocks, and luckily a small diner shone on the corner. With the darkness of night just beginning to lighten, it’s interior glow reflected on the sidewalk.
“Zoe,” I started. “A friend of my father’s lives close by and I don’t want him to leave without seeing… her.” Zoe’s eyes brightened and I charged ahead. “But there’s something a little personal I need to talk to her about…” She nodded encouragingly. “Would you mind just waiting in this diner for a moment? It should only take a few minutes—half an hour at the most.”
She held her hands out, stopping me. “Of course, I understand.” Her eyes sparkled like I had just involved her in something romantic, and I forced back a smile. To her life was only about love—there was nothing else.
“Thank you.” I pulled the heavy glass door open, watching as she made her way to the bench seat closest to the window. But as I set off again my hands began to shake. In only a few blocks, I met with a dead end. The chain link fence in front of me was perfectly passable, but I couldn’t understand why he would direct me here. An empty train yard stretched out beyond the fence line. I hesitated, sure I’d made a mistake.
On impulse, I pulled out my phone and texted out a quick message. I’m here… where did you want to meet? As my finger touched the send button I heard the soft grinding of gravel.
I stepped back, ducking behind a thick row of hedges. The steps advanced at a lazy pace. Inching my head to the side I tried to see between the thick green mass in front of me, and finally caught sight of a man. But it was impossible to know for sure—I would have to abandon my cover and show myself in order to identify the person. Finally, black leather boots appeared through a small opening in the overzealous bush, and I studied them warily. They didn’t look like anything Max would wear. Surely whomever this person was they would continue on. There was nothing here of any significance, except maybe seclusion. Minutes passed and the boots remained, standing still and clearly waiting. I glanced behind me. If someone came from the other direction I would be easily seen.
“Miss Lane,” He whispered. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized Cal’s voice, but his words hadn’t been spoken in my direction, and he stayed rooted in place.
“Ey!” A voice yelled in the background. His boots turned, facing deeper into the train yard. “What’s the hold-up?” The other voice was angry and finally he turned, heading back with a hushed string of words. My breath gusted into my hands as I covered my face, trying to control the complete panic I was feeling. How had he contacted me? And what was the point? After all the trial was over—they’d already won. Why follow me?
On my walk back to the diner I went over and over it, trying to figure out what they could possibly want from me now. Street lamps flicked off one by one in the growing light. Suddenly there was a sharp squealing of tires—I backed into a doorway quickly. The sound intensified until a small silver beamer sped around the corner. Its back tires slid across the pavement before catching traction again. It overcorrected and swerved in my direction. I twisted the door handle behind me, but it was locked. The car screeched to a stop, taking the curb with its front tires just as the driver’s door flew open.
“Max,” I breathed. He was clutching my arms in the next instant, stains of sweat darkening his grey shirt.
“Loriel!” He heaved a few breaths, propping his hands on his knees and resting. “You’re okay.” My eyes narrowed, the events not connecting for me. But he began before I could ask. “I didn’t text you Loriel—I didn’t ask you to meet me here.”
“But…” I waited for his eyes to lift. “The text came from you. First telling me to sit tight and then telling me to meet you.” He shook his head.
“I sent the first, but not the second.”
“How is that—”
“You’re not safe here,” He wrapped one arm around me, directing me to his car. “I’ve gotten a flight for you…” His breath gusted a few times. “Back to LA—Marco can watch over you,”
So Marco had already left. I supposed I shouldn’t be surprised by it. “Hold on Max,” I began, but he shook his head, opening the passenger door. “Wait, just listen for a moment…” Fairly pushing me into the seat, he slammed the door shut and was pulling the car into a tight U-turn in the next instant. “Max!” He didn’t respond. “Givanni’s sister is in that diner…” I glanced back as we flew by. “She’s waiting for me to come back, I can’t just leave.” Watching the muscles in his jaw work I wasn’t prepared for the shine in his eyes when he looked at me.
“I am to keep you s
afe Loriel, and I will.” Ignoring his phone he reached for a two-way radio. “His sister’s in the diner. Escort her back to the hotel.”
“Cal was the one who wanted to meet with me,” I said. Max looked over, but I couldn’t tell if he was surprised or not. “He was there, waiting. He said my name.” Again no response. “Max, nowhere is safe—and I can’t just abandon Givanni! We have to do something!” The car slowed, pulling to the curb with a jerk. Max rubbed his hands across his face, looking sleep deprived.
“I don’t think you realize how close that was back there,” he said, “
“Just let me talk to the judge—his office is close. Then we can leave. I will fly back. Just ten minutes. Please!” Glancing at the clock, he rubbed a hand across his face and I clamped my mouth shut. I knew better than to keep talking. He looked back at me steadily before putting the car back into drive.
* * *
“What on earth Miss Lane!” The judge held my arms, looking back at my shocked face. “Why are you here?” We’d hardly set foot in his office, the receptionist having been out of the room.
“I…” The judge’s reaction was unnerving, and I glanced back at Max, who seemed to be just as confused. In fact, he looked ready for a fight. He stepped forward, knocking the judge’s hands down.
“What’s this about?” He growled, glancing down at my arms before returning his glare.
The judge exhaled in a single gust, spinning on one foot and pacing the room, his hands squeezing together absently. “What’s this about, you ask?” His voice shook, his eyes looking unnaturally large when he turned to face us. “Well it’s certainly about more than either of you can imagine, and this incessant need to uncover every secret in this trial is going to get you in trouble. No, it’s going to get you killed.”
Max stepped in front of me, hovering precariously close to his face. “Is that a threat?” He whispered.
The judge laughed, rolling his eyes maniacally. “A threat! Forgive me but, you are past the point of threats. Let me explain this to you…” He motioned for us to sit, and after a tentative glance at Max, he began. “Never in all my years of leadership have I seen what this group has perfectly easily been able to do. They manipulated a hearing for expedition after having it illegally pushed forward so no one could prepare for it. Without any resistance from anyone they have locked up their one powerful enemy.” My eyebrows pressed together. Was that what Givanni was? “The government might as well raise a white flag because they aren’t fighting back.”
“Why would they do that?” I argued, “The government just gave us their full support.”
“Why indeed,” He sighed. “There is ever only one reason. And it is green.” The fight had left his voice, and we stood silently. Max seemed as ready to leave as ever with one hand on the door. The judge glanced his way. “What I know is that every single one of us is going to be monitored. Because the perfect way to make an even more terrible enemy than you already have is to solidify his allies—give them a reason to stand together and fight.” His somewhat hazy eyes bored into us. “They would have no problem stopping us before anything even started.”
“So what are we going to do?” I asked. His tortured eyes focused on me like he’d been waiting for that very question.
“There’s nothing we can do.”
Chapter 9
So you just left? What are you, some kind of traitor? Have you even spoken to him?
My eyes filled as I glared out the window and covered my face in one hand. That was what they would say—Gvanni’s family. How could I ever face them again? The throbbing in my chest was unbearable, and I gulped down a mouthful of air. If there was some way to speak to him I would. If there was some way to see him I would. But there was nothing. It was like he had been locked away underground. The various receptionists I had reached were rude and condescending, not caring in the least if I found a way to contact him. Even the judge had pushed me away.
“Now Ella,” I bristled at the sound of my dad’s voice, wondering why he thought I would want to start a conversation. “I understand you want to be busy, but you come home whenever you can—whenever you want.”
I wiped at a fresh trail of tears and sighed. It was as much of an answer as I wanted to give. Things would be better when I got back to Shellbrook. Marco would no doubt need the help, and maybe he would even give me a few tasks to accomplish. It would be refreshing even, to be working. No questions, no uncertainties. Just get it done.
But the next morning when I walked into his office, I got more than I’d expected. Much more. “Well good morning Miss Lane!” Marco’s greeting was unnaturally boisterous, and I guessed it was because of the three men watching us. They sat together at a small table in Marco’s office.
“Sir,” I answered. We both glanced back at our small audience.
“Yes, let me introduce you,” Marco began. “There have been some changes you know.” He stood beside me, gesturing to the first sour face. “This is Mr. Dram,” His hand moved on, stopping with each name. “Mr. Culz, and Mr. Fullmer,” I mumbled my hellos, sure it wouldn’t matter anyway. Judging from their expressions, they all clearly loathed me. “They will be handling operations from Guadalupe Island and have just stopped in to help with the transitions. Givanni’s absence will be felt.”
I nodded. “How… nice to meet you.” I turned, hoping I could disappear to my desk.
“Miss Lane,” I looked back at the first man. “With this alliance, you have been given the protection of the US government, which means things will have to operate a bit differently.”
“No, I don’t think so.” The room stopped, each surprised face turning to me—with Marco’s looking a bit horrified. “We have nothing, but yes the company no doubt has what it needs. If we were given any sort of protection it would have come in handy a couple days ago.” My heart pounded at my own words, brash and honest, and not possible to restrain. Mr. Dram’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me.” I turned, leaving Marco’s office and closing the door behind me.
But what I found was a perfectly clean desk, no demands of any kind. I huffed, wandering to the window and gazing out as I thought again about trying to contact Givanni. The thought that he’d been completely betrayed by his own country ground in my stomach until I felt sick. We were so helpless to stop it. The door behind me brushed the carpet as it opened, and I waited for Marco to fire me. But no words were spoken, just the sound of him sinking into my chair. I turned, walking softly closer until his eyes flicked up.
“I think what we have here…” Marco dropped a stack of papers on my desk. “Is an unreasonable amount of demands.” He sighed. “But what I need from you Miss Lane, is a bit more couth. We are all upset about what happened…” I glared suddenly, and Marco shot to his feet. “If you don’t think I care for my nephew Miss Lane, say it! You have no idea how long I have been fighting this organization, and what it takes to actually beat them.”
“From what I remember, you weren’t exactly fighting against them before. More like working with them.” My calm voice was a bit of a contrast to the way my knees had suddenly begun to shake.
His head nodded vigorously. “Yes, that’s right. I did work with them. But if I hadn’t worked with them you would be dead.” He waited for a moment, letting those words sink in. “So in a way, I was working with them in order to get what I wanted—which is a way out of this binding contract they have imposed on us.”
His head dropped, and with a jerk, he swept the papers from my desk. “I’m sorry Miss Lane, forgive me.” The dramatic change in his voice was surprising, and staring into his face I saw a slight resemblance to the man I loved. “I deserve every judgment you have formed against me. Yes, I’ve been a coward, but this time I will do all I can to help my nephew. He deserves that.” Without waiting for a response he turned to leave.
“Wait…” I stood as well, hoping he would stay this new man long enough for me to get an honest answer. “Is there some way to reach Givanni? What can I do?”
I could tell immediately that there was something, but he swayed on his feet, debating. His eyes studied mine before he finally nodded.
“Do you remember that passageway you took? The underground tunnel?” I nodded—how could I ever forget my brush with death in that cold dark trap? “It is completely passable now…” He leaned in closer, whispering. “You and I are the only ones who know that.”
He whisked away and left me with my thoughts once again. My fingers drummed the desk. The tunnel was passable. Great. But where did it come out on this side? And why would I be sneaking in anyway? My heart ached for Givanni, and the look on his face the last time I had seen him… and then there was Cal. I glared at the calendar spread out in front of me. He deserved whatever terrible treatment he got, and joining with a group like that he was sure to have plenty of it.
An idea hit me suddenly. Like a snakebite, it was quick and dangerous, and I wanted to leave it alone. But I couldn’t. I strode up to Marco’s office door and knocked. When it opened I stepped back a little, surprised by the youthful man in front of me. “Oh…” I mumbled. His brown hair was cut short, and his deep auburn eyes seemed entirely too friendly for him to have any connection to the men that were here earlier. “I’m sorry, is Mr. Ginnetti still here?” I asked, with a slight shaking to my voice.
His lip lifted on one side and a heavy dimple crinkled his cheek. “No ma’am, I’m afraid he had to step out—a meeting I believe.” He stuck out his hand. “Jeremy ma’am, nice to meet you.” I shook his hand, smiling, and still trying to decide what to do. “I am most likely going to be working with you from time to time,” he continued comfortably. “I report back to the president so these guys—” He gestured behind him with a tilt of his head. “Have to be on their best behavior.”
