by Brook Wilder
Alina was in shock. “Jesus, he is crazier than I thought.”
“Another interesting thing caught my eye. He’s been a criminal his whole life but never gotten arrested. That tells me he is pretty meticulous about keeping a few layers of minions between himself and the hands on portion of his criminal enterprise. He’s got some shipping containers by the big dock on the Armantrout River. I think he’s getting regular shipments and I don’t think it’s drugs. He has what he calls ‘expiration dates’ on merchandise being stored there.”
“What do you think he’s storing there?”
“I can’t even imagine and we may never know. Getting to and from that dock takes them right through Kingsmen territory. They did some fancy maneuvers to make sure they didn’t bump into Hammer’s regular…umm…shipments. They seemed to know enough about the Kingsmen’s comings and goings to stay out of their way.”
Jaden gasped. “How would they know that? I don’t even know their shipping schedules and products. Only a fully patched brother would know that kind of stuff.”
“Sounds like Hammer has a turncoat in the ranks.”
Jaden fell silent, jamming a breadstick roughly into a ramekin of sauce and stuffing his mouth full. Alina once again didn’t correct him. It was a lot, even for her to digest at one time.
Brian sighed. “Are you ready for the grand finale?” Looking from person to person he announced. “I think he’s dying. He’s been having regular treatment at the local cancer center. People only go there for one thing.”
The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place in Alina’s head. “That makes so much sense. He said he wanted to keep Jaden. He said Jaden was the only thing he had left of his mother and accused Hammer of not being able to protect him. I got the feeling he wanted a son or something but now it makes actual sense.”
Jaden ground out roughly. “That makes no sense at all.”
Dianne explained. “When people get old or have a terminal illness, it makes something in their brain flip. Suddenly, life’s not about accumulating wealth and power anymore. They turn their attention to leaving a legacy. Miguel spent his whole life building his club. Once he dies it’ll go to a bunch a guys that he obviously doesn’t trust. He clearly wants an heir.”
“Fuck that.”
For once, Alina agreed with Jaden’s colorful retort. Then it seemed as if all the air had been sucked from the room. She began hauling in deeper and deeper breaths trying to get oxygen.
“Oh my God, she hyperventilating. We need a paper bag.” Dianne’s voice seemed clouded and far away.
“I’m fine. It’s…just…a panic…attack.”
Dianne wetted a napkin and put it against her forehead. “Close your eyes and just slow your breathing. You can do this. Just force yourself to think of something calm. Do you have a safe place? Somewhere nice and quiet. Maybe floating on a raft in the ocean…”
Non cut in.” She afraid of drowning. Don’t use that one.”
Dianne barely missed a beat. “Okay…maybe you’re lying in a field of flowers looking at the clouds. They’re light and fluffy cotton candy type clouds. Can you make out any images?”
Alina forced herself to slow down and come back to the moment. Her eyes popped open and she gasped. “That means this isn’t over by a long shot. Miguel will still come for Jaden. When that happens what are we going to do?”
Brian spoke softly. “You need to get someplace safe. Do you have any place to go?”
“Not when I risk having a killer on my tail. Miguel already told me it was nothing personal when he tried to kill me before. I don’t want to bring that kind of danger to anyone else’s door.”
Brian opened his cell phone. “I know a couple of guys. They’re pretty rough but they accept private duty security assignments.”
“I’m resorting to hired thugs now?”
Brian tilted his head slightly. “Look, girl. You’ve got no choice. Hired thugs are better than no thugs when the bullets start to fly.”
“Fine. Call them. I don’t mean to be difficult.”
“They’re expensive. Got any money saved. If not I can cover you for a few weeks.”
Jaden spoke up. “Money is not a problem. I can get my hands on around a hundred grand inside of a few hours.”
Brian shook his head. “Little dude’s the shit. The Russians work as a team and can guarantee your safety for a grand a day.”
Alina sighed. “I’ll pay them for a week up front and see what happens after that.”
“You got it.” He texted back and forth while they ate. The conversation flowed back and forth as everyone got used to being around each other. Even the ever ascetic Non began to loosen up. He and Brian discussed things about computers that had everyone else starting their own conversations.
During dessert two men approached. They were wearing business suits and had bulges along the waistband. Alina was getting good at playing the what doesn’t match the other things game. The men pulled up chairs and sat without being asked.
“Good day, Mr. Brian.”
Brian looked confused. “Ivan, I’ve told you a million times it’s just Brian.”
“Yes, sir. Mr. Brian. You mentioned your friend needed our professional services and here we are.”
Alina spoke up. “My name is Alina Stuart and this is Jaden and Non. I am their guardian. We need protection. Are you available?”
Eyeing her suspiciously the man answered. “I am Ivan. This is my brother Serge. We have very special skills, yes we do. If you have no one to turn to, we will provide protection every minute of the day for a modest price.”
“Brian has told us about your fees. One thousand dollars a day for the both of you. Is that correct information?”
“Yes, Miss. Alina. That is correct. There is one thing we must know.”
Alina glanced away, suspecting this was the deal breaker.
“Who pray tell, is hunting you?”
“Jaden’s father and my ex-gentleman friend is Hammer Hark.”
“Say no more.”
“Don’t you want to hear about the Grim Crew?”
The Kingsmen have many enemies. You would do well to remember that. Focus on one, to the exclusion of the others at your own peril.”
Alina gritted her teeth. “This day just keeps getting better and better. You two are proving to be a bargain, for even thinking along those lines.”
“We aim to please, madam.”
“You’re hired.”
“We will be needing your car keys, your telephone, and any other electronic devices you carry with you.”
Alina looked like she was going to object, but Ivan cut her off.
“And, of course your full cooperation. We are willing to risk our lives to keep you safe but we will not fight with you every step of the way.”
Brian chimed in. “Do it Alina. You won’t regret it.”
Alina handed over her car keys and phone. All heads turned to Non. Alina had a feeling that he was going to have a total meltdown because he was clutching his computer to his chest again.
Thankfully, Brian interceded. “How about you leave Non’s computer to me? We’ve worked together before and I know what needs done.”
Ivan was already scrolling through Alina’s cell phone. “That will be fine, Mr. Brian. We need a moment to clear your vehicle. From now on you will be riding with us 100% of the time.”
Alina turned to Brian, feeling a little lost. “I know whether to kiss you or kill you for getting those two involved.”
He’d already started going thought Non’s computer. “If you’re still here to debate the choice next week, I’ll consider it a win. Girl, you had to go and get involved with some total bad asses.”
Leaning over the table, she hissed. “You’re one to talk. The two men crawling all over my car look like former KGB agents or something.”
“Hey, girl. That’s racial profiling and it’s so not cool.”
Alina balled her hands into fists. “Being politi
cally correct is among the least of my worries right now.”
“Calm the hell down, girl. They’re licensed private detectives. Honestly, you’re losing touch with reality.”
That information helped her calm down. They really were PI’s instead of thugs. God knows, she had enough of those in her life with Miguel and his gang gunning for them. Rubbing her hands over her face, she wished for the hundredth time that Hammer was out of jail. He’d know what to do to keep his son safe. She was just muddling through with the advice of friends. The thought of having to tell Hammer about the Russians, made her sick to her stomach.
The two Russians were very thorough. They literally thought of everything as they shadowed them through the rest of their day. If she were being honest, Alina would have to admit that having them watching out for them was a real blessing. She found solace in their never ending polite and professional behavior. They traded off taking watch while the other rested.
She put the boys in her spare room which she had outfitted in pink ruffles and a nice day bed with a trundle unit. They didn’t seem particularly wild about the feminine decor but appreciated not having to sleep in the same bed. They were lights out early, giving her some time to herself.
Thinking about Hammer and worrying if anything was happening to him kept her awake. Her phone rang and when she picked up the cordless from her bedside table she heard that Ivan was already speaking to Hammer.
“Who the hell are you?”
“Miss. Alina has hired me and my brother Serge to perform some security upgrades to her home.” There was a long pause then Ivan spoke again. “Her system is very antiquated. Do you have suggestions for features you would like to see integrated into the system.”
Hammer apparently caught his meaning and responded in similar code. “I have always been worried about people coming in the back or side doors.”
“I agree. One never knows quite what side trouble will from. I will ensure her system is…comprehensive.”
Hammer’s voice became lower. “And has some built in protections for you youngsters. They can’t always recognize a danger when they see it.”
“Certainly. Our system will include a full array of safety features including an automatic after school locking system that voice prompts any children in the home to call a parent or guardian. It’s the latest design. We even offer tracking devices…for family pets. To ensure they don’t wander away and get lost.”
“Though sounds like an excellent feature. Be sure to include every…pet in the home. She has kittens, you know.”
“Yes sir. We observed her interacting with two very playful and unruly kittens.” Jaden and Non where clearly the kittens in question.
“Yes. Well, if she ever lost them I know she’d be heartbroken.”
“We will include the family pets in the safety plan, sir. Would you like to speak to Miss. Alina now?”
“Yes, I would.” Alina didn’t miss how Hammer’s voice became steely again.
“Hello, Hammer. It’s me. Thank you Ivan. Please continue with the installation.”
“Yes, mam. Shout if you need me.”
“The security upgrade was a good idea.”
I was afraid you were going to be mad about that.”
“You are the acting guardian for my only son. I’d prefer he be as safe as possible.”
“I’m doing my best to see to that. How are you holding up?”
“I actually called to speak to Jaden.”
“He’s asleep. I’m sure he’d love to speak to you. Should I wake him?”
“Let him sleep. How is he handling all this?”
“He nearly had a piece of Brian today over lunch.”
“What did Brian do that pissed him off?”
“I don’t know. He called my sweetness and it went all over him. Once Brian explained that he prefers men, Jaden calmed down.”
“He probably still thinks…well it doesn’t matter what he thinks.”
“It matters to me what you think.”
“I know. I got your letter. Not buying what you’re selling, doll. You bringing Jaden to see me tomorrow?”
“I’ll bring him every day, if you allow it.”
“I hate for him to see me in here but it’s best if he knows the reality of our world early in life. We don’t need him running around wearing rose tinted glasses like some people I know.
“Hammer, I don’t care what you believe anymore. I just want you to know that I care about you and I miss you.”
“Whatever, doll. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sleep well.”
Instead of answering, she heard the phone go dead in her ear. Curling onto her side, she allowed the tears to quietly fall.
Chapter 26
Rude Awakening
Hammer was shocked to see Jaden walk in with a huge male. He watched as the man signed in and handed over his firearm. He was clearly one of the security guards that Alina had hired. He must be legit to have a permit for the weapon. Hammer was impressed. The man was intimidating and really knew what he was doing. Placing a hand on Jaden’s shoulder, he gently guided him through the throng of visitors scattered around the visiting room.
As he had been in the jail for a full 48 hours without incident Hammer was now allowed to visit in a less restrictive environment. Instead of having his hand hands bound he had one leg chained inconspicuously to the table leg.
Jaden hugged him briefly and then sat down across the table from him. His security guard took up a protective stance behind him with his back turned. He appeared to be scanning the room. Hammer liked that the man shut the hell up, gave them privacy, and did his job.
“You doing okay, Jaden.”
“Fine. Just wish I were home. I hate being stuck in the house all the time.”
“Alina treating you okay? Why isn’t she here with you?”
“Ivan wouldn’t let her. She’s at home with Serge.”
“Since when does the hired help tell their employers what to do?”
Jaden shook his head. “These two are like some crazy crack commando team. As part of the deal she agreed to do what they thought was best. Ivan said that since she cried herself to sleep last night after speaking to you on the phone and was anxious all morning about coming here, it was too much for her. He said he’s responsible for keeping her safe and her mental health falls within the scope of his responsibilities. They argued about it but to be honest we all knew he was right.”
Hammer was shocked. Jaden’s choice of words seemed to be foreign. Maybe he was repeating what he’d heard Ivan say.
“Maybe I could have been a little nicer to her. I’ll work on that.”
“Ivan says it doesn’t matter. They work with estranged couples all the time. As long as they let him do his thing, everyone stays safe.”
“I don’t like it. Alina’s a smart woman. She should be in charge.”
“She’s a smart woman who’s wearing herself out taking care of us, all by herself. Ivan seems to have taken an interest in her for whatever reason. He talks to her and cheers her up. I say leave them to it and focus on getting out of here.”
Just when he thought he couldn’t be more shocked, he found that he was. Another man was protecting Alina. Caring for her and giving her support when he’d been cold towards her. For some reason that really ate away at him. Instead of commenting further on the situation with Alina, he turned the conversation in a different direction.
“Are you all going to go out for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow?”
“Alina and Diane are cooking. Some of the girls from the club are helping them cook. All the guys are coming over. With Serge, Ivan and Brian, her place will be stuffed.”
“Twinkie and Copperhead coming?”
“Yea, Bull Dog and the rest as well.”
“I guess, I should be calling you Hawk.”
Jaden’s chin jerked up and he nodded. “Hawk it is then. How’s your club doing?”
“My guys just keep doing the sam
e old thing, when I’m not around. I’m not critical to the operation of my club like you are.”
“They say designing a business that can work smoothing in the boss’ absence is the sign of a good manager.”
