Vinny: Alvarez Security Series

by Maryann Jordan

  “You still think it’s personal?” Jobe asked.

  Vinny watched Tony carefully as he answered. “I don’t know that it is personally against Annalissa, as though someone wants to target her for trouble. But yes, I think she was specifically chosen and my guess is that it had happened before and would have happened again if she hadn’t discovered it.”

  “What about the goddamn neighbor?” Vinny growled.

  “Lester McCleod?” Lily asked. “He’s a graduate music student. Plays in a local band called The Turners that can be found at a lot of local pubs on the weekends. Annalissa has played the violin with them and sometimes her harp.”

  “I didn’t like that guy. Keep looking,” Vinny ordered, his foul mood deepening.

  Gabe looked at his twin knowingly. “Bro, just because the guy knows her and has played in a band with her doesn’t mean—”

  “I fuckin’ know what it doesn’t mean. I just think if we’re looking at the people who know her in the symphonic orchestra then we need to look at his local band as well.”

  Tony nodded at Lily, silently communicating for her to keep digging.

  The group meeting was interrupted by Terrance entering the room quickly. “Boss, Doug and I combed through hours of video from Dulles to see if we could identify anyone. We finally came across a video of the handlers taking the luggage off of the plane. Looks like one of the airline handlers was searching for something and kept going back and forth between the baggage trucks and the conveyor belt. After about ten minutes, he pulled out his cell phone and made a call.”

  The group listened intently at the first break they had had in the case. Tony barked out, “Good work. Now isolate that video and send it to Jack and feed it into Lily and BJ here.”

  “You got it,” Terrance answered as he left the room.

  Several minutes later, BJ pulled it up on their screen so that everyone could see. Sure enough, as the luggage came off of the trucks from the plane, one handler seemed to search for something specific.

  “Can you isolate his face and bring it up closer?” Vinny asked.

  With a few clicks of the keyboard, BJ was able to show a clearer, but still fuzzy, photograph of a middle-aged, Caucasian male with dark hair. His badge was unidentifiable and Vinny cursed as he looked at it.

  Within twenty minutes, Tony received a call from Jack. The conversation was short but Tony was not smiling when he got off the phone. “Jack’s FBI source has an identification. The airline worker is Milo Richards. He’s only been working for the airline for about a year. He lives in D.C. and Jack just checked him out. He’s dead.”

  The group sat stunned for a moment as Tony continued. “Milo was found dead in his apartment by his girlfriend four days ago.”

  “Fuck,” Vinny spit out, as the others cursed around him.

  Lily piped up, “Annalissa flew to Los Angeles eight months ago and again four months ago. Same airline. She also flew to New York two months ago. In and out of Dulles Airport and same airline.”

  Tony, calm as ever, said, “I think we can assume at this time that Annalissa is definitely a targeted carrier, but may not be the only one. Although with the amount that was found in her harp case, someone wouldn’t have to make many trips to keep someone local supplied and dealing.”

  “So it could be a dealer on a small scale or someone who is part of a larger gang?” Jobe surmised.

  “Yep.” Tony looked around the room and added, “We need someone on Annalissa at all times when she’s not with Vinny. If the person thinks that she has figured out who they may be, they may decide to deal with her directly.”

  Vinny jumped up, heading out of the room. Tony looked at Jobe. “Follow him.” Jobe nodded and left as well. Tony then looked at Gabe and added, “Set up a rotation for when she’s alone.”

  The meeting broke up much the same as it had started. Frustration all around.

  *

  Don Juarez looked out on the Los Angeles skyline, his mind wandering over his empire. A slow smile crossed his face, as he felt untouchable. Who knew the most powerful drug lord in California sat in a million dollar office, his legitimate businesses flourishing. And laundering his drug money. He never dirtied his hands with the seedier side of the business. That was why he paid a great deal for those under him to handle all of the transactions…and the problems.

  His cell phone rang and he glanced at the number. Answering curtly, he asked, “Anything?”

  “The baggage handler was taken care of,” Jawan reported.

  “That’s hardly what I would call progress,” Don’s voice bit out.

  “I know. I’m in constant contact with my person on the inside of her group. We’ll have it soon, I promise.”

  “If not, you’ll end up like the handler.”

  With that, Don hung up. His angry gaze now glaring at the skyline. Taking a deep breath, he relaxed. Jawan will take care of everything.

  On the other end of the disconnected phone call, Jawan paced his office. Calling his contact, he growled, “What have you got for me? I’m telling you, you’d better come up with something. You and your little helper.”

  “I’m trying to get her to commit to another trip. That’d be a perfect time to have the harp alone.”

  “Why the hell can’t you get the harp when she has it out now?”

  “It’s too chancy. Too many witnesses. Listen, I’ve got this. Promise.”

  “You’d better or we’re all dead.” Jawan hung up this time, still pacing his office.

  *

  Annalissa was dreading the meeting. She was at the Richland Concert Hall practicing for her next performance with them, but needed to meet with her father afterwards. She had gone to see him a couple of days after she had gotten back, but found that after the initial “you look fine and how’s Easnadh” there was little he had to say.

  Earlier, when she had been walking around the stage, she felt ill at ease. As the sound technicians and stage hands greeted her, she smiled, but secretly wondered if they were involved in the transferring of drugs.

  As other string members of the orchestra came into practice together with her, the same feelings rose to the surface. I hate this! I’m beginning to see everyone as a threat.

  Backstage was a hub of activity. Musicians, hall personnel, costume designers working on the next play performance, sound technicians, lighting technicians…they all began to blur. Some even looked at her suspiciously…or is that my imagination?

  Moving to one of the practice rooms on the lower floor, she and a string quartet that she had performed with before, settled in.

  “You seem tense,” one of them commented.

  Forcing a smile, she lied, “I just didn’t sleep very well last night.”

  “No worries,” the first violinist said. “It’s just not like you to make any mistakes. Let’s continue.”

  An hour later, Annalissa was glad the practice was over. Her talent and professionalism had been called upon to play her very best, but it was difficult when all she wanted to do was try to figure out who had used her. Exhausted, she left the practice room, carrying Easnadh’s case.

  Walking up the stairs to her father’s office, she hesitated at the door. She remembered coming here as a child when her mother was still alive. It was so different. She and her mother would skip up the steps calling out chords as they went. She could make anything fun, she thought. I miss you mom. You would have liked Vinny so much.

  Steeling herself, she entered. Stewart O’Brian looked up as she made her way over to him. A distinguished man in his mid-fifties, his dark hair was only slightly graying at the temples. His sharp eyes scanned her up and down, before nodding toward a seat.

  Before she could speak, he began, “Todd tells me that you’re reticent to accept his proposal for the next year’s tours.”

  Pursing her lips, she lifted her chin slightly. “If my manager cannot keep my confidences then perhaps it’s time for me to find another manager.”

  “I pay
half of his salary, my dear, so I don’t think that now’s the time to be making demands that you cannot meet.”

  Sucking in a deep breath, she said, “Father, I don’t want to travel for a week every month. I would like to take on teaching here in Richland and then only travel when necessary.”

  “Annalissa, you need to develop a name for yourself. I’ve gone to great expense to make sure that happens. Teaching is something you can do when you’re older but for now, performing is what your focus must be. That is where you’ll gain more of the financial freedom you so crave.”

  She cringed. He has me and he knows it. I barely make ends meet on my salary, but he pays for the expenses of being a performer.

  “I’ll look over the schedule carefully with Todd and see which ones I feel that I can make.”

  He eyed her suspiciously. “Where are you staying, by the way?” he asked.

  This was the moment she had been dreading.

  Taking a deep breath, she looked her father in the eyes and stated firmly, “I’m still staying with Vinny Malloy. He’s the employee of Alvarez Security that was hired to escort me back from LA.”

  The silence in the room resounded all around as though a bass drum was pounding in her ears.

  “Staying?” he asked, the one-word question hanging in the air between them.

  Licking her lips, she lifted her head slightly. “Yes, father. Staying. My apartment was trashed and Alvarez Security is concerned about my continued safety.”

  “Are they really? That’s interesting since they’ve been paid in full for the escorting service from LA to Virginia. Our contract is over so why are they continuing to perform security services?”

  “They’re not. That is to say, they aren’t providing security services for me other than what they provide for…um…people that…um…”

  “Come now, daughter. You were so brave a few minutes ago. What is it that you are hiding?” he asked sardonically.

  “I’m not trying to hide anything, father. I’m just trying to tell you something that I know you don’t want to hear.”

  His raised eyebrow was the only change in his expression.

  “I’m involved with Vinny Malloy. As in we now consider ourselves to be a couple.”

  “A couple?”

  Her father’s habit of asking a question with only a word or two had never bothered her before. But now? It was pissing her off.

  “Yes, father. A couple. You know—when a man and a woman decide to be together for more than just a night or two. When feelings are involved. When there’s care, concern, emotions.”

  “Now you’re being facetious, Annalissa. I don’t care that you have a boyfriend as long as it doesn’t interfere with your career plans.”

  This statement had her confused. “I…I don’t know what you mean.”

  “If you think to turn down traveling for concert engagements because of Mr. Malloy, then think again.”

  Not able to think of a reply, she sat stoically.

  “I will have no problem contacting Mr. Alvarez and letting him know that his employees seducing clients while on the job will not look good in the press.”

  Heart pounding a tempo in her chest, she stood quickly. “I can’t believe you’re so callous. I’ve done nothing but bend to your will and your goals for my career.” Tears sprung to her eyes and she hastily brushed them away, cursing the sign of weakness. “Why can’t you understand? I’m not turning my back on performing. It’s just not everything to me the way it was for you.”

  Knowing if she stayed for another minute she would fall apart, she bent to pick up Easnadh’s case and walked toward the door. Back straight, head held high. With her hand on the knob, she turned and looked her father directly in the eye.

  “I’m in love. The kind of love that mom had for you.” At this she saw a flicker in his eyes; pain or annoyance, she could not tell. “I’ll look over the contracts from Todd, then I’ll decide what’s best for me. You try to bring this to Alvarez’s door, you’ll lose me. Forever.”

  All of her bravado gone, she hurried down the stairs and outside, seeing Jobe waiting for her. He saw the look on her face and bolted out of the SUV. He caught her as she ran toward him, holding her close with one arm while making a call with the other.

  “Tony? Jobe. Get Vinny to meet us as soon as we get in.”

  Pushing herself away, she wiped at the tears saying, “Jobe, I’m so sorry to be so much trouble.”

  He shushed her then hustled her inside, carefully securing her harp in the back. The drive to Alvarez Security only took fifteen minutes and as soon as they parked, she jumped out of the vehicle. Jobe jogged up the stairs with her and as he slammed through the door they were met with Vinny, Tony, and Gabe.

  Vinny grabbed her in his arms, feeling her legs wrap around his waist. She does this when she wants close. She was not crying, but he could feel her body shaking. The four men made eye contact with each other.

  Pulling her back slightly, Vinny peered into her eyes, searching for the cause of her distress. Giving him a small smile, she moved to have him put her down. She surprised him when she turned to Tony, wringing her hands.

  “Tony, I’m so sorry. I think my father may make trouble for you and I…I…don’t know what to do.”

  Ushering her to a chair, Tony gently pushed her into it, pulling another one up in front of her. Vinny immediately sat next to her, his arm around her shoulders. Gabe and Jobe stayed behind Tony, ready to do whatever was needed.

  “Annalissa, I can assure you that there’s nothing that your father can do to hurt me or the company. Tell us why you think that.”

  “He’s angry that I won’t agree to more traveling and that I’ve told Todd that I want to stay here more and also teach. Then, he wanted to know where I’ve been staying.” Licking her lips, she glanced around nervously. But all she saw were friends. Supportive friends.

  “I told him about us,” she said looking at Vinny. “He said he didn’t care who I was with as long as it didn’t interfere with my concert traveling. And then,” she continued, turning her gaze back to Tony, “He said that he would go to the press about your company’s employees seducing clients.”

  Sucking in her lips, she waited for the explosion. Or anger. Or cursing. Nothing but silence.

  “What did you tell him?” Tony asked, curiosity clearly written on his face.

  She looked over at Vinny, whose expression was unreadable. “I told him that I love you. And if he interfered with you or Tony’s business, then he would lose me.”

  The room was quiet for a second before Gabe and Jobe burst out in laughter. Tony followed their response.

  She looked on in confusion, first at the laughing trio in front of her, and back toward the man next to her, seeing his smile split his face. His beautiful smile.

  “Oh, babe. You’re tough as nails and that’s no lie,” he said, leaning in to kiss her. She fuckin’ stood up to her old man for me. And for the agency. Moving his lips over hers, he felt her tremble and pulled back to see tears shining in her eyes.

  “Annalissa,” Tony said, drawing her attention. “Don’t worry about your dad. Hell, if he let out that rumor then my business would probably triple!” Hearing a snort of laughter from behind him again, he smiled. “Your father has no threat to hold over us and so get that right out of your mind.”

  She looked at him dubiously, but a small smile played at the corners of her mouth.

  Vinny raised his fingers to her chin, gently turning her face toward his. Wanting to kiss the frown off of her face, he leaned in and said, “Baby, you standing up to him for yourself is fuckin’ amazing. You standing up to him for Tony’s company is fuckin’ wonderful. But you standing up to him for us? Fuckin’ hot!”

  Then he pulled her the rest of the way in, capturing her lips in a kiss that told her just how hot he thought it was. Someone finally clearing their throat separated them.

  “Hate to break this up, but I really need to ask you if there was anyo
ne at the Hall that you saw today that you thought might be suspicious,” Tony asked, ignoring Vinny’s shit-eating grin.

  Blushing furiously, she shook her head. “No, although I hate suspecting everyone. I feel like I’m second guessing everything that everyone is saying to me.” Looking at her watch suddenly, she jumped up. “Oh, I have to go. I’m playing a little impromptu concert at Jennifer’s elder care home in an hour.”

  “I’ll take you, babe,” Vinny said.

  “I’ll tag along too,” said Gabe. “Then I can ride home with my wife.”

  The three of them left, leaving Tony and Jobe in the conference room. “What are you thinking, Captain?” Jobe asked.

  Shaking his head, Tony said, “I’m thinking she’s got a lot of people in her life that are determined to keep her traveling. And that includes her own father.”

  “Anything special you want?”

  “We’ve got some more surveillance to do.” Turning toward Lily, who had walked into the room. “Add her father to the list of people I want you to dig into.”

  “You got it, boss,” she replied.

  Chapter 18

  The lively Irish tunes floated through the air as Annalissa’s fingers quickly plucked the strings of Easnadh. She sat in the front of a large room filled with elderly men and women, all entranced with the music. Some tapped their feet and others nodded their heads to the rhythms. At the end of her selections, she asked if there were any requests.

  A few song titles were called out and she began playing one that she was familiar with. In the back of the room stood Gabe, Jennifer, and Vinny. Jennifer, a social worker for the city, helped run the elder-care center and loved seeing the smiles on the faces of those she cared for. Gabe, enjoying the music as well, was more interested in both the woman playing the harp and his brother’s reaction to her.

  Vinny stood mesmerized, his eyes never leaving the dark-haired beauty weaving her musical magic. Jennifer looked over at Gabe, seeing where her husband’s attention lie. She then glanced at Vinny and understood the interest. It was obvious that Vinny’s heart was with Annalissa. She and Gabe shared a smile before turning back to the music.