by Ramona Gray
“I’d introduce you two but you’ve apparently already met.”
Mel grinned at him. “You know I can’t mind my own business, Court.”
Court smiled at Julie. “Our little sister believes it’s her personal mission to watch out for us.”
“That’s nice,” Julie said softly. “It’s good to have family that cares. It’s great you could join us for lunch, Melanie.”
Mel studied the chubby brunette as she took a drink of water. Julie seemed kind enough but after the horror show that had been Janine, she supposed anyone Court dated would seem nice.
The waiter approached their table and the three of them ordered before Court sat back and ran his hand through his hair. He was dressed in jeans and a shirt smudged with dirt and he brushed absentmindedly at it as Julie gave Mel another nervous smile.
“Have you spoken to Cal?” Mel asked.
Court gave Julie a quick glance before nodding. “Yeah, I called him last night.”
“And?”
“Everything’s cool, Mel.”
“Good.” Mel smiled. “You know I hate it when you two fight.”
She turned to Julie. “They bicker constantly but rarely actually fight so when they do – it’s awful.”
“Did he tell you he’s working for Jimmy Golden now?” Court changed the subject before Julie could reply.
Mel nodded. “He did. I’m a little worried about it.”
“Yeah, me too. I called him last night to see how it was going but he was at the restaurant or night club or whatever it is and couldn’t talk.” Court frowned slightly. “He said he would call me back this morning but I haven’t heard from him.”
“He probably just forgot.”
“Maybe.”
“I’m sure he’s fine. I’ve heard the rumours about Golden as well but it’s better than him working as an escort, don’t you think? That job wasn’t good for him. Desperate woman trying to find magic with a complete stranger who is being paid to – “
She suddenly stopped and stared in horror at Julie. “I’m so sorry. That was incredibly stupid of me and I didn’t mean to imply that – “
“It’s fine.” Julie interrupted. She smiled at Mel but her face was a brilliant shade of red and she looked close to tears. “I’m not offended or anything.”
Court leaned over and kissed her lightly. “It’s okay, Jules. Mel sometimes speaks without thinking.”
He scowled at Mel and she gave Julie an apologetic grimace. “It’s true. I’ve got a big mouth.”
“It really is fine,” Julie replied quietly. She smoothed her long hair self-consciously before smiling at Mel. “So, Court told me you’re a nurse?”
“Yes. I work at the Sturgeon in the ER.”
“That must be pretty exciting.”
Mel shrugged. “It’s always interesting, that’s for sure. What about you, Julie? What do you do for a living?”
“Oh, I, uh, I don’t work.” Julie’s blush, which had just started to fade, flamed back to life and Court squeezed her hand.
“Julie’s thinking of going back to school. Aren’t you, Jules?”
“Maybe.” Julie gave him a tentative smile.
There was an awkward silence before Court cleared his throat. “Are you going for dinner Thursday night?”
Mel nodded. “Yes. I’m working the night shift this week so I’ll just go straight to the hospital from mom and dad’s place. What about you?”
“We are.” Court confirmed.
“We?” Mel frowned at him.
“Jules and I. I’m bringing her over to meet mom and dad.”
Mel couldn’t hide her surprise. “Oh, really? You’re introducing Julie already?”
“Yes, really.” Court gave her a pointed look as Julie stood up.
“I’m just going to go to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.”
When Julie was out of earshot, Court glared at Melanie. “What the hell, Mel? That was rude.”
“I’m sorry,” Mel replied. “But, seriously, Court? You’re introducing her to our parents?”
“Yes. I love her.”
Mel twitched in surprise as the waiter arrived with their food. She waited until he retreated before giving her brother an earnest look. “Court, honey, you’ve only known her for – what – a week? You can’t possibly be in love with her already.”
“Well, I am. And she loves me.”
“Did she tell you that?”
“Yes.”
“Court, it’s just – “
“It’s just what, Mel? What’s your problem? Do you not like Julie?” He frowned at her.
“I barely know her, Court. You don’t either. People don’t fall in love after a week.”
He sighed and she smiled gently at him. “It’s just that after Janine and what she did to you, I don’t want to see you getting hurt again.”
“Jules is nothing like Janine,” he replied immediately.
“I’m not saying she is, but I just want you to be careful and – “
“You were the one who went to Julie and asked her to forgive me. And now you’re acting like you don’t even think we should be together,” he said heatedly.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to come across that way. I’m happy for you and Julie, really I am, and if she’s the one for you – then I’ll be supportive. But, honey,” she gave him another gentle look, “you thought Janine was the one too, remember?”
“She is nothing like Janine,” he repeated through gritted teeth. “Just give her a chance, Mel. That’s all I’m asking. She’s shy and she doesn’t have many friends. I was hoping the two of you would become friends.”
“I will, of course I will. But maybe just don’t tell mom and dad that you’re in love with her. You’ll freak them both out.”
He rolled his eyes. “When did our family start believing I was a fragile flower? Huh, Mel?”
“We don’t think that. We just don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“Julie won’t hurt me,” he muttered as Julie crossed the restaurant toward them.
“Wow, the food came quick,” Julie said in surprise as she sat down next to Court. She picked up her fork as Court began to dig into his lasagna.
“It’s why I chose this restaurant,” he said cheerfully. “I’ve only got an hour or so for lunch and they’ve got the fastest kitchen in town.”
Mel picked up her own fork and dug into her salad as Julie did the same. Court did seem much happier than he’d been in months and she made a vow to herself to try and get to know Julie better.
* * *
Thursday morning Jax sat down in the chair across from Jimmy’s desk. He handed one of the coffees he was carrying to Jimmy before sitting back and sipping at his own.
“Thank you, Jax.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Golden.”
Jimmy, studying the computer screen in front of him, took a drink of coffee before typing rapidly on the keyboard. “Did the shipment come in last night?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Any problems?”
“No, sir.”
“Good. Have Mulroney come see me for the drop location.”
“Yes, sir.” Jax hesitated. “If you want, I can tell him for you.”
Jimmy looked up from his computer screen. “I’m sure you could. You’re being helpful this morning, Jax, aren’t you?”
Jax didn’t reply and Jimmy sighed loudly before turning away from his computer. “You know I trust you, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You’ve been a loyal employee for nearly twenty years. In fact, there’s no one I trust more in this organization. You’re like a son to me. But even family can stab you in the back if you give them the chance. Always remember that, Jax.”
“I will, sir.”
“Good. Now, how’s the new boy doing?”
“Considering he has no experience, he’s doing fairly well. The ladies love him.”
A grin crossed Jimmy’s face. “Yes, I have
no doubt they do. I’ve got a good feeling about Cal Thomas, Jax. He’s a man drowning in debt and desperate men are easily swayed. If he continues to do well over the next month or so, we’ll look at bringing him into the fold. He’s got a clean background and a man like him could be useful for some of my more special deliveries. Law enforcement won’t look twice at him.”
Jax shrugged. “The cops are suspicious of everyone who works for you, Mr. Golden. A clean record won’t necessarily deter them.”
“You may be right,” Jimmy said thoughtfully. “I’m getting ahead of myself anyway. Let’s give him a bit longer. He’s not making nearly the money he made as an escort, and I have a feeling that sooner or later he’ll be more open to the idea of making some extra cash.”
“May I ask you something, sir?” Jax said politely.
Jimmy waved his hand at him as he took another drink of coffee. “You may.”
“Why this guy? There’s a hundred young, good looking guys desperate for money. Why choose him?”
Jimmy shrugged. “I told you, I have a good feeling about him. I see something of myself in him, just like I did with you. I know most people believe me to be cruel and uncaring but I would hope by now that you see me differently.”
“I am well aware of your generosity, Mr. Golden. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and – “
“Yes, yes.” Jimmy interrupted impatiently. “I know, Jax.”
He studied Jax thoughtfully for a moment. “I want you to become friends with Mr. Thomas. He’ll be more inclined to trust me if you’re in his ear telling him how wonderful I am. Spend some time with him, take him under your wing so to speak. Can you do that, Jax?”
“Yes, sir. I can,” Jax replied.
“Good.” Jimmy turned back to his laptop and studied the screen silently for a few moments before glancing up at Jax. “You can go.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jax left his office, nodding to the two men who were standing guard outside the room and jogged down the stairs. He strode out of the building and walked quickly down the sidewalk.
He had walked nearly seven blocks when a man in a tan suit appeared by his side. They walked in silence for a few minutes until the man spoke. “Did you get the location?”
Without looking at him, Jax shook his head. “Not yet.”
The man sighed. “We can’t wait much longer.”
“I’ll get you the information.”
“Will you?”
“Yes, Agent Darvin.” Jax snapped. “Just be patient. If I push him too hard, he’ll kill me.”
“You came to us, Jax. You said you could hand us Golden on a platter and it’s been nearly four months. We know how dangerous this is for you. The FBI and the district attorney both appreciate the risk you’re taking and that you came to us, but they need him to be there at the drop. He’s been arrested several times before and each time his lawyers have found a way to keep him out of prison. We can’t take the chance again of him – “
“Maybe you guys should be better at your goddamn jobs, then,” Jax suddenly snarled. “Maybe get a DA who isn’t so personally invested in this.”
“It’s her personal investment that’s gotten us this far,” Agent Darvin replied. “Without her, Jimmy Golden would be untouchable. Her pressure, her dedication to putting him in prison, has kept him from widening his distribution area.”
“Has it? Because each shipment of meth he distributes is getting larger and larger.”
“Have you seen it?” Darvin asked eagerly. “Have you – “
“No. But his inner circle is dwindling and he trusts me. He’ll bring me in to the circle soon.”
The detective sighed with frustration. “Jax, we need some kind of assurance that – “
“Johnson is dead,” Jax said abruptly.
“Are you certain?” The detective blinked in surprise. “We know he’s missing but - ”
“He’s dead. He was killed by Chan,” Jax said impatiently.
“What? Why?”
“Golden’s been moving into Chan’s territory. He killed Johnson as a warning and sent his body in pieces to Golden.”
The detective’s body was nearly vibrating with excitement as they walked down the sidewalk. “That leaves just Mulroney. Do you think he’ll bring you in as a lieutenant?”
Jax nodded. “I do.”
“Good, that’s good,” Darvin said eagerly. “As soon as he does and you find out where the next shipment will be, you can contact me and that bastard is ours.”
“He won’t be at the shipment drop off,” Jax said. “He’s not stupid, Darvin.”
“You’ll have to figure out a way to get him there.”
Jax barked harsh laughter. “He’ll never go.”
“If he’s left with no choice, he might,” Darvin said.
“What are you planning?” Jax asked.
Darvin shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. As soon as you’re promoted to his lieutenant and as soon as we get the information we need to bust him, you’ll be living somewhere warm with nothing more to do but drink mojitos and stare at the beach bunnies in their bikinis.”
Jax grunted in reply and quickened his pace. Darvin dropped further and further behind him and it wasn’t until the agent had disappeared from sight that Jax relaxed. He rubbed wearily at his forehead before turning down a side street.
* * *
Cal opened the door to his apartment and stepped back in surprise. Jax, his hand raised to knock, was standing in the hallway. He lowered his hand and smiled at Cal.
“Hello, Cal.”
“Hey, Jax. What are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighbourhood and thought I’d drop by and see if you wanted to grab a bite to eat.”
“Oh, uh, thanks but I’m actually just on my way to my folks place for dinner before I head to the restaurant.” Cal straightened his tie before buttoning his suit jacket.
“Another time, perhaps,” Jax replied.
“Yeah, sure.” Cal stepped into the hallway and closed the door. As they walked toward the stairs, Jax smiled again at him.
“Are you enjoying your new job?”
“Yes, I think so. I mean, it’s only been a few days but it seems to be going smoothly enough. I haven’t heard any complaints from Mr. Golden so I’m assuming that’s a good thing.”
“Yes, Mr. Golden is quite pleased with your performance,” Jax replied as they headed down the stairs and into the lobby.
Jax glanced at the stained carpet and the water-marked walls. “No offense, Cal, but this place is a dump.”
“Yeah, I know,” Cal replied briefly as they stepped outside. It was just after dusk and Jax turned the collar of his jacket up as they walked down the sidewalk.
“And the neighbourhood is terrible,” he remarked.
“It’s not that bad.” Cal shrugged as they approached a dark alley. “Where did you park?”
“Just down the street.”
“I’m parked on First Avenue so I guess I’ll see you – “
He stopped as two men wearing dark clothing stepped out of the alley in front of them. The smaller of the two was gripping a crowbar in one hand and the other held a long, sharp dagger.
“Step into our office, boys,” the larger man drawled.
Cal glanced at Jax. The man’s face was serene and he didn’t hesitate as he stepped into the dark alley. His adrenaline pumping, Cal followed him.
“How can we help you this evening, gentlemen?” Jax asked as he unbuttoned his jacket and took it off. He draped it carefully over a garbage can before rolling up the sleeves of his shirt.
“Ooh, ain’t you a polite one?” The smaller man sneered. He raised the crowbar in his hand and spat on the ground. “You can start by giving us your wallets.”
“I’m afraid we can’t do that,” Jax replied.
The two men stared at each other as Cal cleared his throat. “Jax, just give them what they want.”
“Yeah, Jax, give us what we want and
no one gets hurt.” The man holding the knife grinned at him, revealing a mouth full of stained and broken teeth.
“And we’ll take that watch too.” He pointed to the large, silver watch around Jax’s wrist.
“This was a gift. I cannot part with it,” Jax replied.
“Jesus Christ.” The smaller man rolled his eyes. “Just give us your fucking wallets and that fucking watch before I beat your brains in.”
“If you want it then take it from me,” Jax said softly.
“Jax – “ Cal began nervously.
“Fuck this shit!” The bigger man snarled. He nodded to his partner and they rushed Jax. Jax, his face calm, snatched the lid from the garbage can next to him and raised it above his head as the man with the crowbar swung it down toward his head. It hit with enough force to dent the lid as Jax kicked the knife-wielding man in the stomach.
Cal watched in stunned disbelief as Jax turned back to the smaller man and, with three quick and brutal punches to the man’s face, dropped him like a sack of dirt to the hard ground of the alley.
The second man, clutching his belly, bellowed with rage as he staggered upright and rushed at Jax. He thrust the knife at him and Jax blocked it easily before kneeing the man in the balls. The man dropped the knife and began to sink to his knees, coughing and retching miserably. Jax grabbed him by the shirt collar and lifted his knee, slamming the man’s face into it. His nose broke with a loud crack and the man screamed hoarsely as Jax released him. He vomited helplessly on the ground as the smaller man moaned softly.
Jax rolled the sleeves of his shirt down and picked up his jacket. “Come on, Cal. Time to go.”
He left the alley and, with one final stunned look at the two men lying on the ground, Cal followed him.
“Holy fuck, Jax!” Cal grabbed the man’s arm and pulled him to a stop. “I mean, holy fuck! You didn’t even break a sweat! I think you broke that guy’s jaw, and I know you kicked that guy’s nuts so high up he’ll be singing soprano for the rest of his life.”
Jax laughed as he handed his jacket to Cal. “Hold this for a minute, would you?”
Cal took his jacket as Jax did up the cuffs of his shirt.
“Where the hell did you learn to do that, Jax?”
Jax shrugged. “I’m Mr. Golden’s bodyguard, remember?”
