Celebrating Love: Saints Protection & Investigations

by Maryann Jordan

Blushing, Daphne said, “Oh, you saw me hug him. I’m sorry. I know it wasn’t professional of me. I’ll make sure not to anymore.”

  “No, no, it’s not that,” Bayley responded. Daphne blinked her eyes in confusion as Bayley hesitated. “Okay, here’s the thing. I know you were upset when Agnes started coming to the shop and writers’ group, monopolizing Bruce’s attention, though I still say he’s not interested in her romantically. But anyway, I knew you were seeing someone else and, today…in the shop…before he came over to you…he was…well, I don’t know exactly what—”

  “What are you trying to get out, Bayley?” Daphne accused, her eyes full of a mixture of disbelief and irritation.

  “It’s just that he and Agnes were behind one of the bookcases and they were having some kind of discussion.”

  “Discussion? That’s it? That’s all you’ve got to report from your snooping?” Tossing her napkin down, Daphne glared at Bayley.

  “I told you I wasn’t snooping. I just went to the window to check on business and I saw them having what looked like an argument.”

  Daphne pinched her lips together as she stared down at her plate.

  “It’s just that I realized they knew each other and I thought it was strange, that’s all.” Silence greeted her. “I just don’t want you to be hurt.”

  “Look, I know Lazlo’s totally different than Bruce. He’s very dominant, but he likes me as a lover, unlike Bruce, who just seems to like me as a friend.” Looking up at Bayley, she added, “It feels like you’re trying to stir up trouble where there doesn’t need to be trouble. Maybe she was just in his way as he looked for a book. You don’t have to make everything seem like such a big mystery.” Pushing her chair back, Daphne said, “I need some time to myself, Bayley. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Before she could apologize, Daphne stalked away from the table, leaving her alone and feeling miserable. Slumping in her chair, she played with her French fries a little more before leaning back, sighing. “ ‘Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored,’ ” she said, looking at Daphne’s empty chair. Standing as she paid the bill, she wished Agatha Christie had more words of wisdom for her.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  Lazlo rolled away from Daphne, stalking to the bathroom to dispose of the condom, assuring it held firm. The last thing he wanted was some bitch claiming to be pregnant by him. Unless it were her. The idea of the beautiful Bayley carrying his child flamed his lust. Hearing Daphne calling out to him again, he grimaced. Sex with her was bearable—somewhat uninspiring—but she proved to be submissive enough. But her…it was Bayley’s face he thought of when he was on top of Daphne. Staring into the mirror, he whispered to the empty room, “Some day…she will be mine.”

  “Lazlo? Are you coming back to bed?”

  Wiping the grimace from his face, he walked back into the bedroom, bending to snag his boxers and pants off the floor.

  Daphne watched as he began to dress and sat up in bed, letting the sheet slip to her waist. “I thought you might stay the night with me.”

  Looking at her, his dick stirred at the sight of her perky breasts, but he zipped his pants instead. “You know I don’t stay the night.”

  Sighing, Daphne pulled the sheet up to her chin, his callous demeanor while dressing making her self-conscious. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

  “I have meetings for most of the day. If I can come by tomorrow night, I will.”

  “If you want, I could come to your house sometime,” Daphne offered, her smile hopeful.

  Piercing her with his dark eyes, Lazlo said, “I come to you, when it suits. Not the other way around.” Continuing to stare, he asked, “Is that a problem?”

  Shaking her head quickly, she replied, “No. No problem.”

  Hearing the click of the door as he left, she slid down, grabbing the pillow as her tears flowed.

  “I think I screwed up.”

  Nick was sitting on the sofa, Mr. Lickers lying next to him as his hand rubbed the cat’s chin. Having just finished a conversation with Bernie, he was relaxed and satisfied with his uncle’s recovery. Looking up as Bayley walked into the room, her t-shirt was emblazoned with a large owl on the front, its eyes wide open and placed over each breast. Her sleep shorts were covered in dogs and, distracted by her ever-changing array of sleepwear, he just stared.

  “Nick, did you hear me? I said I think I screwed up.”

  Blinking away from the owl staring at him, he said, “How so?”

  Plopping down on the sofa next to him, she rubbed Mr. Lickers absentmindedly. “I upset Daphne.”

  “You two have been friends for years,” he said. “I’m sure whatever you said, she’ll be fine.”

  “I don’t know. It was about the new guy she’s dating. He seems kinda weird and I brought this up to her.”

  “And she didn’t take it well.”

  Shaking her head, she said, “Nope. Not well at all.”

  “I thought she was dating that writer in your group?” Nick asked.

  “Bruce? She was really interested in him and I think he still likes her, but she met this other guy, who doesn’t come around much, now that I think about it. And that’s fine with me because, quite frankly, when he does, he gives me the willies. And then Agnes—that’s the new girl writer that you swear never looks you in the eyes—anyway, when she started coming, she always hung out with Bruce. I never saw that either of them was interested in the other, but Daphne felt left out, so I think she started really focusing on this new guy.”

  “Wait, he gives you the what?” Nick asked, attempting to follow Bayley’s story.

  “You know…the willies. Kind of like the creeps only less creepy.”

  “The willies,” Nick repeated.

  “Are you going to let me tell my story, or just keep interrupting?”

  “Is your story going to start making sense?”

  Snorting out a giggle, Bayley shook her head. Nick twisted his body toward hers and apologized. “Please go on. Tell me about how this guy gives you the less creepy creeps.”

  Shooting him a pretend glare, she said, “He doesn’t come into the store usually. I’ve only met him a couple of times and he’s dating my best friend. He picks her up outside and the few times he has been in the store, it’s as though I can feel his eyes following me around.”

  At that statement, Nick sat up straighter, his intuition triggered. “Go on.”

  Shrugging, she said, “Well, this afternoon when I was working in my office I happened to look down from my window and saw he and the new girl, Agnes, behind one of the bookcases—” Seeing his raised eyebrow, she hastened to explain, “No, no, not like that. They appeared to be arguing. I mean, you don’t argue with a complete stranger…well, not unless they cut in front of you in line or something like that. Although sometimes, I’ve wanted to fuss at people who are acting like a jerk out in public—”

  “Bayley.”

  “Oh, yeah. So, I figured they must know each other which is weird. Then he goes over to speak to Daphne after slapping a smile on his face. I brought it up to her when we had dinner and I think I insulted her…or her boyfriend.”

  “You want me to check out this guy? I don’t like the idea of someone in the store that gives you the willies.”

  “Oh, he’s harmless, I’m sure. I just wish Daphne would go back to Bruce.” Shrugging, she added, “And I hope she doesn’t stay mad at me.”

  Mr. Lickers hopped down from the sofa and padded into the kitchen to root in his food dish, so Bayley slid into his vacated spot, next to Nick. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in close. Kissing her head as they embraced, he assured, “I have no doubt that Daphne will show up tomorrow, all anger forgotten…all back to normal.”

  “I hope so,” Bayley yawned, purring as she snuggled closer to his warmth.

  26

  “I’m uncomfortable with this.”

  Agnes jerked her eyes over to Dr. Kovenov. “We don’t have a
choice. We need to get the girls out of here before new ones can be brought in. And we can’t take any chances on getting caught. This is my chance, don’t you understand? My chance to finally make a statement.”

  Turning his watery, grey eyes toward the young beauty, he pressed, “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sick of their patronizing way of looking at women. I can do more…I can be more.”

  “But your mother has a role in the business. She is treated well,” he protested.

  Rolling her eyes, she glared at him. “My mother is treated that way because she married into another family. And she brought the Volkov name with her.”

  At the mention of the name Volkov he winced. The fierce name of Gavrill’s family was well identified with his ruthlessness.

  “We will do this and we will make a statement,” Agnes said, her voice strong. “I’ll be known, over my brothers, even over my parents. But, I need your help.”

  Sighing, knowing he could not persuade the determined woman, he nodded. “Okay, I’ll help. But once the girls are dead, how will their bodies be disposed of? Who will help you?”

  With a sharp shake, she said, “No. I have to handle everything myself. That’s the only statement that I can make to assure complete success.”

  Nodding, he agreed. “I’ll get the drugs. I’ll be ready tomorrow. Ingestion will be quick. But you need to be ready.” He turned to walk away and then stopped, stepping closer. Peering into her eyes, he added, “And not just ready to handle the situation but ready to deal with what you are doing. Getting rid of the girls…you might not be ready for—”

  “Don’t worry about me,” Agnes interrupted, lifting her chin. “I can handle this.” She observed as he nodded before walking down the hall, a sly smile curving her lips.

  Bayley looked up from the counter as Daphne walked into the shop, her eyes red-rimmed. The two women stared at each other for only a second before Bayley ran around the counter and engulfed Daphne in a hug.

  “I’m so sor—”

  “No, I’m sorry,” Daphne said, cutting off Bayley’s apology. “I was super sensitive and you have always had my best interests at heart.”

  “But I should have never interfered.”

  Daphne wiped a new tear from her cheek as she shook her head. Allowing Bayley to lead her toward the back, where they could sit in the employee lounge, Daphne said, “I’m going to end things with Lazlo.”

  “Oh, no, please don’t based on what I said,” Bayley pleaded.

  “It’s not you…honestly. The truth of the matter is, he really doesn’t treat me very well. I thought he was just private. You know, the kind of guy who doesn’t like his business out there for everyone. Last night…” she swallowed hard, “I felt like the only thing missing was him putting money on the nightstand.”

  Eyes wide, Bayley soothed, “Oh, honey.”

  “I mean, I know that’s how a lot of people are. Just sex and nothing else. No talking, no cuddling, no public displays of affection. But even a fuck-buddy has the word buddy in the title. He made me realize that I was nothing more than convenient sex.”

  Holding her hand, Bayley cried, “You are worth so much more than that. Please tell me you know that.”

  Nodding sadly, Daphne replied, “I do. That’s why I’m letting him know today that I don’t want to see him anymore. I’m going to wait until the end of the day. He’ll probably come pick me up and I’ll tell him then.” With a slight lift of her shoulders, she added, “I don’t think he’ll care.”

  “That, right there, tells me he’s not worth the worry,” Bayley declared, leaning over to hug her friend, hoping Daphne was right. A sliver of concern slid through her at the thought of Lazlo not being the type of man who liked to be dumped.

  The Saints all moved to their seats in the conference center. Nick had arrived early to work with Luke and Charlie, attempting to find some connection between the hotel the Gruzinskys owned and Gavrill’s nefarious businesses.

  Nick reported, “I’ve been in touch with the U.S. Coast Guard. They’ve been investigating and watching Gavrill’s ships for the past year, waiting for the right time to board. So far, Gavrill’s managed to slip by them, not having human slaves on the ships they’ve spotted. Gavrill’s got a ship in his port now that should have already sailed, but the dates have changed twice. The only reason given that there has been a hold up of goods being delivered. I have no idea if that’s tied in to what we’re looking at, but the Coast Guard is at the ready.”

  Luke added, “While we know the familial relationship between the two families, I’ve found no money coming from Gavrill into the Gruzinsky’s business, but we’ve been able to trace an account going in the other direction.”

  “Payout to the head of the main family?” Marc asked.

  Monty, the other Saint that was former FBI, nodded as he said, “While the old mafia ways have changed over the years, the idea of making payments to the ones in charge is still very much in force.”

  “I’ve been pouring over the security tapes from the Gruzinsky’s hotel and from the lobby, to the back alley, to the floors, I’m not seeing anything suspicious,” Charlie reported. “Luke’s been looking at the floor plan, and we’ve determined there is no security camera in the basement, beyond the staff rooms. There also appears to be a block of rooms on the first floor, near the back, away from the elevators. Six rooms. And there is no camera there either.”

  “What kind of staff rooms?” Jack asked, looking up at the screen where the blueprints of the hotel were being shown.

  “There is a large staff breakroom in the basement,” Luke said, using enhancements to change the color of the room his was referring to. “On the west side, there is a men’s locker room and on the east side, there is an equal women’s locker room. There are security cameras in there, except for the toilet and shower areas. We’ve been watching the tapes and have seen no unusual comings or goings there.”

  “What else is down there?” Bart asked.

  “Supply closets, mostly. But here is where it gets interesting. The blueprints show more space beyond where the cameras provide security. So, there is the possibility of something else there that we can’t see.”

  Cam grinned, “Time for night stalking?”

  Hell yeahs rang out from around the table. Jack grinned as he looked over his eager crew. “Let’s get it planned.”

  Nick leaned back, his heart pounding. This was what the Saints did. Not hampered by legalities. Not worried about search and seizure regulations. But able to find out what needed to be discovered. Looking up, he saw all the eyes in the room staring at him, unspoken questions in their expressions. Grinning, he said, “You heard the boss…let’s get it planned.”

  “Time to eat.”

  The Saints had been planning for the next evening’s recognizance mission when Jack interrupted the meeting with his pronouncement.

  As the group stood and stretched, Jack added, “Bethany’s got something for everyone upstairs. That way we can eat here and keep planning.”

  “Hell, she didn’t have to fix food for us,” Charlie said, knowing how much these men could eat.

  Chuckling, Jack said, “Don’t worry about it. You’ll see what I mean when you get upstairs.”

  Filing up the stairs, the Saints laughed as they walked into the living room, hearing chatter. It appeared the Saint women were gathered and ready to eat. The huge dining room table and kitchen counter were filled with warming trays of chicken, asparagus, new red potatoes, vegetable lasagna, bowls of salad, platters of rolls, and on another table set up near the couches stood a decorated cake.

  “What the hell is this?” Nick wondered aloud.

  Shrugging, Bethany explained, “There was supposed to be a wedding last night at my venue and as the bride got to the head of the aisle where the groom was, he looked over the crowd and said he found out, and had proof, that she had been having a long-time affair with his best man and it was still going on. So, he walked back down the ai
sle, looked at me and said, since his family had more money and had paid for the reception instead of the bride’s parents, he did not want them to have the food.”

  “You brought it all here?”

  “No, we packed up as much as we could in my truck and took it to the homeless shelter in town. But we couldn’t carry it all and the shelter has a rule about not accepting food after a day, since it might not pass the health inspectors, so what we couldn’t carry we brought here. Believe me, this is only a scrap, compared to what the shelter received.”

  The Saints greeted their wives, children, and fiancés. Nick was surprised to see Bayley in the midst, but hustled to her side. Kissing her sweetly, he said, “How’d you get here?”

  “I can drive, you know,” she teased. “But, Bethany called and said that Faith would pick me up from the shop since it was on her way.” Looking around the huge gathering, she grinned. “This is a great group, isn’t it?”

  Nick dragged his gaze from her shining smile and gazed around. The eclectic group appeared to be at ease with each other, laughter filling the room. Giving Bayley a squeeze around her waist, he agreed, “Yeah, you’re right. It’s a great group.”

  “No regrets?” she asked, her voice soft, eyes searching his.

  Smiling back, he shook his head. “No regrets.”

  An hour later, stomachs full and laughter still going, Bayley set her empty paper plate on top of Nick’s and watched as he went into the kitchen to throw them away. The men offered to clean up since the group had decimated the leftovers. Bayley felt a nudge on her foot and startled as she looked at the perpetrator.

  Grace, sitting on the floor with Ben in her arms, grinned back at her. “Yep, you’ve got it bad, girl.”

  “What?” Bayley pretended not to know what her sister-in-law was talking about.

  “I can recognize love when I see it.”

  “Oh, you can say that again,” Bethany laughed. The other women chimed in, all agreeing, but it was when Bayley’s gaze landed on Faith’s penetrating stare and she saw the small curve of her smile that she leaned back against her chair, for once no words coming. But warmth slid over her heart.