They knew Tanner, and even if he and his Romeo disguise had fooled them initially, there was no way that the deception continued while they spent time together.
“Romeo” had also been present when Lars Gruber was reportedly killed by Tanner, who later turned out to actually be Jackie Verona, but when it came to killing, Tanner took a backseat to no one.
Pullo knew that Tanner must have killed Gruber and faked his own death by using Verona’s corpse. That was why it was Jackie Verona’s body unearthed with Gruber’s corpse and not Tanner, as had been originally assumed.
With Johnny’s permission, Pullo interrogated the brothers and Merle and Earl cracked immediately, begged forgiveness, and returned the reward money they’d been given.
Johnny let them live, but Pullo wanted them dead for their betrayal, and he was still pushing to be the one to do it.
“Why the hate for the Carter brothers?” Tanner asked.
“They covered for you, Tanner. We were at war with you and they let us believe you were dead. And tell me something, why did you let them live when you knew that they could burn you?”
“I figured if they talked after all the time that had gone by, that they would be in trouble too, and besides, they’re not exactly threatening.”
Pullo shook his head in disgust.
“You and Johnny treat those two like pets, but they’re more like pests.”
“I just came from the clinic, Rossetti will be fine.”
“I know, I called and spoke to Laurel, and yeah, Johnny’s going to be fine, thanks to you.”
“Yeah, but who were the hitters, Conglomerate boys?”
“You guessed it. Bruno Heinz can’t take no for an answer.”
“I could handle that problem for you and Rossetti, but first I need my own pest taken care of.”
“You mean Blake? Don’t worry, things are on hold for now, but Johnny will still want to sit down with you. This thing between you and his girl has to stop.”
“I’m willing, she’s not. The woman is obsessed with me.”
“If you kill her, Johnny will come after you and if you kill him, then, you’ll have to deal with me.”
“That’s a lot of trouble over one woman.”
“Speaking of which, how did things go between you and Laurel?”
“About the same as always,”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that you have nothing to worry about,”
The club’s head of security appeared in the doorway. His name was Bull and he was about the size of one, with a shaved head and a scar on his left cheek.
When he spotted Tanner, he smiled.
“So Romeo is actually the great Tanner, no wonder he was such a badass.”
“What’s up, Bull?”
Bull gestured towards the van.
“I’ve got to go bury the trash. I hear we have you to thank for some of it?”
“I did my part.”
“Things are a mess, and this shit has to stop. What if the club had been open?”
Pullo slapped Bull on one of his massive shoulders.
“Things will get handled, count on it, and thanks for doing this. Do you want Merle and Earl along to help?”
Bull waved a hand back at the club.
“Let them stay, Johnny may need them later.”
“All right and don’t forget, drive slow.”
“Hell yeah, I drive real slow with four stiffs in the back.”
After the van pulled away, Pullo sent Carl inside and spoke to Tanner in front of the club.
“How do I reach you, Tanner?”
“You don’t, I’ll call you.”
Pullo put out his hand.
“It’s good to be back on the same team.”
Tanner shook the offered hand, but looked doubtful.
“We’ll see what happens with Blake.”
Pullo grinned.
“Are there any women you get along with?”
“I’m off to find that out. See you, Joe.”
***
Inside the club, Merle and Earl sat at the bar nursing beers.
“Did you see the way Pullo looked at us?” Earl said.
Merle nodded.
“He wants us gone and you know what that means.”
“Do you think that’s why Tanner is here?”
Merle laughed.
“Hell, they wouldn’t pay Tanner to kill us, and besides, I think Pullo would want to do it himself.”
“We gotta run, Merle, we stay here and we’re dead.”
“No. We stay, Pullo might want us dead, but he ain’t the boss and Johnny likes us. We just need to wait for things to cool down. If Tanner can make peace after all the guys he whacked, then we should be okay too.”
“Yeah, but they need Tanner with this war startin’ up, and anybody can drive a limo.”
Pullo walked in and glared at them, before moving behind the bar to speak with Carl.
Earl whispered to his brother.
“We should run.”
“No, I’m sick of travelin’ around. I like New York, like the job, and I want to stay.”
“I got a bad feelin’.”
“We stay. We gave back the money, Johnny likes us and it’ll be alright,” Merle said, but if he had to bet on it, he wouldn’t.
CHAPTER 7 - Reunited
Sophia Verona opened her front door, saw Tanner, and crossed her arms over her chest.
Tanner pointed to his right cheek.
“If you’re planning on slapping me, hit me on this side, the left is getting a little tender.”
“Are you going by Romeo these days, or Tanner?”
“It’s Tanner, now should I stay or go?”
Sophia grabbed a handful of his shirt and pulled him towards her.
“Get your ass in here.”
***
Sophia snuggled against Tanner as they lay in bed together.
“Did you miss me while you were away?”
“Yes, but it was mostly at night.”
“Bastard, don’t I mean more to you than sex?”
“Of course, you make great coffee too.”
Sophia laughed and then traced a finger over the wound that Sara’s shot had left him with.
“This scar is new.”
“Yes, I was careless.”
She ran a hand through his hair.
“I like you with dark hair. The blond look never went along with those eyes of yours, and the tattoos made you look like a male bimbo.”
Tanner told Sophia about the attempted hit on Johnny Rossetti, and was surprised at the level of concern he saw in her eyes.
“Is Johnny going to be all right?”
“Yes, and I see that pleases you.”
“Yeah, Johnny and I broke up a long time ago, but we’re still friends. It’s why he sent you to protect me last month.”
“Well, Rossetti has a new friend who’s nothing but trouble. Have you met Sara Blake?”
“No, but I heard about her. People aren’t thrilled that he’s dating an ex-Fed, and I’ve even heard a rumor that she’s working undercover.”
“No, she’s an ex-Fed all right; I was there when she shot her partner.”
Sophia’s eyes grew wide with surprise.
“Why did she shoot her partner?”
“He was trying to stop her from getting revenge on me and got shot for his trouble.”
“Damn! What did you do to her?”
“I killed someone she loved. It was just business, but the woman knows how to hate.”
“You’re right, she sounds like nothing but trouble, but, you can’t kill her. If you did, you’d have to kill Johnny too.”
“I might not have a choice. The woman just keeps coming for me and she’s the reason I have this new wound.”
“She shot you?”
“Yeah, I underestimated her.”
Sophia scowled.
“Maybe I should kill her.”
“Rossetti is trying to broker p
eace. I’m willing; maybe she’ll come around too.”
“Don’t trust the bitch.”
“Don’t worry. I also want you to watch your own back. It sounds like Heinz wants a war, and that makes you a target.”
“Yeah, he’s slid right into Frank Richards’ slot.”
“For the proper fee, I’ll do to him what I did to Richards.”
Sophia kissed him.
“Enough shop talk; we’ve still got catching up to do.”
Tanner’s hand slipped between her thighs.
“I’ll get right on that.”
CHAPTER 8 - Invasion
Bruno Heinz stared out a window on the sixth and top floor of the Rutherford Hotel on Randall Street, after learning that his hit on Johnny Rossetti failed.
“Are you certain?” Heinz said to his aide, Victor, while speaking in German.
Heinz was sixty, bald, and had a big barrel of a chest, while Victor was much younger, had dark-blond hair, and was stick thin, with glasses.
“Their vehicle was found near Rossetti’s tawdry club and they have not reported in for hours. I think it is safe to assume that they were unsuccessful.”
“But their last report stated that Rossetti only had a woman with him, correct? I find it hard to believe that Rossetti could triumph over a four-man team by himself.”
“So do I, but, there is the rumor that the assassin Tanner is still alive and that it was he who killed Gruber, perhaps he intervened on Rossetti’s behalf.”
Heinz turned from the window. The suite he was in was immaculate, large, and well appointed. However, most of the lower floors of the Rutherford Hotel were, while functional, still under renovation. Only his people were on the premises while the work was put on hold.
“Find Tanner and make him an offer, a generous offer. If he refuses to join us, kill him.”
Victor sighed.
“If he refuses, killing him could prove difficult.”
“I pay you to do difficult things, Victor. Use whatever resources you need, but either recruit Tanner or kill him. Now go earn your money.”
Victor bowed slightly.
“Yes sir.”
After Victor left, Heinz stared out the window again, while thinking.
A few minutes later, he was on the phone with one of his people in Germany, as they spoke over a secure line.
“Send more men, Hans.”
“How many and how soon, sir?”
“A dozen by the end of the day on Monday, New York City time, and you’ll have to hire mercenaries of course, but that way we won’t have to concern ourselves with passports and airport security, as they’ll handle that themselves. I’ll supply the weapons they’ll need on this end.”
Heinz could hear the man on the line take in a deep breath.
“A dozen more? So, it’s war then?”
Heinz smiled.
“It will be more like an invasion.”
“I’ll see that it’s done, and sir?”
“Yes?”
“I’ve located that man you wanted to speak to, Robert Vance. He’s there in the city, shall I set up a meeting, or would you rather have Victor do it?”
“You do it, Victor is handling another matter.”
“Fine, and I’ll call you back with the details of when and where, but I take it that you won’t want him at the hotel?”
“You’re correct; this place needs to remain a secret. Get a time and location from Vance and we’ll discuss things in the limo.”
“Fine, and sir?”
“Yes?”
“Good luck with the war.”
“You have those men here by Monday night and I won’t need luck, now goodbye.”
Heinz put the phone away, and once again, he looked out the window. What he saw was a city ripe for the taking.
CHAPTER 9 - The thug and the stud
The following morning, at Sara’s apartment, Johnny awoke to find her in the kitchen. He was dressed in a robe and had yet to shave.
Sara smiled when she spotted him.
“Good morning, how does your head feel?”
“I still have a slight headache, but the dizziness has passed.”
“Good. Do you want coffee?”
“Yeah and why don’t we take it out on the balcony? I could use some fresh air.”
“The balcony? Have you forgotten about Tanner?”
“We have a temporary truce, Sara, and if the man wanted to kill us, he could have done it yesterday.”
Sara heard the logic in Johnny’s words, and had already risked exposure by going out for a run earlier, because after being stuck in the apartment for days on end, she had ached to get back to her morning jog, but that didn’t mean she trusted Tanner to keep his word.
“He must want something from you, likely money, but I don’t believe him when he says he won’t kill me. He’s just biding his time. Tanner is scum and he’s devoid of honor, I can’t believe you actually trust him, and have you forgotten that he killed your uncle?”
“Of course I haven’t forgotten, but I have made peace with it, and in a strange way, it’s one reason I trust him.”
“I don’t understand what you mean?”
“Richards cancelled the contract on my Uncle Al, but that didn’t change things for Tanner. He had given his word to kill the man and he carried out the hit, despite knowing that it meant he’d become a target himself. When Tanner gives his word, he means it.”
“Bullshit!” Sara said.
Her phone rang. When she checked the caller ID, she saw that it was from her sister.
“Hi Jenny,”
“Good morning, Sara, and I know this is short notice, but could I stop by for a moment. I need to see you.”
“That’s not a very good idea, things are... unsettled in my life right now.”
“I’ll only stay a short while and I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“What? Jenny no, I—”
“See you soon, Sara.”
The call ended and Sara stared at her phone with a furrowed brow.
“That was odd, but it looks like my sister is on her way here.”
Johnny put down his cup and stood.
“I’ll shave and take a quick shower. I look forward to meeting her.”
“Don’t be surprised if she’s not happy to see us together. You’re not exactly the type of man she would pick for me.”
Johnny kissed her.
“That’s okay; I only care that you want me.”
***
Johnny had just reemerged from the bedroom when the doorbell rang, and both he and Sara were surprised to see that Jake Garner was also visiting.
“What’s going on?” Sara said.
Jennifer took Garner’s hand.
“Jake and I are dating.”
Sara hung her head.
“Come in out of the hall.”
The couple entered and then the four of them glanced about at each other.
Jennifer broke the ice by walking over to Johnny and offering her hand.
“I’m Jennifer Blake, Mr. Rossetti.”
Johnny shook her hand while smiling.
“I can see the resemblance. You’re almost as beautiful as your sister.”
Jennifer smiled, but Johnny saw the look of disapproval in her eyes.
“You’re charming, Mr. Rossetti.”
“For a thug,” Garner said.
“Say what you will about him, Jake, but he doesn’t sleep around behind my back. Can you say that about yourself where my sister is concerned?”
“I’m not sleeping around behind Jennifer’s back. We’ve only been together a short time, but yes, we see each other exclusively.”
“Liar.”
Jennifer went to Garner’s side.
“Be quiet, Sara. You have no right to talk to him like that and our relationship is none of your concern.”
“No? Isn’t that why you’re here? You wanted me to see you two together, didn’t you?”
“We just
didn’t want to keep it a secret, and of course I wanted to see you, how have you been?”
“I’m good, Jenny, and I’m actually happy these days now that I’m with Johnny.”
“And... the obsession you had, about that man named Tanner. Have you given up seeking revenge?”
Sara’s face reddened.
“Not revenge, justice! The man killed Brian and he needs to pay.”
Jennifer looked tearful as she took Sara’s hands in her own.
“Your hatred for that man is destroying you. Look at your life. You’ve lost your job with the FBI, you’re filled with hate and—” Jennifer glanced over at Johnny. “You’re with this man, who, well I’ll just say it, he’s a criminal. He’s the type of person that you used to place behind bars, and now you’re sleeping with him? Sara, how could you?”
Sara pointed at Johnny.
“He treats me with nothing but respect, and as I said before, I don’t have to worry about whose bed he’s been in, I bet every time you turn your back, Jake is with another woman.”
“Why? Because I couldn’t possibly be enough for him?”
“I didn’t say that, Jenny.”
“It was implied and I find it insulting towards both of us. Also, considering that you once almost killed him, I would think you would treat Jake better. He’s been nothing but kind to you.”
“I like Jake, but you two do not belong together.”
Jennifer took Garner’s hand.
“We’re leaving.”
Sara rushed over and opened the door.
“Go, but don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart.”
Jennifer sniffled.
“I thought you’d be happy for me, but you’re not capable of anything but anger these days, are you?”
“Righteous anger, and I’ll be happy when you see Jake for what he is.”
Jennifer stared at Johnny.
“I might say the same thing.”
Jennifer and Garner walked out and Sara shut the door.
Johnny exhaled loudly.
“I’m sorry that didn’t go better, honey, but you can’t be surprised that she doesn’t approve of me.”
“I don’t care if she approves of you, but she should have accepted you for my sake.”
“To be fair, you weren’t very accepting of Mr. Fed there.”
“That’s different, I know Jake. I have no doubt that he’ll cheat on her and break her heart.”
The TANNER Series - Books 4-6 (Tanner Box Set Book 2) Page 28
