She started to speak but he continued over top of her.
“You know, deep inside, that you’re not your family, but it still haunts you. I know you, I understand you, Aggie. You think you’re not worthy, but what you’ve gotta hold on to is that you’re more than worthy. And, if I have to remind you of that every day for the rest of your life, I will.”
With a tear sliding down her cheek, her chest quivering, she bolted forward, slamming her mouth against his, pouring all her emotions into the kiss, letting it speak for her.
Undisclosed Location
* * *
“She’s with the Saints.”
The man standing by the conference table in the middle of the cavernous room nodded. “I noticed that.”
“Do you think she’s secure? Should we bring her in?” A third man, sitting at the table, swung his gaze to their leader.
Stoically, he replied, “I know them. Well, I know Jack Bryant. They’ve got an excellent reputation, but we made a promise to Harlan. I think we need to keep a close eye on her.”
“I can do that without them knowing I’m checking.”
Chuckling, he replied, “I would expect nothing less. Keep me advised.” Walking away, he thought of his old friend, Jack, and how the case with Harlan had their businesses unexpectedly converging. With a slight smile, he moved through his cavernous compound.
21
Agatha hit the snooze button when it went off at seven a.m., but knew she needed to get out of bed. Attempting to open her eyes was difficult, considering they were still swollen from the tears the previous night and, as the light hit them, she felt like sand was embedded under her lids. Having promised one of the new women in the center, who was a mother, that she would help her children get on the school bus, she knew she needed to get out of bed.
Groaning, she pushed up and swung her legs over the side. Staggering to the sink, she grabbed a washcloth, wet it with cold water, and pressed it to her aching eyes. After a few minutes, she could finally open them and look around.
Her stomach threatened to revolt as Harlan’s death hit her. Sucking in a deep breath, she willed the nausea to quell. Memories flittered through her mind, like flipping through a photo album. His smile. His eyes that twinkled even when he pretended to be grumpy. How he made strong coffee each morning. Watching sports on TV in the evenings with him…something her family never did. Oh, God, Harlan…did you die trying to protect me?
Finally, loosening her grip on the counter, she continued to breathe deeply until she was sure her legs would hold her up. Dressing, she headed down the hall, grateful to find the woman already in the kitchen feeding her children breakfast.
“Good morning, Ms. Christel,” Beverly said, smiling at her over the heads of her two daughters. “The girls are almost ready. They’re finishing breakfast now and then you can show us to the bus stop.”
Forcing a smile on her face, she said, “Good morning to you, too. You’ll like your new school. We’ve had several children who have attended and they were very happy there.” She knew the staff and administration at that school were particularly aware of the children who came from the center’s situations.
Within a few minutes, she and Beverly waved goodbye to the girls as the yellow school bus left the parking lot.
Beverly turned to her, and commented, “I hate to mention it, Ms. Christel, but you look worse for the wear this morning. Are you okay?”
Lifting her hand to smooth her hair back from her face, she nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. I just didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.” Using her well-practiced façade, she smiled at the other women as they walked back inside.
Ann walked into the center not long after she was done checking on the women in the computer lab, and motioned for her to follow. They went into Ann’s office and sat as she said, “Agatha, I wanted to talk to you about something, but you look ill this morning.”
“No, no,” she lied once more. “Just a bad night.”
Nodding, Ann said, “Okay, I’ve got something that I want to talk to you about and I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but needed to get the move completed before I could focus on anything else.”
Curious, she sat calmly waiting to see what Ann was going to say. Her palms began to sweat, though, as she considered whether or not Ann could possibly know about her other identity. Is she going to ask me to leave?
“Don’t look so nervous!” Ann laughed. “You look as though I’m going to send you to the firing squad.” Tapping her pencil on the desk before she stuck it behind her ear, she said,” I really like the work you’ve been doing here. You’ve taken on the role of so much more than just an assistant and, since I’m spending more and more time with fundraising, making sure the center has the money and donations it needs to continue to run, I need someone to be a manager. I wondered if you would step into that role. I would so much rather you take the position, than me have to find a manager while you stay on as the assistant. Of course, it would be a raise in pay.”
Blinking, she stared at her boss. Incredulous that she was being offered a promotion instead of getting the sack, she continued to stare mutely, with her mouth hanging open.
“I take it I’ve caught you by surprise?”
“Uh…yes, to be honest…yes.”
“I know there are things in your past you have close to your heart and,” throwing her hand up quickly, she said, “I have no intention of asking about them. But, whatever it is, it’s made you a wonderful advocate for the women that come here seeking shelter. You truly help them to find their worth as a woman. I need a manager and cannot think of anyone more qualified than you.”
“But, Ann, I don’t have a college degree.”
“You don’t need a college degree to take care of the work that needs to be done here. We have counselors we rely on for their psychological needs. I need someone who works here on a daily basis, who understands the working of this center. Quite frankly, the job you do now is already managerial work. But, you will finally get the raise that you deserve.” Giving her a minute to think over the idea, Ann smiled, before asking, “So, what do you think?”
Unable to believe that a day that had started out so terrible had a silver lining like this one, she smiled openly. “I would love to be the manager!”
Ann leaned forward, sticking her hand across the desk, and she reached over to clasp hands, shaking on the deal. “I have one more thing I want to talk to you about.”
She tilted her head to the side, waiting to see what her request was going to be.
“Ever since you’ve worked for me, I’ve allowed you to have a room at the center.” Seeing her eyes widen, Ann hurried to say, “That’s not changing. You may certainly have a room here if you need one. But, it’s important, for your mental health, to have a division between work your personal life. My fear is that those two are intertwined for you. Becoming the manager at the center means that you need to be able to be mentally rested and healthy. If you need to continue to stay here, that’s fine. But, I would like to encourage you to look for a place on your own. That way it will be easier for you to separate your work and personal life.”
“Okay,” she replied slowly, her thoughts swirling with the uncertainty of how to find a place of her own. Nathan’s cabin flashed through her mind, but she pushed it away. “I’ll start looking.”
“As far as I’m concerned, the managerial job starts today. I do have to put it in front of the board but, as I’ve already mentioned it to them, I can tell you they’re thrilled to have you take the position.”
Ann stood and walked around her desk, her arms out to engulf Agatha in a hug. “Congratulations, sweetie.”
Tears threatened to spill again but she blinked them back, knowing her eyes would never stop swelling if she did not gain control over her emotions. Walking out of the office, she thought of Nathan’s words from hours before. “What you’ve gotta hold on to is that you’re more than worthy.” Moving to her room, needing a few minutes to
pull herself together, she could not keep the hope from her heart, remembering Harlan so often saying the same thing. Maybe, just maybe…he was right.
“This sucks!” growled Nathan. His jaw ached from the tension as he stared at the other Saints. “How can things keep going so bad for Agatha?”
The Saints, despite little sleep the night before, had arrived early to talk about the security measures for her. At first, they’d felt at ease, since they now knew who Agnes Gruzinsky was and were sure of their ability to protect her. Then, Luke had reported communications between Gavrill and Yurgi that could indicate they were calling in all markers to get to her.
“The thing is,” Luke said, “to anyone else, their communication would look like nothing more than two brothers discussing the family’s legitimate business.” He flashed the deciphered communication onto the white board for the others to peruse.
G: All is well. Continued interest in locating missing subcontractor.
Y: Still looking. Their business is difficult to determine.
G: Ask managers for that information. We want our business to continue. They will let you know who can assist.
Y: Will do.
G: Was anything found with new property search?
Y: No. There was an infestation problem. Could not get the details. That avenue closed off.
G: Unfortunate. Still, satisfying to close the door on that opportunity. Keep working sub-contractor problem. Time, money, freedom all tied up in business. Would like subcontractor whereabouts known.
Y: Will talk soon.
* * *
“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that subcontractor is Agatha, and the search refers to Harlan’s apartment and computer. ‘Close the door on that opportunity’? Yeah, they’re fuckin’ responsible for Harlan’s murder. The good news is, at least it appears that Harlan, and whoever helped him with Agatha’s identity, set up his computer to release a virus if someone else tried to log on.”
“I’m still working on trying to figure out who assisted with Agatha’s identity,” Charlie said, her frustration showing as she chewed on a fingernail. “Whatever security group Harlan used, it would be good to know them...hell, I’d like to collaborate with them.”
“Professional jealousy?” Chad asked.
Shrugging, Charlie nodded, admitting, “I guess so. Their work is spectacular and I would like to learn more from them.”
“Agreed,” said Jack, “but for now, we focus on trying to link Gavrill with intent to harm Agatha, and determining how best to protect her. I’ve talked to Alvarez Security to let them know what’s happening. Since she lives at the center, that makes it easier.” Looking at Nathan, he said, “When you’re involved with someone on a case, you’ve got to stay objective. You’ve got to stay levelheaded. If your relationship with Agatha goes south, you still owe her your loyalty as a Saint.”
He opened his mouth to object to the idea that he would not be with Agatha, but Jack jumped in again. “Don’t take offense. Just had to be said.”
He nodded, irritated, but knew that Jack was right. “So what do we do now?”
“The FBI do not know that Agatha is Agnes. We corroborate with them if we find Harlan’s killer, but I do not trust anyone to know that we have Agnes.”
“You think a Fed could be dirty?” he asked, his focus intense.
“We hope not, but it wouldn’t be the first time. We just don’t know all the players,” Jack explained.
“Plus, it appears Gavrill’s reach is long,” Luke added.
Monty jumped in with, “Both Nick and I have an FBI background and, while we hate to think of another agent being a mole for the mafia, it would not be the first time that money has tempted someone to stray. The Russians have a fuck-ton of money to throw at trying to find someone they want. We talked with Jack before everyone came today, and agreed that no one other than us, right now, should know that Agatha is Agnes.”
Luke confirmed, “Charlie and I are continuing to work the computer aspect of this case. We’re going to keep following the trail from Gavrill to Yurgi and out to anyone else he might be contacting.”
“She’s been lucky so far,” Nathan admitted, “with the change in identity and all that Harlan put in place to protect her. It makes me nervous, but as long as no one recognizes her, we should be able to find the connection between Gavril and Yurgi’s orders before they get to her.”
“What about our women?” Nick looked at Jack, and then to Cam. “Obviously, Bethany knows about Agatha and, of course, so does Miriam. I’m assuming none of the other wives know, but I wanted to make sure. Bayley was the one who knew her when she was Agnes. I didn’t say anything to her this morning, but wanted to know what the protocol is.”
Jack nodded, “I appreciate your discretion. While all of our wives have been involved, in one way or another, with a case, at this time I’ll ask that you not let them know. Bethany and Miriam won’t say anything either. I know that Bayley will be disappointed but, hopefully she’ll find out soon enough when there’s no more risk to Agatha.”
That evening Nathan went by the center to see Agatha. She met him in the lobby, a tremulous smile on her tired face. As he wrapped her in his arms, he noted the dark circles underneath her eyes. Breathing in the scent of her shampoo, he took her weight as she leaned into him.
“I can’t believe you’re still standing, babe,” he said. “You’ve got to be exhausted. I know you got very little sleep last night.”
“You’re right. I didn’t get much sleep last night and had to be up early this morning to help one of the women get her children on the school bus.” With her arm still wrapped around his waist she leaned back and looked up into his face. “My heart aches with grief over Harlan but, I did have something positive happen today, that I know would have made him happy.”
Grateful to hear the hope in her voice, he tilted his head, waiting to see what she would say.
“Ann has asked me to be the manager. I’ll be doing much of what I’m doing now, plus a little more paperwork, but there’s a pay raise involved.”
“Whoa, babe. That’s fabulous!” He leaned down and kissed her, light and sweet.
“And, she talked about something else with me, but I don’t know how I feel about it. I wondered if we could talk about it over dinner?”
“Sweet Aggie, whatever you need from me, you got.”
Smiling shyly, she slid her hand down his arm and linked fingers with him. Walking out together he assisted her up into his truck. Giving her a quick kiss, he drove to a restaurant, choosing a place where they could have a private conversation.
Once inside the tiny, Italian restaurant, settled in a corner booth, he asked, “So, what is it that you want to talk about?”
Agatha fiddled with her napkin, suddenly unsure about the discussion. Nathan reached across the table and placed his large hand on hers, giving it a little squeeze. She opened her hand, palm up, allowing him to slide his fingers through hers, the warmth moving from her hand to her heart.
“Well, one of the things that Ann talked to me about today was separating work and personal life. It’s not really something I’ve ever thought about, but she says it’s very important with the added responsibilities that I’ll have as the manager.”
“Sounds good, so far,” he replied.
Plunging ahead, she continued, “She’s never minded me living at the center. After all, it was her idea. She says that it’s been good to have someone there with the women. But, now she feels that I need more of a personal life. To be honest, until recently, I didn’t have anything other than Harlan that was outside of the center, so staying there made sense.”
Sadness clouded her eyes at her mention of Harlan. Rubbing his thumb over her hand, he asked, “And now?”
She bit her bottom lip, revealing her nerves, as her eyes met his. “I feel kind of lost without being able to pick up the phone to call him. But I know he wanted more for me.” Sucking in a deep breath, she added, “I guess now I�
��d like a chance to have a personal life.”
His lips curved slightly and he leaned forward, whispering, “Can I hope that involves me?”
A tiny smile curved Agatha’s lips, brightening her entire face. Nathan realized it was an expression he had rarely seen from her and hoped to see more of. Reaching into his pocket, he fingered the medallion that Charlie gave him that morning. Sucking in a fortifying breath, he drew it out, saying, “I’ve got something to give to you…I hope you’ll wear it.”
She cocked her head to the side, her gaze dropping to his hand, now turned up with the silver medallion lying in his palm, a silver chain attached. Lifting her eyes back to his, she waited for his explanation.
“Charlie had this St. Francis medallion fitted with a tracer and I’d like you to wear it. It allows the Saints to know where you are at all times.” He tried to still the shaking of his hand, but she did not seem to notice.
Reaching out, she tentatively took the necklace, her fingers tracing the relief of St. Francis. Blinking, she whispered hoarsely, “It’s beautiful.”
“My real name is Francis Nathaniel Washington. My mom loves animals and wanted me named after St. Francis, the patron Saint of animals.” He chuckled, adding, “My dad wanted me named Nathaniel, but he let Mom get my first name.”
She smiled, her fingers still clutching the necklace.
“All of the Saints’ women have one…uh…I mean with their Saint’s name on it, not mine. Uh…this one is for me…well, for you. But, it has my…”
Her trembling smile stopped his stammering and he released a sigh of relief as she slipped it over her head, letting the medallion settle on her chest.
“Thank you, Nathan. I love that you gave this to me.” Her fingers continued to move over the medallion, as though memorizing the shape and feel.
Searching Love_Saints Protection & Investigations Page 17
