Devil's Gamble

by Michele Arris

  “Bro, you and I know that shit never ends there. That chump would’ve kept coming back. It’s not your fault,” Gavin told him.

  “He’s right, babe. Dale is bad news, always have been.” Bailey told a story about a police raid that took place at her and Sienna’s apartment several years ago. The canine unit searched their place for drug contraband, all thanks to Faith and her involvement with Dale.

  “It sickens me that Sienna was caught in the middle of Dale and Faith’s mess.”

  “Yeah—” Gavin paused to listen to the pilot over the intercom informing them that the plane was about to land. “It will be this Dale asshole’s life regret. Believe that.”

  Chapter Nine

  “Excuse me, we’re looking for Sienna Keller’s room.”

  Hospital staff busied about within the narrow administration area, tripping over feet. Gavin’s address had been to whoever would bite first.

  Three individuals—two ladies and a man—looked up. The stocky redhead closest to him tilted her head to her computer screen. Her fingers tapped on a few keys.

  The man seated at the far end rose from his chair and came forward. “Janet, she’s the one with the guards posted. Sir, I’m afraid she’s under restriction. Your name?”

  It was good to see someone on the ball. “Gavin Crane, her husband.” He flipped his driver’s license before the man, who checked it against the information on Nurse Redhead’s computer. The hospital had been informed that Sienna went by her maiden name. Gavin didn’t expect there to be any issue.

  “Mr. Crane, I’m Owen, the one you spoke to earlier. Your wife was moved to a private room as you requested. I made my rounds an hour ago. She was resting.” Owen flipped through papers on a clipboard. “Um, I have here the doctor should be in to see her around eight o’clock.”

  Simultaneously, Gavin, Bailey, and Lucas checked their watches. It was 7:40 a.m. “Good to know. Which way?” Gavin asked.

  Owen pointed left. “Down the hall there, then make your first right. You’ll see the two men standing outside her door at the end of the hall.”

  “Thanks.”

  Spotting the guards, Bailey rushed ahead but was stalled at the door by a hand planted solidly on her shoulder.

  Lucas shot forward, brows creased. “Take your hand off her before I break it off.”

  Gavin came up, towering over the broad-shouldered guard that mocked his glare. “You heard him. What the hell is wrong with you?”

  The guard dropped his hand but boldly stood his ground. “No one is to enter.” His tone was direct and decisive. “Unless . . . are you a cop?”

  “Do I look like a damn cop?” Gavin snarled. His attention shifted, recognizing the other man. “Mike, who’s this chump?”

  “Mr. Crane, this here is Danny Lafferty.” Beside him, Danny sucked in a breath, apparently realizing his grave mistake.

  Eyeing the young punk that had more muscles than brain, Gavin realized that good ol’ Pop had sent a whelp as penance for his not wanting any part in the family business. Gavin preferred to live his life free of the DEA, ATF, FBI, etc., while his father and most of his family worked daily at ducking and dodging the feds—except for his mother, who was smart to opt out via divorce.

  Like the Italian mafia, the Irish had their fair share of organized crime, and not so lucky me happens to be the second born son to the Northeast’s top man in charge.

  “Where’s Ian?” Gavin asked.

  Mike shifted his weight from one foot to the other, back and forth, as if relieving the pressure from shoes that were a size too small. “He’s stuck on an assignment. Your father had me take Danny here in his place, you know, to give ’im some exposure.” Mike glimpsed over at Danny’s ghost-sheet complexion now looking in need of medical attention. “I had ’im stationed at the other lady’s room, but her people showed up and took her away, so I got ’im here with me.”

  “Sor-sorry, Mr. Crane, just doing my job,” Danny uttered, eyelids low.

  “He’s Maggie’s boy. I don’t know if you remember her. I should’ve told ’im it was you, sir. I take full responsibility.” Mike opened the door and stepped aside. “All’s been quiet here, apart from the hospital workers coming and going.”

  “It’s good to see you, Mike.” They shook hands.

  “You, too, Mr. Crane.”

  They entered the room, and Kevin stood up from the couch.

  Bailey approached Sienna’s sleeping form and lightly placed a kiss above the bandage that stretched from her left brow to her temple, then moved to Kevin and gave him a hug.

  Gavin cut a look at Lucas, whose blue eyes were laser focused on Bailey nestled within her ex’s arms. The two men had once come to fisticuffs over the woman. The fact that his wife maintained a friendship with her ex, knowing Lucas the way that Gavin did, it had to be difficult for his buddy. That said, the couple was madly in love, and they were going to have a baby. There really weren’t any issues from what Gavin could see.

  “How is she?” Bailey whispered and came out of Kevin’s embrace.

  Kevin looked past Bailey to Lucas and acknowledged him with a nod. The same stiff greeting was given to Gavin now seated in the chair at Sienna’s bedside, holding her hand. Looking down at Bailey, Kevin’s eyes softened. Unadulterated affection for the woman flooded his bold, dark features. “She’s in and out. She’ll be glad to see you.”

  “Faith’s gone?” Bailey asked.

  “Her father arranged for her to get treatment at a psych facility near his home. Faith kept screaming that she’d killed Sienna just like she’d killed her mother. They had to sedate her.” Kevin shook his head. “She killed her own mother. That’s some wild shit.”

  “It was an accident. Her mother had been drinking and grabbed the wheel,” Bailey said in quick defense.

  “I can’t get more on Sienna’s condition,” Kevin made a gesture with his chin in Gavin’s direction, “because your boy over there told them that he’s her husband. They’ll only speak with him.”

  Gavin looked up from studying the bandage on Sienna’s face. “It was for her safety. It was the only way I could have my men guard her until I arrived.”

  Kevin’s glower was scalding. “Do you think I would’ve let anyone get near her? I haven’t left her side.”

  Gavin tensed as a huge boulder of possessiveness rose in his chest. “I don’t know, Kevin, one might think this is more than you merely being neighborly.”

  “Your type would think that,” Kevin shot back. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Sienna and Bailey are good friends of mine. I’ve always looked out for the both of them. And Diego watched over Faith until her parents arrived. In other words, we got this. Sienna didn’t need you saying that you’re her husband, bringing in all of this drama with guards and shit.”

  “Precautions.” Satisfied that the man didn’t have a thing for Sienna, with his aggressive tide calm again, Gavin centered his attention on caressing the back of his fingers tenderly down her left cheek. As soft as sun-warmed rose petals. “I wasn’t taking any chances with my lady’s welfare.”

  “Your lady?” Kevin released a tight cheek chuckle and shifted narrow dark eyes between Gavin and Lucas. “What is it with you white boys always trying to control shit?”

  “Kevin!” Bailey gasped.

  “White boys?” Both Gavin and Lucas repeated in concert.

  His small smile mocking, Gavin stood up, and strode over to Kevin. “Is there something you wish to get off your chest?”

  Kevin held his ground firm. “You heard me. Like I said, I’ve been watching out for these ladies long before you two came into the picture.”

  “Guys, enough.” Bailey stood between them with her palms braced on their chests, looking from one rigid frown to the other. Lucas tugged his pregnant wife out of the way. She sighed her irritation. “This is crazy ridiculous at a time like this.”

  “I second that.”

  Hearing Sienna’s weak voice, everyone’s full attention f
lew to the bed. Bailey rushed over. Their cheeks pressed fondly. “Oh, Sie.” She drew back. “I was so worried. How are you feeling?”

  “All things considered, I’m good. Is there water?”

  Gavin quickly rounded to the opposite side of the bed. He grabbed the plastic pitcher from the side-table, filled the cup, and brought it to her lips. After a few sips, she rested back on the pillow. He placed the cup on the table, then sat in the chair, and took her hand in his, caressing her cool, delicate skin.

  “Hey, you.” He smiled and stroked the back of his fingers lightly down her cheek. “Long time, no see.”

  “Maybe going with you to California would’ve been the smart choice,” she said, her voice a hoarse whisper.

  “Oh, you think? That’s right, you should have, you stubborn woman. Instead, you ghosted me.” An intentionally soft reprimand. She’d been through enough.

  “You came to me.” A hint of wonderment was detected, her doe-brown eyes filling with warmth.

  “What do you mean, I came to you? Of course I came. Where else would I be?” He leaned in, taking advantage of the opportunity to press his lips to her soft cheek, then gently brushed back the wisp of hair at her temples as he studied the bandage partially covering her left eye, trailing a finger along the thick gauze. “He did this to you?”

  “The bastard caught me by surprise.” She winced from his light touch, and he jerked his hand away.

  “He will pay heavily for that,” Gavin gritted as he looked over at the I.V. tethered to the back of her other hand. “How are you really? Are you in any pain?”

  “A little, but I’ll manage.”

  “What was Faith doing with Dale?” Bailey asked Sienna. “I thought she told you she was going back home.”

  “The dude tried to rob Sie with Faith’s help. He wanted her to write a check for fifty grand,” Kevin supplied with a nod to Sienna.

  “Yes, but Faith actually tried to stop him from hurting me. She saved my life. How is Faith? I need to know that she’s okay. I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for her.”

  “Her father took her home for treatment,” Bailey answered, then glanced up at Lucas, and he met her gaze as she said, “That day Faith went to Lucas’s office, she had intended to blackmail him for money to give to Dale.”

  “I would’ve given her the money if I’d known it would end with you getting hurt,” Lucas said, his solemn tone openly filled with guilt.

  Sienna gave a light shake of her head. “No, I’m glad you didn’t give that dipshit a dime. As for Faith, the girl should have known that your nose was opened wide only for Bailey.” She tried to laugh but coughed and grunted instead.

  The door opened. “Knock, knock. Wow, a full house today. Good morning, I’m Dr. Burton.”

  “Good timing, Doc. She needs something for the pain,” Gavin said in an almost directive.

  “Let’s first see where we are.” Dr. Burton smiled warmly at her patient. “Should we clear the room?”

  Sienna looked around at them all. “Not necessary.”

  “I’ll just draw the curtain.” Everyone, except Gavin, stepped back from the bed. He grilled Dr. Burton with questions in between Sienna’s faint hisses and groans. Short minutes later, the doctor drew back the curtain and jotted down her notes.

  Sienna shifted to sit up. “Oh, shhh . . . ” She hissed a sharp breath.

  Concerned, Gavin stroked her hand while speaking to the doctor. “She’s obviously uncomfortable here. You have to give her something.”

  “Mr. Crane, your wife is coming along nicely.”

  Ignoring Sienna’s questioning look over the term wife, he said, “That’s great to hear, but she’s in pain. What about the meds?”

  “I’ll prescribe a muscle relaxant and something for her headache.” Dr. Burton looked between them. “That was a pretty nasty blow you received.” She addressed Gavin. “I want to check in on her for a couple of days. If all goes well, you can take your wife home and see to her care. She’ll need to be monitored closely. We want to ensure that there is no residual damage from the concussion she suffered.” Dr. Burton gave a delicate pat on Sienna’s arm. “I’ll be back to check on you again later.”

  Gavin shook the doctor’s hand, and then she left the room. He turned to Sienna with a slight smile. “I told the hospital that we were married.”

  “I see that.” Sienna looked out at their audience. “I guess I’ll need to find a place to stay. I can’t go back to the apartment.”

  “You’ll stay with us.” Bailey looked at Lucas. “Right, babe?”

  “Of course,” Lucas said.

  “No, she’ll stay with me.” It was a gruff command, Gavin realized. Everyone’s eyes were solidly pinned on him.

  Kevin went to the side of the bed and took Sienna’s hand. “I should get home and get some sleep.”

  “Kev, thank you. If you hadn’t shown up—” She reached out for him and drew him into a hug.

  “I only wish I’d gone over there sooner than I did.”

  “No. That fool may have shot you, too.”

  “If you need anything, you know to call me anytime.” Kevin turned to Bailey. “That also goes for you.” He hugged and kissed her on the cheek. “Stay sweet, dollface. You know where to find me.” He then turned to Gavin and Lucas, his features stone firm. “Take care of these ladies.”

  “Thanks for everything,” Lucas said, and they shook hands.

  Gavin extended his hand. “I appreciate you being here for her. Are we cool?”

  A short hesitation. Kevin nodded and grasped hold. “We’re good.” He turned back to Sienna. “I’ll check in on you tomorrow.” He headed out.

  Gavin resumed his seat next to the bed. “After you get the all-clear from Doc Burton, I’ll take you to my place.”

  “Gavin, I can’t ask you to do that. You’ve given up so much of your time helping me with my tour. What about your job?”

  “He can take as much time off as he needs,” Lucas put in. “There’s Skype for manager meetings, and he can send work electronically whenever necessary.”

  Gavin threw both hands up with a grin. “The perks of working for your best friend. See, it’s all good. I got this.” He took her hand in his and placed a kiss on the back of it. “Let me take care of you.”

  “Lucas and I will go to the apartment to get some of your things. I’ll get the place packed up as well. Don’t worry about a thing,” Bailey assured her.

  There was another knock on the door. Mike poked his head inside. “Mr. Crane, there’s a cop here that wants to see the lady.”

  Gavin stood up and answered with a nod.

  The man entered. “Good morning, I’m Agent Carl Bryant.” He showed his ATF Badge. “I’d like to ask you a few questions if I could. Do you feel up to it, Miss Keller, or is it Mrs. Crane? Or, perhaps it’s Mrs. Kavanagh? You tell me.” He eyed Gavin as he spoke, lips curving upward.

  “When my D.C. contact phoned with information that Kavanagh’s men were on duty here protecting Gavin Crane’s wife, a shooting victim, I had to come check it out. And as sure as a Seattle rain, Daddy’s boys are here to greet me.” His cold grin remained dead-set on Gavin.

  “Crane, I’ve always admired you for keeping your nose clean.” Agent Bryant shook his head, a look of disparagement creasing his brows. “I suppose it was only a matter of time. What’s the Kavanagh’s connection in this? It’s a shame your lovely wife got caught in the dirty crosshairs of . . . what was it, payback for a deal gone sour? We know about that recent shipment that arrived stateside. Is there a connection here? We are also aware that Kavanagh Whiskey Distillery has increased the number of shipments over the past three months. Now would be a good time to share what you know.”

  “Gavin, what is he talking about?” Sienna looked between him and the agent.

  “Either ask your questions, Agent Bryant, or get the hell out.” Gavin glowered.

  Agent Bryant shifted his attention to Bailey and Lucas who were now seated on t
he couch. “Lucas Marx of Marx Venture Capital. You and Crane are still an item, I see. I thought the Marxes only dealt in white collar misdeeds.”

  Appearing unfazed, Lucas said nothing, maintaining his composure. However, his wife held an unwavering, serrated-edged stare on the short, stocky man, perched, her spine erect, looking prepped to defend her husband if it came to that.

  “So, Mrs. Crane, can you tell me if this incident has anything to do with the Kavanaghs in any way?”

  Sienna frowned and sent a questioning glance at Gavin, then looked back over at Agent Bryant. “The Kavanaghs? What do you mean? Who are the Kavanaghs?”

  A broader grin brightened Agent Bryant’s pink, pudgy cheeks as he looked over at Gavin. “Well, now, Mr. Crane, aren’t you full of surprises.” He turned back to Sienna. “Mrs. Crane, do you have any idea who you’re married to here?” She blinked once, her stare pinned on the agent, but no other reply came from the bed. “Let me enlighten you.”

  Gavin remained silent as the man laid out every dirty element of his family tree. When it was over, he forced himself to look at Sienna and wished he hadn’t.

  Chapter Ten

  “Oh my god, Bailey, you heard what that agent said. Gavin is part of the mob!” Sienna whispered her fear, aware that Lucas and Gavin were likely standing just outside the door. Both had followed Agent Bryant out of the room after the man had explained to her in vivid detail the Kavanaghs involvement in organized crime. “This is the Irish mob were talking about.”

  Bailey’s nose crinkled. “Is the I.R.A. really still a thing?”

  “Uh, apparently! You heard what that agent said.”

  “Sie, Gavin isn’t part of his family’s world. And wasn’t it you who said that you wouldn’t want to be blamed for the sins of your mother?”