Tony: Alvarez Security Series

by Jordan, Maryann

  Bundled into the truck, she asked where the secret trip was headed.

  “If I told you then it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?” he teased.

  Several miles out of town, they meandered down a small lane near the river. Turning onto a long, gravel driveway, she saw a small house at the top of a hill. Partially out of stone, it looked as though it had been transported here from another time and place.

  “Where are we?” she asked in curiosity.

  “This used to be our family vacation home and my father lives here now.”

  “Your father? You didn’t tell me we were meeting your father!” she exclaimed. Looking down at her jeans and sweater, with the arm sling still on, she immediately fretted over her appearance.

  Tony glanced sideways, chuckling. “Baby, you’re gorgeous. And this is just my dad. Nothing fancy. Hell, my dad wouldn’t know fancy if it bit him in the ass.”

  A giggle escaped as she relaxed. Looking around, she was enchanted by the old fishing cabin. “This looks so old, as though it could be from an ancient fishing village in Europe.”

  “It was built by my grandfather when he was very young and first married. He and his brothers hauled some of the stone from the river to make the foundation. My father was born here, but the family eventually moved closer to the city. They kept this place though, for vacations and just as a getaway.”

  Before she could ask any more questions, they pulled up to the front where an older version of Tony stood to greet them. Hailing them from the porch, he called for them to come inside and get warm. They hurried in and Sherrie was immediately struck by the hominess of the cabin.

  The main room boasted a vaulted ceiling and she could see a small loft over half of the area. An old, scarred dining table stood at one end and the other end of the room sported a comfortable sofa and a well-used recliner. The coffee table and end tables were also old and scarred, but seemed perfect for the place. A stone fireplace sat at the end of the room and with spring still a month away, the crackling fire gave off warmth, as well as lending ambiance to the quaint home. The only modern intrusion was a flat screen TV sitting on an old cabinet.

  A quick glance told her that the kitchen was behind the dining table and with a small hall dividing the back area, she assumed the bedrooms and bathroom were there.

  Tony pulled her in close, still careful of her shoulder and made the introductions.

  “Dad, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Sherrie Mullins. Sherrie, this is my dad, Ed Alvarez.”

  Before she could get her greeting out, she found herself in a bear hug by the elder Mr. Alvarez.

  “Dad, don’t break her,” Tony admonished, pulling her back into his embrace.

  She laughed at his father’s enthusiasm, but her mirth stilled when she looked into his face and saw tears in his eyes.

  “Forgive an old man, my dear,” he explained. “I’ve wanted my Tony to find happiness and despaired that he was never going to do that. But seeing you here today, makes my heart full again.”

  Tony felt her body tremble and he knew her tears would come if he did not intervene. “Baby, can I get you something to drink? Dad, you got anything other than beer?”

  “You make your old man sound like a drunk, son,” his father joked. “As it is, I have some hot tea in a pot just for you.” Leaning toward Sherrie, he said, “I heard you like tea.”

  Smiling her beautiful smile, she agreed saying, “I would love some.”

  Settling on the sofa next to Tony, with Ed in the recliner, they talked and laughed through the afternoon. Ed told stories of Tony growing up and the many fishing vacations they had in the cabin.

  She glanced sideways at the handsome man laughing with his father. His face relaxed into a smile, caramel eyes twinkling. The Tony she had met a year ago was always somber, but she realized that with time he had relaxed…letting life back in to touch him again. He turned his head, looking down at her with a questioning expression on his face, but she just smiled as she tucked her head back into his shoulder.

  Later, in the kitchen, she was staring out of the window over the sink at the dock leading out into the edge of the river. The water meandered slowly in the tributary, cedar trees lining the far side. It was easy to imagine Tony’s family vacations spent here by the water. Ed came up behind her with another cup from the table and looked out as well.

  “I love your view from here, Mr. Alvarez,” she said.

  “Call me Ed, my dear. And yes, it is a magnificent view.” The two of them watched silently as Tony shoveled snow from the back porch toward the dock.

  With the last dish washed and placed in the drying rack, she found herself unable to move away from the scene in front of her. Even bundled up, she could imagine Tony’s strong muscles bunch and cord as they lifted the heavy snow. He had not waited for his dad to ask for help, but saw a need and immediately, quietly set to the task.

  “He was a good boy, who’s turned into a good man,” Ed said quietly, watching his son.

  Tears pricked the backs of her eyes as she nodded, afraid to trust her voice to speak.

  “A parent wants to see their children happy. Damn near broke me and my Ruthie’s heart when we watched him at the funeral of Marla and Sofia. No man should bury a child, and sure as hell not at the same time as burying his wife.”

  The older man’s voice cracked as he spoke and she was no longer able to hold back the tear that escaped down her cheek. She glanced at his face, devastated by the ravaged look etched into his expression.

  “Thought we’d lost our son.” Seeing her surprise, he quickly added, “Not literally, but what was left was just a shell of a man. Know this sounds crazy, but we were glad he headed back to his squad. Being in the military gave him something to fight for, a reason to keep living. For his men. For the mission.”

  Ed gripped the sink, his gnarled hands clutching for support. She reached out, placing her hand over his. He looked down for a moment, at their touch. She watched as his face transformed as a small smile replaced the haggard expression.

  Clearing his throat, he looked up into her face. “He may have gone back to the mission, but he wasn’t the same. Some life experiences change us. My Ruthie died knowing that her son’s heart was damaged and her last words to him were for him to find life again. He may have nodded to her just to ease her passing, but he didn’t feel it in here,” he said, touching his chest.

  “We met when he saved me,” she whispered. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for him.”

  “My dear, you may have been a mission when you met, but you’re no longer that. You’ve brought him back to life and my only regret is that Ruthie didn’t live to see this day. You’ve given him life again. Hope. Love. You’ve brought my son back to me.”

  She choked back a sob as the older man pulled her in for a hug. As she clung to Tony’s father, she could feel his arms doing the same. Both hanging on as the emotions overtook them.

  Hearing Tony approaching the house, the two in the kitchen broke apart, both wiping tears from their faces.

  “Lordy, look at us,” his father laughed. “We should be celebrating instead of crying.”

  She smiled back, wiping her eyes. “Sometimes tears are good,” she admitted.

  Ed looked at her benevolently. “Yes, ma’am. You’re right.” With one last pat on her hand, he turned to head out to the garage to meet Tony as he stowed the shovel.

  Sherrie dashed into the bathroom to repair her makeup, but when she reappeared Tony’s concerned expression met hers. Walking straight into his arms, she lay her head on his massive chest as his arms enveloped her. Answering his unasked question, she whispered, “I’m fine. Your dad and I just had a nice talk.”

  He pulled her away from his chest so that he could peer into her eyes. What he saw nearly felled him…trust, happiness, and love.

  After saying goodbye to Ed, with promises to visit again soon, they drove back to the city. Tony glanced over at the profile of Sherrie’s bea
utiful face, stoically staring out of the window.

  “You okay, babe? Dad didn’t upset you, did he?”

  She heard the tentative tremor in his voice, recognizing the concern emanating from him.

  “Of course your dad didn’t upset me, sweetie. He’s wonderful.” After a brief pause, she continued, “He loves you very much. He thinks you’re…happy now.” The last part sounded more like a question than a statement.

  Tony jerked the truck over to the side of the road and Sherrie looked around quickly, glad there were no other cars around.

  “What—”

  “Babe,” he interrupted. “You’ve got to know that I’m happy. With you. With what we’ve got.”

  She turned, smiling as her hand reached over to cup his strong jaw. “I know. It’s just that I couldn’t seem to get over the feeling of you rescuing me one more time, but your dad said something.”

  He lifted his eyebrow in question, but she continued quickly. “He said that I saved you.” She so desperately wanted the words to be true, but now that they were out, they sounded presumptuous. Ducking her head, she wished she could pull the words back in.

  He captured her face with his large hand pulling it back around to his. “Oh no, baby girl. You don’t get to hide from me. Ever.” Leaning over, he placed a gentle kiss on her trembling lips. “Dad’s right. You did save me. Never doubt that, baby.”

  He angled her head for a more intimate kiss, taking this one deeper, wetter. A claiming kiss. One that spoke of love. Hope. Forever.

  After a few minutes they pulled apart, both breathless. Eyes locking, warm caramel meeting sky blue. Slow smiles began.

  “Let’s get home, baby. I want to show you just how much you’ve saved me and I sure as hell can’t do it on the side of the road.”

  Later that night, he showed her exactly what he thought of her saving him. Over and over, long into the night.

  *

  Betina lay on her bed, sleep eluding her once again. Turning on the lamp by her bed, she reached for her art pad, but halted as she heard footsteps in the hall. Quickly shoving it back under her mattress, she pulled the covers up knowing her stepdad was coming. Stepdad. Miss Sherrie told me that he has no legal authority over me since he isn’t married to mom. But he has other authority. One that I can’t ignore.

  The door opened quietly and his presence filled the small room. No small talk. Just down to business.

  “How many did you contact today?” growled softly.

  She hated this feeling. Helpless. Used. No control. Sighing, she answered, “There were two, but only one came to the store.” She saw his questioning expression and continued, “The skinny girl with the dirty hair. She hasn’t eaten lunch this week at school.”

  Hernando nodded, making a notation in his notebook. Flipping it closed, he leaned against the doorframe. “I need more. We will be running laundry on a twenty-four-hour schedule, so you need to step it up and get me more.”

  “I’m doing the best I can,” she said. “There haven’t been any new kids in school lately.”

  “Then look on the streets. You do what you are told and get me more,” he growled, slightly more loudly this time.

  Tears pricked the back of her eyes, but she forced them away. They won’t help. Nothing helps.

  “And make sure you keep that snoopy court worker away from here. I catch her somewhere she’s not supposed to be and it won’t go good for you. Or your mother.”

  Her eyes darted up to his quickly. “I’ll do it.”

  “Yeah,” he chuckled. “You do that.” Turning, he left the room, closing the door behind him.

  Betina sat very still until she was sure he was not coming back. Pulling her art pad out, she began sketching again. It was the only thing that made her feel any better about her life. Her fucked-up, out of control life.

  *

  Tony, sitting at the head of his main conference room, went over the weekly assignments with his employees. After the larger staff meeting was over, he dismissed everyone except his inner crew.

  They looked at the relaxed man in front of them, seeing the effects of his relationship with Sherrie clearly on his face.

  “Boss?” BJ asked. “What’s up?”

  Tony looked at his former brothers-in-arms—Jobe, Vinny, and Gabe—as well as BJ and Lily. He lay a folder on the table in front of him, announcing, “I’ve had an offer from another…security type firm for us to collaborate with when possible and I’d like to take them up on it.”

  Gabe let out a huge breath saying, “Fuck, Tony. You had me worried that you were going to sell the company.”

  The others grinned sheepishly, admitting they thought the same thing. Tony shook his head, “You all know this business means everything to me. No way I’d sell out. But I do have a way that we can work with another company at times and I think the partnership will be beneficial.”

  “So who’s the company?” Vinny asked.

  “I was contacted by Jacques Bryant, our former Chief Warrant Officer—”

  “Jack?” Jobe asked, a grin on his face. “Ol’ Frenchie, himself,” he added at Tony’s nod. Seeing Lily’s look of confusion, he explained, “His mom was French and named him Jacques, but we knew him as Jack.”

  “Yeah, until Vinny found out his real name and gave him the nickname Frenchie,” Gabe laughed.

  “What has he been up to?” Vinny asked.

  “Seems he continued in Special Forces for a couple of years beyond us and then, when he got out, started his own business.”

  “What kind of business?” Lily asked, astute enough to see Tony’s hesitation in naming the company.

  “I’ll call it a security business, but it’s a little different than ours. It’s more…covert.”

  “Covert?” BJ asked.

  This had the attention of Vinny, Gabe, and Jobe immediately; having served with Jack they knew his penchant for covert operation planning and gadgets.

  “He’s created a team of people with diverse backgrounds and specialties. They’re still pretty new, but are having some real successes with their missions.”

  “And Jack wants to work with us?” Gabe asked.

  Tony nodded before continuing. “Right now, we have just verbally agreed to help each other out on cases where we think sharing will be beneficial. We’ll consider the details at a later time.” Looking over at Vinny, he added, “Don’t worry, Vinny. You’ll still get to provide security for your starlets and rocker girls when they come into town.”

  “Thank fuck,” Vinny quipped. “Which reminds me, when am I going to get one of those assignments?”

  The others chuckled as Tony replied, “Got something in the works right now. I’ll let you know as soon as the details are worked out.”

  Lily headed back toward her office with a smile, patting Vinny on the shoulders as she went by. “One day, Vinny, love’s going to hit you when you least expect and I am going to sit back and enjoy watching it knock you for a loop.” With a wink, she left the conference room.

  Gabe turned toward his twin saying, “I’m telling you bro. Don’t mix work and pleasure. I did and it was a fuckin’ disaster.”

  Vinny reared back in his seat smiling. “That’s ’cause you forgot to let ’em know it was only for one night.”

  As the meeting broke up, Tony felt lighter than he had in a long time. Business was good. Sherrie was good. Maybe, just maybe things are looking up.

  *

  Sherrie was back at work and more determined than ever to check up on Betina. She called her school and made an appointment to meet with one of her teachers. Finishing her work for Mr. Marks, she headed to the school during lunchtime. Once she checked in with the front office, she was escorted to Mrs. Rushmore’s English classroom, where the teacher agreed to meet with her during her planning time.

  “Thank you so much for seeing me on such short notice,” Sherrie greeted, sitting down with the friendly teacher.

  “It’s my pleasure. I want to help Betina
as much as I can.”

  “I have some questions that go beyond the ordinary ones that I can easily get elsewhere, if you don’t mind,” she said.

  Mrs. Rushmore acquiesced and Sherrie pulled her pad and pen from her purse. “When I ask Betina about friends, she indicates that she doesn’t really have any. Is this true? Do you see her hanging out with any other students? Girlfriends? A boyfriend?”

  The teacher shook her head, answering, “She really is a quiet, good student. I was shocked when I heard that she ran away—she definitely is not a behavior problem here at school. Being a rather poor inner-city school, we have our share of problem students, but she’s not one of them. Unfortunately, we lose some kids to the streets and gangs every day, but again, she’s never been a problem. I don’t see her walking in the halls with other students consistently. She does meet and greet almost everyone. I know she would be embarrassed if she realized that someone had noticed this, but she really has the most giving personality.”

  Sherrie lifted her gaze from her notes to the teacher. “How so? In what way?”

  “Well, when I have cafeteria duty, I see her hanging back, watching the other students. And the ones that don’t have lunch money, she casually goes to them and gives them lunch money.”

  Gives them money? Where does she get that money from if her work at the grocery doesn’t pay much?

  Mrs. Rushmore continued, “She always talks to them for a few minutes and then they head up to the line where they get lunch. A few of these kids have left our school, but I’m sure they’ll always remember her kindness.”

  Filing that information away, she asked about Betina’s classwork and once again found the teacher with nothing but praise. Standing at the end of the interview, Sherrie gave her a business card and asked if she would call or email if she thought of anything else.

  Walking back to her car, her mind was filled with Mrs. Rushmore’s words. Always gives lunch money to the kids who can’t afford it. She remembered Betina talking to the kids after school, telling them they could get food at the Valesquez store.

  Walking back into the law office, she went directly to see Simon. He looked up, a smile on his face as he greeted her, and she noticed Mr. Marks was sitting in there as well. She started to back out of the room, but they beckoned her in.