“You know what they say about eavesdroppers don’t you?”
“I don’t give a fuck, tell me right now or I’m going to have to fly to Italy to end a motherfucker.”
“First, crazy man, he’s my parent’s neighbor. Second, you need to work on your Italian before you come in here losing your shit. I was on the phone with my mother, and I told her I loved her before I hung up. Are you ready to go or are you going to grill me some more?”
“I’m sorry, babe. Hearing you’re in love with someone else made me a bit irrational. I’ll try and keep my cool. Let’s get out of here.”
Chapter 7
The next day in the office was good. After getting on her ass about the call, I learned that I needed to calm the jealousy down a notch. She was my fiancée after all. I had nothing to worry about, so everything went smoothly. It was the next day that shit got crazy.
I got a call from Jackson, who sounded frantic. “Caleb, that nut daughter of Thompson’s was in my office bare-ass naked thinking I was up for fucking her. She’s got to be in on it.”
“Do you think Thompson’s got it in for you?”
“That’s possible. We never really got along. You know me making partner first wasn’t something he appreciated since he was with the firm before I got there.”
“Well, be careful. Let me know what that fuck has to say when you talk to him.”
“I will. Talk to you later.” I was worried that something was up with Thompson, our other partner, for a while now. When he mentioned branching out to Seattle, I thought it was smart to dominate the coasts, but it seemed he may have had an ulterior motive. I doubted he was innocent. If I weren’t so busy here, I would go meet Jackson and figure out things over there and choke Thompson and his whore daughter myself.
It was around lunch time when I got a call from Milo, one of our security team members that went to Maine with Jackson and Elizabeth.
“What’s up, Milo?”
“Somebody shot at Elizabeth, Mike, and Jackson’s sister and mother today. They’re at the hospital and all are going to make it.”
“What the fuck?”
“Yeah, they were rammed while going home today. Then the other car opened fire. Mike got them out of there but not without getting hurt.”
“Should I come out there?”
“No. Jackson thinks it’s best that you stay there. It may be your partner behind this. If you come, then he may come after you.”
“True, but tell me what I can do. Shit, this is so fucked up.”
“Tell me about it. First that nutty woman waiting for Jackson then this. I’m looking into it on my end. See if you can find anything out that would help Jackson from there. He said he’ll call you tomorrow when things calm down.”
“Okay. Thanks, Milo.” I sat there for a minute just fucking freaking out. I told Kristen, Malcolm, and Sophia what happened this morning when we went to lunch. They were going to flip when they learned how dangerous this was getting.
We were all supposed to go out to dinner so I would tell them then. An hour later we were sitting down at our favorite place when I filled them in on Milo’s call.
“I can’t believe that. It’s so horrible,” Sophia cried.
“Don’t worry, babe. We’re staying here, so we’ll be safe. It seems Jackson and his family are the targets, but they don’t put it against anyone to come after me if I go there.”
“We should beef up the security here. Did you talk to Duke about it?”
“Yeah, he called me ready to fly to Maine to bust some heads, but we’re needed here.”
“True. You still have a company to run.”
“I hope they catch this person before anything else goes wrong,” Kristen said fearfully, rubbing her belly.
“Kris, babe, relax. I’m not going to let anything happen to my family,” Malcolm reassured his wife before kissing her lips lightly.
“So how far along are you?” Sophia asked Kristen.
“Five months, now.” She got pregnant the first time Malcolm had sex with her. The lucky bastard. I wanted Sophia to be pregnant, but she was taking birth control. For what reason, I don’t know. It wasn’t like she was having sex.
“Congratulations.” She looked at me after she said that.
“You’ll be congratulating us soon,” I boasted.
“Oh really?” Malcolm asked.
Sophia brows arched and she stammered, “About the wedding?”
“Nope, about becoming pregnant. Don’t even think of arguing with me. The instant we’re married you’re getting off that shit so I can knock you up.”
“Don’t you love how romantic my fiancé is? Absolute Charmer,” Sophia asked Kristen sarcastically.
“Totally, I don’t know why it took him two weeks to get you to be his,” Kristen replied like a smart ass.
“I know, right? With words like that I should have dropped my panties during our first meeting,” Sophia added. She had no idea how much I would have loved to have dipped into her honey that day.
“As nice as it would have been, sweetheart, it would have been fucked up because Jackson was there. We’re close, but he and I aren’t that close.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Well, I’m going to do what he asks and that’s managing the firm and working with Duke on the Homans,” I answered my brother.
“You know I got your back in whatever you decide.”
“Sure thing, but whatever I do, I know one stop has to be Italy.”
“Have you told your parents about the engagement yet?” Kristen asked her partner in crime.
“No, not yet.”
“We’ll tell them when we get there, okay?” I wanted to reassure her she could do it at her leisure. I’d hoped to be married to her already, but I also needed her to be comfortable with the decision she made.
“Good, I’d like to tell them in person.”
We finished our dinner, only after Mario talked Sophia’s ear off and introduced her to his wife, Carmela.
~~~~~~
The next few days were insane. When Jackson called to tell me that it was Thompson who’d been the one to shoot Elizabeth, I wasn’t shocked.
“Hey, Caleb. I need you to do me a solid. Can you come here and leave the office up to Malcolm and Kristen?”
“Sure can. I will be there in the morning,” I reassured him. “Did you call our accountants?”
“Yes, they can be there tomorrow.”
“Fantastic, I’ll be there bright and early.”
“Thanks, Cal.”
I hung up with him and called a meeting with my three.
“Babe, I need you to pack today and take whatever cases you can to work on. If you have anything scheduled for the next few days, try to wrap it up today or cancel.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“I just got off the phone with Jackson. It was Thompson. He shot Elizabeth and Mike. I need you two to hold down the fort for Jackson and me.” He looked towards Malcolm and Kristen.
“Sure thing. You know we can.”
“I don’t want us to take on any new cases for the rest of the week. With things messed up in Bangor, I need to reassess where we need people and how much new load we can take on. I’m going to have a staff meeting in the next hour. My plate is empty so this works well for me. You, babe? Am I going to have to reassign any of yours?”
“No, I only had three cases since I started, and I have a meeting with the client and the other party to settle.”
“Great. Kristen, are you feeling up to working late?” We may have argued with each other, but that was because she was my new sister. It’s what siblings did. That didn’t mean I didn’t notice she was looking worn.
“Yes, I just need to make sure I get sleep tonight,” she hinted pointedly to her husband.
“Grrr. I’m not good with this schedule,” Malcolm joked.
“Well, let me know what I can do to get you all set to handle the office.”
&n
bsp; “There’s really nothing. Without taking on new cases, we’ll just be rounding out the previous ones. Payroll is done by Addison, so we don’t need to worry about that,” Kristen offered.
“Are there any lawyers in court today? I didn’t see any, but you’d know better,” I asked her.
“No there isn’t. Everyone is in the office today,” she said after looking down at her tablet with the staff schedule on it.
“Great, well, Kristen, call the meeting. Then I need you to go take a nap on the sofa there while we talk to the staff because you look like shit.” I chuckled.
“You’re a prick, but it still works for me,” she exclaimed before she got up and left the room.
“You’re an asshole, Caleb,” barked Malcolm
“You’re the asshole. The poor woman needs her sleep, but you’re too horny to care.”
“It’s not me who’s too horny,” he snorted.
“Boys!” Sophia admonished. “Caleb, just know if you ever tell me that when I’m pregnant, I’ll bury you.” She stood up then added, “I need to get my things together. Do you need me in the meeting?”
“No, I don’t, so do what you got to do to get out of here early,” I commanded before I pulled her to me and kissed her hard.
We all exited my office. Sophia went to hers while Malcolm and I headed to the conference room. My ten lawyers gathered around.
“Guys, as you know Jackson and his family were attacked. We learned today that the attacker was Thompson.” The entire room gasped in shock.
“So, I’m needed back in Maine to get things in order. I’m leaving the firm in the hands of Malcolm and, of course, our trusted Office Manager while Jackson and I are in Maine. If you have any questions you can call or send us an email.”
“Do you think he was stealing?” Everett asked.
“I don’t know. But considering there was an upcoming audit and he tried to off Jackson’s family, it’s very possible.”
“I’m taking Sophia with me. Before you all get out of hand with the comments, I want you to know that she’s going to be my wife, and I’m not going to tolerate any shit-talking about her. She’s a brilliant lawyer and an amazing woman.”
“Do we need to take on her caseload?”
“No, actually, she’s managed to knock out her cases and is going to finish the last one today.”
“Damn…she’s badass.”
“Yes, she is. I’m grateful to those fucks in Chicago who enjoyed spreading rumors like little school girls.”
“Although, I don’t know how long she’s going to be working with us.”
“Why?” Ryder asked. I wanted to still pound him for even kissing my woman.
“Because I plan on knocking her up once we’re married.”
“Way to go, Caleb!” cheered the guys.
“Enough, guys. Just get these cases working in our favor. Keep on the up and up and we’ll all be happy come Christmas time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got arrangements to make.”
I left the conference room knowing that despite being sexist asses, they were great lawyers. I got back to my office to see my briefcase packed by my lovely assistant.
“Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”
“I thought you were joking. I really look terrible,” she said. Her eyes started to water.
“No, Kristen. Don’t cry. I didn’t mean anything by it other than you look tired. I know that pregnant women suffer and you’re always running. I think you’re beautiful. Come here and give me a hug,” I said as I opened my arms. Malcolm was going to knock me out if he saw her crying. She hugged me tightly.
“It’s alright, Caleb. I knew you were just joking, but it’s the damn hormones. One minute I’m happily jumping up and down, the next I’m bawling like a baby.”
“So this is what I’ve got to look forward to,” I groaned.
Her eyes opened wide with mischief and she snorted, “Much worse, she’s Italian. They’re full of passion.”
“Damn, I knew there had to be a downside for all that passion,” I teased, which made her giggle.
“See what I mean?” she asked as she started laughing, hysterically.
I chuckled, “Yes. I do see what you mean, but if you don’t mind, I need to book my flight.”
“It’s already done.”
I looked at the miracle worker that was my assistant in shock. “Damn, you need a raise.”
“I’m going to remember you said that later on,” she warned. I knew she would, but she did deserve it. Kristen was a multitasking pro.
I rushed out of my office and into Sophia’s. “Babe, how’s it going?”
“I’m going to that meeting in an hour. Then once it’s through I’ll be ready to leave. Are you leaving now?”
“No, babe. I’m not leaving without you. There are other things I can do before we go.”
“You don’t have to wait for me. I can meet you at your apartment.”
“Our apartment, but there’s no reason for me to go home without you.”
For some reason, leaving her didn’t sound plausible to me. It had taken another two hours before we were able to walk out together. Our flight was scheduled for midnight, and we should get to Bangor just before eleven in the morning, West Coast time. Sophia promised she’d sleep on the plane, and she did. She told me it was because she traveled all the way to Italy often that it’s become second nature to her. I passed out as well. Jackson was going to keep us busy; rest was necessary.
Chapter 8
We arrived at the Blake Estate a little after noon, their time. Everyone was wide awake and there was a massive gathering. The assistant to Jackson’s father directed us to the where they were gathered.
We barely made it into the study before he snapped, “Do you mind telling me why she is here? I am going through a shitload of drama and you bring one of my new staff members with you.”
“Calm the fuck down. I didn’t say shit that you could have compromised the Homan case when you started fucking the daughter, did I? Sophia is here because that is where I want her ass. I have someone threatening my best friend, his wife, and then the call to me as well, and you think I am going to leave my woman all by herself? You are out of your fucking mind!” The fucker was chuckling at me.
“So it’s like that, then?” He smirked. I knew I was just as pathetic as he was, but I didn’t give a shit.
“I know fucker; you don’t need to remind me. With this shit happening to your family, I’m not sure if it was a good idea to bring her, but I need her by my side. I know I don’t have to ask, but your family will be nice to her, right?”
“Yes, of course, they will. Now, down to business,” Jackson said.
We went over the game plan for the next hour. When we came out Sophia was full and smiling. “Hey, babe, you ready to go and get started?”
“Sure.” She got up from her chair as I slipped my hand around her waist as if there was a threat. I knew Mike and Milo weren’t going to steal her away, but they were good looking guys and she was nice to both of them.
The guys didn’t notice, but it didn’t escape Mr. Blake’s purview. He just smirked and continued to drink his coffee. There was a new guy in the room, and he immediately set Jackson’s teeth on edge. He was talking to Elizabeth when Jackson bellowed, “Detective, follow me, I need to speak with you.” Detective? Was the older man interested in Elizabeth, too?
“Jackson.” Elizabeth tried to calm her nutty husband down, but he wasn’t going for it.
“No, babe, I’ll be right back. You sit your pretty, little ass down,” he growled before leaving the room with the detective.
We all looked around the room at each other.
“He can be such an ass,” Zoey, Jackson’s sister said.
“Yes, he can, but I hope he doesn’t fight with Detective Reid. He’s just doing his job,” Elizabeth sighed.
“It’ll be fine,” Sophia reassured, as she patted Elizabeth’s hand. “These men are so full of hot air.”<
br />
“Keep it up, love, and you’re going to be full of a lot more than air,” I warned.
“Ooh,” Zoey teased.
“What the hell is taking Jackson so long? I need to get to work before I take Sophia to a hotel for sleep.”
“Sleep,” Mr. Blake said with mocking air quotes.
“Eventually…we had a long flight.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll go call Jackson so you can get to work. By the way, the two of you are welcome to stay here.”
“That’s cool. Thanks, Mrs. Blake.”
I kissed Sophia on the side of her forehead. “I love you, Sophia.”
“I love you too, and I can’t wait to feel full,” she whispered in my ear. Damn her! The dick was hard again. She was definitely working far away from me today. I haven’t been inside her for almost twenty- four hours.
Jackson came walking back in, stepped up to Sophia and me then he said, “Bro, I’ve got to take Elizabeth upstairs, and then I’ll be down and ready to go. Give me ten.”
“No problem.” I was enjoying just holding on to my girl.
Then Mrs. Blake handed me a plate of food. “Eat as much as you can. I’m sure you didn’t eat on your flight, right?” she said.
“You know me too well,” I agreed with a smile and took the plate. A sandwich and fries are just what I needed. I ate in a hurry as Sophia brought me a cup of coffee. Jackson took longer than ten minutes, but I was so hungry I didn’t care.
~~~~~~~
Once we got in the office, it was a mess. The first thing was to have a meeting with the entire staff to get a feel of how the past few months in the office has been for them.
Jackson addressed the staff, “Hi, everyone. For those who don’t know yet, the day I was here and made introductions, my family was attacked. My wife and her bodyguard were shot. They have survived their injuries; however, the man who tried to kill my family didn’t survive. Phillip Thompson died from a gunshot wound.”
The news caught the room by surprise. “Now, we must ask you; is there any matter that you had concerns about in the past months?”
It was my receptionist that responded, “The staff, sir, haven’t been paid in more than several weeks.”
Caught Crossing the Line Page 7
