by Graham, Jan
“I’m not going to say anything until you all agree to listen and not get angry with me.” Angel looked at each man nervously.
Slowly, each indicated with an affirmative nod, combined with either a “Yes” or “Okay” that she had their agreement. Angel sat up straight in her chair and placed her clenched hands in her lap in an attempt not to fidget and look as nervous as she felt.
“I rang Adrian Hastings today and asked him to remove the bounty from me. After a little bit of discussion, he agreed. He said that I should stay quiet for a few days, as lifting the bounty will take a while to filter through the ranks, and he is going to call me in a few, no five, days to discuss things further.” Angel looked at each of the men seated at the table with her. “So basically I am going to be safe because he agreed not to kill me.”
Steve appeared dumbfounded as he watched her across the table.
“Just like that, Adrian is going to let you off the hook?” Steve asked. “Why do I know there is so much more to this story than you’re letting on.”
“Yes, just like that, I’m not going to die.” Angel stated emphatically.
“So it was only a short chat then?” Christian asked sarcastically. “Angel, you can’t expect us to believe that you simply rang this man and said please don’t kill me and he said okay.”
“And if he agreed to lift the bounty, then why does he need to talk to you in five days?” Daniel asked.
“Why do you all think there’s more to it? Can’t you just accept that I’m going to be fine and leave it at that?”
“We know there is more to this because you have that frown crease on her forehead that you always got when you are trying to explain something, but don’t want to tell us everything.” Angel let out a groan of frustration, she was quickly developing a love-hate relationship with the fact her men could read her so well.
“I asked him why he had decided to kill me, and he explained his reasons. I told him that his informant was wrong and he should be more careful who he listened to.” Angel took a deep breath before continuing.
“Once I explained that I wasn’t working for the police and hadn’t given them any information against him, he calmed down. He was a bit annoyed I didn’t give the bag of weapons to him, but I told him he already had too many, which he seemed to accept. I assured him that I wasn’t having sex with Steve. And I explained I had gone away because I needed a break, not because I was in police protection.”
Angel sighed and looked around the table. The three men remained silent, so she continued.
“He is ringing me in five days because he wants to see me. I said no, I wasn’t going to meet him because I had no assurance he wouldn’t kill me, and he said as a show of faith he would lift the bounty.”
Angel noticed that all three men were now looking at her in amusement, Daniel had a wry smile on his face, and Christian had placed his hand over his mouth as she finished speaking. Steve of course was less discreet and had actually begun to laugh out loud.
“What?” Angel looked at them incredulously.
“You are so beautifully naïve, Angel,” Steve stated between chuckles. “I’m glad you don’t do negotiations with criminals for a living.”
“Did you really tell him he already had too many weapons?” Daniel asked, trying to contain his mirth.
“And he should be more careful who he listens to?” Steve laughed. “But tell me, how did he explain getting the idea into his head that you and I were fucking?”
“He thought we were too friendly and assumed we must be having sex.”
“Well, he obviously hasn’t seen the two of you in action. You both squabble like children.” Christian no longer hid his amusement, laughing loudly as he spoke.
Angel was starting to get angry. How dare they be all superior and laugh at her. There was nothing wrong with what she had done and, certainly nothing funny about it. All Angel had attempted to do was to make sure she stayed alive. After all, none of them had come up with any ideas to keep her safe. In fact, it was the fault of the police she was even in this mess. She stood up and went to walk away from the table only to feel Christian take hold of her wrist and try to pull her back down. Angel slapped him on the forearm as she twisted out of his grasp.
“Angel, we’re sorry. Now sit down again please.”
Christian was now standing behind her as he spoke, and Steve now stood at the end of the table, blocking her escape route.
Angel stared Steve in the eye and yelled. “If you don’t want another black eye, I suggest you get out of my way.”
Christian didn’t get to finish his statement. “Angel, you don’t understand…”
Angel spun around in fury.
“Back off, Christian.” She spat the words out. “I understand everything, and I understand everything very clearly.” She took a step back from him and glared at all three men before continuing.
“I understand I’m the only one in this room who is under threat of dying. I understand that the police are responsible for me being in this mess in the first place. I understand that the drug squad couldn’t give a shit whether I live or die, as long as they get Samuel’s fucking ledger. I also understand that so far no one has even attempted to tell Adrian that I am no threat to him because I know nothing about his organisation.
“And finally I understand that I should never have attempted to be honest with three arrogant, dominant shits who believe they are so superior that they are the only ones who can keep me alive. You and the rest of the police force can’t keep me alive, especially if no one has even been willing to talk to the man who, up until this morning, wanted me dead.”
All three men looked guiltily at each other as Angel stood in quiet fury, hedged between Steve and Christian. Both men slowly moved back to their seats and sat quietly. Angel wanted to walk away. She should have made a dramatic exit, but she knew they would just have more questions for her when she finally returned. Angel also accepted the truth that had imbedded itself within her heart as she ranted. The truth that it wasn’t just about her, both Christian and Daniel had an equal investment in all of this. They all loved each other. Therefore, they all had to participate in the outcome, whatever it turned out to be. Daniel was the one who finally spoke.
“Angel, please, sit down and talk about this with us.” His voice was quiet and polite. “Whether calling Adrian was a good thing or not, I can’t say. I don’t know him. I’m not part of the police investigation that appears to have gone so horribly wrong and endangered you. However, I want to be part of the solution to ensure that you’re kept safe and alive. In order to support your decision, I need to be assured that we can trust this Hastings man to keep his word.”
Angel took a seat at the far end of the table. She didn’t want to be near any of them and certainly didn’t want to get trapped again should she decide that she wanted some space.
“We’re sorry for upsetting you so much that you had to get angry with us to be heard,” Christian said regretfully.
“You have to realise, Angel, that this is all pretty strange. There must be something that Adrian wants from you in order to ask to see you. Whether it is as simple as the guy has a thing for you and wants more sex, or as complex as he can’t be trusted and still intends to kill you. Whatever the reason, meeting him is a risk.” Steve sighed.
“Do you think he is interested in trying to make you his?” Daniel asked. “If the texts are anything to go by, it would appear he wants more than just a night with you.”
“I’m not going to have sex with Adrian. And just so we are clear, he didn’t mention fucking me again during our conversation today,” Angel replied.
“Angel, why do you believe Adrian agreed to take the bounty off your head, and do you think he can be trusted to do it?” Daniel asked.
When Angel looked at him, he was staring at her curiously. Angel knew he was trying to understand what was going on more so than Steve and Christian. Daniel didn’t know anything about Adrian. He had alread
y admitted that, whereas Steve and Christian had set opinions of Adrian based on the worst of his behaviour…his criminal activity. They both had placed Adrian firmly in the he’s a criminal and not to be trusted bad guy basket. Angel knew Adrian was involved in horrible activities. She had often heard Samuel say all roads lead back to Adrian. Angel agreed Adrian was dangerous. She was scared of him because he was a man capable of anything. But based on her dealings with him, she just had a gut feeling that, for some reason, he would allow her to live. If Angel stayed true to her agreement to give Adrian the ledger, then he would let her move on with her life. She would be free to live and love Christian and Daniel for as long as they wanted her.
“I know it’s difficult to understand, but the few times I have had dealings with Adrian, he has treated me well,” Angel answered.
“Apart from putting a bounty on your head and a few other threats along the way,” Steve said snidely.
“Compared to other associates of Samuel’s, yes, Steve, Adrian has treated me well. Everything is relative from my point of view. After five years of living in hell, I have a screwed up idea of what’s nice and what’s not. What I consider nice sometimes scares me, as does Adrian Hastings, but I know if I give him what he wants, then I’ll be safe.”
“Angel, we can protect you. You don’t have to deal with Hastings again. Just stay away from him. I’ll help you. The man is too dangerous.” Steve sounded frustrated.
“Whether you like it or not, I’m the only one who can give Adrian what it will take to keep me alive, and I intend to do exactly that.”
Steve looked at Angel in surprise. She suddenly realised Steve knew exactly what Adrian Hastings wanted. He relaxed back in his chair and smiled at her knowingly.
“You know where the ledger is, and you’ve agreed to give it to him,” he stated.
“Yes,” Angel stated coldly. “I found the ledger, and I’m giving it to Adrian, not you.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Angel woke the next morning. She glanced at the clock to see it was well after nine. Daniel still lay sleeping next to her, and Christian was in the shower. Angel lay back down and stared at the ceiling. She felt exhausted. The previous night had been horrible. After announcing she had the ledger, the discussion had continued. The four of them fought, they yelled, they talked calmly, they snapped at each other, Angel cried, Christian and Daniel comforted her, they argued, they apologised to each other, and at one point Steve had actually growled and gone into the backyard and assaulted the garage bin. The conversation went in circles.
First they agreed to give the ledger to Adrian, then to the police, at some stage they were sending copies to everyone who might be interested in it, and then they were destroying it and leaving the country. All Angel knew was that by the time she fell asleep, nothing had been decided. She didn’t remember going to sleep and she had no idea who carried her to bed. All she was certain of was that just after the grandfather clock had chimed : a.m., she rested her head on the arm of the sofa, closed her eyes, and wished the headache she had would go away.
At least I accomplished something last night. Angel realised her head wasn’t aching anymore.
Daniel stirred next to her. He glanced at her and moved closer, pulling her into his arms and holding her close.
“Are you, Christian, and I okay?” he whispered in her ear.
“I expect we’re all tired and feel like shit, but from my point of view, I still love the two of you and don’t want to lose you because of all that’s going on,” Angel said in return.
“Well, then all is good.” Daniel smiled. He glanced over at Christian, who had exited the bathroom and was now lying back down onto the bed.
“Now this looks like something I’d like to join in on,” he stated as he flopped down next to her and laid a kiss on her cheek. Angel saw Christian’s hand slip under the sheet and felt it start to roam over her stomach and up toward her breast. His hand cupped her breast, and he smiled.
“The only sex on offer this morning is starfish sex,” Angel stated.
“Well, at least sex is still on offer.” Christian laughed.
“What exactly is starfish sex?” Daniel gave Angel a questioning look.
“Well, I lay here with my arms and legs spread out like a starfish, and you lie on top and do all the work.” Angel grinned.
“Sounds too exciting for me.” Christian chuckled. “Besides, I used all my energy just taking a shower and finding your breast under the sheet. I’m done, baby.”
Angel decided to go and make coffee. She needed to get out of bed before she determined to hide under the covers all day. Daniel and Christian followed, close on her heels. Angel looked at the layers of paper that were strewn over the dining table. On top of the papers at one end of the table was a large sketch pad with diagrams, arrows, writing which she couldn’t understand, and strange little doodles of what appeared to be happy faces and flowers.
Steve was in the kitchen making bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausages, toast, and one god-awful mess for breakfast.
“And the happy trio awakes.” Steve’s voice boomed toward them. “Get a plate and grab some food. Coffee is ready to go, and I’ll clean up this mess so we can use the table.” He ushered the three of them toward the food and began cleaning the mess so they could sit down.
“Where did all this food come from?” Christian asked as he began to pile his plate.
“I went to the supermarket. And by the way, Angel, both Meg and Barry are ecstatic that we’ve been reunited,” Steve chirped happily.
“Oh goodie.” Angel’s response lacked Steve’s enthusiasm. She put some food on her plate and grabbed a coffee. Steve grabbed some food and a coffee and joined everyone at the table. His upbeat mood was a bit off putting, especially considering Angel felt so drained. She thought he was way too bright for everything that had happened last night. He reminded her of a Wiggle on speed, minus the coloured skivvy, of course.
“I have some updates from the major players,” Steve announced. “Trevor sent a text asking what was happening with the deal. I replied negotiations still ongoing.”
“Cool,” Christian responded.
“And Angel got a text from Adrian asking if she would answer the phone if he rang. My reply on your behalf, Angel, was no.”
“Thank you, that’s exactly what I would have said,” Angel replied with a smile.
“After breakfast I have a proposal for you all to listen to and then consider.” Steve seemed pleased with his announcement. “But we eat first.”
Angel, Christian, and Daniel paused to look at Steve in wonder. Steve didn’t seem to notice. He started to chat about how friendly everyone was down at the mall and how quiet the area was compared to the city. Eventually Angel stopped listening and relegated the conversation to background noise. Angel lost her appetite as soon as she realised a proposal obviously meant another conversation about her current dilemma. All three men went back for seconds. How the hell they weren’t all as fat as fools amazed her. If she ate as much as the three of them did, she wouldn’t fit through the door. Once the breakfast cleanup was finished, the four of them retired to the comfort of the living room to listen to Steve’s proposal.
“I’ve been up for a few hours, and I think I may have a proposal that will suit everyone. Hopefully it will achieve our ultimate goal of making sure Angel is no longer in danger. I’ve taken into account everything I can remember being said last night, and I’m confident we will all be happy with the result.”
Steve continued to talk for what seemed like hours. He outlined each point and the rationale behind his thoughts. Christian and Daniel asked a few questions along the way, and Steve seemed to satisfactorily answer each issue raised. Angel sat quietly, amazed that Steve could quote, virtually word for word, what everyone had said the night before. He not only quoted what was said but also stated what hadn’t been said. He had read between the lines on some of the things Angel had not voiced for fear of being cut down. He ama
zed her. By the time Steve had finished talking, they had a plan that appeared to be quite possibly the best solution to all their needs. Though, as Steve had said during his talk, the plan still was not without its risks, especially for her.
“That might work,” Daniel stated after Steve finished.
“It limits some of the risk to Angel and leaves her free from future repercussions should Hastings go to trial. On the surface everyone would get what they want,” Christian agreed.
“What do you think, Angel?” Steve asked.
“I need a minute to think about it,” Angel replied nervously.
Angel walked to the kitchen to make another peppermint tea and to put the coffee machine on. She ran through Steve’s plan in her mind.
Angel would agree to give Adrian the ledger in person, but would agree only to meet at her home, stating that she needed to pack her belongings to make her move away from the area permanently.
Trevor would need to convince the current team, including the spy, that Angel had been found without disclosing her location. He would also advise the unit that, given Angel did not have the ledger the police sought and after reviewing tapes and past interviews with her, he believed she was of no further use to the investigation. This information would add weight to Angel’s declaration to Adrian that she was not working with the police.
Surveillance was still in place at the house Angel rented, and currently some of Adrian’s men were waiting at the home in the event Angel returned. Steve surmised that if Adrian was genuine about lifting the bounty, those men would disappear within the next day or so, leaving the house empty.
During the rendezvous with Adrian, if a problem looked like it was developing, then some of Christian’s team would arrive at the house, along with a removal truck, and start removing furniture from the house. This would protect Angel and add legitimacy to her claim she was indeed moving.
