by Posey Parks
SIERRA
I respected Jeff for driving to Seattle to meet Jeremy. I was surprised Jeff still wanted me to accompany him to the Christmas party along with Shana and Jason.
I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Jeff to spend the night at my house all the time. However, I just wasn’t ready to bring the kids over to his house. Once I’m done decorating my children’s rooms at his house then I will bring them over.
Jeff rented a house while we were in Seattle. Saturday, I took Dillon and Lily on a fun tour of Seattle while Jeff worked. Jeff joined us for dinner in downtown Seattle.
Having Jeff in my life feels right. I love my man. When Jeff and I are alone I only call him Dillon. I could see it in his eyes, he felt at peace. Waiting to have sex with Jeff…Shit, it was worth the wait. I never knew I could cum so many times in my life let alone in one night. Fuck, that man knows how to make my toes curl. He’s so attentive to my needs. My sexual appetite is peaked. We have sex almost every day.
∞
Once we arrived at the Latters Christmas Party. The maid led us upstairs to a large playroom where the kids were enjoying their own party supervised by two nannies’. I thought it was a nice touch. I don’t care who’s house it is I’ll be sure to check on my children every thirty minutes. Sydney was so down to earth, shoot they all were. The ladies and I exchanged phone numbers. Sydney and Samantha want me to come back and hang out with them. Zoey lives in Boston. She said she and her husband Brandon visit L.A. several times a year. Emoni is my only friend. It will be nice to make more friends. It’s Da Balm, Jeff can use for Beard care, OrganiCaliMe body butter, and a sexy flavored body whip, for Jeff and I to use in the bedroom. I can’t wait.
Shana and Jason slept in my arms as we rode to a house Sebastian arranged for our stay.
“Sierra, I’m happy we all made this trip together.”
I smiled. “Me too.”
My children will never forget this Christmas party.
After getting the children down for bed. I watched them sleep before I walked down the hall to the bedroom Jeff and I shared.
“Jeff, I can’t believe Sebastian put us up in this huge house overlooking L.A. The view is spectacular.
Jeff joined me at the window, kissing my neck. I slipped into his arms holding him tight.
“I love every moment we share Sierra.”
“I do too.” My lips brushed against his.
“I’m so tired.”
Jeff swooped me up into his arms, lying me in bed under the blanket.
“Let’s get some sleep. We have to wake up at 8 a.m. The kids are going to love Universal Studios!” exclaimed Jeff.
“I know. They will be good and tired by the time we get back to Portland. I still have to get all their toys out of the attic and build Shana’s Doll House.”
“Baby, I need to build some of Lily’s toys at Lindsay’s tomorrow night, then I will be right over to build Shana’s.”
“Thank you,” I yawned against his monstrous chest.
Jeff reached over turning off the lamp, then held me tight. “Ti amo, Sierra.”
“Ti amo, Dillon.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
The Night Everything Changed
EDWARD
I’m originally from New York. I graduated from Yale with my Law degree. After college I moved to Portland, Oregon. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Gambling…Let’s just say its always been a problem. I was busted in college for running tables at my Frat house. My father had to bail me out. The agreement was stop gambling, graduate, and move away from my friends and family. My father told me if I didn’t he wouldn’t bail me out the next time. So, I cleaned up my act.
A friend of mine got into a little trouble asked me to come to New Jersey and help him out. I helped him beat his possession charge. He was found in a hotel room with two women (prostitutes) and a brick (2 pounds and 3.27 ounces) of cocaine. I wish I would have never helped him. It was around 2 p.m. when I walked out of the courthouse. I was approached by Filippo Bertozzi.
“That was impressive how you got him off. Telling the judge, the man was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The women were stealing his money and kept him high. Fucking cleaver. Edward my name is Filippo Bertozzi. I have an acquaintance I’d like you to meet.”
“I only came in town to help out and old friend. I need to get back to my family in Portland.”
“Listen, it won’t take long.”
He pulled back his jacket revealing his Revolver. “I insist.” His eyes turned dark and cold.
His driver waited for me to climb into the car. Filippo closed my door, riding up front with his driver. A short time later we arrived outside a beautiful Mansion.
We walked around to the back of the house, entered a door leading us into the basement. There were a few other guys already there sitting around a card table. What the fuck was going on? How convenient, I walked into a poker game.
“Filippo!” A tall man yells as he approaches embracing him.
The man’s grin was wide. “Who’s your friend?”
Filippo pointed to me. “This is Edward Sawyer he’s from New York, but currently lives in Portland?”
“Isn’t that right Edward?”
My nerves were shit. What the fuck was going on? This guy knew all about me.
“Yeah.”
“Nice to meet you Edward. I’m Sergio Magarelli.”
I ran my sweaty palm down the front of my navy suit jacket, before shaking his hand in horror. I’m sure I was visibly sweating. I knew who he was. Everyone knows who he is. The mob boss of Jersey.
Sergio placed his hand on my shoulder. “Relax, you’re in good hands. I would like you to meet the guys. We have some cigars just flown in from Havana.” Removing the box off the table, he held it in front of me.
“Have one I insist.”
I selected one of the cigars from the box. “Thank you.”
He smiled again. “Ed. I’m sorry is it ok if I call you Ed?”
He glanced at me. “Sure,” I smirked.
“Alright.” He placed his hands on a mans shoulders who sat at the table.
“This is my brother Mick.”
“Hey Ed.”
“These are colleagues of mine Giovanni and Luca.”
“Hey Ed,” they said simultaneously.
“Hello,” I replied to the two men.
“Ed, have a seat.”
“Mr. Magarelli, I’d rather not. I don’t play cards anymore.”
He smiled. “Please call me Sergio.” He glanced at Filippo then back at me.
“Ed, have a seat at the table.” His gaze was stern.
I sat at the table. I couldn’t understand then why they wanted me to play cards. I glanced around the extravagant man room. A bartender stood behind the cherry wood bar across the room in the middle of the day.
Behind me was a chef cooking lunch. I never seen anything like this.
“I hope you’re hungry Ed because John here is going to cook up the best Veal you’ve ever tasted.”
Filippo sat next to me.
“I can’t wait to eat.” I knew I better eat or I might never make it home.
Of course, I was on a strong streak at first, but as the day went on, I was losing. They kept the drinks coming. The food was outstanding. The more I played the more relaxed I became. There was a knock at the door.
A teenage boy walked in, yet remained at the door, didn’t step all the way in. “Dad.”
Sergio hopped to his feet. “Dillon, what’s wrong?”
The kid never looked my way.
“Hi, Uncle Mickey.”
“Hey, Dillon.”
“You promised you’d work with me on my science project. Remember?”
Sergio smiled, placing his hand on Dillon’s shoulder. “Yes, I do. I’ll be up in fifteen.”
Dillon smiled. “Ok, dad.”
Sergio closed the door behind Dillon, returning to the table. “Alright, we are going to call it a night. E
d let me talk to you a sec.”
The guys continued talking around the table. I slipped back into my suit jacket.
I stepped over to the bar with Sergio.
“Listen, Ed. You are now in to me for fifty grand.”
“I can pay it back.”
“Listen, let’s not worry about the money right now. If I ever call on you to handle a legal technicality, I expect you to be here. You will also receive an invitation to my annual Christmas ball. Again, I expect you here. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Sergio.”
“Now, Giovanni is going to drive you to the airport. Put you on my personal plane, so you can make it back to your family.” His attention turned to Filippo.
“Thanks for bringing Ed over today.”
“Sergio, when have I ever let you down?”
“Sergio smiled. “Never.”
“Ed, here is my card. Call me if you need anything.” His hand slammed against my shoulder as he glanced at me.
“Anything.”
“Thanks, Sergio.”
“Filippo, hang back we have some other business to discuss.”
“Sure, thing.”
Giovanni motioned his head for me to follow him. I had no idea what time it was. I feared if I glanced at my watch I’d piss Sergio off. I’ll wait until we are on our way to the airport. I followed Giovanni through the beautiful quiet house. I glanced at the family portraits before walking out the front door. My nerves didn’t calm down until I was back in Portland.
∞
The Christmas Parties were over the top. Sergio’s sons did not mingle with the guests if they weren’t family. His wife remained by his side most of the night. Women drooled from a distance wishing they could be in his arms like his wife Francine. At the time he was the Mayor. He could have anything or anyone he wanted. He always made it clear he was a one-woman man. I never witnessed Sergio get upset. I was told I was lucky. They said he’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They also said he’s a cold-blooded murderer, but it’s never been proven. Whenever, I came in town Giovanni picked me up. It was like he was assigned to me.
One night, I was back in New Jersey playing cards at Mickeys club. There was a standing game there every month. You could win big on those games. Filippo told me be sure to stop by. I got sucked back into a life I was never to return to. Now, I was on top of the world. How could I lose, Sergio had my back.
The card game was run in the back of night club. You entered through the alley. The lights were dimed. The room always smelled like the best cigars money could buy. I always had the best time. Filippo was there most times. He ran the club and the games with Mickey. Although Mick was never there. Tonight, was different. The game ran on a night the club wasn’t open. Mickey never wanted that to happen. He always said it draws attention to shit that shouldn’t be focused on. I was just finishing up a hand of poker when in walks Mick.
“Hey Mick, how’s it going!” I yelled from my seat.
“Hey Ed. Good to see you.”
He walked over then shook my hand. “When did you get in town?”
“Earlier today.”
“Have you talked to Sergio?”
“No.”
He held a perplexed look on his face.
I never came in town and Sergio didn’t know about it. I thought something was off when Filippo picked me up from the airport.
“Filippo stepped over. “Everyone clear the room. Have a good night!” he yelled.
I stood.
“Ed, stay where you are.”
My heart beat a mile a minute. To say I was scared was an understatement.
Mick stepped to Filippo who is slender and taller. Mick is slightly shorter but stalky.
“What the fuck is going on here?”
“Mick, calm the fuck down!”
“No!” He pointed his finger in his face.
“I told you never run fucking games on nights the club isn’t open. It’s fucking simple!”
“I’m a fucking made man just like you! You don’t tell me to do shit!”
“I told my fucking brother not to deal with you!”
Filippo moved closer to Mick. “What the fuck did you say?”
“You heard what the fuck I said! You don’t know how to keep the attention off yourself. We’ve been doing this shit for years and ain’t never got caught up. But I’ll be damn, if you bring my family down with your fucking stupidity.”
Mick and Filippo reached for their guns at the same time. Filippo shot Mickey in the stomach. Mick’s body slammed against the floor, bleeding from his stomach and mouth.
I jumped to my feet. “Filippo what the fuck! You shot Mick!”
Filippo placed his hands on his head still holding his gun pacing back and forth in front of Micks body. Leech ran in from the club entrance.
“Boss, what the fuck?”
Leech, come outside with me. Ed you better stay put or else!” Filippo threatened.
I couldn’t hear the conversation outside. There was a gun shot. “Hey! You get back here!”
I heard another shot.
Filippo returned holding Leech under his arm. He sat Leech on a chair across from me.
“That little shit shot me.”
“Wait till I get my hands on Dillon I’m going to fucking kill him! That little fuck was hiding on the side of the garbage can, but why?” Filippo asked out loud not expecting an answer.
He made a quick call. I couldn’t hear what he said.
Watching everything go down I must have zoned out. This fucking guy made me an accessory to murder.
“Ed! Ed!”
My eyes fell on Filippo. “Yeah.”
He leaned over the table. “One of my guys Diego is about to pull up out front. He will take you to the airport.”
He pointed his finger in my face. “You will go home and never breathe a word of this to anyone. If you do, I will come to your house and murder you and your family in their sleep! Understand!” he roared.
“Understood.” I stood to my feet. My entire body shook.
Filippo removed the carpet from underneath the poker table, rolling Mick inside.
Filippo stopped briefly. “Your rides here. Leave.”
Swiftly, I walked through the empty dim night club out the front door. A man waited in a black Mercedes. Briefly, I scanned my surroundings then climbed into the back seat. The man wore sunglasses hiding his eyes and a dark suit. He didn’t say a word nor did I. Forty minutes later, we drove onto the Tarmac at a private airport in Allamuchy, New Jersey.
The driver walked around, opened my door. I stepped out.
“Mr. Sawyer, you will receive your luggage from the Ritz Carlton in a couple of days. Mr. Bertozzi will see to it. Have a safe flight back to Portland.”
I never said a word. Expeditiously, I boarded the plane.
Over the years Filippo would call or show up from time to time. Made sure he saw my families faces to remind me he would keep his promise. The money I was making off of Blake I paid Filippo for my gambling debt. I never talked to Sergio again. The day I met Jeff at the Art Exhibit, I played it cool. I knew who he really was. I heard about his death. Truthfully, I thought Filippo caught up with him and killed him. However, standing face to face with Dillon Magarelli I realized he must have faked his death. I remember the newspapers said they recovered two bodies. All I gave a shit about was leverage at this point. Rather he stayed with Lindsay or not. I knew he was alive. Giving that kind of news to Sergio would place me in his debt. Once Jeff got Lindsay pregnant the game changed. Sergio and I were both grandparents, even if he didn’t know this child. If I know nothing else about Sergio, he protects his family.
I was sure to send my payments to Filippo on time. He hadn’t showed up to my house in some time, then out of the blue he called from the airport informing me he was on his way to my house.
My wife was out shopping.
Stepping out of my office, I searched for my maid.
“Estavonia!”
“I am in the kitchen Mr. Sawyer.”
I walked into the kitchen. “Estavonia, please prepare coffee and sandwiches. I have a business associate Filippo Bertozzi on his way here. Please call my cell if any other guests come by today please. It’s a nice sunny day we will have lunch on the patio outside my office.”
“Yes sir.”
Once Filippo arrived, we sat on the patio. His appearance had changed over the years. His hair was salt and pepper now, thinning on the top. He stood about 6’0,” a slender guy. He always appeared cheerful, with a sneaky smile.
“Filippo, how are things in Jersey?”
“Good.”
“Filippo, my debt will be paid next month. That should end these visits.”
Filippo sat back in his seat, sucking his teeth. His blue eyes met mine. “No, it doesn’t. I’ll come here whenever I fucking feel like it,” he spat.
I was afraid he would say something like that. Jeff texted me informing me he was on his way over. They can’t see each other. Dillon is now family. I needed to protect my family for once.
My cell buzzed. I felt my heart stop.
“Hello.”
“Mr. Sawyer, your son-in-law Jeff is here.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Hanging up the phone, I rose from my seat. “Excuse me Filippo.”
“Who’s here?”
I paused. “It’s a work acquaintance.”
“Ok.”
“I’ll be right back.”
I hurried through the house. I know my son in law he would normally just walk into my office, so I needed to stop him.
I cut him off when he reached the hall leading to my office.
“Jeff, how are you son?”
He smiled. “I’m good. I wanted to personally stop by and thank you for taking the kids. Technically, I am supposed to have them, however I wanted to do something nice for Sierra.”
“I understand. I’m happy for you Jeff.”
“Thank you.”
“What time can I expect my grandkids?”
“There nanny will bring them around six this evening.”
I clapped my hands. I can’t wait. I’m sorry for being rude Jeff, but I’m in a business meeting right now.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. I understand. See you later.”
