“She likes vintage stuff. But a house? It had better have modern upgrades.” Billy liked to imagine their life together. A growing family.
“Hate to bring this up, but I finally got a meeting with the head of Alamo today. You know, that company rehabbing those apartments you were interested in?” Albert frowned. “I can’t say it went well. Woman in charge didn’t want to cooperate. She said all the units were rented. Can’t spare one for community outreach. When I gave her your card, in case she changed her mind? Well, I got a feeling she recognized your name and didn’t like it.”
“I have been in the news with the Billingsley case. Criminal lawyer. Maybe she’s afraid I’ll bring some possible felons into the neighborhood. I could call her, reassure her.” Billy got up and stretched. He’d been sleeping a little better but work was killing him. He had trouble saying no to new clients, especially when he knew they were charged with a crime they didn’t commit. Now that he was going to be a father, he’d need to examine his priorities. Family first, then work. It wouldn’t be easy after so many years of hard charging toward success. But it would be more than worth it.
“Bill, are you still with me?” Albert snapped his fingers in front of his face. “I swear you’re in a haze. Get your shit together, man. You’re taking on a big responsibility.” He gripped Billy’s shoulder. “My old man flaked out. Never knew him. I ever have kids, they’ll get sick of me, because I’ll be around so much.”
“I know what you mean. I never had a dad either. I plan to be there for mine too. Little League, ballet lessons, whatever they want.” He nodded then did the fist bump that was Albert’s signature move. “Thanks for checking into that apartment complex. You got a phone number for me?” He picked up a pen and paper.
“I’ll give it to you, but I don’t think you’re going to have any luck. She was also pissed that cops are making regular drive-bys now. One of them is a pal of yours. I hope she doesn’t get wind of that.” Albert read the number off his tablet.
“No reason to if everything is legit there.” He settled behind his desk again. “Any word on Simon? He taking our challenge on the money?”
“I meant to tell you. Get ready to sell Gertrude. He showed me that he opened a brokerage account. I sent him to my guy.” Albert chuckled. “You know the stock market is a little like gambling. So he’s all into it now. I told him he’d better not start day-trading but of course he won’t listen. So far he’s ahead.”
“Gertrude probably needs to go anyway. I can’t see hauling around a pregnant woman on the back of a bike. Maybe later I can get back into it.” Billy figured he was facing lots of changes.
“If you’re getting married, you might want a bike so you can escape the old lady. That’s what a lot of the boys claim riding does for them. Gives them an excuse to take off alone. Think about it.”
“I heard that.” Mai walked through the open door. “Albert! I thought we were making progress. Now I hear you say you need to escape from an ‘old lady.’ Is that what I am to you?”
Albert rushed to her side. “Didn’t I learn the foxtrot for you? I’m going to learn the rumba next. How would you like that?”
“I don’t. Who teaches these classes? Some hoochie mama in a mini-skirt and high heels? No! You stay out of those dance classes. I’ll teach you, Albert.” She grabbed him by the arm and headed for the door. “We are leaving for the night, Billy. You go home too. Take Shannon out for a nice dinner. I saw the bag from Taco Delight. What kind of lunch is that?”
“Good luck, Albert. Mai, be nice to him. He’s invaluable to my clients.” Billy heard her lock the front door. He leaned back and closed his eyes. Just for a minute. When he heard the doorknob rattle, he opened them again. Was someone trying to break in?
Chapter 18
“Who is it?” Billy pulled the gun he’d finally remembered to buy out of his desk drawer and walked to the door.
“Simon Davis. I ran into Albert outside and he said you were willing to sell Gertrude back to me.” He rattled the doorknob again. “Will you let me in?”
“Just a minute.” Billy unlocked the deadbolt then threw open the door. “Come on in. Did you bring your proof?”
“You’re shittin’ me. You really need to see my brokerage account?” Simon walked inside and looked around. “Nice office.” He pulled out a checkbook. “Look, this is a checkbook from the firm. You don’t get one of these unless you have money invested there.”
Billy laughed. “You think I’d take a check from a gambler?” He walked back into his office. “Have a seat. Let’s talk.”
“I’m reformed. Haven’t been back to the casino since I hit it big there. I figured out that a lucky streak can end. When Albert told me you were willing to deal, I jumped on it.” Simon settled into a chair across from Billy’s desk. “I took what I’d won, after I paid taxes on it, and invested.” He made a face. “Would you believe the Feds were right there, making me give a percentage to the IRS immediately?”
“You did win big, didn’t you?” Billy was impressed.
“I told you. Now that I’m studying the stock market, I can see there’s money to be made, and I like it. It’s giving me the same, I don’t know, rush that winning at the slots or the blackjack table did. And it takes some smarts.”
“It does that.” Billy realized Simon was eyeing his gun warily so he slid it into his briefcase. “Sorry about that. Can’t be too careful. I’ve defended a lot of people who were innocent, but when they come back guilty as hell of something else, I won’t handle their case.”
“They take it hard?” Simon looked behind him at the door Billy had forgotten to lock.
“Sometimes. That’s how I got to know Albert. He intervened when a former client tried to push it with a shotgun in my face. I know the Blue Star Brotherhood is a tight group and Slash is something of an expert on PTSD. But he can’t always control the men who run with him. I was happy to defend the Brotherhood when they were targeted because of profiling.”
“I remember. Bogus charges were brought against us in that little town northeast of here.” Simon smiled. “You set those fuckers straight.”
“I was happy to do it. But later, when one of his men almost beat his girlfriend to death, I told him to forget it.” Billy shook his head. “I couldn’t represent him, no matter what he claimed she did that made him lose his shit.”
“I can see that.” Simon slouched in his chair. “Me? I had some rough times in Iraq, but I don’t use that as an excuse to act like an asshole here.”
“Good.” Billy got up. “I have someplace I have to be in a little while. Bring me cash tomorrow at the bank and I’ll hand over the title to Gertrude. Tonight, I want to ride her for the last time.”
“Hey, you be careful.” Simon stood and followed him to the door. “We agreed, same price. But if there’s damage…”
“I’ve only had that baby out twice. You’re lucky I don’t jack up the price. My lady said that bike was awfully pretty.” Billy turned off the lights. “See you tomorrow? Give me your number and I’ll text you the best time.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just be damned careful with Gertrude.” Simon got on the elevator with him. “Don’t suppose you’d tell me where you live. I might want to follow you, make sure you don’t mess up my bike.”
“Feel free. I’m going to a neighborhood where I could use a bodyguard.” Billy laughed and stepped out into the lobby. He handed Simon his phone and waited for him to put in his number.
“What do you mean, a bodyguard?” Simon stopped what he was doing. “Where are you taking Gertrude?”
“Relax, Simon. I’m going to visit my grandma. Surely you can understand.” Billy slapped him on the back. “Guess if I buy a different bike, I should name her Diana, after my grandma.”
Simon grinned. “You do that. Go. I’ll protect you and Gertrude. Got a gun in my saddle bag. Meet you there.”
&
nbsp; “I was kidding.” Billy realized Simon wasn’t when the biker’s gaze hardened again. Yes, this man had seen war and come out alive. He noticed scars among the tattoos on his arms and decided to humor him. So he told him Gran’s address and the time he expected to be there. “We’re having dinner first. Don’t bother my grandmother. But feel free to cruise around. There’s an apartment complex near her that worries me. I think they might be dealing drugs out of there.”
“I’ll check it out. I don’t do drugs. Had enough of that shit in the hospital.” Simon got on his bike, a silver and black Harley and started it with a roar. He blew out of the parking lot before Billy had even found his car keys.
Billy wondered if he’d done the right thing. But then again, what could it hurt to have a little extra protection in that neighborhood? He drove home thinking ahead. He needed to warn Shannon they’d be going to dinner at Gran’s on the back of a motorcycle. She’d want to dress right for it.
* * * *
“Why sell it now? This is the first time you’ve taken me for a ride on this pretty bike.” Shannon decided to give Billy a hard time about this. He was already treating her like spun glass. If this continued, it was going to be a long seven months.
“I can’t see us riding around on a bike when you’re far along. Besides, the guy was desperate to get it back. He named it Gertrude, after his late grandmother. I took pity on him.” Billy handed her the special helmet he’d bought her, complete with bug shield. “I can buy another one later, maybe after the baby is born.”
“Okay. That’s a nice story. But I’m not breakable, Billy.” She shrugged his hand away. “I could ride behind you for a few more months yet.”
“I don’t think so. I want you to be careful. You’re carrying precious cargo.” He smiled and pulled her in. “Let me take care of you and our baby.”
“Don’t smother me, Billy.” She gave him a warning look, but it didn’t seem to faze him.
“Get used to it.” He helped her onto the back of the bike. “I have a special dinner planned.”
“Good, I’m starved.” She decided to let it go. Mood swings. Great. Her hormones were in free fall. He was going to get sick of her if she didn’t rein them in. “Where are we going?”
“I want to surprise you.” He patted her leg. “I like the outfit. Gran will too. You must have figured out by now that purple is her favorite color.”
“This month. Last month it seemed to be orange.” Shannon had dug out black skinny jeans and a soft purple shirt to go over it. She figured this would be the last time for a while that she could wear the jeans that didn’t stretch. The jacket she’d tossed over the outfit was from her rodeo days—black with purple and red stars in a fancy design with sparkles. If she ever got big money again, she’d pick up a jacket like it for Gran. Billy had told her Gran’s birthday was coming up at the end of the month.
“You look great.” He snapped her chin strap before climbing on in front of her.
The roar of the motorcycle startled her, just like it always did. And got her blood pumping. Shannon leaned against him and held on when they took off. Was this what she had to look forward to with Billy? One adventure after another? They rode for a while until they reached an empty parking lot. Had Billy made a mistake? The restaurant was closed tonight. He turned off the engine and reached to help her off.
“What’s going on? I love this place but it’s obviously not open.” Shannon looked around. She hadn’t been here in a while but knew it was one of the most romantic restaurants in Houston. The grounds were wooded with a small lake in back where swans made their homes.
“It’s open. Just for us. Come on.” Billy pulled her up the wooden ramp to the porch and front door. It opened before they got there.
“Mr. Pagan, all is ready for you. Please come this way.”
Shannon recognized the world famous chef. Billy called him by name, shook his hand, and thanked him as they were led through the empty dining room toward the patio dining area that faced the lake. It was getting dark and lights twinkled among the trees. A candlelit table was set for two and a waiter hurried forward to pull out Shannon’s chair and set a snowy napkin in her lap.
“No wine tonight, Evan, just sparkling water.” Billy sat next to her and took her hand.
“It’s beautiful. What’s going on?” Shannon breathed in the fresh air and was happy to realize she wasn’t nauseated. She’d come home from work and taken one of those pills and a nap. Now she was refreshed and curious.
“I really wanted to take you to the reservation. To the woods again.” Billy pulled her hand to his lips.
“Seriously?” Shannon laughed. “Not that it isn’t beautiful there with its own lake and trees.”
“We got closer there. That’s where I knew we were meant to be together. I think you knew it too. We survived as a team, a couple. You said you admired the way I got us through the woods. Hell, Shannon, you were awesome. You never gave up. I can’t imagine another woman with your background handling an experience like that with so much courage.” He smiled. “You blew me away.”
“Billy!” Shannon leaned forward and kissed him, short and sweet. “Thank you. I didn’t want to disappoint you. I never want you to regret taking a chance on me again.”
“I don’t, I won’t.” He slid down to his knees. “So I’m trying to do this right this time.” He pulled out an old-fashioned ring box. “Shannon Calhoun, I love you. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together, making a family and a home with each other. Will you marry me?” He snapped open the lid and she could see his hand shaking.
She dropped to her knees in front of him and took that shaking hand in hers. “Yes, you know I will! What is that…? Billy, it’s beautiful.” She pulled the ring out of the box. “Where did you get this?”
“It was my great grandmother’s. Gran gave it to me. Try it on.” Billy helped her fit it onto her ring finger. “Janie told me your ring size. That woman is a treasure.”
“Yes, she is. But so is Gran. She actually let you have this for me?” Shannon stared at the ring which was perfect. It was just what she would have picked if he’d taken her shopping. Vintage, exquisite. She grabbed Billy’s shoulders and pulled him in for a long kiss. “I love you. Did I forget to say that?”
“You were stunned into silence by the ring. I’ll have to tell Gran that. She’ll be tickled.” He pulled Shannon up and helped her settle into her chair again. “Can we eat now? I ordered some of their specialties and I know it’s all going to be delicious.”
Shannon admired the sparkle of a really big diamond, glad she’d done her nails. “Oh, food. Yes, of course. Bring it on.” She grabbed Billy’s hand, loving the way he couldn’t stop grinning. He was looking at the ring too. “You did good, Pagan. Much better than in the ballroom. Did you win the bid on the cruise?”
“I did. We can book it when we’re ready. So we need to set a date.” He leaned back when a waiter set a salad in front of him. “Soon. I want you locked down before this baby is born.”
“I’m all for that.” She forked up perfectly seasoned greens with bacon. “Mmm. Did you get your plane back yet? We could fly to Vegas.”
“Gran would have a fit. A church wedding in her neighborhood would make her happy, but we’d have to have heavy security.” Billy waved his fork. “Do you have a church you’ve gone to all your life?”
“Not steadily. Can you imagine my mother working with the ladies in the altar guild?” Shannon frowned. “I’m sorry, Billy. I want my family there, but I’m not very religious.”
“That’s okay, I have an idea. There’s a nice chapel at the reservation. What if we get married there? I have a cousin who’s the preacher. Would that be all right? It’s close enough for your family to drive up. I can call and find out what dates are open then clear my calendar for the honeymoon. Three weeks sailing the Mediterranean, just the two of us and a
discreet crew. What do you think?” He studied her with those little frown lines he got when he was anxious.
Shannon knew this actually would mean a lot to him. And she would get married barefoot next to that crooked creek as long as he was there to say “I do.”
“I love it. All of it. We can tell Gran our plans when we tell her about the baby. Maybe she’ll forgive me a little for breaking your heart all those years ago.” She grabbed Billy’s hand. “Make it soon. I don’t want to be showing when I walk down the aisle.” She glanced down at the Steak Diane that had been put in front of her.
“The sooner the better.” He leaned over to kiss her then gestured toward her plate. “I can’t wait for you to get a tummy. Eat every bite, woman.”
Shannon laughed and picked up her steak knife. Things were falling into place. It was almost too good to be true.
* * * *
Billy helped Shannon down the steps at his grandmother’s house. He really should install hand rails here. Why hadn’t he done it years ago? The visit with Gran had gone better than he’d expected. Of course, his grandmother still had reservations about Shannon. Old wounds took a long time to heal. But now that Shannon was carrying her great grandchild? Well, they would be bound together forever. Gran got that. She’d already started a quilt for them and now was talking about making a baby quilt with an airplane theme.
“You be careful now. Riding around on a motorcycle with Shannon expecting? Boy, I think you’ve lost what sense you had.” Gran had the last word as she clanged the bars shut and locked them. “Good night!” Her smile could have lit up the neighborhood. Which needed it. Didn’t they ever replace the burned-out street lights?
Shannon laughed. “She’s making us a velvet quilt. Those things are gorgeous.”
“I think so, but you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. It’s just her way of showing you she’s trying.” Billy heard a loud motor coming. As he’d expected, it was Simon making the rounds. He glanced toward the corner and saw the gang there, juking and jiving, calling out to Simon on his Harley. The biker stopped and said something to them.
Texas Pride Page 30
