First Love Only Love (The Life 2)

“Oh, sorry, I was just nervous, thought something happened to the kid before we could get into place.”

“Not yet, we haven’t reached that point yet, but I fear we might be close. Now everyone remembers the drill, right? He might recognize each of you individually, but whatever you do, do not let on that you remember him; it’s all just a coincidence. If you let on at all that you know him, he’ll figure out why you’re there in no time, and your job will become impossible.”

“These are the people around him.” I handed them each a printed-out photo of Lance, Gia, and the twins. “Don’t ever mess with any of them. I don’t have to remind you where you know him from or the fact that he’s as good as each one of you at what you do.”

“That’s why we don’t understand why we’re needed. You’ve never explained that part.” Denver chewed on the toothpick he kept in the crease of his lips.

“You’re his eyes and ears for now. As time goes on, you may become more, but that’s up to him and how well you do your jobs.”

“This friend of his, what’s the story? Is he any trouble?”

“That’s Lance; Gabe doesn’t see him as a friend, that’s his brother, and no, he’s no trouble unless you do something to harm Gabe or his sisters.”

“Speaking of which, who’s this other girl? I recognize the twins, but she doesn’t look familiar.”

“That’s Gabe’s woman; steer clear. Your only interactions with her must be through him if you want to keep your heads where they are. She’s the reason for you being called in at this time. I’m not expecting much fallout from this particular situation, but I don’t expect him to stop there.”

I gave them a quick rundown of what was going on with Gabe and the Fontanes before calling an end to the meet. It was just about time for dinner, and I was almost dreading whatever the hell it is my kids were up to. The boy had sent a whole family packing, got three people expelled, and had dug up Rebecca Fontane’s past to the point that things were about to get very hairy for the woman soon.

On top of that, he’d entrapped the woman with grand theft auto as well as passing thousands of dollars in counterfeit bills, both of which carry a hefty prison sentence, and one of which got the Feds as well as the secret service involved, and he’d done it in a week. Believe it or not, that’s just the tip of the iceberg from the looks of it.

The fact that he’d used his home computer to do it all and wasn’t hiding from me only scared me at the thought of what he was doing with those people in Sicily on his hidden device. I shudder to think. Garrett thinks he’s like me, but he’s off by a little. Even at my best, I’d not pulled off something like this in the time he’s had. I got so nervous that I even called Lance to watch over him for the night.

FEDERAL BUILDING MANHATTAN

“Well, well, well, look who popped up in her past. I guess this is a family of criminals. Her husband is a bank robber, did ten years of a twenty-five-year stretch, and got paroled early for good behavior of all things.” Agent Smith walked over to his partner’s desk to read over the other man’s shoulder.

“Somebody pulled some strings because he’s only been released within the last week or so.”

“He’s only been out for a few days. Can we really release her to him?” Agent Malone kept reading the report he’d been flagged in when he typed in the suspect’s name.

“I don’t see why not; he’s her father, after all. He’s not on probation or anything. He’s just been paroled. He is a freeman.”

“Wait, does that say she’s his wife? Isn’t she married to the guy in New Hampshire?”

“Looks like someone forgot to update the file. No big deal, it happens all the time.”

“I guess it’s fine to make the call.”

GABRIEL

By the time Lance and I made it back to the house, it was time for dinner, but there was someone waiting for me, someone I had almost forgotten. “Tell Ma and Pop that I’ll be right in.” I slapped Lance on the shoulder, sending him on his way. He’d only nag me to death if he knew what all I’ve been up to.

“Did you get it?” The other man held out a sack for me to take.

“It was easy; she left it in an underwear drawer of all things.”

“Thanks.” I took his offering and headed inside and up the stairs to hide it before heading down to the dining room.

Ma was in her element, having all these people to fuss over for dinner. It’s the Italian in her, I guess, that finds so much pleasure in having a crowded table. I noticed Gianna had remembered my place and had taken the seat next to mine. I’m getting way too into this sappy shit, but it felt good.