“And who would that someone be?” Galvin asked.
“Need I say?”
Galvin chuckled. “Dmitri. Of course he was going to make everything he did worthwhile for himself.”
“He did save your woman.”
“Yes, he did. I’ll explain everything to Lauren and the others,” Galvin said and then disconnected the call.
Just as he explained it all to his family and Lauren, the doorbell rang.
* * * *
Lauren covered her mouth as Mary explained that it was her who made the call and caused Maxwell to come after Lauren and her sisters.
“I was just trying to help the three of you and May. May was so worried about you and the dangerous job you have, Lauren. She was so upset at the emergency room visits, the bruises and black eyes you sustained working, and she wanted a better, safer life for all of you. I agreed. When I made that call I had no idea that my contact was under Maxwell Ortega’s thumb. I caused the mess and so it was a no-brainer when I called Dmitri and asked for help. We worked out a deal and he ensured that you, your sisters, and May survived,” Mary told Lauren and the men.
“Is the deal you made the one where my sisters and I sell our shares to Dmitri?” Lauren asked.
Mary shook her head. “No. It’s a private deal between Dmitri and I and no one needs to know about it. What matters is that those who tried to frame you and get you killed will be punished, arrested, and tried for their crimes. I can have your sisters and May brought here and you all can make your dreams of living in safety and happiness a reality.”
Lauren stood up and walked closer to Mary.
“You’ve always been there for us, Mary. That call you made was a mistake, but it also helped to expose my parents’ killer, and the men who want me and my sisters dead. Don’t think twice about it. I love you and thank you for everything you’ve done for us.” Lauren hugged her and Mary smiled at the men.
Chapter 15
Lauren was impressed when she finally had the opportunity to meet Dmitri. She shook his hand and thanked him for his assistance and helping her and her sisters. He was a very attractive man, with dark, dark eyes and a look about him that emitted superiority and success. He was a made man, and standing here as a retired detective, she felt like she was committing a crime. But that was silly. In life she had to do what she could to survive. Sometimes the choices were forced upon her and it was either die or live. She knew that firsthand.
“So, how does it feel being back in New York for a visit?” Dmitri asked her as he looked her over. She insisted upon wearing her Glock despite her men’s insistence that they had her covered. They were all here with her, and they would accompany her to get her sisters and Aunt May on their return to Pearl later today.
“It feels different. I kind of forgot how busy and loud it is,” she said.
“The city that never sleeps. I love visiting here. But Chicago is home right now,” he said as he stood up and his guard gathered the documents.
“All the money has been transferred into three separate accounts for you and your sisters. It was a pleasure doing business with you,
Lauren. You keep these guys in line. They never seem to be able to stay out of trouble,” he joked as he shook her hand.
Mace placed his hand on her hip and pulled her close.
“She’s the one that can’t seem to stay out of trouble,” he teased and they chuckled. Dmitri left the office and Lauren looked at her men.
“I can’t wait to see my sisters and Aunt May,” she confessed.
“We know you can’t. Let’s head out the back entrance just as a precaution,” Galvin told her.
“We’ll bring the SUV around to the back. I’ll text you when we’re there,” Gus told them.
“Why can’t we go out the front? I love seeing the water fountain outside of the building and all the traffic out front,” Lauren said.
Mace rolled his eyes.
“Lauren, we have to take precautions. Orlando, Rafael, and Miklos disappeared and until we know that they’re dead or locked up, we can’t take the chance. Plus this investigation basically destroyed Maxwell and his operation. He’s out there still. We love you, baby. We’ll never stop watching over you,” Galvin told her.
“I love all of you as well. It just seems they were a step ahead of Dmitri’s investigation and the police department’s, to be able to evade capture. But at least there’s no chance for the Tenth Street Gang to exist anymore. Their whole operation turned to shit,” Lauren said.
“And instantly cancelled the hit on Lauren. That’s most important,” Gus added then winked at her.