# Forbidden Fruit

## Annalise Wells

## Book 1

## Edited by Natasha Lind

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### Contents

Free Story Offer

Prologue: Anthony

Prologue: Paige

1. Working Hard

2. Blood, Sweat and Fears

3. Face to Face

4. Rollin, Rollin, Rollin

5. Life's a Beach

6. Hide and Seek

7. Sticks and Stones

8. Reality Bites

9. Three Coffees to Go

10. Headless Chickens

11. Mixed Emotions

12. Breathless

13. Sleeping Rough

14. Getaway

15. Ghost Town

16. Now You See Me, Now You Don't

17. Come Fly with Me

18. Waiting in Vain

19. Land Ahoy

20. On View

21. Birthday Suit

22. Stick and Move

23. I'm too Sexy

24. Hair of the Dog

25. Some Like It Hot

26. Hang Free

27. The Cool Down

28. Watching Me, Watching You

29. A Night Out

30. Silence is Golden

31. Traveling Light

32. Sleeping Rough

33. Mystery Caller

34. Kids Stuff

35. Bring in the Clowns

36. Walk on By

37. Endgame

38. Book 2 In Deep

Foreword

About the Author

Also by Annalise Wells

# Free Story Offer

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Jamie had everything that money could buy. The cars, the clothes, the million dollar apartments, the holidays and a thriving, famous business as well. He wanted for nothing, except to be with her. The untameable woman of his dreams. The beautiful Maryanne Louise Porter. But Jamie needed his plan to work because he had a thing for being an alpha dominant male. A desire and a fantasy that would send her world into a real spin. She would become his dirty fantasy.

http://annalisewells.com/free-books/

# Prologue: Anthony

_"Habit is a fragrance that burns into the soul."_

Anthony looked at the clock, the dim red glow from the numbers said four ten am. It was not that he had to get up at that time, it was more of a case of he couldn't stay in bed any longer. Ten years on the force had burned four am into his soul, and even without the clock he would be up at that time.

Between them both they'd made quite a few significant busts. From local meth labs in the hoods, to some larger scores where the cartels had been making shipments to the families. Anthony had always thought his Italian background had helped him understand how the families operated around the city. He could have even fitted into the family from his looks, and none of them would have been the wiser, had he chosen to go undercover.

Everything about him fitted so well into the family's profile. For starters, his dark chocolate-black hair which normally looked stylishly unkempt; when gelled it looked just like any other young mobster guy's hairstyle.

His dark eyes showed passion, or at least they used to. Now they were full of pain, bitterness, and sorrow. Anthony had always been a fitness freak, and it showed. His dark, olive skin highlighted by the peaks and pits of his defined, muscled body. His shoulders were broad enough for him to carry the weight of the world on. His chest perfectly barreled, it had become a perfect tapestry for the tattoo he carried around with him... for her.

Anthony's stomach had been like a washboard for as long as he could remember, he had abs that would have quivered under _her_ touch; they were hard enough to wash clothes on. But he did it to stay focused, not to get attention from the ladies.

In truth, his fitness had been one of the things that had helped him rise to becoming a hometown hero in the force, yet none of it mattered on that fateful day.

Three fifty they had staked out the docks for the fifth night in a row. The ship had pulled up at the side of the pier and started to be unloaded. He could remember it as if it was yesterday. Alisa's hot breath had blown across his neck as she'd stood close behind him.

_"This night is going down in history" Alisa had whispered._

Those words rang in his head, and they were the last ones he would ever hear her mutter. Being a hero meant nothing; not then. The bullet had hit her clean in the shoulder. Alisa had slumped into Anthony's arms, and as he'd caught her, he had looked at his watch. Four am to the second.

Blood had poured from her mouth as she'd tried to say something he understood, but it was no use; no words could have changed that moment. It was not just the night Anthony had lost his partner, he also lost the one thing that had been close to him. _His lover_. Alisa had been both for five years. They had become inseparable and were a perfect match.

The other thing Anthony remembered about that night was, the family never regretted what they had done. The kid stood behind Anthony and looked proud of killing her in cold blood, but that sense of pride had quickly followed him into his grave.

The gang members on the dock had been alerted to Anthony's presence by the one single shot, but they had not expected the hell he unleashed on them for taking Alisa from him. Not one breath remained by the time backup had arrived, it was all too late. Too late for Alisa, too late for the family, and too late for him. He could not go on from that point, _no matter what._

Anthony had taken an early retirement as a hero, but it meant nothing, it had now become a fading memory. Alisa had left her mark, right above his heart where her name and date of death had been tattooed on him. It had been a constant reminder of her, and every day when he looked in the mirror, those fateful events played back to him. Like a recording on a loop. Four am every day, he lived that moment over and over again.

Anthony looked in the mirror and hated what he saw, he should have been the one who took the bullet, not her. He should have protected her; that was what he had always promised. Because of his promise that was broken, Anthony had decided to become a private bodyguard. To make amends for Alisa. Now, he was a free agent with a bad boy attitude. He learned to be focused on his work. In truth, he loved it, he was now a protector of the innocent. That's what he'd become. No ties or emotion got in his way, he just did his job like a boss. He did it for Alisa.

_"Habit is a fragrance that burns into the soul."_

# Prologue: Paige

_"I like my life, on my terms."_

Paige Morgan stood looking into the mirror at her (more than gorgeous), green eyes. She turned back toward the bed.

"You think I should have a color to match my eyes," she said plainly.

Angie lifted her gaze from her nails. "It's a car you are talking about not a dress."

"I know, but it would be quite cool though," she replied. She opened her eyes wider then stared at the seemingly unimpressed Angie.

Angie shook her head and looked back at her nails. "I really don't know about you sometimes," she murmured, rolling her eyes.

Paige had looked at her dad as a living bank balance and money was no object. Or that was what she thought. She loved him dearly, even if he was the means to a new car or a large wad of cash.

"Maybe I should wait until I go to the showroom, this green may look a bit yucky," she said plainly.

Angie mumbled with her head bowed. "You should be more thankful for the car, not what color it should be."

Paige pouted her lips. "I suppose you're right, but it would make me popular."

"How popular do you want to be? You are the most popular girl in college," Angie said blowing on her pink, sparkly nails.

"You always try to knock me down," Paige snapped playfully. "You are lucky you are even my best friend."

"That's what friends are for, keeping you on an even keel," Angie explained. She got tired of the princess Paige was, sometimes.

Paige leaped from the bed and stood to look at herself in the mirror again. She ran her fingers through her long, blonde hair and over the mounds of her breasts. She wore a striped blue and white bikini. She could see why she was popular, the guys wanted to be the first to have a piece of her. But she'd been a good girl in that department. She had not let her morals slip at all. A kiss here and there but apart from that... she was fully intact.

Paige had not yet sampled the delights of becoming a woman, and she had was, unusually, fine with that decision. The hot guys around college had tried even harder to be the first to get in her pants, knowing she was a virgin... and she loved the attention it brought her.

"What do you think about virginity?" Paige asked staring into the mirror.

Angie stopped blowing on her fingernails. "Are you asking if you should lose it? Or keep it?"

Paige looked at the reflection of Angie in the mirror. "Both I think, you know. Should I, or shouldn't I?"

"Once you've popped your cherry, there is no going back," Angie explained placing her hands into the light.

"I want to lose it, but I guess in a way, it is really something that I have that's personal, does that make sense?" Paige said, obviously thinking.

"It is better to wait until you find the right one, don't just lose it to any schmuck from campus," Angie commented.

Paige turned to Angie and held her arms out wide. "Would you want a piece of me, if you were a guy?" she asked smiling.

"How do you know I don't want a piece of you now?" Angie laughed, smacking Paige's high thigh.

"I know you like the touch of a guy too much to want to get into my panties," Paige replied laughing.

"The answer is 'yes,' I would want to fuck you. That is if I was a guy," Angie replied. "Saying that though, I have seen you butt naked." She winked with a glint in her eye.

Paige grabbed hold of her stringy top and started to lift her arms.

"Come on then, get naked, and we will see who chickens out first," Paige commented.

Angie looked at Paige. She could see she had stalled pulling anything off.

"You have chickened already," Angie said smiling.

Paige winked and said, "I know, I was only joking."

"So, when is your daddy getting you this car princess?" Angie asked stepping up from the bed.

Paige turned away from the mirror. "It should be in the next couple of weeks, he has something big going on at work."

"Just make sure I always have the front seat when you get it. K?"

Paige grabbed hold of Angie and gave her a hug. "Of course, I wouldn't want my best friend anywhere else."

"Let's have a good look at your eyes and see if it would be a good color," Angie said, more excited, now

Paige stood back and stared deeply at Angie. She stood there like a character from a manga comic, her eyes stretched wide.

"To be honest, that green would look really crap, you would be driving around in a huge booger," Angie said laughing.

"Hmm, well maybe silver?"

"Doesn't matter what I say, it's your decision in the end."

Paige smiled at her lot in life. She had more than she could ever want, materially speaking. Her family was money kind of lucky. She grabbed the polish and gave it to Angie.

"Oh yep, silver sparkles, yummy!" said Angie.

_"I like my life, on my terms."_

## 1

# Working Hard

_"It's not every day NYC was awakened by a few chosen words."_

Seymour Morgan was the epitome of justice in the city. He had worked his way up from his humble beginnings and was now making his mark, politically speaking. He was a large, portly guy who enjoyed making a good living, and although a little on the large side, he was still very fit for his age. It could be said, the waist of his pants would argue against that, but Seymour still jogged every morning around the park to keep his health regime up.

Recently he had been dogged by something so severe, something very personal to him. He had been busy pushing a bill through that would change the way the city handled crime. New York was going to have even more say on how they got to the criminals... especially the mafia. That was the agenda, now.

Since her mother had died, Paige had caused him more aggravation than any bill he had passed since he had been in office. Sometimes, he wondered how one young girl, namely his daughter, could bring him to his knees so easily. Now she wanted a new car on top of everything else. Then the clothes, the shoes, and the holidays.

"Seymour, what time are you going to speak to the media?" Debbie asked in her usual, rushing voice.

"After lunch, I don't want to ruin a good appetite," he said laughing.

"I will let them know," Debbie replied.

Debbie had been Seymour's PA for nearly ten years, and she had followed him through his career and had grown to know him as good as his wife had done before she passed away.

Seymour heard Debbie finish speaking to the head of the press conference. He walked from his office as he slipped into his dark, gray suit.

"Debbie, do you want to join me for lunch?" he asked.

"That is a very difficult question, you have tuna salad to contend with," Debbie said patting her bag where her lunch resided.

"We can have Mexican, I know you love those enchiladas," Seymour said licking his lips.

"Seymour, you really know how to charm a lady," Debbie said standing up from her chair.

"I take it that is a yes?" he replied with a kind smile. She was a beautiful woman. Long dark hair and blue-gray eyes.

"You have convinced me, the tuna salad is no match," she answered with a giggle.

Seymour and Debbie arrived at Ponchos Mexican. They sat by the window and watched the lunchtime traffic rushing by the window. Seymour glanced around the interior. It was not your average brightly colored Mexican eating place, it was slightly more subdued. The whole eating area from the tables to the ceiling was made from wood. Just the highlights and decorations gave only a hint that it was Mexican; until the food was served, and then it was obvious. Hot sauce bottles were everywhere, then guacamole, burritos, and fajitas. If you had to have spicy food, this was the only place in town for great eating.

"Are you nervous?" Debbie asked.

"For what, the bill being passed?" Seymour said, sipping his drink.

"Yes, this is by far the biggest thing you have done since I have worked for you."

"I am expecting a backlash, not just from the mafia, but from some of the corrupt officials. They will be rearing their ugly little heads," Seymour explained.

Debbie sipped from her bottle. "What about if they retaliate?" Her face looked slightly worried.

"If it is my time to go, it is my time. The city has to make a stand," Seymour explained.

He picked the hot sauce bottle and drizzled it onto his Nacho's and Quesadillas. The fiery hot sauce sank into the bubbling cheese.

"Take this sauce as an example. It bites like a bitch, and then you learn how to swallow it," Seymour explained with a laugh.

Debbie crunched on a warm nacho. "I see what you mean, it hurts, and then after a while, the pain just goes," she answered.

Seymour nodded as he took a huge bite of his burrito, sauce oozing and running down his chin. Debbie picked up a napkin and wiped Seymour's face. She loved to look after him.

"What would you do without me?" Debbie asked.

"I have no idea, as you can see. I am unable to even feed myself properly," he replied laughing. He was taken by her. She was a very caring woman.

"Seriously, though, what if the mafia made a move on Paige?" Debbie asked.

Seymour put his cold beer on a napkin. "I have already thought of that. I am going to get her a bodyguard."

"Good luck with that, you know what she is like," Debbie commented as she rolled her eyes.

"This guy comes very highly recommended. You should see his record," Seymour said.

"What is he, ex-military?"

Seymour chewed on his burrito and shook his head. "Ex-cop."

"Why is he an ex-cop?" she asked leaning on the table, feeling very satisfied from amazing the food.

"He lost his partner and girlfriend in a deal gone bad," he explained.

"The poor soul, that's terrible."

Seymour laughed heartedly, "You should have seen the guys he took out. They were unloading two hundred kilos of coke. He came bursting over some oil drums and wiped the lot of them out."

Debbie sat open mouthed. "He must have been pretty pissed to do that."

"I'll say. He quit the force after that, and took the job as a private bodyguard."

"At least you know she will be well looked after," Debbie said.

"I asked around to plenty of people. It was his name that always cropped up," Seymour said waving to the waiter.

They returned back to the office, and Debbie contacted the media. They made their way into the press hall. The sea of microphones, cell phones, and cameras filled the room. A spotlight shone on Seymour as he stood behind his lectern.

Seymour stood straight and spoke loudly and clearly. "Organized crime has got to stop. As from today, I am passing this bill," he said. "Any government forces or the police, can defiantly, without a warrant, enter and check premises, and seize all assets which they deem fraudulent," he said with an assertive glint in his eyes.

Voices erupted from the sea of the press. Arms raised and many questions were yelled out. Seymour raised his hand. A silence fell upon the room.

"There are no questions to ask. It is, as it has been written by my fair hand and with much deliberation. The families can clean up their act, or they are free to leave." Seymour said as he nodded and stepped down from the podium.

The bell rang and the corridors slowly filled. Paige and Angie made their way from their afternoon lecture. Paige had decided to go into Politics, and it was obvious, her dad's traits had rubbed off on her. She appeared to be a spoilt brat, but she had always maintained a good sense of right and wrong. Most of the time, she had said, that she was right, and it was the other person who was wrong. So, she was strong willed and selfish at times.

Paige headed back to her small apartment and told Angie she would meet her later. It was Monday night, and she had to be at home when her dad called. New York city was the reason for that. She had to check in, otherwise Seymour worried, ridiculously so.

Paige decided to have a shower. The cooling system during the lecture had broken, and everyone had started to sweat accordingly. She turned on the faucet and waited for the steam to fill the shower before she stepped in. She wiped the condensation from the mirror and looked at her body in the clear, but steamy reflection.

Her silky nakedness stood before the mirror. She ran her hands over her pale silky skin and admired her firm pert breasts.

_Who wouldn't want a piece of this ass?_

She stepped into the shower. The hot water sent prickles flooding over her skin. A pink flush filled her face as she let the hot fall against her tilted head. Her long blonde hair clung to her wet naked skin. Paige rubbed the soap over her lithe body, and foam dripped from her sweetly curved mounds. She washed all the effects of school from her young body. She turned off the faucet and wrapped herself tightly in her soft bathrobe.

Paige glanced at the clock. Six thirty. Any minute now her dad would call. She turned on the TV and saw the replay of the breaking news.

Paige listened to what her dad was saying in the press conference. She guessed he was going to be in big trouble with a few people again. The newscaster flicked to another story, and the phone rang.

"I suppose you have been watching the news?" Paige said plainly.

"Ah, so you have seen it?" her dad asked.

"You should be careful Dad, you are not making many friends," she said worriedly.

"I know, but if I don't do something who will?"

"Why does it have to be you?" Paige asked.

"I am just trying to make the city safer for you and the citizens," he replied. His voice was happy and lively for this time of the day.

"What about me? You know they could make me as an example," Paige said, feeling annoyed at the stupid ideal her father brought to the fore.

"I have started to sort that out, I have someone to look after you," he answered.

"Dad, I don't need a god-damned babysitter," Paid replied angrily.

"Just for the time being, until we know what happens."

"I don't believe it, I can take care of myself," she snapped.

"I am sure you can, but it's just to be safe," he answered.

"I don't want it, I will look stupid!" she barked. Her face began to pout like a young child's would, when they didn't get their way.

"You won't even know he is there," he said.

Paige got frustrated at the way the call was going. She stood from her normal telephone position and started to pace.

"What about the car you promised me?" Paige demanded.

"I think it would be wise to wait a while," he said adamantly.

"Fuck Dad, I am going to look really stupid now," she said angrily. Her towel dropped and the pacing was naked.

"Watch your mouth young girl," he snapped.

"Sorry, but I was looking forward to that," Paige said walking around the carpet like she was a princess.

"Okay, we will see about that, but you will have to come home at the weekend," he said.

"It would be better, at least if I have a new car, I have some security around me," she said smiling. "Okay, Daddy?"

"Maybe you are right, as long as it doesn't have a soft top," he replied, thinking of the cost of the whole darn charade.

"Hell no, I have seen too many slashed with knives," she said.

"So, you will come home at the weekend?"

"I will come home as soon as I finish school on Friday," Paige said flatly.

"Good girl, I will be home by the time you get here," he replied, feeling happy about his influence.

"What about this babysitter guy?" Paige asked.

"There is no argument. You are having him, like it or not," he said firmly.

Paige jumped back on the couch in a temper. "Shit, I will look like a kid again."

"What did I tell you about your mouth?"

"Sorry, it is just, I don't need a babysitter," she said.

Paige could normally twist her dad around her little finger. Getting the car was a sign of this. The bodyguard, on the other hand, was not something Seymour was going to divert from anytime soon.

"He better not be some old looking dude," Paige said plainly.

"From what I have heard, he is a decent age. A real hero," he explained.

"I bet he is a real testosterone junkie, with a huge ego and a mouth to match," she said, "a real douche bag," she added, tightening her lips.

"Not from what I have heard, I have to meet him later in the week," he said. His [patience was long for her. Seymour loved his daughter very much, despite her attitude.

"If he gets funny, I will fuck him off, you know that. And I know you will now tell me to watch my mouth," Paige barked.

"I'll ignore that. I promise, it won't be for long. Maybe nothing will happen, it is all speculation," he explained.

"I hope so, I don't want to wake up and find out I have lost you as well," Paige said.

"Don't worry about me, I have more than enough protection," her dad said.

"I hope so, it was bad enough losing Mom," she replied, feeling the pain sting again. It was right in the heart where it hit.

"I know, it was hard on both of us."

"I better let you go, I will speak to you before the weekend," Paige said.

"Okay Paige, just keep your eyes open for anything suspicious," he replied, trying to be his usual cautious self.

"It's okay, I am the most popular girl in school, what can go wrong?"

_"It's not every day NYC was awakened by a few chosen words."_

## 2

# Blood, Sweat and Fears

_"You have nothing to lose, when everything has already been taken."_

The Sorrenti's were the largest mafia family in New York. Brooklyn had fallen to them in the early fifties, and since then they had run the Bronx like a well-oiled machine. Donato Sorrenti had come into power in the eighties when his pop had passed from old age. Together with his brother Ricco, they had continued their father's legacy and had pushed further afield as times changed.

The news from Seymour had been broadcast on all the channels. The families were not happy, least of all the Sorrenti's. A meeting had been called with the higher rankers from the family.

The large slate table sat in the center of the room. Dim lights cast their glow over the huge slab of polished slate, as folded arms rested on the solid mahogany around the edge. Faces were cast in shadows until they leaned forward to speak; cigar smoke swirled under the lights and looked like breaking surf right at the ocean's edge.

Donato leaned forward and rested his arms on the table; his Cuban cigar wedged firmly between his fingers. He glanced around the table into the faint shadows.

"It appears, we have a fucking problem?" he barked.

Muttering filled the air as the meeting members chatted amongst themselves.

"Has anyone got an idea how fucking bad this could be if we don't do something?" he yelled.

Ricco leaned into the light and looked around the table. "It looks like you're not fucking listening to him, pay attention, or you will have another fucking problem, comprende," he yelled.

"It's okay Ricco, calm down," Donato said calmly. He wiped his brow.

As if by magic, everyone around the table leaned forward and laid their folded arms on the table. Their faces hit by the light as they all faced Donato.

"So, what can we do to solve this problem we have? Before the end of the week we could be on our knees," he said.

"How about trying to bribe him?" a voice said from the far end of the table.

"This is Seymour Morgan, he is un-corruptible. The fuck is whiter than white," Donato replied.

Donato explained to the members of the meeting. They had two problems which stemmed from Seymour opening his saintly mouth. One, they could find themselves in jail, and as Donato explained, that was not a place he wanted to go. Secondly, all the other families would soon be piling on the pressure for the problem to be sorted. If they got heat, the Sorrenti's would be to blame. So, one way or another, they could lose everything. A lifetime of resources and relationships.

"I suppose having him killed is out of the question," another voice said.

"A stupid fucking proposition, but I am glad you mentioned it. That would just strengthen what he has released to the press. So, no one here even thinks about doing anything like that. You hear?" Donato said plainly as he looked around the room.

Heads nodded, and voices murmured in agreement.

"You are all pretty fucking quiet there?" Ricco barked.

"You can see why they are not sat at the end of the table," Donato commented.

Ricco nodded his head in agreement. "They all turn into mutes when something important comes along."

A creak could be heard from the door as another family member walked into the room. He strolled up to the bar and poured himself a drink.

"I am not sure if you're late or couldn't be fucking bothered to show up?" Ricco yelled toward the bar.

"While these fuckers have been sat doing nothin but fuckin' worrying about the problem. I was out doing somethin about it," Giovanni said from the bar. Giovanni filled his glass and walked toward the lighted table.

"So, you wanna hear my solution, or chastise me for not being here on time?" he said to Ricco with his most assertive face.

"Hey, we are all family. You know I would never chastise you for doing something, it is when you do nothing, that I have a problem," Ricco shouted across the table.

The crossed arms lifted from the table and silently moved back into the shadows.

Ricco looked at the others, "See what I mean, they got no balls. They don't deserve to be part of this family," he yelled. "Go on get out the lot of you. Go and do something fucking useful." His glare was full of anger.

Donato told Ricco to go and sort the heads out. They had to be instructed on what to do to get ready for the upcoming onslaught from the police, and whatever other forces the government would decide to throw at them.

Giovanni went back to the bar and poured two glasses. He them moved back to the table and handed Donato a glass. Donato took a sip and put the glass on the table. The clank of glass on solid stone rang around the now empty room.

"Come on then Giovanni, let's hear this bright idea you have," Donato murmured.

"It is not something I have to say. I have something to show you," Giovanni said quietly.

"I would like to fucking see it today if possible," Donato said, still feeling the stress of the new bill passed so outwardly on the TV.

He clipped the end of another cigar and flipped the top of his lighter. Giovanni put his hand inside his jacket pocket and slapped his hand onto the cold slate. He slid his hand toward Donato and sat back in his chair.

A photograph sat motionless on the table.

Donato pointed at the picture, the ash from his cigar falling against the cold black slate.

"Who is this then?" Donato asked puffing smoke into the light.

"That may well be our solution to this problem," Giovanni said.

He picked up his glass and proudly took a sip. He looked into Donato's eyes and smiled.

"She is kinda cute, who is she?" Donato asked admiring the young girl. She looked about twenty-one.

"That just happens to be Seymour Morgan's living and breathing daughter," Giovanni said calmly.

Donato nodded silently. He puffed on his cigar and leaned back in his chair.

"Well Giovanni, you might just be right," Donato said. "One way or another, she may just be the solution we are looking for." His eyes were now wide with excitement.

Donato leaned on the table. "Work with Ricco on this, and keep it quiet."

"Golden Gloves." Anthony looked at the sign as he opened the old creaky door. He walked inside and could instantly smell the hard work that was being done. He had worked out at this gym ever since he had been a kid, nothing had changed, maybe just the faces. That was apart from one; Pops. He had been a two-time world champion boxer back in the day, but due to some mobster wanting him to take a dive, and him refusing, Pops had not been able to lace up a pair of gloves since.

Anthony walked past the ring, Pops was busy leaning on the ropes shouting instructions at an up and coming fighter. Anthony remembered how he used to be yelled at when he was a kid, the exact same instructions were being given, now.

Pops lived and breathed this place, and it was easy to see why. The brick walls were covered in fighters he had trained. World champions had flooded here for the skill that Pops could drill into them, and they had left their mark, and their sweat on the floor.

Pops nodded and smiled at Anthony as he dropped his bag by the lockers. He flicked open the lock and opened the rusty steel door. One photo was stuck on the inside, it had started to fade and curl. It was his reminder to put all his effort into his workouts, and it was the last remaining picture he had of Alisa.

Anthony pulled off his shirt and looked at his body in the large mirror. He stretched and flexed his muscles. Lesson number one that Pops had told him. Stay loose, then there is nothing you can't do. It had been good advice, all the way through the force he had kept in shape, and stretched as much as he could. His muscled body reacted like a coiled spring when it needed to; being loose had saved him on many occasions.

"Hey what's going on here pretty boy," Vinnie yelled as he approached the lockers.

Anthony looked at Vinnie's reflection. "It's no good being pretty if you can't get out of the way."

He dropped to his knee and spun round. Vinnie fell on his ass laughing.

Anthony grinned. "See what I mean?"

"So, you are gifted, what's the big deal?" Vinnie said.

Anthony sprang to his feet and held out his hand. Vinnie grabbed onto him and pulled himself to his feet. Anthony picked up his towel and flung it around his neck.

"I will see you by the weights when you're ready," he said to Vinnie.

Anthony stood facing the large, mirrored wall. He breathed in deeply and picked up two dumbbells. He raised and lowered each one, in turn, his muscles rippled under his taut olive skin as he slowly moved his arms. Pops had always told him to use the resistance of the body as you lower the weights, you then you have a double workout for the price of one.

He dropped the weights to the floor; Vinnie walked over from the lockers. Anthony got to the floor and put his feet under the bar of the bench. His hands were placed behind his head, and he lifted his torso. The slab of muscle in his stomach tensed as he raised his chiseled god-like body. He paused and looked at the definition in his abs. Perspiration had started to cover his body. The warm lights casting a golden glow over his olive skin. He glistened as his muscles tensed and relaxed.

"You have any new jobs coming up?" Vinnie asked.

Anthony turned his head to look at Vinnie. "Funny you should say that I have a new one starting soon," Anthony replied.

"Any idea who it is?" Vinnie asked.

"Someone from the government wants his daughter watched for a while," Anthony said gritting his teeth.

"Any idea who? Someone from the government could be anyone," Vinnie said laughing.

Anthony grabbed hold of the bar and lifted himself to his chin, his biceps bulged. "Someone called Morgan or something like that," he replied lowering his body.

Vinnie dropped his weights as his head turned toward Anthony in a sudden snap. "Seymour Morgan?" he asked.

"That's it, have you heard of him?"

"You don't know who Seymour Morgan is?" Vinnie asked.

"I have no idea," Anthony replied as he wiped the perspiration from his barreled chest.

"He has just pushed through a bill. The government can intervene without a warrant now. The mafia is well pissed," Vinnie explained.

"It looks like exciting times again then," Anthony remarked.

"Are you not worried about facing the Sorrenti's?" Vinnie questioned as he wiped his face on his towel.

"I have done it before," Anthony said patting Alisa's name on his chest.

"I forgot, sorry man," Vinnie said.

"All in the past," Anthony said lying through his teeth.

"I think this time might be a bit more difficult," Vinnie said plainly. His face showing real worry this time.

Anthony sat on the bench and hunched his muscled shoulders. "Why is that?" he asked.

"Word on the street is, if the Sorrenti's don't fix the problem, the other families will step in. If this bill works well the whole country could be under the rule," Vinnie said.

"At least a mafia family could be wiped out without trying, what goes around comes around," Anthony said smiling.

"If only it were that simple, you know blood will be spilled," he said. "Fuck man, what a far-out state of affairs."

"I am past caring for those fuckers, they took everything from me. So, what good can come out of me babysitting someone's daughter?" Anthony said. "A job is a job at the end of the day, and I know I can do it well." His eyes were as dead as a dark, cold night.

"I know you have lost, but sometimes you're a cold-hearted motherfucker," Vinnie grinned.

"As long as they do as they are told, and no emotions get in the way, what harm can come from it. I take a bullet, so what. They take a bullet, I failed my job," Anthony replied.

"One day, someone is going to come along, and sweep you from under that dark cloud, you keep hanging over your head," Vinnie said.

Anthony raised his eyebrows. "I will believe that when I see it."

_"You have nothing to lose, when everything has already been taken."_

## 3

# Face to Face

_"From eyes as dark as night, glimmers of light can be seen."_

Anthony stood under the tree across the street. The brown stone looked much like any other; four floors of real estate that had cost about two million a floor. Eight million on one home... and in Brooklyn, _who would want to shell out that sort of cash on a few bricks and mortar?_

The lower floor and third floor had rectangular window frames and the other two along with the door were arched. Anthony cased the front of the home and considered it pretty safe from any threats. The rear he would check later. He stepped out from the shadow of the tree and walked across the street. He climbed the steps and placed his hand on the cold steel handrail; he peered through the windows as he approached the large oak door.

He pushed the buzzer and faced back to the street. The door opened behind him, and he heard a deep voice.

Anthony turned to face the large man in the doorway. "You must be Anthony," he boomed.

"I am, and you must be Mr. Morgan," Anthony replied, holding his hand out in front of him.

Seymour grabbed his hand and squeezed. Anthony smiled as if nothing had happened.

"A good grip you have there, Sir," Anthony said.

"It has made many a man quiver, and call me Seymour," he said laughing.

Seymour ushered Anthony into the large living room. Ornate carvings adorned the window and door frames, while the parquet flooring was covered with scatter rugs placed under the furnishings. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and casted sparkling lights across the apple-green and white of the walls.

"A very nice place you have here," Anthony said.

"It has been handed down in the family, there is no way I could afford this," Seymour commented smiling.

"I think it is out of the reach of most people," Anthony said.

"I suppose you want to check out the rest of the house?" Seymour asked.

"If I could, it would save a lot of time," he replied.

"Just make yourself at home, Paige will be home soon from NYU," Seymour explained.

Anthony nodded and went to check the rest of the house. He walked up the huge oak staircase to the second floor. The rooms at the front he had already found to be safe. Throughout the house, there were ornate wood carvings and tiled walls and floors. Anthony reached the top of the house and opened the door. A Japanese themed garden presented itself to him. He looked over the edge of the roof. There was no way anyone could enter the home from here.

He started to make his way back to the living room. He heard shuffling on the second floor from one of the bedrooms. He approached the open door. He could see the back of a young girl as she unpacked her things.

Anthony approached Seymour. "I can only see two entry points which could be any cause for concern," he explained.

"Don't tell me, the kitchen door and the front door," Seymour said.

"Exactly, apart from that, you are pretty damned secure," Anthony replied, still admiring the opulence of the home.

"We do have roaming police every thirty minutes and the panic alarm," Seymour said.

"That helps, but you can do a lot in thirty minutes," Anthony said.

Seymour grimaced. "I just hope it never comes to that."

"You and me both," Anthony replied.

There was banging from the large staircase. They turned to face the living room door. Paige made her entrance and gazed at Anthony.

"Is that the guy?" she asked plainly.

"Paige, this is Anthony, he is the one who will be taking care of you," Seymour said.

Paige nodded. "Hi," she said as she turned and walked back out of the living room.

They stood and listened. Loud footsteps stomped up the staircase.

"Sorry about that, she gets a bit uptight sometimes," Seymour explained.

_Well, she might be pig ignorant, but she is a little hottie,_ Anthony thought. He hadn't looked at females for quite a while. This one was quite a looker. Long blonde hair and big puppy dog eyes.

"It is a lot for her to take in, it is not every day that they have to have a bodyguard because of what their dad has said," Anthony commented.

"So, Anthony, I take it you can start immediately?" Seymour asked.

"I already have started," Anthony said.

"Good, I am glad you could respond straight away. I have already received a few threats at the office," Seymour explained.

"You are lucky nothing has happened already. I have history with the Sorrenti's before now."

Seymour smiled. "I had heard all about your past, and that was one reason I chose you," Seymour explained.

Seymour chatted more to Anthony about his comings and goings over the weekend. He mentioned about him buying her a new car, and Anthony recommended a tracking device on the car and on her key fob.

"You mentioned earlier Paige goes to university?" Anthony asked.

"Yes, although it is not a million miles away, she has a small apartment where she stays," Seymour explained.

"That could prove awkward, is there no way she can stay here?" Anthony asked.

"Well, she only has one week left before their holidays, and she will have her new car. So, she can stay here yes," Seymour replied.

"It just takes out one more variable from the equation that's all," Anthony explained. His eyes continually took note of the inside of the house.

"I like you're thinking, it makes a lot of sense."

"So, Anthony, you are fine with the twenty-four seven type of arrangement?" Seymour asked.

He smiled and looked into Seymour's eyes. "That is fine with me, I am not a heavy sleeper."

"I see you have no bag with you, do you need to get a few things?"

Anthony looked at his watch. It was nearly nine o'clock. The buzzer sounded at the front door.

"Who can that be at this time of night?" Seymour asked.

Anthony grinned. "I actually think that buzzer is for me."

Anthony walked to the door. He whispered something, and a hand appeared holding a black holdall. Anthony returned to the living room.

Seymour smiled. "You are prepared, I will show you to your room."

"It is a room next to Paige I presume?"

Anthony sat looking at the numbers on the alarm clock; it was four am. Paige would not be awake for hours, so he decided to check the house again to make sure it was fully secure. He silently walked into her bedroom to check the window. He cast his eyes over her as she slept.

_"She looks so peaceful and so damned beautiful,"_ he whispered as he walked past the bed.

He made his way downstairs and checked the doors. Anthony then moved into the basement and flicked on the light. The flickering tube burst into life. The personal gym Seymour had installed was just the thing for Anthony to fully wake his body from the ravages of sleep.

He hit the button on the treadmill, the motor made a slight hum at it started to turn. He stood on the mat and increased his foot speed as the machine increased from walk to jog. A few minutes later he was half way through a five-kilometer run; the machine's motor whirring away.

His feet pounded at the mat as he watched himself in the mirrored wall. Step after step, his feet pounded. He never noticed the person behind him, watching.

"I thought I could hear the running machine," Paige said.

Anthony glanced to his side and hit the stop button; the machine slowed as he grabbed a workout towel and wiped his face.

"Sorry if I woke you," he said apologetically.

"Whatever. I use the gym when I am here anyway, I like to get up before dad and make use of it," she replied.

Paige stood leaning on the doorframe in rolled down jogging pants and a crop top. Her ample breasts pushing hard against the fabric. Anthony could see she was not wearing a bra, and he tried not to stare.

_Christ, this job might be harder than I expected,_ he thought as his eyes fixed on her breasts.

"So then, you going to use the gym?" he asked Paige.

"When I am ready, I will start in my own time," she replied plainly. Nothing gone done unless she wanted it to.

"Fine, I will carry on," Anthony replied.

Paige moved toward the rowing machine, she sat on the seat and grabbed hold of the handles. She started to pull, her breasts heaving before her as her back arched. She cast her gaze slightly to the mirror and watched Anthony in silence as his rippled body tensed under the weight of the dumbbells.

_"Fucking Babysitters are all the same,"_ Paige thought.

She rowed with vigor as she watched Anthony going through his routine, the hard slab of muscle on his stomach tensed, and Paige's eyes widened as he pulled himself to the bar. Sweat poured from her body, with the fabric clinging to her damp top. Her budded nipples pushed firmly against the moist patches of her t-shirt.

She glanced in the mirror and noticed the hard peaks of her breasts. Paige bowed her gaze and grabbed her towel. She wrapped it around her neck and let it cover her chest.

Paige thought as she sat and watched Anthony doing his pull-ups.

"I am not happy you know," she said.

"I had guessed. It is written all over your face," Anthony replied with a curious smile.

Paige furrowed her brow. "With you I mean."

"I hear that a lot, so no big deal to me," he replied plainly.

"So, nobody likes having you around then?" she said, being intolerable as ever.

Anthony lowered himself to the floor. "It's not me they don't like, it is the situation."

"I can see why. I can take care of myself," she said as she walked to the punching bag.

Anthony held the punching bag. "Show me what you have," he said.

Paige forgot her budded nipples and dropped the towel to the floor. She threw a punch into the heavy bag, and groaned as her fist hit.

Anthony grinned, "I am saying nothing."

Paige got pissed and let out another couple of punches. Her body swung and groaned as her fists hit the bag.

_"I will punch your lights out motherfucker if you make fun of me,"_ she thought.

Anthony held his head on the side of the bag. "As I thought, you punch like a girl."

Paige raised her foot and took a side swipe to Anthony's head. He quickly moved his head, as her foot crashed into the bag.

"You are too tense, you are letting anger get in the way," he said.

He rested his head on the bag again. "Try it again," he added.

Paige filled with humiliation. She wanted to show him. She was mad. Paige threw a combination. One-two, one-two, she raised her leg slightly. Anthony moved his head. She dropped her foot and swung with her opposite leg.

Anthony saw her foot just in time and raised his arm. "That is much better," he said encouraging her.

"Just because you can fight, it still won't make me like the situation anymore," Paige said angrily.

"I just have to keep you safe," he replied.

Paige wiped her face on her towel. "I don't need your help," her eyes were full of frustration.

"How do you do up close and personal?" Anthony asked.

"Excuse me?" she asked.

"One-on-one," he replied smiling.

Paige frowned deeply. "That is none of your business."

"I mean on the mat, unarmed combat," he asked.

"Oh, I thought you meant something else," she said, still pouting.

Anthony stood wide legged on the mat. Paige faced him. Her fists clenched in front of her. Paige looked into the dark pits of Anthony's eyes. He was a beautiful American-Italian. Like a pure stallion his body was sculpted perfectly. Her eyes liked looking at him. He was oozing with confidence and an appeal she had never seen in a guy before.

Anthony gestured with his hand. "Show me what you have got."

Paige focused and kicked at him as he caught her foot. This was going to be a long session.

_"From eyes as dark as night, glimmers of light can be seen."_

## 4

# Rollin, Rollin, Rollin

_"A safe haven can be found in the most unlikely of places."_

"Dad, are you ready yet?" Paige asked.

"Hang on, we have all day," Seymour replied.

"I know, but this is a big thing for me," she yelled.

Anthony stood in the window watching the street. He stood in silence, but he listened.

"Dad, hurry up," Paige screamed. Her face becoming angrier.

Seymour appeared at the top of the large ornate staircase. "I am coming now, be patient for once."

"Have you decided which car you want?" Seymour asked.

"I want something fun and sporty, but not big," Paige said smiling.

Anthony glanced over his shoulder and sighed. "Anthony, are you going to drive?" Seymour asked.

Anthony nodded in agreement and took the keys from the table.

"Does he have to come with us Dad?" Paige asked looking at Anthony like he was a fly that was annoying her.

"Of course. Twenty-four seven," he replied.

Paige sighed. "He is stepping into my personal space," she said.

"It is for our protection. You know I have received threats at the office, darling." Anthony could hear the entire conversation. But Paige didn't seem to care, or Seymour for that matter.

They stood by the front door. Anthony headed to the street and opened the rear door of the car. He looked up the steps toward them and nodded. Seymour and Paige quickly walked down the steps and slid into the waiting car. Anthony checked up and down the street as he slid behind the steering wheel.

"Any idea what model you want?" Seymour asked.

"I like the Mini, you know what us girls are like," Paige replied, now smiling.

"A sensible choice for once," Seymour replied.

"Yeah, I want the Cooper model," Paige said grinning.

"What is a Mini Cooper?" Seymour asked.

Anthony glanced in the rearview mirror. His shoulders raised and fell as he sighed.

"It is just one of the nicer models," Paige said.

_I will look really cool in a Mini Cooper, the real sporty ones,_ Paige thought as she glanced out of the window.

"Does Anthony have to come in the showroom with us?" Paige asked.

Anthony looked in the rearview mirror at Paige. His expression plain. Paige glared back at him.

They arrived at the dealership. Anthony parked the car and scoured the parking lot for strange activity. He opened the door. Anthony offered his hand to Paige.

"I am not helpless," she said.

Paige stepped from the car and started to walk toward the dealership entrance. Suddenly a bang rang out in the parking lot. Anthony lunged toward Paige and covered her. He stood with his gun in his hand looking around.

He turned his head toward Seymour. "I think it was a backfire," Seymour said.

Paige shrugged her shoulders. "It was a backfire, get off me, you idiot!" Anthony let go and Paige dusted herself off like she was covered in dirt.

They entered into the dealer's showroom. The new car smell filled the air. Polish and new leather leaped towards them as they opened the doors of the cars.

"How about this one?" Seymour asked.

"Dad, that is a four door, it doesn't look sporty," Paige replied.

Anthony walked around the inside of the dealership and glanced from the large windows. He turned his attention toward Paige and Seymour.

"Dad, look at this one. It is so cool," Paige said leaning on the green paint.

Seymour looked deeply in Paige's eyes "Thirty-two thousand?"

"Is that too much?" she asked.

Seymour nodded. "Knock it down just a bit. Around twenty-five thousand," he replied.

Anthony stood next to another green car patting the roof. Paige lifted her gaze and looked in his direction.

_"Hmm, that is the same as this, but six-grand less,"_ she thought.

"Don't get smug with me," she said to Anthony.

Anthony smiled; opened the door and stepped away.

Paige climbed inside and sat in the driver's seat. She ran her fingers over the steering wheel and across the dashboard. The seat hugged her body firmly.

Paige leaned from out of the car. "This is the one Dad," she yelled excitedly.

Seymour walked over and cast his eyes over the price ticket. He nodded to himself and looked at Anthony. Anthony nodded as if to say it was a good choice.

"I just love it, Dad. I will be safe in this," Paige said.

"I know you would," he replied.

Anthony watched Paige as Seymour went to talk to the sales rep. She sat and made noises as if she was driving. Screeching sounds came from her mouth.

Paige looked at Anthony, "What are you looking at?" she snapped.

Anthony turned away and walked back towards the window.

_"You're always looking at me, do you want a piece of my ass?"_ Paige thought. _Probably!_

"We can have that one ready immediately, it has just been put on display. It was built to order, and the buyer pulled out," Seymour explained.

"You mean, I can drive it home?" Paige asked.

"That is exactly what I mean," Seymour replied getting his credentials out.

Paige jumped from the car. She threw her arms around her dad's neck. "I love you, dad," she said kissing him on the cheek.

He laughed. "I know you do," he replied. "And my bank balance."

They waited in the coffee shop as the car went through its final preparation. Paige watched as it exited from the garage. The mechanic climbed from the steering wheel and walked to the showroom.

Seymour greeted the sales rep who handed him the keys.

"As an extra, there is a tracker on the car and the key fob," Seymour explained.

He lifted his eyes to Anthony and nodded. "I want to drive, I am so excited," Paige said smiling.

"There is one thing though," Seymour said calmly.

"What is that?" Paige asked as she fumbled with the keys.

Seymour tightened his lips and screwed up his face. "Anthony has to be your passenger," he said.

"Oh, Dad. You really know how to spoil the moment. I was all excited then," Paige said giving Anthony a look of dismay. She folded her arms like a brat.

"Anthony is just a passenger, that is all. It is just a precaution," Seymour explained with his kindest smile.

"Yeah, but he keeps watching me," she said quietly.

Seymour whispered back, "That is his job."

Paige sighed as she looked at Anthony. "Come on then leech, get your ass in here. But stop looking at me," she said with her normal gusto.

Anthony nodded. "That's fine by me."

Anthony handed the car keys to Seymour. "It's okay, she will be fine," Anthony said.

Seymour smiled and climbed into his car.

Anthony leaned his head close to Seymour. "Just be careful when you get home. Check the street before you get out of the car," he explained.

Seymour nodded and closed the car door. He waited until the central locking kicked in and then pulled out from the showroom parking lot.

Anthony turned his attention to Paige. "It looks like it is just you and me then, Paige." Anthony smiled.

"I have a good mind to make you walk," she replied.

"And what good is that going to do you," Anthony said plainly.

"Satisfaction, that is what it would give me."

Anthony grinned sarcastically. "So, you like to feel satisfied?"

"That is none of your god-damned business, you are just an employee," she said mockingly.

"Are you going to drive or just stand letting out hot air?" Anthony asked, now laughing at how mad she was getting.

Paige glared toward Anthony. "Oh look, IT has a sense of humor."

Anthony opened the door, and Paige started the engine. He walked to the passenger door and reached for the top handle. Paige pulled the car forward and giggled. Anthony took a deep breath and reached for the handle again. Paige pulled the car forward.

_"Don't fall for this old trick,"_ Anthony thought.

He rubbed his eyes and quickly grabbed the handle. The door opened, and he slid inside, finally.

Paige looked at him and laughed. "I had you then. Twice," she said holding her fingers to his face.

"You do know how to drive, I hope?" Anthony asked.

"Of course, what do you take me for? A dumb blonde?" she replied being cheekier than ever.

Paige hit the gas and lifted her foot from the clutch. The car shot backward.

"Oops, silly me."

Paige pulled out from the dealer's parking lot and headed back toward the city.

"Just pay attention for cars following, you never know," Anthony said. "Adjust your mirrors so you can see without moving your head," he said glancing over his shoulder.

"You sound like a spy from a movie, and way over the top," she said.

"You would not believe how close some of it is to the truth," Anthony said checking the traffic.

Anthony glanced down as Paige changed gear, her slender legs pushing against the pedals.

_"A trashy mouth, but a nice body,"_ Anthony thought.

"Can you keep your eyes on the road and not on me?" Paige asked.

"I was just watching how you were driving," he said lying through his teeth.

Paige drove straight past the exit of the highway.

"We should have gone..."

"We will have a spin on some twisty roads," Paige explained like a child seeing cake for the first time. Her eyes lit up.

"Yeah, but, it is outside my plan," Anthony said looking around.

"I told you before, I don't need a babysitter. This is my choice," she said plainly.

Paige reached for the radio, she cranked up the volume and started to sing. Anthony got slightly frustrated and huffed and puffed under his breath.

_"You will get us all in trouble,"_ he whispered to himself under his breath.

The road started to twist as it headed up into the hills. Pine trees lined one side of the road as a valley spread out below them.

"Just keep away from the edge," Anthony said cautiously.

Paige turned her head to him. "Why? Are you scared?"

"I am not scared, I just don't know how good you or the car are on gravel," he replied, feeling slightly uneasy.

"Just relax and enjoy the view. Take a load off your shoulders," she said.

"We are exposed here, there are hardly any people," Anthony said.

"Who is going to know we are here?"

"Maybe that silver car which has been following us since we left the dealership," Anthony explained.

Paige quickly looked in her rearview mirror. "What silver car? Where? I don't see one," she said nervously.

"It is a good job there isn't one then, huh?" Anthony said as he plastered a wide grin on his face.

"You fucker, you had me going then," she replied, obviously pissed off.

"It just shows how easy it can be. One car, five minutes and it is all over," he explained.

"Just do you freakin' job and let me drive," she said sternly. Her body was tight like an angry beast in the wild.

Anthony sat in silence as Paige drove her new car up the twisting roads toward the mountain top. She wound down the windows, and the cool fresh air filled the car.

"You smell how clean that air is up here?" she said.

Paige pulled into a gravel parking lot next to a café. "We used to come here with my Mom," Paige said.

Anthony looked at the natural setting. It was nice. Real nice.

Paige got out of the car and walked to the barrier of the cliff. "I always liked this place. There is a park just a few hundred yards up the road," she explained.

"It is a great view. And if anything happens. Use this as a safe place. I will then know where you are," Anthony said still in work mode.

Anthony looked toward Paige. Her long blonde hair was blowing in the wind. Paige smiled as she cast her eyes at the sweeping valleys below them. The sun shone on her face, she looked as if the heavens had singled her out to shine upon.

"I will give him, your dad, instructions. If there is only the three of us who know, it is a good place."

"Just because I let you know I like this place, it still doesn't mean I am happy with you watching me," Paige said.

"As long as I can do my job. I have never failed yet, not being a bodyguard, anyway," Anthony said.

"We better get going, the weather can change quickly up here," Paige explained.

They arrived home, and Anthony could see Seymour standing in the window. They entered the living room as he turned toward them.

"Where the hell have you two been? I was worried," Seymour asked.

"Dad! Taking the car out for a drive... silly!"

_"A safe haven can be found in the most unlikely of places."_

## 5

# Life's a Beach

_"Slumber leads us into the best of places, from where we are rudely awakened."_

"Where is he? I know he is around," Paige said.

Angie lifted her head from her beach towel. "Just let it go, you will drive yourself mad."

"I know, but he is watching. It is like he has been given a license to be a pervert," Paige said pouting her usual pissed-off face.

"You should be lucky, at least he is good looking, and from what I can tell, he has a killer body," Angie commented.

"I will tell you what, his body is awesome. He has a broad, muscled chest. Rock hard muscles in his biceps, and his whole body, well it tapers down to his taut, flat abs. He's definitely Italiano." Paige explained.

"Just hang on a moment, you are saying he is like a pervert watching you, and you know all that about his body?" Angie asked laughing.

"I had no choice but to see it, he was in Dad's gym," Paige said. "And when he had started to sweat, fuck. I could have licked him all over. But he is sooo, um, exhausting." Her tongue was licking her lips.

"Well that is quite a thought for a virgin!" Angie said laughing.

"Shush, he might be able to lip read," Paige replied, hiding her mouth.

"Just lie back and enjoy the sun. it's not often we get days like this in the sun," Angie said, lying comfortably on her towel.

Paige and Angie had hit the beach. Jacob Riis was the most convenient place for them to drive to without wasting a lot of the day. They had parked behind the old art deco bath house. The wind had picked up slightly and covered over them with a cooling breeze. A few surfers had taken to the sea hoping to catch a few decent waves.

The late morning sun beat down onto Paige's skin. She could feel the prickles flooding over her body as she slowly absorbed the sun's rays. She tilted her head from side to side glancing through her sunglasses.

_"I know you are there, but where?_

"Jesus Christ Paige, will you stop it, I can hear you being restless," Angie said plainly.

"I can't help it, I am in a bikini, and he could be doing anything while he is watching," Paige explained.

"We are on the fucking beach, what can he do? It is not like he can masturbate and hide it from everyone," Angie snapped.

"He could if he stood in the ocean," Paige said looking toward the sea.

"You're fucking twisted, do you know that?" Angie said. "You should be happy if guys jerk off in front of you."

"It is weird though, no matter what I do he is always watching." She lowered her head back on her towel and pushed her sunglasses back over her eyes.

She began to drift off in the warm summer sun. Paige imagined a different scenario. One where he was the guy... she liked...

_"So, you like my car then Anthony?"_

_"Yeah, it is really sporty, not much room in the back though."_

_"Why do you want room in the back?"_

_"You never know what might happen."_

_"Well if we go up into the hills we can test it out?" she said._

_Anthony looked at her. "That sounds good to me."_

Paige imagined herself pulling into the café parking lot. With the gorgeous Anthony climbing into the rear seat.

_"I have never done this before," Paige said._

_"Everyone has to do it in a car at some point," Anthony said with his sexy chocolate eyes._

_"No, I mean any of it. I am a vir..."_

Angie shook Paige. "You were dreaming and muttering."

"What was I saying?" Paige asked.

"You were going on about climbing in your car, and said you had never done it," Angie said.

"I must have been miles away. I am not sure what I was dreaming," Paige said lying.

"I get the impression you were thinking of your babysitter," Angie said grinning.

"Don't be fucking stupid, why would I do that?" Paige asked. Her pouty lip started to form as it always did.

Angie rolled onto her stomach. "Maybe you have the hots for his smooth, bronzed expanse of muscles," she laughed.

"Yeah right, as if that would ever happen," Paige said, now rolling her eyes.

"I am bored with this now, there is nothing to do. You want to head off?" Angie asked.

"Why not, if I stay any longer I will just be a glorious shade of red."

They packed up their things and walked up the white sandy beach. They rounded the corner of the old bath house. Anthony stood waiting by her car.

"Is that him?" Angie asked.

"It is, my ball and fucking chain," Paige replied, feeling herself get aroused looking at him.

"Paige, god, he is gorgeous, and you are complaining?"

"You fucken have him, get him off my back," Paige snapped jokingly.

"I would gladly have him. In more ways than one," Angie smirked.

They approached the car. Anthony leaned against the other car.

"Did you get a good eyeful while I was sunning myself?" Paige asked folding her arms in front of her chest.

Anthony smiled and winked.

_If only you had an idea how much of an eyeful I got,_ he thought.

Angie smiled at Anthony. "Does he ever speak?" she asked.

"Yes, but mostly he just watches. Silently. I told you he was weird," Paige said.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Angie. Paige has told me nothing about you," Anthony said with a grin.

Angie slapped Paige on the arm. "There is nothing wrong with him, it must just be you?" she said.

"You know, it is easy to go off your best friend ever so quickly," Paige said plainly. "Hmph."

She hit the key fob and the doors unlocked. Anthony walked to the passenger side and opened the door for Angie.

"Thank you, that is so kind," she said smiling.

Anthony walked to his car and slid into the driver's seat. Paige looked over. "What about my door?" she asked.

"You're a smart girl, figure it out," he replied, still grinning wildly.

_"You fucker, I will get my own back,"_ Paige thought as she opened the door.

She started the engine and revved it angrily. Paige glanced over at Anthony, as he sat there calmly and returned her gaze. She slowly lifted her hand and raised her middle finger.

"Fuck you!" she mouthed silently.

"God, he's so damn Italian," said Angie giggling.

"I know." Paige drove like a bat out of hell and realized how aroused she was. No other guy had made her... wet.

Anthony was the most requested bodyguard for a reason. He stuck close to his client and Paige was no different. She just made a big thing out of it, even if she could not see him following her. He had blended into the background, no matter where she had gone.

It was the summer holidays, and he had stuck to her like glue. Paige was definitely a free spirit, and she had no qualms of voicing her opinion toward him. It made him laugh, actually.

Anthony had one problem though. He had started to become taken by her charm, even if it was coupled with a trashy, naughty, selfish mouth. A spoilt brat she was, and Anthony didn't think that was anything to do with Seymour. He was soft on her, but he sure as hell didn't spoil her unnecessarily.

He had followed her everywhere, he had even been to the cinema and watched the latest girly movie that was showing. There never was a dull moment with Paige under his watch. He knew her favorite perfume, nail color and that she loved bagels fresh from the bakery.

They drove back to the house. Paige parked her car by the curb. Anthony parked further up the street and rushed quickly in the shadows. The lights flashed on her car as she locked the doors. Her head glanced up and down the street.

_Are you looking for threats, or are you looking for me?_ Anthony thought.

She ran across to the stone steps and made it up to the door. Anthony quickly followed and covered her from behind. He glanced around and made sure it was all clear. He climbed the stairs and entered the house.

"I wondered when you would show up!" Paige said.

"I will never be far behind you. I have promised to protect you, and that is what I will do," he replied.

Paige grinned to herself. My very own protector. _Italian and sexy as hell._

"Just for your information, I am staying home for the evening," Paige explained.

"Good. I have the feeling things are soon going to be a bit hectic," Anthony said.

"What do you mean hectic?" she asked.

_How the fuck do I word it, so she won't panic?_ Anthony thought.

"To put it simply, I think the mafia will soon try and make a move," he said.

"So, um Dad and I are in danger?" she asked worriedly.

"Not real danger, not while I am here," Anthony replied, still checking the house.

"I am going to my room," Paige said. "I suppose you want to follow me and watch?" Her tired grin filled her face.

"What do you mean?" Anthony asked.

"Watch over me, what did you think I meant?"

"That, well, it was just the way you said it."

"If you watched me any closer, you would be in the shower with me!" Paige laughed.

Anthony smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't get any fucking ideas, that wasn't an invitation," Paige said.

"As if I would think you invited me that close," Anthony said smiling.

Anthony thought for a moment _. It is a hell of a nice idea though. Toe to toe in the shower. Hot bodies entwining around each other..._

Anthony followed Paige as she climbed the large staircase. His eyes fixed on her peachy ass. Her tight shorts now perfectly molding the shape of her soft cheeks. For whatever reason, she had wormed her way into his mind. Hundreds of similar cases he had done, and no one had even had this sort of effect on him.

Paige opened her bedroom door and paused. Anthony stood in his doorway and watched. She took a step forward and paused. Anthony rocked as he started to walk forward.

"Fuck, I got you again," she said grinning, teasing him.

"You are too fast for me," Anthony replied with his wide smile.

"See ya," Paige said as she walked into her room.

Anthony nodded and walked into the room beside her. He laid on his bed and thought of the girl who was in the room next door. He could not remember how long it had been since he had thoughts like this. He had flings in the past, but Paige had gotten under his skin in a big way. He could hear the shower running, and he imagined himself in the room watching. His mind wandered...

_Paige slipped from her tight shorts to reveal her black panties, they had crumpled and twisted and pulled between the soft, gentle folds of her pussy._

_She slid her fingers inside the elastic and pulled her panties down her slender legs. She dropped them to the floor. As she stood up straight and fumbled with the clasp of her bra, she looked very beautiful. She twirled her bra around her finger and let it drop to the floor. She looked at her body in the mirror and admired the slender curves._

_The soft ripe swell of her breasts fell before her, her surging peaks leading to her rose-red nipples. She raised her hands and caressed her pink tips, her budded nipples hard under her tender touch. The sigh of anticipation leaving her lithe body._

_Paige walked into the shower and stepped into the warm water. Her head tilted back as the droplets splashed over her face. She took hold of the soap and lathered her body. The foam clung onto to her pale mounds of fragrant flesh. The water continually cascaded over her body. The lather ran down over her flat belly and ran to her thighs. The lather gathered between her creamy lips and she was aroused by the sensation. Paige turned and gestured for Anthony to join her._

"Anthony!" he heard.

The voice got louder.

"Anthony!!" the voice yelled.

"Anthony!!" the voiced bellowed.

He opened his eyes. He had slipped into a half dream. The door banged again. He leaped from the bed and opened the bedroom door.

"I'd fallen asleep. What do you want?" he asked.

Paige stood before him in her bathrobe. She lifted her hand and held it in front of her.

"Do you fancy some strawberry ice cream?"

"Fuck! I mean, yes I'd love some thanks."

"Anthony, it's not like you to swear!" said Paige with a sly wink.

_"Slumber leads us into the best of places, from where we are rudely awakened."_

## 6

# Hide and Seek

_"It takes a simple man many attempts, to overturn every stone."_

Anthony banged on Paige's bedroom door. "Get your shit together we have to move." He ran to Seymour's room. "Time to move Sir," Anthony shouted aloud as he banged on the door.

Paige opened her door and put her head in the hallway. "What are you shouting for?" she asked rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"They have found us," he shouted.

Seymour opened his door, and he stood in his pajamas, "What is it?" he asked.

"Dad, they have found us!" Paige yelled.

"Fuck, no," Seymour said. He never swore.

"Get some things and get downstairs quick," Anthony yelled.

He stood peering from the window. He quickly checked the ammo in his guns. The black car had circled four times, _it had to be them_. He was sure.

Seymour and Paige came running down the stairs.

"What's the plan?" Seymour asked.

"It is going to be a tight squeeze, but we have to take the Mini," Anthony said.

"I won't fit in there," Seymour said patting his belly.

"Trust me, Sir, you will fit," Anthony grinned at his funny remark.

"Leave a light on and pull the curtains half way, they will think you are up and about, but we will be well gone," Anthony explained.

"Ah, the vehicle registration, that is how they found us. It is the only way," Seymour explained.

"Exactly, and Paige's registration won't be listed yet. They won't know she has a car," Anthony explained.

"This is the real deal now Paige, stay close to me," Anthony said smiling at her.

"I'm scared," she replied.

"Trust me. No one is getting to you, through me."

Paige nodded as tears welled up in her green eyes. "Okay, I trust you," she said as she sniffled.

"When the car turns the corner, hit the key fob and open your doors," Anthony said.

"Okay," she replied. Her nerves were taking over, now.

Anthony checked the window. "I will jump in the back and Sir, whatever you do, fucking breathe in, as much as you can." Seymour nodded in agreement.

"Give me the bags," Anthony said.

He flung the bags over his shoulder. His faced pushed against the window.

"Five, four, three, two, one, go!" he yelled.

The taillight of the car vanished around the corner. Paige bounded down the stone stairs as the lights flashed on her car. Her door opened as she grabbed the passenger door handle. Anthony jumped into the back and tugged on the seat. Seymour took an almighty deep breath and forced himself into the passenger seat.

"Shit the door won't close," Seymour yelled.

"Paige just hit the gas, we don't have time," Anthony yelled.

Seymour hung onto the door, the tires screeched as Paige lifted her foot off the clutch. Seymour started to lean out of the car door. Anthony grabbed the collar of his shirt and tugged. He pulled Seymour back into the car as the door finally clicked.

The Mini flew from the side of the curb and headed down the street. Anthony looked behind him from the rear window. The black car slowly turned again.

"Shit, that was close," Anthony said resting his head.

"I take it there is no going home now?" Seymour said looking worried.

"Not for you two, we have to keep you moving."

Paige looked into the mirror. Anthony stared back as she smiled.

_Were you just flirting with me?_ Anthony thought.

He had to keep his mind in the game. It had happened a million times. Women would fall for their protectors. It was one of the things you had to be wary of. Especially if you had just started out as a bodyguard. It was the first lesson in the operative called, "Bodyguard 101."

Paige batted her eyelids in the mirror. "Where to now?" she asked softly.

"Head toward the docks. I have a place there," Anthony replied.

"You have a place by the docks?" Paige asked.

"It is not much, but it is safe, "Anthony replied.

They arrived at the old part of the docks. Paige drove under the archway and into the courtyard.

"I thought this was safe, there is only one way in and one way out," Seymour asked.

"Trust me, Sir, that is the way it appears," Anthony explained, looking behind them to make sure no one followed.

He left the car and walked to the large steel gates and locked them. He slid the key into the warehouse door. Beams of sunlight flooded into the dusty atmosphere.

"Well this is different," Seymour asked.

"It is fit for purpose. I have a few more scattered about the city," Anthony replied.

"How can you afford all these places?" Seymour asked.

"I have had some very grateful clients, not all of them have paid with cash," Anthony smiled.

"You invest in property without even trying," Seymour said.

"Something like that."

Anthony gave them a quick tour of the place. The basic kitchen, the bathroom and the two basic bedrooms.

Paige walked up close to Anthony, "You know you said to stay close to you?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, what about it?" Anthony said.

Paige held onto Anthony's arm and whispered. "There are only two beds."

Paige pushed her breast into Anthony's arm. "That means you might not be close to me," she murmured.

"I will think of something," Anthony replied.

"You will be close though?" she asked.

"You will be able to feel my breath," Anthony said quietly.

"I think you are right, the safest place is right next to you, at all times," Paige cooed.

"I need to speak to your dad," Anthony said, trying not to lose focus.

_Shit, two beds, that means I am on the floor again,_ Anthony thought.

"Seymour, what's wrong?" Anthony asked.

"I am worried now, reality has hit home that the threats are very real," he said. He looked exhausted.

"As long as we keep one step ahead, we will be fine," Anthony replied.

"How long can we keep this up for?" Seymour asked.

"It sounds bad, but it is Paige they will be after. You are too high ranking to touch," Anthony explained.

"I sometimes wish I hadn't forced the bill," said Seymour.

"Now, that is exactly the reason the mafia is doing all this, they want you to think that way, "Anthony explained.

"Either way, Paige needs to be safe. She is innocent in all of this," Seymour said sorrowfully.

"Trust me, Sir. As long as I am breathing, there will be no harm that ever comes to Paige." Anthony focused on them both. He knew he was able. He had trained for this.

Donato leaned forward. He shook his head and ran his hand over the white stubble on his chin.

"See this, I haven't had a fucking shave again, two days running," Donato yelled.

"Sorry Boss, we are looking everywhere," Luigi replied.

"I don't think you are really looking everywhere, you would have fucking found them by now," Donato bellowed.

Luigi's legs shook as he listened to Donato yelling and screaming.

"You said you had them at the house," Donato asked.

"We had them cornered, the car circled, and they were there, and the next time we passed they just vanished into thin air," Luigi explained.

"You stupid cunt, did I not say to check vehicle registrations for an address. How many cars have they got?" Donato bellowed. Donato clipped his hand up the side of Luigi's head. "Did you check the new registrations for the past month?"

Luigi rubbed his ear. "No, my contact only gave me current registrations."

"Well go back, and smack that fucker up the side of the head, and check registrations for new car sales," Donato said.

He walked back to his desk and sat in his large leather chair. "I don't know why you never became a fucking plumber. Now get out!" Donato yelled.

Ricco came walking into the office and sat on the couch. He rested his arms on his knees.

"Why the fuck can't we find them? It is just a fat fucking politician and a brat of a daughter. How fucking hard can it be?" Donato asked.

"The fat fuck must have reached out for help, that's the only answer," Ricco replied.

"It makes sense, the question is, who would he go to?" Donato mumbled.

"I will check, I know some people," Ricco replied. He waltzed and looked at his cell phone.

Donato leaned back in his chair. "All these fucking years we have been number one. One simple fucking statement and a piece of paper. That's all it takes to turn everything to shit," he said.

"I am not sure if we can call it good news, but I managed to do some damage limitation. I shifted a lot of the stocks away from the normal storage joints," Ricco said plainly.

"At least the cops won't be seizing any of that," Donato replied, now sipping on vodka.

"I have also managed to shift most of the hookers from the clubs to the motels. If the clubs get raided, at least we still got the girls," Ricco explained.

"How the fuck you manage to book so many girls in at once," Donato asked.

"A beauty pageant, I just said they were in town for a few weeks. I even told the manager that he could get a couple of free blowjobs if he kept his mouth shut," Ricco said laughing.

Donato laughed. "The girls will suck the poor fucker dry."

"What a way to end your days; sucked to death," Ricco said making a disgusting gesture with his mouth and finger.

"Seriously though, good work with all that. Fucking Luigi though, what a dumb fuck," Donato commented.

"What's he done now?" Ricco asked.

Ricco stood and went to the bar, and grabbed two glasses. He listened to Donato as he poured them both a drink.

"Well, he got an address for the politician from the vehicle records, can you believe the fat fuck lives in Brooklyn?" Donato explained.

"How the hell did we not know that?" Ricco asked.

"The house is in his parent's name, he fucking inherited it. It was only his car that was registered to that address."

"So, we were close?" Ricco asked.

"It was a shower of shit, to be honest. He had a car circling the block. It was obvious they clocked the car and ran off as the car was circling, for fuck's sake!"

"Where was his fucking man on the street? Ricco asked. He was still looking at his phone.

Donato shook his head in dismay. "There wasn't one."

"It's things like this that will have the other families crawling all over us," Ricco said.

"I know, talk about being kicked while you are down," Donato said plainly.

Donato finished his drink in one shot. He urged Ricco to pour him a double. Things were getting tight around the collar from both sides. It felt like they should think about quitting, and get out while they could. The thing was, the Sorrenti's never quit. They had a family heritage so long it went back to the roots in Italy, and there was no way everyone was going to point their finger at him for letting it all go wrong.

"We have to do something fast. Put the feelers out to all the corrupt cops and guards. Someone has to know something," Donato said. "Fuck!"

"Will do, someone has to know something at least," Ricco said pouring the drinks.

"On a personal note, I feel like shit. Look at this fucking stubble all over my god-damned face," Donato said, touching his whiskers.

"Get is seen to, how you going to have respect if you can't look after yourself," Ricco laughed.

"You don't look so fucking good yourself," Donato answered.

"Mine is just over indulgence, don't forget, I was moving hookers for the past couple of days," Ricco said laughing.

"You should keep away from those broads, you don't know who they've been with," Donato said. "Get yourself a real woman." His tone was weary.

The phone rang. Donato looked at his cell phone spinning as it vibrated.

"It is that dumb fuck, Luigi, see what he wants," Donato said.

Ricco waited for the cell phone to ring again. "It better be fucking good news."

"Luigi, say that again slowly," Ricco said.

He put the phone on the table and looked at Donato. "Luigi may just have redeemed himself," Ricco said with a grin.

Donato leaned forward. "He has found them?"

"Not quite, but as good as. The daughter bought a green Mini at the weekend," Ricco said.

"So fucking what, that doesn't help us much," Donato said sipping on his vodka filled glass.

Ricco smiled at his brother. "Maybe not, but the motherfucking tracker that is on the car and the key fob does."

Donato nodded. "Maybe there is hope after all."

_"It takes a simple man many attempts, to overturn every stone."_

## 7

# Sticks and Stones

_"Channel your anger, never let it dictate your decisions."_

Anthony knew it was only a matter of time before the mafia would locate the car. He had known all along it was a one-shot deal. It would give them time. He just had to stay one step in front of them.

Paige was the problem. Her attitude got worse, not better. To listen to her, you would not think her life was in danger. Just stubborn as fuck, and dragging her feet at every opportunity. Anthony was trying hard, but she seemed not to care, somehow.

"You sound worse than my fucking Mom ever did," Paige snapped.

"Don't blame me, I am just trying to do my job,' Anthony replied.

"You're too fucking anally retentive, you know that!" Paige argued sharply.

"It has to be done my way, if we do it any other way, it will be game over."

"Why don't you just wait here and shoot the fuckers as they come through the door?" Paige asked sarcastically.

"And you think that would stop them coming?"

"Well, I am just sick of the whole damn thing. I just feel like fucking off and running for it," she said. "I am too fucking stifled living like this." Her voice was shrill and full of anger.

"How do you wish me to proceed?" Anthony questioned Paige.

"Just do your job and keep out of my space. You're getting all fucking clingy to me. It's not fucking normal. Yuck," she said.

Paige walked over to the bunk and buried her head in a pillow.

She lifted her head. "It's no fucking life you know," she barked from the bunk.

Anthony walked toward Paige on the bunk. Without lifting her head, she snapped, "I can hear your footsteps, fuck off away from me."

"We have to move in the morning, and we have to ditch the car and the keys," Anthony said, seriously.

Paige spun over and glared into Anthony's eyes. "You have to be fucking kidding me. I have had the thing less than a fucking month," she snarled.

"I don't think any harm will come to it. Once they find it, they will just leave it where it is," Anthony said.

Paige glared at Anthony. "That's not the point, and you know it."

"It is the way it has to be," he replied, in truth.

"Take the tracker off the car?" Paige said.

"That won't help us, they won't come here. Which in turn won't allow us to move somewhere else," Anthony explained.

"I think you fucking enjoy this too much. You look at me as just an object to play with," Paige barked. "Just because you quit the police force." Her eyes were full of anger.

"You nasty fucking..." Anthony began to say.

"Go on say it, if it makes you feel better. I can handle it," Paige yelled.

"I would, but it is not professional," Anthony said more quietly.

"It looks like I have touched a nerve about the police force, what happened? You couldn't handle the pressure?" Paige said quizzing him.

"It's none of your business why; just be thankful I am the good guy in all of this," he said. He was getting pissed with her ungrateful attitude.

Paige sat on the edge of the bunk. "You're so full of shit. I bet you only took this job because you couldn't get another."

"Just leave it. You will regret saying too much," Anthony pressed. He was feeling tense, now.

He turned his back to walk away. Paige stood and put her hands on her hips.

"Is that how you handle it? By running away?" Paige yelled.

Anthony turned slowly and walked up to Paige. Their eyes inches apart. "You're a mean and spiteful... shallow, self-centered good for nothing, vixen," Anthony spit out.

"Sticks and stones will break my bones," Paige said acting slightly scared at his anger.

"If you want your space, just take all the fucking space you need. I have had it," Anthony said.

Anthony turned his back on Paige and started to walk toward the door. "You fucken coward," Paige yelled.

Anthony ignored her calls.

"Go on, fuck off and don't fucking come back," Paige screamed.

Anthony walked out of the door and let it gently close behind him. His mind was swimming in circles. Anthony sat and thought about their next couple of moves. It would not be long before the mafia had their eyes everywhere. He had to do something drastic. Something that would really throw them off the scent.

He needed someone's help. Someone he could trust with his life. After all, that was what he was playing with. He had one option. Anthony knew the one person who could help him. But not yet; too early and they could be at risk. Soon though, he would need to contact them very soon.

Anthony began to run over the moves in his head. One by one the details slipped into place. He planned move after move, and if everything slotted into place then he could keep in front of the mafia.

But as Seymour had asked him, how long could they live like this? Something had to be done to stop the search, or to take away the need for the Sorrenti's looking for them. That was a much bigger piece of the puzzle, yet it could solve all the answers.

There was no way he would be able to stop the family looking. Even the whole police force would struggle to topple the Sorrenti's. They would have to move in the morning. Once the tracking company had found the cars unit. It would only be a matter of minutes before they had a location.

Anthony walked back inside. "Listen up," he shouted. "We move at seven am in the morning."

Paige rolled over on her bunk. Her eyes were full of tears.

"Anthony. I just want to s..." she began to say.

"Not interested, we will do it all your way," he snapped.

Paige wiped her face. "I was wrong."

"No Paige, you were so god-damned right."

The tracking company had opened, and Luigi had been sitting on the doorstep waiting. He had so kindly coerced the kid in the store to locate the politician's daughter. He dashed back to see Ricco and Donato and went to pass on the information. Luigi ran into the hideout and knocked on Donato's office door.

"Boss, I have the location. I would have been earlier, but the traffic was a killer," Luigi said, out of breath.

Donato looked at Luigi. "I know it is early and all that, and it is rush hour. But did you ever consider using the telephone?" he snapped.

"Sorry Boss, I was just too damned excited to tell you," he replied.

"Out with it, where is it?" Donato asked.

Luigi pulled out a piece of paper, "There are actually two locations. One stationary and the other one is moving, but stops every couple of miles."

Donato pulled out the city map and asked Luigi to show him the locations.

"This is the one that is moving, along this line," he said.

"You mean, up the train tracks?" Donato said.

"Yeah, that's it. Maybe they hopped on the train?" Luigi asked.

Donato glared at Luigi, "Or they stashed the key fob on the train?"

"I never thought of that," Luigi said, feeling stupid.

"And where is the other location?" Donato said, getting impatient.

"Right about here," he said pointing at the map.

"Interesting, down by the docks," Donato said, thinking. "Get a couple of men and follow the train track, just to make sure."

"Right you are, Boss. What shall I do if I see them?" Luigi asked.

"You grab hold of them, and you bring them back here?" Donato instructed. "Fuck, did you really not get that, already?"

Luigi finally grasped the meaning of kidnapping. "Right you are, Boss."

Luigi left the office as Ricco entered.

Donato stood. "Don't bother sitting down, we have a location."

"Where we off to then?" Ricco asked.

"After all that searching, we are only needing to go to the docks," Donato explained.

"That fat fuck of a politician has some sneaky fucker helping him that's for sure. We have looked almost everywhere apart from under our very own noses," Ricco said stupidly.

Donato pulled open his drawer and pulled out his pistol. He shoved it in the waist of his pants as he walked from the office.

"Grab a team and tell them to meet us there," he said.

Ricco rushed into the lounge area and grabbed half a dozen mobsters. They ran from the room armed to the teeth.

Donato sat waiting in the Range Rover as Ricco came running from the rear of the building.

"Either they are still here, or Luigi should catch them at one of the stops for the train," Donato said quickly.

He floored the gas, and the Range Rover lunged forward. A two-ton hunk of metal flying towards the docks at over a hundred was watched used by them. The rain filled puddles emptied, as the huge tires spread the water like Moses spreading the Red Sea.

Donato slowed and moved 'round the corner of the building. He drove slowly down the street. The Range Rover inched closer to the large wrought iron gates. Ricco and Donato glance through the arch.

"The car is still there," Ricco mumbled.

They parked up and walked toward the iron gate.

Ricco rattled the gate. "We will have to pull these fuckers off their hinges."

"Wait till the guys are here," Donato whispered.

The Land Rover crept up behind them. Ricco signaled for them to reverse to the gate. The Land Rover reversed as the guys hitched up a chain.

Ricco signaled for the driver to step on the gas. The land rover plunged forward. The four-wheel drive gripped the cobbled street. The gates creaked and started to buckle. The tires now smoking and screeching.

"This won't do it, we need another vehicle," Donato said.

Ricco signaled for a second Land Rover to hitch up to the first. A short chain linked the two vehicles. The drivers hit the gas as they slowly pulled forward. The large black gates slowly began to pull at the bricks. Rubble fell to the floor as the gates lunged. The two vehicles kept shooting forward.

"Watch it," Ricco shouted.

The second Land Rover slowly nudged the first over the edge of the dock. The door opened, and the driver leaped into the icy cold water.

"Where the fuck did we get them from?" Donato asked.

"They must be related to Luigi," Ricco said.

"Fuck the Land Rover for the moment, we need to get inside," Donato said pulling his gun from his pants.

They walked under the archway and crept up to the door. One of the mobsters took his shotgun and blasted the door handle from the door.

Donato raised his hands to his head. "No. I don't fucking believe it," he said.

Ricco stood beside him as they faced a building that had been demolished. The whole area was a pile of rubble.

"The sneaky fucker has given us the slip again. It was all a setup," Donato shouted to Ricco. "Fuck!"

"I will get Luigi on the phone and tell him to come home," Ricco said.

"Fuck him, let him stand there for a few hours," Donato said.

"They knew we were coming, and they knew we were coming today," Ricco said. "Who is the fucker who is helping them?" His eyes were glaring with rage.

They stood in the doorway and watched as the caterpillars drove backward and forward spreading the rubble to a flat surface.

Donato shook his head in disbelief. "He is either a smart motherfucker, or we have a mole in the camp," he said angrily.

"I will get everyone together, there is no harm in checking," Ricco said

Donato shoved his gun back into his pants. They walked through the doorway and headed to the arch. No one thought to look up. They would have seen three smiling faces watching from the fourth-floor window. One fat guy, one girl, and one really, super-smart bodyguard.

_"Channel your anger, never let it dictate your decisions."_

## 8

# Reality Bites

_"From every reaction, you can make your next action."_

Seymour had been amazed at the cunningness of Anthony, he had been very astute in his thinking of how to avoid the mafia. They had leads, yet they all fell short when it came to the crux of the matter.

They watched the mafia as they tried to drag the one Land Rover that was still hanging into the dock. It had been a real comedy of errors on their behalf, but it gave plenty of entertainment for Seymour and Paige.

Anthony had many more tricks up his sleeve to keep the mafia guessing. Just hiding would not be enough and an element of confusion had to be introduced, and then they would not be able to form a realistic search plan to find them.

"You don't think they will check any of the other buildings?" Seymour asked.

Anthony grinned, "Not a chance, once they opened that door and just saw the demolition site, all manner of rage and confusion will have set in."

"Well, either way, it just shows they mean business, armed men and vehicles full of them," Seymour said, still worried.

Anthony sat on the old moth-eaten couch. "Reality bites, and now both of you have seen that this is not a game anymore."

"I would never have thought their reaction would be this strong when I pushed the bill through," Seymour said.

"I don't want to state the obvious, but this is only one family at the moment, what happens if all the others follow suit?" Anthony remarked.

Seymour sat on the couch, his large, portly frame sinking into the old tattered foam. "What have I done?" he asked, upset by his own actions.

"Apparently, you have done the right thing, it is the only way to stand up to people like this. Hit them where it hurts," Anthony replied.

Anthony lifted his gaze and looked at the silhouette of Paige's body against the window. Her lithe body was like a portrait against the morning light that shone from over the docks. She turned to face into the room, the shape of her breasts catching his eye.

Anthony had a sense that this was becoming more than just a job, he was protecting someone who had stirred emotions up deep inside him. Emotions that he had not felt for years. One day he hoped they would be safe enough where he could let these emotions take over. So, he himself, could explore them.

"Paige, come away from the window please," Seymour said.

Paige nodded and made her way over to one of the bunks.

"Anthony, I need you to assure me, that you will take care of Paige, no matter what happens to me?" His face was pale. This had been a most exhausting time.

"I will do everything in my power to make sure you both come out of this," Anthony replied, truthfully. He paced and thought about everything in his mind.

"Thank you," said Seymour.

"It's my job," said Anthony, believing in his training more than ever, now.

"Well, so far, I am inclined to believe that we will be okay. Our lives may be different, but we will be safe," Seymour said putting his hand on Anthony's shoulder.

Anthony patted Seymour's back. "Just leave everything up to me," he said, trying to make him feel as calm as he could.

"So, what is the next move?" Seymour slumped back on the couch.

"We will be safe here until the morning, the mafia may have left someone watching the car in case we came back to it," Anthony explained.

"So, how do we get out if there is only one entrance?" Seymour asked.

"This building leads all the way to the opposite side of the block. This side is just used for the workers' entrance," Anthony explained.

"And all this is yours?"

"It is indeed, it was given as a bonus by one client," Anthony said.

"What could you do that deserved a bonus of this magnitude?" Seymour asked.

Anthony faced Seymour. He was not one to brag about what he had done in the past. It was true, he had done more than his fair share of protecting. It was also true that his life had been in danger on more than one occasion.

Anthony sighed. "It was a family of five. The guy was the CEO of a billion-dollar company. He did an overnight takeover of another corporation. The company was a front for one of the cartels in Columbia."

"A very similar sort of situation?" Seymour asked.

"It is in a way, the Columbians though, they don't care who they hurt to get what they want," Anthony explained.

"I know all about the Columbians. So how did you manage to solve that one?" Seymour asked intently.

"I must apologize, I never divulge how I do it, it's sort of a client confidentiality thing." Anthony peered down to the streets below. Everything was hush-hush for right now.

Seymour smiled. "Okay, no problem. I just thought I would ask."

Anthony had missed his morning workout because they had changed location from the ground floor where the equipment was. He decided to make full use of the lull in the events and do some exercise, now.

Paige watched as Anthony peeled off his shirt, her gaze was glued, obviously fixed on his magnificent rampant body as he began his workout routine.

Anthony hung from a disused water pipe. The hard muscles of his arms bunched as he slowly raised his Italian, god-like body. The muscles in his chest evenly matched the tightness of his abdomen. Paige sat comfortably and watched secretly. Seymour was napping in an armchair. The beams of light began highlighting Anthony's hard, chiseled features. She gasped silently as his muscles rippled beneath the surface of his skin as he pulled himself up and down, effortlessly.

Ripples flowed from his arms and his stomach as he raised his legs, horizontally. He hung in position, paused and focused. Anthony's body quivered as he lowered his muscled legs. Paige marveled over his muscular torso. He was her protector and the one she had started to yearn for... to hold her tight. The guy her imagination couldn't control.

Anthony's muscular torso tensed and relaxed. Paige stared at his resilient muscles and had not noticed she was being watched. She lifted her eyes. Anthony was gazing back at her as she watched him push his body through a tortuous regime. She licked her lips and bowed her head. Momentarily, she gazed away before she looked from the corner of her eye again. She found it hard not to look at him. A perfect, well-defined stallion of pure masculinity.

Anthony stood in the sunlight, the smooth, bronze expanse of his streamlined muscled body shone before her. He wiped his face on his towel and looked toward Paige.

Anthony walked slowly past her. "Time for a long, hot shower now," he murmured.

Paige felt her body come alive at the thought of him... naked and wet, soaping himself like a perfect, human, masculine god. She just couldn't stop thinking about him like a piece of "meat." Lusting, wanting and beckoning to be inside of her. Taking her and finally making her a woman. She craved him, unexpectedly so.

Anthony had constructed a makeshift shower for their stay. The building sprinkler system had been rigged to provide running water. A bare bulb hung from an overhead girder, and a translucent shower curtain stretched across a part of the wall.

Paige laid on her bunk and faced the shower. Anthony flicked on the light and stood behind the curtain. The silhouette of his body filled the translucent plastic as the light shone against his body.

Paige laid her head on her pillow and watched. Anthony slipped from his jogging pants and stood under the light. The outline of his body burning into her gaze.

_Jesus Christ, his body is like a temple, and I would just love to pray there,_ Paige thought. _If I was religious._

She glanced at the socket on the wall. Her cell phone had finished charging. Paige picked it up and pushed the power button. She laid back on the bunk and continued to watch Anthony's body as he soaped himself all over. The silhouette making her feel... _aroused?_ Her pussy was actually feeling... _moist?_ She couldn't believe it. She'd never been like that before. Not for any other guy. She needed to understand. Her body was sending way too many signals.

_Fuck, I wish he was soaping me all over,_ she thought.

Anthony turned into the light. The outline of his manhood caught her eye. Her pussy clenched onto nothing, like it knew she needed him inside her.

_Mmm, hello there..._

Paige scrolled to Angie's number. She licked her lips and placed the phone under her ear. The line connected as Angie spoke on the line.

"Paige, where the fuck are you? I have been trying to contact you?" Angie said plainly.

"I am safe, we are hiding from the mafia, it appears. God, they are dead set on kidnapping me to get Dad to quash the bill he put in place," Paige replied.

Her hand ran over her belly and she wanted to touch herself. She quietly sighed.

"Are you okay?" Angie asked.

Paige grinned to herself. "I am more than okay. Anthony is in the shower, and I can see the outline of his naked body."

Angie sounded excited. "Describe it to me," she said.

"You're a dirty girl, Angie," Paige replied.

"I don't care, I want to know more," Angie giggled.

"He is washing his hair. His arms are raised and I can see the bulge of his biceps. His broad shoulders and his body taper down to his slender hips," Paige explained.

"I wish you could see through the shower curtain. More details please," Angie asked.

Paige felt her own arousal growing as she continued. She said, "I can tell his stomach is flat and that it's solid muscle. Oh, Angie, his perfect hips. Damn his hips; I'm sure he could do some serious thrusting with those beauties," Paige murmured.

"Holy fuck, this is like phone porn, I can't believe it, you will have me wet soon!" Angie exclaimed.

"Calm down it is only a showe..." Paige began to say.

"What's wrong?' Angie asked.

"Nothing at all, he has just turned around, he is washing his thing, the outline. Ooh, it looks big," Paige said, licking her lips.

"You can see his motherfucking cock?" Angie screamed.

"Shush, you can hear a pin drop here," Paige said.

_Wow, what a yummy cock it looks like,_ Paige thought as she teased the peak of her breast. Her dad was still asleep facing away from her, thank God.

"Paige, are you dribbling? I can hear you slurping," Angie asked.

"No, I am just thirsty,' Paige said lying.

"Tell me more? How big is his cock?" Angie asked.

"It looks a good double-handful from the way he is washing it," Paige whispered.

"Is he getting aroused while he is washing?" Angie asked.

"I reckon the damned water is probably too cold, but it is not hanging right down. It is hanging kind of away from his body," Paige explained.

"It sounds like he has a semi-erection. Oh, wow," Angie yelped. Her voice had a tone of sheer excitement.

"Holy fuck!" Paige quietly yelped.

"What's he done?" Angie asked.

"The shower curtain just stuck to his body, I could see his thing really clearly, just now," Paige said, feeling her thighs weaken.

_I wouldn't know what to do with that,_ Paige thought as her pink tips peaked underneath her bra.

Paige lifted her head from the pillow. "His stomach is so flat, not an ounce of fat." She fumbled her words, he was so hot.

"He is having a long shower. Do you think he knows you are watching?" Angie asked.

"I don't know, but I have been a real bitch to him. I keep telling him about my private space," Paige said plainly.

"You might have the chance to sample all of his wares if you treat him right," Angie commented.

"Come on, he is just an employee. He is just like any other g..."

Anthony bent over to pick up the soap. The shower curtain clung to his tight buttocks. With a surreal outset, the outline of his manhood swung between his parted legs.

"Oh, my life! Well, wow, I have never seen that before," Paige said.

"What now?" Angie asked, curiously. Her voice was increasing in pitch by the minute.

Paige sat on her bunk and leaned closer toward the shower. "The shower curtain just stuck to the cheeks of his ass. So firm and muscular," she said, "then, oh my God, the light just shone between his legs and I could see his thing hanging." Paige's eyes were wide and full of lust.

Paige wriggled her hips from the sense of arousal growing in her own body. The corrugated leanness of his body was enough to soften any harsh feeling she had for him invading her space. His body was something out of a 'hot guy' monthly calendar, or a steamy, sexy movie. A naughty kind of movie with subtitles, usually on at two am.

"Paige, are you still there? Angie asked.

"Yes, of course. I am just admiring his firm and slender body," Paige replied.

"You do realize that you are still a virgin," Angie said, hinting to her with obvious encouragement.

"I am in the physical sense, but mentally... shit, I feel like a real whore," Paige said.

"You and me both, the mental picture I have of him now. Fuck, he could take me any way he wanted me," Angie said with delight.

"Angie, I have to go,' Paige said.

"Why, what's wrong?" Angie asked.

"Anthony has just called me," Paige said.

"He wants you to join him?" Angie asked.

"No such luck, he has forgotten his towel," Paige replied.

"Bye, porn star!" Angie laughed and hung up the phone.

_"From every reaction, you can make your next action."_

## 9

# Three Coffees to Go

_"Walls have ears, and they tell lots of tales."_

Anthony had woken up at his usual time. Preparations had to be made for their next move. He had carried all the bags to the far side of the building. An old battered van was stored in the underground carpark.

He reached behind the wheel and fumbled in the dark. He heard the faint chink of metal on metal as his fingers touched the keys. He started the engine. Black smoke billowed from the tailpipe, the acrid smell filled the small garage like soot.

Anthony opened the side door of the van and placed the bags inside. He jumped into the van and opened the padlocked crate. Cash and guns had remained where he had placed them. He felt a little more at ease, now that he knew they had a little more protection.

The buzzer sounded on the main door. He edged along the brick wall. The kid was wearing a beige shirt and a red cap. He opened the door. His gun he held tightly against the wood. The kid had no idea he was mere inches away from something that could end his life in a moment.

"Delivery for Tony?" the kid asked.

"That's me," Anthony replied.

"Three full breakfasts with coffee. Creamer and sugar are in the bag," the kid said.

Anthony placed the gun in his waistband. "How much?' he asked.

The kid pulled the receipt. "Eighteen thirty," he said, adjusting the cap on his mop of ginger hair.

Anthony handed him a twenty. "I am feeling generous, keep the change."

"Thanks, Mr.," the kid said climbing back onto his bicycle.

Anthony checked the street and locked the door. He walked back to the van and removed the key from the ignition. He climbed the stairs to the fifth floor and walked through the empty building. He headed toward the fire exit at the far end. Dust kicked up into a small storm under his feet as he stood on the old wooden floorboards.

He reached the fire exit and could see the Mini that sat below him. It came to him in a flash. How he could make another diversion.

He walked down the stairs and started to wake Paige and Seymour. Anthony knelt at the side of Paige's bunk and shook her shoulder. She stirred under his touch. Her tongue licked her beautiful swollen lips, as she opened one eye. He gazed past the green color and saw the soft girl that hid behind them. Paige stretched her arms backward; her breasts heaved forward. Anthony smiled.

"Breakfast is served," he said.

"I can smell food and coffee," Seymour mumbled from his bunk.

They all sat at the table and tucked into their bacon and eggs with toast. It was divinity. A meal straight from heaven.

"Any news from your office?" Anthony asked Seymour.

"My PA texted me, she has had at least thirty calls of threats. The feds are there, but the calls are just too short to trace," Seymour explained.

"They will probably use burner phones, so no real use trying to trace them," Anthony remarked.

"Where are we going next?" Paige asked plainly, fixing her hair.

"You will see. A need to know basis," Anthony replied.

"Don't you trust us? We're the ones who you are supposed to be protecting?" Paige asked. Her mouth added its usual pout.

"If you keep talking to Angie, like yesterday, no I won't," Anthony replied.

_Shit, I hope he didn't hear what I was saying,_ Paige thought as her cheeks started blushing.

"Just limit the contact to her or use texts, if they check your university, it won't take them long to find out she is your best friend," Anthony explained.

"Okay, your point is taken," Paige replied. The heat in her cheeks still remained.

"When you are ready, have a quick shower if you want, and then we will get moving," Anthony explained. He noticed Paige's red cheeks. She was devilishly cute.

"I will have a shower later," Paige said.

"Yeah, I didn't realize how clear that shower curtain would be," Anthony said, smiling at Paige. "And there's no door."

_Shit, he must have known I was watching, and he probably heard what I was saying to Angie... shit._

Anthony cleaned the area. It appeared as if no one had been there for a few days. He dismantled the shower and spread dust over the floor to hide their tracks. He backed Paige and Seymour to the fire exit like a man on a mission. The door clicked close behind Anthony. He was in stealth mode, now.

"Up one floor," he said looking at the Mini below them.

"Are we just going to leave my car?" Paige asked.

"It will be fine, I have a special treat in store for that," Anthony replied with a semi-smile.

They walked up the fire stairs. Anthony stared at the cheeks of Paige's ass as she walked. Her cheeks wiggled and Anthony smiled to himself about the view. They crossed the old, wooden floorboards and entered the other side of the building.

"Down to the basement," Anthony explained.

They walked down the five flights of stairs. The door opened to the basement. Anthony nodded toward the rust colored van that took up the solitary parking space.

He opened the side door. Paige and Seymour climbed into the back. He closed the door behind them and jumped into the driver's seat. The engine started, and he drove toward the exit gate. He pushed a button and the roller gate lifted into the ceiling.

He paused the van and threw the bag of rubbish into a nearby dumpster. He waited until the gate fully lowered and pulled the van into the street. Anthony drove the van in silence. He heard Paige mumbling with her dad. The next stepping stone to avoiding the mafia was only minutes away. The one sure person who Anthony could trust.

He slowly pulled into the parking lot, the van stopped by the side exit. Seymour pulled the side door of the van open, cautiously. He pushed the door open and threw the bags through the doorway; they landed inside the building effortlessly. Paige and Seymour quickly ran into the building.

Anthony parked the van and made his way back to the doorway. He walked inside, the look of astonishment suddenly filled the faces of Seymour and Paige.

"I would like you to meet my dear old friend. He has taught me everything I know," Anthony said. "Both of you, this is Mickey Connell, better known as Pops."

Paige came walking back from around the boxing ring. Her face screwed up as the smell of sweat melted into every fiber of the building.

"Are you sure it's safe here?" Paige asked.

"It is the safest place I know," Anthony replied. He looked like he was home.

"This guy, how do you know? I mean, are you sure you can trust him?" she asked.

Pops held his hand up. Paige gazed at the three disfigured fingers.

"Donato Sorrenti, forty years ago. That prick smashed my hand to fuck, so any chance to get the prick back, I will gladly help," Pops said plainly.

"Why did he do that?" Paige asked.

"Because Missy, I didn't do as he said," Pops replied. He could see Paige was untrusting of him. He was used to it.

"And he is the one who is after me?" Paige asked.

"It is, he is the one who your dad has pissed off," Anthony added. He looked like at Pops like he was his hero dad.

"Fuck him!" Paige muttered as she walked off around the gym.

"I think she will be trouble for you," Pops said.

"I thought that too, she has such a shitty attitude and is so in my face," Anthony said, laughing.

"Ah, that age-old monster rearing its ugly head. That means she likes you." Pops had a grin from ear to ear.

"Unlikely," said Anthony, now looking at Paige wandering around like she owned the place.

"How long you planning on stopping?" Pops asked.

Anthony grinned, "That leads me into asking another favor from you," he said with a glint in his eyes.

Pops leaned on the side of the ring. "Fire away, anything to get back at that prick."

Anthony explained the next part of his plan. It would take Pops over a week to put things into place. And they were free to stay at the gym as long as they wanted. No one would find them here. There was only one person who knew Anthony had a connection to the place.

Vinnie. He got work from the same guy that offered Anthony work, and he was unsure just how trustworthy Vinnie was. He had Italian roots too, so the chance of a big payday might be just enough to offer his best friend up to the Sorrenti's. He had to think ahead.

"You can stay as long as it takes, the third floor has separate rooms, but the shower will have to be down here I'm afraid," Pops explained.

"That's not a problem at all. We'll just come down before or after the gym has opened," Anthony said.

"Does anyone else know you took this job?" Pops asked.

"Only you and Vinnie," he replied.

"Hmm, I never really trusted him deep down, I think he would jump at anyone who offered more. If he comes asking questions, I will let you know," Pops said.

"I knew I could rely on you, thanks man." Anthony hugged Pops to express his sincere thanks.

"Now you better get upstairs before the doors open, we don't want anyone poking their nose in," Pops said.

"Yes, thanks again." Anthony felt lucky to have Pops on his side.

"You're my boy. We are family, you and me."

Anthony tried to hold back the emotion he felt for Pops' words. He was like family. The best kind. He walked around the gym looking for Paige and Seymour. Seymour had sat down and was looking at all the old photos which lined the walls.

"Pops is quite a guy," Seymour said.

"He sure is, he paid his price to the Sorrenti's but ended up with this place. I think he thinks it was worth it," Anthony said.

"I quite agree," Seymour said.

"If your grab your stuff, we are up on the third floor, so go and settle yourself in." Seymour grabbed his bag and walked toward the old stairs. He opened the door, and his large footprints echoed around the gym.

Anthony looked for Paige. He could not see her anywhere. He passed the locker room and heard the shower running. He walked inside and he could see Paige standing naked under a streaming jet of hot water. He couldn't look away.

He sat on the bench and watched her shower. Her skin pinked under the heat of the water. Her long, soaked, blonde hair clung to her damp back. Her rose colored ass was perfectly formed like a juicy peach.

Paige picked up the soap and lathered her arms, then her arms moved in front of her as she soaped her breasts.

Anthony coughed and she turned her head. "What the fuck are you doing in here?' Paige yelled, covering her breasts then realizing her vagina was still on show. She turned to the wall, then realized her ass was obvious.

Anthony smiled at her shyness. He acted like it didn't affect him. "In about ten minutes, this room will be full of kids very eager to smack those punching bags. What better way to start the day than with them catching you in their shower?" Anthony said. He now had a sly grin plastered on his face.

"You just don't let up do you, you're always in my face," Paige yelled. Her hands moved from her breasts to her ass and then down to her vagina. "There's no god-damn doors! It's like the tradesmen just forgot to finish their work."

Anthony laughed. She grabbed the large sponge and held it between her legs. Her arms were now folded trying to hide her nipples.

"Will you stop fucking looking at me, it is creepy," she yelled.

"I am only human, it's not like I am going to take advantage of you," Anthony replied.

_I would love to just jump under that shower though..._ thought Anthony.

"Just fucking look away from me, give me some freedom and a little bit of space," Paige snapped. "God-damn bodyguard, son-of-a-bitch... pervert!"

"Language, Paige. Was it not twenty-four seven? I have to watch you, your dad said. Remember?" Anthony grinned as he admired her anger. He was taken by her body. At least the parts he could see.

Paige inched her way toward her towel. "You're such a smug fucker sometimes."

"That's fine coming from a spoilt brat," Anthony answered plainly. He roared a belly laugh.

"At least I am not being a pervert and watching you in the shower," Paige barked.

"Do you want to rephrase that sentence?" Anthony asked.

"There is nothing wrong with the sentence," Paige screamed.

"What about yesterday?" Anthony grinned.

"What about yesterday?" she asked.

"Angie, I can see him washing his thing. How does that sound?" Anthony couldn't contain his laughter. He had caught her out.

Paige lifted her arms and went to swing at Anthony. Her still wet, silk-like body fell toward him as she stepped on the soap. Anthony sprang to his feet and stretched out his arms. Anthony caught Paige as she fell toward the floor. Her young body, rosy and damp, hung in Anthony's grasp.

"So, as you were saying... um, about invading space?" Anthony asked. His cock was sending him untoward messages.

Paige tried to wriggle from Anthony's grip. "Just fucking put me down and hand me my god-damned towel. Anthony!!"

"I love it when you call my name. It's totally hot," said Anthony slowly bringing her body back up to normal level.

"Ugh!"

_"Walls have ears, and they tell lots of tales."_

## 10

# Headless Chickens

_"The art of confusion is making someone chase their own ass."_

Donato called another meeting. They had turned up zilch in their search for the girl and her politician father. Eyes on the street had come to nothing. No one had heard anything and no one had seen anything. It was as if they were ghosts. Like they had vanished into thin air.

Donato placed his fingertips on the monolithic slab of slate. White marks appeared under his nails as he drew his fingers toward him across the table.

"Why the fuck can we not find them?" Donato shouted.

"They have gone Boss, they must be deep underground and not moving around anywhere," Luigi said.

Donato looked around the table. The mobsters sat in the shadows again. He slammed a revolver on the table. The clank of metal grated on the slate; the metallic sound filling the room.

"I have heard that the politician is still managing to run his fucking office, how the fuck can he do that without us knowing where he is?" he screamed.

"He either has a phone or an internet connection," a voice called out.

"Well if he does, I want to know about it, don't just wait to find out what he is doing, find out how is fucking doing it," Donato bellowed.

"We have tried all the normal contacts, they have no idea," a voice said.

"Think outside the box, get someone in his office and make them talk, they must know how he contacts them," he said. His face was getting angrier as the minutes ticked by.

Ricco leaned into the light. "Don't just think of the dad, think about the girl. What did she do? Think schools, universities, who are her friends? She is not just a nobody," he shouted.

"Yeah, concentrate on the daughter, she is more likely to have a trail back to her," Donato said.

A cell phone rang at the end of the table. They all looked at Luigi. He picked up his phone and put it to his ear.

"Yeah, okay. When?" he said.

Donato and Ricco glared at Luigi, he raised his hand as he listened.

"And it is going where?" he asked.

Everyone was silent.

"Okay, keep me posted when it stops," he said.

Donato leaned onto the table, his eyes glared. "I hope that wasn't your momma?"

"No, it was the kid from the vehicle tracking company. The girl's car is moving," he replied.

"I fucking knew it, they must have watched until we'd gone and returned for it. We should have torched the thing there and then," Ricco snarled.

"Well, where the fuck is it going?" Donato asked, getting impatient.

Luigi leaned into the light. "It's headed toward Long Island."

"What the fuck is at Long Island?" Donato asked.

"As soon as it stops we will have a location, the kid is going to call me," Luigi said, trying to reassure Donato.

Donato took a cigar and clipped the end off. He flicked the lighter and puffed, the cigar glowed. Plumes of thick smoke blew across the table toward the beams of light that filtered in through the window.

"You dumb fucks are not getting any answers, we have until next week to try and sort this, or the rest of the families are coming to town," Donato said angrily. "Luigi is the dumbest fucker here, and he has at least been doing something, what does that tell you all?" His eyes were full of fury.

Donato leaned back in his chair and puffed on his cigar. He explained there and then, he wanted information from each and every one of the mobsters before they left the room. The voices one by one filled the room. The nervous comments gave no confidence to Donato or Ricco that anything had been done to find the pair who were so far off the grid. A politician and his daughter were, it seemed, missing. Except for the Long Island lead from the 'village idiot,' Luigi. That lead might not have even been true for all Donato knew.

The silence was filled with the ring of Luigi's phone. He picked it up again and listened to the voice on the end of the line.

"It has stopped, and it is where?" Luigi shouted.

Luigi slammed his cell phone on the table.

"Boss. That was the kid. The car has stopped," Luigi said sheepishly.

Donato rocked in his chair.

"From that short answer, I am not going to like what you are about to tell me, am I?" Donato asked.

"The car has been towed back to the dealership where it was bought," Luigi said.

Donato picked up the gun and fired off a round in the direction of Luigi, his cell phone instantly disintegrated as the bullet ricocheted off the table. Luigi threw his arms and legs in the air as he fell from his chair.

"Luigi, get yourself a new fucking cell. And hopefully, the new one will bring fucking good news," Donato screamed.

"Yes Boss," he replied. He checked his body for holes. Thankfully, none were there.

"And on your way. Pass by the dealer and find out who ordered that fucking tow truck," Donato yelled, still waving the loaded gun.

He placed the gun back on the cold slab of slate. Smoke was still pouring from the barrel.

"Ricco, you need to do something. This cunt-politician is toying with us. If we don't find them, we are all as good as dead," Donato said quietly.

Ricco nodded to his brother. "Come on you lot, you heard the man. Get back to fucking work, bring us some answers," he said clapping his hands.

The room slowly emptied. Faint sounds of muttering could be heard as the mobsters chatted amongst themselves. Donato and Ricco sat facing each other.

"Ricco, I am a fucking worried man. I have no idea how this is gonna end," Donato said quietly.

"We will sort it, we always do," Ricco replied. He cut another cigar and handed it to Donato.

Donato snubbed his finished cigar into the ashtray, his fat fingers twisted as he pushed viciously into the ash. He lighted up the new one.

"This time, I am not so sure. All the news is coming from Luigi, surely the others can find something out." he said quietly.

"I will check the girl, she must have friends. And I will go with Luigi to see what is happening at the garage, someone there must know something," Ricco replied.

Donato stood and placed his hand on Ricco's shoulder. "Let's just find this son-of-a-bitch and end it once and for all."

Anthony stood by the window and thought about the whole situation. Keeping the mafia running around like headless chickens was fun, but it would not last forever. There had to be a point, where there had to be an end to it all.

He felt like this was his calling. The chance to finally put it all right. He had lost Alisa just a couple of years ago, but he had not had closure against all of the ones responsible for her passing. This was the step; he could make whoever was responsible pay. He had still not found out who was in charge. He didn't know who made the decisions all those years ago.

It could be any number of families who had arranged for the ship to be at the docks. If only one had survived, he could have questioned them. None of the families had shown any signs of retaliation at all back then.

Anthony rubbed his hand over his shirt. His firm touch rubbed the spot where he had Alisa's name tattooed on his chest. He would never forget, he would always remember what they had between each other. She was special, no other woman had affected him in the same way. She was his whole heart. He had the tattoo right there on it.

Anthony removed his hand from his chest and scratched his head.

_How the fuck can Paige be so much like Alisa?_ he thought.

Paige was just like the woman he had loved so much. It was like he was being punished, but being given signs of a second chance. It made him feel good and strange at the same time. Anthony had no idea how to proceed in that direction... whatsoever.

What had concerned him though, was the arousal he had felt when he had been close to Paige. He could get confused and lose his focus. She had really started to get under his skin. He would even fall asleep thinking about Paige, and then as always, at four am, he woke thinking of another. His beloved Alisa.

Anthony was worried they would blend into one... and that Paige would be the victor in his mind. Or that his thoughts of Alisa would suddenly be gone. He did not want to forget her. He was happy Paige was such a bitch most of the time. This behavior from her would keep his feelings in check for a while. But wow, she really did look and have the same mannerisms as Alisa did. It was truly uncanny.

They had been driving for a short time. "Hey, pervert, what are you looking at?" Paige asked. She sidled up beside Anthony. Paige looked through the window. She looked out onto the freeway. The place seemed familiar.

"That's the dealership where I got my car from," she said.

"It is. You are so smart," Anthony replied, sarcastically.

Paige didn't notice his sarcasm. "I wondered where we were hiding. I had no idea it was this way, I thought we had gone further away from Brooklyn," she said.

"Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer,' Anthony remarked.

"Is that not dangerous? I mean, being so close to the mafia? It only takes one person to see us, and it will all be over," said Paige.

Seymour was asleep in the van. He couldn't help but be exhausted.

Anthony faced Paige and looked into her green eyes. "There are only two other people who know I have this job. The guy who gave it to me and Vinnie, my supposed best friend," Anthony explained.

"Why do you say _supposed_ best friend?" she asked.

"In this situation, I am not so certain. I would say there is a bounty for any information leading to you and your dad. I have to test Vinnie's loyalty, but I have to be careful, he won't just fall for anything," Anthony said.

His gaze went back to the garage across the freeway.

"Look!" he said.

Paige put her hands in front of her and rested her head on the glass. As she breathed the glass misted from her breath.

"That's my car on the tow truck," she said.

He parked the van, slowly. "Watch a little longer; any time now," Anthony said.

He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and sighed. His eyes now fixed on the events across the road. He felt like he was in a game of minds. His and the mafia's kingpin.

They stood in silence and watched. A large, black, four-wheel drive pulled into the parking lot. Four guys jumped out from the vehicle and looked around the car. One went to speak to the tow truck driver.

"I reckon his conversation will be. 'Hey, who asked you to bring this car here?'" Anthony said smiling.

"And what will his answer be?" Paige asked, curiously.

_Why can't you be like this all the time Paige? God, it makes things so much easier for all of us when you're... normal._

"Well, the guy will have to call his office; and they will tell him it was a Mrs. Delaney," Anthony said.

Paige lifted her head from the glass and turned to Anthony. "Who is Mrs. Delaney?" she asked.

"Nobody special. A false identity. If they try and trace her, they will be led to a PO Box," Anthony said quietly, trying not to wake the snoring Seymour. "I created her years ago, any transactions I do, it is her credit card I use." His eyes were gleaming from his own ingenuity.

Paige looked closer at Anthony's eyes. "Your eyes are sparkling, they normally look dead," Paige remarked.

"This situation just makes me feel uplifted," Anthony said, lying.

_Fuck, I was thinking about you Paige, I always seem to be thinking about you, actually._

Paige returned her gaze to the dealership. The four guys jumped back into the SUV. The car headed off to the address the tow truck driver had just handed them.

"So, what now? How long are we here for?" Paige asked.

"It will be a while before the next step is in place. But we are safe here," Anthony said.

"How can you be so sure?" She was feeling safe with Anthony. But she was still the boss, in her mind, anyway.

"Because I said so. Now settle yourself in and make the best of it," Anthony said plainly.

Paige furrowed her brow and huffed. She angled herself away from the window and faced Anthony.

"You always think you know what is best, you are always so fucking high and mighty and think you are cleverer than all of us," Paige yelled. "I fucking hate being stuck in one place like this." Her green eyes were full of hopeless rage. Seymour nearly woke, but he was dog tired so he stayed asleep but gave a loud snort.

"Don't wake your dad," said Anthony.

"Shut it, bodyguard boy!" Paige looked away from Anthony and he laughed under his breath. She was definitely going to be the end of him, there was nothing truer in his mind, right now.

_"The art of confusion is making someone chase their own ass."_

## 11

# Mixed Emotions

_"Be like water, let yourself flow."_

"Stick and move, stick and move," Pops yelled.

The punches flew forward into the pad that Pops firmly held against his chest.

"Show me a combination, one two, one two, upper cut," Pops barked. Pops leaned into the pad, his weight pushed forward to absorb the blows.

"Come on Seymour, show me what you are made of," he screamed.

Seymour pulled up his shorts over his large belly and rested his gloves on his knees.

"Geez Pops, I only asked how you trained so many good fighters, I wasn't on planning on being one of them," Seymour puffed, wildly.

"You need to be able to look after that fiery daughter of yours," Pops said dropping the pad to the floor.

"She can look after herself, she is a black belt in karate, she just never shows her skills," Seymour said.

Anthony glanced up from reading the newspaper at Seymour's comment.

_Damn, she was playing with me when she was punching the bag,_ Anthony thought.

"Come on Pops, let's do some more. If this doesn't kill me, it will make me slightly fitter," Seymour said. He was trying hard to look like he knew what he was doing.

Pops strapped on his pad. He leaned his weight forward.

"Channel your anger, don't let it consume you," Pops said.

Anthony looked up again. _How many times had he heard that said to fighters?_ He smiled as he raised his head. He watched Paige as she kicked the punching bag at the far side of the gym. He decided to go and test her and see if it was true regarding what Seymour had just said.

"Mind if I join you?" Anthony asked.

Paige glared at him with her green eyes. "You always butt in when you want, so what difference would it make?" she replied, keeping her focus.

Anthony picked up a couple of hand pads and stood on the crash mats. "Come on then, let's see what you have learned," Anthony said.

He banged the pads together then held them in front of his body. Paige gently punched the pads one after the other.

"Jesus Paige, your dad's doing better than you." Anthony laughed.

Paige glanced at her dad, his sweat-soaked shirt was sticking to his large body. His punches lunged toward Pops as he grunted and groaned. Paige snapped her head back toward Anthony and threw a combination into the pads.

"You still hit like a girl, where is that brattish anger you have?" Anthony yelled, mocking Paige.

"Aargh," Paige yelled.

_One. Two. One-two. Uppercut._

Paige's anger had started to rise. Anthony grinned to himself. He could see Paige was going to let loose with everything she had.

"Come on you spoilt brat, let it go," Anthony yelled.

Paige screamed and let loose with a spinning kick. Anthony blocked it with the pad. Her head bowed, and her long, silky hair fell over her head. Her punches rained into the pads.

"I fucking hate you," Paige screamed.

_One, two. Elbow, uppercut._

"Now we are getting somewhere," Anthony screamed.

"Take this fucker," Paige snarled.

She threw a combination and swiped her leg. She caught Anthony off guard. He stumbled backward and fell to the floor. Paige jumped on top of him and threw punches into the pads as Anthony held them firmly against his chest.

Anthony raised his hips sharply and twisted his body. Paige fell to the side and landed on her back. Anthony quickly straddled her body.

Paige's long blonde hair covered her face. She spit air forward and shook her head. Her hair fell to the side as she glared at Anthony as he sat above her smiling.

Paige laughed and thrust her hips upward. She freed her leg and wrapped it around Anthony's neck. He fell to the floor and his face was pushed hard into the mat. Paige grabbed his arm and pulled with all her strength.

Anthony slowly went to tap the mat. Paige loosened her grip. Anthony rolled his shoulder as Paige fell forward. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rolled her onto her back. His weight bore down on her legs. Paige was pinned to the floor. She finally tapped the mat in submission. Anthony stood back the victor and smiled.

_Fuck, she nearly had me,_ he thought.

"I knew you were holding back before," Anthony said.

"How do you know I wasn't holding back then?" she replied, in protest of his remark.

"Okay, you want to go again?" he asked.

Paige laughed. "What, and let you have perverted thoughts as you grapple my body?" she said sarcastically.

Anthony held out his arm to help Paige stand. She took hold of his fingers and swung her leg, it wrapped around Anthony's neck as he fell to the floor. She twisted her hips.

Anthony's arm bent. Paige had him in a classic, arm bar hold. She arched her back and pulled with all her strength. Anthony had no chance but to concede and tap the mat. Paige loosened her grip and rolled onto her back. Anthony rubbed his shoulder.

Paige smiled at him. "Use your enemy's thoughts of victory against them," she said.

"At least I now know you can protect yourself in a play fight, in a real fight I am not so sure," Anthony remarked.

"Just try me fucker," Paige said plainly.

Paige flicked off the small gloves and picked up her towel. She turned her head back to Anthony on the floor.

"I am going for a shower, I suppose you want to put the twenty-four-seven instruction into practice and stare at my naked body?" she asked, definitively.

"Well, I had considered it, but if you are going to complain, maybe I won't. Just don't slip on the soap this time." Anthony laughed.

"Well, I am past caring what you do, none of it makes any difference anyway," Paige said plainly.

"I think I will hit the showers, and I won't look at you, if you don't look at me," Anthony said. "Is that a deal?" His eyes were full of uncertainty.

Paige scoffed. "Okay, it's a deal, just make you stick to it," she said walking to the shower in a huff. Her ass looked tremendous in Lycra.

Paige lifted her head as the water flooded down onto her naked body. She pushed her long hair over her shoulders. Her eyes closed and the water pounded at her face. She could feel the streams of water running down her body.

_Anthony, you are such a prick,_ she thought.

She ran her fingers through her hair and glanced briefly over her shoulder. The expanse of Anthony's broad shoulders greeted her gaze. She bit her lip as her eyes ran down his body, secretly. His tapered body and his firm buttocks were heavenly. She felt her pussy clench, as if onto nothing. It wanted him... badly.

Paige sighed, she ran her hands over her breasts as she stared, and the cool water helped her pink tips bud under her touch.

"It has all gone quiet over there, are you watching?" Anthony yelled.

"No, I am washing myself," Paige replied.

She snapped her head back to face the wall. Her head bowed as she glanced at her hard nipples. She rubbed the soap over her flat belly, the lather was flowing down the soft, creamy skin of her inner thighs.

Anthony turned his head. He could see Paige standing with her head bowed. Her long, blonde hair looked darker wet. It fell over her face. Anthony admired the feminine shoulders of Paige. Her slender body curved toward her waist. Her womanly hips enticed his gaze as his eyes ran over her long, silky, wet, slender legs.

"Pervert, are you looking at me?" Paige yelled.

"Why would I want to do that?" Anthony asked plainly.

"You know, you men are all the fucking same, a glimpse of a nice woman's body, and you foam at the mouth," she replied.

"The only thing foaming here is the soap," Anthony called out.

He turned his head back to face the wall. He placed his hands on the white tiles. The cool water flowed over his short black hair, he stared at the water as it spiraled and flowed down the drain. The hypnotic motion made him stare into the dark depth of the hole.

Paige turned her head. She saw Anthony as he leaned against the wall, the water pounded against his head. He looked down motionless. His legs were slightly spread. Paige could see the tip of his manhood hanging, as the streams of water flowed from the tip of his shaft.

She sucked in a deep breath as the womanly sensations flooded throughout her body. She wondered what it would be like to feel his body next to hers. She breathed out, her breath shuddered as anticipation took over. Her belly filled with floating sensations that flooded from her wanting pussy. Paige licked her lips and her eyes became filled with desire.

Anthony turned his head. He could see Paige as she looked at his body.

"Hey, snap out of it. What about the deal?" Anthony called out, looking at her with wanting eyes.

Paige lifted her head. "I was just looking where my towel was, that's all," she replied, obviously lying.

"It looks like it," Anthony said.

"Listen up fucker, you have just looked at me, so it is plainly obvious that you have broken the deal as well," Paige snapped, half-jokingly.

"Just wrap yourself up, and we will call it a tie," Anthony said as he flicked the faucet to off.

He grabbed his towel and wrapped it around his waist. His gaze lifted as Paige firmly tucked the towel into itself with the help of her cleavage. She leaned forward as she wrapped a towel around her long hair. She stood up straight and could see Anthony had exited from the shower.

Paige walked from the shower room. Her dad was slowly walking toward her. Sweat poured from his brow.

"Don't overdo it, Dad, you're not as young as you used to be," Paige said.

Seymour gasped for breath. "I could still give you a run for your money," he said laughing.

"Just watch the water, it's cold to start," Paige replied.

Paige reached the top of the old stairs. She glanced into Anthony's room and could see he was slipping into a pair of jogging pants. He pulled the pants over his waist as he slipped his arms into a t-shirt.

He glanced back through the doorway as Paige gave one final look and entered her own room. Paige stood before the old mirror and looked at herself. She pulled the towel from her hair. The damp strands fell over her face. She pulled the comb back through her hair. The long stands cold against her warming body. Next, she stood from the bunk and dropped the towel to the floor. She admired her own body.

"When will it be my time to become a woman?"

She shook her head, and slipped her legs into an old pair of jogging bottoms. She rolled the large waist down and over her shapely hips. The pants hung loosely on her curves. Paige raised her arms as she slipped into a large, cut-off t-shirt. The sides loosely fit under her arms. The sides of her breasts were visible to anyone who dared to look.

She looked at her reflection and sighed. Paige started to walk from the room. Her phone buzzed on the table.

Angie had sent a text.

"Are you still safe?" Angie wrote.

Paige typed into the phone as she walked into the living room.

"Still safe and sound, Anthony's body a dream to look at, but he is a real fucker. I hate him. Smiley face," Paige texted.

"Where are you?" Angie asked.

"We are down by..." Paige started to write.

"Who is that you are texting?" Anthony asked.

"Angie, she has just asked where we are," Paige replied.

"Don't be so fucking stupid. You can't tell her," Anthony snapped.

"No need to shout," Paige replied plainly.

"Give me the phone," Anthony barked.

He grabbed the cell phone and deleted the message. His eyes quickly glanced over the previous message. He pretended he had not noticed it. He handed the phone back to Paige.

"Never tell her where we are unless I say so," Anthony ordered.

"Okay, okay," Paige replied, grabbing her phone. She hoped he hadn't seen her earlier message.

"The mafia will find her soon, and they will question her," Anthony explained.

"They won't hurt her, will they?" Paige asked. Her eyes were full of concern.

"Of course not. She is just a possible link to you. They're just looking. They won't touch her because she doesn't know where you are. Let's keep it that way."

"God, relax will ya. You are so... um, anally retentive, sometimes... Anthony Uptight Guard Boy."

_"Be like water, let yourself flow."_

## 12

# Breathless

_"Don't swallow what you can't chew."_

Anthony watched as Pops turned the lights out in the gym. Pops waved as he left through the door.

Anthony turned back to the living room. The sight was a sorry one. Seymour was sitting and reading on the old couch and Paige was busy texting her friend.

This was not a life that two people should be having. It was unreal and not normal; it was unhealthy. For all of them, he knew that tensions would rise, and if he did not put the next steps into place, his job would become so much more difficult, especially with Paige.

"I am off to bed," Seymour said, standing from the couch.

Anthony nodded as he walked from the living room across the hallway. His bedroom door closed and Anthony could see the light turn off.

"You should be getting some rest?" Anthony said.

"I am not tired," Paige replied.

"That's not the point, we don't have the luxury of being able to sleep in at the moment," Anthony explained.

"Geez, you're worse than my dad, always dishing out orders," Paige said.

"I have no choice, if I get relaxed, we could be caught easy as anything," Anthony commented. Her attitude was still obnoxious.

Paige sighed and stood from the chair. "I suppose I'd better go if you are telling me it's for the best," she said plainly. Anthony was a little shocked at her submission.

"It is for your own good, trust me," Anthony replied. He was more switched on than ever. His intuition remained part of his focus, now.

Anthony watched Paige as she walked from the living room. He heard her walk across the wooden floor. Her door closed and the lock clicked from the inside. He turned off the lights and stood to look from the window. The streets were empty and there was no sign that the gym was under observation. He walked toward the light in the hallway. He flicked off the light as he entered his room.

He laid on the bed and closed his eyes. He listened to the faint noises of the gym. The roof creaked as the wind picked up speed. There was a storm coming. A big storm... in more ways than one. He could feel it in his bones.

His eyes closed and his imagination took over. His body relaxed and his breathing deepened as he fell into a light sleep. Anthony's mind went back to the showers; his eyes firmly closed. He could picture Paige as if it was real...

_Paige looked toward him and stood under the streaming water. Her naked body had a pinkish hue and her face was flushed from the arousal that had started rising in her._

_Anthony watched as Paige locked her eyes on his. Her piercing green eyes looked deep within him and started to awaken the lustful animal that dwelled deep inside._

_Paige looked through the strands of her wet hair. She bit her lip as she seductively started to lather herself. She stepped from the stream of water; her body still covered in foam that slowly ran down the curves._

_The final drops of water ran down her surging peaks. Anthony watched as drops gathered and dropped from her pink-tipped nipples._

_Water ran over his face as Paige dropped the soap to the floor. She stepped from her side of the shower and crossed the gray and white tiles. Anthony could feel the arousal rise with each footstep Paige took._

_She flicked her head back; drops of water flew from the ends of her golden locks as her hair flicked backward over her head. Paige cupped her sweetly curved breasts, her warm tingling flesh inches away from Anthony._

_She stepped close. Her budded nipples pushed against the broad expanse of his chest. Her hands ran down the bulging muscles of his biceps. Her gaze lifted and her bitten lip revealed itself._

_Her hot breath washed over Anthony's stubbled face as she leaned forward to kiss him. Her mouth opened. Anthony put his hand on her slender waist and pulled Paige closer into his arms._

_He could feel the mound of her pussy as his thigh pushed against the junction of her thighs. Paige groaned; their lips locked and their tongues swirled inside her hot mouth._

_The rosy flush of Paige's satin-smooth skin deepened. The butterflies had flown from the pit of her stomach and had fluttered their wings in the slippery wetness of her wanting pussy. Paige gasped as she pushed her hands against Anthony's chest. Her hand touched his solid erection as her eyes widened and she sucked in a deep breath._

"Anthony, Anthony," he heard. His eyes fluttered from his slumber.

"Anthony, fucking wake up, it is dad," Paige said shaking his body.

"What is it?" he asked.

"He is struggling to breathe, I think he over did his training. He is clutching his chest," Paige said, worryingly.

"Calm down, it is no good panicking," Anthony said. He remained calm.

"Don't let him die," Paige said. Tears welled in her eyes.

"He is not going to die," Anthony said.

"What shall we do?" she asked.

"Pops knows a doctor, he will help," Anthony explained.

"Won't they report it? Oh, maybe the mafia will find out?" she asked. Her crying starting.

"Not this doctor," Anthony said.

They slowly helped Seymour into the van. He clutched his chest as Anthony drove down the highway. He hit the next exit and drove onto the parking lot of a small shopping strip.

"There is no doctor here," Paige said.

"There." Anthony gestured with his head.

"Animal Kingdom?" Paige yelled. Her body was distraught from her worry.

Anthony smiled.

Paige scowled at him. "That is a fucking veterinarian."

"He has fixed more men than most normal doctors," Anthony explained. Paige folded her arms and looked to her father who seemed slightly calmer, now.

Anthony drove the van to the rear of the building. He approached the door. He banged twice and then banged another three times. The door opened. Paige could see an old, gray-haired man standing in his housecoat. His spectacles were sliding down his nose. He lifted his head.

"Anthony, this is a surprise," he said.

"I have someone I need you to look at."

"Sure, anything for you."

Anthony opened the door of the van. Seymour sat there gasping for breath as Paige held his arm tightly.

The old man shook his head and laughed. "Anthony, you always get the good ones. He'll be just fine."

Paige looked at the old man. "Well, you need to fix him! NOW!"

Donato and Ricco watched as Luigi walked back through the parking lot to the SUV. The warm air from outside rushed into the car as he opened the door.

Luigi turned to face the rear seat. "It is no wonder we couldn't find a house with that address," he said.

"Don't tell me the address doesn't exist?" Ricco said, checking his watch.

"Oh no, it exists all right, the only thing is, it's a fucking PO box in the train station," Luigi replied.

"That damned motherfucker, I am gonna rip his fucking head off when I catch hold of him," Donato yelled. "Fucken politicians."

"And crap down his neck?" Luigi asked.

"Luigi, you dumb motherfucker. That is just a quote from the movies," Ricco said.

"Yeah, but it sounds really nasty." Luigi grinned.

Donato swung his hand and collected Luigi. Luigi rubbed his ear. "Sorry Boss, I will be quiet," he said.

They sat in the car pondering over their next move. Music started playing from the front of the vehicle.

"Is that Ghostbusters?" Donato asked.

"Sorry Boss, it is the ringtone on my new cell phone, from the remake of the movie," Luigi replied.

"You better fucking change it, you are supposed to be in the mafia, dumbass," Donato said, raising his hand to connect with his head again.

Luigi ducked behind the passenger seat. He waited for a second and sat up with a grin on his face. Donato swatted his hand over Luigi's ear.

"That's for thinking you're fucking smarter than me," Donato said, grinning at his own ingenuity.

"Just this once, you may be proud of me, Boss," Luigi said.

"Now, why would I want to be proud of you?" Donato asked.

"Because, I have located the girl's best friend from university," Luigi replied.

"It better not be a wild goose chase," Ricco said, checking his watch again.

"No way, I checked all the colleges and all the universities. The politician's daughter goes to NYC. She has an apartment that she shares with another broad," Luigi commented.

"Well where is the address? For fuck's sake, let's go," Donato said.

"You will be pissed if you do," Luigi said smiling.

"Enlighten me," Donato said.

"She is not there, don't forget. They are on summer holidays," Luigi said.

"So, where the fuck is she?" Ricco asked, becoming impatient.

"I am working on the address now," Luigi replied. Ricco sighed hoping Luigi was right.

"Well, I am not going to sit here waiting for a fucking phone call. I want to visit some of the clubs and see what's happening," Donato pressed.

Donato told the driver to take them to the clubs. He wanted to see for himself the effects the bill was having on business. The driver started the SUV and headed back into the city.

The car stopped in the back alley. Luigi jumped out and opened the rear door for Donato, he glanced around for any cops.

"All clear, Boss," he said.

Donato stepped from the car and entered the open the door to the kitchen. He strode between the chefs as they prepared meals; flames flew from the burners as the metallic clank rang out from the oversized skillets.

"It smells like home. Get me a plate full of spaghetti," Donato said.

He entered into the club's restaurant and sat at a large round table. He gestured for the barman to bring him a drink. The kid filled a glass and walked over to the table. He took the glass from the tray and placed it down.

"Sit down kid," Donato said.

The kid put the tray on the table and pulled up a chair. His face was full of fear as Donato opened his mouth.

"Don't crap your pants kid, I just want you to answer some questions," he said plainly.

"Okay, ask anything you want," the kid replied. His hands fidgeted.

"I just want you to know, I am asking you because I know that I'll get a load of bullshit from the manager," Donato said quietly. "Answer me straight, with no bullshit." His eyes remained burning into the kid's gaze.

"Yes, Sir."

Donato sipped from his glass. "How has business been?" he asked.

The kid stuttered nervously, he looked over his shoulder. "I think something is going on," the kid whispered.

"Yeah, I know, the cops are all over us," Donato replied.

"Nah, it's not that. They come drinking in here," the kid said.

"Do they look like dirty cops?" Donato asked.

"Not really, they are really pally with the manager."

Donato leaned in to Ricco. "Check the manager's story on the quiet. I am sure it's true, we were told he had been hit hard by the cops," Donato said.

Ricco stood from the table and walked into the manager's office.

Donato looked back toward the kid. "Tell me more," he said.

The kid chatted more to Donato about what he had seen and heard in the club. Donato was filled with rage at what he heard, but he sat calmly. He called the driver over to give him his gun. He sat the gun on the bench beside his leg.

Ricco came from the office and approached the table. "The cunt is sweating like a stuffed pig in there, he reckons the cops are taking advantage of the situation," Ricco said.

"That's not what I've just heard. And this kid isn't sweating," Donato said furiously. "So, who do you think is telling the truth?" His voice was full of anger.

Donato urged for the kid to get back to the bar. The kid scurried back to safety.

"Drag that fucker by the scruff of his neck. I want to speak to him," Donato said calmly. He was going to seem unworried.

Ricco went back to the office, he marched the manager toward Donato.

"What you got to say for yourself?" Donato asked.

"We have been hit twice, sales are down," the manager said.

Donato watched as sweat beaded on the manager's forehead. A trickle ran down his cheek.

"I have heard the place has not been touched and that cops come drinking in here," Donato said calmly.

"They come, and I have to pay them under the table," the manager said.

"Don't try and play me," Donato said.

He stood from the table with the gun in his hand. He pointed it squarely at the manager and pulled the trigger. The manager fell like a brick to the floor. Donato emptied the clip into the manager's chest.

Donato stood. Smoke poured from the barrel of the gun. His fury filled and his eyes glared at the manager as he laid in a pool of crimson-colored blood.

"We have enough problems without thieves in the camp," Donato said angrily. "Tell all the managers, they better not fuck me over, or else." His eyes glanced toward Ricco. Ricco was already on his cell getting the body "organized" for disposal.

Donato lifted his gaze from the body. "Now, where is my fucking spaghetti? I ORDERED AGES AGO!"

_"Don't swallow what you can't chew."_

## 13

# Sleeping Rough

_"The chicken didn't cross the road, it fell into a family bucket."_

Paige looked worried as the old doctor placed his stethoscope against her dad's chest. The old man listened and mumbled as he listened to Seymour's breathing.

The old man pulled his stethoscope from his ears. "Do you do any exercise?" he asked.

Seymour tried a smile. "I jog every morning, but slow compared to everyone else," he replied. Seymour patted his stomach and grinned at the doctor.

"You have a very severe case of...." the old guy started to say.

Paige butted in as she listened. She asked, "He is not going to die, is he?"

"Not tonight he's not," the old guy said.

"What do we call you anyway? Anthony never introduced us," Seymour said.

"That is habit, when I stitch guys up, there is no time for introductions," the old guy answered calmly. "You can call me Glen." His tone was soft and friendly.

"So, what is wrong with him?" Paige asked firmly.

"What did you eat before you went to sleep?" Glen asked.

Seymour looked sheepishly at Paige and Anthony. "I finished off the fried chicken from dinner." Paige stared at her dad.

"And at a guess, you normally have a large glass of water before you sleep?" Glen asked.

Seymour nodded. "Yeah, I have a big glass next to the bed."

"What happens to oil and water?" Glen asked.

"They don't mix," Paige answered.

"Exactly, that is why your dad has a severe case of indigestion and heartburn," Glen replied. He gave a huge grin to Paige.

"Dad, I thought you were skipping fried things," Paige snapped. "You had me worried," her voice said, full of concern.

"They just looked so nice, I couldn't resist them," Seymour said.

Glen went to the front of the store. He passed Anthony who was chuckling to himself. Glen raised his eyebrows. He fussed around in one of the shelves and returned back to Paige and Seymour.

"Just skip the fried food in future and don't drink water after," Glen said.

"Okay doc, I will try my hardest," Seymour replied.

Glen handed Seymour something to settle his stomach and they secretly left through the door as quickly as they entered.

"How much Doc?" Anthony asked.

"If you were anyone else I would say five hundred bucks, but call it a favor to you and Pops, you have both brought me plenty of business," Glen said.

"Thanks for that, it is much appreciated," Anthony said.

"Just don't leave it so long before you visit next time, you know I miss your company," Glen commented.

He stood in the doorway and watched as the van vanished around the corner of the building. He checked that the coast was clear and closed the door quietly behind him.

Anthony drove the van slowly back to the gym. Traffic was pretty thin on the ground, so he wanted to avoid any unnecessary attention. Just one bent cop who might happen to stop them and it could all be over. Within minutes, there would be other bent cops arriving, followed by a couple of SUVs with bleary-eyed gangsters inside.

Anthony kept his eyes firmly on the surrounding streets as they approached the freeway exit for the gym. He noticed a car parked opposite the car dealership.

"Shit, they are watching your car," Anthony said.

"They won't realize it's us, will they?" Paige asked.

"They won't know it is us, but it won't stop them checking. How many vans pull up at a gym this time of the morning?" Anthony said.

"What are we going to do, then?" Paige asked. Her voice was getting nervous.

Anthony looked into the back of the van. "I think we will have to sleep in here. We need to park out of sight," he remarked.

Paige looked at her dad. "I am going to have to sleep on the front seat with you. Once he is lying down, there will be no space."

Anthony drove to an area away from the freeway, he pulled the van out of the street lights and turned off the engine. They sat in the dim light. Seymour laid down and covered himself with an old blanket.

Anthony slid from the driver's seat and sat next to Paige on the bench seat. He rested his head on the headrest and closed his eyes. The air went cold as the early hours of the morning passed. Anthony and Paige huddled close under a couple of jackets. They were exhausted.

Seymour was quite content under the old blanket and a jacket as a pillow. He snored peacefully, unaware of the icy chill that filled the van.

Anthony woke at four am, the mist of his breath flowed out of his mouth. He glanced at Paige, she had huddled under the jacket and took hold of his arm; her head was firmly rested on his shoulder.

He placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tighter into his body. Her head moved as she nuzzled deeper onto his muscular torso. Paige lifted her arm and crossed it across his waist.

The windscreen slowly cleared from the condensation as the sun began to rise. Anthony nudged his shoulder as Paige slowly opened her eyes.

"Fuck, it is cold in here," she mumbled.

"I don't think your dad minds one bit, he seems as happy as a pig in shit," Anthony giggled.

"He could sleep anywhere once his eyes are shut." Paige laughed.

"I think he was slightly embarrassed though, when he admitted to eating the last bits of the chicken," Anthony said.

"I know he tries to cut back on food and loose a few pounds, but it is a struggle, especially when I am at university and he has to fend for himself," Paige said plainly.

Seymour started to stir in the back of the van. He mumbled as if he was half dreaming.

"What time is breakfast?" he murmured stretching his arms.

"I think you better just have fruit for the next few days," Paige said laughing.

"I will eat any fruit you want me to eat," Seymour said.

"Good, I am glad you see it that way." Anthony and Paige both let out a laugh.

Seymour sat up and smiled, "Any fruit as long as it is fried!"

The car had gone, Anthony drove around the block twice to make sure that it had not just moved. He pulled into the gym exit and reversed to the rear of the building. He pulled the van up to the rear and opened the door of the gym.

The lights were off, and the gym was deadly silent. Pops would arrive soon to open up for the day. Seymour headed upstairs, and Anthony and Paige wandered around the gym.

"How much longer are we going to be here for?" Paige asked.

"I will check with Pops on the arrangements for the next part when he arrives," Anthony said.

"I am going a bit fucking stir crazy stuck in here, it is too stuffy," said Paige.

"If the next part gets sorted, you will have plenty of fresh air, that is a promise," Anthony said, smiling.

Paige grinned. "Thank fuck for that!"

"Pops should be here any moment, it might be better if I speak to him alone," Anthony said.

Paige nodded and walked upstairs to be with her dad. They still had some food, so she would make sure he had something proper to eat.

Paige looked from the window overlooking the gym, she could see as Pops opened the door and walked inside. He walked up to Anthony and sat on the edge of the ring. Anthony stood talking with his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

"Dad, how are you feeling?" Paige asked.

"I am much better now, I thought I had a heart attack at one point," Seymour said.

"You really should be careful with what you eat, you never had this problem when Mom was alive," Paige said.

Seymour huffed and sighed. "I know, half the reason is that I miss your mom, I guess. I comfort eat, sometimes."

"I miss her too Dad, but we have to get on with our lives, there is only you and me, and if you slip off your mortal coil, there will only be me left. Everything you have done for the city will have been for nothing," Paige said.

"I will try, maybe this whole thing is a wake-up up call... of how vulnerable we all really are," Seymour said.

"Once it is all over, maybe I should move back home to be with you," Paige said.

"What about the traveling thing?" Seymour asked.

"I have the car now." Paige smiled realizing just how much she loved her dad.

"It would be very nice to have you back home, that's for sure," Seymour said softly. "I do get very lonely, but I'm alright."

"I have already asked Anthony how much longer we will be here for, he said he should know today if we can move on," Paige explained.

Seymour started to dig into his bowl of cereal. "To be honest, I have also had enough of it here. The smell of sweat and the stuffy atmosphere. Pops will kill me with the workout routines I have been doing," Seymour said. He took another mouthful.

"The sooner, the better. I get so uptight and take it out on Anthony. I know he is just trying to do his job, but fuck, he comes across as such a dick sometimes," Paige said.

"I can see you get frustrated, but he is the best at what he does for a reason. And that is why I chose him for the job," Seymour explained.

"I just hope wherever we go to it is a little more comfortable than here," Paige said. "The showers are open, you know."

Paige started to eat her breakfast as her cell phone rang from the table. She picked it up and looked at who had sent the text.

"It is not like Angie to text this early?" Paige said.

Seymour put his spoon into his dish. "Maybe it is not Angie."

"Oh, crap... Dad, what happens if the mafia has got her?" Paige asked.

"Answer something simple, and I will get Anthony," Seymour said.

Paige sat and started to write a text to Angie. Seymour rushed to the window of the gym.

"Anthony, we need you, kind of urgently," he yelled.

Anthony stopped talking to Pops and ran to the stairs. Seymour could hear him bounding up the wooden stairs and opened the door.

"What is it?" Anthony asked.

Paige looked at Anthony concerned. "I think the mafia have Angie, or at least her phone."

"What did they say?" Anthony asked.

"Just, how am I," Paige said.

"You replied something simple, right?" Anthony asked.

"Yeah, I just said I was fine," Paige replied.

"Wait and see their response." Anthony was in stealth mode. His intuition was made for this game of cat and mouse.

Paige stared at her cell. Another couple of simple texts were received before the big one...

"It is asking where I am," Paige said. Her face was looking worried.

"Don't answer that one. We have to be sure it is her... or not," Anthony said.

"Say something that only Angie would know," Anthony said.

Paige typed into the phone. "I had sex with David again last night."

Anthony looked at Paige. "Don't look this is private," she said.

The cell buzzed. "Paige, you are just winding me up," Angie replied.

Paige smiled. "Phew, it is Angie. She is okay."

"Tell her they will be coming, get her to delete all her messages to you," Anthony explained. Paige's face went pale. Anthony was serious... deadly serious.

Paige explained the mafia would be coming for her and to delete all her messages. Most of all she reiterated that she should stay calm and not panic. That would give the whole game away. Paige also told Angie not to contact her. She would text when things were okay.

Seymour was asleep, again.

"How did you know it was Angie?" Anthony asked.

"You said to say something that only she would know," Paige said.

"You only said you had sex with David again, how would she know from that?" Anthony asked.

Paige grinned. "There was more to that statement than you could ever realize," Paige explained.

"Who is David anyway?"

"He is a person I just made up."

Anthony shrugged his shoulders. "You women confuse me sometimes."

"Yep, that's the plan!" Paige laughed.

_"The chicken didn't cross the road, it fell into a family bucket."_

## 14

# Getaway

_"Getting what you wish for, is not always what you wanted."_

Anthony had spoken to Pops about the next stage of the plan. He had said things were almost in place. It would just take a few more days, and then everything would be ready. The documents, the transport, and everything that would get them away from the mafia for a good couple of weeks.

This would give the mafia plenty to think about, they would be running around chasing something that was not even there. It would be fun to watch, but they would be long gone. Anthony finished talking to Pops. As soon as he heard it would be another couple of days, Paige would give him a real mouthful of abuse.

He walked slowly up the stairs and entered the living room.

Paige looked at him. "This looks ominous, let's have it," she said plainly.

"Another couple of days before everything is in place," Anthony explained.

"I fucking knew it. You only said you were going to keep me quiet," Paige snapped. Her mind was awash with fears.

Anthony sighed, "That is not true, and you know that," he said.

"I have no idea what to believe at the moment, everything is ass over tit with you," she barked.

"I have given you reasons for the way things have gone. Just accept it. That is the way it has to be," Anthony said.

"I am beginning to wonder if you are playing with us. We have seen no sign whatsoever anything is actually happening," Paige said. Her eyes were wild.

"Perhaps you should be grateful that I can manage to keep a few steps in front of the mafia. I am sure you don't want them on your ass." Anthony was sick of her negativity.

"At least I would know something was happening," she replied.

Anthony had heard enough from Paige. He grabbed her arm and dragged her from the living room.

"Seymour, I must apologize, I am borrowing your daughter," Anthony explained.

Seymour smiled. "Sure, have fun," Seymour replied.

Anthony dragged Paige down the stairs and out of the rear door. He opened the door of the van and shoved her onto the passenger seat.

"Don't you dare fucking move," Anthony said, angrily.

Paige sat startled as he walked around to the driver's side. He opened the door and climbed inside.

"Where are we going?" Paige asked.

"We are going to where you want to be, close to the guys who are hunting you," Anthony explained.

"You don't have to do this," Paige said. Her body was not happy about being manhandled. Or was it?

"Oh yes I do, you will not give me any peace until I have shown you how dangerous it can be," Anthony explained.

"Anthony don't you are scaring me," Paige said, feeling her anticipation heighten.

"I will show you what being scared is," Anthony snapped.

Paige grabbed the door handle and tried to open it. The central locking would not let her open the door.

"Anthony please, I am sorry," she begged.

"When you want to play with fire, you might get burned," Anthony yelled.

He drove the van onto the highway and headed toward Brooklyn.

"Where are we going?" Paige asked.

"To start with, we are going to change vehicles," he said. His eyes were like steel as he looked back at her.

They approached an old warehouse. Anthony opened the roller shutter door. He drove the van into the darkness and turned off the engine.

"What is this place?" Paige asked.

"My storage facility," he said.

Anthony flicked on the breaker. The fluorescent tubes flickered into life. Laid before them were a selection of vehicles.

"Jesus Christ, is there no end to your secrets?" Paige asked.

"That is why they are _my_ secrets," he said plainly.

Anthony walked to a metallic, blue, Ford Mustang. He reached behind the wheel and grabbed hold of the keys. He opened the door and urged Paige to climb inside. Paige slipped into the passenger seat and buckled the seat belt.

Anthony started the engine. The roar of the engine reverberated around the warehouse. He pumped the gas pedal and dropped the clutch. The tires squealed as he spun and faced the roller shutter door. The door opened slowly.

Anthony drove the car into the sunlight. He placed his sunglasses over his eyes.

"Are you ready?" he asked Paige.

_I am fucking shit scared, but I am excited as well,_ Paige thought.

"Uhuh."

Anthony waited until the door had closed. The Mustang screeched as he flew from the courtyard of the warehouse. He made his way toward Paige's house.

Anthony had already noticed a few cars that roamed the streets. The mafia had made sure all of their resources were mobilized and searching. He entered the street. He drove the Mustang to the front of Paige's house.

"Get out!" Anthony said.

"What? No, are you fucking kidding me?" Paige yelled.

"Just get out and leave the door open, as soon as you see anyone, jump in quick," Anthony said.

Paige nervously unbuckled her belt and opened the door. She got out from the car and stood on the pavement. She glanced around and could see some men who were quickly approaching her.

"Not yet," Anthony yelled from the car.

Paige trembled as men ran across the grass. Cars screeched to a halt at both ends of the street.

"Anthony," she screamed.

"Not yet," he called.

The doors opened on the black limousines. Men flooded from the cars. They walked slowly up the street toward Paige.

"Are you scared?" Anthony asked.

"I am just about to piss my pants," Paige yelled.

"Get back in the car," Anthony called.

Paige turned and jumped back into the Mustang. Anthony slammed the car into gear, the tires screeched as he revved the engine. The guys walking up the road stopped. They turned and ran back toward the car as Anthony lifted his foot from the clutch.

The Mustang swayed and lurched forward. The tires left black marks on the hot asphalt. Anthony gunned the gas and aimed straight for the limo which was blocking the road. He hit the brake and turned the wheel. The parking brake yanked firmly in his grip. The car lurched and slid toward the limo.

Anthony spun the steering wheel and pointed the car up the empty street. Paige looked at him as she saw the cars beginning to chase them.

Anthony turned to Paige. "Now do you trust me?"

"The Mustang, the girl. They are here."

"Get the fucker," Donato yelled.

The guys jumped back into the limousine and started to change the Mustang. The wheels screeched as it spun to face up the road. The driver floored the gas pedal and the car surged as Donato slid across the rear seat.

"Catch that fucking car," Donato screamed to the driver.

The limo increased speed and slowly made its way closer to the blue car in front. They could just make out the outline of the passengers in the Mustang. Then suddenly the blue car swerved, its wheels locked and skidded. They had turned left onto another road heading toward the freeway.

Donato picked up his cell and called Ricco. "Hey Dona..." Ricco started to say.

"Block off the bridge, the fucking girl is coming in a blue Mustang," Donato screamed.

"Okay," Ricco replied.

The Mustang mounted the pavement and roared past the shops. Pedestrians jumped from their path. The limousine had screeched around the corner to follow. The wheels had locked and the car slid into a large dumpster.

Rubbish blew across the street as they sped away from the corner. The limo pulled up behind the Mustang. Donato could see the girl's face. She turned in the car to look at them. Her green eyes fixed onto Donato.

His screwed-up face scowled back at her. She smiled and turned away from him.

"That fucking bitch just grinned at me, stop that fucking car," he yelled.

The limo nudged the Mustang. It swerved, the narrow gap in the traffic was filled with a flash of blue. Taxi's honked their horns as the car sped toward the stop light.

The lights were on red and the Mustang showed no sign of slowing. Cars flashed before them as it plowed through the middle of two crossing vehicles. The limo followed; the driver slammed on his breaks. The truck honked his horn.

"Watch what your fucking doing?" the driver yelled down at them. The driver hit the gas and swerved around the tail end of the truck.

The Mustang vanished down a turning to the right. The limo gunned down the street and skidded in the same direction.

"Come on, get them, the bridge is up ahead," Donato yelled.

He pulled his gun from the waist of his pants and wound down the window. Donato leaned his head out of the window and pointed at the Mustang. The shots rang out and he could see the rear window shatter. A faint scream could be heard from inside the car.

The Mustang neared the point of no return. The bridge was ahead, it had nowhere to go. Donato could see the roadblock that Ricco had created.

The Mustang skidded to a stop. The door opened and a black-haired guy stood after exiting from the car. He had two pistols in his hands. He stood calmly as the limousine bore down on him. His arms raised, then he pointed at the ensuing car.

Bullets flew toward the limousine. The windscreen shattered. The driver clutched his chest as a bullet ripped through his shoulder. The limo swerved and headed toward a parked truck.

Donato ducked as the limo plowed under the vehicle. The crunch of metal and flying glass filled the air. A plume of smoke poured from the front of the car.

Donato smashed the rear window and struggled free from the car. He stood in the street and watched as the guy looked at him and climbed back into the Mustang.

The bodyguard watched as smoke poured from the car's rear wheels. He opened fire. The car shot forward and entered a side street. Donato ran toward the street.

Ricco and Luigi headed away from the bridge. They stood side by side catching their breaths. The rear of the Mustang vanished into the distance.

"That driver was not the fucking politician, find out who the fuck is helping them," Donato yelled. "Every low life motherfucker in the city, question them all." His eyes were on fire with rage.

Donato looked back at the smoldering wreck of the limo. He shook his head and walked alongside Ricco to his other following car.

Luigi approached from the roadblock. "Boss, I have found the girl's flatmate," he yelled excitedly.

"At least some good may have come from the day," Donato said.

Luigi smiled. "She is only a couple of miles from here," he said.

They climbed into the SUV and headed toward the location of the girl's flatmate. They entered the street. The apartments spread before them like a city within a city.

"How the fuck do we find her in this lot?" Donato asked.

"I found a contact, she is toward the other end of the street. There are some real low lifes here. This is the shitty part. Junkies and everything," Luigi explained.

The car stopped by the last block. They sat and waited.

"It seems quite enough," Donato said.

Luigi looked up the side of the block. "The fourth floor," he said.

They walked into the apartment lobby. Luigi pushed the button for the elevator. They watched the red number change on the display. The doors opened and they stepped inside.

"Apartment four one seven," Luigi said.

"What's the girl's name?' Donato asked.

"Angie, she shares an apartment with the girl," he explained.

They stood in front of the door. Luigi rang the bell. They waited as the door slowly opened. Donato could see the security chain tighten as the door pulled back.

"Who is it?" Angie asked.

"We have a mutual friend, I need to speak to you," Donato said calmly.

Angie tried to close the door. Donato quickly shoved his foot in the gap. He put his head closer to the door.

"If you want to see your friend again, you better let me in," he said.

"Um."

_"Getting what you wish for, is not always what you wanted."_

## 15

# Ghost Town

_" The hardest pill to swallow is the one that will make everything better."_

It had been quite an event, Paige had come to realize that the mafia was a reality and that when it came to protection, what Anthony said to do, she should definitely do.

Anthony realized another factor now. There was also Donato's point of view; he was bound to know now that Seymour had protection, but to what extent he would not know.

Paige sat still in the passenger seat, her hands fumbled on her knees. She finally turned her head toward Anthony and smiled.

"I am sorry, I should never have doubted you," she said apologetically.

"Don't worry about it, I hear it all the time," Anthony replied. His face was in serious mode.

"I know, but I was just stubborn, you have already done so much," she said.

Anthony turned his head in her direction. "I do my job, when I am in this position. I have to protect myself as well," he said.

Anthony circled the car after a couple of blocks and returned back to the bridge. There was no sign of any of the mafia, or that anything had happened. Even the street by Paige's house had become free from the patrolling cars; it was as if the mob had left the city. Something was wrong and Anthony sensed that he knew what it was.

Seymour would be safe at Pops' gym, that place was reliable and the mafia would never think of looking there in a million years. But by now, it would be Angie. He was sure that Paige's best friend would have been found by now.

"We better get back, I feel there is going to be upsetting news for you," Anthony said.

"They have found Angie, haven't they?" she asked.

"I think so, where does she live from the bridge?" Anthony asked.

"Just a couple of miles away."

Anthony headed back to the warehouse and they changed vehicles before driving back to Pops' place. Anthony circled the block for safety; even the car watching Paige's Mini had vanished. Donato must have thought that Angie would be the final solution to his problem.

The van pulled up at the rear door and Paige quickly jumped from the side door. Anthony pulled over to the parking spot and made his way over to the gym. He closed the door behind him and quickly made his way upstairs. A few fighters had already arrived. Anthony's face was not one that would seem strange for them to think any differently.

Anthony made his way back upstairs and could see Paige was already holding her cell phone.

"Any messages?" he asked.

"Nothing yet," Paige replied.

"It might be better if we instigate the texts, let's actually go on the offensive," Anthony remarked.

"What do you want me to say?" asked Paige.

"Just regular chat and then let them ask the question where we are," he explained.

Paige looked at Anthony from the table. "Where should I say we are going to hide?" Paige asked.

"Nowhere ridiculous and nowhere too far away, that way if we did do that, they would not think we had actually done it," Anthony said, still thinking.

"Philadelphia," Seymour said, from the couch.

"There you go, tell them we are in Philadelphia," Anthony answered.

Paige picked up her phone and started to text. "Hi, Angie what's happening?"

They waited while the text was answered. Maybe the mafia was in transit going back to their hideout. They might not answer until they returned.

Twenty minutes passed and then the cell vibrated on the table. Paige picked up the phone and looked at the screen.

"Hey Paige, how's it going girl?"

Paige replied. __ "As good as can be expected, hiding out is not all that exciting. I am bored."

Again, they waited. Anthony sensed they were trying to think how to respond to the messages without giving the game away. Or that they had Angie's phone.

Anthony heard a voice, someone shouted from below. He walked to the window and looked down into the gym. Pops stood below him and waved an envelope. He grinned up at Anthony and motioned for him to go down to him. Anthony signaled ten minutes with his hands and turned back into the living room.

"Another message," Paige said.

"Who is watching over you?" __ the message read.

Paige held the phone up to Anthony and read the news and thought for a moment.

"Tell them there are rotating shifts, two guys for eight hours per shift."

Paige started to type. "Six guys over twenty-four hours, some of them hot, hot, hot."

"Pops has an update for me, I will be back upstairs in a few minutes," Anthony said.

"Leave it with me, I will just keep them chatting as long as I can before I get bored," Paige said.

Anthony left the living room and headed downstairs. He quickly dived inside Pops' office.

The room was dark and dank compared to the gym, the shelves behind his desk were full of boxing trophies that took pride of place in the gym and in his heart. Anthony walked up to the ones that seemed to have special treatment and had been recently polished.

"I still remember those days," Pops said.

"Me too, they seem like they were yesterday," Anthony replied.

"You were a hell of a fighter," Pops said smiling.

"What else could I be, I was trained by the best," Anthony said.

"You're just saying that to make me feel good."

"You know deep down that it's not true, if Donato hadn't done that to your hand, you would have been champ for years," Anthony said.

"Hands of stone I had," Pops said with a croak in his throat. "But they were not strong enough to stop that prick fucking me up."

"Now's your chance for payback, we will make him pay this time," Anthony said.

"I fucken hope so," Pops replied.

"Now, you had an envelope to show me, didn't you?" Anthony asked.

Pops grinned. "Your passports have arrived."

Donato hunched over his desk. He looked down at the cell phone on his desk.

"Get Luigi in here, that dick knows all about these smart phones," he roared.

Ricco stood from his chair and poked his head from the office. "Can someone find Luigi and get his dumb ass in here?" he shouted.

He walked back into the office and took his seat by Donato's desk.

"You think they will realize it is not Angie speaking to them?" Ricco asked.

"Nah, not when Luigi starts, he has the mental age of a kid." He laughed.

"Yes Boss, you want me for something?" Luigi asked.

"Sit your ass down next to me," Donato said. His eyes were like steel.

Luigi grabbed a chair and dragged it over toward Donato's desk, the legs made screeching sounds as the metal feet scrawled two, white lines into the polished floor.

"Ya dumb fuck was it too much trouble to carry it," he said.

"Sorry Boss," he replied.

"Bring your chair closer," Donato said.

Luigi picked up his chair and moved it closer to Donato. He sat down and Donato swung his hand. The slap rang off Luigi's ear.

Donato laughed. "Perfect," he said.

Luigi rubbed his ear and gave Donato a funny look.

"Here, pick up that phone and answer the text messages," Donato said.

"Who am chatting with?" Luigi asked.

"The girl, you idiot!"

"Wow nice phone, I would love one like this."

"What has she stated in the last message?" Donato said, rolling his eyes.

"Six guys over twenty-four hours," Luigi replied, reading the text.

"Don't ask where they are yet, that might be too obvious, just talk like a girl," Donato answered.

Luigi started to type. "How is your sex life girl?"

He put the cell down on the table.

"What sort of message is that?" Donato said.

"Girl talk," Luigi said with a grin.

"As long as you know what you are doing."

Ricco said he had to go and check on something outside, he stood and walked from the office smiling.

"Have fun," Ricco said as he vanished from the office.

"Just you and me, Boss," Luigi said.

Donato raised his hand and Luigi ducked just in case. Donato reached for a cigar and gave Luigi a strange look. He snipped the end and placed it between his lips. He flicked open his Zippo and spun the wheel. The flint sent tiny sparks flying toward the fumes of gas, the wick burst into a tiny flame. He puffed on the cigar until the end glowed a bright amber; then a thick plume of smoke started to fill the air.

The cell phone lit up. The new message read, "It is fantastic, sex with David is great."

"She has not noticed yet, she is talking about her sex life," Luigi said, now smiling to himself.

"Okay, keep her chatting for a while and then ask about where they are," Donato commented.

Luigi sat having a conversation with the stranger on the other end of the line. He was in his element, although he hoped the result would give a more sinister result.

"She is chatting away like a good one here, we are actually getting close," Luigi said.

Donato stubbed his cigar, "Time to ask them where they are hiding," he said.

Luigi sent the message and asked where they were hiding. They waited and watched the phone for a reply. The screen lit up after a few minutes. A new message had arrived.

Luigi picked up the phone and read the contents. "Ah, she says they are in Philly, but what part she doesn't know, they have only just arrived," Luigi said.

Donato nodded. "That makes sense, by the time we finished the chase with them, it would have been a couple of hours by the time they got there," he said, nodding his head.

Luigi sent a final message. "Let me know when you know where you are."

Donato sipped from his glass of whiskey and nodded his head.

"It looks like we are making a trip to Philly, get your shit together and get hold of Ricco for me," Donato said, taking another puff.

He topped up his glass as Luigi stood and picked his chair up and placed it back against the wall. He smiled back toward Donato as he caught his shoe on the carpet. His body lunged forward as his arms flailed before him and he found his balance.

"It nearly had me then," Luigi said.

"Nearly is not good enough," Donato replied with a loud laugh.

Luigi nodded his head. He turned and walked into the edge of the door. Donato laughed as Luigi started to rub his nose.

"Dumb fuck," Donato said under his breath.

He topped his glass up and took a big sip. He picked up the phone and started to play with the screen. The phone scrolled and moved as his fingers glided over the glass. He saw himself on the phone and jumped. He pushed the glass and his face disappeared.

"Stupid fucking gadgets," he mumbled.

Ricco walked back into the office laughing.

"I have just seen Luigi rubbing his nose, have you belted him?" he asked.

"Not at all, the dumb fuck tripped on the carpet and then looked at me," he explained with a grin.

"So why is he rubbing his nose?" Ricco asked.

"Because he didn't see the fucking door in front of him."

"He really is a dumb fuck, sometimes," Ricco said laughing.

"We have any guys in Philadelphia?"

"We have a few, you want me to give them the heads up?" Ricco asked. He scrolled through his contacts list on his cell.

"Yeah, be on the lookout for a Mustang with a guy and a girl in it," Donato said.

"What about her dad?"

"I am sure he will travel separately, they will not risk sticking together," Donato said.

"You think that Angie will snitch on us for having her phone?" Ricco asked.

"Nah, she knows the life of her family is more important," Donato said.

"Even I would be scared of you if I wasn't you brother," Ricco said.

Donato glared at Ricco. "You should be." He looked at his glass. "Get me a god-damn refill."

Ricco swallowed hard. "Yes brother, right away."

_" The hardest pill to swallow is the one that will make everything better."_

## 16

# Now You See Me, Now You Don't

_"Eyes can see a lot, but they don't see everything."_

Anthony walked back into the living room and threw an envelope onto the table. Paige was smiling at her cell phone.

"What's so funny?" Anthony asked.

"I am not sure if it was the mafia boss I was chatting with or not, but he was messing with the phone," Paige said.

"Yeah, so what is funny?"

"Look at the screen," Paige remarked.

Anthony picked up the phone and looked at the screen. Donato's surprised face was staring at him.

"How the hell has that happened?" he asked.

"He must have hit the camera button and took a selfie, and somehow he has managed to send it to me," Paige replied with a grin.

"He will be pissed if they notice," he said.

"What's in the envelope anyway?" Paige asked.

"The next step, and it isn't Philly," Anthony said plainly.

"You have lost me."

"Open the envelope and have a look, I am sure you will be quite happy," Anthony said. He enjoyed watching her curiosity.

Paige grabbed the envelope and ripped open the top. She peered inside and could see a jumble of papers. Paige tipped the envelope and the contents spilled across the table. Passports and personal papers spread out before her. Paige looked confused as she lifted her gaze to Anthony.

"Passports?" she asked. Her mind raced.

"Yes, the art of illusion, tell them where you are not and they will have no idea where to look," he said.

"So where are we going?"

"Somewhere warm, that's for sure," he replied.

"I am not going," Seymour said.

"Dad, why not? I mean, this is a way to get away from them until it has been sorted," Paige said.

"Maybe, but they will be looking for three of us, a couple can travel much easier and it looks more natural," he said.

"Are you sure, Sir? I will not be able to protect you," Anthony said.

"I think here with Pops is just fine, I have a secure link with the office and I can be your eyes and ears on the ground," said Seymour.

"Well if you are confident, but the passport and the papers will be here just in case," Anthony said.

"I will keep them safe and if it looks like they have found me, I will head off damned sharp," he said.

Paige walked over to her dad and threw her arms around him.

"Dad, you are a big oaf, but I love you," she said.

"I know you do, and before you say it, I will make sure I stay away from the fried chicken," he said, hugging her firmly.

"When are we going?" Paige asked Anthony.

"In the morning. I just have to do one last thing before we go."

"What's that?" she asked excitedly. She loved to travel.

"Well, you know I said I wasn't sure if I trusted Vinnie. Now, I am going to test him and see if he is swayed by the mafia's generous bounty."

"How are you going to do that?" Paige asked.

"Do you have family anywhere?" he said.

"I have an uncle in Branford up the coast, he owns a grill by the harbor," Paige said.

"That is perfect. Do you think a visit from some mafia members will worry him too much?" Anthony asked.

"Not at all, a bit of excitement will do him good, there is nothing there really," she replied.

"Seymour, can you let your brother know he may have a visit?" Anthony said.

Seymour nodded from the couch. "No problem, it is about time I spoke to him, it has been too long," he said. He looked like his color was coming back after his unwell evening the other night.

"If Vinnie decides to turn me in, that is the place I will tell him we are hiding," Anthony said.

"What's the name of the place, Dad?" asked Paige.

"It is really original. The Dockside Bar and Grill," Seymour replied, sarcastically.

"Great, I will do that last thing. All we need is a destination, then I can get Pops to do the tickets tonight," Anthony said.

"Jamaica, I have always liked that," Paige said grinning.

"I have no aversion to a bit of sun and if a load of mafia comes at us, a large group of guys will be really visible," Anthony replied.

"That's it then, sorted. But we have no clothes," Paige remarked.

"We have enough cash, we will get some there," he explained.

Paige was so excited even though she shouldn't be. She was being hunted... and she was going on a vacation. How cool. Paige just wished she could call Angie and tell her, she would be so jealous.

Paige stood and looked from the gym window, all the customers had left for the evening and Pops was locking the place up for the night. Paige decided to go down and talk to him about her dad before he left.

She followed Pops into his office and started to look at the pictures on the wall.

"You have quite a collection here Pops," she said.

"A lot of years of possible champions have been through these doors," he said.

"Just quickly, once I and Anthony have jetted off, Dad is staying here. Can you just keep an eye on him for me? He kinda gets lonely now Mom has gone."

"Of course, I will Missy, he is a joy to have around," he said.

"And the fried chicken, that is his real weakness. So, maybe a piece every few days, but not a family bucket like he normally munches his way through," she said.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I saw his eyes light up when that delivery boy came," he said laughing.

Paige looked at the trophies behind his desk. She looked closer at the name on the placard.

"Is that the same Anthony?" she asked,

"Sure is, Missy, schoolboy champ, amateur champ and could have been a contender for a world title fight," he said. His words were proud ones.

"Why did he stop?" Paige asked, quizzically.

"He fell in love," Pops replied. "He really, truly, fell in love."

Anthony had given Pops the destination for the tickets. Pops had said his contact was already working on booking the flight. Anthony and Paige just had to get to Newark airport, it was out of the way from any major airport, especially in the eyes of the mafia.

Paige had packed her limited backpack and Anthony had thrown together a few things. His gun he left with Seymour as the serial number was registered to a different person than on the passport. Pops had said he would drive them to the airport. That was because Seymour's 'larger than life' face in the front of a rusty old van just wouldn't look right.

Anthony had woken up at his usual four am and had spent a couple of hours in the gym. He heard a noise behind him and noticed Paige was standing there, watching him train.

"I see you still have the skills?" she said.

"What do you mean?" Anthony asked.

"Don't try and fool me, I saw the trophies behind Pops' desk, he is so proud of what you achieved," she said.

Her eyes moved over, scanning his body. They lingered for longer than they should have.

"Well, I didn't achieve as much as he did, he was a real champ back in the day," Anthony said. The sweat coming through his shirt was making Paige lick her lips. She hoped he didn't notice.

Anthony threw a few punches at the swinging punching bag, he wove from side to side. Paige was right, he had the moves and he could have gone the distance and become a real champ. Pops had taught him everything he knew; he had chosen him as his apprentice. The scruffy kid, who came before school and after school to clean the place, just to pay for admission.

Anthony was hooked from the very first lesson that was given by Pops. He was like a father figure to Anthony and had shown him the skills to help get him out of the gutter. He learned how to make a better life for himself. Anthony owed everything he had to Pops. If things had gone the other way, there was a good chance he would be chasing Paige with the rest of the mafia.

"What are you doing up so early, anyway?" Anthony asked.

"I guessed you would be up early and I just thought I would join you. It is peaceful in here, but a bit smelly," she said. She realized her attraction. She wasn't being mean anymore.

"You should try cleaning all the locker rooms out before school, five days a week," he said laughing.

"You did that?" she asked.

"I did everything in this place. I can tell you about every nook and cranny... and about nearly every single brick in the place," he said.

"How many years did you come here for, before you stopped?"

"I have never stopped coming to Pops. I am here every day," Anthony said smiling.

"You never actually said where you lived?"

He looked into her eyes and smiled. "You mean upstairs. Yes, that's mine." He smiled again. "I told you I owed everything to Pops," he said.

"That is a hell of a thing to do, taking a client to your home. I mean, that leaves you wide open," she said. She felt something more for him, now.

"I just had to make sure you were safe, there are only two people who know I live here. Pops is one, and the other is Glen, the vet," Anthony said. His eyes were chocolate brown. Deep and beautiful.

"Not even Vinnie?" she asked.

"Never. I would never let him know," Anthony said.

"Where are all your personal things? I mean, you must have some stashed somewhere," Paige said.

"Here and there," Anthony replied.

"Did you speak to Vinnie last night and tell him we were in Branford?"

"I did, now all we have to do is wait and see if anyone turns up at your uncle's place," Anthony replied. He wiped his forehead.

"Only time will tell, isn't that what they always say?"

"Yes, that's true." Anthony had a new look about him. He was completely... beautiful. Paige noticed it and her heart danced at seeing him that way.

Paige pulled of the wrappings around his wrists and Anthony grabbed the towel. He wiped the sweat from his face and glanced at the time on his watch.

"We should be heading off in a while," he said.

"I have texted Angie's phone like you said, I have told them we are at the City Hotel," she said.

"Why that one?" Anthony asked curiously.

"It had the worst rating, and rats are just attracted to a dump," she said laughing.

"Yeah, we don't want to miss the flight after all the trouble Pops has gone to," Anthony said. His eyes sparkled. Paige noticed how loving they were.

"He is pleased to help, anything to get back at Donato. He got a life once he had this place, but his dreams were shattered when that hammer came smashing down on his fingers," Anthony explained.

"How twisted can you be to do that to someone?" she asked.

"It helped both of them, Donato got made after that, so his promotion came from smashing Pops fingers to a pulp," he said.

"You should hit the shower, you stink like a fighter," Paige said laughing.

"I know you like bad boys, that's why you have a crush on me," Anthony replied smiling. He couldn't help but say the words.

He walked toward the shower. "I don't like you champ, I fucken hate you," she yelled.

"It's okay, everyone hates me, especially now," Anthony called back.

Anthony turned on the faucet and felt the water with the tips of his fingers. Icy cold as normal. But not long and the water would be as warm as the sun itself.

He pulled off his jogging pants and dropped them onto the bench. Anthony stepped under the jet of water. His hair flattened as he closed his eyes. The water dripped from the end of his nose. Anthony's body shuddered. The cold water sent tingles through every pore of his body. His skin tightened and the definition of his ripped muscles heightened.

"It looks like that water is very cold," Paige said from behind him.

"It is good for the soul, it keeps everything cool and under control," Anthony said. He was secretly glad she was watching.

"I can see from here it is definitely keeping everything in control," she said.

Anthony laughed. "It won't be long before we are in a much warmer setting."

"Aha." Paige sat on the bench. She wasn't going to miss this for the world.

_"Eyes can see a lot, but they don't see everything."_

## 17

# Come Fly with Me

_" Making yourself vanish is easy, doing it while everyone is watching, now that is an art."_

Ricco walked from the door of the hotel. He grabbed the phone from Luigi.

"Are you sure that is the hotel name?" Ricco asked.

"Yeah, City Hotel," Luigi said.

"They have hardly any guests here at all," Ricco said.

Donato shoved his head from the window. "I am not surprised, it is a dump," he said.

"I think some fucker is playing games with us, they know how close we were so they are giving us the runaround," Ricco said.

"What do we do now, Boss?" Luigi said.

"They know we have the phone, Luigi, it is all your fault. I am gonna kill you," Donato said.

"Hey Donato, I would hold back on killing Luigi for the time being," Ricco said.

"Give me one good reason why I should do that," Donato snapped.

Ricco showed Donato the phone and the picture he had taken of himself.

"So, my picture is on the phone. I was messing about with it after that dumb fuck had gone," Donato barked. He looked at Luigi with disgust, as if he was blaming him.

Ricco whispered to Donato. "You sent the picture to the girl's phone."

"Stupid fucking smartphones, they are too fucking complicated for someone who has big fingers like me," Donato yelled.

"Hey Boss, I just had a message from a kid I know, he has information and is asking for the reward," Luigi said.

"We cannot do anything till we get back to the city, tell him to meet us when we get back," Donato said. He was getting more and more frustrated.

"Okay Boss, will do," Luigi said. He was trying hard not to get killed.

Ricco and Luigi climbed back into the car and slowly turned into the street to head back to the city. It would be a couple of hours drive before they managed to reach home.

"You do realize that day is approaching?" Ricco said.

Donato looked at him through his sunglasses. "I do not need reminding, it is coming too fast and we still have no idea where we are going."

"I know, it is like we have been sitting with our thumbs up our ass," Luigi said.

Donato swiped his hand across Luigi's ear. "Don't fucking talk until you are asked to," Donato said.

"Sorry Boss, it was just an observation," Luigi said. Donato slapped him again; harder this time.

Donato climbed out of the car at the hideout and walked back into his office. He grabbed the whiskey and poured a quadruple shot. He downed half in one mouthful and put the glass on his desk. His drawer opened as he took out one of his favorite Cuban cigars. He mumbled to himself as he snipped the end and fired life into his lighter.

"Luigi," he yelled.

Luigi ran into the office.

"You wanted me, Boss?" Luigi said.

"Who is this kid you were on about?"

"Vinnie?" Luigi said.

"I know many kids called Vinnie that means nothing, just get him here," Donato explained.

"Okay Boss, when do you want him here?" Luigi asked, looking slightly flustered.

"Right fucking now, we have wasted enough time," Donato snapped. "Fuck!"

Luigi ran from the office and made sure he was nowhere near the open door. Ricco passed him and walked into the office. He took a seat opposite Donato.

"You know, the politician must have a hell of a team protecting them," Ricco said.

"I was thinking the same, and I have no idea who would be capable of doing it," Donato said. His mind whirred.

"I checked all the local offices and none of them have taken the job, it must be a freelance outfit," Ricco explained

"Whoever it is, they are doing a good job, we should ask their guys if they want to work for us," Donato said.

Donato puffed on his cigar, the smoke he blew looked like a gray, nicotine-filled trumpet. He watched as the smoke rose to the fan and swirled around his office.

Luigi walked into the office with Vinnie.

"Is this the guy?" Donato asked.

"Yes Boss," Luigi replied.

"Okay Luigi, leave the kid alone with me," Donato ordered.

"Okay Boss."

"Have a seat, you want a drink?" Donato asked.

"I do not mind if I do," Vinnie said. He was unperturbed by the meeting.

Donato poured a second glass of whiskey and slid it toward Vinnie.

"So, who are you?" Donato asked.

"I am no one really, just a kid from the Bronx," Vinnie replied.

"Luigi says you have information on the girl we are looking for?" Donato asked.

"I know who is guarding them."

"Give me their names," he said plainly.

"There is only one name; just one guy. Why did you think there was a team?" Vinnie asked.

Donato looked toward Vinnie sheepishly. "No reason."

"Anthony Scali," Vinnie said.

"And how do you know this?"

"He is my best friend."

"And why would you turn on your friend?" Donato asked, puzzled by his calmness.

"It is a huge chunk of cash you are offering," Vinnie said. "I need some."

"Just because he is your friend does not mean he has the job," Donato said plainly.

"He told me he had a job interview, he even gave me the name of the guy, that politician. I have not seen him since," Vinnie explained.

"Well, I am not giving you one cent of the cash until we have caught the fucker, he is slippery as hell to find." Donato felt he could trust Vinnie. He had a good intuition for people.

"You will have your hands full, he's an ex-cop and a hero. He wiped out a gang receiving two hundred kilos at the docks when he was in the force," Vinnie explained.

"I remember that stupid female cop was shot in the back," Donato said. "Women shouldn't be in the line of fire. It is a shame."

"That was his partner and his girl," Vinnie explained.

"I fucken hate cops, but that is bad. I am glad it was not me who had arranged that delivery. Fuck, that Anthony would be pissed," Donato said.

"Who was in charge of that delivery?" Vinnie asked.

"Morelli, Alfonso Morelli. Moreover, he is the loud mouth who is giving me grief over this girl," Donato barked.

"Well Anthony called me and said they were in Newhaven, they are holed up in the Dockside Bar and Grill. I checked the place on the internet and only open space surrounds it."

Donato stood and offered his hand. Vinnie shook it, letting Donato increase the firmness.

"Just try not to kill Anthony if you catch him," Vinnie said.

"I'll try. I can't make you any promises."

Anthony and Paige had jumped from the van at the airport entrance. Pops had waved from the window and driven straight back to the gym. The airport had not been overly busy when they arrived. They kept their heads down and walked directly to the check-in.

"Good Morning Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Thomas," the girl said. Paige looked at Anthony sharply; he smiled in return.

They got their boarding passes and quickly walked to the gate. They passed security without a hitch. None of the guards even suspected that both passports were only a day old.

"At least none of them noticed," Anthony said as he removed his spectacles. He rubbed his eyes.

"Pops sure has bad eyesight for reading, I could not see a thing," Anthony remarked.

"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas?" Paige asked. Her voice croaked as she said it.

"Who is going to be looking for a husband and wife?" Anthony explained.

"I suppose you are right," Paige replied. She liked the thought of them being a couple, if only for a moment.

"Let's get comfortable, we have an hour before we can board," Anthony said.

He sat in one of the waiting chairs and rested his head. Paige looked around and sat beside him.

Anthony smiled. "Just a few hours and we will be in the sun, it feels like a vacation, but the reason behind it is a bit much, though."

"I know what you mean. It is worse for me, I have had to leave Dad behind."

"He is safe as anything with Pops, trust me. Pops can still handle himself, even if he really only has one hand," Anthony explained.

"It is not that so much that bothers me. He has been really lonely since my mom died, and the other day I did not realize how much he actually missed her." Paige looked caring for a change.

"Life can be cruel," Anthony said as he closed his eyes.

"So, what do you know about life being cruel?"

"I just lost my partner and my girlfriend a couple of years ago." His eyes closed again.

"Two losses, that must feel terrible," Paige said.

"It was the same person, she was my partner and my girlfriend," Anthony mumbled. He was exhausted and needed a catnap.

Anthony stretched the muscles in his neck as the intercom system sprang into life. The voice boomed that their flight was now loading. Paige stood excitedly.

"Sit down, Paige. They load in order; our seats are not loading yet."

"I have never flown before," Paige said.

Anthony opened his eyes. "You have never flown?" he asked.

"No, this will be my first time." Paige grinned wildly, excited about her first flight.

"Is there anything else you have never done before?" Anthony quizzed.

_There is only the no sex thing_ , Paige thought.

"No not off the top of my head, or at least nothing that would interest you," she replied.

Anthony watched as the passengers for the plane started to thin out. He stood and grabbed his bag. Paige jumped up beside him and linked her arm through his.

"That's a bit too excited don't you think?" Anthony commented. He felt their chemistry immediately.

"I am just playing the part of an overly excited wife," Paige, said still smiling. Her hair fell perfectly over her eyes.

"Well, we will see what happens when we get to the hotel, and we have to share a room?" Anthony said. He laughed as he said the words.

"No way, we only have the one room?" Paige asked.

Anthony nodded and smiled.

"Now that is extreme," Paige said. "Extreme but doable."

They neared the plane and Paige heard her phone ringing in her bag. She opened the zipper and removed her cell phone.

"Angie is calling," she said.

"That won't be Angie," Anthony explained.

"Shall I answer it?" she said.

"Yes, it will be good to hear what they have to say," Anthony remarked. His eyes widened and looked like hard steel.

Paige missed the call and put the cell onto the speaker to hear the message.

The voice on the other end sounded rather angry. "I fucking know where you are, I am on my way to get you," the voice said.

Anthony handed in their boarding passes and they walked down the ramp.

"You think you can hide in the middle of nowhere do you, just wait till I get my hands on you," the voice snarled.

They walked onto the plane and looked for their seat.

There was more. "And you, Anthony Scali, you think you are fucking smarter than me. I will show you once I get to Newhaven," the voice yelled from the speaker.

Paige pushed the disconnect button and turned the phone off. She slid it into her bag and shoved it out of the way. Paige placed herself into the seat next to the window.

"How long does it take to get there?" Paige asked.

"Just a few hours I think, we should be there just after dinner," Anthony replied. He placed his bag in the overhead compartment.

"So, we will see the sunset?" Paige asked.

"Maybe if we are lucky, but we won't be able to stand on the beach and watch it."

"We have more than enough time for that."

"Buckle your belt, it can get bumpy on take-off," he said.

"How long are we staying there?"

"I am not sure, long enough to cause even more confusion to the mafia," Anthony replied. He looked past Paige out the window.

"I hope it is a couple of weeks, I can work on my tan," she said.

"I suppose you will want me to put lotion on your back, too?" he asked, with a very sly grin.

"You would enjoy that sort of thing, wouldn't you?" Paige said.

"You know what they say. What happens in Jamaica, stays in Jamaica." Anthony laughed.

Paige looked at Anthony sternly. "Nothing is going to happen there." She turned away, feeling her body want him again.

"You mean no sex on the beach?" Anthony asked.

"Of course not," Paige said plainly.

Anthony grinned. "You should try it, it's like a great cocktail."

"Yes, a cock tale." Paige felt her pussy clench and moisten at the thought of sex on the beach.

But, sex on the beach with Anthony... God, that would make her squeal. She tried to place her thoughts on something else. He smelled so good, right next to her.

_" Making yourself vanish is easy, doing it while everyone is watching, now that is an art."_

## 18

# Waiting in Vain

_" Chinese whispers have a different meaning to everyone."_

Vinnie had assured Donato that the girl and Anthony had holed up in the Bar and Grill in Branford. What purpose did it serve to pass misleading information to Vinnie? Well, that's how Vinnie had explained it.

The car approached the small town of Branford, it looked so out of place amongst the four-wheel drive vehicles which sat in front of the wooden built houses. It was a far stretch from the big city, and from the rear seat of the car, Donato could tell that life here would be dull and boring.

They approached the end of the road, the asphalt came to a halt and gravel took over; the sign for the bar swung on chains rusted by the sea breeze that washed over them.

Donato opened his window, the smell of the ocean filled the car; seagulls darted and dived toward the sea hoping to catch their next meal. The birds walked on the pier hoping to find remnants of hot dogs and burgers that were dropped on the ground.

Vinnie had been right, the bar was surrounded by open space, the large parking lot doubled as the slipway to the ocean for the many boats which sat in the harbor. The driver pulled the car to the front of the bar. The engine silenced and they watched.

Donato leaned onto the front seat. "Can you see anything?" he asked Ricco.

Ricco shook his head. "Nah, we are lower than the level of the window, it is not possible to see anything from here," he replied.

"There is no choice, we have to go in," Donato said plainly.

Ricco called to the other car and told the guys to go around the back of the grill; if anyone came running they would be easily spotted. The car doors opened. Donato and Ricco stepped from the vehicle.

They made their way to the bar. The wooden steps creaked under their footsteps. Ricco grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it toward him. The loud creak broke the silence as the rusty hinges swung open.

Donato stepped up to the bar. The smell of grilling seafood filled the air. Old music flowed from behind the bar. The old man stood wiping glasses.

"What can I get you?" the bartender asked.

"Whiskey, old if you have it?" Donato said.

"Eighteen years; single malt okay?" the bartender said.

"That is perfect, make it a double."

"What about your friend?" the bartender asked.

"Just a beer for him, make it a light."

Donato sat at the bar and glanced around the grill. A few tables had customers sitting and chatting, but no sign of a girl and an ex-cop.

"How long you been working here?" Donato asked.

"I own the place, been here twenty years," the bartender said.

"You have many visitors in this neck of the woods?"

"Just enough to keep me afloat, mainly they are people coming in after a day's sailing and want something before they make their way back to the city," he replied.

"What about family or friends? Do they ever come out this way to see you?" Donato quizzed.

"I don't have much family these days, and friends are just from around the village. Some of the locals come in for the odd beer every now and again, but apart from that, I am pretty much by myself."

"It is a nice place, even if it is out of the way, you deserve more customers," Donato said.

"Bah, I do just fine the way it is, if I wanted to see lots of people, I wouldn't have moved out here," the bartender said laughing.

Donato watched the mirror behind the bar, he could see the reflection of Ricco walking up to him. He grabbed a stool and sat next to Donato.

He leaned toward Donato and whispered. "I checked the kitchen and bathroom, no sign of anyone," he said.

"That Vinnie kid was convinced they were here. He stated that ex-cop was his friend," Donato replied.

"Well I don't think they are here," Ricco said.

Donato fumed. They had been led on a merry dance again.

"What's up? You look a little pissed, is there something wrong?" the bartender asked.

"We were supposed to meet someone here, they are either not showing, or we have been given false information," Donato said. He sipped his drink.

"Ah, I hate that. A number of times I get people here who are supposed to meet someone and they find that their friends have already taken a boat out," the bartender said.

"Say that again," Donato pressed.

"Friends who are supposed to meet to go sailing, they get fed up with waiting and just take the boat out by themselves."

"You have many strangers who take boats out?" Donato asked.

"Yeah, all the time. Just this week a few took a boat out for the week, actually that reminds me, they should be back tomorrow," the bartender said.

"And these people who have taken a boat. Was there an older guy and a younger man with a girl?" Donato quizzed.

"I am not sure, I don't really see who gets on the boats from here. I just see the one who books it," the bartender said.

"And who booked that ship if you don't mind me asking?" He was hoping for clarity this time.

"He was a biggish guy, I thought he looked familiar from the TV. I am not sure; my eyes are not what they used to be."

Donato leaned toward Ricco. "If they have gone on a boat, they are due back in the morning, so we can wait for them," Donato said.

Ricco nodded and agreed.

"Is there anywhere to sleep around here?" asked Ricco.

"Sorry, out of season, the inn is closed for another few weeks."

"Ricco, it looks like we are sleeping in the car tonight," Donato said.

The cold blast of air blew from the vent as the plane made its way to the runway. The plane rumbled and vibrated as the captain slowly positioned the aircraft into position. Paige watched as the flaps on the wings moved up and down with a loud whir of the motors.

"Fuck, this is scary," she said.

"It's nothing, flying is the safest way to travel," Anthony replied.

"Aren't you scared?" Paige asked.

"Not at all, once you get going, it is just like a bus with no wheels."

"I am covered in goosebumps, I am not sure if it is excitement, or if I want to wet myself."

"Just hang on tight when it goes to take off, that is the bumpiest moment," Anthony said.

"Everyone looks very quiet," Paige said.

"They should do, they are all going on vacation." Anthony laughed.

The captain spoke over the intercom and stated that they were cleared for takeoff. The engines roared as they increased their speed.

"Shit, is that normal?" Paige whispered.

"Yes. In a moment, it will shoot off, and then we will leave the ground," Anthony explained.

The plane shook as the brakes held the power of the engines. The captain released the brakes and the plane lunged forward. Paige grabbed hold of Anthony's arm... tightly.

She closed her eyes tight as the speed increased. The noise of the tires against the asphalt filled the cabin. Paige's body shook as she gripped Anthony's arm. The plane tilted upward as the flaps angled. The plane lifted into the sky.

"It has gone quiet," Paige said nervously.

"We are flying now," Anthony said.

The whir of motors below them lifted the tires up into the plane.

"What's that?" Paige asked.

"Just the tires, they lift them up when flying."

The captain spoke and described the flight to the passengers. The stewardesses ran through all the safety procedures and then came around with drinks. Paige looked out the window, her gaze looked down to the land that was thousands of feet below them.

"I don't know why they make so much fuss, it is nothing to worry about," she said smiling.

"Yeah, who would be scared of such a simple thing," Anthony replied. He tried not to tease too much.

The hostess stood at the side of their seats. "Would you like a drink?" she asked.

They ordered drinks and settled in for the short flight.

Anthony tilted his head toward Paige. "If you have never flown, that means you have never been out of the country before."

Paige smiled. "I have not really been out of state either," she said.

"You have lived a sheltered life."

"Dad has been busy, and without Mom, I have had no chance to do anything, except study."

"What an introduction to life you are having this month," Anthony said. He noticed her beauty as her hair fell onto her cheek. Her eyes were beautiful, today.

"Tell me about it, I have near enough experienced everything," she replied.

"I suppose, there are not many people your age on the run from the mafia, who have been chased and shot at. It's a big disruption," Anthony said.

"Normal life will seem so boring after this." She laughed.

The captain spoke and said they would be coming into land. The plane slowly started to descend. Paige held her nose and blew as her ears popped from the pressure. She watched from the window. The expanse of sea that laid below them was insurmountable. The white beaches of Jamaica circled under the plane.

"Geez, this looks fantastic," she said, pulling on Anthony's arm.

Her head pushed against the window as the plane lowered toward the land. The buildings grew in size as they slowly neared the runway. The wheels lowered. Then the plane dipped lower and the tires screeched.

"Aagh, what's happening," she said, gripping Anthony's arm.

"We are slowing down, it is okay," he said. He liked her holding onto him. It felt right, somehow.

The plane leveled and all the wheels touched down. They slowed, and the plane turned at the end of the runway. The captain spoke his usual hum-drum as the plane turned toward the airport. Paige pressed her head against the window.

The exotic trees were at the side of the airport and the afternoon sun cast its final golden beams over paradise.

"This looks fantastic," she said.

"You ain't seen nothing yet," Anthony said.

"I can't wait, I am so excited."

"We still have a few minutes to go, just be patient," he said.

She let go of his arm and he leaned in so he could see outside the plane. The plane finally stopped. The doors opened as all the passengers stood and grabbed their bags from the overhead compartments. Anthony waited. He liked to be patient, sometimes.

"It's like a stampede, they are crazy," Paige said.

Just relax, they are not going to get there any quicker," Anthony explained.

"You have done this a lot?"

"A few times, but not always to somewhere so exotic," he replied.

Anthony said she could turn her cell phone back on now they had landed. Paige took her cell from her bag and pushed the power button on. The phone sprung into life. It beeped; she had received messages.

"I have a message from Angie on another number, she says she has to be careful because they threatened her family," Paige said.

"Tell her not to contact you if she is worried," Anthony explained.

"Fuck that, how they going to know? I mean, she has a new phone," Paige said.

"Any other messages?" Anthony asked.

Paige started to laugh. "Yes, I have one from Dad," she said.

"What has he got to say?" Anthony asked with a smile. "Nothing about fried chicken, I hope."

Paige laughed. "The mafia went to Branford. My uncle told them some strangers took a boat out," she said.

"What is funny about that?" Anthony asked.

Paige lifted her head. "They are sleeping in the car."

"That is funny." Anthony readied himself to exit the plane.

_" Chinese whispers have a different meaning to everyone."_

## 19

# Land Ahoy

_" Waiting can bring the best of things, or it can make you look like a complete idiot."_

The sun had started to rise and Donato stirred in his seat. The smell of stale sweat had begun to fill the car. Donato slid his feet from the rear seat and put them on the floor of the car. His toes felt damp as he placed his feet down. He looked down and could see the carpet was soaked.

He looked from the front window and could see the ocean had moved much closer to them than it had been the previous evening. He wound down his window and saw they had either rolled forward or they had fallen foul to a rising tide.

"Ricco," he shouted.

Ricco stirred in the passenger seat and opened his eyes.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Put your feet on the floor," Donato yelled.

Ricco slid his feet from the seat and placed them on the floor.

"Fuck, they are all wet, what the fuck has happened?" he asked.

"Who is the clever fucker who chose the parking spot?" Donato yelled.

"Who do you think?" Ricco said.

Donato grabbed the door handle and pushed. The door was stuck solid. He looked from the window and could see the wheels had sunk into the soft sand. Both of the cars had become stranded.

He shouted toward the other car. "Luigi come here," he yelled.

Luigi opened the window. "My door is stuck for some reason," he called back.

"Look at the floor," Donato screamed.

Luigi leaned from the rear of the second car. He raised his head with a confused look.

"Who moved the cars?" he asked.

"They haven't moved you dumb fuck, the tide has come in," Donato screamed.

"We are stuck," Luigi said.

"No shit, what an observation," Donato said.

"I am not sure this sand is going to move." Luigi looked worried.

Ricco laughed from the front seat. "What the fuck are you laughing at?" Donato said.

"If it weren't so fucking serious, it would be comical," Ricco said.

"Luigi, you better do something quick. I want to pee," Donato said.

"Hang on Boss," Luigi replied. He looked like a crab stuck in the mud. A crab in a car for that matter.

Donato looked from his window. Luigi's arm stretched out toward him with a soda bottle. Luigi tipped it up and poured the yellow contents into the sand.

"Here use this," Luigi said.

"What the fuck am I going to do with that?" Donato asked, grabbing the bottle.

He looked at his wet hands. "Shit, I have soda on my fingers," he said.

"I have just had a pee in that bottle, so I know it is okay," Luigi yelled.

"Holy fuck, I have my fingers in Luigi's piss," he screamed out.

Donato threw the bottle into the front of the car. Ricco squeezed himself against the door.

"Keep that thing away from me," Ricco screamed.

"Luigi, I am gonna wring your neck when I get hold of you," Donato shouted from the window.

"Your door is stuck like mine," Luigi yelled.

"You better fucking get us out of this mess. Climb out of the window and get some help," Donato ordered.

"Okay, sure thing, Boss."

They watched from the window as Luigi put his foot on the window, the legs on his pants were rolled up to his knees. His body slipped from the window and he stood with his feet slowly sinking into the muddy sand.

"Come here," Donato whispered.

Luigi stepped toward the car of Donato. He leaned his head forward.

"Closer," Donato murmured.

Luigi leaned into the rear of the car. "Yes, Boss," he said.

Donato wrapped his hands around Luigi's neck and squeezed.

"I should fucking kill you now you dumb fuck, your body would sink, and I would be done with you," he screamed.

"How would you get from the beach if you did that?" Luigi gargled. Donato's hands squeezed tightly around his throat.

"Just get some help," Donato said as he pushed Luigi from the window.

He watched from the rear of the car as Luigi made his way up the beach and headed to the bar. They waited and could see him as he slowly returned to the car.

"They have a tractor, we just have to wait until the sand dries so they can get closer," Luigi explained.

"How long is that gonna fucken take?" Ricco asked.

"Ten o'clock," Luigi said.

Donato looked at his watch. "It's only seven o'clock. We have to wait three fucking hours?" Donato yelled.

"Afraid so, or you can climb from the window and walk to the bar, his breakfast smells ever so nice," Luigi said. He smelled the salty air like a man in a happy movie would do.

"If I climb from this window and fall onto my face, you're a dead man," Donato said, angrily.

"Come on Boss, I will help you," Luigi said. He was still happier than he should be in Donato's eyes.

Donato removed his wet socks and rolled his pants as high as they would go. He slid his body from the window and his feet touched the sand.

"I am stuck," Donato said.

"Hang on the Boss," Luigi said.

Luigi walked to the other door. He opened it and climbed onto the rear seat.

"Here, let me help you, Boss," Luigi said. Ricco was growing more impatient watching it all unfold.

Donato hung from the door. He raised his head. "How did you open that door?" he yelled.

"There is a rock there, the sand hasn't raised up to the door level."

"Luigi! For your health's sake, you should leave me here. I am personally going to smash your tiny little brain into smaller pieces when I am free," Donato said, menacingly.

Luigi sat on the seat. "Which way can you move, in or out?" he asked.

Donato lifted his head. "Either way you are dead."

Ricco looked at his watch and got out. He and Luigi were both going to have to help Donato. He looked very pissed, now.

Seymour connected his laptop to the office. The message window popped up and he continued his business as if nothing had happened. Pops had made him a healthy breakfast compared to the double bowl of cereal he would regularly consume.

"Pops you are a real gentleman," Seymour said.

"Your daughter told me to look after you and I said I would," Pops replied.

"She is concerned I know, but you know how it gets," he explained.

Pops sighed; his shoulders rose and fell. "I know only too well."

"She has time on her side, for us old one's things are a bit different." Seymour took in a breath.

"At least she is out of harm's way for a while," Pops said.

"I just hope she will be safe? I trust Anthony," Seymour answered.

"She is in the best hands that I know of," Pops said, comfortingly.

"That's good to hear, but I am not so sure one person can outsmart the mafia."

"There is a little more to Anthony than what you see on the outside," Pops said.

"Why, what do you mean?" Seymour asked.

"He got picked on at school. A bully knocked him to the floor and he hit his head. Once he recovered he seemed different."

"What do you mean different?" Seymour asked.

"Don't worry, he is not going to hurt Paige or anything. It is his focus."

"His focus. What do you mean? Like he can concentrate on a problem?"

"More than that, he is to the next problem before the first one is even over," Pops replied. He gave a warm smile.

"Have you got an example?" Seymour said. He leaned forward on the table as Pops began to explain.

"Well, when we played chess; and I must say I am a pretty decent player, it showed up then. Anthony wasn't just three, four or five moves ahead of me, he had me in check, or checkmate in his head," Pops said.

"A lot of players visualize that when they play," Seymour replied.

Pops laughed. "Anthony didn't envision it, he wrote it down. Etched it in his mind."

"You mean he worked out your moves as well as his own once the game had started?" Seymour asked.

Pops nodded. "Exactly, his moves made me choose the moves he had written," he replied.

Seymour was fascinated how a human mind could basically control a series of events that worked well, without any physical interaction.

"Are there any more examples?" Seymour asked.

"A relevant one was when he was still boxing. He would come to his corner and tell me what the fighter was going to do when the bell rang," Pops said.

"I find it hard to believe," Seymour said.

"It's tru.It happened when he won the belt in the junior championship. He came to the corner and said the other kid was going to cover up and then throw a right. Anthony said he would throw a jab, then step to his right. The other kid would throw his punch into thin air and Anthony would have a clear shot," Pops explained in more detail.

"I guess that is what happened?"

"Exactly, I have the film of it somewhere, I will try and find it and show you."

"I can see that you have a soft spot for him," Seymour said.

"He is like a son to me, he has been here every single day since he was six years old unless he was traveling out of town," Pops said.

"Anyone would think he lives here."

Pops laughed. "In fact, you are sitting in his living room."

Seymour looked surprised. "You mean this is his home?"

Pops nodded. "Ever since he lost his girl. He has a few properties where he could live, but he always wanted to be here."

"He sounds complicated."

"Not at all, he is very simple. He just sees things differently to the way we do." Pops stood from the table and headed to the door.

"So, as you can see, I know Paige is in the best hands," he said as he vanished down the stairs.

Seymour finished his healthy breakfast, and his cell phone rang.

"Hello Nile, how is the outlook in Branford?" Seymour asked.

"Very rosy indeed, I am having a great day so far," Nile said.

"I guess you had visitors?" Seymour asked.

"I did and I invited them to sleep on the beach," Nile replied.

"I don't understand," Seymour said.

"They arrived last night looking for Paige. I told them some strangers had taken a boat out and would be back this morning," Nile explained.

"Why didn't they sleep in the inn?" Seymour asked.

"I mentioned it was closed." Nile laughed.

"It never closes," Seymour said, puzzled by his brother's words.

"Oh yes, I forgot," Nile replied.

"Where are they now?"

"They are somewhat... stuck on the beach. I told them it would be three hours before we could tow them out," Nile said.

"I can see why you are having a fun time." Seymour giggled.

"The boss is hanging out of the window. There is one real idiot who has climbed through the other door to help him get free," Nile said.

"It sounds like an episode of the three stooges. I wish I could see it," Seymour said.

"I thought you might say that, so I am filming it for you," Nile replied.

"I will have to send it to Paige, they will find it so funny."

"It is beyond me how can guys like this can be so successful in criminal activities."

"I have had the same thought for years. It won't be long before all the other families start breathing down their necks," Seymour replied.

"That will change the ballgame altogether," Nile said.

"I know, I want to get rid of these idiots, but in one way I also want them to stay here because they are so hilarious," Seymour commented. He was trying to make himself look on the bright side, despite the true reality of things.

Nile giggled down the phone. "Well, they are not moving from here anytime soon."

"Oh, I love it! It would be a great short film."

_" Waiting can bring the best of things, or it can make you look like a complete idiot."_

## 20

# On View

_"Not everything is behind you, even if the audience says it is."_

Paige and Anthony approached the immigration counter. Paige started to become nervous. This would be the real test for the passports and their authenticity.

"You sure we will be okay?" Paige asked.

"Just keep calm and remember the details of where we married and your new name," Anthony said.

"Kelly Thomas got it," she said.

"And my name is?" Anthony asked.

"John," she said.

"Good, now don't look weird when they check the passport, just remember you are on vacation," he said. "Smile."

They approached the immigration officer. Paige smiled as she handed him the passports.

"Where are you two staying?" the officer asked.

"Hedonism Two," Paige replied, smiling at Anthony.

The security guard laughed as he stamped the passports. He winked at Anthony as he walked through the barrier.

"Have fun," the guard said.

Anthony smiled back. "I will try," he replied.

They walked to the glass doors of the airport. They slid them open. The hot air flowed over them.

"Jesus Christ, I wasn't expecting this," Paige said.

"What's wrong? "Anthony asked.

Paige screwed up her face and removed her sweat-shirt. "It's a bit fucking warm," she said plainly.

Anthony looked at Paige's body, he had forgotten how large her breasts were. It all flooded back to him as he had glanced at her when they were in the shower. She had a nice pair and he wondered what sort of swimwear she would wear if she wore any at all. Maybe a bikini.

Anthony hailed a cab. They slid onto the rear seat. The cabbie smiled as he craned his neck over the seat.

"Where your destination?" he asked.

"Negril, Hedonism Two," Anthony said smiling.

The cabbie smiled. "You been to Hedonism before?" he asked.

"Nope, first time for both of us," Anthony said.

"You will be free to do whatever you want there," the cabbie explained.

"Why does everyone laugh when you say, 'hedonism?'" Paige asked.

The cabbie smiled from the front. His large white teeth glared into the rear-view mirror.

He looked at Anthony. "It looks like you haven't told someone," the cabbie said.

"What haven't you said to me?" Paige said.

Anthony looked back at her embarrassed. "It is a freedom resort," he explained.

"What does that mean?" she asked.

The cabbie watched as Anthony tried to explain to Paige what hedonism was all about.

"What? God, it is a nudist resort, isn't it?" she snapped.

"Only if you want, you can dress if you like, the choice is yours," Anthony said.

"Why the hell would you choose a place like this?" she asked.

"I think we should finish this conversation later," Anthony remarked. Paige folded her arms and did her famous pout.

"Damn right we will," Paige said.

The cab arrived at the resort. They stepped out from the cab and entered the reception. Anthony made the check-in while Paige looked around. The cream marble counter sat in front of a blue wall that had a white, three-dimensional display hung in front of it. Paige glanced into the bar area, there were red walls and seats.

She could see many couples as they draped themselves over each other. Fingers ran through hair and women leaned close to their partners or lovers.

Anthony returned from the reception desk with the key to the room.

"This doesn't look so bad," Paige said.

Anthony laughed. "This is a public area," he said.

"I think it is full of honeymooners, they are all draped over each other in the bar area," Paige answered.

"Wait 'till the morning, you might have a different opinion of the place, but whatever you see, it doesn't mean you have to do the same," Anthony said. He wore a wide grin on his face, now.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she asked.

"Let me put it this way, it could have a significant bearing on what clothes you buy tomorrow," Anthony said.

"Damn Anthony, you are getting me worried," Paige said.

"The good thing is, no one would ever look for us in a place like this."

"If you say so, I have to agree," Paige said.

They arrived at their room. Anthony opened the door and Paige walked inside. She stood by the window and could see the view of the beach. The king-sized bed sat on the white-tiled floor, the large headrests were made from wood. The light, airy feel washed over them as they dropped their bags to the floor.

"This looks really nice," Paige said.

"It's not bad for a basic room," Anthony said.

"This is basic? I thought it was a premium room," she said, amazed.

After unpacking the bags, they checked out all the amenities.

Paige walked to the large glass door and opened it. "We are right on the beach and we have a Jacuzzi... a private Jacuzzi," she said excitedly.

Anthony smiled at her excitement. She looked great smiling and happy.

"This is way over the top, but I am not complaining," Paige said.

"There is a lot more to come, make the best of it and enjoy yourself while we have the chance," Anthony replied.

"I could do with a shower after that flight," Paige said.

"You have the Jacuzzi outside don't forget," Anthony said.

"I think that would be better, but I have no bikini."

"You can just wear your bra and panties, that's nearly the same," Anthony replied smiling.

"It does sound very tempting and it is a lovely evening, hell... let's go for it."

Anthony walked onto the private veranda and flicked the switch for the Jacuzzi. The water started to bubble and flow. He walked back into the bedroom; Paige had already begun to remove her clothes and stood there in her silky, white bra and had her button open on her jeans.

Anthony raised his head and watched her reflection in the mirrored ceiling. Paige slithered from her tight jeans. He watched as they freed themselves from the grip of her ass.

_This trip might be harder than I expected,_ he thought to himself.

Luigi watched as the tractor was driven from the boathouse. The chains rattled as they were fastened to the fender of the car. The tractor inched forward, the chain tightened. A creak of metal filled the air as the bumper flew off the car. The tractor lunged forward quickly and then came to a halt.

"Can this get any fucking worse?" Donato yelled.

"Show them where to fasten the god-damn chains," Ricco yelled.

The tow hook was located and the chain was connected. The tractor inched forward, again. The car rocked back and forth as the wheels tried to free themselves from the clutches of the damp sand. The driver stepped on the gas, the wheels spun and flicked sand into the afternoon air.

The car rocked as smoke poured from the tires. Finally, the car made its way free. The driver reversed back and passed the level of the tractor as Luigi fastened the chains to the second car.

The tractor pulled backward, the wheels on the car poured with smoke. The car rocked back and forth. It was stuck. Ricco looked underneath. There was no obstruction.

"It should come free, nothing is stopping it," Ricco said.

The tractor pulled again. The car rocked back and forth.

"Luigi, step on the gas," Ricco yelled.

Luigi floored the pedal, the tires screeched and smoked. Ricco signaled for Luigi to take his foot off the gas. He walked to the driver window.

"What gear do you have it in?" Ricco asked.

"Second, I read it stops spinning on ice and I thought it might work on sand," Luigi said.

Ricco swiped his hand against Luigi's head.

"Put the fucking car in reverse you dumb fucker, we are going backward," he yelled.

"Ah yes, sorry," he replied.

Luigi changed into reverse and stepped on the gas. He floored the pedal and the car skidded and caught traction, it flew from the sand as the tractor inched forward.

"Whoa," Ricco screamed.

Luigi looked from the window, he flew past Ricco as the car struck the rear of the tractor. The sound of twisted metal filled Donato's ears as he walked out from the bar.

"What the fuck was that noise?" Donato asked.

"The car has just hit the tractor," Ricco said.

"Who is driving the car?" Donato asked.

Luigi looked from the driver's window. He grimaced as he saw Donato approaching.

"I should have fucking known," Donato said.

"Sorry Boss." Luigi felt his stomach in knots.

"You will fucken pay for that," Ricco said.

"Can you delay it a month or two? I am still paying for the other car," Luigi asked.

The cars were freed and the tractor returned to the boathouse. Nile walked from the bar and stood at the top of the steps.

"Any sign of that boat yet?" he asked.

"Nah, none at all," Donato said.

"Well, they won't get back now the tide is out, it would be tomorrow at the earliest," Nile replied.

Donato faced Nile. "No offense, but I am not waiting in this shithole any longer," he said.

"Just give me your number and if I see them, I will give you a call," Nile said.

Donato nodded. "If you could do that, I would appreciate it," he replied.

They headed back to the city. The afternoon sun was finally resting over the horizon. The streetlights sparked into life as the cars made their way back to the hideout. Donato watched the car in front as the fender struck from the rear of the car. They arrived back at the hideout and Donato walked barefooted to his office.

"Someone get me a drink and tell Luigi to get that fucking Vinnie back here," he snapped.

He sipped his drink and lit a Cuban cigar.

"This fucking Anthony has us running around like a bunch of dicks. Where the fuck have they gone to? Christ, I need answers and I needed them yesterday," Donato screamed.

Luigi entered the office and stood to face Donato. The legs of his pants were still rolled up to his knees; the pale, white skin of his legs looked like two matchsticks compared to Donato's.

"Well Luigi, have you got anymore bright ideas? Or should I just shoot you now?" Donato said. His voice was coarse.

"Boss for once, I have no idea," Luigi said.

"We have one last route, this is your last chance. You may be the dumbest fucker I've ever known, but I trust you more than the others," Donato said plainly.

"Even Ricco?" Luigi asked.

"I said you were dumb, he is my fucking brother, so he doesn't get included," Donato replied.

"Sorry Boss," Luigi said apologetically.

"Find out what you can about this Anthony Scali, he has to have history."

"I will get on it first thing in the morning. If Vinnie knows him, it means he is local," Luigi replied. He smiled at his own thoughts.

"You better find something or we are all in the shit. The other families are giving us 'till next week," Donato said.

"What happens if we don't find them?" Luigi asked.

"I am not sure if I will be dead, but I won't be sitting in this chair," Donato said.

"Why? Boss, are you planning on going somewhere?" Luigi asked.

"Luigi, I have no idea how I managed to have a son like you, but you are very dumb. Your mama must've dropped you on your head."

"I am one of those millennial kids, it is not actually my fault."

"Well it isn't mine, you don't follow in any of my footsteps, it must be your mother that influences you. Stupid woman!"

"I do try Dad, I honestly do," Luigi said.

"I know, you are very fucking trying sometimes."

"It could be worse though," Luigi said.

"How could you be any worse?" Donato asked.

"I could be stupid as well as dumb," Luigi said smiling.

"I am so glad that you are not like that." Donato sighed.

"Do you want me to tell Mom what time you will be home for dinner?" Luigi asked.

Donato shook his head. "You can tell her what you like, she won't understand you. I might not even go home."

"But she wants to go to that play with you, Dad. I mean Boss."

"Yeah, exactly."

_"Not everything is behind you, even if the audience says it is."_

## 21

# Birthday Suit

_" A birthday suit will not help you blend in."_

Anthony looked at the time on his watch. He had thought the four am curse had been broken. It then dawned on him the hour time difference. While they were in Jamaica, he would wake at three am.

He sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Paige. He had brought her to one of the hottest destinations in Jamaica. It could be classed as a "no-holds-barred fuck-fest," for many of the onlookers. But for the many guests here, it was just a freedom lifestyle they could embrace to any degree they wished.

If you wanted to wear clothes that was alright, or if you didn't want to wear clothes that was fine, too. Whatever you wanted to do, you could do, and with whoever you wanted.

If by some wild chance the mafia did look in Jamaica, they would only really check the average hotels. Couples went there all the time so they would not stand out... especially where they were staying.

Paige looked like an angel as she laid there, her long hair flowed across the pillow. The bed sheet just covered her hips. Her t-shirt was not strong enough to hide the fact that her pink nipples had budded in her sleep.

She smiled as she stirred and rolled over. The bed sheet slid down her soft, silky skin. Anthony looked at her body and he licked his lips and wondered if Paige would embrace any of the freedom that Hedonism Two offered.

Paige did not have to go naked like so many women did; topless would have him secretly foaming at the mouth. Quite a few times Anthony had imagined what it would like to be with Paige and to feel her silky skin against his.

One of those times was now. Five am, Jamaica time. His mind wandered and he was becoming aroused.

Anthony stood in the shower. The warm Jamaican water washed over his body. He closed his eyes and thought about what could be. He omagined her in his mind...

_Paige exited from the Jacuzzi, her bra and panties clung to her wet body. The white, thin, silky material had become see-through. Anthony glanced at her body as she stepped freely from the water. Her skin shimmered as the outline of her pussy shone through her panties._

_He could feel his arousal growing as she walked into the room. Droplets of water glistened on her body and her long hair clung to her damp back. Paige stepped closer and fumbled with the clasp on her bra. She appeared not to see him as he stood watching from the bathroom._

_She slipped her fingers inside the elastic of her panties, she pulled them down over her wet legs and dropped them onto the tiled floor._

_" Oh Anthony, where are you when I want you," Paige cried out with passion._

_" I am here watching," Anthony called._

_He stepped into the light, his olive-skinned body shone under the bright light._

_" I have waited for this moment, and now we are alone," Paige said._

_" All alone, baby," Anthony replied._

Anthony opened his eyes and looked from the shower. Paige was still sleeping so he closed his eyes again.

_Anthony unfastened the string on his shorts and let them fall to the floor. His manhood started to fill and the twitching that would lead to a full erection embraced him. His shaft warmed in his hand as he watched Paige crawl onto the crispy bed sheets, naked._

_Her pinkish body contrasted against the white bed linen. Her head rested on a pillow as she pushed her knees together._

_"Anthony, I want you," she said urging him with her finger. Anthony climbed onto the bed and knelt before her._

_" I want to watch you get hard for me," Paige said._

_Anthony wrapped his hand around the base of his cock, his gaze fixed on her as he started to stroke the full length of his arousal. His cock started to grow and harden under his touch. His mind on fire with the lust that was building from his erection as he watched Paige slowly spread her legs._

_She cupped and massaged her large breasts and fumbled with the rose-tipped nipples which hardened under her touch. She slid her hand over her body and caressed the flatness of her stomach. Her legs parted and he could see the rosy folds of her pussy lips. There was wetness there and she was ready for him._

Anthony opened his eyes and glanced back to the bed. Paige had pulled the bed sheets over her head and continued to sleep. Anthony closed his eyes...

_Paige reached down and spread the lips of her pussy. Her fingers pushed against her moistness and spread the entrance to her femininity._

_Paige extended one finger and bit her lip as she pushed her finger against her clitoris. Her finger flicked from side to side; Anthony could feel that his cock had reached a full erection. He wrapped his hand around his shaft and started to stroke the full length of his shaft. The large head shone, the skin pulling tight on his glands._

_His hand thrust as Paige teased her swollen clit faster and faster. She moaned and groaned as he started to rock his own hips back and forth. Anthony licked his lips as Paige slid one of her slender fingers deep inside her arousal._

Anthony wiped the water from his face and looked over toward the bed. Paige had moved and was nowhere to be seen. He looked down and his cock has hardened like a rock; he stood with water falling onto his back. He turned off the water.

He reached for a towel and stepped inside the room. Paige had opened the large glass doors to watch the sunrise from the veranda.

"What you doing out here?" Anthony asked as he leaned closer to Paige.

"I am watching the sun come up while I am waiting for the shower to be free," she said.

"How long have you been awake?" he asked.

"About thirty minutes, I was going to join you, and then I changed my mind," she said giggling.

"I am going for a shower now, and then we can get down to it," Paige said grinning seductively.

"Get down to what?" Anthony asked. His dick was still at semi-mast.

She turned her head and winked. "Shopping of course."

Luigi had decided to make Donato proud. He had to find who this Anthony Scali was, or if he had a weakness that Luigi could use against him. His first point of stop was Vinnie after all, because he was "supposedly" Anthony's best friend.

Luigi sat at the bar. "So, tell me, what do you know about this Anthony?" he said plainly.

"He is my best friend and he used to be in the force before his girl and partner got shot at the docks," Vinnie said.

"I heard about that. Twenty wiped out by one guy," Luigi said.

"He took the job immediately when it was offered to him."

"So, where does this Anthony live then?" Luigi asked.

Vinnie shrugged his shoulders, "He has never told me that, and to be honest I have never asked him," Vinnie replied.

"You must know something about him?" Luigi said.

"I know he likes chess and that girls love him, but he never gets close to any of them," Vinnie said.

"What about work?"

"He gets the jobs the same way I do; we get a call, or a job is left in our PO box in the station, that is it," Vinnie explained.

"There has to be somewhere where he goes that could reveal more about him, or somewhere we can find him."

Luigi spent a good hour or so trying to get information out of Vinnie, but blood out of stone was easier said than done... especially when that stone was Anthony Scali. As close as Vinnie had been with Anthony, he had fed him very little information about anything. The only thing that could lead them anywhere was on the tip of Vinnie's tongue, but he had not yet realized it.

"Vinnie, it sounds like this Anthony doesn't trust you at all, he has told you nothing about himself," Luigi said.

"Will I get any money for mentioning Branford?" Vinnie asked.

"You are lucky you can still walk," Luigi replied. He tried to sound as mean as his father.

Luigi stood from the bar and started to walk toward the door. His ears were wide open as he heard Vinnie mumble.

"I will punch his lights out at the gym," Vinnie murmured.

Luigi turned and looked at Vinnie. He slowly walked back to him.

"What did you just say?" Luigi asked.

"I didn't say anything," Vinnie remarked.

"Yes, you did, you said gym, what gym is that?"

"That dump of a place, that guy with twisted fingers," Vinnie said.

"I want a name, give me a name," Luigi snapped.

"I can't remember what the name is sorry," Vinnie said.

"It might be something, don't go fucking leaving town anytime soon," Luigi said.

"So, Anthony likes the gym, what good can that do?" Vinnie asked.

"You never fucking know, you never know," Luigi said.

Luigi headed back to the hideout. He had some bits of information. Vinnie had not kept it from him, that he was sure. It seemed he had just overlooked it. Sometimes it's the things you overlook that can lead you in the right direction.

He entered the hideout and headed to Donato's office. The room was empty. Ricco was not there either.

"Where is Donato?" Luigi asked the guys.

"He just went out with Ricco," they replied.

_Just when I have lead you fuck off out,_ he thought to himself.

He picked up his cell phone and dialed the number. He shielded himself from the guys.

"Hello Mom," he whispered.

"Hiya Luigi," his mom said.

"Is Dad there?" he asked.

"No, I hava not seena your poppa alla daya," his mom replied.

Luigi hung up the phone and wondered where Donato could have gone. The idea came to his mind. Donato had wanted a shave. The barber shop might be a great place to start.

Luigi ran down the street and headed to the family barber shop. Gus was not a relative, but it was a mafia family barber shop. He pushed open the door and ran inside. All the heads turned as Luigi stood there gasping for breath.

Donato sat in the chair with a face full of shaving foam. Gus had the cut throat razor firmly against his neck.

"Luigi, you make Gus jump like that again and you will be in big trouble," Donato said.

"Sorry Boss, but I have something that could be substantial."

"Spit it out then," Donato said.

"I talked to Vinnie, he knows fuck all. But there was one thing he had forgotten to mention," Luigi said.

"Yes, and that is?" Donato asked as he sat up in the chair.

Luigi looked up and laughed. "You look like Santa Claus with that foam on your chin," Luigi said.

"You better fucking tell me, or this bad Santa will have his foot up your ass," Donato yelled. It was at the enjoyment of the other customers.

"Vinnie said this Anthony dude likes the gym."

Donato looked intently at Luigi. "Which gym?" he asked.

"He couldn't remember the name," Luigi said.

Donato threw his hands in the air. "I thought you had done something right this time. Fuck!" Donato said.

"I haven't finished."

"What else is there?" Donato replied.

"The owner of the gym, he has man..." Luigi started to say. Luigi started coughing and wheezing. He thrust his hand into his pocket.

"The kids a fucking asthmatic," Donato said, looking around at the other men listening in.

Ricco looked at Luigi. "I think he might be in trouble, he doesn't have his spray."

Donato turned his head toward Ricco. "This could be my lucky day," Donato said.

"It could be, but I think he was just about to give some information about what gym it could be," Ricco said.

"Ah fuck, I will never be free of him at this rate," Donato said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a spray.

He threw the spray close to Luigi who stooped and picked it up. He placed it into his mouth and breathed deeply.

"You were saying," Donato said.

"Mangled hand, the owner has a mangled hand," Luigi said.

Donato pushed the barber away. "Pops."

"I thought you wanted me to call you 'Dad,'" said Luigi.

"Christ, Ricco. Get him outta here so I can get shaved in peace. Stupid boy!"

"But Dad..."

"OUT!" yelled Donato. The barber shook his head. The other men grinned.

_" A birthday suit will not help you blend in."_

## 22

# Stick and Move

_" The devil is only the devil until you invite him in as a guest."_

Paige stepped into the shower as Anthony slowly readied himself. The door to the bathroom was open and he could see the outline of Paige's body in the frosted glass shower. The curves of her body were highlighted against the glass as she raised her arms. The burgeoning swell of her breasts adorned her hourglass body.

She turned to the side and Anthony fixed his gaze on her hourglass body. _Her womanly hips begged to be held as he drove himself into her..._ he could not shake that thought from his mind.

Something snapped and his mind focused, suddenly. Vinnie had told them about Branford. He was sure of it. The mafia would be pissed. So, what would they do once they had a chance? They would question Vinnie again. That part was okay, but the gym, he would definitely mention the gym, maybe as an afterthought.

They still had time, Anthony had never mentioned the name of the gym. It was not obvious, but the ones in the know, they would guess. One mention of a trainer with a disfigured hand and it was game over for Pops. Shit, they would swoop and check if they had been there.

"Paige, hurry up, we need to speak to your dad," Anthony yelled.

"Why, what's wrong?" she called from the shower.

"I think they will be paying Pops a visit," Anthony said.

"Why would they do that?" she yelled.

"They will question Vinnie again, and I am sure he will mention the gym."

Paige finished her shower and rushed into the room.

"So, Dad is in trouble?" she asked as she dried her hair.

"No, Vinnie doesn't know the name of the gym," Anthony replied.

"So, he is safe?" she asked.

"I wish, how many trainers have twisted fingers? Especially if the person searching was the one who did it in the first place," Anthony explained.

Paige dropped her robe to the floor. Anthony sat shocked as he gazed at her body close up. His cock twitched. She lifted her gaze as she put her bra on her arms; she arched her back and her pink breasts were brazenly exposed to his view. He half looked away, but was drawn to her.

Paige picked up her pink panties and stepped into them. She stood straight as she pulled her panties up her long slender legs. Anthony licked his lips as she slipped the elastic over her peachy ass. The soft pink folds of her pussy vanished from view as she finally slipped the front of her panties into place. Anthony coughed in an obvious way as Paige slipped into her small, cut-off shorts.

"Do you want me to cover myself up? Or do you want me to save my dad?" Paige asked.

"I think saving your father is more important," Anthony said. He focused again.

"Well then, stop looking at my tits and pussy and find my god-damn cellphone," Paige yelled.

"Sorry, it was just a shock," he replied.

"A shock, you brought me to this Hedonism place, how the fuck could it be a shock to you?" Paige yelled.

"No need to snap," Anthony said calmly.

"I will fucken snap if I want; anything happens to my dad and I will kick your ass," she replied angrily.

"He will be alright." He handed Paige her phone.

She dialed her dad's cell. The phone rang. Seymour answered, and Paige put him on speaker.

"Hi Seymour," Anthony said.

"Hi, you two, how's it going?" Seymour said breathing heavy.

"Are you okay Dad?" Paige asked.

"Yeah, Pops has got me on a light, keep fit routine," Seymour replied.

"Is Pops there?" Anthony asked.

"Yeah, right next to me."

"Pops, they are coming. You have maybe a couple of hours to get Seymour safe," Anthony said in his serious tone.

"Right you are, you want me to take him to the place?" Pops asked.

"Yeah, it should be ready now," Anthony said.

"I will get him ready and clean upstairs."

"Keep us posted, and be safe," Anthony said.

"Dad, be careful," Paige said, worryingly.

"I am fine, we have prepared for this," Seymour said.

"And Pops, watch that Donato guy, he is a grudge-bearing fucker, he will still hold you responsible," Anthony said plainly.

"He is getting nothing from me, I have already moved your trophies; there is no connection at all," Pops replied.

"We will speak soon," Anthony said.

"Right you are, have fun you two," Pops said. He disconnected the call.

Paige glared at Anthony. "An hour or two to get him safe, is that it?" Paige barked.

"Relax, that is more than enough, any longer and they would miss something, it keeps you on your toes," Anthony said, snapping his fingers.

"You push fucking everything to the limit, you must have a real, bad boy mentality," Paige said plainly.

"If I had one of those attitudes, you would be walking around this resort butt naked all the time we are here," Anthony said.

"You know something, I might just fucken do that just to spite you," Paige said. Her voice had a sarcastic tone.

"Feel free, that would be your choice, one more pair of tits won't make that much difference," Anthony proclaimed.

Paige glared into Anthony's eyes. "And one more dick won't make a difference to me." She folded her arms and pouted.

"Get the fucking car now," Donato yelled.

He stood and finished wiping all the foam from his face. He looked in the mirror and quickly combed his gray hair. he picked a cigar from the box in front of Gus' chair.

"I will be back soon Gus," Donato nodded.

"The chair is always welcome for you Don," Gus said.

The car pulled up to the door of the barber shop. Donato finished lighting his cigar and made his way outside. He climbed into the rear of the car and slammed the door behind him. Ricco climbed into the passenger seat and the car quickly pulled away from the curb.

"What about Luigi?" Ricco said.

"The little runt is coughing his guts up, I don't want that inside the car. Fuck that, you don't know what shit goes flying about, "Donato said as he puffed his cigar.

Ricco scratched his head. He was puzzled how a cigar could be healthier than an asthma spray.

"Pops gym and put your fucking foot down," Donato yelled.

The driver gunned the gas as the limo sped through the city streets. They passed red lights and headed out toward the industrial area where Pops' gym was.

"You know what is over the road from the gym?" Donato asked.

Ricco shook his head. "I have no idea," he replied.

"I will give you a clue, it is green and has four wheels," Donato commented.

"All that time we were yards away from where the girl could have been holed up?" Ricco asked.

"Yeah, how fucking ironic. Keep your friends close and keep your enemies even closer," Donato said, shaking his head.

"What's the chances they are there?" Ricco asked.

"The way we have been led on a merry fucking dance, I would say, hardly any. Have they actually stayed there? I would say maybe, but something is not right, it is too much of a coincidence," Donato said, now sucking air through his lips.

The car headed off the freeway turn off and pulled into the gym parking lot. They stepped from the car and cast their gaze over to the car dealership.

"I bet that cunt of an ex-cop stood there and watched us chase that car as it was towed back here. I will wipe that smug look off his face when I get a hold of him," Donato snarled.

"If that is true, he has made us all look a right bunch of dicks," Ricco said.

Ricco told the driver to watch the rear door. If they went in the front, there might just be someone running from the back.

"I don't see any Mustang here," Ricco said.

"I think he used that just to taunt us; that will be locked up somewhere," Donato replied.

"You go inside, I want to check something," Ricco said.

Donato walked through the doors of the gym. He watched the kids sparring and skipping. It brought back memories when he used to go to the gym in the Bronx and pick which fighters were going to take a dive. The smell and the atmosphere were familiar. Donato took a deep breath as he walked further into the gym. He took a cigar from his pocket and lit it. He stood there looking around him as all the heads turned toward him.

"Has anyone seen Pops," Donato yelled.

"I'm over here," said a voice.

Donato passed the punching bags. He ducked and threw a punch, he smiled at the kids training. He even offered a few of them a deal if they would swing their next fights. He could see that Pops was in the ring, he had pads on his hands and his chest pad was firmly strapped to his body.

Pops nodded to Donato. "What brings you all the way down here?" Pops asked.

"I think we have a mutual friend," Donato said.

"Not sure who you mean," Pops said.

"Anthony Scali, he comes in here with a kid called Vinnie," Donato explained.

"Yeah, I have seen him, not been in for a week or two, either of them."

"Now Pops, you wouldn't be holding grudges, would you?" Donato inquired.

"Me? Nah, why would I hold a grudge? I got this place. And you got made, so we both got what we wanted in life," Pops explained.

"It does appear that way, but now I am in a fucking hole, and this is the only link I have found so far," Donato said.

"Like I said, the kid hasn't been in for a couple of weeks," Pops said plainly.

"We will see about that. You mind if I take a look around?" Donato said.

"Feel free, I am nearly finished here," Pops replied, unshaken by his presence.

Donato walked around the gym and snooped into every room. Ricco came through the door and headed over to Donato. Pops watched as Ricco whispered in Donato's ear.

"What's upstairs?" Donato asked.

"Just a couple of old rooms," Pops said.

Ricco went up the wooden stairs to check the rooms. Donato headed into Pops' office, he stood and looked at all the trophies that were placed on the shelves behind the desk.

Pops walked into his own office. "Quite a collection you have here," Donato said.

"Yeah, good, clean fighters," Pops said smiling.

"How often do you polish these?" he asked.

"When I get the chance, not often enough these days."

Donato ran his finger over the shelf, it came off clean.

"There seems to be a decent spot here, what is missing?" Donato asked.

"A kid is moving out of the area, he asked if he could take his trophies," Pops replied.

Donato looked at Pops. "I don't suppose you still have them?" he asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do, they are in that box by your feet," Pops replied.

"May I?" Donato said.

"Be my guest," Pops urged.

Donato opened the box and removed a pair of old gloves and a sweatshirt. Wrapped in a towel were three boxing trophies. Donato looked at the name placard. It said, "Jamie Weston 2008."

Donato grinned. "A pretty recent boxer, you must still have what it takes," Donato said.

"Always have and always will," Pops said smiling.

Ricco came back down the stairs and entered the office.

"There is nothing up there, the rooms are empty. All I could smell was fried chicken," Ricco said.

"So, you all done here?" Pops asked.

"Nearly," Donato added.

"Shoot... anything I can help you with."

"Whose is the rusty van outside?" Donato asked.

"That's mine," he said.

"Have you been anywhere recently?" Donato asked.

"Yeah, I had to go to get some new bandages."

"There is a drug store a walk away, why did you drive?" Donato asked.

"Those bandages are no good, they wear out and are too narrow. I get them from the vets down by the strip."

"And you can prove this by?" Donato asked. He felt suspicious.

"Here is the bag," Pops said. He placed a paper carrier full of bandages and sticking plaster on his desk.

"That could have been there all along," Donato commented.

"Here is the receipt," Pops said. He pulled a slip from his wallet.

Donato read the sheet. He looked at his watch.

"Well Pops. I think this time you are off the hook," Donato said.

"Off the hook? From what exactly?"

"You are in the clear this time, but I will be watching," Donato said.

"I got nothing to hide. Everything I have was earned properly," Pops said plainly.

"I should thank you for letting me smash your fingers, I got so much respect for doing that," Donato said.

"It was all bullshit and you know it. You fucked up then and it looks like you fucked up now," Pops said.

"I should smash your other fingers, you jumped-up cunt," Donato snarled.

"You fucken ain't got it in you anymore. I stood up to you then and I will stand up to you now," Pops said angrily.

The noises from the gym had silenced, all the kids had stopped and were listening to the commotion in the office.

"Why didn't you just take the dive?" Donato asked.

"Because I don't dive for anyone," Pops snapped. "Least of all a little low life like you." His eyes were full of rage.

"Ricco, come on. We are done here," Donato said plainly.

Pops stood in the doorway of his office and watched them walk through the doors of the gym.

The sound from the gym soon became an almighty roar.

"Go champ!" all the kids yelled. Pops had a lump in his throat.

Pops felt a sense of recognition for himself. He was proud to speak his truth.

_" The devil is only the devil until you invite him in as a guest."_

## 23

# I'm too Sexy

_" Inhibitions don't get lost, they get misplaced."_

Pops had messaged Anthony that Seymour had been moved to safety and that the dick Donato had paid a visit. He knew he would be watched, but now Seymour was in the next place. Really, he had no reason to see him. Pops had it all under control and Seymour would be as safe with Glen as he was with him. Thankfully, the mafia had no link to Seymour, whatsoever.

"Paige, your dad is safe," Anthony said.

"Thank God for that," she replied.

"There is an added bonus. If he gets another chicken bone stuck in his throat, he is in the right place," Anthony said.

"Ah, that is where you sent him?"

"One step ahead, that's what I try to be at a minimum," Anthony added.

They reached the town center and started to choose some clothes that were fitting for their fake vacation. Paige grabbed hold of a couple of things and vanished into the changing rooms.

When stepped out from the change room. She stood there in a white shirt and faced Anthony.

"How does this look for casual?" Paige asked.

"It looks beautiful, nice and see-through," Anthony replied, obviously smiling.

She went back into the change room. Anthony could hear the rummaging of clothes as Paige changed into another item of clothing. She stepped out again.

"What about this for swimwear?" she said.

Paige stood there in a tiny bikini, the top barely covered the whole of her areola.

"That is very small; very, very small," Anthony remarked.

"Yeah, but is it okay?" she asked.

Anthony nodded at her breasts. "What about the bottom part?" he asked.

Paige removed the skirt, the tiny, thonged bikini bottom hugged her pussy and the crease showed. She had a perfect camel toe. Anthony bit his lip and he could feel his cock twitching.

"That is fine," he said.

Paige vanished around the store again and grabbed another armful of clothes. She disappeared into the change room and then stepped out for Anthony's advice. Most items were very seductive and he felt his bulge growing inside his pants.

He was frustrated, now. __ "Break for lunch, shall we?" Anthony asked.

"It sounds good to me."

Anthony stood. Paige made her way to the cash desk and paid for her new sexy wardrobe. He would have a hard time keeping his mind from wandering when they were out together... and alone.

_Fuck, this is going to be difficult,_ he thought.

"What do you want for lunch?" Anthony asked.

"I am easy, it is all new to me, so it doesn't matter," Paige replied.

Paige spotted a place that faced the ocean on the top of a cliff. They walked inside the shanty restaurant and sat at one of the wooden tables. Anthony passed Paige the menu as they sat looking across the ocean. She quickly browsed and chose the Jamaican chicken.

"If it is good enough for them, it is good enough for me," Paige said.

"Chicken for two then, honey."

Paige looked at him with her pout. "Can I have a drink, dear?" Paige asked.

"Of course you can, there is no need to ask," Anthony said. "We are a couple." He laughed at his words.

"One of the best cocktails," Paige said to the waitress, ignoring Anthony's cheekiness.

"Drinks will be in a few minutes; the chicken will be around twenty," the waitress replied.

"That's fine," Paige said.

The waitress returned with an oversized glass, the cocktail was many colors.

"The house specialty, you will be swinging from the trees after a couple of these," the waitress said, smiling.

Paige licked her lips and started to suck ferociously through the straw, she lifted her eyes and could see that Anthony was watching her. His gaze was fixed on her sucking action.

"You looking at how I am sucking?" she asked.

"No, I was watching how fast you were drinking," he replied.

"No, you were having naughty thoughts," Paige said plainly.

"And what thoughts would they be?" Anthony asked.

"You know, a BJ," she replied giggling.

"Is that cocktail potent?" Anthony asked.

"Nah," Paige replied, slurring.

"Carry on drinking and we will get another."

"Sure, order it now, I will be finished in a moment," Paige said. She slurped right to the bottom of her glass.

"You want another?" Anthony said.

"Yes, kind Sir, get me something different," Paige replied.

The chicken arrived with the next cocktail. Paige grabbed a piece and placed it in her mouth. She took a bite, the chicken grease covered her face. She wiped her mouth with her arm and slurped on her second cocktail.

"We, have to go shopping for your things," Paige said, slurring her words.

"Mine is not as important," Anthony replied.

"Yes, they are, you are my dobyguard, oops, bodygru-ard," she said giggling.

Anthony laughed. "It will be fun," he replied.

"Shush, we don't know who is list, lis, listening," Paige said. She wore a grin.

Paige munched on her chicken. Her face became a mess of charcoal bits from the grill and oil. Her words were slurred, and she giggled at most of the things Anthony said.

You know, in the shower I thought you looked so hot and very sexy," Paige said.

"Is that a fact?" Anthony asked.

"Yesh, you have so many big muscles, oops, musch-les. So big and hard. And your, your thing. I saw the size of that, in the other shower, I did. I even told Angie." Paige giggled.

"As long as you enjoyed what you saw," Anthony replied with a grin.

"It did look nice, nice too..." Paige said. She placed her straw in her mouth and sucked.

Anthony shook his head. "What am I going to do with you?" he asked.

"Another drink and you could do anything, anything you wanted. But you mustn't. No, that would make you a bad, bad bodyboyguard," Paige said.

"Anyway, as soon as you are ready, I am ready for some more shopping," Anthony said.

"I am not sure I can, I think I need some sleep."

"That's okay, there is plenty to do at the hotel," Anthony said.

"Bad, bad, boy Antony... they will be naked and clawing at you. Yes, Sir, they will be fighting over that body of yours," Paige commented.

Anthony had fun listening to Paige talk. She let some of her inner-most emotions come to the surface.

"Kick their ass I would. Hiy ya," Paige shouted, making karate hand signals; her foot shot forward and rubbed against Anthony's leg.

"Oh, what do we have here then?" she said.

Paige lifted her foot and rubbed it against Anthony's leg. She giggled as she raised her leg higher. Anthony reached under the table and gently pushed Paige's foot away from his leg.

Paige glared drunkenly into his eyes. "You bad bodybodyboy guard... such a spoil n' sport."

Dogs barked and cats cried. It had been another noisy start to the day for Seymour in his new hideout. Glen was his next stop on the, "Hide Away from the Mafia - World Tour." If they had any inclination to look at a veterinarian's practice as a hideout, they deserved to run the whole city, not just the underground.

Glen had been as welcoming as Pops had been in receiving Seymour as a guest. It appeared Anthony had a special bond with both of them. Pops from the boxing side of things and Glen, well it seemed, he started the practice with a little help from Anthony along the way.

"So, you know Anthony long?" Seymour asked as he sipped his coffee.

"About ten years," Glen replied.

"It seems strange, a bodyguard and someone who works with animals being so close. How did that happen?" Seymour asked.

"To be honest, it all started way before this. It was when Anthony was in the force. He was with his girl the first time I met them, and back then, I didn't have my practice. I was basically a failed student doctor. Anthony's girl took a shine to me for some reason; maybe it was because their dog liked me so much," Glen explained in detail.

"So, if their dog had not liked you, none of this would have happened?" Seymour asked.

"Yeah, it just sprouted from there, we became friends, and I was with them. At the time, their dog was sick. I did what I do and from that time on, their dog was right as rain. I just seem to have a better understanding of animals than humans," Glen replied.

"Well I appreciate it as much as they do Glen."

"I have managed to build all of this from people that Anthony and Pops have brought to me. Exclusive clients who needed to bypass certain hospital checks, (if you know what I mean)."

"I should report you being a government official, but I am sure I can turn a blind eye for once," Seymour said laughing.

"Ha, I did forget you were a person of power," Glen said plainly.

"At the moment, I don't feel like a person of power. I feel like a damned coward."

"Don't worry, that prick Donato is panicking, he will be having all the other families breathing down his neck soon. Once they get into town, they might not like the bill you have enforced, but I am sure they will find a way around it," Glen mentioned.

"You're right, Donato just wasn't prepared, he has been caught with his pants down in a big way," Seymour said. "Do you have any idea how long I will be here for?" Seymour asked.

"At the office, a couple of more days, then we are going to move you to my other area. It is where I have all the kennels, it is a bit more spacious there. Most of the time somewhat more peaceful, as well" Glen said.

Seymour smiled at Glen. "Here is great, at least I can talk to the animals."

"Yes, you can lose your inhibitions."

_" Inhibitions don't get lost, they get misplaced."_

## 24

# Hair of the Dog

_" The world at the bottom of a bottle has fewer problems than where we live."_

Donato had given up hope. He was sure that Pops would have known something. He had either hidden it really well, or it was true. He did just see Anthony Scali as a kid who went there to train. If it had been another person, Donato would not have trusted a single word they had said. But Pops, even though he had grudges, his word was his bond. This time, he had to trust what he had said. He just had to.

Donato returned to the office and started to consume a bottle of his favorite whiskey, the time it had gotten hold of him; he had found himself asleep on the couch in his office. He had woken the following morning with a blistering headache and a mouth that felt like he had kissed his ashtray.

"Whoa, you look like crap," Ricco commented.

"I spent the night here, I got a bit carried away," Donato said quietly.

"You would have been at home in bed if Luigi had been with us."

"A bit of time away from him, the suffering is worth it," he replied.

"I know you probably don't want to hear it, but what's the plan?" Ricco asked.

"You're right, I don't want to hear it, not yet. I need to get my crap together," Donato said.

"You got any pills for your headache?" Ricco asked.

"Nah, I could do with a bottle. I do have a couple of mouthfuls left of this, but I can't face another sip," Donato said.

"Get a shower, and I will get some pills and some breakfast," Ricco replied.

"Just keep everyone away from me, especially Luigi. I might just kill him and blame it on being drunk," Donato said, half-smiling.

Ricco stood and left the office. Donato rested his head in his hands and tried to get his head clear to think of their next step. As it was, he could not see any way forward, they had hit a brick wall... again.

Donato drifted off as he rested in his chair. He then woke as he heard the sound of whistling coming toward the office.

_No, please God, have mercy. Not now,_ he thought.

Luigi walked into the office with a big grin on his face. He pulled a chair close to Donato's desk. He leaned forward and looked at Donato's haggard face. He noticed the bags under his eyes and his tie that hung at eight o'clock.

"Are you okay, Boss?" he said.

"I was, but not anymore," Donato whispered.

"You look like you have a bad cold or something," Luigi said.

"Or something, that is what it is," Donato replied.

Luigi glanced around the office and saw the near-empty bottle on the floor. He nodded as he turned his head back toward Donato.

"I see, you have been on the demon drink. You don't have a problem, do you?" Luigi asked plainly.

"The only problem I have is with you," Donato snapped.

He gripped the sides of his head with both hands. His brain throbbed and felt it was close to exploding. The pulse inside beat a hundred times stronger than normal.

_Where the fuck is Ricco with those pills?_ he thought.

"You know what you need, Boss. A really good hangover cure. One of those drinks that has raw eggs in it, a drink like that and you will be back on your feet," Luigi said.

"I am not sure I could face a raw egg," Donato exclaimed.

"A big breakfast, from the van. With greasy bacon, sausage, scrambled..." Luigi started to say.

Donato stood and ran into his bathroom. He closed the door and Luigi could hear the strange sounds emanating from the room. He sat and looked as if everything was okay in the world.

Donato opened the door. Drops of water glistened on his forehead. He huffed and puffed as he slowly walked back to his seat. he rested his elbows on his desk and planted his head in his hands.

"There were some funny noises in the bathroom, do you have a stomach problem?" Luigi asked. "I think I can help."

"No Luigi, I don't have a stomach problem. I have something wrong with you, you make me sick," Donato yelled quietly.

"Sorry for that, if there is anything I can do, just let me know," Luigi replied.

Donato leaned forward. The smell of stale alcohol and puke began wafting over toward Luigi.

"You can get out there and find that fucking ex-cop, the girl, and her fucking interfering dad," Donato said.

"Okay Boss, I will. I will see if I can find anything else out about where they are hiding," Luigi said.

Ricco walked back into the office shaking a bottle of pills.

"I got both, pills and breakfast," he said.

"Thank fuck for that," Donato said as he swallowed a couple of pills.

"I asked the cafe for the best hangover breakfast they do," Ricco said, handing everything to him.

Donato smiled as he opened the box. The smell of oil and fat on the bacon and sausage hit him cleanly in the face.

Donato put his hand over his mouth and mumbled. "All of a sudden, I am not hungry."

Anthony dropped the bags on the curb. He opened the cab door and slid Paige onto the back seat. The driver put the bags into the rear of the cab and climbed back behind the wheel.

"Where to?" he asked.

"Hedonism Two," Anthony replied.

"I see she has had one too many," the driver said.

"Yeah, she vastly underestimated the house specials." Anthony laughed.

"It is not uncommon, that rum is not for the weak," the driver said.

Paige rested her head on Anthony's shoulder. He placed his arm around her and pulled her closer into his body. She nuzzled her head and put her hand on his broad chest.

"That feels nice, so big and strong," she mumbled.

"I don't think she will be talking that way when she wakes up," said Anthony. The driver laughed.

"Just make sure she has plenty of water, it is worse in this heat," the driver said.

"Thanks, I will make sure she does. That is, if she can keep it down." He laughed.

"The problem with the damned cocktails is, they just make want to come back and have another go. They leave you with no bad taste or smell. They are not like a whiskey hangover," the driver said.

"I can believe that, and today is only our first day."

The driver grinned and laughed. His smile filled the rear-view mirror and Anthony caught a glimpse of his gold filling that shone brightly in the sunlight.

"You will have a wild time with her before your vacation is over, that is for sure," the driver said.

"I know, she can be a handful," Anthony replied.

"Just make sure you keep her close in Hedonism. Because all the other guys will be chasing her," the driver commented.

"I have to keep her close. Twenty-four seven," Anthony said plainly.

"You should check out the pool area while she is sleeping, maybe you can have some forbidden fruits... if you know what I mean," the driver said with a wink.

"We will see," Anthony said smiling.

"Just watch for the local girls," the driver said.

"Why, are they dangerous?"

The driver laughed out loud. "Remember the saying. Once you go black, you never go back. Those girls can shake some serious booty and their pussy is fierce," the driver said.

Anthony grinned. "Maybe I should have come on my own?" he said.

"If you had, you wouldn't have been alone for long, that's guaranteed," the cab driver said.

"It sounds like I could have my hands full."

The cab pulled up in front of the reception. He slid from the car and pulled Paige to the sidewalk. He scooped her into his arms and followed the porter back to their room. He laid on her on the bed as the porter put the bags on the floor and waited for a tip. Anthony slipped him a ten and closed the door as he left.

He walked back into the room. Paige was sitting up and had removed her t-shirt. She laid on the bed and fumbled with the button of her cut-off shorts.

"I can't do it," she murmured. "Anthony, can you open my button?" she asked.

Anthony stepped closer to the bed. He could smell Paige's body as he reached forward for the button on her shorts. he looked at her upper body. The beautifully formed breasts were so sexy. Her bra did nothing to conceal the soft, honey mounds that lay beneath. He bit his lip as he concentrated on the button of her shorts.

"Geez, thanks Anthony, you are such a gentleman," Paige mumbled.

_I don't feel like it, I feel like the devil,_ he thought.

Paige wriggled her ass and slipped from her shorts. She slid them down the soft, creamy flesh of her slender legs.

"I need some water, my mouth is all sticky," Paige said.

Anthony poured a glass and handed it to Paige. She tipped the glass. The cold water fell over her bra. Paige wiped her breast with her hand, her breast wobbled under her touch as Anthony stood and watched.

"Tut, I am all wet now," she murmured.

She handed the glass back to Anthony. She raised her hands and began to fumble with the clasp.

"It's okay, you will be dry in a few minutes," Anthony said.

"Really?" Paige asked.

"Yeah, just leave it, you will be fine," he replied.

Paige snuggled into the soft pillows. She smiled up at the mirrored ceiling and patted the bed.

"You want to join me?" she asked.

"Why would I want to join you?"

"Afternoon nap, all that shopping makes you tired," she said.

"I am fine, I will just wait until you wake up."

"Don't be a wuss, I don't bite. I am a good girl," Paige said.

"Okay then, maybe I will have a lie down for a while."

"Come, get over here next to me," Paige said smiling. She patted the bed.

Anthony removed his shirt and laid next to Paige, she tilted her head and looked at him.

"Do my tits look big in this?" she asked.

Anthony looked at Paige's bra. "Well they are not small," he said.

"No, you fool, not in my bra... in the mirror on the ceiling. Do my tits look big in the mirror?" she asked.

"I can only give the same answer, they are not small," he replied, again.

Paige pushed her tits together and looked at herself in the mirror.

"I like my tits... do you like my tits?"

"Nap time. See you soon."

_" The world at the bottom of a bottle has fewer problems than where we live."_

## 25

# Some Like It Hot

_" It is not just the weather that can make you hot under the collar."_

Donato sat at his desk and cast his mind over everything. He had become obsessed with finding the girl and had forgotten about the life that was passing him by. The one he followed, with his (so far) unfruitful quest. He felt like he needed some action, he had his wife at home, but he thought of Luigi when he held her close.

"That damned boy, he made a mess of everything."

"Ricco!" he yelled from behind his desk.

Ricco walked into the office and pulled up a chair. He rested his head and crossed his legs.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Where the fuck is Giovanni?" Donato asked.

Ricco leaned forward in his chair. "He is still out of town, but I think he is back today," Ricco said.

"He better be, we need an update on what the other families are thinking and we only have a week left. Fuck, we keep drawing blanks."

"I will get hold of him and see where he is," Ricco said.

"Just tell him to get his ass back here. And tell him to meet us at The Glitz. I think we should have a night out and lighten the tension," Donato said.

"A wise thought, all this shit is wearing people down," Ricco said.

"Are you taking Luigi?"

"I suppose I have to," Donato said.

"If anything, that will be some fun entertainment," Ricco said with a grin.

Donato went into his private bathroom and showered. He picked a classy polo shirt and slacks for his big night out. Suits were okay for the daily business, but tonight he was out for some fun. He wanted to be stiff and not be looked at as... a stiff.

He combed his hair and splashed on his cologne. _I would fuck you if I were a broad,_ he thought.

The car arrived at The Glitz, it was their number one titty bar. To the cops it was legit, so there was no chance of any interruptions. He walked in the doors to the sound of the seventies music. Hands patted him on the back and shook his hand.

The large round table sat empty at the head of the club. The buckets of ice sat ready with the champagne chilling nicely. A box of Montecristo cigars sat on the table by his seat. He nodded in appreciation as he slid himself in comfortably.

Donato placed his arms on the back of the seat and admired the wonder of the club. The large glitter ball spun above the central floor area where the girls danced and got personal. Lights flashed around the walls and bounced off the gold-colored fittings and ornate carvings which adorned every part of the room. It looked so much like the devil's playground that it was supposed to emulate.

Ricco and Luigi slid onto the bench next to him. Tonight, was going to be a good night. He could feel it. Ricco popped open the champagne and filled the glasses, they toasted and drank to the fun times ahead.

"Where are the fucking girls?" Donato yelled.

He saw the manager signal toward the rear of the stage. A bevy of beauties made their way toward the table. They paraded and flaunted their wares in their skimpy lingerie.

Donato pointed to a black-haired girl with big tits and dark skin. She smiled and wiggled her ass as she walked to slide in next to Donato.

"Luigi, time for you to pick one," Donato grinned.

Luigi looked at the girls. He stood up and walked behind them.

"I am not sure," Luigi said.

"What do you mean, you are not certain?" Donato asked.

"They seem young?" Luigi said.

"You're only a fucking kid yourself," Donato yelled.

"I know, but is there any older?" he asked.

Donato yelled to the manager to get some older women. The young girls looked pissed as they were told to make their way back to the rear of the stage.

A group of older women appeared. Luigi's eyes lit up and he walked up close and browsed through the large breasts that lay before him.

"Hey there little boy," a blonde whispered as he looked at her cleavage.

"Hmm, this one, I like her," Luigi said.

He took the blonde's hand and led her to a seat away from Donato; she slid up close to him as the show began to start.

Luigi glanced over at Donato who had already slipped the black-haired girl's tit from her bra and was busy massaging her large dark nipple.

Luigi turned his attention back to the blonde. "Why did you choose me?" she asked.

"You remind me of my mom," he said.

"Are you sure that is a good thing?" she asked. She removed her hand from his crotch.

"Not in a sexual way silly. I like to be mothered if you know what I mean," he said with a wink.

"Ah, you like suckling on big hard nipples like a baby," she replied.

"Oh, fuck yeah, that makes me really horny."

The blonde slipped her fingers inside her bra and freed her nipple. She fumbled with her pink tip until she budded and hardened under her own touch.

"How does that look?" she asked.

"Fuck, those look perfect, I wish I could get my mouth around them," Luigi said.

"So, what's stopping you?" the blonde said

She put her hand on the back of Luigi's head and pulled him closer to her tit. His mouth opened as she drove her motherly nipple into the hot depths of his mouth.

Luigi mumbled as he swirled his tongue around the tiny bumps of her areola. The blonde arched her back and thrust her tit harder into Luigi's wanting mouth. She dropped her hand to the bulge in his pants and caressed him.

"What have we got hiding in here then?" she asked.

Luigi grinned with a childlike menace. "Take me somewhere, and you will find out."

"Yes Big Boy."

Paige stretched her leg as she rolled over. Her arm laid across Anthony's broad chest. Her eyes stirred as she felt her leg wrap over his muscled thighs. Anthony turned toward her and trapped her leg between his. His arm flopped over her waist as he mumbled in his sleep.

_Fuck, I am trapped in his clutches,_ Paige thought.

Anthony murmured and tightened his grip, Paige's body pushed against his, her large breasts pushed into his chest, and her leg rested next to the bulge in his shorts.

_Mmm, I can feel his big cock rubbing against my leg,_ she thought.

She felt him stir, her eyes widened as Anthony opened his eye.

"Hello, what do we have here?" he asked.

"Nothing, just fucking get off me," she said.

"It wasn't me," he replied.

"It must have been you, you were taking advantage of me being drunk," Paige said.

"As if," he replied.

"Well, how could I get my leg between yours?" she said plainly.

"I don't know, but you asked me to lie down with you."

"Either way, you better stop being a pervert and let go of me," Paige yelled.

"Fine," Anthony said as he shoved Paige away from him.

Paige slid her legs from the bed and looked at the bags on the floor.

"Where are your clothes?" she asked.

"We never got that far," Anthony replied.

Paige looked puzzled. "Why not?"

"You got hammered," Anthony said.

"Sorry, what?"

"It's okay, it was fun," Anthony said.

"Why? Shit, what did I do?" she asked, quizzically.

"It is more a case of what didn't you do," he replied.

"Get out of here, I didn't do anything bad."

"No, the worst thing you did was to wipe your mouth on the table cloth and rub your foot up my leg," Anthony explained. He was grinning, now.

Paige sat shocked. "You are making fun of me?"

"It is true, you rubbed my leg after you did your karate chop and said, 'what do we have here?'" Anthony explained.

"Why did I do a karate chop?" Paige asked.

"To keep all the other women away from me!" Anthony laughed.

Paige scratched her head. "I said that?" she asked.

Anthony raised his eyebrows and grinned. "Yes, you did."

"Enough of that, what are we going to do now? I mean, it is too late to go back to the shops."

"They have a men's boutique here, I can just grab a couple of things," Anthony replied.

"At least we can catch a couple of hours before we lose the sun altogether," Paige said.

"It sounds like a plan."

"What shall I wear?" Paige asked.

"You can wear anything you like here," he replied.

"I will have a look. No peeking while I am in the shower."

"If you so wish," he replied, wildly smiling.

Paige stepped into the shower and let the water wash away her drunken stupor. She tilted her head back and let the cool water freshen her body. She washed quickly and grabbed a towel from the wall.

Paige checked the bags. She opted for a small bikini with a wraparound and a light blouse. She stepped from the bathroom.

"How do I look?"

"Wow, you look fantastic," Anthony replied. She was hotter than hot.

"I still don't feel so good though," Paige said, patting her stomach.

"You will be fine, just drink water," he replied.

Anthony browsed around the shop. He picked a couple of loose shirts and some shorts. He walked to where Paige stood looking at the sex toys that were available to buy.

"What do you think of these?" Anthony asked.

"The shirts are fine, but I am unsure of the shorts. Try them on," she said.

Anthony went into the change room and slipped into the shorts. He poked his head from the curtain and called Paige.

"Come and have a look," he said.

Paige walked into the change room and stepped inside, their bodies touched each other as Anthony turned. Paige pulled at the waist and check the size of the legs.

_The touch of her hands, shit. I can feel an erection coming on. Bad idea,_ Anthony thought.

"I think you need the next size up, you are too big," she said.

Anthony grinned.

"Your thighs are too big, that's all," she said, now screwing her face up.

Anthony grabbed a larger size and changed, he told the store he would wear them out so they could head straight to the beach.

"Are you ready for this?" Anthony asked.

"I am ready for anything," Paige said.

They walked through the door. The pools laid before them. Couples were sitting naked talking to each other.

"I feel over dressed," Anthony said, removing his shirt.

"You are not the only one. I know you said you could wear what you want, but I am vastly over dressed," Paige said.

She slipped from her white linen shirt and tugged at the wrap around skirt. She continued to walk toward the beach as Anthony stood in awe of her body. He adjusted his shorts as he felt his arousal stirring. His eyes fixed on the thong that slightly parted the peachy cheeks of Paige's ass.

_My god, her body is perfect,_ he thought.

He reached the sun lounger and dropped his shirt onto the table. He sat and glared at the ocean. Paige had already laid down and rested her head.

"I think I am ready for another cocktail," she said.

"Sex on the beach?" Anthony asked.

"No, maybe a slow, comfortable screw," she replied laughing.

"If you have that, I will have a screaming orgasm," he replied.

"Get a big one, and then we can share each other's," Paige said.

Paige looked at Anthony and winked. "I have never had a slow comfortable screw or a screaming orgasm before."

_If only he knew I was telling the truth,_ Paige thought.

"Anthony looked at Paige as he slipped from his shorts. "There is always a first time."

"Yep!"

_" It is not just the weather that can make you hot under the collar."_

## 26

# Hang Free

_" It is hard to go down swinging when your hands are tied."_

"So, do you have a name?" Luigi asked.

"Tina, what's yours?" the blonde asked.

"Luigi, the big guy is my dad," Luigi said.

"Ha, son of the big mafia boss?"

"You could say that."

"I love a powerful man, or a man who has power," Tina said, now pulling Luigi toward her.

"I like that in my women, big and vigorous, who know what they want," Luigi said.

"Well it looks like we are a perfect match," Tina said. Her eyes moved on him seductively.

"I would like to think so, and from what I have seen so far, that is a good start," Luigi said.

"And that was only one nipple, just wait 'till you can suckle on both of them."

"I can't wait," Luigi replied.

"A few more minutes and we will be there."

"Why do you not like to perform at the club?" Luigi asked.

"It is not private enough, and you are on a timer there."

Tina stopped at the door and slid the key inside. The door opened and she ushered Luigi inside. The apartment was not the most glamorous Luigi had seen, but it was comfortable.

"Welcome to my domain," Tina said.

"You do this very often?"

"Only with guys I take a shine to," she replied.

"You have taken a shine to me, then?" Luigi asked.

"I have indeed," Tina said.

Tina slipped off her jacket. She stood before Luigi in her panties and suspenders, her curvy body making his arousal evident inside his pants. He stood closer and slipped his thumbs inside the elastic of her bra. Then he freed her overly large breasts and marveled at the pink peaks of her large nipples. Luigi cupped and massaged her breasts, her swollen, sensitized nipples hardened under his fumbling fingers.

"Fuck, you have the largest nipples I have ever seen," Luigi said.

"The crowning glory of my huge assets," Tina said, plumping her breasts.

"I can just imagine my cock between your tits," Luigi said.

"Slip out of your stuffy clothes and we will see what we can do," she said.

Luigi pulled at his shirt as Tina pulled at the belt on his pants. His sexy body was bared before her. She pulled his shorts over his firm ass. She noticed his manhood hanging and ready to be awakened.

Tina slipped from her panties and stood naked; the soft ripe swell of her huge tits hung freely before her. She took Luigi toward the bed and laid herself down. He climbed beside her and started to caress and massage her tits. Luigi lowered his head as he flicked his tongue over her crested peaks. He straddled her body and put his cock between the surging swell of Tina's tits. He rocked his hips back and forth as his cock reached a full erection.

Luigi heard a noise from the door. He turned his head. He jumped from Tina's bed and grabbed his shorts.

"I thought you were never going to get here," Tina said.

"Traffic," the voice said.

"What the fuck is going on?" Luigi asked.

Tina grabbed her clothes and quickly got dressed. She headed to the door as the guy handed her a large wad of cash.

"This is not right, Tina, where are you going?" Luigi asked.

"As far away as possible thanks to you," she said smiling.

The three guys walked toward Luigi, they placed a bag over his head and dragged him into the alleyway. A black van pulled up and they bundled him inside. Luigi sat silently as the van screeched away from the scene.

Luigi tried to listen for familiar sounds, but nothing sounded familiar and he had no idea where he was going. The van pulled to a halt and Luigi was dragged from the van. Hands pushed him forward, as he stumbled with his footsteps. Everything went silent around him as he felt someone fumble with his wrists. He heard the noise of a motor and his hands started to raise over his head.

"What do you want from me?" he screamed.

A hand gripped the hood and pulled it from his head. A single light shone into his eyes and a video camera pointed at him.

Luigi squinted from the bright light. He could see the bodies behind the camera.

"Who the fuck are you?" Luigi yelled.

"It is of no consequence who we are, the thing is, who you are," the voice said.

"What do you want from me? I have money," Luigi said.

The voice laughed from the shadows. "You think this is about money?"

"I have nothing else that is worth anything," Luigi said.

"Not even your life?" the voice said plainly.

_What the fuck is happening?_ he thought.

Luigi pulled against the chains. The motor whirred and lifted him onto his toes.

"We need a message sent to Donato," the voice said.

"Anything, I will do anything," he said.

"Just speak into the camera and tell your dad we have you, he has to find the girl or you will pay the price." The voice remained calm.

"This won't work, my dad hates me," Luigi yelled.

"His own flesh and blood, I am sure he would react differently." "Just start the camera and get it over with," Luigi said.

"You have to sound like you mean it," the voice replied.

"I promise, I mean it. I will tell him he has to do as you say," Luigi said. His voice was higher pitched. He was scared.

"Blood, it looks better with a little blood," the voice mumbled from the shadows.

Luigi saw from the corner of his eye. A knife approached and moved quickly across his skin. A small trickle of blood began to flow from his chest.

Luigi lifted his head. "Just start the fucking camera!" Now he was mad.

Anthony stood in the ocean as he looked back up the beach at Paige. His erection had got the better of him and he had to hide it from her. She sat and waved and Anthony could do nothing but stare at the soft mounds of her breasts. Even from a distance, he was affected by them, like they had a hold over him.

Paige sat on the lounger as the late afternoon sun warmed her body. She could see Anthony as he frolicked in the surf. She gazed on and marveled at what she watched. She could see his short, dark hair laid flat against his head. The stubble on his chin had been perfectly trimmed and appeared like a faint shadow.

Paige bit her lip as she looked at his broad shoulders and the muscles in his arms as he waved. His olive skin shone from the droplets of water that cascaded down his body back into the sea. The hard slab of stomach shone and caught the attention of other women on the beach. She could see them topless or naked and pointing to where Anthony was. She could feel that karate chop building up inside her.

_Had she become jealous of the attention that he was garnering from the other women?_

Anthony was a distance away, and Paige did not want to be outdone by the other women on the beach. She threw the straw from her drink onto the sand and ordered a double rum and another cocktail. Paige waited for her drink to arrive and quickly downed the rum and sipped on her ice-cold cocktail.

She took a deep breath and pulled at the bow on her bikini top. She lifted it from around her neck. Her brazenly exposed breasts bared to all around her. She sat bravely on her lounger and glanced at all the other holiday makers through her shades. She sipped on her fresh cocktail and waved back toward Anthony.

Anthony looked back up the beach as Paige placed her glass on the table. He saw a flash of red and was sure she had just removed her bikini top.

_Holy fuck. I will never get out of here without a hard cock,_ he thought. _Shit!_

His eyes fixed on Paige. She turned to the side to look down the beach, he could see the crested peaks of her nipples. His cock twitched inside his shorts, the throb of his manhood flowed through his loins as his cock hardened in the swelling surf.

_My god, she has the most perfect tits,_ he thought. _The only way my erection is going to vanish is if I lose my shorts, then the nerves will scare it away._

Anthony pulled at the bow on his shorts. He pulled them from his muscular hips and pulled them free from his feet. His cock swayed in the surf as he continued to stare at Paige's glorious breasts.

_I wish I could caress and cup them. Tasting those juicy nipples in my mouth..._

Paige stared toward Anthony.

_Had he glanced toward the naked girls who were playing on the beach? You bastard, I have bared my tits, and you are looking at someone else._

Another drink arrived, and another was ordered. She dropped the straw onto the floor and took a large swig from her screaming orgasm.

The rum flushed through her body and warmed her from the inside.

_I will show you, you should be looking at me Anthony,_ she thought plainly.

Paige stood from the sun lounger, her large breasts jiggled. She pulled at the side bow of her bikini bottoms. She wiggled her ass and the thong fell to the floor. Paige called Anthony and waved.

_How do you like that? Hey! No need to look at those other naked girls, you have all you need to look at right here._

Anthony looked back toward Paige. He got the salty water out from his eye. He could see naked women looking at him, but they were no match for Paige. She stood and waved and Anthony could not make out the red of her bikini bottom.

_Had she gone butt naked?_ _Maybe just removing my shorts is really enough to get rid of my erection._

Anthony reached under the water and could feel his aching manhood. It throbbed in his hand. He could see no other way, he had to masturbate to get rid of his engorged flesh.

Anthony stepped back until the sea was at chest height, he waved to Paige who stood and waved back at him. Anthony wrapped his hand around his throbbing shaft and began to quickly thrust his hand back and forth. He watched Paige as her naked body shimmered in the late afternoon sun. Her womanly breasts jigged as Anthony imagined sucking and caressing them in the comfort of their private room.

Paige waved. His hand moved faster and faster, the swell of the warm ocean feeling like a warm pussy wrapped around his cock. His hips rocked as he dug his feet into the sand under his feet.

Paige watched as Anthony just stood there up to his waist without moving.

_What is he doing in there?_ she thought.

Anthony moved his hand frantically, he could feel the sensations rising in his balls. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as his body released his seed into the clear waters. Anthony sighed, his erection was now spent. He smiled and walked out from the ocean.

His feet back were now on the dry sand. He could see Paige had wrapped herself in a towel.

"What have you been doing?" Paige asked.

Anthony smiled. "Nothing, just enjoying the sea."

"Why do you have no shorts on?" Paige asked.

Anthony quickly jumped back into his shorts. "Sorry, I was just seeing what the fuss was about," he replied. His face went slightly red.

"I think you did more than that," Paige said.

"Why?" he asked.

"What is that stuff on your fingers?"

"Sand or salt." He felt embarrassed but was fairly sure he got away with it.

_" It is hard to go down swinging when your hands are tied."_

## 27

# The Cool Down

_" The importance of a warm up and cool down can't be stressed enough."_

Donato sat with his hand down the black-haired girl's top, her nipple had budded a while ago when he'd started to fumble with her dark peaks. Donato loved dark nipples; his wife had dark nipples, but they were nothing like the ones he had between his fingers at that very moment. He swirled his fingers over the bumps of her large areola. She sighed under the touch of his rough fingers.

"You like that bitch," he said.

"Fuck yeah," the girl replied.

Donato slid his hand up the girl's dark thigh. His fingers reached into the folds of her pussy.

"No panties, eh?" Donato asked.

The girl giggled. "I wasn't expecting you to have your hand up there this evening."

"Tonight, is your lucky night," Donato said with a cheesy grin.

"That makes two of us... if you want to come with me," she said.

"Yeah, in a minute," he said.

Donato leaned toward Ricco. "Where the fuck has Luigi gone? I mean he vanished ages ago and I haven't seen either him or that woman he was with," he said.

"I will get a couple of the guys to have a look for him, no doubt he will end up in trouble," Ricco said.

"I will be back in a while," Donato said as he grabbed hold of the dark-haired woman's hand.

The girl led him to the back of the club. The private rooms were reserved for extraordinary guests. Donato must have been the most special of the lot. He had the place built in the first place. It was his and Gary's.

The girl opened the door and walked into the room. The red and black decor really set the room off as a den of iniquity.

"Come here bitch," Donato barked.

The girl stepped closer to Donato and she slipped from her dress. Her dark body shone in the light.

"Fuck, you are one sexy bitch," Donato said. He pulled his polo shirt over his head.

The girl laid on the bed as she watched him pulling at the belt buckle on his pants. She put her finger on her dark red lip and caressed her black nipples. She sighed as Donato slipped from his shorts, the evidence of his erection showing as he approached the bed.

He crawled onto the bed and put his hands on the girl's knees, he spread her legs wildly. The dark mound of her pussy glared at him.

"Spread your cunt for me, get me hard," he said. He wrapped his hand around his shaft.

His fingers gripped as he felt the pulse build in his engorging flesh. He watched as the girl spread the dark folds of her pussy, the darkness of her secret place enticed him. Donato laid face down on the bed and put his hand on the girl's thighs. Her fingers were pulled tight against the lips of her pussy, Donato darted his tongue against her throbbing clit.

Her body shuddered as his tongue danced over her budded peak. He could smell the juices of her pussy as they started to flow. Donato lapped his tongue the length of the labia. She sighed and groaned and pushed his head harder into her naughty place.

His tongue slid deep inside the depths of her. The muscles of her pussy clutched at his tongue. He swirled against her womanhood as she thrust her hips forward toward his probing tongue as she moaned loudly.

"Fuck me, I want to feel your hard cock pushed deep inside this sweet cunt of mine," she squealed.

Donato kneeled between her dark thighs, his rigid shaft inched forward to her wanting pussy. She spread her lips and he rubbed the head of his hard cock over her budded clit. Her legs spread wide, he pushed forward and inched the head of his cock inside as she moaned. He had a huge cock.

"Shove it deep inside, I want to feel you, I want to feel all of you," she cooed.

Donato drove his shaft deeper, his hard cock reached and probed her pussy. She raised her dark legs and wrapped them around his white waist. Her fingers dug into the skin on his broad shoulders.

"Come on Big Boy, shove that cock hard into my cunt," she said, now out of breath.

Donato thrust his hips forward, his cock sunk to the base of his shaft. He leaned forward as the girl sank her teeth into the skin on his shoulder. Donato winced and drove himself like a wild beast.

"Come on, fuck that shit harder. Oh, make me cum," she screamed.

Her legs pulled tighter around his waist as he ground his hips against her. She thrashed wildly as his massive cock drove inside her pussy.

"You liking this?" he asked.

"Oh yes, it feels so good, your cock is stretching my pussy to the limit," she said.

"Donato shoved his body harder forward, his body slapping against the dark skin of her body. The girl dug her nails into his back. Her body arched as she dug deeper into his soft skin.

Donato heard a knock at the door. "Fuck off I am busy," he shouted.

"This is important, you need to be here," the voice said.

"I am busy, hang on," he yelled.

Donato thrust harder and faster and he could feel his body getting ready.

"You better come quick," the voice said.

His balls tingled and slapped against the girl's dark body.

"I am working on it."

Seymour packed his small bag and readied himself. Pops had arrived at the back of Glen's and opened the side door ready. Seymour ran from the door and climbed into the van. Pops drove away and headed toward the highway. There was no sign of any mafia cars on the streets and he drove cautiously as Seymour sat on the floor of the van.

"How was it at Glen's?" Pops called over the seat.

"It was okay, there was more room than I expected and the dogs were not that noisy once they got to know me," he said.

"His other place is much different than that, and his range of animals is quite exotic. Yeah, that could be the word."

"At least I will have some fresh air again, that is the one thing I have missed," Seymour said.

Pops laughed. "You will have plenty of fresh air, don't worry."

The van drove from the city and passed through the suburbs. The road led out of the city towards the trees of the country.

"You can climb up here with me if you like," Pops said. Seymour slipped through the seat and sat in the passenger seat.

"I feel half way normal sitting in the front of a car again," Seymour said.

"It must feel strange hiding away all the time."

"It is, and I can't think of anything else that would feel anywhere near the same."

"Here we go, the turning," Pops said.

He slowed the van and turned onto a dirt track. The van skidded on the gravel as he sped away from the highway. Seymour could see Glen's house approach. It was a wooden ranch-type that blended with the treebound surroundings that it sat in.

"Glen has a visitor, so say nothing," Pops said.

Pops led Seymour to the barn and opened the door. They stepped inside. A single light shone at the far end of the barn. Seymour could see what appeared to be someone hung from a chain.

"Are you sure I should should see this?" Seymour said.

"It's fine, he will not be hurt," Pops said.

They approached and could see Luigi's body hanging from the chain.

"Who is it?" Seymour asked.

Pops grinned. "Donato's son Luigi."

"What is he doing here?" Seymour asked.

"Extreme offensive, it was Anthony's idea."

Luigi lifted his head. "I have done the recording, let me go please," he pleaded.

"Not just yet," a voice said.

"Who is that?" Seymour asked very quietly.

"Glen. He is talking through a toilet paper tube," Pops said.

Seymour grinned. "I have never heard of a tube being used to disguise your voice," Seymour said quietly.

Glen walked out of the shadows. "Come on, let's go to the house," he said.

They left Luigi hanging and walked to the house. He opened the door and they were greeted by a host of animals.

"Geez. this is like a zoo," Seymour said.

"I like to keep them close, they are the best company," Glen said.

"Are you sure I can sleep with all these here?" Seymour said.

"They are quiet, most of them go outside during the day," Glen said.

"Who looks after them?"

"My son, Jeff, he is deaf and mute but he can talk to the animals, just like that Doctor Doolittle in the movie," Glen said.

A large figure walked in through the rear door. He smiled and waved to Glen.

"There he is, a fine specimen of a man," Glen said.

"He is huge," Seymour said. He was towering up and over six feet tall.

"His mother was a large woman, a touch over six feet." Glen laughed.

"I can see where he gets it from then, where is she?" Seymour asked.

"She passed during childbirth, God bless her soul."

"Ah, I see now, that was why you were down and out when Anthony bumped into you."

"It was, I was frustrated trying to care for Jeff, it was only when I introduced him to animals he shone. Definitively, he has no time for humans. With animals, he will be with them twenty-four seven," Glen said.

Jeff stayed in the kitchen. Seymour saw all the animals flocking to him. Even the birds that had not been caged flew to be around him. He sat at the table with a bowl of bird seed and fed them by hand. Seymour was amazed to see something so pure in a person.

"Remarkable, it is a wonderful thing to see," he said in wonder.

"You will be safe with him here, he is not scared of much and he is not afraid of any man, or none that I have seen," Pops said.

"To be honest, I feel safe already," Seymour said.

"So why is Luigi actually here?" Seymour asked.

"Just to throw a bit more confusion into the mix. Anytime soon that burner cell will ring with Donato on the other end," Pops explained.

Glen grabbed three glasses and a bottle of whiskey. "We might as well enjoy the waiting," he said.

He poured the three glasses. He raised his glass. "To new friends," Glen said.

"To new friends," Seymour and Pops said together.

The cell phone rang and vibrated on the table. Glen reached for the cardboard tube. He told them to be quiet and put the phone on the speaker.

"Yes," Glen said.

"I see you have my son," Donato said over the speaker.

"How observant of you," Glen replied.

"What do you want?" Donato asked.

"You just have to find the girl," Glen said.

Seymour looked at Pops. "It's okay, they will think it is another family," Pops said in a whisper.

"I am trying, but why have you got my son?" Donato asked.

"A little motivation," Glen said.

"Just let him go, he means no harm, he is only a dumb kid," Donato said.

"Just be aware, we can get to you, anytime and anyplace," Glen said plainly.

"Okay, I will throw all my resources at it, I promise," Donato said.

"Let this be a warning."

Donato stuttered, "Warning noted."

"You better get warm soon."

_" The importance of a warm up and cool down can't be stressed enough."_

## 28

# Watching Me, Watching You

_" Eyes are there for a reason, it is not your fault you saw something you shouldn't."_

Anthony and Paige arrived back at the room. Paige had poked fun at Anthony about what the stuff was stuck to his fingers. He had avoided the issue, but it was evident that he had masturbated in the ocean.

"Crap, I have left the bags at the reception," Anthony said.

"You should go and fetch them, it has all the cash in it," Paige replied.

"I might check the bar out and see what the dinner arrangements are for later," Anthony said.

"I am going to have a shower and put these clothes away."

"I will see you soon," Anthony said as he left the room.

Paige unpacked all the bags and sorted all her new clothes. She had become worried they would be a bit raunchy, but after today, she knew they were all fine, and if anything, she would be over-dressed.

Paige put the clothes in the drawers and turned on the faucet for the shower. Her towel dropped to the floor as she stepped under the cool water. She closed her eyes and let the water wash over her as she giggled to herself.

She picked up the soap and lathered her hands. She washed her face and ran her fingers down her neck. Her mind flashed to Anthony as he'd walked up the beach, his olive-skinned body standing before her naked.

_How could he forget that his shorts were in his hand?_

Her soapy hands moved down her body. She rubbed them over her flat belly and under her breasts, then she stretched her neck as she cupped each breast. Her fingers climbed over her swollen mounds and caressed her hardened nipples.

Paige bit her bottom lip and sucked in a deep breath, she fumbled and rolled her nipples gently. Her head swam with sensations and she put one hand on the wall. Her fingers lashed her nipples into even more hardness.

She pinched and winced in ecstasy, her eyes closed as she ran her hand back down her wet body. Paige widened her stance and rested her weight on her hand. She spread her legs as her fingers caressed the hotness of her opening.

She looked through the strands of her wet hair. Water ran over her body and trickled from the delicate softness of her moist and needy place. She imagined Anthony as he stood on the beach. Her mind wandered to what she wanted to see...

_She dropped the towel and stood before him naked. Her naive glance turned him on and his shaft started to grow._

_" Is it okay here?" she asked._

_" Paige, this is Hedonism, it is okay everywhere," Anthony replied with a grin._

_Paige lowered her body to the sun lounger and spread her legs._

_" Anthony, lick my pussy."_

_Anthony knelt on the towel, his body pushed against the soft peachy skin of her inner thighs. Paige sighed as her legs parted more and she leaned back to accommodate his upper torso._

_Anthony placed his hands on her inner thighs and pushed her legs wider, she placed a foot on the lounger._

_She could feel Anthony's thumbs as he opened her pussy and licked his lips. She moaned and groaned as Anthony flicked the tip of his tongue against her throbbing clit._

_She looked up and could see people had stopped to watch. She smiled at the guys as Anthony teased her budded clit._

_" Sorry fellas, I am spoken for," she muttered._

_She lifted her hand and pushed Anthony's head deeper into her pussy..._

Paige leaned on the shower wall as she slid a finger inside her opening. Her back rested on the cool glass as she drove her finger into the deeper heat within.

Her fingers tugged gently on her nipples as she slammed her hand into her arousal. She breathed erratically as her hand pummeled and she craved more.

Paige thrust her hand harder and faster, her hips moved with wild abandonment. Her back arched from the glass of the shower in wild response to her probing fingers. Next, her head rested back on the wall as she pushed her hips forward. Her hand started to grind against her guarded place. She was soaking wet.

Sensations welled in the pit of her stomach as her mind wandered back to the beach...

_Anthony sucked on her clit, his lips pursed as his tongue swirled around the tip._

_" Take me, Anthony, take me now," she murmured._

Paige slid a second finger into her pussy, her muscles contracted as she groaned. Slowly and provocatively she drilled her pussy with her two fingers, she pictured it was Anthony's wide cock that was stimulating the depths of her pussy.

_Anthony moved his body closer to the sun lounger. Paige placed her leg over his shoulder. Anthony wrapped his arm around her leg and pulled her close to him; his hard shaft inched its way into her._

_" Anthony, make love to me," she murmured._

Paige grabbed hold of the chrome shower pole and held her hand over her head, she spread her legs as she drove her fingers slowly and in a sensual rhythm.

Her hips writhed and thrashed as water trickled from her hand, her finger drove deeper and deeper as her stomach filled with womanly sensations. Paige never heard the door open and Anthony walked into the room. Her finger pushed into her body as she squealed and screamed.

The shadow of Anthony stood by the door, he could see Paige's hand as she thrust harder into her womanly depths. Her body writhed as she felt that her body was close to releasing her in her final moment. She rammed harder and faster as her gaze lifted.

Paige could see the shadow of Anthony as he stood by the door, Paige gave him a sultry look and thrust deep inside herself until her body could take no more.

"Ahhh, oooh," she let out.

"Who the fuck would want to take Luigi?" Donato asked.

"The Morreli's?" Giovanni asked.

"And where the fuck have you been?"

"I was out of town trying to get information, the Morreli's are super-pissed that they may become affected. I would not put it past them to do this," Giovanni said.

"If that is true, they better watch out or else," Donato yelled.

"Have you made any progress this end?" Giovanni asked. His voice had a serious tone.

"Every lead we have had has come up blank," Donato explained.

"It is good that I am back then, maybe I can shed some new light on the situation," Giovanni said.

"I fucken hope so, the last thing I want is the Morreli's all over us like a rash," Donato said.

"You better tell me what has happened while I have been away," Giovanni said plainly.

"Well, we had the girl's car, it was tracked and we followed it, it was a setup," Donato said.

"Pretty standard deviation tactic," Giovanni replied.

"We could have had them by her house, but the ex-cop is a super fucking driver," Donato said.

"It sounds as though the politician has picked the best man for the job."

"We have been led here, led there. We have been all over the god-damn city and thirty miles up the coast," Donato yelled.

"He is playing with you, don't take it personally, the more you react to him, the less time you have to really think," Giovanni explained.

"You know, I think your fucking right, we have been too busy reacting and not going on the offensive," Donato said.

"You have checked the airports?"

"Yeah, there has been no flights from them," Donato said.

Giovanni laughed. "They have false passports then," he said.

"Hmm, I never thought of that." Donato lit a cigar.

"Now go a step further," Giovanni said. "We need to see how many flights have had three people, or two people, or even one person flying abroad."

"That could take forever," Donato said. He was growing impatient.

"Reduce the airports, not city ones, move away from the major routes."

"Newark as an example, they do international flights," Giovanni said.

"Who made you such a smart motherfucker?" Donato asked.

"I watch a lot of detective shows on the TV."

"Now we have Newark airport, so where would you fly? Fuck, it has to be out of the country, doesn't it?" Donato questioned.

"A popular place, but one where a group of mafioso would stick out," Giovanni explained.

"So, we have the Bahamas," Donato said, thinking.

"Exactly," Giovanni said as he stood to get himself a drink.

"Do you want one?" he asked.

"Why the hell not, we seem to be getting somewhere."

Giovanni poured two large glasses of whiskey and handed one to Donato.

"The countries are not as many as you think, forget Mexico and all that, too many eyes around," Giovanni added.

"Cuba, I don't think so, and you can forget the exclusive places," Donato said.

"So, really, you have places like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, that is a good start," Giovanni said.

"We just need to find someone who has done three passports."

"I know a few guys I can ask if they don't know, well, they have probably been done out of town."

Donato lifted his gaze to his office door. Luigi stood there in his shorts. He was covered in dirt, oil, and straw.

"What the fuck happened to you?" Donato said.

"It was all that woman's fault, she set me up. Her and her wonderful big nipples," Luigi said.

"So, tell us, what happened?" Donato sipped his drink.

"She took me a couple of streets away to an apartment. We got down to it and I had my cock between her tits. Three guys came in and grabbed me," Luigi explained.

"So, you never even got a fuck out of the ordeal?" Donato asked.

"No, I just wanted to fuck her tits," Luigi said. He sat on the couch.

"Do you have any idea where they took you?" Giovanni asked.

"Nah, I tried to listen, but all I could hear was animal noises," Luigi said.

"A standard sensory deprivation technique," Giovanni said. "Clever."

"They chained me up and then made me do that stupid video."

"What sort of place did they take you to?" Donato asked.

"it smelled like horse shit, so I think it was a barn."

"Did they do anything to you? We saw blood on your chest?" Donato asked.

"This knife came to me and I nearly pissed my pants, the guy ran it over my chest and I screamed when I saw the blood," Luigi explained.

"But you have no cut?' Donato asked.

"I know, it was one of those damned special effect knives that squirts false blood."

"See Giovanni, another example of being led on a chase that doesn't exist," Donato said.

"I have my doubts that it was the Morreli's now, maybe it was our guy?"

"There were three of them, and one was huge nearly seven feet tall," Luigi said.

"Maybe another lead, how many really tall people are there around these parts?" Giovanni asked.

"Probably not that many, or at least not that many that stink of horse shit," Donato said. "That's it then, and don't worry Luigi, we will find them."

"We have two possible leads, and I believe this time we have solid information to back them up, not just some friend of a friend." Giovanni was focused. "In the morning, we will check the passports and the flights, we will also check how many seven foot tall guys live in the area," Giovanni said.

"Can we go home so I can shower?" Luigi asked.

"Course we can son, course we can."

"Thanks... Pops."

_" Eyes are there for a reason, it is not your fault you saw something you shouldn't."_

## 29

# A Night Out

_" By going out of your mind, you finally come to your senses."_

"Anthony, sometimes you're such a dick," Paige said as she grabbed a towel and covered herself

"I was thinking, I didn't realize I was stood there sorry," Anthony said

"A likely story," She snapped

"Well, the bar is much like any other bar, and the food looks pretty fantastic," Anthony commented

Paige dropped her towel onto the floor and faced the large glass doors, Anthony turned his head and looked at her shapely figure from behind. He marveled at her shapely curves and the rosy tint of her peachy ass.

Paige bent over to step into her pantie, the mound of her pussy glistened between her legs, Anthony silently groaned.

"You have stopped talking, are you watching me again?" Paige asked

"No, I was thinking of the show," he replied

"What show?" Paige asked

"They have nightly shows," Anthony said as he watched Paige slipping her achingly swollen breasts into her silk bra.

"The one that looks fun is the milk bath," Anthony said as he pulled off his shirt and entered the bathroom

"What is that all about?" Paige asked

"I won't spoil the surprise, but it looks fun," Anthony laughed as he turned on the faucet

"It will be fun to watch, I think," Paige said as she finished her makeup.

Anthony stepped into the shower, the water crashed against his face as he soaped himself. The water ran through his short five o'clock shadow and dripped from his chin. He stretched the muscles in his neck and flexed his broad shoulders.

He felt the tension of the job flowing from his body. The lather clung to his broad chest as he soaped the slab of the muscle of his stomach. He ran his hands over his taut, muscled thighs. He glanced at the shower wall and saw the shadow of Paige as she stood in the doorway.

She stepped into the bathroom.

"Don't worry, I am not watching, I have just left something on the side," she said

"After today, I think there is not much left to see," Anthony called

"I still can't believe you had your shorts in your hand," she yelled

"I had other things on my mind," Anthony replied

_" I was looking at your sensuous lustful body for one,"_ Anthony thought

"It must have been something quite spectacular to make you do that," Paige asked

"It was out of this world, Anthony replied

Paige looked at herself in the mirror. She diverted her eyes from her makeup and looked over her shoulder. She could see the outline of Anthony's body as he raised his arms and rinsed his hair. The fine shape of his body against the frosted glass showed how fit his body was.

_" Fuck, I wish I was ready to experience that heaving against me," _she thought

Anthony slid open the shower door and reached for a towel.

"Where are the towels?" he asked

"my bad, I used them, hang on," she replied

Paige grabbed a towel from the room and handed it to Anthony, their hands touched. She paused as his fingers brushed over her hand. Her tongue licked her finely glossed lip. She sighed silently and quickly walked from the bathroom.

They finished dinner and took their seats ready for the shows, the one they both wanted to see was the milk bath as they had no idea what it entailed.

Paige inched closer to Anthony on the bench seat, her arm brushed against his. His muscled bicep teased the fine hairs of her body. Paige glanced at her arm, tiny goose bumps had formed, and she could feel the well of desire had had its first cups poured into the bottom.

The lights dimmed on the stage. The curtain opened. Two spotlights hit the stage, two guys stood in red shorts holding large metallic urns.

A slim black girl appeared through the rear curtain. Her body wiggled as she danced between the two motionless guys. Paige could see the girls dark areola as she stepped under the lights.

"This looks a bit erotic," she whispered

"I think there is more to come," Anthony grinned

Paige watched as the black girl slipped off her panties, she could see the trimmed pubic hair of the girl.

The girl faced the first guy and arched her back, her small breasts faced the ceiling. The man lifted the urn above her body, milk poured from the urn and ran over the girls budding nipples.

The white milk clung to the black girl's breasts and ran across her belly.

"Mmm," Paige mumbled

Anthony turned his head toward Paige

"Sorry, I was thinking out loud," she said grinning

The black girl stood with her back toward the second guy, she bent and ran her hands down her slim legs to her ankles. The guy lifted the urn and poured milk over her ass.

"Ooh fuck," Paige murmured

She turned her head to Anthony and grinned

Anthony watched as the black girl laid on her back and spread her legs on the stage. The fine line of black hair covered the dark lips of her pussy. The guy drizzled milk over her bush, the white liquid flowed down her body.

Anthony wriggled in his seat.

"Feeling uncomfortable there are we?" Paige giggled

"Not at all, she is not my type," he whispered in return

"What is your type?" Paige asked

"Now that would be telling he said smiling.

"When we go back to the room, don't forget to go to the store," Paige said giggling

Anthony looked puzzled. "What for?" he asked

Paige grinned. "We need milk."

Giovanni sat in Donato's office. He sipped on his drink and puffed proudly on his cigar. Donato entered and walked up to his desk and took his seat.

"You're early," he replied looking at Giovanni

Giovanni nodded. "The early bird catches the worm." he replied

Donato beamed with excitement. "you have news?" he asked

"I think i have found where they have gone," Giovanni said

"Where?" Donato asked

"Jamaica," he replied

"How do you know that?" Donato asked

"I know this guy, he checked all the flights from Newark that went out of the country," Giovanni started to explain.

"How do you know it was them?" Donato asked

"I just had a gut feeling, the time of the flight, it all seemed to fit," he replied

"So, where in Jamaica?" Donato asked

"That is a bit more challenging, they could have paid cash or had different identification," Giovanni said

"So we have to go there?" Donato said

"It looks that way, and at least we have the names, so if they come back into the country, we should be able to know," Giovanni explained

"It sounds promising," Donato said

"It is the first step, it still won't be easy," Giovanni mentioned.

Donato stood and walked over to the bar. He filled his glass and took a huge swig.

"It is more than what we had before, we have been chasing ghosts up until now," he exclaimed

"It just shows, you have had the wrong guys on the job, just look how they cowered in the shadows around the table. They have nothing between here," Giovanni said as he poked his finger to his head.

"Your right, maybe it is time for a clear out, dead wood does no one any favors," Giovanni said

"Exactly, trim off the dead and keep the growing parts," Donato said nodding his head

Giovanni finished his drink.

"What do you suggest now?" Donato

"I missed the titty show last night, and I would love a bit of local action," he said

"I am all up for it again, but not the Glitz, somewhere more downbeat," Donato said

"Pussy Galore's," Giovanni said

"Is that one of ours?" Giovanni asked

"Nah, it is a friend of mine, just your average titty bar, not high class or anything, but the girls are hot," he replied.

"Let's go then, I like is rough and ready," Donato said smiling

The car arrived in the parking lot of Pussy Galore's. The bright neon sign flashed. A ten feet sign of a girl bending with her panties falling to the floor.

"Now that is classy," Donato said as he stepped from the car.

"It catches the eye don't you think," Giovanni laughed

They walked through the door and headed toward the bar.

Giovanni glanced around the main hall and could see the central stage that split the room into two sides.

"It is very up close and personal," he yelled

"There are plenty of girls to watch here, just stuff a couple of notes in their panties, and they are all yours," Giovanni shouted

Giovanni sat at the table facing the chrome pole at the end of the stage. Donato sat and eagerly watched as the music started to play.

He glanced over his shoulder and saw a redhead walked in their direction. She put her hand on Giovanni's shoulder.

"Donato, this is Pussy Galore," Giovanni said

"I never realized it was a real name," Donato said looking at the redhead's body.

"Pussy Galore by name, and Pussy Galore by nature," she said winking at Donato

The woman walked off as Donato watched the wiggle of her ass.

"Fuck, she looks fit," he said

Giovanni laughed. "You have to do something special to get into her pants," he said

"It would be a challenge, and a challenge it looks worth trying," Donato said

"She would eat you alive," Giovanni said

The lights started to flash, and girls started to parade themselves down the stage. Donato grinned and licked his lips. The girls paraded to the end and whipped off their costumes. They gripped the pole and wrapped their legs around the cool metal.

Donato watched as their long hair fell to the floor, their breasts hung and defied gravity. The smell of velvety pussy filled the air as the girls danced and writhed feet away from him.

"These are some hot broads, more real than our girls," Donato said

"That's why I like coming here," Giovanni replied

"I can see why," he said grinning.

Two girls walked to the end of the stage, they wore cowboy hats and small cut off shorts. They tussled with each other and started to fight.

"Wow, they are going at it," Giovanni said

"It's all part of the show," Giovanni said

Donato sat forward in his chair as he watched the girls tugging at each others hair and clothes. Their tops ripped, and they became topless. Nipples brushed against each other.

"I would love to have these two together," Donato said

"I can arrange that for you," Giovanni said smiling

"Do it, I want them both after the show," he yelled.

Giovanni nodded in agreement.

They show paused and they walked up to the bar. The bar tender poured another couple of drinks.

"So how long do you think it would take to find them in Jamaica?" Donato yelled

"I didn't hear what you said," Giovanni said as he leaned closer to Donato

Donato shouted. "How long do you think it will take to find the girl and the cop in Jamaica," he yelled.

The music had dipped, and everyone sat looking at Donato in surprise.

Donato looked at the sea of faces. He hadn't noticed the two guys sat at the back of the bar who watched intently.

They finished their drinks and stood from their table. The two of them headed quietly toward the door. The one mumbled to himself, and the large guy who smelled of horse shit followed closely behind him.

_" By going out of your mind, you finally come to your senses."_

## 30

# Silence is Golden

_"The best time to make your move is when the music stops playing."_

As much as Glen had tried over the years, he had come up against a brick wall. There was no way Jeff was going to utter anything apart from the grunts and groans he often made. Glen got the impression he was talking to himself most of the time, and with Jeff being deaf, he probably was.

He took Jeff to the club at least twice a month, it helped him cut down on masturbation; not that masturbation was bad for him. Jeff's bed creaked relentlessly when he did the deed. Glen could hear it in the house... and it was Glen who did the laundry.

A few of the girls were not keen to go with Jeff, they had said he freaked them out a bit with him not being able to hear or speak.

Jeff didn't hear or speak, but he sure had the power to fuck and he was not nicknamed _Donkey_ for nothing.

Jeff sulked as they walked quickly across the parking lot, he had not had a chance to sow his oats. His balls ached after seeing all the girls naked, but getting to Pops and telling him what he had just heard was slightly more important, now.

Glen opened the door and shoved the sulking Jeff inside. He must have thought they were going home early, that was until Glen made signs like a boxer.

Glen mouthed the words and threw a couple of midair punches. "We have to go to Pops."

Jeff nodded his head and did the same, he threw a couple of punches and said something that sounded like, "Ops."

Glen smiled. Jeff was not dumb or stupid, he was smart. Book smart and street smart which was rare to find in a lot of people.

"That's right Jeff, we are off to tell ops what I just heard," Glen said. To himself.

The van started and Glen made his way to the gym. It was not possible for Paige or Anthony to fly back under the same names. The mafia probably had enough hooks into airport security to find out exactly where and when they would go. Pops would know what to do. Glen was not sure if Anthony could get passports done in Jamaica or if he would have to find another way.

The van pulled into the gym parking lot. The light over the old sign was still on. Glen watched as the moths fluttered in the beam of light that shone down onto the gold and red colored sign that said, "Pops."

He tried the door. It was locked. He stood banging and shouting to Pops. Jeff always one to help, pounded slightly harder, and shouted, "Ops, Ops."

"Hold your horses," Glen heard.

He could see through the glass, Pops was wearing an old baggy vest and a pair of shorts. His socks were pulled a good six inches up his legs.

Pops unlocked the door. "What's all the fucking racket at this time of night?"

"Pops we have just come from the titty bar. Two of the mafia were in there talking. I think it was actually Donato and some other henchman he has working under him," Glen said.

Pops ushered them inside and locked the chain around the faded chrome door handles.

"What were they saying?" he asked.

"I get the impression they know that Anthony and Paige are in Jamaica," Glen said.

"They still have a few days at least, Anthony paid cash for the hotel, so there is no card trace or anything. We have to move quickly," Pops said.

Glen sat on the edge of the ring. "What about their passports?"

"It's no problem. I know a guy who knows a guy."

Pops explained not to tell Seymour just yet. Waiting until they were well on their way back before it was mentioned to him would be smart. He might not panic, but Pops didn't want to take that chance.

Glen looked at Pops in his vest and shorts. "What you doing here so late, anyway?"

"I found some old movies of the kids boxing, I told Seymour I would show him the one of Anthony in his junior title fight," Pops explained.

"I think that would interest him, he is into this can't explain things sort of shit," Glen said. He dropped his legs to the floor.

Pops walked them to the door and peered through the only pane of glass. "You better get back now, Seymour might freak out in the sticks by himself."

Glen walked into the night air and glanced up to the moths again. "Keep me posted Pops," he said.

Jeff waved as he always did. It was not worth him trying to say anything, he just looked like a six-foot goldfish out of water.

They arrived home, and Glen could see Seymour had his eyes to the curtain. They lived in the middle of nowhere yet Seymour was always conscious of any vehicles coming or going. He was not taking any chances, not yet. If the worst came to the worst, he wanted to go, after he had seen Paige one last time.

"I was expecting you back an hour ago," Seymour said.

"Checking up on us?" Glen replied.

Seymour shook his head. "No, you know I get worried," he answered.

"Blame it on the big guy, he took longer than I expected with one of the girls," Glen said.

"He doesn't look like he has sown his seed," Seymour replied.

"It was busy so he didn't get a chance. Put cotton in your ears tonight, his bed creaks like crazy."

The live band had taken to the stage. It was time for everyone to "Boogie on down," as the MC had said over the mic. Anthony had been a little apprehensive, he was a fighter, not a lover. His legs fine if he was housing someone, but getting down to some funky soul was a different matter, altogether.

Paige had pulled his arm on numerous occasions to drag him onto the dance floor. She had not succeeded. She wouldn't... even if Anthony had wanted to. He sat and sipped his whiskey as quickly as he could, he tried to get up enough courage to join Paige, but it just wasn't in him.

She had not gone unnoticed by a few of the other guys. Anthony could see they weighed up their chances of moving in for the kill. Enough was enough, he had to cut the guys off before anything could happen. He downed his drink and unbuttoned his top button on his shirt.

_Saturday night fever, eat your heart out,_ Anthony thought.

Paige spotted him as he walked toward her. She smiled and seductively flaunted her body. The cocktails had again rendered her useless for any form of normal movement or speech.

She put her hands square on Anthony's shoulders. She put her head close to his ear.

"I knew you couldn't resist me," she said.

"I saw the other guys looking at you, that is why I came," he replied.

"Fuck em, let them look. It doesn't mean they are going to get any of my booty." Paige giggled.

"Is that so?" he asked.

"And you, it doesn't mean you can have a piece of this ass either," she replied.

Paige stood closer to Anthony, his leg sat easily between hers. She ran her fingers through her long hair as she writhed and gyrated her hips against his leg.

"I love dancing," she said.

"I can see that."

"It makes me feel free, not stuffy or virgin-like," she answered.

Anthony quickly stared at Paige.

She grinned. "Yes... um in a not-literal sense, silly," she replied.

Paige turned her body and stood close to Anthony, she raised her arms above her head as Anthony ran his hands down the sides of her body. He grabbed hold of Paige's hips and pulled her closer into his body.

Paige wriggled her ass into Anthony's groin.

_Damn, I can feel his cock pushing against my ass,_ she thought.

Their bodies entwined as they danced to the beats of the local band. The rhythmic pounding of the drums was like a forceful thrusting of love. Paige rested her arms on Anthony's shoulder as she became oblivious to the rest of the guys staring at her sexy body.

His hands caressed her curves as she melted in his grip.

"Anthony," she murmured. The band slowed and the couples started to pair off.

Paige stood motionless on the dance floor and looked through her semi-damp hair. Her eyes fixed onto his as she waited for him to make the first move.

Anthony heard the MC saying, "Time to slow everything down folks, grab your partners, or someone else's partner and get real close."

A guy stepped up to Paige and put his hand on her arm. "If you are not going to dance with her, I will gladly take her off you," he said.

Paige worriedly looked at Anthony. "Anthony," she murmured.

Anthony being Anthony, he calmly stepped forward closer to the guy. Paige stepped to the side as Anthony calmly lifted his hand and clasped it firmly around the guy's throat.

With a squeeze and a gasp from the guy he said.,"I wouldn't touch her if I were you," Anthony said.

"Well you are taking your time about it," the guy croaked.

"Listen here," Anthony said. "Hospital is only one squeeze away, now drop it."

The guy croaked and showed fear in his eyes. He had stepped on the wrong piece of turf.

"Forget it, I am sorry," he said.

Anthony loosened his grip. The man rubbed his throat and walked back into the crowd. It must have been four or five times he had looked over his shoulder to make sure he was not being followed.

Paige stepped closer to Anthony. "You didn't have to do that for little old me," she said.

Anthony laughed. "I didn't do it for you, I did it for me," he replied.

He pulled Paige's arm and wrapped his arms around her waist. His hands caressed the top of her ass as she bit her lip and swooned up toward him. They stepped in time to the slow music as Paige nuzzled her head against his broad shoulder. Anthony could smell her hair as she held her head close to his body. The band played their final number. The dance floor thinned. Another round of shows and games were due to start.

"I have had enough," Paige mumbled. They sat back on their seat.

"I hear you, it is a bit full on," Anthony replied.

Paige inched closer to Anthony and linked her arm through his. "I just feel like relaxing in the tub for a while," she said.

"That is a fine idea," he replied.

Anthony climbed into the Jacuzzi, the warm water washed over his aching body. Paige walked through the glass doors onto the veranda, she stood by the tub wrapped in her robe.

She smiled and pulled at the bow, then the robe fell open.

Anthony glanced and he could see Paige was naked.

"You have no bikini on," he said.

"I am tired of bothering," she replied.

Anthony looked into the clear water at his shorts.

"Yes, that's right, Anthony... lose the shorts."

_"The best time to make your move is when the music stops playing."_

## 31

# Traveling Light

_"And the big man said, 'Let there be light.'"_

"Why the fuck do we have to have a light that is so dim around this god-damned table?" Donato screamed.

He stood and slammed his fist onto the slate of the table. His words carried with them little droplets of saliva. They all sensed he was angry, and in a way, they could understand it.

He rested both hands on the table and leaned forward. His head pointed in the direction of each person sat at the table.

"You're all fucking useless, two people have found out information, just two people," he said. Donato held up two fingers from one of his hands to emphasize what he meant. "Luigi, get another fucking light bulb for in here, I want to see these fucking cowards."

Luigi left the meeting room to fetch a larger light bulb. Donato watched as bodies twitched. Arms moved and some pulled nervously on their collars in the shadows.

"That's right, be worried, be very fucking worried," he yelled.

He glared into the shadows and tried to see who was there. It seemed dark and sinister and would frighten anyone who sat there under interrogation. Donato didn't want the mobsters hiding in the shadows, he needed more leaders like Giovanni and Ricco. He dared not to think it, but he did. The runt Luigi had more go in him that most of the guys who worked for him.

Luigi was a dumb fuck, but the law of averages was in his favor, try ten things and get a result from one. It was much better than these idle fuckers doing nothing, that was unless you counted filling their bellies with free booze and cigars. They had become complacent and happy and that time had to end. And that time was... right now.

Luigi returned with a bulb. He climbed onto the table and removed the dim bulb. The room fell into darkness. Donato could hear ruffling.

A small beam of light shot from Luigi's mouth. "Thigawet yiter," he mumbled to Donato.

Donato watched Luigi as he inserted the new bulb. He stepped from the table and flicked the flint on his cigarette lighter.

Donato understood now what a "thigawet yiter" was. "Turn the damn thing on he said.

Luigi flicked the switch. The room was bathed in bright light. Donato glanced around him. It had been a long time since he had seen the meeting room this bright. Ricco and Giovanni sat at the bar sipping their drinks. He turned his gaze back to everyone who sat around the table.

"I'm warning you, this is your last chance to do something. If the other families come, I will help them and fucking put a bullet in you all myself," Donato said.

"He means it," Luigi said. "He was going to do the same to me."

Donato resisted the temptation to swipe at Luigi. Ever since his ordeal, he had come to realize Luigi meant more to him than he made out.

"Now I have seen who you all are, get out of my fucking sight."

Luigi stood flicking his lighter. "Go on, you heard him. Get the fuck out."

The throng of mobsters left the meeting room. They mumbled between themselves. Luigi closed the door after the last one walked through the door.

"Luigi, we have gained some information. And we have a good idea where the girl is holed up," Donato said.

Ricco poured him a drink and held the box of cigars in front of him. Donato picked up the cigar and rolled it under his nose. He clipped the end and reached for the lighter.

His eyes were fixed on Luigi as the cigar glowed amber. "You and Giovanni are going on a trip," Donato explained.

"Cool, where to?" Luigi asked.

"Jamaica."

"What's in Jamaica?" Luigi asked.

"The girl, you dope."

"Do you know where in Jamaica?"

Donato wished he had sent Luigi out with the rest of the guys. "That is what you are going for, to find them," Donato explained.

Luigi nodded and grinned. "I understand now."

Donato sat in his large leather chair. He kicked off his shoes. His feet he placed firmly on the table.

"We have to go in the morning, if they get wind we are there, they will come back and probably with different passports," Donato explained.

"Don't worry Dad, I will take care of Giovanni for you."

Donato laughed loudly. He could hear laughter echo to the bar. The three sat laughing at Luigi as tears streamed down their faces.

"Son, you are one in a fucking million."

Donato walked into his office. His face looked glum. He had received the news that he did not want to hear. Another family was heading into town. They would be taking over the search for the girl. He had fallen short, he had failed.

Ricco walked into the office.

"What's up with you?" he asked.

"The fucking Morelli family, that is what is up with me," Donato snapped.

"Why would they be bothering you?" Ricco asked.

"They will be here this afternoon," he replied.

"You mean they are taking over?" Ricco asked.

"Just the hunt for the girl, but it can be the start, the start of the end," Donato explained.

"That is all we need, I will have to get the guys too..." Ricco started to say.

"Ricco, it is too late. They are never going to look at us again in the same way," Donato said.

Ricco sat in the chair. His shoulders slumped. "Let's just hope that Giovanni and Luigi can do some good."

"I doubt it. Luigi booked the tickets for the wrong damned day, they have only left this morning," he said.

"That is fucking charming, we have lost twenty-four hours," Ricco barked.

Donato shook his head. "See what I mean, we are doomed, and I think we have been doomed to fail on this from the start."

"We will just have to play it as it happens, that is all that we can do," Ricco commented.

"I have had enough, it has taken all my energy doing this, and I still have not got anywhere," he replied.

"I would say pack it all in and get out, but I know you will never give in," Ricco said.

"I wish I could, I could see myself in retirement back in Italy, just sat on the veranda with the wife. Sipping on a nice glass of red wine. Pure bliss," Donato said, smiling.

"And what about Luigi?" Ricco asked.

Donato closed his eyes. "Ricco, you son-of-a-bitch. I just had a nice thought then, and you have ruined it."

"You would have to leave him here then, let him stand on his own two feet for once," Ricco said.

Donato opened his mouth and laughed. The bellow filled his office. "Luigi. Standing on his own two feet. You must be crazy."

"He has to start sometime, you never know what will happen with you, he may be looking to following in your footsteps," Ricco said.

"Someone will have done him in by then, and it will be his mother or me," Donato said.

Ricco walked toward the bar and grabbed two glasses.

He started to pour. "Luigi can't be that bad all of the time?" he said.

Donato looked at Ricco. "The answer to my problems, you adopt him and have him as your own. Hell, I will even pay you. How much do you want? Um, ten million?" Donato laughed.

"Maybe there is no hope for him, if you can't pay anyone to take him, no one is going to take him for free." Ricco laughed.

One of the guys knocked on the office door. "Come in," Donato yelled.

"Sorry to bother you, Boss," the guy said.

"Well, what is it?" Donato asked.

"It's the Morelli's, they have arrived," the guy explained.

Donato rested his head in his hands. He leaned on his desk and shook his head.

"Is there no let-up of bad luck?" Donato looked up. "You better show them into the meeting room."

Giovanni arrived at the club. With the car parked he went inside to get Luigi. What stood before him was a sight to behold.

"What the fuck are you wearing?" Giovanni asked.

"Vacation clothes," Luigi said.

Giovanni shook his head. "Who the fuck wears shorts and a Hawaiian shirt just to go to the airport?" he asked.

"Is it too much?"

"Just a bit, we are supposed to blend in, so it's okay," Giovanni said.

"I'll get changed," Luigi said.

He pulled his suitcase into the hallway. "Hang on a moment, how long do you think we are going for?" Giovanni asked. He rolled his eyes.

"Why, do you not have a case with you?"

"I have a bag, that is plenty."

"I have a bag as well, should I just take that?" he asked.

"It makes sense. We are not on vacation, we are there to work." "What about my camera?" Luigi pressed.

"That is the first sensible thing you have said."

"I was hoping for a walk on the beach and watching the sunset, you know, everything you read about the place," Luigi commented.

Giovanni laughed. "You might see a sunset if you are unlucky."

"Why, if I am unlucky?" Luigi asked.

"It means I have smacked you over the head with a rock and I am pushing you into the god-damned ocean."

Luigi looked puzzled. "If you did that, Dad wouldn't be very pleased."

"Oh, yeah. I better not."

Anthony stretched his legs on the couch. He felt Paige was too close to him after all the cocktails she had consumed. She had stepped into the tub and had made drunken advances toward him. The rum had a strange way of working with some people.

He had put her to bed after she had dried off. He resided himself to the couch for the night. The clock flashed three fifteen and he had awakened as normal. He sat up and glanced over to the bed.

Paige was laid on her side. The bed sheets had slipped from her body. Her achingly-swollen breast laid in full view. Anthony sighed and cast his glance to her hips. The bed sheets had rested over her luscious curves as well.

He admired the view, but he was glad he had chosen the couch. To have a woman who wanted to be with you was much better than having one who had no idea what was happening. Paige smacked her lips and stretched her arms. She rolled onto her back.

Anthony stood and could feel his arousal building up inside him. _Not this fucking early,_ he thought.

He tried to turn away. Paige kicked at the bed sheet. The rest of her body laid naked before him. Anthony closed his eyes. He should turn away but he was drawn to her, she looked like a living work of art.

Anthony stood and looked at Paige, her skin looked warm as honey, yet so vulnerable. He was drawn to her, he was addicted to a degree but he had to fight his urges. The job would be compromised. He could put them all at risk.

He grabbed the sheet and pulled it back over Paige's naked body. He needed a diversion to take his mind off his semi-erection. He made a cup of strong coffee and pulled open the large glass door to the veranda.

He sat and thought of the job. What would be the mafia's next move? He knew Seymour was safe, that was guaranteed. But the mafia. How long before they realized they had left the country.

They had given the mafia the runaround, but they were not entirely stupid. He had to presume they had found the guy. They would then have the names of the passports. Checking with the airports if they have contacts, a day or two at most would be all it took.

From finding the guy to arriving at the airport in Jamaica, five days tops. Today was day four. They would have to try and find another means of getting home undetected.

He heard Paige stirring behind him, he craned his neck and watched as she slid her legs from the bed. She stood and stretched. Anthony watched the velvety cheeks of her ass. She bent over and grabbed her robe. Paige walked to the kitchen and poured two cups of coffee. She walked to the veranda and watched the early morning sun as it started to rise.

"Isn't it funny," she said.

Anthony turned his head and looked into her blue eyes. "Isn't what funny?" he asked.

She sipped. "Paradise."

"What do you mean paradise," Anthony said.

"Well, just look at the view. It is beautiful. The people here wake up to this every day," Paige said.

"And your point is?"

"If it weren't for all this tourism, they would have nothing."

"I get what you mean now and it all has to come to an end," Anthony replied.

Paige looked at him. "What are you saying? What do you mean, it has to come to an end?" she asked.

"I think we have to leave tomorrow at the latest," Anthony replied.

"Crap, I was just beginning to enjoy myself."

"I am sure there will be many more times," Anthony remarked.

Paige curled her lips up and grimaced. "I know it has been a job for you, but I don't think any other time would feel the same," Paige said.

Anthony looked down to where Paige was sitting. She lifted her gaze.

"It has not felt like a job, to be honest."

Paige gave a warm smile and looked at the view, again.

Anthony heard his cell phone ringing on the coffee table. "Someone is up early?" he said.

He jumped from the wall and ran to the coffee table. He grabbed the phone and looked at the screen.

"It's Pops," he said.

"You think they have found Dad?"

Anthony answered the phone as he shook his head. "Pops, you're up early."

"They know," Pops said quickly.

"I knew it, I had a feeling," Anthony said.

"I have checked the flights and the first available to there is in the morning and that just happens to be the first one back, too" Pops explained.

"Damn, that puts us in the airport at the same time," Anthony said.

"Exactly."

Anthony scratched his head. "Passports, what about passports?"

"That is cool. I know a guy who knows a guy over there," Pops said.

"Will he have long enough, by the time we find him? Christ, he will only have half a day."

"I sent him photos last night, he should have them done by the time you get to Kingston," Pops said.

"Just text me the address, and I will sort everything this end," Anthony said.

He hung up the phone. He walked back to the veranda. Paige was basking in the early morning sun.

She looked up at him and smiled. "What did he have to say?"

"As I thought, the mafia have found out where we are," Anthony said.

Paige frowned as she looked up at him. "What do we have to do now?" she asked.

"Pack."

"But the sunshine here is so... light!"

"Paige!"

"Alright, alright."

_"And the big man said, 'Let there be light.'"_

## 32

# Sleeping Rough

_"Wherever I lay my hat is not always my home."_

"You mean we have to sleep in the airport all night?" Luigi asked.

Giovanni hunched his shoulders. "It looks like that."

Luigi walked around the seats in the waiting lounge. He arrived back at where Giovanni was sitting.

"There is nowhere to sleep," he said.

"Just lay on a couple of chairs," Giovanni pressed.

"You have to be kidding, there is no way I can get comfortable on one of those seats."

"It is up to you, just shut up whining and get some rest."

Luigi huffed and laid on one of the chairs. He stuffed his bag over the gap and laid down. He tossed and turned, his bag punched to fit the hole. Luigi moaned and groaned, the metal corner of the chair dug into his ribs. He sat and removed his jacket. He removed the bag and plumped it up as a pillow.

Giovanni watched as Luigi tried to make himself comfortable. He shook his head and sympathized with Donato.

_How the fuck he puts up with him, I'll never know._

Giovanni took his bag and placed it on the floor. He removed his jacket and covered his body as he curled up below Luigi.

"You can have my chair," he said.

Luigi lifted his gaze. "Giovanni where have you gone?" he called.

"Down here you dick," Giovanni said.

Luigi looked over the edge of the seat. "What are you doing down there?" he asked.

"Those chairs are uncomfortable."

"Ah, very smart," Luigi said. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you are a bit slow in the head. I think your dad hit you too much," Giovanni replied.

"He never hit me on the head when I was younger," Luigi commented. "That was mom."

"I rest my case, now get some sleep," Giovanni said.

Luigi looked at him. "There is no space on the floor," he said.

Giovanni opened his eyes and tilted his head. "The whole damned airport is floor space, just pick a spot and be quiet."

Luigi grabbed his bag and jacket and looked for a space.

_Ha, under the seats,_ he thought.

He shoved his bag under the seats and shuffled his body underneath. He put his jacket over him and drifted off.

Luigi stretched his arms and looked at his watch. Eight o'clock, they would have to make a move. He lifted his head and could see legs hanging from the chairs. They were not man's legs, they looked like women. Luigi looked through the gap of the chairs. Three old ladies had positioned themselves above him.

"Excuse me," he called.

The women sat.

"Excuse me please," he shouted.

He lifted his gaze and looked through the gap of the chair. He could see one doing sign language. Luigi touched one of the woman's legs. A hand reached down and scratched her ankle. Luigi touched her ankle again. Her hand lowered and scratched again.

Giovanni was sat on the wall with his coffee. He had giggled to himself when he had seen the three old women take the seats. He sipped on his coffee and watched.

"I need to pee," Luigi heard from old woman one. He glanced through the gap and could see the others had not heard.

"I really need to pee," the old woman screamed.

Old woman two smiled and nodded. "Soon," she shouted.

Luigi laid his head on his bag and looked up. Something wet hit him on his forehead. He wiped himself with his fingers and held them to his nose.

"Out of all the people in the world. I get the incontinent one sat above me."

He pushed his back against the wall. He laid clutching his bag as tiny drops of piss fell inches from his nose.

The women stood and walked from the chairs. "Thank God," Luigi said.

He crawled from under the chairs and stretched himself. He could see Giovanni leaning on the wall as he sipped his coffee.

"You could have woken me," Luigi said.

Giovanni laughed loudly. "And miss all the fun? You must be kidding," he replied.

Luigi walked to the stall and grabbed himself a coffee. He checked his phone.

_Fucking thing is wrong again,_ he thought.

He looked confused and scratched his ruffled hair. Something was not right, but he could not put his finger on it exactly. He walked back to Giovanni and sat beside him.

Luigi sipped his coffee and casually turned to Giovanni. "What time do we have to check in?" Luigi asked.

Giovanni looked at the ticket. "Around twelve."

"Today was the first available flight to Jamaica?" Luigi asked.

"According to you. That is what you said when you booked the tickets on line," Giovanni answered.

"Hmm," he replied. Luigi puzzled over what rattled around his mind. "Can I look at the tickets?" he asked.

Giovanni reached into his bag. He pulled the tickets and handed them to Luigi.

"Does your cell phone ever get the date wrong?" Luigi asked.

"No, mine is set to use internet time. Why do you ask?" Giovanni said.

"I have just had to reset the date and time on mine, that is the second time in two days," Luigi said. "What is the date?"

"The fifth."

Luigi looked at the tickets. He scratched his head and looked at Giovanni.

"I think these tickets are wrong," Luigi said.

"How the hell can they be wrong?" Giovanni asked.

"Well, you said we have to check in at twelve, these tickets say the flight is on the sixth."

"Let me have a look." Giovanni was growing impatient.

He grabbed the tickets from Luigi, he stared at the details on the paper. He turned his face to Luigi. Anger began to rise inside.

"You dumb fuck," Giovanni said.

"What have I done?" Luigi asked.

"You have booked the first flight available, alright. But the damned thing is tomorrow," he yelled.

Anthony and Paige had packed and headed to the reception. The staff made their, "We hope you enjoyed your stay speech," very well.

"Can we get a cab please?" Anthony asked.

"Just outside, Sir," the girl said.

Anthony and Paige walked into the early afternoon sun. A taxi pulled up to the side of the curb. Anthony opened the door as Paige slid inside. Anthony climbed beside her and leaned on the front seat.

"Are you from around here? Do you know Kingston very well?" Anthony asked.

"I know Kingston Town like de back of me hand," the cabbie said.

"Get us there, and I need you to find someone," Anthony said.

The cabbie turned his head toward Anthony. "What sort of person are you looking for?" the cabbie asked.

"It is a long story that I am unable to tell you too much about, sorry."

"I will do what I can," the cabbie said.

"There will be an extra hundred in it for you, so you don't have to worry," Anthony said.

He leaned back as the cabbie began the drive to Kingston. It would be a couple of hours before they reached the place. He rested his head on the glass of the window.

"I am a bit sleepy," Paige said.

"Rest your head," Anthony replied.

He adjusted himself and expected Paige to rest on his shoulder. She lifted and placed her head on his lap, instead.

Anthony looked into the driver's mirror. He smiled back. "It looks like the little lady is all tired out," the cabbie said.

"It was a short stay, but eventful," Anthony replied.

Anthony rested his head on the back of the seat and closed his eyes. He put his hand gently on Paige's shoulder.

"Wakey, wakey, Sir," the cabbie called. Anthony and Paige opened their eyes.

"Thanks," said Anthony in a daze.

"We are on da outskirts of Kingston, I tink da man you are looking for will not be in da city center," the cabbie said.

Anthony rubbed his eyes and took out his phone.

"We have to go to Trench Town," Anthony said.

"Boy, dis man must be impotant if he come from Trench Town," the cabbie said.

"Why do you think that? Paige asked.

"It one of da ruffest part of Kingston," the cabbie replied. "Or it can be. Lucky for you, it was where I grew up."

"Fifty-two Oxford Street, close to the hospital," Anthony said.

"I know it well. I had been to dat 'ospital on more than one occasion," the cabbie said grinning.

The cab made its way through the streets. A few corners were full of suspect dealers. They stood out clear as anything to Anthony.

"What da man's name?" the cabbie asked.

"Trey. Trey Brown."

"Might I ask if you are after passports?" the cabbie asked.

"Er, well yeah. How did you know?"

"I know da name but not da man. And I know he won't be at that address at this time," the cabbie replied.

"Where will he be?" Anthony asked.

"In his office, it not far away, but he never does business from home," the cabbie said.

"Can you take us there?" Anthony replied. "I will give you an extra fifty on top of the hundred."

"For a hundred and fifty, I will stay wit you for da rest of the day," the cabbie said with a wide smile.

"We appreciate that," Paige said.

The cabbie drove a further ten minutes. He turned the corner into a one-way street. He pulled the cab to the side of the road. He turned his head to the back of the cab.

"Normally I would say to stay here, but I don't think he will talk to me once we find him," the cabbie said.

They stepped from the cab. The cabbie led them up the street.

"I can't see any offices here?" Anthony remarked.

The cabbie stopped. "Here we go."

"It is a betting shop?" asked Anthony.

"I didn't say he had an office, I said he was in his office." The cabbie laughed.

They walked through the door. Men stood screaming at TV screens as horses raced. The faint smell of weed filled the area.

"Just wait here, I will ask if he is here," the cabbie said.

The cheers went silent as everyone stopped and stared at Paige and Anthony, more stared at Paige than Anthony. She looked nervous and stood behind him.

"This seems a bit suspect," Paige said.

"It will be okay, just don't stare," Anthony whispered.

The cabbie came from the back room. He gestured for Anthony and Paige to follow him. They walked into the room. A guy sat behind a desk. He stared up and down.

"Winston here told me you were after some papers?" Trey said.

"We are, it was arranged yesterday," Anthony said.

"How do I know you is telling da truth?" Trey said.

Anthony grabbed his phone and checked the text message.

"Glen Thompson arranged it for Pops," Anthony said.

Trey laughed. "It has been five years since I saw Glen. He says Pops gives him quite a bit of work."

"I know Pops has a couple of guys. He said he used the other guy to get us here," Anthony said. "Pops reckons Glen is too valuable to risk."

"He is the best in the city. Not just passports, he can copy anything," Trey said.

A young kid entered the office with a brown envelope. He handed it to Trey.

"It saved me time with having your photos yesterday," Trey said. He handed Anthony the two passports. "I have even put a false entry stamp."

Anthony looked at the passports and nodded. "They look perfect," he replied. "Thank you."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wallet. He flicked through some debit cards and handed one to Trey. "There is just over five-grand on that one," Anthony said.

"That covers it nicely and here are your tickets for the morning," Trey said.

"Now we are done, we need to find a hotel that's out of the way," Anthony said. He was focused, now.

Winston grinned. "If you need somewhere safe, you can bunk down wit me brother, he lives by the airport," Winston said.

"If you are sure he won't mind."

Winston laughed. "It is not his house, he owns a motel."

"Perfect," said Paige, "let's go."

_"Wherever I lay my hat is not always my home."_

## 33

# Mystery Caller

_"Being observant doesn't mean you are being nosey."_

Glen stood in the window. He could see the headlights slowly creeping through the trees as the van got closer. The dancing shadows flickered up the side of the house as then he was dazzled. The van pulled into the clearing. He squinted and stepped away from the window and walked to the front door.

Pops had gone to keep them updated about the situation with Anthony and Paige. Glen stood in the doorway as Pops turned the engine off in the van. The small bulb shone above his head.

"Hi Glen," Pops said.

Glen stepped back in the doorway and greeted him. "Hi, Pops."

Seymour was busy on his laptop at the kitchen table, he had managed to continue his daily operations without too much disruption, so much so, he had even thought he could work from home on a regular basis once all this was over.

"Busy as ever?" Pops said.

Seymour raised his hand and waved. "Nearly done for the day."

Jeff walked through the kitchen door. He stunk of horse shit again because he had just finished attending to all of the livestock.

"Ops," Jeff cried throwing some punches.

Pops threw a couple of jabs. "Hi Jeff," he mouthed.

"You should do something about Jeff you know, he smells bad," Pops said.

Glen laughed. "Feel free, you explain it to him," he said.

Pops scrunched his face up. "I think it is better to just get used to the smell."

"So then Pops, what is the update? Do you have a follow-up plan," Glen asked.

"They found the guy in Kingston and got their new passports," Pops whispered.

Pops and Glen didn't hear the small creak in the floorboards. Seymour had finished his work and was just walking into the living room.

"They will be arriving back tomorrow," Pops said.

"Who will be arriving back tomorrow?" Seymour asked.

Glen and Pops turned their heads toward the kitchen. They looked at each other. The cat was well and truly out of the bag now.

"Anthony and Paige, they are returning home tomorrow," Pops explained.

"And you never mentioned any of this because?" Seymour quizzed.

"We didn't want you to panic," Pops answered.

"I thought you knew me better than that. I might panic with a chicken bone stuck in my gullet, but when Paige is concerned, panic doesn't come into the equation," he replied.

Pops looked slightly ashamed. "You're right, we should have kept you in the loop with what was going on," Pops said.

Seymour stepped further into the living room and dumped himself into the arm chair. "Damn right you should have."

He clasped his hands and rested his arms on his knees. He leaned forward and looked at Glen and Pops.

"I think you better tell me everything," Seymour pressed.

Pops prepared himself to speak. "It all started last night."

Seymour frowned. "Go on, I am listening."

"Glen had taken Jeff for his regular trip to the titty bar as you know," Pops said.

"Luck would have it that two of the mafia guys were at the bar," Pops explained.

"Luck would have it, you do realize that this is my daughter?" Seymour said.

"Anyway, these two were talking at the bar and one shouted to the other, at the very moment when the music stopped," Pops said.

"And he shouted what?" Seymour asked sternly.

"Exact words, I don't know, but the gist of it was, the mafia had a tail on them and were sending some guys to Jamaica."

"Forgive me if I am wrong, but doesn't the plane that arrives in Jamaica come back once it has fueled up?"

Pops nodded. "Yes, it is a return trip."

"This in my calculation," Seymour exclaimed, "puts both Anthony and Paige in a small airport with them at the same time?"

"That is true," Pops replied plainly.

"Don't you think that is a bit dangerous?" Seymour asked.

"Well, they are in a public place, and once they are passed through immigration they will be safe."

Seymour sighed. "They better be."

Seymour leaned back in the chair. He rubbed his chin while he pondered on what was happening. He leaned forward again.

"Once they are back, where are they going to hide?" Seymour asked.

Pops looked at Glen. He then looked at Seymour. He lowered his head briefly and then looked up.

"At your house."

"Are you out of your mind?"

Pops shook his head. "It was Anthony's suggestion."

"And why would he think it was safe to go there?" Seymour quizzed Pops.

"He scoured your house when he first took the job. Anthony had said how secure it was. There were just a couple of things that had to be done to make it more secure," Pops explained.

"So, all this time, there have been people in my house?" Seymour asked.

"Just me and Jeff," Glen said sheepishly.

"And how did you manage to get in?" Seymour asked.

Glen started to flush slightly. "I swiped your keys the night you came to see me," he replied.

"I am not sure what sort of convoluted plot you have, but it better work," Seymour said.

"It will."

"And where do I fit into this scheme of things?"

"Anthony told us to keep you separated from Paige, they could blend in much easier if you were here," Pops said.

"I suppose I will have to trust you all, we have been safe so far," Seymour said. He felt more worried, now.

"And we intend to keep you safe, no matter what the mafia do, we just have to keep a step or two in front of them," Pops said.

"I hope it is more than one or two moves in front."

"We just have to keep them guessing. The longer it goes on, the worse it is for them. I have heard they are getting heat from the other families now," Pops explained.

Seymour grinned. "Okay, but no more fucking secrets. Okay?"

The cab pulled into the Seahorse Motel parking lot. Winston stepped from the car and opened the door for Paige. Anthony slid himself over the seat and stepped onto the gravel.

"I wasn't expecting to still be this close to the ocean," Anthony remarked.

Winston threw his head back and laughed. "Jamaica is a small island, nowhere is very far from da beach."

"I suppose you are right," Anthony said.

"At least they have a pool," Paige said, grinning.

"We will have to see if we can grab an hour before it gets dark," Anthony said. "We have a big day tomorrow."

"It's all go, I just wish it would all be over," Paige said.

_Once it ends, that will be the end. I will not see you anymore,_ Anthony thought.

"It will come to an end, but what that will entail, I have no idea," Anthony said. He was still focused.

"You think it will go back to normal?" Paige asked.

"To be honest, I don't know what normal would be after this," Anthony replied.

Winston led them across the parking lot. They entered the small lobby and stood by the desk. An old man came walking from the back room as Winston hit the bell.

"I will be right wit you," he said.

Winston turned to face the desk.

"Well blow me down, if it isn't Winston," the old guy said.

"Anthony, Paige, this is my brother Clive," Winston explained.

"So, Winston, what brings you here?" Clive asked.

"Dis couple has to lie low until da plane comes in tomorrow," Winston said.

"You can't do nothing but lay low in this place." Clive laughed.

"Well I better leave you in the capable hands of my brother, he will look after you," Winston said, checking his watch.

Anthony reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of notes. He peeled off two hundred and handed it to Winston.

"A bit extra for your effort," Anthony said.

"I wish you all da luck for tomorrow," Winston said. He beamed them a kind smile.

Anthony patted Winston on the back. "Winston, you make the world a better place."

"Just doing my part, when there is a beautiful woman involved, you have to go the extra mile," Winston replied.

Anthony and Paige stood in the reception as Clive walked with Winston to his cab. They hugged as brothers do before Winston climbed back into his cab. They waited for Clive's return.

"Let's see what rooms we have for you," Clive said, entering back into the reception.

Paige leaned on the desk. Clive fumbled through the keys on the wall. He mumbled to himself as he went through the rooms one by one.

"Here it is. Not exactly the honeymoon suite, but the doors lead directly to the pool," Clive commented. "You can get some of the best sunsets from here."

"That sounds great," Paige said.

"Just make the most of your last night in Kingston, you never know when you will be back," Clive said.

"We will try," Anthony replied.

"Just walk to the end, the room is the one facing the pool," Clive explained.

Anthony picked up the bags. They walked to the end room and opened the door. It didn't have the same glamor of Hedonism Two, but it was homely.

"The bed is a bit smaller," Paige said, obviously grinning.

"You will have to sleep straight instead of spreading yourself out," Anthony remarked.

Anthony stood and looked at the glass doors. He grabbed the handles and pulled the door open. The sea breeze filled the room.

Paige walked beside him and grabbed hold of his arm. "What a view," she said.

"If I am not mistaken, this view is better than the one at the expensive hotel."

"It depends on which view you are referring to, the one over the ocean, or the one of the large-breasted girl in the pool," Paige said, mockingly.

Anthony looked to the pool. "There is no large-breasted girl in the pool," he said.

Paige let go of Anthony's arm and ran from the room. She jumped toward the water and screamed.

"There is now!" She laughed.

"You were quick getting changed," Anthony said.

"I had my bikini on already," she replied.

Anthony watched as Paige dipped her head under the clear water. She popped back up and ran her hands through her hair.

"Come on, what you are waiting for? It is lovely," she yelled out.

Anthony removed his shirt and emptied his pockets. He tightened the cord of his shorts. Paige bobbed as she scanned her eyes over his body. The strong, muscular planes of his chest tapered to his powerful hips. She licked her lips as Anthony stood at the side of the pool.

"Make room, I am coming in," he shouted.

Anthony dived. He glided through the water. His eyes opened. He could see the long slender legs of Paige as he floated to the surface.

Every time he looked at her body, he became more attracted to her. It was not something he could fight. Even his conscious thoughts had become grayed by his subconscious, animal urges.

His head popped up from the water. He stood close to Paige as her fleshy mounds bobbed on the surface of the water. His eyes remained fixed as he made his way to the side of the pool.

They watched as the sun finally set over the horizon. The golden beams dimmed and shimmered across the ocean. Shadows faded around the pool and tiny lights began to appear.

"This is just so romantic don't you think?" Paige asked.

"If we were on a vacation, it would be very romantic," Anthony replied.

Anthony turned his head toward the room. He could hear a noise. "Is that your phone?" he asked.

"Yeah, I wonder who that is?" Paige remarked.

Anthony watched as Paige climbed from the pool. She stepped into the room and grabbed her phone. She walked back toward the pool as she glanced at the screen. She lifted her gaze and looked at Anthony.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"I think it's the mafia."

_"Being observant doesn't mean you are being nosey."_

## 34

# Kids Stuff

_"A slap on the head is worth two in the gut."_

Giovanni returned from the bathroom. Luigi sat at the table of the diner holding something in his hand. Giovanni watched as Luigi giggled to himself. He walked closer and slid himself onto the bench.

"What are you fucken giggling at?" Giovanni asked.

"This chat, it just makes me smile," Luigi said.

Giovanni watched Luigi as he typed. He laughed every time he sent a message. He looked at the cell phone.

"Is that a new phone?" he asked.

"No."

"It looks similar to the girl's phone," Giovanni said.

Luigi lifted his head up and smiled. "It is the girl's phone."

"I don't want to ask a dumb question, but who are you chatting with?" he asked.

Luigi laughed. "The girl we are looking for."

Giovanni leaned over the table and grabbed the phone from Luigi.

"What possessed you to message the girl?" Giovanni asked.

"We have been here over twenty-four hours, I was bored," Luigi said.

Giovanni shook his head. "I am sure there is something else you could have found to occupy your mind?"

"Like what?"

"There are lots of stores, you could have bought yourself something to read, to expand your mind. If that's even possible," Giovanni said.

"What have you been saying in the chat anyway?" Giovanni asked.

He picked up the phone and opened the chat app...

_" Hi," Luigi had said._

_" Hi back at you," said the reply._

_" Where are you?" Luigi had asked._

_" Somewhere where you are not," said the reply._

_" We know where you are," Luigi had said._

_" No, you don't."_

_" We are coming, all guns blazing if we need to."_

_" Bring who you like," said the reply._

_" We are coming little girl, we are coming to get you."_

_" Have fun," said the reply._

_" We know you are in Jamaica," Luigi had said._

_" No, I'm not," said the reply._

Giovanni shoved the cell phone into his pocket.

"Luigi, you really know how to screw things up," Giovanni said.

"Why? I was just trying to find out where they are," Luigi replied.

He shook his head in dismay. "Not only have you told them we are coming, but you have also given them a chance to escape," Giovanni said.

"I didn't realize," Luigi commented.

"I know you try to help, but just think before you act."

"I believe that it would be safer if I went and bought something to read."

Giovanni nodded. "It would be wise. The less thinking you do, the better for all of us."

Luigi walked off toward the store. His head bowed in dismay. Giovanni looked at his phone on the table. It had started to ring. As it vibrated, he could see it was Donato. He picked up his phone and answered.

"Vanni, I am surprised I can get you," Donato said.

"It is a surprise," he replied.

"The reception is crystal clear, I was expecting a lot of interference," Donato said plainly.

Giovanni had no idea how he would explain the situation to Donato.

_He is going to hit the roof in a minute,_ Giovanni thought.

"So, what is the weather like there? Donato asked.

"From what I can see, it is raining a little bit," Giovanni said.

"It is raining a bit here as well," Donato replied.

Giovanni watched as Luigi walked back from the store.

"Where are you going to look first?" Donato asked.

_Here it goes,_ Giovanni thought.

"I will let you know once we land," Giovanni said.

"What do you mean, when you land?" Donato asked.

"There was a mix up with the tickets," Giovanni explained.

"Vanni, I don't like the sound of this," Donato yelled.

Giovanni put the phone on speaker and put it on the table. Luigi slid onto his seat.

Donato yelled from the speaker. "Who the fuck mixed the tickets up?"

Luigi lifted his head. "Hi Dad," he said. "Hi Pops!"

"Luigi!" he yelled.

"It is boring here, we are still in Newark," Luigi said, innocently.

"What the fuck are you still doing in Newark," Donato boomed from the speaker.

Luigi scratched his head. "The date was wrong on my phone, we fly in the morning," he said.

Donato yelled from the phone's speaker. "If I could get my fucking hands on you, I would throttle you."

"You should relax, you know what the doctor said," Luigi replied.

"You are the reason I had to go to the doctor," Donato said.

"I found out they are still in Jamaica," Luigi said.

There was a pause.

"And how did you manage that from Newark airport?" Donato asked.

"Free wi-fi, I messaged the girl's phone."

"Don't tell me you use..." Donato started to say.

Giovanni picked up the phone and turned it from the speaker.

"He did, he chatted to the girl and said we were coming, all guns blazing," Giovanni explained.

"Vanni can you do me a favor and throw the dumb fuck from the plane," Donato said.

"I wish I could, Boss, I wish I could."

"Well, you will just have to keep me updated in the morning. I thought we would have been halfway to catching them by now," Donato said.

"You and me both. I will speak to you tomorrow."

Donato cut the connection. Giovanni put his phone on the table and looked at Luigi.

"What have you bought?" Giovanni asked.

"Puzzle books," Luigi said.

Giovanni picked up a book and looked at the cover. "These are three years plus."

"I don't know what mentality the kids are today, but it won't take me three years to complete it."

Giovanni bit his lip and resisted the temptation to explain what the three years plus meant. He threw the book back on the table. Luigi sat with his pens and joined the dots. He looked pleased with himself once he had completed the first puzzle.

Giovanni grabbed his bag and stood. "I am going to get some rest."

Luigi shuddered. "Good idea, I don't want to lay under any seats again, you never know who is going to sit there."

"Wherever you go, just make sure it is away from me."

"Okay, do you want a book?"

"NO!"

Paige had gone to the beach. One final walk before they had to settle down for the night. The last night in paradise. Anthony had been concerned she was walking by herself. Clive had set his mind at ease and said she would be safe there by herself.

Paige walked along the surf and kicked her feet in the shallow water. Her head was bowed.

_She looks like she is on a deserted island,_ Anthony thought.

He needed a shower after the dip in the pool. He walked into the bathroom and slipped from his damp shorts. He looked at himself in the mirror. He had missed his training for a few days and his body had not shown any signs that he had. He flexed the muscles in his arms and nodded. He still looked in good shape, the food had been healthy and his six-pack remained as taut as ever.

The shower warmed as he put his hand under the water. He stepped in and reached for the soap. The water ran across his face as he thought of Paige on the beach. She had worn the small bikini she had showed him in the store. The thing had slipped up the cheeks of her peachy ass.

He pictured the tiny diamond shapes that barely covered her nipples. She had no idea how sexy she looked. Anthony shuddered as he imagined taking her on the beach. Anthony pulled in a lungful of air. He sensed his arousal. He soaped his hands and ran them over his body. His hands dropped and his manhood brushed against his arm; he felt the twitch and knew he would soon have an erection.

_Paige will be ages,_ he thought.

Anthony wrapped his fingers around the base of his shaft. His pulse pushed against his fingers as he gripped himself. His hand began to move up the length of his shaft. He could feel his throbbing erection as he imagined himself on the beach with Paige...

_" Anthony," she called softly._

_" What is it?" he asked._

_" Here in the sand dunes, come to me," Paige called._

_He walked through the dunes. He could see Paige as she laid on a blanket. Her naked body waited for him._

_" I am ready," she said._

_Anthony walked closer and stepped from his shorts. He kneeled on the blanket as Paige lifted her body to meet him._

_She raised her hand and started to caress his balls. His throbbing shaft twitched with her touch. Paige spread her knees. Anthony raised his hand and stroked the soft folds of her pussy._

_" Mmm," she cooed._

_Anthony slid his finger between the moist lips. The warmth of her pussy embraced his finger. He drove his hand harder against the junction of her thighs._

_Paige groaned as the sea breeze washed over their naked bodies. Her hand gripped his cock tightly as she moved her hand back and forth._

Anthony opened his eyes and listened. There was no sound of Paige. He closed his eyes again, and his mind went back to the beach...

_" We have waited long enough," Anthony said._

_Paige giggled. "We have waited too long."_

_Anthony laid her on the blanket. The lips of her pussy spread now by her delicate fingers._

_" I want to feel you inside," Paige said._

_His body inched forward, the head of his aching cock approached the opening. His hard cock rubbed against her budded clit._ _She pulled him close as his shaft slowly slid into the depths of her arousal._

Anthony opened his eyes. His hand thrust back and forth as he rocked his hips. His legs trembled, he could already feel he was reaching his glorious moment.

"Fuck, I won't have a chance to fuck her on the beach," he said.

He squeezed his eyes shut...

_His body drove harder inside Paige. Her fingers clawed at his back as her legs wrapped around his waist._

_" Make me cum Anthony," she said._

_The animal inside his body took over. He heaved and ground his hips against her hot pussy. His cock filled the depths of her._

_" Anthon,y I am cumming," she screamed._

He opened his eyes. He heard the glass door open. Paige had entered the room, but he was close. He thrust his hand harder and faster and he could feel his body tense. His breath shortened as he grimaced in pleasure.

Anthony stifled his scream as he felt the seed flooding from his loins. His legs trembled as he felt a hot tingle of ecstasy flood over his body.

His head rested on the side of the shower. "Where are you?" he heard Paige call.

"I am just in the shower," he called back.

Anthony turned the faucet to cold. The icy chill flowed over his aching shaft. He finally reached for a towel and wrapped it around his waist.

He walked into the living room. Paige had sat on the couch. Her legs slightly spread. Her bikini pulled tight against her pussy.

_Jesus Christ, I can't take it,_ he thought.

"A good walk?" he asked.

"It was, I walked all around the sand dunes, they are so secluded, and the sea breezes wash over your body," Paige said.

"Great!"

"It was good, you should have come with me," she said.

Anthony grinned to himself.

"Before I have a shower, what are the sleeping arrangements this evening?" Paige asked.

Anthony looked at the bed and then at the couch. "I think the bed will be better," he said.

"Don't get trying anything while I am sleeping," she replied. "I have heard stories about men like you." She grinned.

Anthony felt the warmth of his cock resting on his leg.

He smiled at Paige. "I think you will be safe tonight."

"I will slap you if I have to."

_"A slap on the head is worth two in the gut."_

## 35

# Bring in the Clowns

_"Having regret for wasting time is just wasting more time."_

Giovanni walked up to where Luigi was sleeping. He kicked Luigi's bag.

"Wakey, wakey, rise and shine sleepy head," Giovanni said.

Luigi opened his eyes. His black hair all ruffled. "What time is it?"

Luigi stood up.

Giovanni laughed. "What is all that on your face?" he asked.

"What is what?" he asked.

He bent down to pick up his bag. He could see a patch of color. "Oh fuck, my pens have leaked," he said.

Luigi ran to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. He leaned closer. A mix of color blotted his face.

He removed his shirt and pumped the soap dispenser into his hand as he rubbed the side of his face.

He looked at his fingers. _Phew, at least some of it is coming off,_ he thought.

He scrubbed at his face. Passengers walked behind him into the bathroom. He smiled at their reflection in the mirror. Droplets of ink ran from his fingers into the sink.

He stood and looked at his face, much of the ink had been removed as could be. He had a large circle of red on one cheek. Luigi combed his hair and brushed his teeth. He walked back to Giovanni, who glanced at Luigi's face.

"It just looks like a big rosy cheek, you know the type you see on a clown," Giovanni emphasized.

Luigi frowned. "You saying I am a clown?"

"It has been mentioned quite a few times," he replied.

"Just tell me who has said it, I will have them when we get back," Luigi remarked.

"Your dad for one, he is always calling you a clown," he replied.

"He is my dad and the leader of the mafia. He can call me what he wants," Luigi replied.

They approached the check-in desk. Giovanni handed the girl their tickets.

"How long are you staying in Jamaica?" the girl asked.

She lifted her gaze from Luigi's passport and looked at the side of his face. She grinned as she waited for Giovanni to answer.

"It is a business trip, you know how they can drag on sometimes," he replied.

"I suppose they can, but at least you can enjoy the sites," she said.

Luigi lifted his head. "See, I told you we would be able to see the sites."

Giovanni dragged Luigi away from the counter. "She was talking hypothetically," he said.

"Oh, I see. Here was me thinking she was serious," Luigi replied.

They approached the immigration desk. The line of people thinned. They put their bags on the scanner and walked through the sensor.

"It was a good job we didn't bring a gun," Luigi said.

"Can you wait until there is no security around before you say things like that," Giovanni said.

The final desk approached. Giovanni handed the passports to the officer. He looked at the picture and stared at Luigi.

He glanced back at the picture.

"Something is missing on your picture," the officer said.

"What is that?" Luigi asked, confused.

The officer drew a circle in the air at the side of his face. "Your big birthmark," he said.

Giovanni chuckled as Luigi started to explain to the officer.

"It is not a birthmark. I bought some puzzle books and when I used my bag as a pillow, the pens leaked," Luigi explained.

The officer looked to Giovanni and grinned. Giovanni smiled back.

"That is all I need, everyone will be staring at me funny," Luigi said.

"It will be gone in a couple of days, trust me," Giovanni explained.

Luigi looked worried. "A couple of days?"

"It could be worse, you could have been scarred for life," he replied.

Luigi rubbed his cheek with the palm of his hand. "No, really?"

Giovanni nodded. "Yes, really."

"I was lucky then," Luigi said.

"Yes, you were very lucky indeed," he replied.

Giovanni could see the departure gate approaching. The passengers were standing and already started to board the plane.

"I hope we have a window seat. I have never flown overseas before," Luigi said.

"Anything to keep you quiet," Giovanni said, checking his watch.

"Do you think we will have movies?" Luigi asked.

Giovanni huffed, becoming irritated. "Maybe. But it is only about four hours so you won't see much."

"Four hours stuck in one seat. That is a long time without a pee," Luigi commented.

Giovanni stared at Luigi. "Are you really that dumb?" he said. "They have toilets on planes."

"I thought they were like coaches and you could only go when they stopped for gas," Luigi said.

"You do realize a plane can't stop for gas," Giovanni explained.

"Of course, yes they can. I have seen it on the TV, they refuel in midair." Luigi smiled.

They walked onto the plane. The seats were together. Giovanni looked at the number.

Luigi slid into the seat and excitedly pushed his head against the glass. He buckled his seat belt.

"I need a pee," he said.

"You can't go until we have taken off," Giovanni explained.

"I am bursting, I really need to go," he said.

The plane started to taxi along the runway. The low rumble of the tires filled the cabin.

"How much longer? I can't hold it," he said.

"Just breathe deeply, and it will go," Giovanni said.

Luigi rested his head and closed his eyes. He breathed deep and calm. His urge to pee slowly started to subside. He sucked air through his teeth.

"Come on, come on, get this bird in the air," he mumbled.

He held his crotch as the stewardess checked everyone's belt buckles. She glanced at Luigi. He grinned back with his big rosy cheek and was gripping his crotch. He moaned and groaned as the stewardess stood and watched. He looked up at her with his face all screwed up.

"It is my first time, and I can feel it coming."

Anthony had (for the first time he could remember), woken up late. Not by much, but it had been later than his regular four am time. Five fifteen was a step in the right direction to sleeping like a normal person.

He laid there and thought about Alisa.

_Would this mean I will forget about you?_

He didn't want to forget about her as she had meant the world to him.

Ever since that night when she had been taken from him, he had not felt like a normal human being. Not once.

Paige stirred beside him and opened her eyes. "You're awake early again. Is there something wrong with you?" she asked.

"It is a long story really, and one that doesn't have an end," Anthony replied.

"It has something to do with that tattoo doesn't it?" Paige asked.

"Unfortunately, yes it does," he replied.

"What happened then? Ex-girlfriend and you broke up?" Paige asked.

"No, she was taken away from me," he replied. "You have never asked about it before?"

"It has nothing to do with me, but if you want to talk about it, I'm here." Paige meant the words. She cared about Anthony more than she realized.

"There is not much to say, she was my partner in the force and my girlfriend for five years," Anthony said.

"And what happened to her?" Paige asked, interested.

"We were on a stakeout at the docks, the mafia were busy unloading a shipment of coke."

"And? Something dreadful happened, didn't it?" she said. "Was it the same ones who are chasing us?"

"I don't think so. I never found out. But some cowardly, punk-ass kid walked up behind us and shot her in the back," Anthony explained.

"What a fucking coward," Paige said.

"That was what I thought. It is one thing that worries me about all of this," Anthony said.

"Why is that?"

"Donato is getting heat from the other families. If the one who had the shipment comes to town, they may remember me from that night," Anthony said.

"Why would they remember?" Paige asked.

"I helped twenty of their guys get early retirement and they lost two hundred plus kilos of coke." he replied.

"I am sure it will not come to that," Paige said.

Anthony moved to face Paige, he brushed the hair from her face. "I think it already has."

"Why? I mean, we have been steps ahead of them all the way," she said.

"I know, but you lo..."

Paige pressed, "I what?"

"You are just like her."

"That is not possible, I have been a mean bitch to you," Paige said.

"And she wasn't?" Anthony asked.

"Ah, so she had a fiery temper as well," Paige said.

"You two could have been sisters you were so alike," Anthony explained.

Paige sat up in bed. The bed sheet slipped slightly from her breast. Anthony noticed.

"Is that why you have a thing for me?" Paige asked.

Anthony frowned. "Who said I have a thing for you?"

"Anthony, I am a woman, we know these things," Paige said plainly. She bit her bottom lip.

Anthony tried to divert the conversation. "So, what is your excuse?" he said.

"My excuse for what?" Paige replied.

"I know you have a thing for me?" he said.

"Bullshit!"

"I believe you are arrogant and pig headed. You may be hot and have a killer body, but the mentality. Ugh, you treat me like crap sometimes," she explained.

Anthony shrugged. "I suppose that is what you get when you are the best at something," he replied.

"It is a big price to pay, your job over being happy."

"I am working on it, don't you worry."

"A real work in progress, after all these years." Paige grinned.

Anthony jumped from the bed and pulled the bed sheet. Paige covered her body with her arms.

"Shift your ass, we have to get moving," he said.

"Just as I have said. Pig headed and arrogant," Paige replied.

Paige reached to the floor and grabbed her bathrobe. She huffed as she wrapped it firmly around her body.

"I am going to the shower first," she snapped.

"Meow," Anthony replied.

Paige made a hissing sound and held her fingers like claws. She clawed playfully at Anthony's body as she passed by him.

"Just practice your new name for today," Anthony yelled.

Paige shouted, "I know, Tracy Round."

Paige stood in the shower. Anthony was arrogant and a self-righteous pig. But he had always put her first in every situation. Anthony was also right about her crush. She had been smitten the first time she had seen him. His dark, piercing eyes, his olive skin that was stretched taut by his muscular physique.

_Damn you, Anthony. I do have a big crush on you,_ she thought.

The more she thought of Anthony, the more turned on she became. She had to resist the temptation to imagine him thrusting away against her body. She so wanted to feel his touch, his tender grip and his hot breath blowing into her ear.

Paige finished her shower and wrapped herself in a towel. She stepped back into the living room. Anthony smiled as she walked beside him.

"What are you grinning at?" she asked.

"I was just thinking," he replied.

"What were you thinking about? Not me, I hope?" Paige said.

"No, it is the mafia, what they are going to say when they find out we have left," he replied.

"Well I for one, never want to know."

Anthony sat up and swung his legs off the bed.

"Come on move your ass," Paige said.

"Pushy, pushy."

_"Having regret for wasting time, is just wasting more time."_

## 36

# Walk on By

_"Look around, you never know what you will miss."_

The cab stopped at the front of the airport. Anthony glanced around. There was no one who seemed suspicious outside, but that was not to say they were not there. He looked around again and then opened the door.

They quickly walked into the airport. The warm air from outside was now gone. Clean, cool air filled the airport as they scoured around for the check in desk. The mafia had been there for around thirty minutes by Anthony's calculation. It was more than enough time for them to get back to departures.

They found the check in. Anthony handed the passports to the girl. She quickly glanced at the pictures and handed them back to Anthony.

"And here are your boarding cards, the gate will be open in about twenty to thirty minutes," she said.

Anthony ushered Paige to a small coffee shop. He could see the full area from where they sat. There was still no sign of the mafia, but they would be here until the plane took off. Anthony sipped on his coffee and looked in the large mirror behind the counter. There were no other Italian guys there apart from him.

Paige tucked her hair under her baseball cap. She stood from her stool. "I am just going to that pharmacy, I will be back in a moment," she said.

Anthony's eyes were fixed on Paige as she casually sauntered across the tiled floor. No one paid her a second glance.

He sipped his coffee and surveyed the area. He checked his watch. Paige had been gone for twenty minutes. He had not seen any men go into the pharmacy.

His eyes darted around all the passengers he could see from his stool. A black-haired girl walked toward the coffee stall, but there was no sign of Paige.

"This seat taken Mr.?" the southern female voice said.

"Yes, I am just waiting for someone," Anthony replied, looking past the woman.

The voice carried on. "You mind if I wait with ya?"

"I am sorry but, the..."

"Well howdy pardner," Paige said.

"What the hell have you done?" Anthony asked.

"Who would think? A pharmacy in the airport sells colored shampoo," Paige said.

"It is drastic, that's for sure," Anthony commented.

"Does it suit me being black?" she asked.

"Hum. Not one little bit, you look so much better blonde," he replied.

Paige nodded and put her bottom lip between her teeth. "You do have a crush on me, I freakin' knew it," she said.

"I only said you looked better blonde, don't read too much into it," Anthony said.

Paige stood from her stool and pointed her finger. "Anthony Scali, you're full of shit."

"Just sit down and don't draw any attention to us," Anthony said. He was focused, now.

"They will be looking for a blonde, not a girl with jet black hair," Paige explained.

"That may be true, but if they are close enough they will recognize your face," he said.

Paige put her baseball cap back on and pulled the peak down. "How does that look?" she asked.

"It looks like you are trying to hide something, not only that, security will tell you not to cover your face inside," Anthony explained.

"How many guys do you think the mafia will send?" Paige asked.

"It depends on how desperate they are. I would guess they put their best guys on it though," he replied.

Anthony stood from his stool. "Don't move a muscle. I will be back in a couple of minutes."

Paige watched as Anthony walked deeper into the airport. He vanished out of sight. Paige ordered another coffee and removed her phone from her pocket. How stupid she had been. All this time, they could have had a significant advantage rather than guessing. She couldn't wait to tell Anthony once he was back.

Anthony walked back around the corner and headed in her direction. He spotted a guy who looked slightly suspect. He was looking around until his kids ran up to him. Anthony sighed with relief as he approached Paige. She sat smiling at him as he got closer.

"Are you pleased to see me, or what?" he asked.

"I have just remembered something that can help us. I don't know why it slipped my mind. Especially since the mafia had taken Angie's phone."

"Are you going to tell me or what?" Anthony asked.

"Oh yeah. Well, Angie and I set up our phones on a tracker. It was only a free one, but we can see where we are," Paige explained.

"That could have dropped us right in the shit if they had found it," Anthony said.

"Don't worry, the icon is something different, it is what parents use to spy on their kids," she explained.

"So, you can see where they are now?" Anthony asked.

"It only updates every fifteen minutes, but if her phone is on, we can see where her phone is," Paige said.

Anthony shrugged his shoulders. "It can't hurt if they don't know it is there."

Paige clicked on the icon on her phone. The app opened and showed a red dot on the screen. They sat and watched as the map updated. Paige zoomed in. They could see the local roads and the airport.

"Crap, it doesn't show the airport in any more detail," she said.

"It was worth a shot, but you better get rid of that app."

"Where did you go anyway?" Paige asked.

"I just went to see if the gate was open," he said.

"And is it?" she asked.

"It is, so we can get moving," he replied.

They approached the gate. Anthony spotted two guys lurking close to the entrance.

"Shit, I think I have spotted two of them," Anthony whispered.

"Where?"

"That big guy over there, and the small one with the birth mark on his cheek," Anthony said.

"How do we get past them?" Paige asked.

"I have a plan. Ring Angie's phone and cut it off after it rings," Anthony said. "We will stash it, and they will, I think, call back."

Paige dialed Angie's number. They watched as the big guy put his hand in his pocket. He glanced at the phone and looked at all the passengers. Paige cut the connection and shoved her phone under a seat.

The big guy handed the phone to the smaller guy. He dialed the number. Paige's phone started to ring. The two guys walked quickly in the direction of the ringing.

Anthony and Paige walked as the two guys looked for the phone. Paige glanced back. She could see the big guy holding two cell phones.

Donato had just entered the bathroom. One place he could have ten minutes peace and solitude. He just unbuckled his pants, and his phone rang in his pocket.

"Sweet Jesus is there no fucking peace around here," he mumbled.

"Donato, it's Vanni," he said.

"Tell me something good please, this whole thing is giving me the shits. Literally," Donato said.

"I know exactly where the girl is," Giovanni said.

Donato buckled his pants up and walked from the cubicle. He put the phone on speaker and washed his hands.

"Enlighten me, how do you know where she is?" he asked.

"Because they gave us the slip," Giovanni explained.

Donato wet a small cloth and wiped his face. "Vanni, that doesn't make any sense."

"It does when you know which direction they have gone in," Giovanni explained.

"Where in the world could they go that ties them down in one place," Donato yelled.

"The plane."

"You mean they have boarded the plane to come back?" Donato asked.

Giovanni grinned to himself. "That is precisely what I mean."

"Well done. When is the first plane back here?" Donato asked.

"This time tomorrow," Giovanni said.

Donato picked up the phone. He glanced one last time into the mirror. He ran his finger over his eyebrows and opened the door.

"There is nothing you can do, take that runt out and get him laid for fuck's sake," Donato said.

"Will do Boss."

Donato strolled down the hallway. His broad chest firmly pushed out in front of him. He marched into the meeting room.

"Alfonso, in a few hours you can fuck off to whatever stone you crawled from underneath," Donato said.

Ricco looked shocked and stared toward Donato.

Alfonso looked puzzled. "And why would I do that when I have only just arrived?"

"Because we will have the girl in about three hours," he replied.

"How did you manage to find her so quick?" Alfonso asked.

"My guys tricked them in Jamaica, they lured them into a false sense of security. Then they rang the girl's phone and pretended they had not noticed them go through immigration," Donato said proudly.

"I take it you are trying to say they are on the plane?"

"They are, they will be back in three hours," Donato said.

Alfonso laughed. "I won't fuck off just yet, I will wait until I see the girl in your custody."

"Feel free to hang around, I'm not going to stop you, just don't come around here shouting your mouth off in future," Donato said plainly.

"We should be heading off to the airport, how long does it take?" Alfonso asked.

"Not long," Ricco commented.

"Let's go then, shall we?" Alfonso said.

Donato stood and looked at Alfonso. "You should go in your car, it is a quick drive back home for you, then."

"If it makes you happy, then that is what I will do," Alfonso replied.

The cars left the parking lot and headed to the freeway. They would arrive at Newark airport soon, but they would not see the inconspicuous man waiting for them.

Donato, Ricco, and Alfonso marched into the arrival terminal. They checked the arrival times on the board. The flight was on time.

Fifteen minutes and then the plane would land. They stood and waited by the window. They could see in the distance the walkway to the immigration. The glass-walled walkway made it even easier to spot the girl. The plane taxied up to the ramp. The passengers flooded from the aircraft.

Donato looked everywhere. "It is no use from here," he said.

They stood by the exit of the arrivals. Baggage collection and then they would be here.

Donato stopped a passenger. "Is this the flight from Jamaica?" he asked.

"Yeah, it is," the guy said.

The crowds started to thin.

"Where are they? Giovanni said they were on the plane?" Donato said.

Alfonso walked up to Donato. "What were you saying earlier?" he asked.

"He was sure, they have all come through, all that is left is that airport security girl with the guy who is cuffed," Donato said.

"It looks like they gave your guys the slip in Jamaica," Alfonso said.

"That fucking sneaky ex-cop," Donato said.

Alfonso looked at him sternly. "What did you just say?"

"I said, that sneaky ex-cop, he is the one who has been protecting the girl," Donato said.

Alfonso's voice filled with rage. "Does this cop have a name?"

"Tony, Anthony and an Italian surname," Donato said.

"Is it Scali by any chance? Anthony Scali?"

"Yeah, that's it," Donato replied.

"That motherfucker. Where is that airport security girl? Find them now," Alfonso yelled.

"You sound like you know him?"

"I am not surprised you couldn't catch him," Alfonso said.

"Why? I mean, what is it about him?" Donato asked.

"That cunt owes me two hundred kilos, and he killed my son," Alfonso snarled.

Ricco spotted a van stopped on the road. An airport security guard opened the door. The prisoner pulled his hands from behind his back. He saluted the mafia as they stood there, their thumbs well and truly up their asses.

"Shit!"

_"Look around, you never know what you will miss."_

## 37

# Endgame

_" Sometimes the worst happens right after you learn what your heart wants."_

Glen pulled the van away from the airport. They looked from the rear of the van. The head of the mafia stood there dumbfounded. They had been too busy looking for a blonde and an Italian, they had not even contemplated a girl in an airport security jacket and a baseball cap.

"You should have seen the looks on their faces," Anthony said.

Paige removed the security jacket. "I was so god-damned nervous," she said.

"I wasn't in the calmest of feelings myself," Anthony said, looking at his watch.

Paige leaned closer to Anthony. Her mouth brushed across his ear. "It was exhilarating though," she whispered.

Anthony nodded in agreement. "That it was."

"Pops found a way into the house from the back," Glen yelled.

"Good, at least they won't see the van at the front. Once we are in, we are secure," Anthony said.

"Why is my dad's house so safe?" Paige asked.

"We have added a few touches to the windows," Anthony explained.

"I don't know what you mean," she said.

Anthony laughed. "We have built false walls in front of every window. So, from the outside it looks like the rooms are empty, but inside you can live as normal," he explained in detail.

"And that is why we are going back now? I mean, they would never look where it all started."

"That is the plan."

"I do hope you are right this time, as well as every other time," Paige said.

"I cannot see any reason why it won't work," Anthony said.

Paige rested her head on the side of the van. She closed her eyes and relaxed to the motion of the vehicle. She had been to hell and paradise, and now she was satisfied she would soon return home.

She had seen so much excitement in the past few days, probably more than some people would have in a lifetime. All the way through it, Anthony had never left her side. He had watched her twenty-four hours a day, as promised. He was a man of his word and she was glad that it had been him who her dad had chosen.

Paige opened her eyes. Anthony had fallen asleep. She looked at him.

_Was he the one she was willing to give herself for?_

She sighed to herself. She had a problem. She wanted Anthony so bad. Every time he had been close she could feel the spark between them. He had even said she was just like his old girlfriend. Five years he had committed to her, would he commit the same to her?

Paige closed her eyes and thought about what it would be like when she arrived home.

_Would they be as safe as he had assured her? Or would something go wrong?_

She tried not to worry, but human nature always won. The closer the van got to their house, the more she started to panic.

Paige crawled across the floor of the van. She shook Anthony on his shoulder. He opened his eyes.

"Anthony, I am scared," she said. "I remember how it was with the car chase."

Anthony sat up and held Paige in his arms. "Everything will be alright, I promise, no one is going to hurt you," he said.

Paige wrapped her arm around his waist and pulled her body closer to his. She felt safe when she was in his grasp. His strong arms there to protect her. She nuzzled her head against his chest. Anthony brushed the hair from her face. He leaned down and kissed her softly on her forehead.

She gazed up into his dark eyes. She could not see the deadness that used to be there. She saw the eyes of a man who was sweet and caring... and above all, compassionate. Something had changed inside Anthony, he was ruthless in his job. He had protected Paige as if she was his own.

Glen craned his neck over the seat. "Nearly there," he shouted.

Anthony stood and looked through the windscreen. "So how do we get in?" he asked.

"The house at the back has an alley way with a steel gate. We fixed the gate, so it doesn't lock all the way," Glen explained. "Just give it a good shove with your shoulder, and it will open."

"What about when we are in their garden?" Anthony said.

"They have a small tree. The kids have a tree house, and the ladder is next to the fence. So just use that," Glen said. "Once you are in Seymour's garden, there is a key to the gym under a yellow boulder."

"It sounds oh so simple," Anthony said.

"Where there is a will, there is a way," Glen muttered.

"And everything is set inside?" Anthony asked.

"The refrigerator is stocked and there are plenty of things in the freezer," Glen said. "It is a good job Seymour likes his food."

Paige huffed from the back of the van. "That is my dad you are speaking about, you know."

"Sorry Paige, it is just a general observation," Glen replied.

"What about my gun?" Anthony asked.

"There is one in Seymour's room and one in Paige's room," Glen said.

Glen turned into the street. He drove slowly checking for the mafia. "Don't forget, shove, climb key and your in."

"He stopped outside the house at the rear of Seymour's. He heard the side door open and close. Anthony and Paige had vanished into the dark before he knew it.

Anthony and Paige walked around the house. Everything looked normal apart from the false wall that blocked every window. They were as secure as they could be. No one would even realize they were holed up inside the first place the mafia checked. How very smart, or how very stupid.

"Well, we better get settled in," Paige said. "I am going for a nice shower."

Paige walked into her private shower. She left the door open. Anthony could see as she slipped from her clothes. He checked the clip in his gun and left it under the pillow.

He sat on the edge of the bed, he could see Paige's naked body through the misted glass. __ Silence fell from the shower. Paige reached for a robe and stepped into her bedroom.

Anthony stood. "I suppose it is my time," he said.

He grinned and walked into the bathroom. He undressed and stepped into the shower. He wiped his hand against the misted glass. Paige looked in his direction as he showered.

Anthony grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist. He walked back into the bedroom and placed his clothes on the chair.

Paige stepped closer and threw her arms around his neck. "I have not thanked you."

She leaned in toward Anthony and kissed him on the lips. He looked deep into her eyes and wrapped her in his embrace. Paige pulled at Anthony's towel. It fell to the floor. Anthony tugged at the bow on Paige's robe and slipped it off her shoulders.

Their bodies became entwined as Anthony wrapped Paige in his embrace, her body melted under his touch as their lips locked.

"Anthony, I have waited for this moment," Paige cooed.

"Since the first time I saw you, I wanted you. I wanted to feel your body," he replied.

Paige crawled onto the bed. Her head rested on a pillow. She looked at Anthony's body and could see the evidence of his arousal.

He stepped closer and put his hands on the rose-colored skin of Paige's thighs. He pushed them apart and lowered his head. Paige sighed as Anthony pushed his tongue between her moist lips. Her cry of pleasure filled her room.

Paige bit her lip and caressed her throbbing breasts. Her pink crests budded as she tugged them slightly. Anthony lapped his tongue the full length of Paige's womanhood.

His thumbs spread her pussy lips. Her throbbing clit hardened as his tongue danced across its peak. Paige grabbed a handful of his hair and pushed his tongue deeper inside her.

"Anthony, this is my first..." Paige murmured.

"I told you no one would hurt you; that includes me," he replied.

Anthony knelt on the bed. Paige looked at his body. His shaft twitched as he ran his fingers through her wet pussy lips. He drove his fingers deeper inside her pussy, his fingers wrapped tightly around his hardening cock. He drew his hand back. Paige could see the taut skin of his glands. She sighed and reached her hand toward his loins.

Anthony moved his body closer, he raised himself on his knees. Paige wrapped her fingers around his shaft and opened her wanting mouth. Paige lowered her head. Her hot lips slid down Anthony's hard flesh. She could feel his manhood filling her mouth as her tongue swirled around the head. He was big. Especially close up. Her pussy clenched and became wetter.

Anthony's body quivered. Paige teased the slit with his cock, her tongue swirled and Anthony ran his fingers through her hair. He tightened his grip and pushed her head harder onto his shaft as he moaned.

Paige slid Anthony's cock from her mouth. She looked into his eyes. "Make love to me," Paige said softly, "and be gentle."

Paige laid on her back. Her legs spread as Anthony kneeled between her soft thighs. He held his stiff cock and rubbed the head against her throbbing clitoris.

"Jesus, I have never felt that before," Paige said.

Anthony inched his body forward. He rested his weight on his hand. Inch by inch he slid his aroused flesh deeper into the fiery depths of Paige's wet cunt. She was tight and wet... ready for him.

Paige arched her body willingly as Anthony increased his thrusting tempo. Her tight pussy clenched at Anthony's rigid cock. He thrust harder as Paige wrapped her legs around his waist. Her fingers dug into the muscles of his back.

Anthony thrust his hips against Paige, her body bucked wildly with passion as she squealed in ecstasy. Paige pushed her hips toward Anthony as his hard cock stimulated the far depths of her wanting.

Paige caressed her budded nipples. Anthony slammed his hips harder forward. Paige squirmed in ecstasy, her pussy stretched and filled; she could feel herself becoming a woman.

Paige's body arched in a frenzy of yearning. She gripped him tightly and pulled his hips forward. His cock slid deeper into her womanly depths. He trailed kisses down her neck.

"Anthony. I think I am going to cum," she cooed.

Anthony thrust harder and faster as Paige moaned and groaned, her nails dug deeper into his skin as he started to feel his final moment approaching as well.

"Ohhh, Anthony," she screamed. "I am cumming."

Paige lifted her hips towards Anthony's thrusting body. Her back arched in wild response. Her legs started to quiver as her first glorious climax approached. Paige clenched the sheets and wrapped them tightly around her fist.

"Fuck, ohhh," she screamed through clenched teeth.

Anthony thrust and could feel his seed spilling over into the wet depths of Paige's satisfied body. Anthony moved off slowly and he laid beside Paige. Her head rested on his chest. She ran her fingers across his taut skin.

Paige looked into Anthony's sparkling eyes. "I think I am in love with you," she said softly.

Anthony gazed back into Paige's bright blue eyes. "I have always been in love with you."

They laid together, as lovers that had finally met in the physical sense.

Anthony's cell phone rang. He picked it up.

"If you want to see the politician alive, you better come down to the street."

"Shit," Anthony said.

"What is it?" Paige asked.

Anthony pulled on his pants and vest. "I think they have your dad."

"No," she cried.

"Stay in the room, I will check outside," he said.

Anthony ran downstairs. He opened the front door and ran to the street. He saw a rear light turning. He ran to the end of the road.

He turned to walk back to the house. Paige screamed. "Anthony, help me."

The door of the limo opened. Paige was shoved inside. The door closed and the tires screeched.

Anthony ran down the street. His gun pointed at the car. He emptied the full clip. The rear window shattered into a million pieces. He ran, the asphalt digging into his bare feet. He looked to the car. Paige reached out her hand through the broken window.

Anthony limped back toward the house. Smoke poured from the barrel of his gun. His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He removed it and checked the message.

"Finally, we have her. Now it is your time to suffer. If you come looking for her, she will end up like your ex-partner."

"FUCK!!!" Anthony fell to his knees in anguish.

_" Sometimes the worst happens right after you learn what your heart wants."_

## 38

# Book 2 In Deep

> _He finally did it, he couldn't stop himself from letting his guard down; he got his heart involved with her. He loved her, now, and more than anything in the whole, damn, crazy world. After protecting himself for so long, he lost everything in one, perfect, passionate night. "God have mercy on my soul. The mafia took her right after we... Christ and god-damn it! I love her. I don't even know how I'm going to tell her father." Anthony Scali has to keep himself focused, despite his heart being open again for the wild, and unbelievably beautiful Paige Morgan. This time he won't lose the love of his life. He's got intuition and planning on his side. Nothing and no one will stand in his way. It's going to take strength, determination, and ingenuity. This is not as straight forward as it could be. But nothing ever is, especially when love is involved... or politics... or the Italian mafia. This is going to be hard, but worth every single ounce of sweat._

In Deep book 2

# Foreword

Hi, Everyone! I would like to offer my sincere gratitude for reading my book. I truly hope you loved it! It might be a bit naughty, at times!

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I am here asking all my faithful readers who have enjoyed my work to leave me a great review on Amazon. That's especially if you loved it as much as I loved writing it for you! Here is the link - Forbidden Fruit

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I would also ask that if you have any great ideas for my future works you would like to see, or even just some feedback you want to share even if its bad! then you can email me here - newsletter@annalisewells.com \- I would love to hear your input. Your honest Feedback helps me improve my books.

Oh, and here is my link to my totally free book Dirty Fantasy (if you haven't already got your copy!!)...

http://annalisewells.com/free-books/ I thank you so much in advance for leaving a review and/or sending me an email. Because without you, my dreams simply wouldn't be possible. Sending love and light to yours!! Love and gratitude always, romance author Annalise Wells xx

# About the Author

Living in New York with her best friend and husband Jeremy who is the absolute sole inspiration for her hot romance stories every time, well nearly... She predominately enjoys writing Billionaire and Alpha romance, but she has spent a great deal of her career writing romance. When she's not cooking up some steamy plots she is living out her own happily ever after with her gorgeous fireman who caught Annalise's smitten eye.

I adore my readers and love connecting with them socially.

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# Also by Annalise Wells

_The Billionaires Temptations series_

Manic Monday

Teaser Tuesday

Wet Wednesday

Thirsty Thursday

Fantasy Friday

Sexy Saturday

Sunday Funday
