My heart feels like it’s going to burst from my chest. How life can turn so quickly.
Malcolm and I bought out one of the largest personal security companies in the Midwest and are looking to move all of my business into that arena, leaving my former less-savory dealings behind.
I’ve made a deal with the Lucci brothers to buy out my other ventures, and that transition will happen over the coming weeks, making me as legit as I’ve ever been in my life.
Raphael Morgan owns one of the top interior design firms in the state and has worked with me and my family on a number of occasions, as well as many others I know over the years. Tomorrow I will surprise Esme with the offer for her to have a personal internship with Raphael, as well as the chance to enroll in design school if that’s what she chooses.
She already left the DA’s office. The business with her colleague soured the experience for her, and after some soul-searching, she admitted it didn’t feed her heart—and that’s my number one priority to keep safe and sound. So together we decided it was best to leave that behind.
I also met with Sal one last time. We go way back, but he had it coming after what he did to Esme. So I asked to meet him at our old offices, and after I shook his hand, I then proceeded to deliver a shot to his jaw and a knee to his gut, dropping him to the ground.
I said my piece, then helped him up.
Once he understood he’d come too close to what is mine, there was a flicker of the old Sal in his eyes.
He confessed that ever since his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident two years ago, he’s just not cared. I told him not to soil their memory by losing his way anymore and left it at that.
I don’t know that we will ever be friends again, but our shit feels settled, and in my heart, I wish him the best.
I also called in some favors and made sure Nadine got what was coming to her, as well. She’s no longer in the employ of the district attorney, and the IRS is auditing her last three years of tax returns.
I may have walked on the wrong side of the law for a long time, but my connections have connections, and when I need something done, I’m rarely disappointed.
I’m proud as fuck of Esme, though. The day after all the shit went down, she was back at work and had some choice words for Nadine about kindness and how there is a special hell for women who deliberately hurt other women, especially when they’ve already been knocked down. She came home that day from work standing taller, and I made sure she knew how special she is.
Getting up from the table, I walk over to the cabinet where I left my cell and pull up Karen’s number.
She’s at work and expecting my call, so I softly close the bedroom door and walk to the far end of the suite as I dial, keeping my voice just above a whisper.
“Hey there,” her chipper voice comes through. “How’d everything go today?”
“Went as hoped. Her dad is settled and comfortable, and her mom is tired but hopeful.”
“You’re a good man trapped in a goon’s body. You know that?” She laughs on the other end of the line.
In the last two weeks, Karen’s been to the house a few times and been a wonderful support for Esme, and I’ve come to think of her as part of our new family. When I wanted to do something special for Esme, she stepped up to help make it happen while we are gone.
“Yep,” I answer. “So, how are the arrangements coming along? Will it be done by the time we fly home day after tomorrow?”
“Yep. Things look good. They have the frame of the house built, and the walls are framed in, as well.”
“Perfect. Make sure it looks just like the one in the picture I left.”
She laughs. “I will. I’ll go by a few times a day and harass them until it looks just perfect.”
I hired a specialty building company that makes the finest dollhouses in the world. I have them constructing one that looks just like our own house in one of the empty rooms upstairs. They will have it built and ready for Esme to put in all the final decorating touches as she envisions.
“Thank you. I’m grateful for your help,” I reply. “Is Hamilton taking care of running you around and to the house? Did you get the envelope I left for you?” I want to take care of her in my own way, as well, so I left her ten grand for helping me out.
She pauses, and my heart skips a beat, thinking something may be wrong. I’m ready to inquire when she finally answers.
“Yes, I did. Thank you so much. It was beyond generous. Okay, here’s the thing. Malcolm has actually been the one driving me, not Hamilton.”
“Oh.” I bite back my laugh, knowing Karen’s been driving Malcolm crazy ever since the day I sent him to Esme’s apartment and Karen showed up to check on her. He’s got it bad, but she’s given him a run for his money.
At least up until now. Sounds like he’s finally got his hooks in.
“Yeah, yeah,” she snaps back. “Don’t read too much into it. I just didn’t want to lie about Hamilton and let you hear from Malcolm.”
