Sunday, January 28, 2024

Epilogue: Dangerous Liaisons

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Chapter 10: Bullets for My Valentine


Blistering winds bit at Alexa’s face, the only part of her body that was exposed as she laid in wait near the old refinery. Thanks to Gavin’s discovery, she had left a blackmail letter for Mayor McLintock. If she wished to keep her name out of the papers with regard to the conspiracy, she’d be wise to deliver half-a-million dollars in small, unmarked bills to the designated location at noon.

The plan was to get the mayor or her cohorts to expose themselves, allowing Alexa to get definitive proof of their involvement. Thirty minutes past the scheduled meeting time, she heard the distinct sound of leaves and gravel crunching under tires. A dark colored SUV was pulling into the lot. Three men exited the vehicle. Two searched the area while the third waited near the driver’s side door.

Chapter 09: Blood Money


Warm hands wrapped around Gavin’s middle as he quietly worked in the garage. Taking a deep breath, he gently rubbed Alexa’s soft skin and felt her head rest against his shoulder. “You alright, Babe?” he asked stealing a glance behind him.

“Yeah,” she sighed before slipping around to look him in the eyes. “Sorry about last night.”

“Nah it’s ok. I sorta figured you fell asleep where I’d left you in Curt’s room. How’s he doing by the way?”

“Alright, I guess. The local police have agreed to put a full guard detail on him until he’s released.”

“And when is that?”

“Not sure. Maybe Tuesday? His doctor wants to give his wounds a little while to heal and to make sure he’s safe from clotting. He’s not taking their advice and staying in bed so it’s prolonging the process.” Alexa hopped up on the table beside Gavin’s workspace as he took a seat. “How was your evening?”

“Productive.”

Chapter 08: Up All Night


Gavin raced down the gravel road, driving furiously until he saw the devastating sight. Alexa’s car set on its side, bright flames and dark smoke drifting from its ruins. Remi, and Gavin jumped out of the car and ran to the disfigured vehicle. Heat still steamed off the metal in shimmery waves.

Gavin ran up as close as he could to get a look inside but saw nothing. He turned around in a circle searching for clues, then looked at the cabin and saw the upstairs windows open. He pulled out his Glock, “The house,” he said. Remi and his men took attack positions around the perimeter of the home. Gavin tried to catch his breath. Remi was already at the front door and gestured for him to take the back. 

Chapter 07: Hit Squad


It didn’t take much convincing. Just another seventy grand U.S. to get Juan to locate a coyote brave enough to transport Manuel Garcia across the border for Alexa. Although things hadn’t gone to plan down in Puebla, they had gained some valuable Intel that could blow their case wide open. And while it would have been more prudent to finish their hostage off and leave his body on Julian Cruz’s doorstep, Curt was committed to bringing the mayor face-to-face with her misconduct.

After securing Garcia in a vacant home in the woods, she and Curt returned to her house to decompress. Plus, Alexa had been anxious to get back and hug Willow. Gavin stood at the door as the pair pulled in and almost instantly, Garcia’s words about his dad began swirling around her head. “Are you ready for this?” Curt asked, noticing her apprehension.

“Yeah. Let’s get this over with,” she replied and slid out of the driver’s door.

Chapter 06: Out of Bounds


Alexa and Curt sat in a lane of thirty cars waiting for Border Patrol to allow them into the country. Less than 24-hours ago, her family had been attacked by unknown thugs. Now here they were, waiting in line to get their revenge. And while it would have been ideal to fly to their destination, which was also Curt’s suggestion, Alexa wanted to be able to get in and out as quickly as possible.

Chapter 05: She Bangs


“Jesus fucking Christ! A hit?” Curt shouted once Alexa had finished going over what she and Gavin uncovered at the Gala. “Are you sure?”

“It’s the only thing that makes sense,” Alexa answered. “Michael West is a fall guy. I’m betting that if we look into his finances or those of his closest relatives, we’ll find the payoff.”

“Fuck!” He continued pacing, burning holes in his hundred-dollar Rockports. “Why? Who would want the Commissioner dead?”

“Well,” Alexa glanced over at Gavin, seeking permission before she continued. He nodded and she released a deep breath. “The information was in a folder sitting in the Governor’s office.”