Slaughter (The Agency: Young Guns Book 5), page 16
“We’re using the Powell Corp. plane. It’s a lot nicer than flying commercial.”
“Powell Corp?” Laine looked a little puzzled. “Why would they let us use their jet?”
“Mom is Powell Corp. Annie Powell,” said Farrell. “Don’t get pissed off again, okay?”
“Fuck,” said Laine. “Now I’m marrying into Powell Corp?” She shook her head. “I guess the head of Powell Corp. will tell us what time to be at the airport. I’ve got a lot to learn about your family, trust-fund boy.”
Farrell frowned. “Don’t call me that.”
Adam laughed.
“You packed, Adam?” asked Farrell.
“Sort of.”
“You two get all the loose ends tied up,” said Farrell. “I’ve got to go to the station and take the briefing this morning.”
“We’ll finish up,” said Laine. “See if you can get a flight time for tomorrow from the Executive Office.”
“Don’t say stuff like that, Laine. Annie likes you.”
“I’m just kidding, preppy.”
Adam was enjoying Farrell’s stress.
“Jesus,” said Farrell. “I’ll call and get the time.”
Violent Crime Squad HQ. Airport Road. Austin.
Farrell was a little late arriving at headquarters and the crew was all there waiting for him. Liam had already got them started on the reports that needed to be filed from the past couple of days.
“Okay,” said Farrell. “This is the day after the arrest and now we’re stuck with tons of reports to file. This is the part of the job everybody hates, but it has to be done or the Chief gets pissed off. Always keep in mind, if Chief Calhoun gets pissed bad enough at us, and we ain’t Texas Rangers no more, then we can’t do our jobs.”
“Use your notes and do the best job you can on details. If you need help, our resident experts are Liam, Gene, and Casey. Laine is good too, but she won’t be back to work until after Vegas.”
“I’ve got stuff to do, so have a great day, drink a lot of coffee, and enjoy your downtime. You won’t get to sit on your asses too many days on this squad.”
“Copy, boss.” Jimmy Jeff gave a little salute as Farrell left.
Neurological Center. Austin.
Jesse sat in the lobby of the hospital watching for Scarlett to arrive from Bryan. She had a much longer drive than he did from Giddings. He hopped up when he saw her come through the entrance.
“Scarlett, thanks for coming.”
“I didn’t know Tyler was hurt or I would have come sooner. What happened to him?”
“He fell and hit his head at the roadhouse and on the way home from Bryan, he blacked out and drove off the road.”
“I didn’t know any of this and I feel partly to blame. We didn’t break up on the best of terms.”
Jesse escorted her to the fourth floor and into Tyler’s private room.
Scarlett stood close to the bed and picked up Tyler’s hand. She sobbed and said, “Tyler, I’m so sorry.”
Tyler groaned and made a little sound like he might have recognized Scarlett’s voice.
“He doesn’t seem to know me,” she said. “This is terrible. What are the doctors doing for him?”
“Doctor Kaplan is the best in his field and he’s doing everything he can. Tyler has been his patient since the first brain tumor.”
“I can’t believe he’s lying here like this.” Scarlett grabbed a tissue and cried into it. “I’ll sit with him for a while, Jesse. You don’t have to stay.”
“Thanks so much for coming, Scarlett. I appreciate it, and so do my brothers.”
East Arlington.
Neil was up first and he called Annie about the flight he was taking. “Hey, Mom, I’ve got games Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Montana and I won’t be in Vegas until Saturday night.”
“That’s okay, sugar. The wedding ceremony is booked for Sunday at four. Lots of time for you to settle in and get ready.”
“How’s Farrell holding together?”
Annie laughed. “He’s pretty hyped up by it all. Laine’s father is flying in also on Saturday night. He’s coming from someplace in the Middle East.”
“Oh, wow. That will be exciting for her. Has Laine got a mother? Like a mother-of-the-bride?”
“No mention of a mother and I didn’t ask.”
“She would have mentioned a mother,” said Neil, “if she had one.”
“I think so too,” said Annie.
“Montana is excited about our trip. We bought a few more things for the house and a lot of stuff for the kitchen. We fixed up one guest room so far in case Tommy comes while he’s off work.”
“You guys have a lot of rooms to fill in that big house.”
“We do, but I’m having more fun shopping now that Montana is here. We’re kind of getting into it.”
“Good. I want her to settle in and feel comfortable there. She was nervous about taking the step.”
“We’re doing okay with that, Mom. Better every day and I’m thankful she’s here with me.”
“I’m happy for you, honey.”
Devils Clubhouse. San Angelo.
Travis parked his bike behind the clubhouse and went inside for the meeting. He was anxious to see how freaked out Santana was over the loss of Grecko, his Sergeant at Arms.
All of the top ten members were seated around the table. No more chairs for any of the other members. The rest stood leaning on the wall.
First order of business was voting on the guy moving into Grecko’s spot. A guy named Hammer Martinez.
“Hammer is next up for Sarge,” said Santana. “Let’s see a show of hands. All in favor?”
Travis and the other prospects weren’t allowed to vote. He watched and listened to all the bullshit. That’s what he was there for.
The new Sarge was a big enough guy for the job but he looked flabby to Travis. Big beer belly and a full beard, he had the size but not the strength.
The meeting didn’t last too long. Santana whacked the gavel down and sent the members to Sidewinders to celebrate with Martinez.
Sidewinders. San Angelo.
When Travis got to the bar, Santana was waiting outside for him with the VP, Castillo, and the new Sarge, Martinez, and three or four others.
Santana pointed a finger and yelled, “You were the last guy to leave the clubhouse last night. Castillo saw you sitting on your ride when he left.”
“So what?”
“So, you might have seen who Grecko was talking to,” said Santana.
Travis shrugged. “When I was leaving, I saw two guys from the B-team go into the club. That’s about all I can tell you.”
“That’s bullshit,” hollered Santana. “Grecko would never talk to those fuckers. He’d kill them first.”
“You calling me a liar?” Travis took a step towards Santana.
Santana snarled, “Yeah, I guess I am.”
“You shouldn’t do that. I don’t like it.”
Santana laughed at him. “I don’t care what the fuck you like, Stone.”
Travis lunged forward and rammed his fist into Santana’s throat and took him out. Santana dropped to the pavement and his thugs came at Travis.
He whipped out his blade and flashed it at them.
“Who’s next? Bring it. Come on.”
The Devils thought better of it and they all marched inside. The VP, Castillo, lagged back and helped Santana up off the ground.
Santana turned to Travis and he could barely speak. In a whisper he said, “You’ll pay for this.”
“Don’t count on it,” said Travis.
Chapter Fifteen
Friday, June 9th.
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
Annie woke with a headache and she didn’t have time for it. She had to get to Vegas and prepare the house in Summerlin for the honeymoon couple. Getting the house ready was only one thing in a long list of things to do when she got there. She called the pilot and confirmed the plane would be ready to take off at ten a.m.
“I need coffee.”
Annie opened her bedroom door and Lenny was exiting his room across the hall at the same time. He smiled. “Morning, boss.”
“Hi, Lenny. I was going over in my head all the stuff I have to do.”
They walked to the kitchen together and Lenny said, “I can help out more if I know what you want done, boss.”
“Thanks, Lenny. I could use a hand.”
Jackson and Lucy came running down the hall in their pajamas. “What time are we leaving, Mommy?”
“Leaving the ranch at nine. Plane leaves at ten. Are y’all packed and ready?”
“I am,” said Lucy.
“I will be,” said Jackson.
Annie laughed at Jackson. He was always one step behind his sister. “You’d better be ready, buddy.”
Ross Harley-Davidson. East Austin.
Laine was out of bed, showered and dressed before Farrell was even awake. He woke up, found her gone and felt the sheets to see how long she’d been up. The sheets were cold. He jumped out of bed and went running into the kitchen in his boxers.
“What?” Laine looked at him and laughed.
“The flight is at ten. We have to leave here at nine-thirty or a bit before.”
“Nine fifteen,” said Laine.
“Nine fifteen,” Farrell repeated and ran for the shower.
Adam sipped his coffee and laughed at Farrell. “It’s going to be a fun trip.”
The Blackmore Agency. Austin.
Casey carried his suitcase downstairs and placed it at the side door.
“Jeeze, you’re organized,” said Blaine. He sat at the table in the window alcove drinking his coffee and opening emails on his phone. Getting rid of as many as he could. Delete. Delete.
Misty rushed into the kitchen and filled the kettle for tea. “How long will it take to get to the plane, Beb?”
“Half an hour in morning traffic. Maybe a bit longer.”
“Let’s leave at ten after nine,” said Misty.
“Okay.” Blaine checked the time on his phone. “We have an hour for breakfast and loading our luggage.”
“Why can’t I come?” asked Forest. “I want to go to the wedding.”
“You have to stay here because Carmy will be all by herself,” said Misty. “She’ll be sad if you don’t stay with her and help her feed the fish.”
“Don’t be sad, Carmy. I’ll stay with you.”
“Gracias, mi pequeno bandido.” Carmelita leaned down and hugged him.
Fisher Lake Trailer Park.
Travis started a pot of coffee thinking about the way things had gone the night before at the club. He was pushing Santana and things were heating up just the way he wanted them to. Figuring it would be best if he got Lukas and Tommy out of the way before the real shit hit the fan, he plopped down at the kitchen table and called Annie.
“Morning, sugar. You okay?”
“In a way.”
“What way? Tell me what’s going on. Do you need help yet?”
“I could use some backup to get this job done but before I go ahead I want Tommy and Lukas out of the city. Things are escalating fast and it would be best if they weren’t around over the weekend.”
“What can I do?”
“Land here in San Angelo, pick them up and take them to Vegas.”
“Okay, sure. Tommy will want to be at the wedding anyway. Take them to the airport before eleven. We should be there by then. We’ll land and pick them up.”
“That’s the best solution,” said Travis.
“I’ll talk to Nick and have him call you. You can set up your own schedule with him.”
“Great. I’ll be waiting for his call,” said Travis. “The boys will be at the airport waiting for you.”
“Where will I be?” asked Tommy. “I thought you said airport.”
“At the airport at eleven. Annie is picking you and Lukas up for the trip to Vegas.”
“Oh no,” said Tommy. “I’m not leaving you here alone.”
“I’m not going to be alone,” said Travis. “The job is cooking and the Creed are going to handle it. Annie is sending them and you and Lukas are going to Vegas to the wedding.”
“I’m not going to Vegas.” Lukas stomped into the kitchen wearing his pissed off face. “I’m staying right here.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” said Travis. “The arrangements have been made and both of you are going to see Farrell get married.”
“Not going,” said Lukas.
“Yeah, you are.”
“Nope.” Lukas shook his head.
“Tell you what,” said Travis. “If things are quiet over the weekend, y’all can come back here on Sunday night and hang out.”
“What about Dean and Glen?” asked Tommy.
“What about them?”
“What if the club comes for them?”
“They won’t.”
“I don’t like it, Travis.” Tommy paced back and forth with a cigarette in his mouth. “You can’t say for sure that the club ain’t coming. We’ve almost got my brothers back into our family, and I ain’t gonna watch them get killed before that happens.”
“I guarantee they won’t get killed,” said Travis.
“Damn right they won’t,” said Lukas, “cause I ain’t leaving.”
Executive Airport. East Austin.
All the Vegas-bound passengers converged on the airport about nine forty-five. They piled onto the plane and took their seats.
“Nice plane,” said Lenny.
“Time saver,” said Annie.
“How many passengers can this baby hold?”
“We’ll be at capacity after we pick up Lukas and Tommy in San Angelo.”
Lenny grinned. “We’re stopping to pick up a couple more guys?”
“Travis called and he wants Lukas and Tommy far away from him for safety reasons.”
“Huh. Sounds like we’re going to miss some action.”
“Don’t worry. Our team will be there with Travis.” She turned and glanced around the plane. “Who don’t you know?”
“I think I’ve met almost everybody except that one big guy who looks like he might be hurt.”
“Adam. Chest wound. I’ll introduce you.”
San Angelo International Airport.
Tommy and Lukas were both fuming and not talking to Travis when he parked his truck at the charter terminal.
“I realize y’all are pissed at me but go and have some fun. Eat some steak and drink free beer. Nothing wrong with that.”
“Yeah,” said Tommy. “I should be at Farrell’s wedding. It’s the right thing to do.”
“Ain’t right for me,” said Lukas. “I hardly know him and he’s a fuckin cop. I don’t do cop weddings.”
“Hey,” said Tommy. “I’m a cop.”
“I forget that sometimes,” said Lukas. “My kid brother is a fuckin cop. Hard for me to swallow.”
The boys went silent as they watched and waited, and in a few minutes the Powell Corp. jet landed.
“There y’all go,” said Travis. “Have a time in Vegas.”
Tommy got out and took his duffel out of the back seat.
“I got no money for Vegas,” said Lukas, “and I ain’t going.”
“Annie-girl is on that plane, Lukas, and she says you are going. Do you know how many fuckin times she’s called me to check on you?”
“No. And I don’t need nobody checkin on me.”
Travis shrugged.
Tommy limped towards the jet and Travis gave him a wave. Lukas got out of the back seat and moved to the front.
“Count it down, Lukas,” said Travis.
“What are you counting?”
“How long before Annie gets off the fucking plane and comes to get you.”
“She ain’t going to do that. They’re taking off again as soon as Tommy gets on.”
A minute later, Annie was standing next to the truck and Lukas lowered his window.
“I’d like you to come to the wedding with me, Lukas.”
“Not coming, Annie. Sorry. I can’t leave Travis.”
“Okeydokey.” She turned and ran all the way back to the plane.
Travis let out a long breath and there was high color in his face. “You made her cry, kid. I don’t like people making my Annie-girl cry.”
Lukas turned his head and stared out the window.
Harry Reid International Airport. Las Vegas. Nevada.
At National Rental, Annie had reserved the vehicles they would need and they left the airport in a convoy of Jeep Rubicons. Farrell driving Laine, Adam, and Tommy. Lenny driving Annie and the two kids and Blaine driving Misty and Casey.
“Never been to Vegas,” said Lenny. “Always planned to go play poker, but I never quite made it.”
“Now you did. We’re gonna have us a time.”
“This is the best job I ever had, Annie. Thanks for giving me this chance.”
“You’re welcome. I like having you with me, Lenny.”
Mirage Hotel and Casino. Las Vegas.
Annie checked them into the hotel and made sure everyone had their room keys for the tenth floor. She had booked the rooms in a block so they’d all be close together. Farrell and Laine had a special room that came with the wedding package.
“Adam, you’re with me and Lenny and the kids in my suite. I figured we’d let the bride and groom have their fancy room to themselves.”
Adam smiled as Annie handed him his key.
“Tommy is with Casey. Blaine and Misty are on their own. That’s about it. We have a reservation for the steakhouse for six-thirty.” Annie smiled. “Have fun.”
“Laine and I want to talk to the wedding people, Mom.”
“Sure. Ask at the desk where to go. Your wedding coordinator is Linda Devon. Y’all go do that. I’m going to settle the kids in my suite with some video games.”
Upstairs in Annie’s suite, she got the kids settled down. They were so excited to see the suite, they were running in and out of all the rooms hollering.
At the bar in the corner of the main living area, she sat with Lenny and Adam and had a beer. She’d pre-ordered what she wanted stocked in the mini fridge.
