Chapter 36 Jessica
Jessica
Donovan said he took care of things, and I wish I could say I feel more at ease, but that would be a lie.
I scrubbed the file just like he asked me to, erased Teflon Teo completely.
It was a good idea. We need to be as far away from Teflon Teo as possible.
Regardless of Donovan’s billions, there’s no fighting a man like him.
I’ve spent almost a week in the penthouse and have been getting cabin fever. Security is everywhere, in the building, around it. When he isn’t here, Donovan is calling almost hourly.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” I look at him in the seat beside me.
Shoulders tight, phone in his hand. He’s been working hard, trying to keep up a routine, so if Marcus Jasper was watching, he wouldn't suspect a thing. He submitted the clean file to his contact at the Feds. It’s out of our hands now.
But Donovan has been working with Shelley and the finance team to get things in order, ready for a takeover behind closed doors.
“I don’t want you to stop doing what you love because of what’s happening, but I would be a liar if I said I wanted you at the sprinkler shop today.”
I grip on to his hand, knowing he’s putting his unease to the side for me today. I don’t want to let my aunt and uncle down. I love spending Saturdays with them and hate missing even just one Saturday.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I know. Because you won’t be out of my sight, and I’ve also organized extra security just in case.”
“The file was clean, and Marcus isn’t hiding around the corner, ready to grab me either,” I whisper to him, not that Gordon would say anything; he already knows most things.
Donovan looks at me. “I’ve also organized undercover security that are roaming the streets.”
“In this weather?” I frown, looking outside, seeing it dark and cold, winter well and truly here. We pull up to the shop, a few people milling around.
“See, Marcus won't try anything with all these people around.” I look at him as we stop at the curb.
“The Feds will be storming Jasper offices on Monday. We have two days to wait before Marcus will be investigated and potentially arrested. The media attention will then swing toward him. But until then…”
I swallow. “I know.” My words don’t appease him, so I squeeze his hand in mine.
Until then, we have to be careful. Marcus’ threat is still real.
The fact that Teflon Teo has probably left town will be enough to let Marcus know something is up.
He’s many things, but stupid isn’t one of them, and he’ll be looking for revenge while he can still take it.
“Maybe he’s fled town?” I suggest, because if I was a wealthy businessman, that’s probably what I would do.
Donovan shakes his head. “It’s too hot for him. The Feds may not have arrested him yet, but I’m sure they’re watching him. Expecting it.”
“Well, I’m sure he’s nowhere near me.”
“I just need you safe. You mean so much to me. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I can’t let danger come to you.” His eyes search mine, and I need to pull in air as my eyes feel wet.
“I love you,” I tell him. It’s been a lot this week.
Pressure, tension, fear. I look out the window, seeing a small media pack walking toward the car, now clearly aware of exactly who is in it.
They have died down a little. Ever since Ashley was let go, the link to them now clear.
But there are a few that still stick around, waiting. Watching.
“Are you ready to sell some sprinklers?” I grin at him, breaking the heaviness of the conversation.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Gordon opens the door, and we step out, keeping our heads low and walking right into the store, where Uncle Bob is waiting.
“Hey, kiddo.”
I walk into his embrace, feeling like I’m home. I’ve missed him, even though it’s only been a week or so.
“Come out back. I’ve got sandwiches.”
The shop is empty, the weather today not conducive to sprinkler sales, and with a few boxes around, I know the online sales have balanced out now that Christmas is upon us.
“Mmmmm, they smell so good…” I moan, and Donovan chuckles.
“Donovan.” My uncle shakes his hand.
“Bob. Vivian. Nice to see you both.”
I grin up at him, loving seeing them all get along.
“I’ve missed these…” I help Aunt Vivian pass out the fresh Reuben sandwiches.
“You only missed one Saturday.” Uncle Bob chuckles, and my shoulders immediately lower.
“So are the media behaving?” Donovan asks them as we all dig in.
“They stay on the other side of the street. It’s calmed down a little.”
“How’re sales?” I ask.
“A few orders to pack, but it’s slowing as expected.”
“I think it will slow down until after Christmas, and then we might run another campaign?” I suggest, and my uncle smiles at me.
“I came by your apartment during the week. Have you been out?” my aunt asks innocently. They don’t know anything about Marcus Jasper or Teflon Teo. They think we are just battling the increased media attention on our relationship. If that’s all it was, I wouldn’t be so concerned.
“Oh, I’ve been staying with Donovan in the city this week.
” It's true, I have. I just skip the part where I tell them my life was threatened, and my safety is a priority right now. Donovan and I still haven’t spoken about me officially moving in, but it is probably a moot point at this stage.
I am there every night and have no plans to go home.
“I didn’t like her getting home so late. My apartment is a few blocks from the office, so a much easier commute,” Donovan tells them, and my uncle nods in approval.
“Better than driving in the weather or even worse on that train.” He looks at me pointedly.
“Maybe you should all come around for dinner sometime soon? Jessica makes a fantastic spaghetti,” Donovan offers, and my aunt practically beams.
“We would love that,” she gushes.
“What, no more instant ramen?” Uncle Bob teases me as he raises his eyebrow.
“Stop!” I laugh, the tension that has built up over the last week slowly leaving my body as everyone laughs.
This feels nice. This feels like life is supposed to feel.
Full of life and laughter. Not my parents’ opinions, not feeling unloved.
It’s right at the moment I feel immense gratitude to the people around the table.
The love my aunt and uncle have for me hasn’t wavered.
They are my family. They are my parents. They are my backbone.
“What are we doing for Christmas this year?” I ask, not believing that it’s mere days away.
“After the debacle of Thanksgiving, I didn’t think you would want to do anything.” Uncle Bob looks at me seriously, and I give him a small smile, assuring him I’m fine.
“Well, I don’t think Mom and Dad will be back anytime soon.” I feel relief as I say the words.
“How about we go to Lake Placid?”
At his suggestion, the three of us look at Donovan.
“Lake Placid?” I can’t fight the grin because I know how beautiful it is, and Uncle Bobby and Aunt Vivian would love it. Plus, they could do with a break, the shop all-encompassing lately.
“Sure. It’s great at Christmas. The lake will freeze over, so no fishing, but we can do some ice fishing nearby or ice skating. They have this cute little Christmas village we can check out, too.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful!” My aunt smiles brightly, looking at her husband.
“I’ll organize it all. A few days away will be nice.” Donovan looks at Uncle Bobby with a nod.
“I think that’s a great idea and very generous. Thank you.”
“I’d love that,” I tell him, and he looks at me like I hung the moon. He reaches under the table and squeezes my leg, the warmth running up my thigh.
“You were right about the sandwiches…” Donovan says quietly as my aunt and uncle step out front to serve a customer.
“Oh yeah?” I grin as I take another bite.
“Best sandwich with the best company.” His wink makes me giddy.
“Hang on.” He puts his sandwich down and pulls out his cell. His frown is immediate, and he looks at me as he answers.
“Yeah…”
I swallow, not able to hear the person on the other end.
Donovan looks at his watch.
“I can be there in thirty minutes,” he confirms, and I hold my breath as he ends the call.
“My contact at the Feds. Needs some clarity on a few things before they make a move.”
My heart races. “Oh, okay…”
“Why don’t you stay here? I won't be long, and I can come back to get you in a few hours. Let you have time with your aunt and uncle. I mean, I would rather you home, but you're safe here. Security and media are everywhere.”
“Are you sure?” I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable. I know he’s doing this for me.
“Just don’t leave the shop.”
“It’s like thirty-five outside. I can practically see my own breath in smoke. I won’t be going anywhere.” He smiles, obviously happy with that answer.
“I won’t be long.” He leans in to kiss me, then stands, walking out to see my uncle, and I watch them have a short conversation before shaking hands and he walks out of the shop, Gordon quickly getting him in the car.
It’s only been an hour, but it feels like it’s gotten darker and cooler. Winter Solstice is almost here, and so the little daylight we’ve had today makes it look almost too gray for anyone to be out and about.
It feels good to lift and pack some boxes. As I pack the last one, I stand and stretch my back, seeing the media pack across the street still, yet the rest of the street is eerily empty.
But I’m not worried. Donovan said he had security around; I just assume they must be at the end of the block or something.
The bell over the door jingles, and a few men walk in, trying to look inconspicuous yet looking right at me.
“Can I help you?” Uncle Bobby is straight onto them, so I turn back to my boxes to pack up my mess.
“Hey, Jay Jay.”
I almost jump out of my skin as I turn quickly, Jimmy standing there.
“Jimmy,” I breathe out, and my hand rests on my thumping heart. “I didn’t see you come in.”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have startled you. How have you been?” I take a few more deep breaths to calm myself.
“Oh, fine. Just busy, you know how it is.”
“You weren’t in last week. Been away?”
I start grabbing the empty boxes around me, and Jimmy helps. My eyes flick to Uncle Bob, waiting for him to kick Jimmy out, as per usual, but he’s still busy with the two men who came in.
“Jay Jay? You alright?” I blink a few times, my eyes settling back on Jimmy.
“Yeah. Sorry, Jimmy. Just a few things on my mind.”
“Yeah. I can imagine that’s the case. When your boyfriend is a big shot CEO.” His tone is jokingly calm.
“Donovan does attract a crowd,” I say simply.
“You could’ve just told me you had a boyfriend. Here I am, asking you for lunch dates… you must have thought I was so pathetic…”
I immediately shake my head. “Oh no. Jimmy, it wasn’t like that.”
Uncle Bob raises his voice, and Jimmy and I both look at the counter. One of the guys has a camera, so clearly the media have walked right in here.
“Oh no.”
“Should I step in?” Jimmy offers, just as Aunt Vivian comes out front, my aunt and uncle now on guard.
“Go out the back, honey. We’ll take care of this,” Aunt Vivian tells me, and Jimmy walks with me out to the kitchen as the voices out front continue to rise.
“This is cool. I’ve never been out back here before,” Jimmy says, looking around.
“It’s a good spot for lunch,” I comment mindlessly as my hands shake with the raised voices coming from the shop. The media are intrusive, but I’m grateful that’s all they are.
The front door jingles again, and I wonder if it’s over, but the guys aren’t leaving. More come in.
“Is she here?”
“We just want a photo.”
“We’ll pay you a hundred for a photo of your niece!”
“Oh shit.” Jimmy’s eyes widen.
The shop is getting crazy; it’s almost like the media pack decided they were too cold waiting for the perfect shot so they barged their way in.
“It’s getting a little crazy out there, sweetie.
Why don’t you call Donovan back. It might be best for you to go home.
” Aunt Vivian pops her head around, and I nod quickly as I grab my cell, feeling bad for putting them in this position.
I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t think it would be this bad.
Probably because I've been holed up in the penthouse all week, I forgot how intrusive they can be.
I call Donovan, but he doesn't answer. I don’t want to interrupt him. I know he’s with his contact at the Feds.
“Damn,” I murmur, not sure what to do. I put my phone down on the table and pace.
“I can walk you to the subway,” Jimmy offers, and I look at him.
“I’m not sure…” I tell him, the voices out front getting louder.
“I mean, I know it's been a few months for you, but I can go with you. Escort you on the subway and then walk you home. Ensure no one bothers you. You can then just call Donovan from your place.”
I look out the small window in the kitchen, the day now even darker.
I chew my lip, not sure what to do. But with my aunt and uncle under duress out in the shop and Donovan not answering, I think it’s the best thing to do.
“Okay… Let’s go,” I say, grabbing my bag and scarf and jacket. I quickly write a note to my aunt and uncle, telling them my whereabouts, and slip out the back door with Jimmy. Hoping that once the media knows I’m gone, they’ll leave the shop alone.