15.
I predict that our Jewel’s endless curiosity and huge heart will pull her straight into the medical field, because even with her prickly exterior, helping people is something she’s built for.
It won’t hurt that she’ll run into patients whose illnesses are puzzles she refuses to sleep on until she solves them.
And she’ll get to tell people they’re stupid when they ignore her.
Martha Forrester
ZIGGY
“What did you find out for me?” I asked Tino as he walked into my newly appointed home office.
Gabby had worked a miracle in three days, and I knew bringing her to Texas had been the right call.
What likely started as a dining room now functioned as a well-appointed office, complete with a large desk, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along one wall, an ergonomic desk chair that supported my lower back, two comfortable chairs facing the desk, and a loveseat angled toward a wall-mounted television.
Tino sat in the burgundy chair across from me, pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and slid it across the desk.
“Holy shit! You picked all this up in one day?”
“Navigating Rojo is too easy. I followed him for most of the morning, and once he settled into his office, I circled back to check out his earlier stops.”
“What did you find?”
“My new gym, for starters. Then I went back to the coffee shop where Robert met with a guy and had a heated discussion. The guy was still there, so I struck up a conversation. We figured out we knew some of the same people while I had one of the best scones I’ve ever tasted and a cup of coffee so good it brought tears to my eyes. ”
“And?”
“He didn’t even have to tell me where he was from. I heard him ask the barista, ‘Can ya do me a fava, dahl? I need another cuppa cawfee with one sugah, medium.’”
“Boston?”
“Very Boston. Goes by Sean Bergin.”
I leaned back in my chair. “Bergin? Is he . . .”
Tino nodded before I could even finish my question. “Kevin’s brother.”
“I thought he was dead.”
“Nah, he’s definitely not dead, and he’s not even trying to hide. He isn’t blending in with the native wildlife.”
“The native wildlife?”
In an exaggerated Texas drawl, Tino asked, “Y’all want some more tea?”
I ignored his impression, even though it would be hilarious in front of Jewel. “That opens the door for a lot of questions, not the least of which is what a member of the Irish mafia is doing in Rojo, Texas.”
“What are we doing in Rojo, Texas?” Tino countered.
“You’re running from a woman, and I’m settling down with one.” I winced. “Hopefully.”
“He hasn’t strayed as far from the family legacy as you have, my friend, although his lips are a lot looser than they should be–even this far from home.”
“What did he tell you?”
“He owns three car dealerships here in Rojo and more in the surrounding towns, but that’s not all he does. Sean picked up a hobby that reminds him of home and fills a local niche. He’s the guy to go to when you need a quick loan or you think your favorite team is going to win the playoffs.”
“Holy shit. Robert’s got a bookie?”
Tino cackled. “And he’s into him for major bank. I guess Sean’s been turning the screws on dear old Robert and has him running scared.”
“He just spilled all this over coffee this morning?”
“News travels fast, Ziggy. When I mentioned I was from New York and had recently moved to Rojo, he already knew I came here to work for you.”
“Fuck!” I hissed. I took a deep breath and picked up my phone. “Is this gonna be a problem?”
“Not as far as I can tell.”
“Let me call my brother and get his take. Did you ask him about Robert?”
“No, but I’m meeting him for coffee again in the morning. I placed a bet on the game tonight, and since my team is going to win, I’ll need to go collect.”
“Well, at least you’re making yourself at home.”
Once Tino left, I settled back in my chair and called my brother. Since we would be talking business, I used our firm’s encrypted app, and he picked up immediately.
“What’s wrong?” Rico asked.
“Nothing so far, but Tino struck gold while digging up dirt on Jewel’s ex.”
“I’m not sure I want to know,” Rico muttered. He sighed. “What did he find?”
“Sean Bergin.”
“His body?”
“Not unless he had a really good embalmer. Tino sat down and had coffee and scones with the man while he put money on tonight’s game.”
Rico roared with laughter. “Sean Bergin is hiding in plain sight–in Texas, no less–and he’s running numbers? Oh, God, this is fantastic.”
“It gets even better, or at least more amusing. The man owns car dealerships.”
“Of course he does!”
“I know you’ve got some thinking to do and probably need to have a quick meeting, so I’ll let you go. I just wanted to pass that along for you to use as you see fit.”
“Thank you, little brother. You just made my day.”
Before I put my phone down and got back to work, I sent Jewel a text.
“Good morning, beautiful. I hope your day is fantastic, and by that, I mean no one pukes on your new shoes.”
I’d spent the last three evenings at Jewel’s house and planned to cook dinner there again this afternoon while I worried about meeting her two youngest sons.
Work and social obligations had kept them away so far, but tonight they planned to stay home for a family dinner because Jewel wanted us to get to know each other.
It wasn’t the announcement I wanted, but it was close enough.
The obstinate woman wasn’t about to shout from the rooftops that we were a couple, because she still refused to admit it.
Oddly enough, she had no idea how much of a couple we actually were–at least in my mind.
I’d never put this much effort into pursuing a woman and knew I never would again.
I wouldn’t have to. I was head over heels for Dr. Jewel Parker.
The more I learned about her, the harder I fell, until I knew there was no way out. Even if there was, I didn't want to find one.
My morning has convinced me I should have stuck with my original life plan.
What was that?
To become a professional poker player as a front for my real profession–international jewel thief.
I didn’t realize you were that into gems. With that in mind, I’ll make sure to include some in your weekly gifts.
First of all, you can cut that shit out. By now you should realize I’m a sure thing.
After last night, how could I think of anything else?
At some point, I’m going to have to start charging you rent.
Does that mean I get to stay the night tonight?
No. Max will be home.
Damn. Can I sneak in through your window after he goes to sleep?
Only if you want to get shot. I’ll come over once he’s settled in his room. He won’t think it’s unusual if I take off since I stop by to see friends and family around the neighborhood all the time.
How long do we have to hide this “sure thing” we’ve got going on?
If you’re still interested in me when we’re both old enough to retire, I’ll think about letting it out in the open.
Since we’ve been seen together in various places by multiple people, don’t you think they might already have some idea?
No. They know I have a giving heart and a burning desire to comfort and protect those in need. They probably think . . .
I was laughing so hard I accidentally hit send before I could finish that lie.
Anyway, you should be content that I’m introducing you to my boys as a friend, which they’ll probably see right through because it’s against my religion to make new friends.
Why is that against your religion?
Because true friends are a pain in the ass. They’re always spouting BS they claim is the truth for your own good, telling you you’re wrong, holding your mistakes over your head, and being generally impossible.
I’m not sure that’s an accurate description of true friendship.
Then you’ve got the wrong kind of friends.
Do you actually like gambling? I assume so since you considered becoming a professional.
I came up with that idea when Parker was a toddler and med school had already accepted me. He had an ear infection, so I stayed home with him all day, snuggling in front of the television. When he finally fell asleep, I changed the channel and watched Ocean’s Eleven for the first time.
And that made you decide to take up gambling and rob a casino?
Absolutely. Andy Garcia made my young heart go pitter-patter, and I thought it would be fun to live somewhere with all those shiny bright lights.
How am I still surprised that every time I ask you a question your answer throws me completely off guard?
It’s okay that you’re a simple guy, Nip. Your cock makes up for your lack of intelligence.
And now I’m asking myself why I subject myself to your smart mouth and vitriol.
Because you love what I can do with that mouth when I’m not talking.
Speaking of which, we’ll have to finish this conversation later. My next patient is almost ready for me.
One quick question. Does your ex like to gamble?
Micah will take an interesting bet just like I will, but Robert thinks he’s going to win the World Series of Poker belt–or whatever the hell they give to the winner.
What would you say if I told you he’s racked up quite a bit of debt with your local bookie?
Rojo has a bookie? A real one? Is his office in the back of a smoky pool hall? I think I know which one it might be!
That is what interests you about my question?
Sorry, I got off topic. Yes, it would surprise me to know Robert is in debt because of gambling, especially since he’s so tight with money if he shoved a dollar up his ass it would turn into a gold bar. As far as I know, he only plays online games, never in person.
I laughed out loud at Jewel’s analogy–coal, a goat, and a diamond–before I typed: What about sports betting?
While I waited for Jewel to respond, I set my phone aside and went back to my laptop. I had a million things on my agenda to prepare for the team move, but all I could think about was how to use Robert’s gambling to my advantage.
A good person would confront him about the problems his apparent addiction was causing and then help him through recovery. Since I had never claimed to be a good person and already disliked the man enough to daydream about his eventual murder, I wasn’t a likely candidate for that option.
“It’s time for us to go,” Jersey said from the doorway.
I glanced at the clock on my laptop and grimaced before shutting it, slipping it into my leather bag and picking up my phone. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“Because I’ve been standing here watching your goofy grin while you texted like a lovesick teenager.”
“I’m not sure what working with Zach was like, but talking shit like that to me will get your ass killed.”
“You said that yesterday and the day before.”
“I’ve been busy, but your time is coming, asshole,” I threatened.
“You kids have fun!” Tino called from the living room. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
“That leaves the door wide open, because I’ve met some of the women you’ve dated,” Jersey shot back. Right before he closed the door behind us, he yelled, “You do know bestiality is a crime, right?”
“That was shitty,” I told him as we walked side by side down the sidewalk. “I remember his ex, and she was a beautiful woman.”
“Looks aren’t everything. The woman has the personality of a rabid dog and always has.”
“Isn’t she your cousin?”
“That’s how I know she’s been that way her entire life,” Jersey explained. He sighed. “I’m glad we’re in a place where everyone isn’t related to everyone else by blood or marriage. That gets old and way too confusing.”
I got into the passenger side of the brand-new truck Jersey had chosen–a vehicle he swore he picked just to blend into traffic around us and not because of the bells and whistles–and waited until he got behind the wheel before asking, “Do you realize at least half the people in this neighborhood are related to Jewel in one way or another?”
“That might be true, but at least they’re not related to one of us.”
We made small talk during the short drive to the property I’d discussed with Brighten Forrester, and I smiled when I saw her sitting in her idling truck with her head tilted and her eyes closed.
She was obviously napping, so when I got out of Jersey’s truck, I shut my door gently enough not to wake her.
“Poor girl is probably miserable in this heat,” I said as Jersey joined me on the sidewalk. “Why don’t we let her rest while we look around?”
“The last time she took us to tour a property, it took everything in me not to pick her up and carry her,” Jersey admitted. “I swear, if she tries to go up or down any more stairs, I’m probably not going to be able to resist.”
“I think that might be the one excuse her husband would accept when he finds out you put your hands on his wife.”
“You know her husband?”
“I believe we met him at the wedding, but I’ve heard about him from jewel. He’s her oldest nephew.”
“Of course he is.”
“What do you think about this property?” I asked.
“It’s got everything you’ll need for the team. Plus it’ll have room for other employees who want to move with them.”
“That’s what I thought,” I said as I lifted the latch on a large black wrought-iron gate. “Security isn’t great, but I suppose it doesn’t need to be. It’s not as if the players can’t defend themselves.”
“As if they’d want to, considering most trespassers will probably be women trying to get a look at them.”
Jersey and I walked along the sidewalk until we reached the building’s corner, turning left into the courtyard.
The overgrown grass came as no shock, considering the landscaping around the building looked the same, but I was surprised to see a huge pool in the middle.
It was empty, except for leaves, grass, and other debris, but it looked like it was in good condition.
Not that I knew much beyond checking for cracks in the concrete, but as far as I could tell, it seemed sound.
“Why is this place so cheap?”
“Real estate here is a fraction of what it is at home,” I reminded him.
“Yeah, but this property is perfect. Are there squatters? Black mold? There’s gotta be something wrong.”
“We’ll have to get it inspected, but at the price they’re asking, it’ll be worth whatever I have to pay the crews to get this place renovated and in good order."
“How long do we have?” Jersey asked.
“A little less than two months.”
“Do you think it’s possible?”
“One thing I’ve learned in my life is that with the right amount of money on the table, anything is possible.”