Chapter 28 Final Decision Point
“Brick, you’ve run an excellent investigation.
The DA has agreed with your assessment that the attack on Mr. Garrelson’s home was definitive proof that the CI source was trustworthy and the remaining evidence will stand up in a court.
The arrest warrants for Jason and Philip Marsden will be issued within the hour. ”
“Thank you Captain,” Brick replied.
“Now, you and Marvin get your task force, coordinate with Danny Blaine of the DEA and make your arrests. We’ve got twenty cells waiting for this listing of individuals we’ve identified clearly from the evidence provided. Make sure none of them get away.”
“Right, Captain,” Brick said. “Marvin and I will make sure none of this scum will ever bother the citizens of Kansas City ever again.”
“Now, what about this foreign connections group in Asia?”
“That’s where we’re relying on our partners Tanaka-San and the Tashugi family. They have been working with the Japanese Police, and will head up the efforts over there. By the way, Captain. Norikuko will be coming to check on Mr. Garrelson’s recovery. If you would like, I can introduce you.”
“That will be fine, Brick. Thursday works for my wife and I.”
“I’ll see to it.” Brick looked over at Marvin. “Would you and your sister like to join us?”
“Sure thing, Brick. Now, how about we coordinate the busting of these scuzbuckets and haul them in here for a nice little one on one ‘conversation’ old school style?”
“You say such sweet things sometimes, Marvin. You know exactly what I was thinking. Let’s get our team going. You contact Danny, and I’ll contact Keith. I want to update him on where we are.”
“I’m on it, Brick. This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to see the look on those Marsden boys faces when you snap the cuffs on their wrists,” Marvin said with a smile. “This is the most fun I’ve had in years, Brick. Years. YeeeeHaw!”
“Hey Brooklyn,” Keith greeted as he entered the Westlake Ace hardware store off Highway 24. “Gotta get some things before I head over to Greg’s.”
“Did you get that water leak fixed?” she called back to him.
“Just temporarily. Got a plumber coming over tonight.”
“And that pretty new doctor you’re dating?” Brooklyn asked.
“Probably see her today sometime for lunch,” he said with a smile. “Hey, where can I find some extra tiny nails. I’ve got to fix some trim that got shot up over there.”
“Check over here,” she said as she guided him right to the finishing nails.
“Thanks Brooklyn. Say, did that author ever say he was going to include you in his book?”
“He said he’d find a way, but, I doubt it. I’m just a salesperson, not some exotic singer,” she laughed.
“Well, you never know. You just might check out his books.”
“I’m planning on it, just a little bit busy with other things, ya know.”
“Yeah,” Keith said as she rang up the sale. “Hopefully this is the last of it. We got the stain the other day, so, just need to complete the finish job on the railing for the stairs. But,” he paused, “you never know with Greg.”
“Alright,” she said as she handed him the bag. “Thanks for shopping and come again.”
“Don’t worry Brooklyn. There’s always some project that needs done. See you later,” he said as he walked out of the store with his phone ringing. “Go for Keith,” he answered as he arrived at his Jeep.
“Thought you might want to know that arrest warrants are being issued within the hour for Jason and Philip Marsden.”
“YES!” Keith replied with a pumping action beside his hip. “About time those jackwads got their comeuppance. What about the Matriarch.”
“We still have a little convincing to do with the DA, but I’m sure we’ll get her.”
“Mr. G?” Genevieve called from the kitchen. “Are you still in the front room?”
“Yes, Genevieve, we’re all still here playing Sorry, and boy am I,” he groaned. “They’ve all ganged up on me!”
“Oh, stop your whining,” Veronica said then kissed him deeply. “This is how family works, dear.”
“Yeah, Uncle Greg,” Katie said. “Besides, I can’t let you take mom off the board without me fighting back.”
“You go, Katie,” Kelly said with enthusiasm.
“Would you like more snacks or just the hot chocolate?”
Greg turned to Veronica and then to Kelly and Katie. “What do you say?”
“Both!” they said merrily.
“I’m sure you heard that,” Greg called.
“We did!” Tilly called back. “We’ll be right there with everything then.”
“Make Way! Hot Brownies coming through!” Jill called as she moved the hot tray with oven mitts through the girls toward the counter. “Let’s let this batch cool while we enjoy that batch with them in the front room.”
“I’ve got the popcorn,” Susan said. “Let’s go.”
“You’ve got the cups and I’ve got the chocolate. Susan, can you grab the mini marshmallows.” Genevieve held the tray with the large container of liquid.
“On it boss,” she replied with heavy sarcasm in her voice.
“Oh good grief,” Genevieve said. “Stop with the whole boss thing, will ya?”
“It still gets you,” Susan laughed. “I love how you don’t realize how much Greg Garrelson has rubbed off on you, Genevieve. You are a natural leader. Just accept that already.”
“Fine! But stop with the boss. Just say,” she searched for the word for a moment. “Team Leader.”
“Alright Team Leader. Let’s go feed the monkeys in that zoo out there.”
The doorbell rang, and Katie sprung up to go open the door. “Who is it?” Veronica asked.
“Just David and Tessa,” she said slightly dejected.
“Hey now,” David said with mock hurt. “I resent being just David.”
“Sorry Uncle David,” she said and gave him a hug. “Hi Aunt Tessa,” she said and hugged her.
“It’s good to see you also,” Tessa said hugging her back. “Pizza is on the way for the game night,” she said. “It’s time for the girls to stop their cooking in the kitchen and join in.”
“That’s what we’re doing. We’ve got the snacks and hot chocolate.” Jill smiled.
“Let me at that,” David said and moved quickly to get a cup. “I’m glad you made such a large pot of this.”
“You guzzled half of it by yourself the last time,” Genevieve complained.
“I’ll reign him in, girls. Go have some fun.” Tessa grabbed David’s shoulder. “Moderation tonight. The twins are tussling up a storm.”
“Alright, dear. I’ll check myself for the twins.” He leaned down and spoke to Tessa’s now protruding belly. “Daddy’s going to watch himself for you two, so you better behave and be nice to your mommy.” Tessa smiled and stroked her belly.
“That seems to have calmed them,” she said. “Would you mind getting me a cup?”
“Certainly, dear. Are we at table two tonight?”
“Yes, on this end near the dining room. I’m going to sit on the recliner.”
“You rest yourself and I’ll get your hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows.”
“There’s the doorbell again,” Katie said as she sprung back up and raced to the door. “CASSIE!” she said leaping upon her.
“I’ve missed you too, Katie.” Cassie returned her hug. “And I’ve brought some strays with me,” she said thumbing over her shoulder. Carry and Billy were getting out of the car, and heading that way.
“CARRY!” Katie cried and raced across the driveway to hug her tightly.
“Katie,” Carry said warmly as she hugged her back. “How’s life at Greg’s house?”
“So peaceful and secure. I am so happy that mom and I made it out.” She smiled. “Thanks for finding a way out for us.”
“Actually,” she humbly admitted. “That was all Keith and Greg. Their plan to extract your mom and you. You just happened to already be out.”
“But you told him I wanted mom and I out, didn’t you?” Katie urged.
“Actually,” Billy said softly, “I did. Carry told me and I told Greg. It was the only safe way to get the information out.”
“Well, whatever and whoever, it doesn’t matter. We’re out and were safe, and that’s all that matters.” Katie looked back to Carry. “So, are you ready for game night?”
“Yes, but I need a private conversation with Greg first,” she said with concern on her face.
“You know that Veronica lives here now, right?”
“Yes, I do Katie,” she confirmed as they reached the door. “But my conversation doesn’t involve Veronica.”
“Okay. Then let’s get inside, I’m probably delaying the game already,” Katie said eagerly opening the door. “And there’s hot chocolate that’s just been served.”
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Billy said as he stepped past them and headed into the house.
“Thanks Katie,” Carry said softly.
“For what?” she said with confusion.
“For being honest and looking for a way out. That wasn’t the easiest decision to make.”
“Mom made that decision for me, then when Wendy’s dad was shot in front of us, I knew that I had to get us out. There wasn’t any chance mom would last in the Manor.” Carry smiled at Katie. “Come on, Carry. It’s game night.”
“Yes it is, but the game I’ve got to finish is a deadly one, and that’s why I need to speak with Greg. The Marsdens are just muscle, we need to take out Jenny.”
“She’s untouchable, you know that,” Katie complained.
“No, she’s not. She just thinks she is. Everyone has a weakness and we just need to find hers.” Carry looked at Katie. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to spoil your night.”
“No way. Having you and Cassie here makes my day better,” she smiled brightly. “I’m going back to the game before they,” she thumbed over at the group, “get upset with me taking so long.”
“Alright,” Carry said as she closed the door behind her.
“Hello V, Kelly,” she began then looked long at him.
“Hello Greg, I’m glad to see you are recovering so well.
When you’ve finished, could we talk,” she said then gave a nod that he showed him what she hadn’t said. He smiled and looked back at her.
“Privately?” he asked.
“If we could,” she replied. “This is really important.”
“Alright,” he said softly. “I’m being trounced anyway. Genevieve, would you come play for me until I get back?”
“Absolutely, Mr. G.” She turned to the girls. “I get to play for dad first!” They made their way over to the coffee table as Greg got up.
“Will the patio do?” he asked.