Chapter 27
Georgia
This convention is all about weaponry, planes, vehicles and other military gear.
It’s not my kind of con, though Rafael’s family is entrenched in this industry.
I’m not certain but he seems unhappy that he cannot take us into the main hall.
Still, he has sneaked us around to where his company has an area for parking their containers and trucks.
The man at the foot of the ramp was dubious about letting us up but gave in after Rafe showed his ID.
“This truck is huge,” I mutter as he ushers us up the ramp to the door.
It’s also painted red and white and would stand out anywhere.
“And far too pretty for such a thing.” Inside is dim and two men are sitting at a screen, typing out commands on keyboards and shifting around the ubiquitous computer mice.
“Rafe!” The first man along stands and opens his arms, exchanges a battering hug with Rafe.
“My brother, Gabriel,” Rafe explains, turning to extend his arm to us. “This is Georgia and Lazlo Fox. You know Georgia, and Lazlo is employed by Sir Benjamin, though more of a friend?”
“Both.” Lazlo shrugs. “Good to meet you.” He shakes hands with Gabriel, though that man immediately gives me an unhappy look.
Of course he knows who I am. Rafe’s family have forced him to take care of me, in the worst way, to protect the CNC Fraternity. Does he think of me as baggage, a lesser person?
I return his dubious stare, with sprinkles on top.
“Hi there! I’m Georgia.” I reach for his hand and barely manage to catch it before he withdraws it. Our handshake is brief.
“I need to talk with you, Rafe. This way.” He tries to get Rafe to follow him down toward the rear of the truck, past the other computers and some ceiling-height shelves with boxed items. Rafe stands his ground and doesn’t move.
“Say it here.”
Gabriel purses his mouth. “Okay. Truscott, leave us alone for a minute.”
The second man stands up and squeezes past me to go to the ramp. Until he exits, Gabriel leans on the back of his chair.
“You cannot be here, Rafe. Especially not with her. This is completely off limits.”
“Why?”
“I am not explaining it now to them. Another time. First, you will leave.”
There is a mutual staring contest for a minute before Rafe turns to us. “We’ll have to go. Sorry, Georgia.” When I’m about to walk down the ramp, I hear Rafe ask his brother a strange question.
“That dentist of ours. You know the one?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Can you send me his address and contact. I need something done now.”
I turn back to see Gabriel again staring at me. He flinches when he sees I’m watching and answers Rafe with a curt, “Will do.”
On the way out through the gates, Rafe’s phone dings with a message and he checks it.
“You two go for a walk wherever you want. I’ve got to get a tooth fixed. It’s been aching all day.”
“What is this? Code for something?” I ask him, glumly, suspiciously even, while he types in something. I’m feeling like a reject. What just happened? What dentist drops everything for one client?
“No. Code for me getting dentist stuff done. I’m sorry that was so ugly, Georgia. This has nothing to do with that. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Will text you, Lazlo.” He kisses me quickly. “And no sex without me,” he tells Lazlo.
“Got it. Except for that sex part. Good luck with that tooth job.”
I watch him stride away, looking for a taxi or an Uber I assume. “Should we go find a café? Or a tour or a museum?”
“You know…” He takes my hand and swings it a little, clearly happy as a pig in mud. “I could actually go for a museum. I know. I know! Don’t look so horrified. I am a history nut.”
“Incredible.”
He laughs. “Coffee too, though, and we need another limo. No measly ubers for us. Posh afternoon ahead.”
I’m smiling now. The way he turned my mood around is something to treasure.