CHAPTER 43

James stood looking at the evidence that the man, his father, had asked him to speak with gave him. This couldn't be right, even though the file stated otherwise. The man had dug through their archives upon hearing the pilot's name. He was a senior DSS agent where his dad had worked too. They always had information about everyone. They couldn't trace anybody. But what he was starting at now wasn't even possible. "I still can't believe this."

"You'd better do. Thomas is going to have a fit for sure." The man said sadly. "But that man right there was on the Smith's payroll."

"But he died. Why would he give up his life just like that?"

"It bothers me too. Something really smells funny in there. But wait, I've got an idea. There's a friend at DSS headquarters that I can speak with." He dialed the friend's number while James waited impatiently. He held his hand up for James while he placed the man on speaker. "Please, I need information about a certain Nicholas Dickson. He died in a plane crash in Miami years ago. I'll send his picture now." He sent the picture to the man on the other end. "Seen it?"

"Oh. Yeah. He's here." The man said instantly, "He's alive."

"What?" James stopped staring at the file to look at the man. "He's alive?" He whispered. The agent echoed his question to the other man on the phone.

"Yes. We've been keeping a tab on Nick because he's involved in so many shady deals here in Washington, murders too. We stumbled on his recent victim, and it's how we found him. He wasn't the man who died. According to the record, he was the pilot that day. But he didn't pilot the plane. He was out at the last minute. The public record says he died too."

James could see the 'but' coming. He stilled himself for it.

"But we dug into the case. His co-pilot took over when he got down at the last minute complaining of a heavy stomach upset. There was no time to change the record. So, everyone just assumed he died in the crash. Whereas..."

"He was never in." The man completed getting the trick Nicholas Dickson had played on everyone.

"For clarity, was there a bomb or anything to indicate foul play?" The agent asked the man on the phone.

"No. In fact, if we didn't know what to look for, we would have missed it too. It was a mechanical issue that causes the crash. But we found out the engine wire had been chipped off. It only had to roll a few times to cut off, and boom... Crash."

James released a rush of air on hearing that. He started pacing the room as the two men chatted briefly on the phone before ending the call. When he hung up, James thanked him and asked to take pictures of the file. Given the go-ahead, he snapped the photos and stood to leave. They shook hands, and the man walked James out. "You're telling your father, right?" He asked.

"Not now." James said, and the man smiled. He had been one of the men Thomas had stalked when his wife died. He had almost been shot once by the brooding man. He sighed. "This could drive him over the edge. Better to keep him in the dark a little."

"I'll take your advice. I don't want more pressure. Not now, with everything going on. I might have to send him off to his brother far off the county."

"That's better and safer for everyone. Him too." The man conceded. They were at the car parked at the entrance of the DSS office. James shook hands with the older man and took his leave.

As James drove past the heavy Miami traffic, he hurried to get to the office. He called Sam while driving into the office to leave the stakeout and meet him at the office. They needed to strategize and bring in more hands. And so, the security team for the Valdez went for a meeting to get fully armed and prepared to protect their boss.

The next evening came slowly for Adriana Swiss. She would have preferred Noah leaving without the kids being involved. But he had come up with this line that seemed sensible at the time. Now, she wasn't sure this was the best tactic to it. He had agreed to move out even though he didn't do anything his wife accused him of. To this, Adriana had scoffed and asked what he wanted.

"Nothing." he told her, "But I think we should keep the kids out of the drama."

"And how do we do that?"

"Let them see me leave. We can tell them I'm travelling and will be gone a while."

"You think that's the best for them?"

"Yes. I think so."

And here they were, the twins stood hugging their father. Ethan clutched his leg while Elizabeth was being carried off. Adriana shook her head, not enjoying the scene one bit. They were always like this whenever he travelled, and they'd cry themselves to sleep afterwards. She wished she hadn't listened to this insane plan.

"Kids." she called at them, "Come down and let daddy go. He'll be late." She just wanted him gone...for now. She was hurting, and it was a pain to even look at him.

Ethan let go of his father's leg reluctantly, but Elizabeth hugged him tighter. "You'll call?" She asked.

"I always do." He replied but looked pointedly at their mother. Adriana shrugged, not getting his unspoken question. "I'll call." He repeated so she could understand. Adriana picked, he was asking if he would be allowed to call. She agreed, of course. They had a right to that. She wouldn't deny them that, despite the pain that numbed her.

"And you won't stay longer than two weeks?" Elizabeth asked again.

"Hopefully." He answered. This time he didn't look at his wife. He knew the answer to that just as she did. Whatever was going on, two weeks wouldn't cover the event about to unfold. But he couldn't tell his kids that. He looked down at Ethan, who was pulling his trouser gently. "What's up, buddy?"

"The Spiderman costume you promised me. You have to get it this time."

"Okay, buddy." He said, still holding his sister, "I'll get you that and get Elizabeth a...."

"Elsa's costume too." The young girl told him cheerfully

Noah looked at his wife lost. "What's that?"

"It's her favorite character in Frozen."

"I'll look for one and send it, okay?" He said before he realized what he just said, but Elizabeth caught on

"Send? No, bring them with you when coming back. You don't intend staying longer than two weeks, do you?" She asked again.

"I'll try to get everything all wrapped up early." He replied, saying as much as he could promise

"Family hug," Ethan called. Adriana lifted him and hugged Noah with Elizabeth. Noah brushed a kiss on her forehead and the kids'. It was only then that Elizabeth came down. The three stood as he closed the boot where his luggage was, and he waved as he drove off. They watched him go before the twins ran inside and their mother followed sadly. As they ran happily inside the house to scatter their rooms, she wished she could have someone to speak with. She reached for her phone and dialed her sister.

"Why the hell aren't you in Miami?" She asked Evangeline.

"I'm coming this weekend. Need to tie up some loose ends here." Evan told her, "Hello to you too."

"I want you here, please." She pleaded, "Noah left."

CHAPTER 44

As soon as Adriana hung up, Evangeline called Jason immediately to inform him she had to leave LA the next day. Their weekend plans would have to hold or be moved to another time. Jason informed her he could have her in Miami by evening the next day. He told her to wait for him to get her. Excitedly, she woke up the following day and began to prepare for another trip with him in his private jet. The plan was to still have a good time with him in Miami. She went shopping for some new clothes. Something more complimentary and sexy. Entering the Rovers Jason had gotten her, she drove out of the compound. She saw the blue car parked across the street also going out, and for some reason, her mind registered it. Calling Zoe, she asked her to join her at the BELLS boutique downtown.

She was able to get to the boutique before Zoe. So, she made her way to the spot reserved chiefly for herself and other customers who knew this spot. BELLS was one fashion hub most celebrities and wealthy folks frequented. Their clothes and accessories were always beautiful, trendy and unbelievably expensive. The classy ladies had a spot where they sat and are served specially. Soon enough, as she waited for Zoe to come, the attendant knowing her as one of their best customers, served her some exotic wine. She could only stare at the drink. Smiling at the attendant, she told her to return it and serve her juice instead. Rubbing her stomach gently, she whispered, "See what I have to give up for months, baby?"

"Do you now?" Zoe said, walking in. They hugged and greeted so cheerfully that the lady at the cash box stopped to look at them. "Look at you!" Exclaimed Zoe.

Evangeline smiled, refusing to fall for the trick again. "Not this time." She told her friend as she pulled away, "How are you?"

"I'm good." She sat down and said, "But seriously, you're showing." The attendant brought the juice back, which she served Evan. The other wine was served to Zoe. She told them to have a good time browsing through their wears and excused herself. "How have you been?"

"I'm okay. And before you ask, I don't even feel pregnant." She raised her hands in protest seeing her friend's mocking smile. "But I've been eating like an elephant."

Zoe smiled at that and hugged her friend again, "It's been a while. I miss you."

"So do I."

Another attendant brought out two hangers of clothes for them to check. "Good day, madams." Zoe and Evan nodded at the greeting. "These were just delivered yesterday. They are the latest." she bowed and went back to her duty. Zoe stood up to check them out. "We could have these delivered home. Why did you drag us here so early?" She asked

"Well, I wanted a ride in my new car. I haven't been in it more than once since I'm always in Miami these days. Jason had it delivered last week." She said.

"That reminds me. We had a deal, right?" She smiled mischievously, "Let me drive it for how many weeks again?"

"That can be arranged. Speaking of, I'm travelling again." Rolling her eyes, "Today matter of fact. Ad needs me."

Her friend sat down again with this wicked look, "Or you can...."

Cutting her short, Evan warned, "Don't you dare say it?"

"Loan me for the time you won't be in Miami." Zoe said anyway, ignoring the threat. She stood up too when Evan stood. But her friend was distracted by something else and not their conversation. She was looking at a pink dress. Her friend laughed in amazement. She had always loved pink as a girl. Well, most girls loved pink. But then they outgrow it. And she was supposed to outgrow it as a woman like every other girl but not Evan. She still loved pink. "So, this won't let you loan me the car?" She teased, snatching the dress from her. The way Evan went after the dress was hilarious. Zoe had to let go.

"I love this." she said, turning it sideways and backwards. It was a short pink gown with a lacey front. The dress was smoked with elastic, making it super stretchy and clingy at the same time. It would be perfect for her figure, even when she starts to show.

"Please." Zoe said, showing her a lovely short gown, similar to what she held but blue. "Want this?"

"No, I have the pink already. I don't want two of the same style."

She shook her head and dropped the gown for herself. "I'm picking that." Suddenly, she remembered Mary. "Did I tell you I ran into Mary at the club?" Evan shook her head, "It was in the most embarrassing circumstance." She told her friend.

"How do you mean?"

"I was on my way into the club when Logan stumbled out with this weird smile. He didn't even see me."

"Logan?" Evan asked, remembering her last encounter with him. "Go on."

"I went in nonetheless and was surprised when a few minutes later Mary walked out of a room somewhere. She didn't look happy, and this guy I knew was all over me, I couldn't get to her on time. She drove off angrily. So, when I came back, the guy asked what I wanted with Mary" she smiled, "The way he asked, I knew he had something juicy thing to say." Her sarcastic smile said her response

Evan got the hint, "You lied; you didn't know her."

Zoe shrugged, "Did what I had to do." She continued, "He told me Mary had lured Logan to this red room they have and the waiter who had been eavesdropping said he didn't fall for it. It must have hurt her pride."

"Wow." Evan said, looking a bit angry, "Why won't he just give in to her advances instead of following me around." She murmured.

"Am I missing something here? I think the guy is insisting on not having anything to do with her because she's your friend." Confused, she added, "It's the moral thing to do."

"Well, we are no longer together. He should be with her if that's what he wants."

"Who exactly are we talking about here? Mary or Logan?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"You are obviously upset. But I think your anger is misdirected. Mary is the annoying brat here, not Logan."

"From where I stand, Logan needs to move on. She ruined us already, and we aren't getting back."

Zoe let go of the blue dress and reached for another. "For one, I will never forgive him if moving on lands him in our friend's clutches. It's insane." She found a suede skirt which she held up for Evan to check. Evan shook her head, not interested in the skirt. She pointed at another instead. Zoe brought it out so they could inspect it. It wasn't anything fancy. It was beachwear. Something to wear around the house when the weather was hot. Evan picked it, knowing how hot she gets these days.

"I don't understand why Mary is all over him. She could get anyone." Evan scoffed angrily, "He should give in too." When Zoe said nothing to that, she added quietly, "Logan saw me kissing Jason."

"Now, I feel bad for him" looking at Evan, she asked, "Is that why you wanted him to move on?'

"Yes. I have. He should too. He was so upset that day."

"You would too if it were the other way round" she sat back down too, smiling, "Now, tell me what happened. How was the kiss? I want all the gory details."

CHAPTER 45

Robert Swiss sat down in the inner chamber of their home, lost in thought. A certain number had been calling him for some days now, and he didn't know what to make of it. Since getting to Miami, the number had been calling. With all the drama going on, he was worried that picking up could mean hearing threats over his family, so he ignored it. Today, he got a text from a number asking to meet. He didn't want to, especially since he hadn't told his wife about this. He wanted his family safe, and he didn't think getting them all worked up would do that. Adriana was already suffering from this, as it were. She had called last night, saying she had sent Noah out. It was a reasonable decision she had taken, but it meant she was home alone now with two kids, all by herself. Although her sister would be coming in later today, it still wasn't right. He reread the text, unsure whether he wanted to meet. He sighed heavily.

His wife stood at the entrance watching him. When he stood to walk out of the room, he saw her. "You're here?" he asked, not so surprised. His wife had always been one to walk upon anyone quietly. "Need something?"

"No." She said, "Are you okay?" He nodded in affirmation, but she wasn't convinced, "You've been staring at your phone."

He wasn't sure he should tell her. He sat down, and she sat beside him. Then he decided to let her see the message. "This number has been calling me since I got back." He said, handing her his phone. "Sounds a bit off to you?" He asked.

Before replying to him, Mrs. Swiss read out the message; Let's meet at the inn later today. Or tomorrow or any day you decide. Call.

"That's it?" Mrs. Swiss asked her husband. He nodded. "I don't see anything scary here" she handed him the phone so he could look at it again. "It doesn't sound like a threat to me."

Looking at the message too, he discovered she might be right. "You have a point. No threat here. But it's vague still."

"I just think whoever this wants to talk."

"True. But seemingly innocent acts have gotten people killed."

She agreed, "But this looks like someone with something to tell you." She read the last part. "You can decide when to meet. Even where if you so wish. Fix the time and have your men check out the location."

"Sounds like a good plan." he dialed his security team, "I'll get my men on it." He said to his wife while the phone rang on the other end.

*********

Done with the shopping, Evan and Zoe walked out of the boutique with a bag of clothes. She had been able to pick out some clothes, and Zoe had found a pink baby gown too, "If she's a girl." She said and had it wrapped up. Then she told the attendant to add the bill to hers. "My gift to my godchild." She said.

"Aww, thank you." Evan hugged her. "I love it."

"Because it's pink." She mocked as they exited the building. Zoe waved her and drove away in her car while Evan sat down to order a meal before leaving so it could be delivered about the time she would get home. Done, she started the car and moved out of the park. As she exited, she noticed the blue vehicle she had seen at her apartment earlier again. She wondered if the occupants were ladies since they came to BELLS too. This was a place women mainly visited. The store sells only women wears and access. However, some men have been known to come shopping for their ladies. Turning on the music, she forgot all about the vehicle and drove out.

Loving the healthy way the wheels felt on her hands, Evan bounced along as she drove home. It wasn't until she was about turning to her street that she sighted the blue car again. "Okay, that's odd. I have a feeling I'm being followed." She whispered to herself. Becoming instantly alert, she drove past her street and stepped on the accelerator. She needed to call someone. Her dad was the best choice. She dialed his number but, on second thought, ended the call. It would be weird asking him for favors when he hadn't been around for a long time. They hadn't even spoken since the dinner they shared.

As she turned the corner, she checked her rear mirror and saw that she was still being followed, so she called the next person that came to mind. Jason picked instantly, "Hi." He said so sternly, she was forced to ask, "Are you in a meeting?"

"Yes. But what's going on?"

"I hate to do this now." Her voice sounded panicked. She couldn't get the fear out of her voice.

He sensed something was wrong. Still, he calmly answered, "It's okay, Evan. What is it?"

"I'm being followed." She told him.

Jason was at alert instantly, "Hold on." He said. She heard him dismiss the people in the room with him and was back with her in seconds, "What does the car look like?"

Evan smiled, noting that he didn't ask if she was sure she was being followed. She felt happy he trusted her judgment to know she could tell when something wasn't right. "It's blue with tinted glasses."

"Good. Are you on the road?"

"Yes."

He swore angrily, "Stay on the phone while I get James. Drive carefully." Then he whispered, "Please."

Smiling, she answered. "Okay." She loved this side of him. He called James, and she listened to him asking about the blue car tailing her. She didn't hear what James said, but she knew he was instructing the guy to be in the situation instantly.

"Evan?"

"I'm here." She replied

"Drive somewhere busy and stay in the car, okay?"

"Alright." She drove straight to Madison Park. The place was always so hectic on Thursdays, with people coming in for boat rides and other fun events the park had planned. "Found one. I'm at Madison."

"I know."

He knows! She shrugged that off but didn't let it bother her. She tried to see if the car was following her. There wasn't any blue car in sight. She released her breath. "I can't see the car."

"That should be a good thing." He said, then spoke to James on the phone again, "James will come to get you. You're coming to Miami now." His voice was firm, not taking no for an answer

"But I'm yet to pack my things. Food too." She complained.

"Evangeline." He backed into the phone, "Please stay in the car till James comes. He'll get you home, and you can get your things."

"Alright."

"Will you?" He asked, unsure she would stay put.

"I will, promise."

"Thank you." He said, "See you soon. Don't end the call. Stay until James gets there."

"Is James in Miami?" She asked, but before he could come up with any reply, James knocked on her door. She wound down and smiled at him, wondering what he was doing in Miami. She would ask Jason later. Remembering she hadn't hung up, she turned to check her phone, but he had already disconnected. It made her sad. But she turned to James happily and told him the vehicle had left.

"We saw it." James told her, "Thanks to you, we have those men now." He said something to the earplugs he had on, and Evan realized he must have been communicating with Jason. He drove her home and sat in her living room while she packed her clothes and other essentials. The food she ordered had been delivered, but she was no longer in the mood for it. She packed that too. When she locked the door, she couldn't help feeling that it might be a while before she got back.

James drove them to the jet pad, where some guy came to help drive the car to the park while they stepped in. Throughout the trip, Jason was on a call with James. She listened to the little she could make of their conversation. He appeared worried about her, asking how she was from James. She didn't understand why he wouldn't just speak with her, though. It was a very long trip and boring too. The last thing she thought about as she dozed off wasn't anything fun about Jason.