To Love & To Protect (9 page)

“You right Claire, every man in Trent’s unit is fine,” Nicole said.

“Eye candy for days and honey I got a sweet tooth, okay,” Claire finished as everyone laughed and giggled and high fived one another from across the table.

“And she got Trujillo assigned to herself as a tail,” Jasmine said laughing.

“All that doggone hair, how does he keep it from tangling,” Nicole asked aloud.

“I don’t know,” Claire said, but I will find out.

“Back to you Renee; Antonio Favero, spill it all,” Nicole said.

“There is nothing really to spill. His family has always been close to our family. He helped me in the European market when I first started out in International Business. When the news reached him that Jasmine had been shot, he boarded his private plane and flew in. It was all done to show honor and respect for our parents,” Renee said.

Everyone stared at her, and finally Alena said, “Renee that sounds like the company line. Has he not made passionate love to you every opportunity that he has had since he has been here?”

“That was my fault,” Renee said, and even had the nerve to blush.

“People look at me differently since I got sick,” Renee said. People look at me differently since I had to battle and win over an addiction to prescription pain relievers. People look at me like I am weak, so I started to believe it too. That night that our parents were involved in the car accident, I was pregnant and the stress of everything caused me to lose it. I was feeling too much pain at once, from to many different sources. The night that you were shot,” Renee said to Jasmine, “It was that night that we lost mom and dad, all over again, for me. So when he showed up looking like he looks, trying to be comforting, I took advantage of him, and made love to him. Now, I want him all the time, I can’t get enough of him, because the sex with him is oh so good. I need to stop, but I can’t seem to stop,” Renee said.

“Why do you have to stop, just go with it,” Nicole encouraged. “Have fun you deserve it.”

“I miss us all getting together like this,” Alena said.

“Are you going back to Atlanta?” Jasmine asked.

“Yes, at some point, our headquarters are set up there,” Alena responded. “I have a house in the country there, and I have built a life there. I will visit more often, I promise,” Alena finished on a sigh.

“The headquarters can be wherever you choose to operate,” Alexis said. “You could build a home here as well,” Alexis continued. “Couldn’t she Jasmine?”

“Why yes, but it’s totally up to her, no pressure,” Jasmine said finishing up the last of apple pie with butter pecan ice cream.

The ladies talked for a little while longer and then gathered there things to leave. Jasmine cleaned up the kitchen and joined Ethan as Frozen was going off. 

“Girls did you have fun?” Jasmine asked.

“I did,” Amber said bubbling with joy.

“I did too,” Alyson chimed in a few seconds later.

“I am glad,” Jasmine said. “Why don’t you tell Mr. Ethan thank you and good night?”

The girls groaned their disapproval, but did say their thank yous and good nights, before going to their room.

“Mommy, Mr. Ethan said he would watch another movie with us tomorrow night if you were okay with it,” Amber said.

“That sounds like a good idea, maybe I will join you. Would you like that?” Jasmine asked as she tucked them in.

The girls said cheerful yeses in unison.

“We can make a day of it or something,” Jasmine said. “I think that we will have a good time. Now say your prayers and go to bed. I love you,” she stated and kissed them both on the cheek.

Chapter 21

Over the next couple of days, Jasmine worked on tying up loose ends for the Memorial Day fundraiser. Her physical
therapy was going well, she was gaining muscle mass and the edema was getting better. She was also less sore and stiff. The girls were doing excellent with their home schooling. She went into the office to work, with Townsend, Kimberly, and Santino when he was not on assignment with Claire. Jasmine had witty banter with Santino and Townsend, but not so much with Kimberly.

She was leaving the office one day, when she threw over her shoulder that she needed to go by her home before going to her new home.

“That is not possible,” Townsend answered.

“Why not?” Jasmine asked.

“It’s just not advisable right now,” Santino answered.

“What are you guys not telling me,” Jasmine asked clearly pissed off at this point.

“Princess, a few days ago Trent and Ethan discovered that your home had been burglarized. As of this moment, we have been unable to establish a motive as a lot of your valuables are still in place. Right now we can only speculate that the bad guys were trying to say that you are not so untouchable. They were able to disable your security alarm without being physically on the premises, and go into your home without being noticed. Only God knows how many days ago. There was some vandalism, but the rest of the team has been trying to gather some Intel that would be useful,” Kimberly said.

“Why am I just now finding out about it?” Jasmine asked.

“Ethan has decided that you, Princess, are too fragile to deal with matters of this nature right now. Also you may find that we are sleeping on the job once again,” Kimberly answered clearly angry. “It’s like everyone on this team is compromised and have made a pact not to discuss it.”

“So why are you telling me now?” Jasmine asked.

“Because she is a poisonous bitch, that’s why?” Santino said.

“Jasmine let’s get into the car, we are standing out in the open right now, you are an easy mark for anyone desiring to do you harm,” Townsend said.

“That would get Ethan’s attention,” Kimberly mumbled under her breath.

They walked briskly to the car, and pulled away from the curve.

“Santino can you message Ethan and Trent, let him know that I need to speak with them urgently? Also, I need Antonio and Renee present please, but I can contact them myself, forgive me I am babbling,” Jasmine said.

“It’s okay, calm down,” Santino advised.

“How can I be calm Santino?” Jasmine asked. “I have people who are trying their level best to keep me on edge. I have a team of inactive marines that work for me, but don’t keep me in the loop with everything. And you got Kimberly over here who is not a team player, who also has been walking around with a big chip on her shoulder since I laid eyes on her. Right now I feel like she’s rooting for the other team. I wonder if that is not yet another reason we are “compromised” as she is so fond of reminding us,” Jasmine said clearly fired up.

“Valid points,” Townsend responded then continued, “This is new for Ethan. He is doing the very best that he can, under these conditions. He is totally taken by you, and he feels as if it’s his duty as a man, your man, to protect you.  He doesn’t think of you as weak or as some silly princess. He knows that behind your flawless looks, and nice shape, is a kind, caring, sincere, and compassionate woman. A woman who has learned from her mistakes and is encouraging the world to learn from them as well.”

“Did he say all of that?” Jasmine asked.

“Yes, he did,” Santino said. “I personally am proud of you and quite impressed by you. Life has thrown you a lot of curveballs, but you are not bitter. You are not reclusive…You allowed these situations to shape you for the better instead of allowing them to chip away at the pieces of you that make you…well you,” Santino smiled.

“I don’t want a gold medal for surviving. Lots of people are surviving. Just help me get my life back so that I can go from surviving to thriving, pretty please. Thank you both, I am calmer, but I still need to speak with Ethan and Trent,” Jasmine said.

“Understood, I will message them. We are almost at the Blake-Moore Estates now,” Santino responded.

Jasmine walked into the villa, and threw her briefcase and light suit jacket on the chair. She was greeted by her miracle and her blessing as she walked into the kitchen. She spoke with the girls for a few moments before excusing herself to call Blake-Moore Estates main house. She spoke with Eleanor and asked her if she could hold a brief meeting at her home and was given a positive response.

She wiped her face with a cool towel. It was only spring, but the temperature’s outside were screaming summer. One good thing about Emerald Grove is that the wind constantly blew up off the Atlantic Ocean, so it did not always feel as hot as it actually was. Jasmine looked at her reflection in the mirror and acknowledged that she was stalling. She had to make some decisions quickly. Her heart was deeply saddened, but she knew in heart what was needed to be done.

Jasmine came out, apologized to everyone for keeping them waiting then advised them that the location for her meeting had actually just changed to accommodate everyone.

A few minutes later, Jasmine walked into the drawing where all her friends and family were gathered. Trenton’s whole team was assembled, including a shame faced Kimberly. She asked the home school instructor, to take the children to the play room.

“First, I want to thank everyone for gathering here on such short notice. I also want to thank Eleanor and Jake for being extraordinary hosts. I also want to thank each and everyone here for putting their lives on hold because mine has kind of taken center stage. She walked over to Renee, but continued to speak to the group at large. I just found out today that our home was burglarized recently. Renee gasped in shock. Apparently nothing of great financial value has been taken, but I personally couldn’t live there again,” Jasmine said.

Renee nodded her agreement, as Antonio hugged and comforted her.

“Trent and Ethan, once your team has completed your Intel, can Renee and I be allowed to go over there and gather some personal affects. At that time, Ms. Jeffcoat, I would like for the remaining items to be donated to goodwill, a cleaning crew contacted and permitted to clean the home. After which the house should be placed on the market, Jasmine said as she made decisions by the seat of her pants.

Sasha nodded her head.

“Antonio I need to ask a favor of you and there may be several in fact?” Jasmine said tentatively.

“Anything Bella?” Antonio responded.

“Will you please take my sister and two children, to Italy with you please? I wish to place them under your protection until I can join you all there, after the fundraiser please,” Jasmine asked.

“As you wish,” Antonio responded.

“Michael and Donna, how is my health really?” Jasmine asked.

“You’re basically healed. You need to continue your physical therapy as schedule,” Michael responded.

“Could I do that on my own?” Jasmine asked.

“Are you unhappy with the treatment that you have received from Donna and myself?” Michael asked.

“I am sure that Donna has a life to get back to even if you don’t,” Jasmine responded to Michael trying to lighten the mood. With the girls going to Italy I have taken away Dennis’ teacher, which further complicates Donna’s life. Unless she wants him and her mother of course, to go to Italy as well, and Antonio agreed of course?” Jasmine said.

Donna spoke up for the first time, “I think my mother would love a trip to Italy as would my son, of course, if Antonio does not mind,” Donna finished as she directed her gaze at Antonio said.

“It would be my pleasure?” Antonio said.

“Michelle, I may need to attend my very own fundraiser virtually?” Jasmine said. “Can you help me?”

“Yes, I would love too,” Michelle responded.

Eleanor and Jake, “Thank you again, for allowing me to stay on the estate. As soon as I find a new place, I will be out of your hair, I promise,” Jasmine said.

“Take your time, you know you are always welcomed,” Jake responded.

“Jasmine you all are our family as well, don’t rush,” Eleanor said smiling.

“If you guys will excuse me, I need a meeting with my security team,” Jasmine said, her irritation showing clearly in her features.

Trent started to explain, and Jasmine rudely cut him off and said, “Save it.” I don’t care what the reasons were for your poor decision making, but it stops now. I need to be kept updated with all details big and small. Who would like to catch up?” Jasmine asked looking back and forth from Trent and Ethan.

Ethan cleared his throat and stepped up to respond to Jasmine.

“We thought that it was in your best interest to keep this detail from you. You are still healing and you have been through a lot. It may have been the wrong call, but it was ultimately mine. I take full responsibility for the actions of my team. Now to update you, we don’t know what is missing if anything and nothing has been planted. The person, who entered your home, injured himself/ herself while there and there was blood left. Michelle has a machine that is running the sample to see if the person’s DNA is in any military databases, or police databases. It is a long shot but it’s what we have to work with. We have about fourteen more hours before we can expect any results. We have four total suspects that we are looking into for the shooting. This is the sketch from the guy at your church service and these are the employee ID photos for independent contractors that we are looking into,” Ethan finished.

Jasmine stepped closer to the pictures then closed her eyes tightly as she recognized Jason and Samuel, two brothers from the Boys and Girls Club that she sponsored.

Seeing the look that crossed over her face, Trent and Ethan jumped to attention.

“Jasmine, what’s wrong?” Trent asked.

“I know these two,” Jasmine said, keeping her composure. “They are Jason and Samuel Clark. I know them from working through the Boys and Girls Club. Jason has so much potential, but he is equally determined not to reach his full potential. Samuel the younger of the two, enlisted into the army. He was hell bent at one point, of making it out the slums. Everyone was so proud of him. He had some complications, in the military, but she hadn’t heard much of him since he had come back. If he is with his brother, I can guarantee that it is nothing good,” Jasmine concluded.

“Marisol can you call the FBI and have these two boys picked up for questioning?” Ethan commanded.

“Let me guess,” Jamieson said, “The four horsemen are going off to handle this interrogation as well.”

“Damn bro, you salty too,” Trent said looking at Kimberly, but speaking to Jamieson.

“Nah man, I just want to watch these guys get there butt’s kicked,” Jamieson said.

“Remember, one of them has been feeding us bread crumbs this whole time,” Carina said.

“Meaning what,” Jamieson asked.

“That he is helping us from the inside. He is working with these people against his better judgment,” Marisol said.

“I know you all don’t want to hear from me, but these guys are the little fish, we want the bigger fish. Make them roll over on him,” Kimberly said.

“This not our first tango, we got this,” Trent responded. “We got this. Let’s go fellows.”

“Be careful, be safe, and be smart,” Jasmine called out to them as they we’re leaving.

Trent threw back, a one word answer, “Always,” before crossing the threshold behind his military brothers.

The police had already picked up Samuel and Jason, when they arrived at FBI headquarters. They were divided into separate rooms.

Peering through the glass windows, Jason, who had a rap sheet as long as he was tall, appeared to be the classic thug. Everything about his mannerism gave off an, I don’t care attitude. Samuel on the other hand was nervous and anxious.

Ethan and Trent decided to keep Jason on ice and speak with Samuel first. They decided beforehand that they would both just play good cop with this guy.

Trent walked in and grabbed a chair, turned it around backwards and straddled it while Ethan walked over and leaned against the wall facing Samuel.

Ethan started by making introductions. Then he asked, “Do you know why you are here?”

Samuel responded, “Yes sir, I do.”

“Well go ahead and tell us what you know about the assassination attempt of State Representative Jasmine Anderson?” Ethan said trying to keep his calm.

“It was supposed to be an assassination,” Samuel responded with his head hung low like he was ashamed.

“What happened?” Ethan asked.

“I couldn’t do it,” Samuel said.

“You?” Trent asked speaking up for the first time.

“Ms. Anderson pissed off the wrong people, just by trying to protect her family. I have an addiction that has gotten out of hand. I was discharged from the military when I tested positive for recreational drug use. I got in debt with a local drug dealer people call Bryon Big Stuff Gibbs. I trained in advance weaponry with the army and he said he would forgive my debt if I took care of a problem for him. I didn’t know at the time that the problem was Ms. Anderson. He said if I helped him this one time then he would forgive my debt. If I didn’t he would have my ass,” Samuel said. “I couldn’t do it, when it can time to do it,” Samuel said. “If I didn’t know her, maybe, but definitely not in front of her girls; so I planned to just give a superficial injury, but the wind shifted on me and she moved. I couldn’t take it back,” Samuel said.