Chapter 19
Lithium Flower Construction, Yonkers, New York

Maria DeMarco stepped through the doors of Lithium Construction as if she owned the place. Then again, she did. The receptionist at the entrance just looked up at Maria as if she didn’t matter. Needless to say, the woman’s attitude pissed Maria off.

With barely a glance up and a bored tone she asked. “How can I help you ma’am?”

“First you can call upstairs and inform my nephew that I’m here to review the books. Secondly, you can call down to Human Resources and inform them that they need to send up your replacement.” Maria snarled.

“I don’t know who you think you are, old lady, but you just don’t come in here giving orders. You can either leave under your own power, or I can have Security escort you out.” The woman snapped.

To answer the woman’s question Maria smirked and pointed to the painting behind the reception desk. “I know that it is out of date but not that far of date. I happen to be THE owner of Lithium Flower Construction.”

The woman turned to the portrait then slowly turned back to the woman before her. It took her doing a double take to realize just how bad she had just screwed up.

Swallowing hard the receptionist looked back at the very intimidating woman before her. “Please forgive my poor manners ma’am.”

“Shut up, girl. Do as you’re told, and you just might have a job when I leave here.” Maria snapped.

The receptionist knew that Maria’s words were not a threat but a promise and carried out her instructions. Once the woman had called up stairs to Nicholai Rossi’s office Maria turned and walked towards the elevator. She knew that the receptionist would be replaced before she came back down. She may not be fired, but she would never work the reception desk ever again.

As Maria stepped off the elevator on the third floor she was greeted by her nephew. “Aunt Maria what a pleasant surprise. I’ll admit that I wasn’t expecting you for another year. What can I do for you?”

“Can it, Nicholai!” Maria snapped then ordered. “Your office now!”

Nicholai Rossi was many things, but dumb wasn’t one of them. He could tell that his aunt was very pissed off. About what he had no idea. LFC has been a growing concern for his aunt over the last seventeen years. He had busted his ass to make the company as legal as possible.

He had gone out of his way to get the more larcenous members of his union under control and succeeded to a point. The days of union bosses running the show with LFC were a thing of the past. Even if he had to ‘take care of’ a few them the old fashioned way. There were more than a few building footers in the greater New York area that had specialty reinforcements.

Once inside his office and the door was closed Maria walked straight to his desk and took his seat. When Nicholai saw this, he knew that he wasn’t dealing with the CEO and President of LFC, but Donna Maria DeMarco. Bowing deeply from the waist Nicholai swallowed hard. “How may I or Lithium Flower be of service Donna Maria?”

“You can start by explaining to me a few unsettling facts, Nicholai.” Maria placed her elbows on the desk top and her hands together with her fingers steepled. “Besides those first six high security safes for the local offices of the FBI, DOJ, ATF, DEA, IRS, and ICE how many more have you installed?”

“Of the Harmon and Gray forty-five-hundreds; we have installed a total of eight, my Donna. Six for the authorities that you listed off. Two were done for civilians with ties to the State Department with International Businesses. I have all the paperwork authorizing their install.” Nicholai knew that it was no use in lying to his aunt.

Besides those installs were all legally approved by the US State Department and had netted LFC a tidy profit. Those first six contracts had brought in more business for the security industry side of the firm.

“I see. So those additional installs were done on behalf of the State Department. Are the high security safes a specialty order, Nicholai?” Maria asked with her eyes closed.

“Yes, ma’am. There is normally a nine to ten months waiting period for one of the forty-five-hundreds. Then another year before we begin construction. Each of those safes are a custom order. Once construction actually starts, it takes anywhere between nine to sixteen days to install them. Does that answer a few questions for you Donna?” Nicholai wondered where his aunt's questions were going. Something was up.

“It most certainly does Nicholai.” Maria sighed. “Please understand that I am not mad you, but the situation those safes have placed me in.”

Taking one of the seats in front of his Nicholai sighed. “Can you please tell me how those safes have cause you any problems? They were installed legally by our company. We have all the paperwork covering the construction and installation for every high security safe we have done for the last fifteen years. We even have paperwork for the new Hitchner-and-Cocks ninety-one-hundreds that we just got approved for installation.”

“Hitchner-and-Cocks ninety-one-hundred? What the hell are those, Nicholai?” Maria almost snarled. “Please tell me that they’re not another type of high security safe like the Harmon and Grays.”

“They are my Donna, only much bigger and nastier. The Hitchner-and-Cocks ninety-one-hundred are an Embassy grade safe. So far LFC has installed forty-three of them for our Embassies overseas. We have also done nine here stateside for the Catholic Church and a few of our ally country Embassies.” Nicholai was proud of what he had accomplished over the last few years; though he crossed himself, mentioning the Catholic church.

“Tell me something Nicholai. Was the installation of these new safes also at the request of the State Department?” Maria knew that she was on the right track with her questions and suspicions.

“Yes, ma’am. Especially the ones for the Catholic Church properties. I know that the State Department was really pushing the time frame on the ones we did for the Church.” Placing his hand on his chin Nicholai frowned. “I hesitate to say this, but there was something wrong about the man who oversaw those installations my Donna.”

“If there was something off with the man why did you take the deal? Why in the name of the good Lord didn’t you turn him down, Nicholai? These are the types of decisions I pay you to make.” Maria almost snarled.

“That’s just it, my Donna. The man had all the proper paperwork. Everything was in order from start to finish. Here; take a look at the paperwork for yourself. You’ll see what I mean.” Nicholai went over to his office storage cabinets. Opening the top drawer, he pulled out the contracts for the HG-9100s and the HG-4500s. “I had no actual reason to turn the man down, nor to distrust him at the same time. Just because I may not like them, doesn't mean they aren't on the level.”

As he handed the file to Maria, Nicholai sighed. “I have always done as you suggested Aunt Maria. When it comes to business, the philosophy around here is a simple one. In God we trust, all others we run background checks.”

Maria chuckled. As she looked through the file concerning the HG-9100s and the next file for the HG-4500s she spotted something and used her phone to take pictures of the papers. “Nicholai, half of these contracts were brought to you by two different contacts. Does this happen often with your government contracts?”

Nicholai could once again tell he was dealing with his Donna and not his Aunt. “Si, my Donna. It is not unusual for us to deal with more than one contact within the Department of Interior or State Department for these types of construction contracts. It all revolves around the area of operation.”

“Explain to me how that works please?” Maria asked as his Donna.

“Each State within the United States is assigned to an individual area. Each area is assigned to a different controller for the Department of the Interior and every country is assigned a different Department Head. When a contract for a high security safe comes up for bid in a certain area it is only offered by that control officer.” As Nicholai explained the process for gaining those contracts Maria could see how her company got involved in this mess. “I have to admit that if it had not been for that original contract. Our high security division would not be anywhere near as profitable.”

“How so?” Maria had to fight to keep the anger out of her voice.

“That one contract lead to Lithium Flower becoming one of the top companies for handling high security systems. Especially for our Embassies overseas.” Nicholai explained with a crooked smile.

“Tell me something Nicholai. Just how many companies specialize in these types of safes?” Maria wondered.

“At present there are only nine companies that actually specialize in the work, but there’s about eighteen to twenty generalists in the field. Why?” Nicholai was really lost now. His aunt had never shown this much interest in the running of Lithium Flower in the past.

Aria thought about what her nephew was telling her as she read over the contracts in each folder. “Wouldn't they have to go through the same process?”

“Yes ma’am. The only acceptation to the rule is if a company’s Headquarters is in a certain area. They automatically get first refusal.” At Maria’s confused look Nicholai went on to explain. “For example. If a contract for a high security safe were to come open in the New England area Lithium Flower is the first in line. Outside of the New England area, if a contract comes open on the east coast it is up for bids. Those bids are sealed, and the lowest bidder wins. Just like all government contracts.”

Nicholai chuckled. “I have always compared the high security systems business to that of the early NASA contracts. It’s like what John Glenn said about the Apollo rockets. ‘I’m sitting on millions of lowest-bidder parts.’”

“Aw shit.” Maria snarled much to her nephew’s shock.

“Okay truth time here Aunt Maria. What's going on with those safe contracts that has you so pissed off? I know it’s not because we installed them. We’re legally covered as far as that goes.” Nicholai knew that his aunt was extremely upset when she used shit.

Maria looked up at her nephew and sighed. “A dear friend of mine with the DOJ informed me that several of the forty-five-hundreds have been found in the hands of known criminals. None of them were mafia, but all with connections to a very high powered political figure that was just recently assassinated in France. The DOJ is investigating those individuals and who installed those safes. This is attention that I do not like.”

Nicholai understood immediately what his aunt was getting at. If the DOJ was snooping around LFC, that meant they were snooping around Donna Maria ‘the Dove’ DeMarco. That meant it was his head and ass on the chopping block. Both figuratively and literally.

“Understood, my Donna. I’ll take steps to shut down the specialty and high security section by end of business today.” Nicholai knew what was being asked of him without it being said. “It will take a few months to complete.”

“No Nicholai. That division is far too profitable to just be shut down. My interest in this matter is keeping Lithium Flower out of the courts.” Tapping the folders in front of her Maria smiled. “These are more than enough to make sure that happens. Though I do have to wonder how you were able to win so many contracts. You haven’t been ‘greasing the wheels’ have you Nicholai.”

Nicholai snorted with more than a little indignation at the comment. “Aunt Maria if you question my business policies again, I’ll be more than willing to meet you on the sands.”

“You may be very good against your soldiers, my Capo.” Maria chuckled then turned cold as ice. “But you are still no match for the likes of me.”

Nicholai knew that he could not back down now. “You’ve gotten old, my Donna. While I have only gotten better and still have youth on my side.”

“Then I pray you make my exit from this life a clean one. Because yours will not be.” Maria knew it was just a dance between Donna and Capo. Nicholai was just blustering. “Just remember one thing. Let me correct that. Two things. Annette DeMarco, my heir, and the LAST Capizeo.”

At the very thought of facing not one, but two Mistresses of the Way of the Dancing Blade made Nicholai piss his pants. Then Maria went for the jugular. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the Hemlock Rose has mastered the Sleep of the Beautiful Death.”

As the blood drained from Nicholai’s face Maria gave the metaphorical coup-de-grace. “Understand something nephew. Your cousins are never ones to be trifled with. You try them and you end up dead. If you’re lucky, someone will find your body.”

For one of the very first times in his life Nicholai Rossie truly faced the dark side of his aunt. It was as if the Shadow of Death fell across his desk as she sat just sat there quietly. There before him was the true embodiment of the Wraiths of the Moonless Night. This woman may be his aunt, but he had no illusions that she couldn't or wouldn’t kill him.

Nicholai swallowed as hard as he could to remove the sudden taste of ash that filled his mouth. “Understood, Donna Maria.”

Maria stood up from his chair giving her nephew a cold ruthless smile. “I see that you finally understand your position, Nicholai. But if you don’t, let me be perfectly clear in this matter. KEEP LITHIUM FLOWER CONSTRUCTION LEGAL; IF IT IS THE LAST THING YOU DO!”

Nicholai Rossie didn’t need a building dropped on him to know his position. If he failed to follow Maria’s orders. He was dead. Nicholai watched as Maria picked up her purse and headed for the door with nothing more than a casual glance over her shoulder. The cold dread feeling of someone walking across his grave ran down his spine. When Maria closed the door behind her Nicholai let out the breath that he had been holding.

“Papa, and Uncle Renaldo warned me never to try Aunt Maria. Now I know why they warned me.” Nicholai looked over at the closed door. “Death truly walks among us poor humans in the guise of Maria DeMarco.”

The door to his office opened and a very frustrated twenty-something secretary rushed in. “um… sir are you alright?”

“I’m fine Maggie. I just had to deal with a minor problem for my aunt is all.” Nicholai sighed. “Don’t worry she’s not pissed off at you. Just me.”

“May I know what has angered Mrs. DeMarco?” Maggie asked as she moved to the cabinet that held her boss’s private liquor stock. “One or two fingers sir?”

“Four and forget the ice, Maggie. Use the Black label.” Nicholai looked over at the door. “Maggie have you ever heard the tell of how death was released into the world?”

“If you’re talking about the toad, the frog, and the jar. Yes, sir, I do. Is there another story?” Maggie asked her.

“The one you suggested will do Maggie, but there is another one that fits this situation. One that is handed down in my family.” Taking the rocks glass from Maggie Nicholai sat down in his chair. “I used to laugh at that story when I was a child Maggie.”

“And now sir?” Maggie asked quietly already knowing the answer.

“I now know that the story falls short of the truth.” Nicholai whispered. “As feared and as deadly as I am, I’m nothing compared to my aunt and cousins. Especially my cousin within the Capizeos.”

Gorman Rod and Gun Club, Carman, New York 2000hrs

The massive Earth Roamer pulled to a stop under the entrance canopy for the Rod and Gun Club. As the parking attendant stood there staring at the black and gray RV, two men exited the cab area. Both were dressed in the height of high business fashion for men of wealth. The young man could also tell that they were a pair of oilmen from out west. From the $900.00 Tony Lama cowboy boots, and $4000.00 western style cut Armani suites, to the $1200.00 Stetson Presidential they placed on their heads. He had seen their type before.

A pair of Wildcatters that hit a big strike and made it rich. Only unlike the others he’d seen, these two men were still hunting for the next strike. The name of their company on the side of the truck was the other give away. The young read the name out loud as the passenger open the door for the camper of the truck. “‘BOHICA’ Oil and Gas, deep well explorations? Wonder what that means. Must be one of those Native American owned companies.”

When the two beautiful teenage girls stepped down out of the truck the young man felt his jaw drop. He could not believe what was there before his eyes. These two young ladies had to be runaway supermodels or a pair of extremely high-priced New York Call-girls. The young ladies were dressed in identical Alexander McQueen Lace-Inset Tuxedo Dresses and Paris Texas knee-high black croc print high-heeled boots. The two young ladies were wearing close to six months of his salary in clothes alone. When he added in the jewelry, they were wearing close to two years, if not more. When the girls put on a pair of matching Stetson cowgirl hats the attendant changed his evaluation of them.

“Welcome to the Gorman, gentlemen. Would either you or your escorts have a reservation?” the attendant asked of Hunter.

Before Hunter could take the boy’s head off, Bobby handed him a fifty. “The reservation is under BOHICA Oil and Gas. And son, if I was you, I'd get your eyes off our daughters. My partner has a habit of ripping the heads off of assholes. Un'erstand boy?”

“Daddy, you and Uncle David promised our mammas that you would behave. No, scalping the hired help.” Kristine said as she raised up on her tiptoes as she kissed Bobby on the cheek.

“I know sweet-pea. We’ll behave.” Bobby told her as he gave the parking attendant a look that could kill.

“Um… sirs; may I have your keys?” The young man asked as he held out his hand.

“Sorry son, but there’s proprietary equipment on that there horse. I’ll corral it up myself. You just tell me where I can put it bed.” Hunter told him. “Go on with the girls, partner.”

“We’ll be waiting for ya at the check-in desk, Dave.” Bobby held out his arms to the girls. “Lisa, Alexis, shall we?”

The teens just giggled and took Bobby by the elbow. In unison the two girls smiled brightly. “After you, sir.”

As Bobby led the two girls inside Gorman the parking lot attendant just shook his head in amazement. Turning back to Hunter he gulped to see the look on the father’s face. “Sorry sir. I meant no disrespect.”

Hunter just grunted then gave the young man a smile. “That’s alright son. Me and my partner know the effect our girls have on male population. Now where can I put our lab on wheels?”

“Um… sir, can I ask you what you mean by ‘lab on wheels’? The reason why I’m asking is for security reasons.” The attendant explained.

“Because that is exactly what it is young man. That there RV is a rolling Geological Survey laboratory.” Hunter chuckled. “It’s how we found leads for more than three quarters of our newest strikes. It’s just one of the newest ideas our lil’ girls come up with for our company.”

“Sir, please don’t take this the wrong way, but your daughters don’t look old enough to understand that type of advanced science.” The attendant hooked his thumb over his shoulder towards the bar area. “If you really want to talk with a real Geologist. Professor Harry Martin is in the bar area.”

Hunter chuckled and laid it on thick. “Young man, those two young ladies that just walked inside have master’s degrees in Geology and Enhanced Oil Recovery from the University of Wyoming. They may be young, but they’re two of the field’s brightest up an’ coming. Don’t let their looks fool ya.”

“Wow. I’ve never a real prodigy before. Let alone two of them.” Hunter just chuckled at the young man. “Oh. Sorry my bad sir. You can park your truck over on the far end of the lot. Sadly, that is the only area we have that is big enough to hold your rig.”

“Thanks. I know it’s rather large. We really do need the Beast for our work. It’s a real bitch to get from one place to another in the world. It’s not too bad here stateside. We just drive her to wherever we’re going.” Hunter told the young man as he walked around the front of the Earth Romer. As he climbed in behind the wheel he called out. “You said over there by the fence, right?”

“Yes sir.” Hunter just nodded his head and started up the big truck. The attendant watched as the massive truck pulled out and headed for the far side of the parking lot. He watched as the oilman pulled the truck into a nearest parking space backwards. From the way the man handled the truck the attendant could tell that he wasn’t used to driving the truck.

Hunter knew by the look on the attendant’s face that he spotted something by the way he drove the truck. As he walked by the young man Hunter handed him a fifty dollar bill. “Do me a favor partner. Don’t let my daughter know how bad I screwed up while parking her truck?”

The attendant blinked twice. “Wait, your daughter drives that monster?”

Hunter smiled. The attendant bought the lie. Dropping his voice to just above a whisper. “Me and my partner rarely drive the damned thing. Our wives talked us into letting the girls buy that beast and set it up as a rolling lab. Our daughters are the ones that normally drive it around. The two of us rarely if ever get behind the wheel of the beast.”

The attendant started chuckling. “Okay sir. No offense, but that explains why you were having so much trouble handling her.”

“Thanks. Just keep this between us.” Hunter said and headed inside. If he had stayed outside for just a few more seconds. He would have heard the attendant chuckling to himself.

“I guess the old saying is true. You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the man.” The attendant just looked over his shoulder at two oilmen and their daughters at the desk. “It takes all kinds to make the world go around.”

Inside at the hotel desk, the head clerk was practically pissing herself. She couldn’t believe that these two men were multi-millionaires. The fact they were able to get a reservation with no notice spoke to the level of their wealth. And the two teenagers that were with them did everything they could to draw attention and not scream high maintenance. The fact that the two girls were wearing clothes that were worth six months of her salary made her green with envy. She wasn’t even counting the jewelry the girls worn.

“Yes sir, Mister Bowman. We have your reservation right here. Four rooms for the next three nights.” Looking over at the teens. “Will your wives be joining you later on?”

“Yes, our wives should be here after midnight. Sometime around two in the morning. Our mother-in-law should be here before midnight.” Bobby told the young lady as he handed over the credit card for BOHICA Oil and Gas.

When the clerk ran the credit card it was approved the second, she hit enter. Then again most corporate platinum credit cards almost never came back declined. She handed Bobby the receipt for him to sign then gathered three keys. “When your mother-in-law arrives, all she’ll have to do is give her name to receive her key. Do you wish to be paged when your wives arrive?”

“Yes, please. We’re not sure when their flight gets in at Albany.” Hunter told the clerk. That was the cover story they were using for the regrouping at the Gorman. Bobby and Hunter just hoped like hell that the cover story they gave was the one to be used.

The desk clerk smiled and began to type something out on her computer. “Do you know what flight they’re sir?”

Kasey saw the problem before her fathers did. “They’re coming in on a private charter out of England ma’am. Do you have the private terminal listings?”

The desk clerk frowned. “Sorry, but we don’t have access to the private terminal listings, Miss Hichman.”

“Not your fault ma’am. We understand. It’s not like our mothers to travel so late, but they were held up by a business meeting in Belarus.” Kristine told the woman out of nowhere.

“What in the world are your mothers doing in Belarus?” The clerk blurted.

Hunter and Bobby chuckled, as Kasey answered the woman snidely. “We do business in all fifty states, and thirty-nine countries worldwide. Our fathers know how to drill, we tell them where, and our mothers make sure that we get paid for it all.”

“Just ignore my cousin, ma’am. She can be a real bitch at certain times of the month. Like now.” Kristine glared up at Kasey. “Apologize to the woman.”

“Sorry ma’am.” Kasey ground out as she returned Kristine’s glare with one of her own. The ‘fight’ that was about to start was stopped by Hunter.

“Enough, you two. We didn’t send you two to Saint Michael’s to learn how to be a pair of roughnecks. Now behave.” He told them as he place a hand each girls shoulder from behind. Looking up at the desk clerk Hunter just shrugged his shoulders as if to say. ‘Teenagers; can't live with them, can’t live without them.’ The desk clerk just smiled and nodded her head. “What time does your restaurant close for the evening ma’am?”

“The Dining Room closes at ten, with full room service until three am. It reopens at seven for breakfast and stays open until ten. They have full range of dishes. Be sure to check the daily menu posted in your rooms before ordering from room service as the dishes do change according to the kitchen staff on duty. Each Chef has a specialty style of cooking.” As the desk clerk explained about the menu Kasey’s stomach rumbled.

“Sorry about that.” The blush that came to her face was not faked. “Um… daddy can go get something to eat now? Those Beltway Whatta-burgers, double-deckers and fries wore off about an hour ago.”

“Sure darling. Come on partner. Time to rustle us up some grub.” Hunter said to Bobby. “We can fetch our bags after dinner.”

“Sir I can arrange for one of the hotel staff to retrieve your luggage from your car. If you like?” The clerk suggested.

“Sorry, but there is proprietary equipment on board our truck Miss. We’ll take care of our luggage after dinner.” Bobby quickly told her.

“Understood sir. We often have guests that stay with us who have the same problem. Not to worry though. Your rooms have the latest security measures.” The clerk informed the small family group.

“Thank you, miss. You have a good evening.” Bobby said with a smile. “Come on girls, let’s get some food you. May be a nice T-bone steak, baked potato, beans, cornbread, and a tall glass of sweat-tea.”

Both teens just rolled their eyes and took their fathers by the arm. The desk clerk could tell by the way that the two girls walked and their nature physical fitness they spent hours upon hours in the ballet studio. There was no way in hell those two girls would ever let red meat cross their lips. Not with those runway model bodies.

As Ground team One entered the restaurant for the country club area of the Gorman, Kasey spotted their target. Switching to Dakota so that only she and her family would understand. “Tango Bravo, three o’clock, fifteen meters. Two trained suit monkeys packing sidearms.”

“Two train apes more over by the patio door. Both packing.” Kristine had stayed with Dakota as she pointed out Andrews second pair of bodyguards. “Last one, over near the bar. He’s carrying a Tech-9. Most likely full-auto.”

“Are you sure about that Dancing Star?” Hunter asked her in Dakota.

“He let it flash when he adjusted his seat. The outline was that of a Tech-9. I’m only guessing at it being modified for full auto, Sky Warrior.” Kristine explained her reasoning.

“Not bad, and Dancing Coyote, your assessment of the two next to our target is dead on. Have you girls figured how you’re going to make your approach?” Bobby asked them.

“That is the sixty-four dollar question, Spotted Pony. But I think it’ll be best if we let him come to us. Word will surely get around to the White eyes about who we are shortly.” Kasey told her father.

“How do you figure that, Dancing Coyote?” Hunter asked.

“The desk clerk, and parking lot attendant, have to be on the man’s payroll. The same can be said for the majority of the staff. According to the intel that we we’re able to gather on Tango Bravo, he pays extremely well to be kept informed of every little thing that goes on around him.” Kasey answered.

“Just how accurate is that intel?” Bobby questioned.

“Internal Affairs reports, word of mouth and informant street cred is the best that you’ll get, Spotted Pony. But it would definitely fit with the man’s MO. He hasn’t stayed out of prison on blind luck alone.” Kasey told him with a smile as the restaurant hostess approached them.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Gorman country club. Would you like a table for four or separate tables this evening?” The young woman asked with a smile.

“Table for four please. Near the patio and away from the bar, please.” Hunter ordered the young woman.

“Right this way sir.” After showing the four to their table and handing them their menus the hostess smiled. “Would you gentlemen like something from the bar while you wait?”

“Two beers for us and ice-tea for the girls, sweet if you have it.” Bobby ordered for them. The hostess just smile and left to get their beer and tea. “What do you girls want to eat?”

Kasey and Kristine just giggled and looked over their menus. When the waitress returned with their drinks, she was not alone. With her was a man dressed in a nice but conservative business suit. “Greetings ladies and gentlemen. I’m the Gorman’s manger, Miles Sweeny. I understand this is your first time enjoying our establishment.”

“Ya’ll might say that, Mister Sweeny. We normally don’t get up this way.” Bobby told the man politely.

“I see. Might I inquire as to what brings you gentlemen to our far part of the country?” Sweeny asked with the same amount of politeness.

“We understand that there are a few untapped natural gas fields around this area. So, our daughters tell us.” Hunter said smiling over at Kasey and Kristine. “Or at least, that’s what their hocus-pocus tells us.”

“Daddy, how many times do we have to tell you! It’s science damn it! Not hocus-pocus, voodoo or any other black magic bull.” Kristine huffed. Only to get a laugh out of the manager and her parents.

“I must say gentlemen. Your daughters are quite the pair. I’m sure they brighten whatever room they enter. With more than just their beauty. Their wit is on par with some of our more illustrious lady members.” Sweeny soothed.

“Their tongues are as sharp as their mammas’ at times.” Bobby chuckled as he got a pair of ‘death glares’ from the girls. “I have a question for you sir. What brings you to our table? Pretty sure a pair of Wildcatters is nothing new to your establishment.”

Sweeny chuckled. “That may have been true twenty or thirty years ago, sir. But the last Wildcatter to grace the Gorman was Gibson Bliss. Back in sixty-four or was sixty-six. I know it was before the Tet Offensive of sixty-six and after the Gulf of Tonkin.”

“Are you talking about Gabby Bliss sir?” Kasey asked with excitement.

“I believe so, Miss. Do you know of the man?” Sweeny asked in surprise.

“Who doesn’t know of Gabby Bliss is the question you should be asking, sir. The man is a legend in the Gas and Oil business. Why that crazy Texan brought in more new oil or natural gas fields and technology for our business than any other Wildcatter in recent history. With the exception of his niece, Darla Ann.” Kristine jumped in with the same amount of excitement.

Hunter and Bobby chuckled at Sweeny’s discomfort over the girls faked reaction to his question. “Mr. Sweeny, you have to understand what the Bliss family has done for our industry. They set standards for exploratory drilling operations that were so far ahead of their time that it was pathetic. Even now the EPA is just catching up.”

“I see. If you gentlemen should need anything during your stay. Just talk with the front desk.” With that Sweeny walked away.

“Keep an eye on where that man goes, Sky Warrior.” Kasey whispered in Dakota. “Something tells me that he is Andrews’ main inside man.”

“Way ahead of you Dancing Coyote.” Hunter smiled. “Yup he just checked in with our target. Looks like he is making his rounds to check up on his guests, but he is definitely passing on our cover story to Andrews.”

Bobby just nodded his head as he watched the exchange between the two men. “You girls called. It looks like Andrews has his hooks into the staff.”

“It was nothing more than SWAG, Spotted Pony. We’ve been studying the intel packet that Stronghold forwarded to us just before we left New York. According to that packet the guards with him are Dale Spiecer, Steve Lancer, the two over by the doors are Mike Spears, William Green and the ape with the Tech-9 is Jimbo Peters.” Kristine told her fathers.

“Not fucking good, they’re all known mercs. Spiecer, Lancer, and Green are all former British Special Air Service. Spears and Peters are former LA SWAT. In short we’re looking at five Close Quarters Combat experts.” Bobby’s unspoken warning had the teenagers full attention.

When Kristine’s phone rang, she quickly answered. With a smile she answered in Italian. “Good evening grandmother. How are you doing?”

“I take it that you’re in public, child?”

“Yes ma’am. We’re checked in and are having dinner now. We’ve yet to make contact with our target. Though we have drawn his attention.” Kristine answered her grandmother.

“I doubt he’ll make contact until much later tonight or early tomorrow morning. Remember, the man is not to be underestimated at all costs.”

“Understood, ma’am. Andrews is a rattlesnake of the first order.” Kristine smiled even though she wanted to frown. “Do you have an ETA for us?”

“I should be there in twenty minutes child. Why?”

“Do you want us to hold dinner for you?” Kristine asked sweetly.

“Please order me a nice clams and fettuccini alfredo with a decent Chardonnay, piccolo. I have had a very trying evening. Arrivederci cuore di sudore.”

“Yes, ma’am. See you when you get here. Arrivederci.” Kristine hung up her phone and put it away. “Grandma should be here in twenty minutes. Should we let the front desk know, papa?”

“I believe that would be best. We’ll let the waitress know when she takes our order. Did she ask for anything special to eat?” Hunter asked.

“Yes sir.” Kristine got a thoughtful look on her face. “From the way that she ordered I think that she might have eaten here before.”

“She might have, sis. Remember she used to come to places like this all the time when she was still dancing.” Kasey pointed out. “Remember how those store managers were falling all over themselves. She is still very famous in certain circles.”

“Let’s hope that doesn’t become a problem here.” Hunter pointed out as he looked toward Andrews and his bodyguards.

“I don’t think that will be that big of a problem partner. Remember that Andrews doesn’t run in the same circles as our mother-in-law.” Bobby matched Kristine’s thoughtful look. “The only problem will be the staff. If any of them have been here for more than fifteen years we could have a problem.”

“We checked that papa. Currently there is only two staff members that has been here for more than ten years. They’re the Chief Grounds Keeper for the golf course and Head Caddy.” Kasey informed her fathers.

“Then we should be safe for now. Your grandma is not one for golf. Ballet is more her style.” Hunter chuckled. “Did she say how the interview went?”

“No sir. She only said that it was trying. Whatever that meant.” Kristine answered. “From the sounds of her voice, she was rather tired.”

About that time their waitress showed to take their order. Once the waitress had their order she smiled and left them. While they waited, the four deputies turned their talk towards how they would spend their time. When their order was delivered the Hostess also approached their table. She wasn’t alone. An immaculately dressed Maria DeMarco accompanied her.

All four members of the small family had seen Maria dressed to the nines before. But they have never seen her dressed to impress the way she was now. This was not the normal high powered business woman they had expected. As Maria walked through the dining area men’s heads of all ages turned. Only two men weren’t taken in by her runway model walk and professional dancer looks. It took all of Hunter’s and Bobby’s considerable self-control to keep their jaws from slamming through the table top.

“Damn. Nonnina looks like she just stepped off the cover of Vogue.” Kasey whispered. Kristine just nodded her head.

“Good evening children.” Maria greeted them with a smile. She knew what kind of affect her appearance was having on those around her. She had seen it happen before. Even though she was over fifty Maria still looked to be in mid to late thirties thanks her daily ballet practice. Turning to the Hostess. “Thank you dear. Could you bring me a Cabernet Blanc, Mill Creek please?”

“Of course, ma’am.” The Hostess was impressed with her selection and smiled as she left to get Maria’s wine.

Once they were alone and Maria had taken her seat, Bobby switched to Dakota. “You normally look very beautiful mother Maria, but tonight you have taken it to a whole new level.”

“I have to agree mom Maria. You are absolutely ravishing tonight.” Hunter could only voice his own appreciation of Maria’s appearance.

Maria like all the members of her family had worked hard to learn Bobby’s native language. While not as fluent as her family, Maria still had a working knowledge of Dakota. “Thank you, boys. You make this old woman feel young again. How has your operation gone so far?”

“So far, so good. We’ve set the cover story everyone. Now it’s all down to waiting. We’re pretty sure that most of the staff are on Andrews’ payroll.” Kasey quickly answered Maria’s question.

“How so?” Maria asked.

“Back in New York the way you were talking about the Gorman, was like you had been here before. We double checked and two members of the staff have been here for more than ten years.” Maria watched as Kasey blushed. “Our greatest worry is your fame as a Prima.”

That was all Maria needed to hear to understand the problem. “There is no need to worry then. Until recently only men could walk through the doors of the Gorman. Twenty years, even just ten years ago, the Gorman didn’t allow women to even stay in their hotel. As much as I would have LOVED to visit, they wouldn’t have allowed me through the doors. Even as a resident Prima for one of the New York ballet companies.”

“Then it is highly doubtful that anyone for the staff would know you.” Hunter pointed out then turned thoughtful. “What about guests?”

“Doubtful that anyone here would recognize me, Hunter. I have been out of the spotlight for too long. Only the very learned or devout followers of ballet would recognized me in my old age.” Maria chuckled. “I know that the years have taken their toll on this old lady.”

As one the small family started to chuckle, then laugh at Maria’s comment about her age and beauty. Though Maria was in her fifties she was still a very beautiful woman. No one in their right mind could dispute this fact. And if they ever asked her husband, he would merely say that Maria DeMarco was as beautiful today as she was the day, she stole his heart. About that time the Hostess returned Maria’s drink.

“Your dinners will be out in a moment, ladies and gentlemen.” As she placed Maria’s wine in front of her. “Do you need a menu, ma’am?”

“No thank you, young lady. My family has already placed my order.” Maria turned a hard glare on her family. “Or they should have.”

Hunter waved Maria down. “Don’t worry mom. Your clams and fettuccini alfredo with a Chardonnay should be coming out with our orders.”

“Then everything should be out in a few minutes, sir. I’ll double check to ensure that the order is complete.” With that the Hostess hurried off.

Once they were alone again Maria turned to Kasey and Kristine. “Any updates on the New York situation my little Swans?”

“Yes ma’am. The entire SVU division for New York PD plus all of their SWAT and Special Response teams raided all of Silvia Price’s safehouses. All the teens that were held there were safely recovered. Senior Deputy Inspector Chandler and his team were instrumental in the recovering of those teens. A large number of the teens are currently in route to the school in Garret County, Maryland. The majority of them though are being turned over to the Saint Nicholas Convent and School in Queens. We don’t know who he arranged to cover the transport of the rest, but we can tell you that the company is the best.” Kasey smiled as she answer Maria’s question, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “One of the NYPD officers did put in his report that a light gray big-rig was at the pickup point. Sound familiar?”

All three adults just nodded their head. This wasn’t the first time that they had crossed paths with these ‘phantom truckers’. About that time their meals arrived. As was their custom all business was put on hold while they eat diner. Even though they talked while they ate, it was in Dakota. Their conversation had drawn the attention of the surrounding diners for one simple reason. None of them had ever heard the Native American language. To have a family of five using it off of a reservation was unheard of.

Most of these men and few women spoke another language such as French or Italian. But none had ever heard one of the original languages of America. More than a few of them had visited the casinos on the local Native American reservation sure, but in this day and age most of the staff at those casinos were not Native Americans. Making the language spoken there English. There was one man though that had a far different reason for trying to figure out what the family of five were talking about.

Charles Irwin Andrews spotted the two men and two teenagers when they first walked into the dining room of the Gorman. As a long term resident of the Gorman’s hotel, he paid top-dollar for information on any new guests. He knew the moment that the reservation was made for BOHICA Oil and Gas. For the last three years Andrews had been looking for ways to launder his money. He had been using Abrams and Price, but now those avenues were gone. His last connection for cleaning up his money was through Precision Holding.

The one connection that he hated using the most, the Holy Roman Catholic Church’s Iscariot Division. If it hadn’t been for his old friend Alfonso Delacorte, Charles wouldn’t even think of using those people. There was just something about dealing with an Intelligence Agency that was not only the oldest in the history of the world, but also had more secrets than the CIA that bothered Charles to a point. Charles didn’t mind selling guns, anti-tank missiles and other munitions to anybody and their brother-in-law. What he didn’t like was being told who had to sell those items to. He believed in ‘free enterprise’. He only one had one problem. He didn’t care who was killed by the weapons that he sold. Something that the government looked down on.

When Taliya at the front desk told him about a pair of Wildcatters staying at the Gorman, he knew that his newest ‘investment’ had just walked through the door. Now he just had to figure out how to approach the men. At first, he thought it would just be the two men, but when they arrived with the teenagers, he thought that he had his way in and the perfect blackmail. That was until Sweeny blew that idea out of the water. How the hell could he know that the men would be traveling with their daughters. Or that their wives and mother-in-law would be showing up later in the night.

He kept watching the small family group after Sweeny left. When the mother-in-law showed, he knew that he would have to really up his game. He already knew that he would have to put on his best behavior when approaching the men by the way that they were addressed. Their daughters just drove that point home. But when the woman who was without a doubt their mother-in-law walked in, he knew that he was in trouble. This woman just exuded upper-class High Society. If the wives were even half of what he was already seeing, Charles knew that he was going to need more than his A-game. He would have to be the perfect gentleman to pull these people into his shadowy world.

Something he had done more than once. Sylvia Price and Donald Abrams were just two of his victims. He had been researching BOHICA Oil and Gas from the second he heard about them. Sadly, for Andrews, BOHICA was on solid financial footing. Unlike with Price and Abrams he couldn’t use the carrot of financial bail-out as a way in. This company wasn’t like most Wildcatter operations. Whatever they were doing was bringing in solid gas or oil fields. The real kick in Charles’s plans was these people were able to get the rights to drill on Native American lands. Andrews couldn’t figure how they had been able to achieve this accomplishment. That was until his waitress brought him his evening meal. He found out from the young woman that they were talking in a strange language. That put things together. They were Native Americans. At least the fathers were, and their daughters were raised on the Native American reservations. It all made sense now.

BOHICA had casino money backing their operations. Millions upon millions of dollars at their beck and call. Native American owned companies were always backed by their tribes. Something that he couldn’t match. Not even in his wildest dreams. He just had to figure out a different way to approach them. The problem for Andrews was how.

“Boss, I think I know how to get you in with those Wildcatters.” His bodyguard said from behind him. Of all his personal bodyguards, Dale Spiecer was the only one that thought the same way.

“Talk to me Dale. What are you thinking?” Andrews asked.

“The parking lot attendant said they came in with some kind of supercharged rolling lab. Me and the boys make it disappear, you offer to help find it. That’s your way in.” Spiecer explained.

That was all Andrews needed to hear. “Do it.”

-----tbc-----
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