Page 44 of Rules

"I hope it's not that kind of a call," a smiling Charlie appeared from the hall. "Come in, come in. Let's sit in the kitchen."

I filled them in on what Law's team found and that, by all guesses, it looked like Michael was heading our way. Both Charlie and Evelyn sat quietly holding hands, looking at the red print tablecloth.

"If Mouse and Keyboard say that's what's going on, then that's what's happening. Those ladies are nothing short of brilliant." Evelyn nodded at me as she spoke.

"Evelyn's really taken a shine to those two." Charlie said, squeezing his wife's hand. "I'm sorry I didn't get to meet them."

"Well, you'll be able to rectify that. They're coming with Law. He said he's responsible for them, so they have to come with."

Evelyn smiled. "I'll have to reach out."

We sat looking at our coffees, sharing the occasional glances. I took a bite of the chocolate chip cookie Evelyn had placed on my saucer. It was good, the first thing I'd had all day. Charlie finally broke the silence.

"Do you think he's actually coming here, Tobias?"

Meeting his eyes, I had to be honest with these people that Michael had terrorized without their knowing. For God's sake, bombs had been planted in their house. "Yes, I wish I could say I don't know or I don't think so, but I really think I would be lying."

"I was afraid you were going to say that." Evelyn took in a deep breath then blew it out. "Is it safe to think he's coming here looking for revenge?"

I thought for a moment. "That I don't know, but I think it's a strong possibility. He's not the most caring of individuals, and Whispering Pines is where he lost his operation. I can definitely see him being pissed and wanting to make people pay."

"If he was as smart as he says he is, he would have taken his millions and disappeared," Evelyn said in a defiant manner.

"That's not Michael. His ego would never let him," Charlie contradicted her. "I'd bet dollars to donuts he's laid awake at night plotting his retaliation. How dare someone defy him, ruin his operation, and try to take him to jail. Nooo, nope, in his head, no one takes down the almighty emperor Michael. No one. Especially not two women."

"I think Charlie's right," I said, knowing full well from my interactions with Michael that his ego knew no bounds.

"Question is," Charlie spoke again, "what do we do with this information? We've got two families with a lot of ammunition Michael could use against us."

Evelyn's hand went to her mouth. "I didn't think about that." She turned her head to me. "What do we do?"

"I would say get out of town. But that would take three doctors away from the hospital. I'm not sure that's doable."

"The kids are adults. They need to decide what's best for their families on their own," Charlie said, putting his hand up to stop Evelyn from interrupting. "I think we better have a family meeting. Let's call everyone over. We'll order pizza and talk."

Evelyn sighed, then nodded her head. "Fine, but if they stay, we stay."

"Agreed. Tobias, want to join us?"

"No, this is a family matter. For what it's worth, I think you're handling the situation the right way. Thank you for the offer, butI need to head home." I stood, placing my empty coffee cup in the sink.

"Honey, why don't you contact the kids? I'll walk Tobias out." Charlie stood and fell in step with me as Evelyn nodded, picking up her phone.

"Thanks for the coffee," I nonchalantly waved to Evelyn as I left. Charlie continued to follow me outside to my vehicle door. Turning to face him, I looked around the quiet, affluent, well-established neighborhood.

"Tobias, if we stay, I'm going to need some help protecting my family. My boys don't have the experiences I have; they don't have the knowledge." He looked right then left. "I've got military friends with access to items. Depending on the discussion tonight, I wanted you to know I'll be reaching out to them."

I nodded, figuring something like this was why he'd followed me. "I understand. I could advise you to let us take care of it, but knowing who it is and what he's capable of, just let me know what you end up with so my officers don't get hurt."

"Deal." Charlie shook my hand then headed back inside.

On my way home, I stopped at the liquor store. If there was ever a day I could use a drink, today was it.

Chapter 17

Tobias

The whiskey bottle sat on my coffee table, its amber contents catching the light, matching the generous measure in my tumbler. I downed the first three like shots before sitting and savoring this one. I suppose I should have followed Holly's orders to eat something. But truth be told, I don't need a mother hen right now. I know she's just trying to help and make sure I'm alright. But what I really need is someone to solve these fucking break-ins. Shit, at thispoint I'd settle for just a clue as to who the hell these guys are. They're like fucking ninjas, in and out without so much as a fingerprint. I slammed back the rest of the glass.

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