Page 8 of Blackmailed

“Bastards,” she whispered. “Right. What do you need me to do?”

If Janice hadn’t been married for thirty years and had three daughters of her own, he might have made a play for her years ago, but when he looked at Jochi, there was no one else for Jefferson, even if he couldn’t explain it.

“Our special files. I need you to start compiling them for me. Encrypt them and send them to Keeley Raferty,” he answered.

“Anything specific?” Janice still her pen, glancing up at Jefferson. “Will you be needing the stash?”

“Yes, I need the ammo. All of it,” he replied. “I will be bringing the others from my home as well.”

Janice’s eyes went round with surprise or fear, he couldn’t tell. Hell, it could have been excitement for all he knew. “All of it?”

“Yes. I am going to get into the mud and fight dirty then I am going to retire.”

She gasped. “But... But, sir.”

He patted her hand. “We’ve had twenty-five years together Janice. It’s time for both of us to get out of this rat race. My legacy will remain intact. I have someone in mind to replace me as well.”

She pursed her lips. “It’s time, isn’t it?”

He nodded. “It is. I missed a lot of years with my daughters and wife. Then Susanne died and well...”

“Say no more. Grandbabies have a way of changing hearts.”

And mates.“Yes, they do. Mikey is in kindergarten and the twins are a year old. Lynx is three. All four of them need their grandpa and I can’t be with them if I am here. I owe it to my girls. I owe it to Susanne's legacy."

Janice used her napkin to dab her eyes. “Retired does sound good.”

The waiter appeared at their side with Jefferson's drink. When he left, Jefferson glanced at Janice. "I want you to know I set you up for retirement. I made sure everything you'll need will be there. Health insurance, a 401k, and a special retirement account." Heat filled his cheeks. "I took it upon myself to have an extra ninety dollars taken out of your check every two weeks and put into your retirement account. I knew this day would come and I wanted you set for the rest of your life.”

Janice sucked in a breath before she softly sobbed and laughed at the same time. “You didn’t have to do that. I... I made a rainy day account at my bank.”

Jefferson barked out a laugh, drawing attention. “Well, shit, Janice.”

“We’re a couple of old fools,” she murmured. “It’s been a pleasure, sir.”

“Likewise. Now, I know tomorrow I leave for Window Rock, and I am putting a lot of pressure on you.”

She waved him off. “We have been planning this since you knew for sure what PBH has been doing to shifters. We have this.” She nibbled on the corner of her lip. “Have you spoke to your source?”

Jefferson frowned. “I did earlier. Hadn’t thought to ask for some intel.”

"Maybe you should see if you can get more dirt. You and I both know you'll need it."

“You’re right,” he replied. “As a matter of fact...”

He pulled the phone from his pocket the scrolled through the contacts until he came to Kalkin’s name. Adrian had been the head of PBH for a year now. He was also attending Boston College where, according to Jochi, he’d immersed himself into the college experience and his studies. When the encrypted text screen came up, he typed out a quick text.

Winters: I need Kirkpatrick’s help.

BigPoppaAlpha: Oh?

Winters: He might have the information I need.

BigPoppaAlpha: I’ll see what I can do.

“All of this will come directly from me, so you’re free and clear,” Jefferson said.

Again, she waved him off. “Not worried.”

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