Page 46 of Vinny

Not hearing Don reply he continued, “We know where the drugs are. They’ve got to still be with the harp.”

“And why hasn’t it been confiscated? How difficult is it to get it from the carrier?”

Jawan recognized Don’s icy tone. Licking his lips, he plunged ahead, “She’s not living alone. It appears that she is living with her security escort from Alvarez Security.”

“So the drugs have been discovered? Is that whythey’re still involved? Are the goddamn police and DEA involved as well since it appears the whole fucking world is?”

“No, no,” Jawan hurried to explain. “It seems like no one has discovered what is inside the harp yet. She’s just living with him. I guess they started fucking on the trip and are still involved. But don’t worry. She’ll be on her own soon. He’s got a reputation for not sticking with one woman, so he’ll soon tire of her.”

Silence once again greeted him.

“Don, I’ve got this. She can’t keep the harp secluded forever. It’ll come out and when it does, we make our plans. I’ll get the drugs back. That’s a promise.”

“You’d better. Cousin or no…I don’t accept failure.”

Sighing after Don hung up on him, he called his contact. “Are you keeping tabs on her? I want to know where she is and who she’s with. And we need that fucking harp.”

“Look, all my other runs for you have been successful—even the ones with lil’ miss princess. I’ve got this. I’m keeping an eye on her and as soon as I can, I’ll get the stuff back for you. I can still make it to the buyer on this end.”

“I’m sending someone to take care of the baggage handler. No problem to me if he does another job for me. You get what I’m saying?”

Licking their lips nervously, they bobbed their head as they rushed to agree.

15

Several days later Vinny dropped Annalissa off at Maurice’s home for practice. Kissing her goodbye, he checked to see when her lesson would be over with. “I’m having Terrance pick you up when you’re done, babe.”

“I’ll be here for several hours. Should I call when I’m finished?”

After he agreed she went inside, greeting her teacher. Moving to the back room, they began to practice for an upcoming concert with a visiting symphony. The first hour went by quickly until they were interrupted by a visitor.

Mrs. Baxter walked into the studio with Todd right on her heels. Annalissa’s heart sank. She had hoped to continue to avoid seeing him for a little while longer.

“Maurice. Annalissa,” he greeted.

“Todd,” she said listlessly, lifting her face as he came over to air-kiss her cheek.

“What are you two working on?” he asked greedily.

Maurice motioned for Todd to have a seat as he answered. “The pieces are for the small contingency from the New York Philharmonic that you’ve scheduled for next month.”

“Perfect,” Todd exclaimed. “Look Annalissa, I know you’ve had reservations, but now’s the time to strike while the iron is hot.” Pulling out his Ipad, he quickly found what he was looking for and turned it around. “Look at the press from the concert you just did in LA. They loved you.”

Before giving her a chance to read it, he turned it back to himself and read it aloud. “The director claimed that you were the most talented harpist he has ever worked with. Let’s see, yadda, yadda, yadda. Oh, here it is. ‘The lovely Annalissa O’Brian wowed the crowd at the symphonic concert last night. Her musical interpretation is brilliant, making her possibly the country’s most notable Celtic harpist. Considering her youth, she can expect to have a long and distinguished career ahead of her and here’s one reporter that will be looking forward to having her grace our fine city once again.’”

She was pleased that her performance was well received, but knew that Todd was not finished.

Pulling out a sheaf of papers, he said, “Here’s what I’ve been working on. The contingency from New York is just a preliminary contact that we have with them. This concert will build our reputation and they have already agreed to have you play with them in six months in New York. Before then, there is an excellent opportunityfor you with the Phoenix orchestra and I can pair that with a trip to Chicago and then Minneapolis.” Shuffling through the papers in his file, he showed her more concerts that he was proposing. “I’ve worked closely with Gordon to make sure he can book these.”

“Todd, that has me traveling for a week every month for the next year. You know I don’t want to travel that much,” she protested.

“I’ve talked to your father and he agrees?—”

“No!” she said vehemently, coming to a stand. “I don’t want to travel that much.”

“Look, this is what can make your career. I’m working on a CD deal, but you need to make sure you have a name for yourself and a following. That’s what these concerts will do for you.”

Her eyes swung over to Maurice, looking for support. He sat quietly, staring down as he rubbed his hands together. Sighing deeply, he lifted his gaze to hers.

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