Page 14 of Special Agent Joseph

Kramer cut in. “Anything that could put this bastard away for good is preferrable. But that means you have to get in close.”

“Yeah. Kinda figured that’s what you meant. Okay. I’ll give him a visit.”

“You’re serious about this.”

“Serious as a heart attack.” Joe looked from one surprised face to the other. “What? Why wouldn’t I be? This Vinnie dude is a badass, and I hate drugs. I’ll be in touch. But for now, I need to get back home and find out more about this dog I supposedly ran over.”

Chapter Nine

Megan became more and more frustrated as the days wore on. Princess Lucia was making life very dull for the agent who enjoyed constant action. Keeping herself occupied became a full-time job and to ward off boredom, spying on Vinnie kinda turned into an addiction.

So earlier, when she’d earned her FBI wages by placing the hidden microphone device, it felt good. Now safely back in her spacious suite of rooms, she thought about the dirty agent who’d made a sudden appearance. She’d seen pictures of the dude, and for some strange reason, even though the man looked the same, he came across as completely different from anything she’d expected.

When she’d read the files they’d assembled on the corrupt asshole, it didn’t feel like they were writing about the guy who’d pretty much just saved her life by keeping quiet. In all actuality, she’d expected to see a full-of-himself criminal, a cheat and aliar, and instead had witnessed a man who’d protected her and stood up to one of the most intimidating men in the country.

Even his appearance presented a problem. The shaggy-haired, jean-wearing stranger didn’t strut or appear like the clothes model she’d scrutinized in the photos they’d taken of him carrying on with various criminals. In those hidden shots, the man looked to be the type who’d spend hours at a hair salon while flaunting elegant clothing from Tom Ford or Gucci.

Flummoxed, she decided to go into headquarters on her next day off. In the meantime, she headed for dinner, hoping that Lucia would be willing to take a break from her pouting.

***

Surprised to see Vinnie had decided to join them, she hoped Lucia wouldn’t spoil the occasion by acting out. In fact, the girl could be a class A bitch when she’d a mind to. Often, she had a way of behaving that made Megan wish they’d smacked her diaper a few more times while she’d been throwing toddler tantrums. Surely, that would have curbed her tendency to believe the world turned just for her.

Megan understood that the fashion today meant not hurting a child’s feelings, or to break their spirit. But to indulge their every childish whim or treat them like an adult was idiotic to say the least. Having grown up in a family that demanded respect, didn’t tolerate fits or sulks of any kind, and treated her with the kindness she actually deserved, she had a hard time dealing with such unreasonableness delivered by a girl half her age.

She hoped that tonight might be different. That rather than long periods of silence, interspersed with unacceptable rudeness, she secretly crossed her fingers for peace at the table. Because she didn’t often get the chance to spend time with the boss, she wanted tonight to be an opportunity for her to get toknow him better. Ask him questions. Get more insight into what made the man tick.

As soon as the three of them were seated, Megan understood that Lucia didn’t care what Megan might like. She had her own agenda. Rather than greeting her grandfather nicely, she spat out a phrase that made Megan groan.

“What’re you doing here? Slumming with us commoners?”

“Nipotina…granddaughter,don’t be so angry. You are very important to me, and you know it. I would eat every meal here if I thought it mattered to you at all. Instead, you treat the occasion as if it angers you when you used to love—”

“Love?” Lucia’s scream of fury interrupted his words. “Don’t talk to me about love. If you loved me, you’d let me leave. I hate you.” Pushing her chair away from the table, she threw her napkin down and swung at the dishes, sending them flying to smash on the floor.

Stomping from the room, she slammed against the woman rushing to clean up the mess and rather than apologizing, she pushed her too before disappearing from sight.

In shock, Megan watched the horror on the maid’s face and felt sorry for her. Quickly rising to her feet, she began helping the woman clean up the mess all the while listening to Vinnie cursing in Italian.

Finally, he slammed his hand on the table, ordering her to leave the mess to the maid. “Stop that, Megan. Sit down. Let’s eat. I will not allow that kind of behavior to intrude on our dinner. Once Lucia’s calmed down, I will speak to her.”

“And say what? That you’ll buy her something to make it all better? She’s angry, hurt, feeling like everything in her world doesn’t make sense anymore. Can you put it back together like it was?” Shocked at herself for speaking out, Megan couldn’t back down from the truth.

Lost for words, Vinnie shook his head, finally admitting, “No, I can’t.” Then he picked up his knife and fork and began cutting into his Beef Wellington. After the silence became uncomfortable, he spoke. “So what’s your suggestion?”

Megan sipped her wine, taking a few seconds before answering. “I don’t know. She’s too young to live on her own. And you say she can’t go back to her old life. Maybe a private school where she can be away from what upsets her here.”

“You mean me.”

“Yes.”

Vinnie’s head dropped, making Megan think it might be shame causing his behavior. “I offered that to her when she first arrived, and she refused to talk about it. Said she wanted to stay with me. Guess that’s all changed now that she understands my world more.”

“Then maybe it’s time to make the offer again. If you like, I can talk to her about it.”

Vinnie smiled at her for the first time, showing real emotion. “I would be grateful. Thank you.” His cell rang and after reading the name on the screen, he apologized. “I have to take this.”

Megan pretended not to listen but couldn’t help overhearing him tell Joseph that he was willing to meet with him in the morning. As soon as he finished his call, Vinnie stood. “Excuse me, Megan. Please let me know what progress you make with Lucia. I’m extremely concerned about the child.”

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