Page 60 of Special Agent Joseph

“Actually, your offer fit in with my plans or lack thereof. Until I know my name and background, I can’t make any real decisions for the future.”

“That’s what Megan said. But, Joe, I watched you at the warehouse. You stayed calm the whole time. Even fought with that Chinese monster that would make any man cringe. The giant scared the shit out of little ole moi. Yet he never did hurt me. Guess it’s cause I didn’t give him cause.”

Joe nodded and then added, “You were pretty brave yourself. Going after your grampa’s gun like that.”

“Actually, he’d pulled it out so it was on the floor beside him, practically in my hand when I dropped next to his body.”

“Well, if I didn’t thank you for making that stand before, I am now. You saved the day.” Lucia smiled with real emotion that made Joe appreciate her more. “You’re getting healthier every day, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Having Jack to run with, and you and Megan always around has been very cathartic. When I promised myself that I’d never use again, I meant it. Yet without help, I’m not sure I could have survived.”

“Do you remember anything about that time?”

“Enough to know it was the worst period of my life. Thank you for saving me.”

Joe reached across to take her outstretched hand. “We never gave up searching for you, kiddo. And though I told you this before, it’s worth repeating. Vinnie suffered huge regret knowing that his world had sucked you in. The man wanted to quit the business and do right by you, but Chen wouldn’t hear of it, forced him to continue. You understand that, right?”

“Yeah. I believe you. It’s taken me so long to even think about him with love, but I came up with a plan last night, one I believe he’d like. I want to go over it with you. I’ll need a lot of help, but if you’ll stick with me, I believe it can be done.”

“Shoot. What do you have in mind?”

“I want to turn this place into a rehab site… and not just for the rich. There’s a lot of kids like me who are lost, and victims of the assholes in places like the pit. Yesterday, when our lawyers gave me a breakdown of the money Vinnie had, I figure there’s enough to fund a place like that and have some left over.”

Joe watched Lucia’s expression, her eyes lit with reverence and commitment. “It’s a fantastic idea, Lucia. If you want my help, I just have one stipulation. You need to go back to school and finish your final year. By then, you might change your mind, and that’s okay too.”

“I won’t change my mind, Joe. I know it’s the right thing to do with the money. I have an inheritance that’s more than enough for me. But the drug money, it’s dirty, and I don’t want anything to do with it. This is the only way I can think of to put it to good use. I want you to manage it all for me.” Her narrowed eyes took on a sudden glint, and he knew she wanted to argue about his stipulation, but she seemed to think twice when she saw his expression. “Fine. Deal.”

“Then I promise… if I’m available, I’ll do everything I can to see your dream survive. In fact, while you’re away, I can get started on the plans… talk to people who can turn your ideas into reality.” Joe felt the first real excitement he’d experienced in a very long time.

“When will you know if your DNA has the answers you’re looking for?”

“Megan texted me earlier, asking for us to come into the Bureau this afternoon. I think they may have the reports. It’s been long enough.”

“Okay.” Excitement obvious, Lucia grinned in a cheeky way, “You like Megan, don’tcha?”

“Between you and me, brat, it’s gone way past liking.”

“Then marry her.”

“Without knowing my name? No can do.”

“You’re crazy. She’s infatuated with you so much that she glows every time she sees you. And you’re gaga over her. I say the hell with worrying about the small stuff. Hey, dude… we can hold the wedding here.”

Joe ruffled Lucia’s hair before standing. “Quit messin’ around, tempting me like that. This ole heart of mine is fragile.”

He liked the sound of her laughter following him into the house, yet what he’d told her rang true. He’d give anything to feel that he had the right to pop the question.

Chapter Forty-five

Megan was on pins and needles waiting for Joe and Lucia to appear. She wondered if she’d done the right thing in making the arrangements now in place. Hell, she’d even begged Mikey and his wonderful new boyfriend, Peter, if they agreed with what she’d planned, and they’d both given her their seal of approval.

Still worried, she’d checked the internet, and according to Google, some people in Joe’s mental state of amnesia could react in a physically negative way. So she’d questioned the doctor. But he thought it would be okay for them to spring the report on Joe, as long as he was with people he trusted.

And so her and Tom figured what better place than the FBI office where there was structure and truth all around. Again, Megan searched the space looking for Tom and was disappointed that he still hadn’t shown up. He knew the time they’d planned to talk with Joe and had promised to be here for extra support.

In the lobby, she watched as the elevator doors opened, revealing Lucia and Joe. Looking extraordinarily happy, Lucia held up her thumb signaling that she’d talked to Joe about their ideas and had gotten a positive answer. Happy to hear it, Megan approached Joe, her hand held out for his. “We have the information you’re seeking. It’s great, don’t worry. Turns out you’re one of the good guys.”

She led him to Sheila’s office where the ASAC greeted Joe politely. “I’m happy to tell you that we have found out who you are from the DNA report. Turns out, you did have a record. Christ… don’t get all twisted. You more than made up for your one small slip, son.” She pointed at the chair for him to sit before handing him a folder that held the information.

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