Page 3 of Lorna's Savior
“What holiday? There aren’t any holidays at this time of year.”
“Mr. H, I’m talking Memorial Day weekend. I’m currently at my cousin’s home just outside of Austin, Texas. I’ll be home in a week. If you can’t wait that long for me to arrive, then hire someone else.” Andy had learned early in his career that if he wasn’t firm, then his clients would try to walk all over him. If he stayed firm and true to himself, then it worked in everyone’s favor. He wasn’t about to back down, because this client happened to be rich.
“Fine, Mr. Ball, when can I expect you in my office?”
“Monday of next week. I’ll be there at 8 a.m.”
“Make it seven, and come to my home.” Mr. H. rattled off the address, and though the older man couldn’t see him, Andy nodded.
“Yes, sir,” he got out, before the call ended. Sighing, he pocketed his phone, and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Problem?” his cousin, Brian, asked from beside him.
“Not right now, but I have a feeling it could be in the future.”
“If you need any help, let me know.”
“What can you do? You’re still active military and live here in Texas. I live all the way up in Montana.”
“I understand that, but don’t forget, though I’m still in the military, I’m great with computers. If you need any help, let me know.”
“Thanks,” Andy said. “I shouldn’t have any problems with this case.” He chuckled, then looked at Brian sheepishly. “I’m taking on a cheating wife case for a very, very rich and powerful man. I’m sure all it will involve is a few late nights with a high-powered lens on my camera. Nothing too strenuous.”
Brain laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “Better you than me. But I’m serious, if you run into any problems, give me a call. I’m sure once I explain to Trigger and the others what’s going on, they’ll even help. Hell, a few months back, the team took down a perp who had tried to kidnap Trigger’s woman. You’re family, you can count on me and my team.”
“Thanks, Brian. I’ll keep you in mind if I run into anything unusual.”
“That’s all I ask. Just know that you’re not alone up there in Montana.”
Andy didn’t know what to say, so he remained silent. The two turned and looked into the house at the others, and Andy turned to Brian.
“My family really has five stores?”
“They do. At least, that’s what Mom told me. When was the last time you talked with any of them?”
“I talk to them all the time on the phone, but the last time I physically saw them was when I got out of the Marines.”
“That was what? Two years ago?”
“Four. They only had three stores then. Mom and Dad tried to convince me to open one, but I couldn’t do it. That way of life isn’t for me.”
“I’ve always wondered, why Montana? Why didn’t you stick around California?”
“Because I felt smothered by my family. Pressured into opening another New-Age, guru-crap store. That’s not for me. How can I sell shit I don’t believe in? A couple of guys I served in with the Marines are from Montana. Though I’m not in their back pocket, I’m close to them. Or at least a couple hours, and a phone call away.”
“Do they work as a private dick with you?”
“No.” Andy chuckled. “One guy, Patch, he’s a trauma doctor in a major hospital in Helena. Then, Finn, lives east of the town where I live, or at least, his family does. I’m unsure where he actually lives, but I do know he is beginning to take over his family’s foundation. Not that it matters, but he’s mega rich, and just got engaged.”
“So, you at least have friends you can hang out with? I worry about you sometimes. You’re not a loner, Andy. You’re best in a crowd of people, even if you stand off to the side and observe.”
“Thanks, but I’m doing okay. I like my single life, and I’m starting to make friends. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“I know I don’t, but I do. Anyway, the offer still stands. If you need my help for anything contact me.”
“Thanks, Brian.” Andy gave him a man hug and then turned back to look inside. He smirked at his cousin. “Do you think I threw your future brother-in-law a loop, telling him about my family?”
“Probably, I know Caryn hasn’t talked about them like you did. We’ve all mentioned that we have cousins, and only called them by their nicknames. He’ll meet them soon enough.”
