Chapter 8: Gearing for the road ahead

Motto: Each new role brings its own challenges

I then said, "With all respect Mr. Matron. You shouldn't have gotten involved. That man is a spiteful man. He will shoot at you and gun for you. I have a family and I have to keep them next to me at all times."

Joseph then said, "My wife is the Supreme Court Judge. She is protected by the best security money can buy. They are loyal. I know this because; we have had many enemies over the years. But we survived the Karloff family and they are worse than your father.

I have an army of soldiers, armored cars and a fort for a house. So I am safe."

I then exhaled and said, "I have the same things in place. Only that I am not married."

"I see you haven't found the right girl," replied Joseph as he leaned back.

I exhaled and took out a red engagement box from me. Joseph the pulled it and saw a 30 Karat diamond engagement ring.

Joseph then said, "I take it Cristina is the girl."

I exhaled and said, "I was going to ask her last year. But she got angry and we never had the dinner. But in my life she will get killed. And then Last night I had sex with her and now my mother made her a billionaire, provide she marry me."

As I exhaled Joseph said, "You are worried she will think you are after money."

I exhaled and said, "When I met her I was a Playboy. And I have not been easy. I spent the last year trying to make her jealous. I am, screwed."

Joseph then exhaled and said, "When I met my wife, Sandra, I was on a path of revenge. And she was a civil lawyer. She was always there since Oxford. She was never seen by any man. With that she only eyes for me.

She travels the world with me for two years, but I never looked her way. One day she saw me kissing a girl. We had a fight and she set up her own practice in New York. I went to war and never found another girl.

Four years of my life I went through hell. Then she showed up the day before we took down the Karloff's. I became her first. Then a week later the Karloff's were dead. She told me she was pregnant. I popped the question on the steps.

With that I married her a week later. I quit my job at the DA's office. Then I started Matron & Associates Law. Over the next 5 years we built it up. She gave me four children and we bought properties globally. She took up the Supreme Court job in January and I enjoyed my life."

I then asked, "What are you saying?"

"I am saying you should talk to her. I spent years with my pride and missed out because I was worried about burying her too. But no one knows the future. Talk to her," replied Joseph.

I nodded and went outside. As I got in the car I recalled how I met Christina. 16 years earlier I was in New York at the Akbar Motel. I had just bought it and was chilling with Dr. Franklin Charles, my best friend and a Medical doctor.

As we came out of the front door a man was beating up a girl, dressed like a prostitute. I jumped him. I filled him on the ground. He quickly got up and pulled a gun.

I raised my hands and said, "Yow! I am sorry general."

"I paid for this slut and she robbed me. I lost 5 million and now I want it back, "the man quickly said as he held the gun on me and Franklin.

"Help me," said Cristina as she coughed up blood on the ground.

The man yelled, "Shut up slut! You will be dead soon."

I grabbed the gun nozzle and chopped him in the throat with my hand. The man dropped on his back and as I ran to Christiana Franklin checked if the man was dead. Cristina blacked out and I picked her up.

The man laid dead and before Franklin said anything I was in my BMW. I drove her to the Anderson Medical Center. I waited for her and the Franklin came to me in his coat.

I quickly asked, "How is she?"

"Stable and unconscious! But the problem is that she is pregnant and from what I gathered she is 16 years old, "Franklin answered as I stood looking at her through the door on the bed.

I then said, "She is a call girl and a thief. There is only one man in New York that will do something like this."

As I walked away Franklin said, "Weller I know where you are headed. You already have a dead body. It is not a good idea and I must remind you this isn't England."

As I went through the door I said, "Take care of the girl."

Ian Belarus, Leader of the Syrian Mafia, was sleeping. He jumped up and I was seated on his bed.

He then swallowed and asked, "Nick? What are you doing here?"

"A little girl was beaten up today by a customer claiming she stole 5 million. And she is pregnant. So I know you gave her the exit plan," I told him as I pulled my gun.

Ian sat up, swallowed, raised his hands and said, "Look you are talking about Cristina. She isn't one of mine. OK?"

"But she is operating like one of yours. And I like this girl so she belongs to me now," I replied as I got up and Ian nodded.

I then walk off and Ian pulled a gun from under his pillow. I quickly turned and shot him twice in the chest. Ian died before he got off a shot off. I then went out and everyone lay dead on the ground. I then got in my red Porsche and drove off. Ian's mansion then blew up.

Then I went to Cristina and she was up.

As I walked in Franklin said, "And this is the man that save your life, Mr. Anderson. He is also the owner of this hospital."

Franklin left and I took off my jacket.

Cristina sat up and said, "OK thank you. But where do you want to do it?"

"I don't follow," I replied as I sat on her bed.

Cristina then said, "You save my life. So I owe you and guys only want one think. It is all I can offer you."

I laughed and she asked, "Why are you laughing at me."

"Look I am not like other boys. I don't have much. Well not the ones that can come over for dinner. My father would do anything have me die. While my mother is a victim in his house and withstands the beatings to save my life.

So you can become my secretary/Assistant/Butler. And down worry I will teach you to cook and the job involve a lot of traveling, schooling and relaxation. Plus the pay is really well," I told her as Cristina laughed.

She then said, "You know I am never going to be able to repay you."

"Yes you can," I told her and Cristina asked, "How? I am 16 year old prostitute and thief. In addition I am pregnant and my handlers are the Syrian Mafia. So tell me how?"

I then exhaled and said, "Well for starters Ian's estate blew up. With that his girls were picked up by the NYPD Human Trafficking Department. But I know people and your name is going to be off their reports.

But I read your file. Now the Syria Mafia as a lot to worry about to come after you. And if they do, once they know you are with me they will run the other way."

Cristina nodded and asked, "Why are you helping me?"

"Everyone needs help. I am here today because of millions of people's sacrifices. And someday you will repay me more than I taught," I replied to her.

My phone then vibrated and I realized it was Santiago.

I got up and answered saying, "This isn't a good time. I am in a very important meeting."

"Yea! But our deal just changed. So now I want you to become my second in Command of Santiago Restaurant Group. You will be the son I never had," he replied as he got out of his limousine.

I then asked, "What made you change your mind?"

"I read an unreacted MI-5 file. It is on an agent that was so good they called him the Perfectionist. He was elite solider. He was trained to use any weapon and once locked on a target he would not stop until the target died.

His kills were so close and impossible they were marked off as accidents. Now two years ago he was ordered to recover Osama Ben Cali. His team got killed and MI-5 left him to rot.

He however survived Budapest. Then he went after Cali's Jihadis group. Then he murdered 200 men and butchered Cali. With that MI-5 listed him as mentally unstable and sweep operation: Firewall under the carpet," he replied and I exhaled.

I then said, "I knew some day that would come back to harm me. But you should know who you are dealing with. So don't fuck with me. Because you might not live to see the end of tomorrow."

"I know who you are. And that is why I want you. Look I have a lot of idiots in my midst. And you will have backlash for killing Ian. So you take my job offer and build an empire with me you are safe.

But you do it your way and you will have a war on your hand before time," he replied and I asked, "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to come to Bogotá. Then you start your own brand and we launch out globally. So see you and the girl tomorrow," he answered to me.

I hang up and Cristina asked, "What's up with you?"

"We are going to Bogotá for a job offer," I replied to her and she smiled.

As I held her hand I came to and Candice was shaking me.

I then exhaled and asked, "What's wrong Candice?"

"I was touching you and you didn't respond. What's up," asked Candice as we drove.

I then said, "I am thinking about Cristina."

She exhaled and said, "Let me guessed. You are worried that if you ask her to marry you now she will think you are after the wealth that comes with marrying her."

I then said, "Yea! But, get me to the race track."

With that they head towards the Caymanus track. Cristina was however at home and the phone vibrated after 3 minutes. She checked her pregnancy test and she was pregnant.

She then said, "Oh shit!"

The doorbell then rang and she quickly went downstairs. She then opened the door and the security had a woman with them.

Shemar then said, "Mam she is here without an appointment looking for Mr. Weller. She claims she is a wedding planner."

Cristina then said, "It's OK. I have this."

They went away and the woman went in. Cristina then showed her to the living room. Martha, the maid, brought a tray with glasses. She then served and went.

Cristina then said, "OK miss?"

"Camila! Camilla Miller of Miller Events Limited," the woman quickly answered as she shock Cristina's arm.

Cristina then said, "OK. Last time I check Weller was not getting married."

"Actually about a year ago he contacted me and told me he was going to get married. I planned the wedding in Bahamas and the day after he was supposed to propose he called me and said it derailed. But every month since he has sent me a cheque to keep everything ready.

But to keep that going I have to pay suppliers and external parties. I have been calling him but I couldn't get to him," Camilla then quickly replied.

Cristina then asked, "When did he plan to propose to this girl?"

"Aww! I believe it was sometime in June last year. I don't remember the exact date. But I believe it was the night of the Drummond Mascaraed Ball. He said he stood her up for party and he was going to give her a surprise dinner and popped the question," she quickly said.

Cristina then hung her head in shame and Camilla said, "I take it that you were the lucky girl. And you didn't know."

"Yep! He and I had a fight that night. But, I didn't know him missing the party was deliberate so he could proposed," Cristina quickly said as she put down the cup.

Camilla then exhaled and said, "You guys remind me of me and my husband. He and I were best friends from high school. I got my Entertainment & Hospitality degree and he gained his Law degree.

We were always roommates. We shared everything and even bought a house. We lived in that house. We had many failed relationships. And after 10 years we both had a kid. Then my boyfriend decided that we weren't a good fit.

I caught him in bed with our secretary. I grabbed my 2 year old daughter and drove to our house. He just cuddled with me that night. And the next day he beat up my boyfriend."

Cristina then quickly asked, "Didn't he get arrested?"

"Yep! Six months in Rikers and 1000 hours of community service," replied Camilla to Cristina.

Cristina then said, "I guessed that ended his Law Career."

Camilla then exhales and said, "Well some good came out of it. He learnt to cook in prison and during his community service he met investors. And he opened the Thornton Resort & Spa. And over the last 7 years he has expanded globally.

Today there are 14 locations. And we got married a week after the launch of his second hotel, Six years ago. Look Nick might be a lot of things. But in the last year he has not been with a girl or partying."

"He goes partying every night and bring back all kinds of girls," Cristina quickly replied.

"He goes to AAA meets every night. I know because I am his sponsor and those girls are dancers at his Fallen Angels Strip Club. Most of the dancers there are lesbians but they will do anything for him," replied Camilla to Cristina.

Cristina then said, "OK. So how much do I owe you?"

"Well Nick owes me $400, 000. The price went up," Camilla said as she comforted Cristina.

Cristina jumped up and said, "I will go get the cheque book."

She then went. I then walked into the stables. Bert was brushing one of my horses.

As I exhaled he said, "I know that look."

"Nothing much," I said as he walked away with the bucket.

I followed him and he asked, "She still hates you?"

I then said, "Cristina and I are complicated. We only live together. But, I wanted to invite you to my daughter's birthday party tonight."

As we walked he said, "Don't change the subject."

"Look I love her and she thinks I pimped her out at the Mascaraed ball. But maybe it's for the best," I quickly told him.

He stopped and said, "You have a daughter with a woman that lives in your house and you aren't married?"

I then exhaled and said, "It is a very complicated relationship as I said earlier. So I will see you at the Anderson Community Center?"

He laughed and said, "I will see you later. And wish Jasmine a happy birthday."

"Sure," I quickly said as I stared at him.

Bert then asked, "Does she know about Rebecca, Andrew and Annmarie?"

I shocked my head to say no and he said, "Dam it Nick! You have to let someone in besides me and Garrett. Look you need to be real with her."

"Everyone I open up to they eventually leave me. Gordon was my trusted friend and I got killed. I can't bury her," I quickly told him.

He sat on the bucket and said, "I got out of the gang not because of my health or because I hate you. It's because I didn't want my problems to become yours. I die in the line of duty and this would automatically become your problem."

"Fine. I will tell her tonight," I replied to him.

I then hugged him and left. I then went to my team and we left in my armored motorcade. A bearer then delivered my copy of the Will at the house. Cristina signed for it and after reading it she dropped it. As she screamed Jasmine came to her.

Jasmine held her and asked, "What's wrong mom?"

"You are rich. I am rich," she said as she sat down.

"Of course we are rich. Dad is a multibillionaire. And we have access to his funds," Jasmine quickly said to her.

Cristina took up the Will and said, "Your grandmother left her 40% of Anderson Motors Limited to you. And I will inherit McPherson International Inc. the day I married your dad."

Jasmine exhaled and said, "Finally the universe answered my prayers. You too are going to be hitched forever."

Jasmine then ran away and Cristina went after her. In the meanwhile Earl was in his car and reached Anderson Motors head office, in Montego Bay, when he got a call from Franklin.

Franklin reached Chestnut and said, "Boss!"

Earl then asked, "What is going at Chestnut?"

Frankin then said, "Unless you have South African Mercenaries on your payroll, I would say it is not with us anymore."

Earl then said, "Gather my team at the warehouse. I will come after the board meeting tonight at 7. So see you at 9."

He then hangs up and I dialed Jackson, PI on Andrea; according to Cristina's text.

He was seated in a restaurant, across from Sundrew Advertising. He was watching a meeting with Andrea, Cordel and Malcolm.

His phone rang and he answered saying, "Hello good morning Jackson Shaw speaks."

"It is me Jackson. Where are you," I asked as I walked out of Anderson Community Center downtown to my limousine.

He then said, "Well I am having breakfast and watching a gathering of your friends and wife. It seems they are planning. You might want to be prepared."

With that Andrea and Malcolm came out. Jackson then video called me and I had audio of the conversion

Malcolm then said, "Andrea, you need to listen to me."

Andrea then said, "Malcolm I can't do this. I hate him so much and to let him get close to me. It makes my skin crawl."

Malcolm then said, "I love you. And want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Andrea then made out with him and he held her.

Jackson then said, "Oh look at it this way. You know now, and not on the honeymoon."

I laughed, as the car drove, and said, "Leave him alone."

Jackson then asked, "What do you want me to do?"

I then said, "Take them. Take them all. I will meet you tonight."

Jackson then said, "I will see you later then."

I then hang up and Jackson leaned back. Andrea got in her car and Malcolm came around to the driver's seat. He then drives off with her.

Jackson then texted his team, "Move on all target."

With that Lisa came out of a friend's house.

A man came up behind her, stuck a gun in her back and said, "Scream and you are dead."

With that a mini bus drove up and she was pushed in. Cordel was in his office bathroom and masked men grabbed him. Andrea reached home and went in. With that Malcolm drives half.

Two minutes later Malcolm's car was blocked by a truck. Armed men broke his window.

Before he screams Jackson put the gun to his head and said, "The people I work for wants you alive. But a man without eyes, an arm, a shoulder etc. is still alive. So play nicely and get out."

With that he got out and they restrained him. Then they injected him with a sleeping agent. As he dropped into unconsciousness he was dragged to the car and put in the trunk. Jackson drove his Mercedes away and the car followed, with the truck.

I however arrived at Lisa.

Candice then said, "Sir. This is a bad idea."

I then said, "Oh ye of little faith."

Candice then said, "Boss. I don't want anything to happen to you. I love working for you."

"Picked me up in an hour and you will have her gift rapped. Now send Martin to deal with Cordell's wife and her pathetic son," I replied as I got out of the limousine

Candice then said, "Yes sir."