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  “Thank you Jerome. I should only be a minute.”

  Jerome nodded. “I am certain it will be. However, there is no way in hell I am going to allow you to walk into that building alone.”

  He closed the door without waiting for a response, took the short walkway to the office then held the door open.

  Inside, employees were busy at different stages of work as the two walked in then continued towards the office in the back.

  “Do you need help with something?” One man, who was clearly not an office worker attempted to impede their progress.

  “Nothing Nikolai cannot handle.”

  A step around the man cleared the pathway to the door. A light rustling could be heard, but nothing Jerome would not be able to handle. Two taps on the door, a turn of the knob and it opened.

  “Hello Nikolai.”

  Surprise and pleasure appeared on the man’s face as he looked up. Standing, he walked over to the door and held out his arms.

  “Winnieford, you are as beautiful as always.” He kissed both cheeks, took both of her hands then pulled her further into the office. “Please, please sit,” he guided her to the sofa in his office. Ensured she was seated comfortably, he then sat next to her like the old friends they were. “It has been almost a year and I still cannot believe Hepburn is gone. I could not come to the services for obvious reasons, you understand. But tell me, how are you doing?”

  “I miss him every day,” Winnieford smiled at her friend of thirty plus years. “It is only the beginning for me. You have been dealing with a loss for five years now.”

  “My Eleanor can never be replaced.”

  “Nor can Hepburn,” she exhaled.

  “Myles is a close duplicate of his father. I must say, he left an impression upon me.”

  Winnieford smiled. “Thank you for speaking with him. I understand the meeting went well.”

  Nikolai nodded. “It did. I am pleased you called for my assistance in the matter.”

  She pulled her hands from his. “I am afraid I need to call on our friendship again.”

  “No fear,” Nikolai stood and sat in the chair across from her. “Ask, it shall be yours.”

  “This request may not be that simple. In fact I am not certain I should be asking this of you.”

  “Had it not been for Hepburn, I would still be lying in the dirt at the bottom of the cliff. My daughter would be only heaven knows where. You and Hepburn saved my life. You nursed me back to health with no reason to do so. You gave me and my daughter shelter at great risk to you and your young child. You did not see a criminal that dreadful night. You saw a man in need. It was your love and care that nursed me back to life giving me many more years with my Eleanor. Not to mention my position with the family I now hold. It was Hepburn who taught me how to negotiate, build a true business empire.” He smiled. “He did not like the direction I chose for my life.”

  “Hep struggled many nights with the knowledge of where you were heading.” Winnieford smiled.

  “Yet, he allowed me to be my own man. He never once criticized my path in life. Nothing you ask is out of bounds.” Nikolai sat forward. “What do you need?”

  Winnieford sat up closer to him. “My family has been placed in the crossfires of a criminal element out of New Jersey. We are able to protect our own, however, the young man’s family will be in danger. Your reach is far and wide here on the east coast. I need the family protected.”

  “You are speaking of the young man who was shot at Dunning yesterday morning.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  Nikoli nodded. “I am aware of the situation. What is your desired outcome?”

  “No harm to his family.”

  “Granted.”

  Winnieford’s eyebrow raised. “I have not given you any details.”

  “No, you did not,” Nikolai took her hand then pulled her to her feet. “This thing happened without my consent.” Guiding her to the door, he continued. “The Giuliani family has to pay for the disrespect. They will be dealt with.” He kissed her on both cheeks. “No worries, Winnieford. No one Hepburn cared about will be harmed.”

  Winnieford smiled, “I will leave you to your work.” She opened the door and walked out.

  Jerome stood at the entrance with Nikolai.

  “You know who I am?”

  Nikolai nodded. “You are Shadow,” he responded as they both watched Winnieford walking towards the exit. “But you are one, I am many. Like you, we will not be seen, but know we are there.”

  Jerome nodded his head then followed Winnieford out the door.

  CHAPTER 9

  AnnieMarie was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea as Daisy, the housekeeper, prepared her favorite pancakes with a banana and walnut topping. She understood the woman needed to pamper her because of the incident the previous morning. One day she hoped Daisy would come to work in her home, but knew she would have to fight her mother for that dream to come true.

  The back door opened and to her surprise her mother walked through, fully dressed with her purse on her arm and pulling her elbow length gloves from her hand.

  “Good morning,” AnnieMarie sat her tea cup down. “You’re out and about early this morning.”

  “Yes,” Winnie smiled as she walked over to the table. Placing her purse on the window seal then laying her gloves neatly across it, she took a seat across from her. “I had an errand to run this morning. Why are you up so early?”

  Daisy sat a cup of tea in front of her mother and slammed the plate of pancakes in front of her. “She got something to tell you that you are not going to like.”

  AnnieMarie gave Daisy a stern look, then drew back as the woman who raised her from birth folded her arms across her chest then glared at her. “Go ahead, tell your mother what you told me. Don’t try to sugarcoat it. Go right ahead and break her heart.”

  “Daisy, do you mind?” AnnieMarie sighed. “Your commentary is not necessary or helpful right now.”

  “What is happening?” Winnie asked.

  AnnieMarie glanced at her mother then back up at Daisy who was standing over her as if ready to scold her. “A minute ago you were making me banana and walnut pancakes to ease my weary soul. Now you look like you are ready to knock my head off.”

  “With all that is happening with your man I thought a good stack of pancakes would give you something to smile about. Then you hit me with this crazy idea of yours.”

  “It’s not an idea,” AnnieMarie explained. “It’s a decision about my life.”

  “Well, it’s a dumb decision if you ask me,” Daisy huffed.

  “I don’t recall asking you Daisy.”

  AnnieMarie and Daisy both stopped as they watched Winnie, pull the plate of pancakes across the table, put a napkin in her lap, pick up the fork and start eating.

  “Mmmm,” she licked her lips then looked up at them. “Oh, don’t mind me. Doesn’t seem like I’m needed for this conversation so you two, keep arguing.”

  “Mother, you’re eating my pancakes.” AnnieMarie stated.

  “That is a fact dear. You were letting them go cold, so I thought I would help you out.”

  Daisy rolled her eyes. “You could have just said you wanted some pancakes.” Then walked back around the island to the stove.

  “I really don’t want the pancakes. What I want is for you two to stop yelling and tell me what you are talking about.”

  AnnieMarie exhaled. “I was telling Daisy of my plans to move into grandfather’s house.”

  “What are you going to do with ten bedrooms, twelve baths, two ballrooms and god knows what else is in there. When you have a perfectly lovely home right here with your mother. And speaking of her, who is going to be here with her once you are gone? She will be in this big house all alone.”

  “Is that what all the arguing is about?” Winnie asked.

  “Daisy is arguing, I am excited about my decision.”

  “So am I,” Winnie reached across the table to pat her daught
er’s hand.

  “What?” Daisy exclaimed from the stove. “You are just as crazy as she is.”

  “No, I’m not crazy. I happen to believe AnnieMarie would be the perfect person to take over Dunning Estate.”

  “I think Myles and Chrystina would be better suited,” Daisy replied. “They will be getting married soon and I am certain some babies are going to follow.”

  “Myles and Chrystina love their home,” AnnieMarie stated. “They are making plans to add to it.”

  “That house is too big for you to be in there by yourself,” Daisy stated as she poured the batter she had just mixed into the pan.

  “Of all my children, it has always been you who loved that house,” Winnieford smiled. “I remember your tea parties in the attic and you running, then twirling in the ballrooms. You know and understand the history of the estate. I think it is a wonderful decision. Of course you are going to have to do some renovating to it.”

  “Not much,” AnnieMarie said with excitement. “I walked through it last night and mother,” she hesitated, “it felt like home. I mean, it’s empty from Uncle Walker cleaning it out of all the paintings and things, but those things can be replaced.”

  She watched as her mother’s eyes grew as big as saucers. “You don’t have to.” She dropped her fork. “I know where the paintings are.”

  “The paintings from the estate?” AnnieMarie asked.

  “Yes. They are in Angelina’s house,” Winnie exclaimed. “That was what first caught my attention when I was there. The paintings are from the estate.”

  “Are you sure?” Daisy asked.

  “Yes, Daisy, don’t you remember? They were on the wall in the living room.”

  “I remember you slamming that woman’s head on the floor,” Daisy laughed. “I didn’t have time to see any paintings.”

  Her mother rolled her eyes at Daisy. “It would take you to remind me of my bad behavior.”

  “How did they get there?” AnnieMarie asked. “Do you think we can get them back?”

  “I don’t know,” Winnie shrugged. “We can talk with Preston about them.”

  “That might be a touchy subject for the boy,” Daisy suggested. “I mean, it’s his mother’s house. He may not be ready to let go of anything of hers.”

  “Those paintings are a part of the Dunning history, just like the house,” AnnieMarie boasted. “Every brick, the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors, is what that house represents to our family. We have an abundance of material things handed down to us because of them. It is important to secure the history, if for no other reason than to honor their foresight on what this family could be to the world. It’s not just any house to live in. It is where our history lies.”

  Her mother smiled at her. “I think your grandfather and your father would be very proud of your decision.”

  AnnieMarie smiled. “Thank you mother.

  “Viv might have an emotional tie to the house, and doesn’t want to sell it. ”Daisy suggested. “After all it is her childhood home.”

  “Viv and I had a long talk after Walker’s funeral,” Winnie sighed. “She has no plans for the house. In fact, she and Ken talked about putting it on the market.”

  “She can’t sell it,” AnnieMarie protested. “The estate is a part of the family. Selling it would be like selling a branch of the bank.”

  “Unless she sells it to family.”

  AnnieMarie smiled at her mother. “Exactly.”

  “Why don’t we call Viv over for coffee. We can see how she feels about the house.”

  “I already asked her over. That’s why I’m still here and not at work,” AnnieMarie explained. “Once I made the decision, I wanted to move forward so I asked her and Uncle Ken to come by this morning before he goes into the office. They should be here soon.”

  “Good morning,” Monica Michael said as she came down the back stairs.

  “Good morning Mrs. Michael,” AnnieMarie smiled as she stood and pulled out a chair for the woman.

  She had taken an immediate liking to Jonathan’s mother as had everyone. After an attack at her home in London, Jonathan brought his mother to the states to live. Mother had invited her to stay at the house until she recovered. Ms. Michael, Aunt Viv and Mother had formed a nice friendship but she expected the woman would be leaving to live with her sisters in New York soon. “How are you feeling this morning.”

  “Peachy,” Monica smiled as she took a seat at the kitchen table. “Jonathan called. They landed a few hours ago.” She said to Winnie. “They are going to get a few hours sleep then come over to chat.”

  Daisy set a cup of tea in front of Monica.

  “A chat? Why? You aren’t thinking of leaving, are you?” Winnie asked all in one breath.

  “Thank you, Daisy.” She took a sip then set the cup down. “Well, Jonathan’s assistant, Sydney, has several flats for me to take a look at in New York. At some point, I will be able to establish my home with my sisters.”

  “Well, I think that should be later,” Winnie suggested. “Much later. I love having you here.”

  “You have been very generous with your home and your care. But I do not wish to wear out my welcome. ”

  “I am certain Sydney has selected some beautiful places for you to visit,” AnnieMarie stated as Daisy placed another plate of banana and walnut pancakes in front of her.

  “Oh my, that looks delicious,” Monica pulled the plate to her, put a napkin in her lap then began eating.

  AnnieMarie glanced up at Daisy, she wasn’t about to take the plate back.

  Daisy laughed, “I’ll fix more.”

  “Please and thank you.” AnnieMarie smiled. “Mrs. Michael…”

  “Since I’m eating your pancakes, you can call me Monica.”

  “I would not dare. You are my elder and Jonathan’s mother. But you mentioned Jonathan landed this morning.”

  “Yes. It was in the wee hours, but he called to let me know he was back in the states.”

  AnnieMarie knew that meant Cainan would be leaving soon. She said a silent prayer for his safety and that she had left her mark on the man.

  CHAPTER 10

  Three black SUV’s pulled onto the tarmac at the Richmond International Airport. The Dunning jet had been refueled. A fresh crew had been assembled. FBI agents secured the area at every entrance or exit point.

  Agent Cainan Scott Wagner sat in one of the vehicles surrounded by men with weapons he had never heard of, yet his mind was on the roof of the Dunning Estate. AnnieMarie had used her lips, her tongue, even her throat to take him out. Damn if she hadn’t won. His sweet little AnnieMarie had given him the blow job of hell on the roof of the Dunning Estate. That phrase kept coming to mind because he could not believe his AnnieMarie…his Michelle, he began to laugh, had blown his mind away.

  “You are about to take a walk that could end your life and you’re laughing?”

  “Nothing you say can ruin my day, Sereena.”

  The look she gave him made him laugh more. “I’m not crazy. In fact, I see things clearer today than I have in a very long time.” Cainan adjusted the vest Jerome had distributed. “Rest assured, I have more reason to live today, than I had two years ago when this situation started.”

  “Was that reason delivered by little Ms. AnnieMarie last night?” Sereena asked.

  Cainan glanced at her, “Yes it was.”

  “What did she do? Slap you with one of her gloves?” She laughed.

  Cainan chuckled. “She slapped me all right.”

  There were two taps on the top of the vehicle. “That’s our cue,” Sereena exhaled.

  “Watch your back.” Cainan recited the sentiment the two had always shared when walking into a dangerous situation.

  “Watch your back,” Sereena replied.

  All doors of the six SUV’s open simultaneously.

  Men stepped out as if it was a choreographed move. Dressed identically, making it difficult to determine who was who, the team of twelve walked with
weapons out, eyes scanning the area.

  “All clear,” Jerome stated as they all settled into their seats on the plane.

  Cainan visually relaxed. The thought of any man losing their life trying to protect him was not something he could stomach. Jerome gave the order to the pilot to take off. He looked at Cainan, “It is time to make that call.”

  Cainan gave a slight nod and was about to pull out his cell phone when the plane that had begun taxiing down the runway came to a stop.

  Everyone became alert. Mike and Sereena sandwiched Cainan between them, while Jerome stood at the entrance to the plane with arms folded as the door opened.

  Roark with several other FBI agents in tow appeared in the doorway.

  Jerome held his hand up stopping his progress as he spoke. “I do not recognize these men, Agent Roark.”

  Special Agent Byron Roark looked around. “I hand selected every man here.”

  “That doesn’t ease my mind,” Mike Dunning said as he stood in front of Cainan.

  Roark stepped up. “There has been a slight change of plans. A body was found burned to death a few days ago. It was difficult for the ME to identify the remains. That identity was phoned into our office in DC.”

  “This impacts us how?” Jerome asked.

  Roark glanced at Cainan. “It may not impact you, however Cainan may feel differently.”

  “Who was it?”

  “Shawn Bolton.”

  Cainan closed his eyes, then sat down, stunned by the news. “What happened?”

  “His place was torched with him inside. But that wasn’t what killed him,” Roark explained. “Two bullets in the head, took him out.”

  “Step in Agent Roark,” Jerome ordered. He stepped aside as Roark and two other agents boarded the plan. “Take a look around. Does anything stand out to you?”

  Roark scanned the room. “Nothing I can pin point.”

  “That is the point. We are attempting to keep a low profile. The bright yellow FBI letters on your jackets will act as a target on Wagner.”

  “Point taken,” Roark turned to his men. “However, we have been ordered to transport Agent Wagner in a plane controlled by the FBI.”