Jerod's Fifth Tale - Part 1

“Shrimp, I need your fucking answer. Are you going to China?” the red head snarled at me. He hit the table hard enough to rattle the now empty glasses. The bartender heard it, and glanced in our direction.

“Ted, you fucking bastard, I just don’t know,” I shouted at him. It’s only been a couple of days since my family had been under threat. Before you get the wrong idea, Ted is actually a good friend and the godfather of my children. But he is a pushy son of a bitch, and I’m under enough pressure. I took a deep breath. “Look, I’ll talk to Tania. But she’s only just found out so many things about my history. I don’t want to push her.”

“Why the fucking hell did you have to marry an angel?” Ted growled.

I snarled back. “Don’t give me that, Ginger. I remember when you were sniffing around her. I won her, fair and square.” Ted is the local boss of the thugs and villains around town. I had that position before he did but stepped down from it when I got serious about Tania. The idea that I won Tania’s heart fairly is unusual to say the least, but it’s one of those things. My love does have a thing for bad boys, so Ted and I both had a shot.

He rubbed his temple, his eyes squeezed shut. “Look, I have to know by tomorrow. If you can’t go, do you think your employee would?”

I shook my head in vehement denial. “Howie is still under the impression that Simtastic Imports is completely legit. I couldn’t possibly tell him tomorrow that it’s not and expect him to cope with whatever might happen on an overseas trip. Not if he only has two days to prepare.” Howie was very smart, but in a nerdy kind of a way. Running a legit business, he does perfectly. But so far, my overseas trips are never routine and I don’t think Howie has the right stuff. That could prove fatal.

Ted grimaced. “Shrimp, seriously, if I had anyone else I could send, I would. The problem is that my crew is muscle, I need to send someone with brains.”

I nodded. The local talent was very short on brains. Great bunch if they have exact instructions but not good to go solo without. “Why don’t you go, Ted?”

He frowned in thought. “I did consider that idea but I don’t trust the crew without me.”

I was about to ask why until I glanced at his cane. A couple of his more ambitious thugs tried to take over and shattered his leg as part of the deal. Going away would give someone in the crew a chance to set up something. Ted is paranoid but he has reasons.

“All I can promise is that I will talk to Tania,” I stated flatly. “I am not going to force her. She has the final word on this trip.”

I was still feeling guilty. It was because of a murder I had committed a few years ago that Tania ended up tied to a chair as bait to trap me. The tactic worked, I went in. But I owed Tania a lot. Everything else in this world can rot to hell, my family is everything.

“I’ll be by tonight before work. Try and have an answer by then,” said Ted.

I nodded and left the pub. I walked fast, I didn’t want to talk to anyone else. As I walked home, I tried to calm myself and relax. It didn’t do any good. I’d been dreading this question since I gave Tania a choice. I didn’t know what her answer would be, or even if she were ready to answer yet.

“Hi, honey, I’m back,” I shouted as I entered. I didn’t see Tania but Lana toddled her way over to greet me.

“Daddy! Daddy! Hug?” She held out her arms to be picked up.

“All right, you little munchkin. But you better not get much bigger or I won’t be able to do this,” I said as lifted her up for a big hug. Then tickled her tummy. “Now where’s your mummy or I’ll do that again.”

I could see the cogs turning in my daughter’s head. She nearly decided in favour of not telling just for another tickle. I tapped her nose. “Come on, munchkin. Tell me.”

“Mummy wif Toby.” Lana pointed out toward the back garden. I nodded. That explained why Tania hadn’t answered when I shouted. She might not have heard. I hope that’s why she hadn’t answered.

To be honest, ever since there had been that issue with my past, Tania and I haven’t spoken much. I’ve been trying not to push her, to give her the time and space she needs to think. But I’ve run out of time, now that Ted is demanding an answer.

I slide open the door. “Tania, sweetheart?” I put Lana down and she ran for her new sandbox.

My heart stopped when she smiled at me. I could die happy in that smile. “Yes, Shrimp?” I hadn’t realised that I was still just admiring her until she asked, “What is it?”

“Tania, if it were entirely my choice, I’d wait a lot longer. But it’s no longer my choice.” I took a deep breath and looked deep into the eyes of the love of my life. “I asked you before, do we stay here and live life as we have been? Or do we change our names and disappear from view?”

“Jerod, are you really giving me this decision?” She eyed me suspiciously.

“Yes, sweetheart. The future of this family is entirely in your hands.” I knelt in front of her, lightly holding both her delicate hands in mine. “If I wasn’t willing to listen to your decision, I never would have asked you to start with. Can you make that decision now?”

“Why now?” Tania had stopped smiling.

“Ted needs to know if I will be going to China in three days. If I can’t, he needs to make other arrangements.”

Tania tugged her right hand from my left. Her hand gently combed through my hair. “You promised me that if we move, you’d be good. That you would give up schemes and plots.” I nodded. I had promised and I couldn’t expect my sweet angel of a wife to put up with my plots forever.
Her fingers moved to under my chin and gently lifted it. She leaned over and kissed me. “When I married you, I knew you were a bad boy. If I had given it any thought, I should have known that trouble would stay near you.” She kissed me again with a passion that we hadn’t shared since Toby was born. “I can’t ask you to sacrifice the things you love most, Shrimp. I can’t ask you to suddenly stop plotting. It’s a part of who you are. It’s the man I fell in love with.”

“I would try if that’s what you want.”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, you goof.” Tania motioned for me to stand. “I want you. Some goody-goody man who happens to look like my husband but acts entirely differently isn’t you.”

“So, we stay?”

She nodded. “We stay. You keep yourself busy and doing just enough mischief to keep your soul happy. But Shrimp?”

“Yes, Sweetheart?”

“Don’t murder anyone, please?”

I shook my head. “I’ll try. Truly. But if I had to murder someone to save you or the kids or myself, I will. Make no mistake about it, I will.”

She nodded. “I guess that I couldn’t expect less. You did try to warn me back when you proposed that I should look for someone more like me. Shrimp,” she paused again to touch my face, “there has never been anyone else. I was shocked to hear you had once killed someone but you did have reasons.”

“Does this mean I’m going to China in a couple of days?” I asked quietly.

Tania shook her head, her blond curls bouncing as she did so. “No, it means we are going to China in a couple of days. I told you that you don’t travel without me.”

I nodded. “I just wanted to give you the option. I don’t..”

“You don’t believe that I want to be there, do you?”

I reluctantly replied, “Well, I’ve wondered if it’s really your line. Helping when I’m basically am one of the bad guys.” Our trip to France included blackmail and deceit. Since she was pretending to be my muscle, she had to act like she could hurt anyone who threatened me. She also helped shepherd a target and bring in the local media.

“I can understand why you enjoy it. Once it was all done and over with, I realised what a buzz it was.” I pulled her into a hug.

A sudden brainstorm hit me. “Sweetheart, would you mind if we travelled with one more? I have an idea.”

“If that idea even vaguely includes me not staying with you while you work,” she started her eyes narrowing dangerously.

“Actually no. You’ve made that sufficiently clear. You remember the dude who was with me when I rescued you from the Pesces?”

She closed her eyes for a moment. “I was mainly focussed on you. But that was a big guy, black hair with dreads?”

“That’s him. I think it might be good for you to spend some time with him. He’s properly trained as backup.”

“Does that mean you were improperly trained?”

I laughed. “That means I did a brief stint but being muscle wasn’t really my forte. Kane specialises in being the muscle. I could ask Ted if we can take him with us. He can teach you some of the tricks of the trade.”

“You won’t take him to a business meeting without me?” Tania asked with suspicion in her voice.

“I will not. Either you both go or there is no meeting. What do you think?”

“Well, it might be reassuring for me to know more. Did he impress you that much?”

I nodded. “He was doing everything that was needed when he was my bodyguard. I did have a bad moment when I had to sleep and remembered that he’d once tried to kill me. But he needed work and guarding me was the first job Ginger offered.”

“All right, Jerod. I’ll trust you, even if I don’t know why.”

“It’s because I’m the best husband you have,” I smirked.

“Not like I have a lot of others to compare you to,” she smiled.

Absolute Beginners (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 10 - Finale)

“I’ve done the research, and found no trace of Sophie after a trip to Egypt in *his* company,” Ethan pointed at Kane glaring. “I also found that the last time she was seen, you were carrying her.” He glared at me. “It’s suspicious that you’re keeping company.”

“Let Tania go and I’ll tell you everything,” I said.

“I’m not getting near that hellcat,” he replied. He pointed at a set of scratches on his face, “She’s dangerous. She stays exactly where she is until we’re done.”

“Tania?” I said softly.

“It’s fine, Shrimp. I won’t leave without you.” I tried to think of a way to warn her that might not be an option.

“What do you know about your sister’s profession?” I asked.

Ethan puffed with pride. “She’d worked her way up to international sales rep, she’d been all over the world. She usually sends us a postcard from each place. The one from Egypt was her last.”

“When you met Mr Kane here, does he look like a sales rep?”

Ivy looked up at Kane, “Sophie told us the company usually sent along a bodyguard because some places could be rough for a woman. He’s obviously a failure.”

I sighed. I was going tell them truth but would they believe? “Sophie lied to you from first to last. She worked for a criminal organisation called The Family. She worked as an enforcer, an assassin.”

“Liar!”

“I worked for a rival group, The Company. Sophie’s nickname there was “The Eliminator” as she was suspected of killing a number of members.”

Kane cleared his throat. “She told me your death would make it an even dozen.” Ivy’s eyes grew wide as she processed that.

“I’d been sent to Egypt to sort out a problem for The Company. I contacted a few people and went back to camp. Accepted a drink made by Sophie and woke up trapped in the Great Pyramid. I was meant to die there. I managed to escape, and found out more about who set me up.”

“So, you and that traitor over there killed Sophie?”

“God no, Kane was Sophie’s muscle. I removed him before I went after Sophie.”

“Why is he alive?”

“I got him sent to prison. He wasn’t dangerous to me. When he got out, he’d have a new assignment. Sophie was the dangerous one. If she found out I survived her first attempt, she’d try again. As long as Sophie lived, I was in danger.” I paused to see if Ethan had anything to say.

“What was Sophie like to work with?” he asked Kane.

“Do you want an honest answer?” Kane replied.

“Of course,” said Ivy. I’d nearly forgotten she was there.

“Frankly, Sophie was a bitch. She was verbally abusive to all of her partners and no one worked with her twice. I hadn’t worked with her and that’s why I was sent to Egypt. I’d already told my superior that I was never working with her again. Getting called shit-for-brains all the time gets old. The prison was vile but it was almost worth it to be away from her.”

“Sophie had drugged a drink and given it to me. Once Kane was gone, I drugged her lunch before giving it to her. I took her back to the river near camp, put her on a wood raft and pushed it out into the water.”

“She might be alive in wilderness?” asked Ivy.

“The river is infested with large crocodiles and one of them flipped over the raft. She’s dead.” I stopped and looked directly at Ethan then at Ivy. “I am responsible for what happened. My wife only found out a few days ago and Kane was on his way to prison. Let them leave and you can do what you like to me.”

“Our sister killed 11 people?” asked Ivy. Kane nodded.

“How many have you killed, Mr Shrimpton?” asked Ethan.

I held up a single finger. “Just Sophie and only after she’d tried to kill me.”

“Ivy?” Ethan asked his sister.

“I’m still puzzled. Why is Mr Kane with you if he works for a different organisation?”

Kane replied. “I was kicked out of The Family after Sophie disappeared. I moved here, asked the local boss for a job. He told me to guard Mr Shrimpton.”

“The boss has a current manpower shortage and a terrible sense of humour. He’d think it was funny to give me a bodyguard who had once helped try kill me,” I said.

“You know,” said Kane to me, “I’m not going to leave. If I fail, I’ll never get another job. I’d be better off dead.”

“I won’t leave either. We leave here together Shrimp, or not at all,” declared Tania. It wasn’t what I expected but I could tell that Tania was determined.

I looked at Ethan. “So, here we are. You’ve heard my side of the story, you’ve also heard that my wife and my bodyguard aren’t leaving. This ends today. What’s it to be?”

“You’re not what we expected,” started Ivy. “You’re not pure evil.”

“Oh, I am evil. I’d happily cheat, steal or blackmail to get what I want or need. Murder is a last resort, though obviously…”

Ethan nodded at Tania, “You do inspire love.” He looked at Kane, “And loyalty, would you stayed for Sophie?”

“I can’t imagine Sophie rescuing anyone but Sophie. She’d never give the option like he has.” He looked toward me, “I’d work as his muscle again, if asked.”

“So, what was the point of all of this?” I asked.

“We wanted to know what happened to Sophie,” said Ethan slowly.

Ivy said, “We wanted to know why something happened to Sophie.”

“Our monster hunt led to you. You threaten us after we had threaten your family. You offer yourself to save others.”

Ivy points at Kane, “You tell us that Sophie was horrible to work with and killed eleven people. She really was a monster.”

“So what’s the next part of the plan?” I asked.

Ethan just shook his head.

“Amateurs,” said Kane.

Ethan looked a little annoyed by that. “I’m a professional accountant.”

“He has a point. You’re not a professional in our terms. They would have come, done the business and left,” I said.

“The business?”

“Assassination, Ethan. Our organisations don’t fuck around. Are you prepared to kill me?” I spread my arms and stood still. “Then make it quick.”

Ethan picked up a large knife and started toward me. Kane also moved, ready to block him. “Travis, no,” I said softly. “Trust me.” Kane’s eyes narrowed for a moment, then he nodded and stepped back.

I stood very still and waited. When the blade was nearly touching my throat, I said, “My daughter’s name is Lana. She is four and a half. She looks just like her mother. If I die today, she may have some vague memories of her daddy when she’s older. Toby is my son and he’s only two. He thinks anything his big sister can do, he can do. He can’t but he tries. He’s too young, he’ll never remember me. There are pictures and stories but he won’t remember his daddy.” I stared straight at Ethan. “If you do kill me, then you have to choose if you will kill both my wife and Kane. If you don’t, they are witnesses to your crime. If you do, you have the blood of three people on your hands. It’s difficult, which will you do?”

It took a very long minute before Ethan looked at Ivy and they both shook their heads. Ethan backed away, knife still in hand. “I thought I could for Sophie’s sake. But I can’t. You deserve it, he may deserve it but I just can’t.” He put the knife down.

“Not many people can,” I said.

“Will you kill us?” asked Ivy.

I picked up the knife and walked over to cut the ropes off my lovely wife still tied in a chair. “Tania, you have the biggest grievance. Should they die?”

Tania shook her head as she stood up. “They’ve done no real damage and I don’t approve of murder. Let them go.”

“You heard her. Go home, don’t come back. The next time our paths cross, you might not be this lucky.” They nodded and began packing their gear.

“Let’s go talk to Ted. I owe him a long explanation. And by now, he’ll need to be rescued from Lana,” I said.

“Rescued? From a four year old?” asked Kane as he started the car.

“Ginger adores Lana and she takes advantage of it,” I explained. Tania happily nestled against me. “Sweetheart, are you really all right?”

“Yes, just fine. Thank you for letting them go.”

I kissed her. “You said to.”

We arrived home and went next door. Tania collected the kids while I had a long chat with Ted.

“What the fucking hell was that shit?” he complained. “Dumping your children off and bolting without any explanation.”

“Our amateurs were Pesce’s siblings. They had Tania and had arranged a meet. They wanted revenge for Sophie but we convinced them to just leave town.”

“Too soft, Shrimp, you should have killed them.”

“Tania said not to. I’m sure they won’t try again.” I pointed at Kane standing to one side. “I was right about him after all.”

“You’d recommend him?”

I nodded. “Definitely. If I need muscle, I’d work with him again.”

Ginger walked up to Kane. “Good job on the first assignment. You can go home, tomorrow you’ll get your pay. You’ll be up for the next job, though I don’t know when that will be.” They shook hands and Kane left.

“I better go. Thanks for looking after the kids.”

“You know I’ll look after my godchildren when you ask,” replied Ted.

I nodded and headed for home. Where my family was safe and sound, at least for now.



—



“Tania,” I said. “There is no way I can promise this will never happen again unless…”

“Unless, Shrimp?” Tania stroked my cheek.

“If we move away, change our family name, never contact anyone in Twinbrook again. We would have to start over.”

“Do you think that would really work?”

“It should, if we live quietly. Be like everyone else,” I replied. “If we stay here, this might happen again.”

“We’d have to leave behind everything?” Tania asked. I nodded. “You’d be good for the rest of your days? No schemes, no plots?”

“I’d have to, for you, for the kids.”

“Where would we go?”

“I dunno. Open a map and point? If we end up in Sunset Valley, you could met my family, become part of the family clan. Remember though, no contacts with anyone from here.”

“I have to think…”

Without You (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 4)

“Tania, you are brilliant. Dump that loser and marry me,” said Ted.

“Sorry, Ginger, mine all mine. Brilliant and beautiful. And Tania, if someone steals the bag, I’ll buy you lots more clothes. You deserve it.”

“What happens if this takes more than a week?” asked Tania.

I frowned. “I think, I talk to my brother and tell him to expect his sister-in-law, niece and nephew. Sunset Valley is far enough from here that you’ll be very safe.”

When Tania left the room to start packing, Ted moved closer so he could quietly ask me, “I know that making the family safe is a priority but what did you expect to do after that?”

“Track down Kane. He might still be in prison but someone may well have paid his way out,” I replied.

“I told you leaving him alive would have been a mistake.”

“You said that yesterday, which was a little late given that I dealt with him months ago. And that dude is fucking huge. If he wanted me dead, he could do it with his bare hands. That’s what I would expect him to do. None of this hinting around, I’d just be dead.” I paused. “But if I were looking for information about what happened to Pesce, I’d start with him. He was her last known partner. The locals all hated her, she was arrogant, self-centred, pushy bitch. They wouldn’t say anything.”

Ted nodded. “I’ll see what I can dig up on him. He probably isn’t in prison in Egypt, but I’ll see.”

“I’ll appreciate that. You can do more in a couple of hours on the computer than I could do in a couple of weeks.”

“In the meantime, I’ll let Wyatt what we need for him to do. I take it that we are the only ones to know the final destination?” asked Marta.

“Of a preference, yes. The fewer people that know I hid my family and where, the safer they’ll be.” I smiled at Marta. “You and Ted I will trust. Wyatt, Sinbad and the others, no.” Ted and Marta returned next door.

I started pacing back and forth. Was there anything more I could do for my family? I honestly couldn’t think of anything to do that we could do in the time we had available. The best I could do was be the walking target, keep the enemy focused on me. That part of the plan, I was not going to tell Tania.

That also meant that I wasn’t going to be able to go near my family until I knew it was over. Brief phone calls or messages, yes but visit them? I could lead the enemy straight to them.

As promised, it wasn’t long before Tania came back out with her guitar case slung over a shoulder and one larger bag in hand. Using the guitar case was a nice touch, she’s quite devious when she wants to be. “Shrimp, if they find us, use the knives?”

“First line of defence would be run for it. If we can leave you a car here,” I pointed on the map, “grab the kids and bolt for the car.” She nodded.

“Even if you can’t run, don’t pull out the knives. Great for general intimidation, but not very lethal if you aren’t in close range. It takes a lot of practice to hurt someone when throwing a knife. If you have to stand and fight, grab a tree branch. Hit them hard on the leg and they will slow down. Hit them hard in stomach and you may wind them. Hit them hard in the head and you might knock them out. You might also kill them that way.” I looked hard at her. “Do not threaten them with your weapon. Either swing hard and do your best to hurt them or don’t pick up the branch. Threatening is a good way to lose your weapon and the fight.”

“I think I understand. If I threaten, the odds that they can grab it go up.”

I nodded. “That’s basically it. If you just hold it, taking it from you is a lot easier. Swing it hard and even just stopping the blow will hurt.” I hugged Tania tightly. “Be careful. Listen for any cars slowing too much or footsteps nearby. Be ready.”

“You be careful too. Though I guess I needn’t bother telling you that. Careful isn’t what you do best, is it?” She smiled at me. “What are your plans?”

“Once I know you’re safe, I’ll have to start worrying about that.”

Tania looked into my eyes. “Liar. You do have some plans.” I was worried that she was going to start demanding the details. “But I’m probably better off not knowing them. I have a job that I have to do. I’ll have to trust you to do the one you’ve set for yourself.”

“I adore you. You do know that?” I said.

“You damn well should adore me,” she winked. “I’m the best wife you happen to have.”

“And the sexiest, whether you are being you or channelling your inner bitch. Turn that phone on at 6 tonight. We can have a brief chat.” I pulled her close for a kiss. “But I think you have to go. Ted will have had plenty of time to get in place by now. And this is not going to get any easier.”

Tania nodded and went to collect the kids. Two bags, one toddler under arm, the other following along. Given that after this, Tania was going to have to manage on her own, I didn’t offer to help with any of it. I did open the car door for her, watch while she got the kids settled.

Before she got behind the wheel, I gave her a light peck on the cheek. “Have fun practising at Red Rendezvous, see you in a couple of hours.”

She smiled and waved as she back the car away. Yeah, in case they happen to be close enough to hear, I want them to think Tania is just out for a few hours.

Once the car was out of sight, I moved my easel to the front yard and began a painting of our little tree out the front. Usually once I grab a brush, the rest of the world fades away. This time, I had maintain an awareness of my surroundings, just in case. Standing out there, I really did feel like a target. Still, better me than the family.

After a couple of hours of painting, I realised I was hungry. I wandered inside, made myself a sandwich and grabbed a cold drink from the fridge. It struck me as I sat down that the house was very quiet. I couldn’t remember the last time I was the only one at home. I was more often the one home with the kids, since I didn’t have a regular job.

So I was instantly aware when I heard the sound of snapping wood outside. If it had been from behind the house, it could have been Tania’s garden or our outdoor bar. Since it was the front of the house, the sound must have been my easel, new painting or both.

Caution meant I didn’t bolt from the table and rush out the door to see what happened. It would be too late to save my art from its fate and really stupid to run out the door when I know someone has it in for me. I finished my sandwich and my drink. I also thought about what the enemy was trying to accomplish. How long were they going to keep up this minor intimidation phase?

I then tried to check the most recent output from my security cameras. Unfortunately, there was only a black screen. Fuck, I forgot to check the damned cameras before. They probably broke them when they had cut the power. It would have been nice to have my first look at who was involved. I did look out the window at the sad wreckage of my easel. It was never going to be useful again.

So painting was out. I couldn’t practice drums, way too noisy. Listening to music was out for the same reason. I washed my plate, then started cleaning the counter and then started cleaning the rest of the house. If Tania has a fault, it’s that she doesn’t clean. If the mess bothers me, then it’s my job to do it.

One thing about a small house, I did a good clean of the whole place and it took 2 hours. Only 4 in the afternoon, two long hours before I’m supposed to ring Tania. Fucking hell, all this waiting was going to kill me. I wish I had a target to go after.

Heroes (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 3)

Tania gave me her best ‘are you out of your mind?’ look. “Are you suggesting that we go on a holiday now?”

“Not at all. I want you and the kids out of the house. They know where I live. The next step might be to torch the house. Or ram it with a truck. Or, who knows?” I grabbed her hands. “It’s not safe here.”

“We could accommodate your family at The Company headquarters. Probably more comfortable then camping,” suggested Ted.

“I don’t know how much they know about me and my habits. But I’m going to have to assume that they know some. So The Red Rendezvous is out, the band plays there regularly. Simtastic Imports is out, I’m listed as the owner. The Company buildings are out, I hang out with too many of you. The safest thing I can think of would be to leave town entirely until this blows over. Tania, honey, it’s really weird to ask after all this time, but do you have family you could visit?”

She shook her head. “When I was a child, we were driving somewhere and there was a horrible crash. It killed everyone but me. My parents, my brother, my twin sister all died. My foster family? Let’s just say we can’t live far enough away from them. What about you? Do you have family?”

I nodded reluctantly. “My parents died of old age a few years back. My little sister never did get her life together as far as I know. But if we really had to, maybe my little brother and his husband could look after you for awhile. I haven’t directly contacted any of them since the day I left home though, so it would be a massive shock for them.”

“I’d rather not impose on someone that doesn’t know I exist,” Tania said quietly.

I could see the shivers starting again. “Tania? Where’s my bitch? Remember that bad-arsed bitch that was my protection in France?” She nodded. “I need her back. I need that bad, brave protector. Remember the attitude, remember the feelings,” I let go of her hands and took a small step back.

Tania closed her eyes and began to focus. Her breathing deepened for a minute. When her eyes snapped open, I knew she had found her inner bitch. She took a step toward me. “Why?” Her voice was lower and her eyes narrowed. Ted moved back a little as he felt the difference. He and Marta glanced at each other.

“You, and only you, I trust with my family. I have a plan how we can get you and the kids somewhere safer. But I’m going to stay right here in plain sight. If they are only after me, you’ll be safe. If they want to get at me through my family, first they have to find you. If they do find you, I want you to be ready.” She glared at me and then nodded once.

“Know this, Jerod. You better survive this. I do not want to go through the effort of training a new spouse.” Suddenly she pulled me into a tight hug. Her lips locked on mine so hard it nearly hurt. After a minute, she let me go. “You understand me?”

“I will do my absolute best. But I can’t do that until I’m sure you are as safe as possible.” I nodded toward the house. “Let’s go make some plans.”

Marta and Ted followed us into the house. I found a detailed map of Twinbrook and spread the map on the table. “We can’t be sure how many are involved. It might only be one but my bet is 2 to 4 people.”

“Why?” asked Marta.

“One would have written ‘I’ not ‘we’ on the note. More than 4 strangers in this town at once? Surely someone would have noticed.” They all nodded. “So the plan is simply for Tania and the kids to go *through* a few buildings around town. Tania, you drive our car to the Red Rendezvous and go in the front. Keep on going, use the side door and come out here,” I pointed on the map. “Ted can meet you there and drive you over to the Company building. Now that place has 3 extra exits that I know of.”

“It’s 5 now and we nearly have the 6th one ready,” chimed in Ted. “We’ve been busy.”

“So Ted takes you through the building and one of the other exits. There is another car there,” I paused.

Ted stabbed at the map. “That would be a good exit. We can have Wyatt waiting there.”

I nodded. “Wyatt drives you to City Hall. That place has a ton of entrances and exits. Go out the east exit and go here.” I pointed at the map. “Marta waits for you there and drives you to Hollowlog Springs Park. That’s where you and the kids stay.”

Tania looked at me. “So I ring you, text you?”

I walked over to our little bookcase, pulled out a book and opened it. Then I dumped the small phone into my hand. “Just in case, this phone should be safer than yours. It’s never been used, turn it on, send the message and turn it off. Never leave it on for more than 5 minutes at a time. We can set times to ring each other briefly. Phones can be traced, so not long.”

“You have a burner phone? What other things do you keep?” asked Marta.

“That would be telling. But I do have some emergency equipment stashed around the place. Including another burner.” I turned back to Tania. “I’m hoping that we can find a way to leave a car somewhere near so you and the kids can get out if you have to. It will be an old clunker, something that will look abandoned. So unless there is a lot more people involved and they are mostly on the streets watching for you, they should lose track by the time you leave the Company building.”

“I would think leaving the car outside of Red Rendezvous would probably be enough,” said Ted. “By the time they work out Tania’s left, it would be too late for them to follow.”

“I’d agree with Shrimp. Better safe than sorry. By the time she’s gone through a few buildings, there’s not a chance they’d still be following.”

“Shrimp, I appreciate that this place isn’t terribly close to the road or any houses. But I’m going to have two toddlers, supposed they start crying too much?”

“Hmm, bribery should do it.” I went to the kids’s room and picked Toby up. “Come on Lana, let’s go say hi to your godfather.”

Lana bolted for the living room. I got there in time to hear “Sorry, honey. I don’t have a toy today.” Lana was about to go into pout mode. Maybe full toddler tantrum if we didn’t head it off in time.

“Kids, for the next couple of days, you and your mom are going to be out in a park. And while you are away from home, she might tell you to be quiet. If she does, I want you to be so quiet, even a mouse is noisy in comparison. She might also tell you to hide. If she does that, you hide and don’t come out until your mom or me or your godfather tells you to come out.” I grinned at them. “If your mom says you did well, I’m going to get you two toys each. But you have to do what she tells you. Lana, you might have to help Toby with this, like a good big sister. Okay?”

“Toys? Oh, yes Daddy. We’ll be good. We’ll be so quiet, you won’t even know we are there.”

“That’s my girl, Lana.” I winked at Tania and one eyebrow went up in response. Then her mouth curved upward. “How long do you think it will take to pack a bag of necessities for a week and be ready?”

“A week? I can’t possibly pack one bag for all three of us for a week. We don’t have enough food for the little ones in the house,” Tania said.

“Point taken. We’ll have to figure out how to get you some supplies if it goes more than a couple of days.”

“I can take them,” replied Marta. “No one will follow me. No one ever notices me at night. That’s what I do.”

Marta, the master thief, delivering groceries. Damn, I have some very good friends. “Ok, so packing for just a couple of days, how long?” I asked.

“I can have two bags ready in half an hour.”

“Two bags? Sweetheart?” it was my turn to raise an eyebrow.

She smiled at me. “Bag one holds a change of clothes for the three of us. We go in with one look and come out a different door looking different and only one bag. We leave the one behind.” She sighed. “Guess I’ll have to hope that no one steals the bag with our clothes.”

As the World Falls Down (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 2)

I remained standing until after they shut the door. Then I sat next to Tania, gently taking her hand in mine. “Sweetheart? Sweetheart?” I said softly.

She pulled her hand away from mine. “Who are you? I don’t know you.”

“I’m your Shrimp. You know I’m bad. You’ve always known it.” I was talking softly, gently. “I won’t do anything to hurt you. I’d never hurt you or the kids.”

“I knew you were bad but murder? Shrimp, murder? That’s not just bad, that’s evil,” she shuddered and a trickle of tears traced its way down her cheek.

“Tania, Sophie Pesce tried to kill me. She trapped me in a pyramid to die. If I left her alive, she would have tried again. She would have kept trying until I was dead.” I very gently pulled her closer. She didn’t protest but she didn’t move toward me on her own either.

“Shrimp, you have to promise me. You’ll never kill anyone again.” She looked at me with hope and the start of a smile.

I closed my eyes. This could ruin our lives. “I can’t make that promise, Tania. I really can’t.” I put one finger under her chin, lifting her head so I could look her in the eyes. Tania knows I can’t lie if I’m looking her in the eyes. “Because if anyone ever threatens you or our children, I might have to kill them. I will do whatever I must to keep my family safe. Always.” I kissed her cheek very tenderly. “I’ve tried to protect you from this part of my life. To keep you from knowing the dark and ugly. Unfortunately, you had to find out. I’m so sorry about that.”

She pulled away from me and stood up. “Jerod, I can’t. I just can’t.”

I stood up and took a step toward her. She took two steps back. I didn’t try to close the gap this time. I just stood still and waited. As much as I wanted to try to convince her that nothing had changed, that it was fine, I knew that this wasn’t the time.

“Get out of this house, Jerod. Just go away,” she finally said, voice cracking.

I went and opened the door. “Know this, Tania Kennedy Shrimpton. I love you with all my heart and soul. I always have and I always will.” I walked out the door, closing it quietly. As the door shut, I could hear Tania start to cry and that nearly broke me.

I pulled out my cell. “Marta? Tania just booted me out, could you keep an eye out for her and the house?” “It was a heavy burden I put on her. She needs time.” “Thanks.” Just because Tania wanted me out, I wasn’t going to leave her without someone watching over her.

I then sent a brief text to Tania. Just “love you”.

Next was the question of where I’d spend the night. I probably could have crashed with Marta and Ted but didn’t want to be that close to home. I briefly thought about sleeping on a park bench but the police had been cracking down on vagrants and I didn’t need the hassle.

Finally I remembered that I owned another building, Simtastic Imports, the import/export business I ran for The Company. No one would protest me sleeping there. Though it wasn’t going to be the most comfortable night in my life. I started walking. I checked my phone a couple of times but there was no reply to my message.

Tania, my Tania. When I first moved to Twinbrook, I thought that having a housemate that was good would help hide the fact that I was evil. It wasn’t long before we were flirting and not long after that we were always jumping into bed for sex. Chat for a bit, have sex. Fight briefly and have sex. I thought of her as my fuck buddy instead of housemate, though I never once said that to Tania. Then something stupid happened and she left for awhile. While she was gone, I realised that Tania was the only woman for me. So I asked her to come home and marry me. I have never regretted it.

Now it wasn’t until I was nearly half to my business that I remembered I’d been threatened. Far too late to change my mind about walking. Besides, the note was obviously an opening salvo to a psychological campaign. If someone wanted me dead, they really should not put me on my guard. Whoever this sick puppy was, he or she wanted me to be worried first. Still, I found myself walking a bit faster, my heart rate went up and I was looking around more. My heart rate didn’t go back to normal until I was safely in the building.

There were some crates and barrels in storage. Enough legitimate business happened here to keep my only employee, Howie, busy much of the time. I pulled out a bag I had stowed here under a few floor tiles months ago. In the bag was a sleeping bag, change of clothes and a few freeze-dried meals. One of several emergency kits I’d stashed around town because you never know when you might not be able to go home. This wasn’t a reason I had anticipated but I definitely wasn’t going home tonight.

I wasn’t particularly hungry so I unrolled the sleeping bag. Then I sent a text “Sweetheart, sleep well. I love you 4ever.” After that I settled in for the night.

It was a bad night. First I’d worry about the writer of the note and what they might have planned. Then my mind would flick to thinking about Tania and what to do about our situation. I left when she asked tonight but I’m not giving up on us. No fucking way. I adore every part of that woman, from the top of her blond head to the tips of her shoes.

After approximately a century, dawn broke. I was exhausted, hungry and ready to punch something. I couldn’t do much about the exhaustion until I could sleep better. Hungry could be taken care of by a quick trip to the diner. As for punching, since I didn’t have a target, a trip to the gym would have to suffice.

My phone had no new messages. I didn’t really expect a message, not yet. I was going to give my wife a few days before I tried to really push my way back into her life. “I need you, Tania,” was the text I sent before starting off toward the diner. I set off at a brisk pace to get my breakfast. I just outside of my target when my phone rang.

My heart sang when I saw the caller id was Tania. “Tania?” “Calm down, I didn’t understand that.” “Sweetheart, listen. I’ll be there. I’m coming as fast as I can. I’ll be there.” My pace changed from a gentle jog to a flat out run. I still didn’t understand what had happened, I could barely make out any of the words she had said. Whatever it was, Tania was terrified.

I wasn’t that close to the house when I knew why Tania was terrified. Walking outside to discover that your house has acquired the word “Murderer” in large red letters would be enough to frighten anyone. I saw that Marta and Ted had come out and were standing within easy contact of Tania. I waved at them and ran up to Tania.

“Shrimp, this is horrible. What else could they do? What if they hurt the kids?” She was shivering violently. I pulled her into a hug, holding her tight until the shivers slowed. There was a light drizzle that wasn't improving things.

“Sweetheart, I promise to protect you and the kids. I’ll find out who is doing this and stop them.” I leaned close, “Does this mean I’m forgiven?” I whispered softly.

“I may never quite get over the idea that you really have killed someone. I didn’t think you were serious about that in France. But I feel much safer now that you’re here, so I guess…” she replied softly. “…I guess I trust you to protect us.”

Ted had been slowly walking toward us. “Don’t worry about the paint,” he said. “I’ve arranged for a couple of guys to come and clean it up. They should be here in five minutes or so.”

“Why the fucking hell didn’t my alarms go off? They should have been triggered by something.” I had stopped hugging Tania quite so tightly but I didn’t let go of her yet.

Ted shook his head. “They cut the power to the street first. Unless your alarms and cameras have a backup power source, they were dead.”

Fucking damn. Well, that did explain what happened. “Never thought we’d need backup power. Not here in Twinbrook.” Yeah, we do have the occasional outage but not that often.

Ted motioned to his bad leg. “Sometimes they really are out to get you.”

My brain kicked into overdrive. Our house wasn’t safe. They had just proven that fairly thoroughly. So first priority, get my family somewhere safer. “Sweetheart, how would you like to take the kids on a camping trip?”

I Want My Baby Back (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 1)

It all started one evening when I was getting the post. There were, of course, several bills. Bills are always the bane of my existence. But there was a plain envelope bearing the single word “Shrimp” on it. No stamp, no return address, not even our full address. Which meant someone must have dropped it directly in our box.

My name is Jerod but almost everyone calls me Shrimp. So I wasn’t too concerned, just a note from a friend. That was why I casually just flipped it over and opened it.

The contents though, they weren’t routine. Not at all.

We know what you did.

And you will pay for your sins, Jerod Shrimpton.

Now if you haven’t heard about me, I’m definitely not one of the good guys in town. I used to be a member of The Company; a bunch of thieves, cutthroats and villains. I gave that up years ago, hoping for a quiet life. It was quiet for awhile, but recently I’ve been pulled back in as a special representative and that’s made life…interesting.

God, I should have been more careful about that envelope. Too fucking late now. Though, truth be told, I wouldn’t be able to do anything clever anyway. I don’t have the facilities to do fingerprinting or anything. Plain white envelope, plain white paper doesn’t give me much to work with.

“Shrimp, what’s taking you so long getting the mail?” called my lovely wife Tania. Tania is the yang to my yin, the good to my evil. I’m being literal about that last, she is and always has been good. Well, up to our last trip overseas. She insisted on being involved in my business and so she had her first walk on the dark side.

“Sorry, Sweetheart, I just had a bit of a surprise. I think we are going to have to have a talk.” I paused for a moment. “Actually, do you mind if I ask Marta and Ted over? I think I might need them.” I didn’t have to look at Tania, I knew one eyebrow would be very arched at that comment.

As I pulled out my phone, Tania looked as though she was going to ask what was up. Then she sort of shrugged, there wouldn’t be much of a wait, they live next door.

“Marta, could you come over for 10 maybe 20 minutes? And please drag Ted’s sorry ass with you.” Now Marta and Ted are two active members of The Company. Marta is by far the best thief around, she can make nearly anything disappear. Ted’s more of the local evil genius, though his skills are more computer based. They don’t extend to people very well. He is a devious bastard though, just the kind of guy I might need.

I watched as they made their way over. It was good to see that Ted had graduated from using crutches to just a walking stick. His leg had been smashed during a failed takeover of his position by two of his people. It’s left him with a limp and quite a lot of paranoia about when the next takeover might happen.

When my children spotted Ted, they ran for their godfather. As usual, he gave each of them a brief cuddle, and then gave a toy to each child. This earned him quick hugs, “Tank kews” and then Lana and Toby went off to play with their new toys.

“So, Shrimp. Why did you call?” asked Marta with her soft drawl.

I passed the note to Tania first with a motion that she should pass to the others. They each read it quickly and handed it on.

“And you called us because?” asked Ted.

“I’m not sure which of my actions this might be referring to. I was hoping a little brainstorming might help.”

Tania looked at me. “There’s more than just what happened last trip?”

I sighed. I’d tried for so long to keep Tania from realising exactly what I did for The Company when we met and what I’ve done since. My lovely wife was about to get an earful. “Yes, Tania, there is more. Should I start with the oldest sins or the most recent?”

“I’d say start with the oldest. We can probably rule them out.”

“We better sit down, this will take a little while,” I said. We all sat in the living area. I held up my left hand with all fingers extended. “So, first was Dennis Racket. He had plans of making me his toy boy. I rather objected to that.” Ted smirked at me. He’d heard a very different version second hand. “So on a trip to Egypt, I stole his money, the batteries to his cell and his papers. And had him transported away from town, with some provisions. It took him over a month to get home again. As far as I know, he got over it.” I folded over my pinky.

“Then I quit The Company, they didn’t seem to have an objection to that.” I folded down the ring finger.

Ted replied, “I’m positive that’s not it. I’m sure I would have been first to hear about that.” Given he took my place as the head of the local branch, he should know.

“Now my next trip to Egypt was far more dangerous. On my first night at camp, I was given a drugged drink. When I woke up, I was trapped in a pyramid.”

Ted looked thoughtful. “Was that Kane and Pesce?”

“As it turns out, yes. It took me two long days to find a passage out of that pyramid. I thought I was going to die there. Once you sent the dossiers, I managed to have Kane arrested for the local equivalent of indecent dealing with a minor.” I folded down my middle finger.

Then I took a deep breath. I had to remind myself, the people sitting here were the people I trusted most. Trusted with my life and all my secrets. “Pesce, I drugged her food, put her on a raft and pushed it out to some crocodiles. There was a lot of blood and no sign that she woke before they attacked, so I’m sure she’s dead.” I folded down my index finger. Tania gasped and turned pale.

“Crocodiles? Seriously?” asked Marta.

“Dude, that is an epic way to murder someone,” said Ted with admiration in his voice. “There is still a major reward from The Company on Pesce. Why not claim it?”

I shook my head. “I can think of no better way to get a very high price on my head from The Family. No thanks.”

“Why did you let Kane live? That’s a weak spot,” said Ted.

I shrugged. “He just didn’t seem that dangerous. He was just the muscle of the operation. Finally our last trip to France, we ended up needing to set up a fake blackmail drop so we could set up the real blackmailer. That worked fine. The blackmailer ended up in jail and discredited so our supplier no longer had to pay his demands. Hard to believe that anyone would be threatening me over that.” I folded my thumb making a fist. Five things I could think of that might make me a target.

“Pesce. It’s going to be Pesce,” said Marta decisively.

“I agree. It’s going to be about that. But I don’t think The Family is involved.”

“Why do you think The Family isn’t involved, Ted?” I asked.

“They’d just send a team of assassins. They wouldn’t give warning.” He paused. “Besides, if you die on assignment, you weren’t good enough. Pesce failed to kill Shrimp and then she died.”

I was watching Tania. She was staring down at her hands, refusing to look at any of us. My poor wife was getting far too much of an education, far too fast. Marta looked at Tania, then raised an eyebrow at me. I shook my head, I wanted to talk to her after they’d gone.

Ted, oblivious to the situation continued. “Now, Shrimp, about your upcoming trip to China.” Ah shit, I forgot I had tickets to go to China next week. “The company is hoping that you can establish a new contact, one that will send shipments of drugs.” Tania gasped and started to shudder.

“No drugs, Ted. No,” I said firmly.

He blinked as he realised the problem. “I meant super cheap generic brand versions. Not the other kind. Not the hard stuff.”

“Marta, Ted, I appreciate you coming over. Could you think about who might be threatening me? What precautions we should be taking.” I stood and they did as well.
Marta leaned over to kiss a cheek and whispered to me, “Take care of Tania.”

“I will try.”

---
The lovely Marta Tomesi is originally from Chrysame.

spare pics