Page 27

I had a busy day at headquarters. It wasn’t until late afternoon, when I had a break, that Dar questioned me about how the talk had gone. I informed him of the highlights. He reiterated that the family was here if we needed them. I thanked him and told him I’d let him know.

That was hours ago. I was home and impatiently waiting for Gianna to arrive.

Since she’d be coming later, I debated what to make for dinner.

However, right before I headed home, she called me around five to tell me not to worry about cooking.

She would take care of it. She giggled when I asked what that meant and told me I’d see.

I was wearing my lounge-at-home clothes, which consisted of loose lounge pants and a T-shirt in the winter.

In the summer, I would wear the same shirt with shorts.

I hated wearing shoes unless I had to, regardless of the time of year, so I went barefoot.

For this reason, I made sure that heated flooring was installed when this house was built. I didn’t like cold feet.

I kept pacing the living room and checking my cell phone. I was counting the minutes. Gianna had texted me thirty-five minutes ago to tell me she was leaving her apartment and had a brief stop. She’d be here in about forty-five minutes. Time had never seemed to crawl by this slowly.

While I got a lot of work done today at the office, thoughts of her intruded more than a few times.

I kept reliving last night. I was more than excited to have a repeat tonight.

Only it wasn’t just sex that I looked forward to.

Spending time with Gianna was fun, and I loved it.

We learned about each other even when we were acting silly and laughing.

My cell phone rang, startling me. Thinking it was Gianna, I answered without looking at the caller ID. “Gianna, are you almost here? Is everything alright?” I asked in a rush.

“Uhm, sorry, this isn’t Gianna. It’s Monty, Rian. Did I catch you at a bad time?” he asked hesitantly.

I wanted to groan. The only reason he’d call this late was a problem in Aspen. But this was why I was the boss. I couldn’t shirk my duty.

“Sorry. I didn’t look to see who was calling. I’m expecting someone. What can I do for you, Monty? I take it there’s an issue.”

He sighed. “I wish I could say no, but you’re right. The few days of calm were upset just an hour ago.”

“What happened?”

“It seems that Clay had trouble posting a bond to get out of jail after his arrest. That’s why we hadn’t heard anything from him.

However, he got the money somehow today.

Right after he did, he ended up back here at the Crystal.

He made sure to stay off our property, but he was by the entrance, on city property.

He was picketing and hollering about the same things again.

Except this time, he had others join him.

I don’t know who they were. However, there was one I recognized.

It was Harissa. Besides repeating what he said the first time, he’s questioning your family’s business practices.

He’s hinting to people you’re a Mafia family and that the Crystal is a cover for illegal money laundering,” Monty finished in a rush.

I knew it made him very uncomfortable to repeat these things.

My first emotion was disgust, followed closely by anger.

How dare that bastard say such untruths and cause trouble, all because he couldn’t hack his job?

We gave him multiple chances, additional training, and a preceptor, and he still couldn’t or likely wouldn’t do his job.

He was fired for no other reason. When you say things like he did, some people will always believe you and repeat it.

“Where is he now? Did you call the police? Can they do anything? What about our lawyer out there?” The family had several lawyers, but Malone Kelly, Mama’s second cousin, was our lead legal counsel.

He hadn’t been the one dealing with Clay up to this point, but it sounded like he might need to be involved.

“He’s still out there. The police say that since he’s on city property, it’s a peaceful protest. He has a permit, so there’s nothing they can do.

I’d like to know how he got a damn permit while in jail.

As for the lawyer, I spoke to him, and he’s drafting more paperwork to send to a judge regarding the slander, but it’s iffy since he’s suggesting it, not saying it outright.

We can’t stop him as long as he stays out there and remains calm.

There were three cancellations after he showed up.

I don’t know what to do, Rian. What if he ruins the Crystal’s reputation, and we can’t regain it? ”

My anger was slowly climbing. As much as I hated doing it, I knew what to do.

“I’ll be out there in the morning. I’m asking Malone to come out and meet with us and our other lawyer to see where we can go.

I refuse to let that little disgruntled shit destroy the Crystal.

There’s a way to stop him. We just have to find it.

I’ll let you know when you can expect me.

Thanks for the call, Monty. Go home and get some rest. There’s no reason for you to stay there all night watching his stupid ass.

Just make sure the night manager and security know what to do. ”

“I will, and I’m sorry to drag you back here so soon.”

“No need to apologize. It’s my job. See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow. Thank you, Rian.”

“No problem,” I said before we both disconnected.

I immediately called Malone. He might not be able to get there tomorrow, but hopefully, he will this week.

He answered just as the door opened, and in came a smiling Gianna.

She was carrying a travel bag and a large plastic shopping bag.

The aroma of food hit my nose. I held up my finger, though I took a bag from her.

“Good evening, Rian. What can I do for you?” Malone asked.

“Good evening, Malone. I hate to call you at home, but we have a situation and I need you. Can I assume you’ve been briefed on the trouble we’ve had recently with an ex-employee at the Crystal Castle Chalet in Aspen?”

I placed the bag of food on the kitchen counter. Gianna had dropped her travel bag in the living room. She was frowning as she listened to my end of the conversation. Going back to the living room, I sat down. She did the same to remove her boots.

“I had a few days ago. Court McIntyre is handling it. Clearly, something happened. Tell me.”

I ran him through the details. I noticed Gianna was listening intently, and she was frowning. I didn’t mind her hearing the details. As my anamchara , sharing our work was only one thing we’d do. That included the good and the bad. When I concluded, Malone briskly rattled off his plans.

“I’ll go to Colorado tomorrow. It’ll probably be mid-afternoon before I can get there. I assume you’ll be going there, too. We’ll meet with Monty and Court. There has to be something we can do to get rid of this guy.”

“Are you home or away on business?” I asked.

“I’m home.”

“You can catch a ride with me. I have to talk to Brett about the others to see if they have prior commitments. Once I know that, I can give you a time. Will that work?”

“That would be great. I’ll get ready and wait for your text. And I’ll see what I can get out of Court that I didn’t already have. I’ll be able to work on the plane. I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”

“Thanks, Malone.”

“You’re welcome. Tell Maeve I said hello, and I’ll be by to see her soon.”

I grinned. “I will, and you’d better, or she’ll be after you,” I warned.

He laughed. “Don’t I know it. Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow. Thanks, cousin.”

“You’re welcome, cousin.”

As soon as I disconnected, I excused my rudeness.

“I’m sorry, Gianna. I’m just finishing some work, and then I’ll be right with you. Make yourself at home.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. I understand work issues. Go ahead. I like watching you at work. It’s very sexy to hear you so commanding.” She smirked.

“Woman, don’t make me hard while talking to people. Wait until I can do something about it,” I warned.

She laughed and settled back on the couch.

I placed my next call. It went to Brett.

He was one of three family pilots, along with Jessica and Jordan.

I’d try Brett since he knew their schedules.

His job as our primary pilot was to always be on call for Darragh.

If there was an urgent matter and Dar didn’t require him, he would be loaned out.

However, we tried to stick to the other two if possible.

“Brett here. How are you, Rian?”

We didn’t require our employees to call us Mr., Mrs., or Ms. First names were okay with us. We knew plenty of peers who did or demanded to be addressed as sir and madam. I hated that pretentious shit.

“I’m not too bad, Brett. I hope you’re doing well.”

“I am. How can I help you?”

“I need a pilot first thing tomorrow to fly to Aspen. Are Jordan or Jessica available?” We didn’t always know our cousins’ or siblings’ work demands since they could change quickly.

“Give me a moment to check.” He was quiet for several seconds before replying, “I can give you Jessica. Do you need her to stay so she can fly you back in the afternoon? Or will you be staying for a few days?”

As much as I wanted to say I’d be back tomorrow afternoon, I knew it wasn’t realistic. “I’ll be there for a few days,” I said, glancing at Gianna. I saw a flash of disappointment that she quickly covered up.

“Okay, she can drop you off and return by evening. Since she needs to fly the next morning, I’ll schedule your return for Friday afternoon or Saturday.”

It was Wednesday night, so I replied, “Better make it on Saturday.”

“Good, I’ve got it. Will nine a.m. work for you? And will there be more going with you?”

As he asked, a flash of inspiration hit me. “There will be three, possibly four of us.”

“I’ll let her know. Have a good night.”

“Thanks, and you, too, Brett.”