Page 89 of Under the Mistletoe

The front door jingles again, and I wonder if it’s over, but the guys aren’t leaving. More come in.

“Is she here?”

“We just want a photo.”

“We’ll pay you a hundred for a photo of your niece!”

“Oh shit.” Jimmy’s eyes widen.

The shop is getting crazy; it’s almost like the media pack decided they were too cold waiting for the perfect shot so they barged their way in.

“It’s getting a little crazy out there, sweetie. Why don’t you call Donovan back. It might be best for you to go home.” Aunt Vivian pops her head around, and I nod quickly as I grab my cell, feeling bad for putting them in this position. I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t think it would be this bad. Probably because I've been holed up in the penthouse all week, I forgot how intrusive they can be.

I call Donovan, but he doesn't answer. I don’t want to interrupt him. I know he’s with his contact at the Feds.

“Damn,” I murmur, not sure what to do. I put my phone down on the table and pace.

“I can walk you to the subway,” Jimmy offers, and I look at him.

“I’m not sure…” I tell him, the voices out front getting louder.

“I mean, I know it's been a few months for you, but I can go with you. Escort you on the subway and then walk you home. Ensure no one bothers you. You can then just call Donovan from your place.”

I look out the small window in the kitchen, the day now even darker.

I chew my lip, not sure what to do. But with my aunt and uncle under duress out in the shop and Donovan not answering, I think it’s the best thing to do.

“Okay… Let’s go,” I say, grabbing my bag and scarf and jacket. I quickly write a note to my aunt and uncle, telling them my whereabouts, and slip out the back door with Jimmy. Hoping that once the media knows I’m gone, they’ll leave the shop alone.

37

Donovan

I pace through the foyer of the city building, seeing it quiet as you would suspect for a Saturday afternoon.

“Donovan.”

“Jai. I came as soon as I could.” I nod to him.

“Won’t take long. I just have a few things. You need to submit your cell and show ID.” He nods toward the security desk, and I pass everything over. They take my photo, and I’m handed a pass.

“Great, this way.”

I follow him as we walk past the security doors into the FBI’s office here in New York. I see people everywhere. It’s one of the largest and most active FBI divisions in the country, often handling high-profile investigations involving organized crime, terrorism, financial fraud, and public corruption. They have the staff and the resources to investigate Marcus Jasper. I know they will get him.

“Just in here.”

I walk into an office, one that looks more homely than I ever considered.

“What do you need?” I ask, because I don’t want to be away from Jessica for too long.

“I just wanted to clarify a few things with you, but we’re almost ready to move. We’ve been watching Marcus since you brought us the information. He has displayed further evidence of his business behavior, but we saw him meet up with a man yesterday. I wanted to know if you if knew him or had any feedback on this person.”

Agent Jai slides an image across the desk, and I grab it. Looking at it, I feel sick.

“Jimmy.” I say his name as my world starts to crumble. Panic runs up my chest, knowing she’s at the shop, the one place Jimmy frequents.

“Jimmy? His name is Justin Owens. A convicted con man, been in and out of jail most of his life.”