Page 37 of The Greek's Retribution

Stepping up onto the van, I see there is enough room for us. On the floor at the back of the van is a small refrigerator Thing Two says has drinks in it. Once we’re buckled in, Thing Two slides the door close, then gets in the front passenger seat. Thing One starts the van then pulls off.

“GeeGee, what’s going on?” Hailey whispers what we all want to know as we leave the gated community.

GeeGee sitting on the end seat, swivels around. “Devyn, baby put your headphones on and listen or watch one of those ticky tocky videos you like.” After Devyn has her earphones on and into a video, GeeGee continues, “Long story short, while the guys were waiting for the jet to get ready, Alistair ran to the city to get pizzas for Hailey and Devyn. While he was there, his car was bombed.”

We gasp as Hailey covers her mouth, holding in a silent cry.

“Don’t worry baby, he’s alright,” GeeGee soothes.

“I need to call him,” Hailey whimpers, digging in her purse.

“No, you do not,” Althaia says, reaching across the aisle, placing her hand over hers. “Alistair’s fine and believe me whoever did that, he will make sure they pay severely. As his mother, I know how you feel but right now they need to concentrate on the task at hand. He won’t be able to do that if you call him in hysterics. Sweetheart, he will get in contact with you as soon as he can, trust and believe. I know my son and he will do anything and everything to get back to you and Devyn.”

Hailey nods as she wipes away her tears. One thing I’ve learned about being in this type of relationship is as much as you want to call your man to see what the hell is going on, you have to fight it and pray the Lord looks out for them while you’re waiting for that call.

“So, where are they taking us,” Karisa asks, jerking her head towards Thing One and Two.

Janae answers first. “I called Mike while packing. They’re taking us to one of their safe houses that’s off the grid. It’s so remote our cell phones might not work there, but there are secure satellite phones at the house we’ll be able to use. Mike said they will be at the safe house to check on us soon.”

The heavy feeling of guilt washes over me. I know all of this has to do with my involvement with Santiago.

“I’m so sorry. All of this is my fault,” I choke.

GeeGee grasps my knee. “See, that right there is not what we’re going to have. None of this is your fault. We don’t blame you, so you shouldn’t be blaming yourself. Dry them damn tears. Balthazar, Xander, and the rest of them...and I guess we can include Frick and Frack up there” Thing One frowns as he glances into the rearview mirror. “They are doing what is necessary to protect this family. None of this is of your doing, so you have nothing to be sorry for, you hear me?”

Wiping my fallen tears, I nod.

“Good, now once we get to the safe house, we’ll do what is necessary to protect ourselves.” GeeGee points to the large black duffle bag under the seats in front of her. “If someone tries some shit, it’ll be like New Year’s Eve by the time we’re done.”

I was never one for carrying a gun but if it came down to protecting myself and the ones that I loved, then I pray the Lord will forgive me.

A little over an hour later, Thing One leaves the highway onto a two lane rural road. Watching the pastures with cows and horses in them as we pass, I knew we are deep in the country. It seemed like we passed a house every five miles. These are definitely people who like the quiet life and don’t want to be bothered with the hustle and bustle of the city. In some way I admired them. Being a city girl who grew up on the Southside of Chicago, you got tired of hearing the gun shots or people fighting in the streets. Out here it’s peaceful and you don’t have to worry about whether you would be an innocent bystander in a drive by or if someone was going to rob you getting on the train.

Thing One turns on to a narrow dirt road with trees on each side. If a person was speeding on the highway, they would definitely miss it.

“Boy, where the hell are you taking us? I mean, Zar’s cabin is in the woods but this looks like the beginning of one of those creepy ass camping movies. I better not hear any banjos playing when we get to wherever you’re taking us,” GeeGee expresses, looking out the window at the large branches that are hanging low, scraping the top of the van, then up front to Thing One.”

Thing Two peers over his shoulder and answers for his brother, “I know it looks creepy, but trust me it’s safe. People don’t come down this road just for that reason.”

He faces the front as we stare at each other with curiosity. GeeGee didn’t want to hear any banjos, but like the rest of us, they were already playing in her head.

Thing One veers off to the left onto another creepy ass road. I’m starting to question if this was a good idea, coming with them because right now the banjos are blasting in my head.

When the road finally opens up its to a small clearing with a rundown shack sitting behind two large trees. Thing One maneuvers the van behind the shack, stops, then puts it in park, shutting of the engine.

“We’re here,” he says, swiveling around in his chair.

“Here, where?” I ask, as the others mumble the same thing.

He and his brother smile. “The safe house, of course.”

“Young man, this is not a safe house,” Althaia states, looking at the shack then back at them. “If my son knew this is where you were bringing us, he would have some very unpleasant words for the both of you.”

Thing One holds up his hand. “Ma’am, haven’t you ever heard the sayings ‘looks can be deceiving’ or ‘never judge a book by its cover?”

“Yeah, and this shit is deceiving and we’re judging, so one of you better have a magic wand and turn that shanty into what we’re accustomed to or you better take us to the closest hotel,” GeeGee states, giving them one of her matter of fact looks.

“Ladies, please get out and follow us,” Thing Two coaxes.

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