Page 17 of Generation Lost

As promised, the food truck was there again the next day, serving up breakfast burritos and other hot breakfast sandwiches, the biggest cinnamon rolls they’d ever seen, hot coffee, tea, and juice.

“Good morning,” called Grant, walking toward them with a smile. “How did everyone sleep?”

“Like a baby,” smiled Al. “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” nodded Grant. “You’re doing great work, and I can see what we can finish today. If you need anything, just come and find me or this nice gentlemen here. This is Mr. Matthew Robicheaux, my financial backer for the company. He’s the man you can thank for everything.”

The crews expressed their thanks to Matthew, finished their morning meal, and immediately got to work. Matthew wandered the grounds, speaking to every man and woman there. With intent.

“All okay, Matthew?” asked Grant. Matthew gave that mischievous smile that he always gave, looking as if he knew something that no one else did. Which was probably the truth, and it annoyed Grant.

“You’ve got a fine crew, Grant. Nothing for you to worry about at all. I can tell that they’re all good men and women. Honest, hardworking, and they desire to help others. This is where they’re all supposed to be, and we found them in one big group. Couldn’t ask for more than that. At this pace, you’ll have the entire neighborhood of houses done in a couple of months. Good houses.” Grant hugged the older man, slapping his back. He was shocked, as always, at this steadiness, strength, and solid, hard body.

“Couldn’t do any of it without you, Matthew.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ghost, Ian, and Antoine walked into city hall, hoping to speak with the city inspectors and those approving new builds. When the chief of the department saw them coming, he literally closed his door and pretended to be on the phone.

“Well, I think we found one problem,” said Antoine. He pushed the door open, and the man stared at them, shaking his head.

“I’m on the phone,” he said nervously. “It’s going to be a while.”

“We can wait,” said Ghost, taking a seat. Ian stood against the wall while Antoine took a seat at the corner of the desk. The man stared at them, then let out a long, slow breath, putting the phone down.

“What do you want?” he asked.

“A little courtesy would be great,” said Ian. “How much did the Rizzolis pay you?”

“Look, I didn’t take anything from them.”

“Nothing? So, they were doing all of this without anyone checking in and determining whether or not it was legal?” asked Ghost.

“I didn’t take anything. I refused. What I couldn’t refuse was looking the other way. They knew I had two daughters in middle school and a son in college. They knew their names, their ages, and had photos of them. They’ve already scared the shit out of my wife twice.”

“Why didn’t you call the cops?” asked Antoine.

“Antoine, you and I both know how this works. There’s always someone willing to help them out. Always somebody willing to take the cash or look the other way. I wasn’t willing to risk my family.”

“You could have called us, Calvin,” said Ian.

“It must be nice, you know.” Ian stared at the man. “None of you have ever been terrified that someone will actually follow through on their threats, killing the only people you’ve ever loved.”

“You’re wrong,” said Ghost. “We’ve been worried about that very thing, but we’ve never caved into it. We understand what you did, Calvin, and why you did it. Now, we need help to stop them.”

“Haven’t you created enough problems? They’ve let everyone know that they’re after your mother and your family.”

“We know who they’re after, Calvin. Listen, we know that Marie Rizzoli is running her sons. She’s the one behind all of this,” said Antoine.

“Here.” Calvin looked at them, and they waited patiently for him to continue. “Jesus, you have no idea what you’ve done. You’ve literally opened Pandora’s Box. The Rizzolis are one of several families working together. Marie thinks she’s the head of the organization, but she is not. It’s not just their family. It’s other families involved as well.”

“What’s their game?” asked Ghost.

“They’re creating a network of casinos they can use to launder money, send women through, drugs, all of it.” Ghost looked at the others, realizing they were right.

“Why attack the senior community?” asked Ian.

“Come on,” said Calvin, shaking his head. “They’re an easy target! They don’t have a lot of money, most don’t have kids who give a shit about them any longer, and they won’t fight back! Unless they’re you guys.”

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