Page 5 of New Tradition

He sighed. "We're in the beginning of our relationship. I want to build foundations for the future. Traditions and the creation of them have always been big in my family, but after mom was killed, some of that seemed to fall apart. When mom was alive, we always went out of the country for Christmas. She wanted us to experience the traditions of other cultures. Said capitalism ruined Christmas in America."

She shoved him in the shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me that when we first started arguing about this two days ago."

He cupped her cheek. "I'm trying not to burden you with my emotional baggage, baby girl."

She laid her hand against his and looked him in the eye. "Nothing about you is a burden and we're in this for the long-haul so I think you can unload some of that on me. Let's get settled into your place together this weekend and revisit it. I'll have everything rearranged on my schedule and we'll come up with a plan."

"Thank you, baby girl."

3

Monday, December 10th

Samuel

Samuel sat perched on the corner of his desk listening to Jax Fischer fill him in on the search for Sarah Ridgeway, his ex girlfriend and the woman who tried to kill Erin a few short weeks ago. There wasn’t much to tell though which irritated him. It meant keeping Erin under close the close watch of a bodyguard at all times and he knew that smothered her. Thankfully, her boss also had private security, so he felt like she was well protected. He also had a pretty good idea that Sarah wasn't going to show her face any time soon. It just irked him that she'd disappeared.

“So basically, you’ve found nothing. My old teammates have found nothing. The police have found nothing. How is this possible? Where is her husband?”

Jax shook his head. “I’m honestly baffled by it myself. It’s a real head scratcher for sure. I just need to know how far you want me to go to find her.”

Samuel pushed off the desk and paced. “As far as it takes. I can pay you for your time. I can find you other people to work with. I just want to find her and get to the bottom of all this.”

The board members of club Solitaire had been suffered a number of major problems and setbacks of various forms the past year and a half and it was starting to look like deliberate attacks. They just didn’t know why.

Samuel ran a hand down his face. “Let’s table this for now and move on to the other mission.”

Jax rolled his eyes. “Finding out what kind of ring your girlfriend wants is not a fuckin’ mission man, and it’s demeaning that you keep calling it that. Why can’t you just ask that bouncy girl Trinity or one of the girls from Solitaire?”

Samuel shook his head. “Can’t do that. They’re all wonderful ladies, but they also have big mouths and wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret. I want this to be a real surprise. Now what do you have for me?”

Jax grumbled but slapped another folder on the desk. “The girl doesn’t buy jewelry. It’s the damnedest thing. She’s got a penchant for those little handbags that don’t hold anything but a cellphone and some keys but no jewelry in her recent purchases that I can find.”

Samuel knew about the handbags. He’d watched the crew he hired to box up her apartment pack two boxes full of them out of her closet.

“She wears jewelry though.”

“As far as I can tell she borrows it from Trinity or she gets it from a rental company when it’s for a television event or whatever.”

“You ever thought about just asking her?”

Samuel rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “Lord help me with him.” Turning his attention back to Jax he said, “What part of surprise do you not get? What about her social media?”

“Scuse me? Did you just ask me to hack your girlfriend’s social media? First, that’s fucked up. Second, that’s fucked up, and third, that’s more Lance’s department,” the cowboy drawled.

Samuel laughed. “OK. You’re right. I don’t think she uses it much beyond her official accounts, anyway.”

“I’ve got another idea, but it would require deceiving Trinity or some other woman in her life.”

“Just let e know what you need. A little white lie so my girl gets the ring she wants isn’t so bad is it?”

Jax just chuckled and shook his head. “I’ll let you know what I find out then. You thought any more about Peter Mercer’s offer?”

Samuel shrugged. “I’m thinking about it. Contrary to popular belief, I do actually enjoy the job I have. Especially since dad has semi retired and let me take over day-to-day operations. I’m able to invest in some real game changers. Last week I was out of the country to look at a new green energy opportunity and a week before that I went and checked out a potential new body armor prototype for soldiers and police that I want to invest in and help them get a government contract. I’m not bored, guys.”

Jax held up his hand. “Don’t jump down my throat. I’m just asking if you considered his offer.”

Samuel laughed. “Sorry. Yes, I’m considering it. I want to make sure Erin’s OK with it before I say yes. Peter's had a few close calls over the years. I don’t want her thinking I’m going to be putting myself in danger again.”

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