Page 51 of Stilettos and Outlaws

“We’re keeping him,” Mom announced.

Dad stared up at the sky for a long moment. “He needs proper training, and I don’t have the time.”

“I’ll train him,” Grandpa announced out of the blue. “I need a good guard dog, and I could use the company.”

We all stared at him in shock.

“Okay, let’s see how you get along,” Mom said.

My cellphone rang. I didn’t recognize the number. Frowning, I swiped right. “Hello?” A sigh of relief broke from me. “Dante, whose phone are you using? The nurses? Okay. What’s up? You sound a little pissed.”

Dad leaned over and hit the speaker icon.

“The FBI is insisting on taking me into protective custody,” Dante snarled.

Grandpa scowled. “It’s the CIA, not the FBI, and it won’t be protective custody. They want to interrogate you. You need to get out of the hospital, now!”

“They have four agents guarding my room,” Dante advised.

Mom smiled evilly. “We’ll just create a diversion. They won’t know what hit them.”

“Will they go after my family?” There was a thread of fear in Dante’s voice.

Grandpa drawled ominously, “They will.”

“Not a problem,” Mom interjected. “I’ll fly your brothers and your aunt to the Refuge. They’ll be safe there.”

I butted in, “Don’t worry Dante. I’ll call them and let them know what is going on.”

“Thank you,querida.”

“Are you able to fight?” Dad asked.

Dante’s voice was full of defiant fury. “Yes!”

I had a sudden brainstorm. “Dante, do you remember the dance contest where I dressed up as Marilyn Monroe and wore that sexy white dress?”

“The halter-neck, mid-length, white pleated skirt dress?”

“That’s the one, and do you remember how many men you had to warn off?”

“I remember the brawl. It took eight officers to stop it.”

“Marilyn Monroe is about to pay a visit to the hospital and while I’m creating chaos, Dad and Grandpa will take care of the CIA.”

“Who am I going to be?” Julie wanted to know.

“Betty Boop.”

Julie frowned. “Never heard of her.”

“She’s a cartoon character from 1932.

A groan broke from Dante. “Your Betty Boop costume caused a fight too.”

“It did. That’s how I know this will work.”

Grandpa’s smile was downright scary. “Bring the cat. Those CIA goons won’t know what hit them.”

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