Page 14 of Stella's Christmas Rescue
“The what program?”
“The skinny bride. You know how some women are so determined to get into their wedding dress, they have their jaw wired shut? They have to have an outside force to keep them from doing the wrong thing?”
I chuckle, “Yeah.”
“I offered to put Stella in a white collar prison to keep her safe. The ones that are like Club Med, but with no communication with her family.”
“People actually opt for the skinny bride program?”
He says, “You’d be surprised by how many people in those places are actually in the Witness Protection program. Why do you think those prisons are so nice?”
“Because they’re for wealthy people.”
He chuckles and asks, “That’s adorable. Is that what people really think?”
“Ithought it, until you said that.”
“Huh. Well, regardless, this is where we’re at. My solution is to get you involved. I wish I had more time to talk to you about it all?—"
“Same here.”
He cringes and says, “Sorry about that. But you’re a big scary guy and she needs one of those close by. And I can’t afford to send her one. I can shoot some cash your way, if you need?—"
I shake my head, “I’ll be happy to take care of Stella. She’s…something else.”
Wes nods, “She really is. Stronger than most single people in the program. Three years is a long time to be cut off from everyone you know.”
I realize that was the loneliness she spoke of last night. Not my kind of loneliness. I have a choice. I like being alone, most of the time. But she never had a choice in the matter. No wonder she stays in contact with her family. “Is her family thing the only rule she breaks?”
“Yes, but that’s a big one. We’re all a little surprised her family hasn’t been targeted by the smuggling ring, but it turns out, they’re too busy with their business to worry about vendettas. They are more businessmen than they are cartel bosses. They’d rather deal with the direct problem, make their money, and get out. It’s enterprising, really. None of it’s personal. Just business.” He shrugs.
“So, I just want to make sure I’m following you, Wes?—"
He nods, “Go ahead.”
“You forged your boss’ signature to get Stella to Floyd, where she could be guarded by me, because she is a key witness to a murder tied to a worldwide gun smuggling ring, and you need help on the cheap because your budget was slashed.”
“Our budget was burned to the ground, yes.”
I smile and ask, “And the worldwide gun smuggling ring isn’t going to come afterme?”
“Oh, come on. Since when are you afraid of a little bullet?”
I laugh. “I’ve missed you, man. Why don’t you come around more often?”
“Jennifer’s pregnant again.”
“Congratulations! What is that, five?”
He smiles proudly, “Six.”
“Damn, man, that’s a lot of kids.”
“What can I say? My kids are awesome and Jennifer loves being a mom, so I’ll do whatever they want. You ever think about settling down withonewoman?”
I frown, “Why the emphasis on one?”
He laughs, “Because I know you and your past.”
