Page 94 of Bit's Bliss
I led him to the room where the rest of thecaballeroswaited.
“So this is the inner sanctum?” he joked, looking around the space that was used for larger wine dinners.
“Nah, we can’t allow you in there,” said Brix, squeezing his shoulder.
I glanced over to where Eberly’s father sat and walked over to take the empty seat beside him. I knew the man was plagued with guilt in the same way I would be in his shoes. I hoped that whatever Decker had to say would be good news in terms of the house, if not the winery.
“Thanks for allowing me an audience,” Deck said once we were seated. I didn’t hear sarcasm in his words, only respect. “I’ve come to you to help me determinethe best use of the reward money offered for the capture of the Devaneys.” Before I could ask what he was talking about, he continued. “As we know, it wasn’t only Christopher and his son who were on the FBI’s and NCA’s most-wanted list. Liam Devaney, Miranda and Patrick Boyle, and James Dunn were too. Each of them had reward money offered for their capture. Five million from the FBI and another five from the NCA. Given it was dead or alive, the total amount the US and UK governments are willing to pay out is over sixty million dollars since part of that is in pounds.”
“Why are you asking us?” I spoke out.
“Because if it weren’t for you, Bit, they never would’ve been taken out. They wouldn’t have even been on our radar.”
“It wasn’t me alone.”
“No, it wasn’t, which is why I’m not suggesting all sixty mil be handed over to you.”
Those in the room chuckled. Decker did too, then his expression turned more serious. “I have a proposal I’d like you to consider.”
“Go ahead,” said Tryst, who was standing near the rear of the room.
“We establish a fund used to purchase the wineries put out of business by the consortium.”
The room turned quiet until Malcolm cleared his throat. “While that is very generous, it isn’t fair. My winery was failing long before the consortium entered the picture.”
“As was mine,” said Lucas Hope.
“There were four Central Coast wineries driven out of business by the Wine Consortium,” said Tryst, stepping forward and standing next to Decker. “I move we vote to use the reward money to purchase the four wineries and deed them to their original owners.”
“Anyone want to second that?” asked Brix.
“Hang on.” Malcolm stood. “There were more than four of us. A few small enterprises in Napa were affected as well.”
“From what I remember, none of them aided in capturing of the Devaneys,” said Decker, who’d turned to face Malcolm. “And while I’m sure everyone in this room appreciates your humility and graciousness, my understanding is there’s a motion currently on the floor.”
Baron Van Orr stood and turned toward Malcolm. “I second the motion.”
“All those in favor?” prompted Brix.
Every hand went up besides Malcolm’s and Lucas’.
“Opposed?” Brix continued. No one raised a hand.
“The motion carries by majority vote. The two abstentions are noted.”
The meeting was adjourned, and as anxious as I was to return to the Stonehouse, I waited when Malcolm and Lucas approached Decker, Tryst, and Brix.
“I truly don’t know what to say,” said Malcolm, extending his hand to shake those of all three men. “It doesn’t feel right.”
“It’s what Los Caballeros does,” said Tryst. “We help those in need, sometimes without them ever knowing it. Why wouldn’t we do the same for our brothers as we would for strangers?”
“I don’t mind seein’ the government’s ponying up for it,” said Decker. “Two, in fact.”
“You’re entitled to that money as much as anyone else is,” I said to him.
“Yeah? Well, what the hell am I gonna do with it?”
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