There Must Be A Mistake Ch. 11

"No."

"How about Rod? Would he give up a daughter to keep a son?"

"No. What are you getting at dad? You are confusing me again?"

"Why can't I love Gordon and you equally? Do you really think it matters that he is five years old and you are 17? Do you think Gordon isn't going to run into problems just like you are now? What do you think is going to happen in eight or nine years, if Brandy and Danielle are still in the picture? They are not going to want to be part of a harem. They are going to tell him to choose between them. I will guarantee you there is going to be a war between those two young girls, and regardless of what Gordon does, one of them is going to hate him forever."

Delicious laughed. "What makes you think there are only going to be two girls after him by the time he's 13?"

"If we are still here, and there are more than two girls after him, I'm raising the height of the fences. I'll put in a minefield between the house and the fence, and guard towers at all four-access points. If that doesn't keep us safe, I know this place in northern Alaska where he can hide for a while."

"I found you there."

"Are you going to give up your brother?"

"No, I guess not."

"That's very kind of you. If you'd like, you can stay home, until Gray finds an apartment downtown. You don't have to stay here; you can stay at a hotel or on the park bench, it's your choice."

"If it's okay with you dad, I'd like to stay where my clothes are."

"Where are your clothes?

"Are you starting with me again?"

"There is always that possibility. I don't know if you packed a suitcase."

"You are a terrible liar dad."

"So you're staying at the hotel?"

"No, I'm staying at home."

"I'm sure Gray will be very happy to hear that."

"How about you dad; are you happy I'm staying at home?"

"You know me Delicious; I couldn't give a shit one way or the other."

"First you owe the pretzel jar another $10. Second, you are an awful liar dad."

I smiled at my daughter, kissed her head, and said, "Yes, I am."

Delicious giggled, slapped my arm, and kissed my cheek.

I think we called a truce between us at that moment.

*********

The following morning Jennifer called her friend at the University of Colorado and made arrangements for Delicious to start taking classes a week from Monday. The only reason it worked out, was she was a non-degree seeking student. Classes started three weeks ago.

************

48. Tripping

The two armored car drivers, Jayden and Logan arrived at Even's home at 7:30 AM. They were driving a retired Secret Service black beast that had been totally reconditioned with a new engine, transmission, and every other upgrade current Secret Service armored vehicles had. Even had the armor shop put in a few extras just in case.

During their down time, Jayden and Logan went through training at an elite school specializing in close body protection for high-value targets. They learned how to drive the heavy vehicle, how to get out of road traps, and most importantly, weapons training. After the four-week course was over, they were rated extremely effective.

Using the clothing allowance Even gave them, they both showed up in business suits that effectively hid the fact they were carrying an assortment of lethal weapons to protect their clients.

Even greeted both men; "Welcome to my home gentleman; breakfast is on the table. Is there anything in particular you would like to drink?"

Jayden said, "Coffee would be very nice Mr. Luck. This is very kind of you."

"Jayden, Logan, you are now part of our family. You can expect to be treated this way every time you come here. I know, and you know you are my employees, but that doesn't matter. You know your jobs, and as long as you perform them properly, you will be treated as family, and not as objects. Please sit down and enjoy your breakfast, coffee will be ready in a few minutes."

While they were eating, and talking with Even about his priorities, Delicious walked into the kitchen wearing a skintight pair of black jeans, and a button-down blouse.

Both men stood up. Logan said, "Holy shit, we have to protect her?"

"Guys, this is my daughter Delicious. No jokes please, she has heard them all."

Both men said, "Good morning ma'am."

"Hello gentlemen, and for the time being, would you call me miss, until this idiot, who is trying to sneak up behind me, says 'I do.'"

Gray kissed her head. "When did you develop eyes in the back of your head? I used to be able to sneak up behind you, and scare you to death."

"That was before you became old and clumsy. Gentleman this is my fiancé, Dr. Grayson Thyme."

I introduced my two new employees. "Delicious, Gray, whenever you leave the house, these two men will be with you. On the right is Jayden McMichael. Standing next to him is Logan Morrison. You can feel very comfortable with both of them, because they just finished a four-week course at the Executive Training Facility in Biloxi Mississippi. They are now experts at close body protection, and if any problem arises you will do what they tell you to do without asking questions. Do you understand Delicious, without asking questions."

"I understand dad."

"Jayden, you are with Gray at all times.'

" Logan, I'm sorry, but you get my daughter."

"Thanks a lot dad."

"You're very welcome baby."

"Jayden, Gray has a few errands he has to run today in Denver. He is going to look for an apartment close to the University of Colorado, and buy a new car."

"Really Gray, what kind of car are you buying?"

"Your father is buying it for me as part of my incentive package. Do you want to guess what kind of car I'm getting, and the colors I can't buy?"

"Oh, he read you the riot act too."

"Yes he did, but I'm not buying a blue one. I'm going to get a black one."

"You're not going to get it."

"Why can't I get a black car?"

"Black Audi SUV's are so popular they keep them for the East and West coasts. In order to get one you have to special order it, and you have to wait 2 to 3 months to get it. Other dealerships won't let them go, because they are the first cars to leave their showrooms."

"So I can't buy any car that is silver, white, beige, or brown, and I can't get a black Audi for 2 to 3 months. This really sucks Even."

"It may suck Gray, but it's for free."

"Yes, there is always that to add to the equation."

Logan you can drop both of them off, bring my daughter to the bursar's office at the University of Colorado, Denver campus, and make sure she gets an admission packet. Go to their security department and introduce yourself. Show them your permits, and explain what your duties are. If they have any problems, have them contact me. I will take care of them.

Then walk Delicious around the campus so she can familiarize herself with the layout. Starting a week from Monday you will be taking her there, and watching her from a discreet distance, every moment of the day.

Delicious the first thing you will do upon leaving a classroom is to locate Logan, and make physical contact with him. I don't want you to wave from hundred feet away, I want you to walk up to him and touch his sleeve so he knows everything is fine. Okay?"

"Yes dad, I will do it every time."

"Baby, I know you think I'm overreacting, but these two men are alive only because I overreacted. If we hadn't put them into the bomb protective gear, and added extra layers of protection behind them, we would have attended their funerals. Those criminals are still out there, and until Shelby knows who did it and why, I am going to protect the two of you as best I know how."

"Who is going to protect you, Gordon, and Jennifer?"

"We will be staying very close to home, and if we have to leave, we will make arrangements for either Jayden or Logan to be with us."

"Shouldn't you hire more guards?"

"They are already in training. We should have a dozen more men and women by the beginning of the month."

"Women; how open-minded of you dad."

"You won't think so when you see one of them. She looks like a cross between Godzilla and Mothra."

"That's an awful thing to say about anyone dad."

"I'm not hiring her because she is pretty. I'm hiring her to protect Gordon."

"Oh my God, poor Gordon."

"Okay, enough chit chat. It is 8:30 A.M., grab your gear, and get on the road. All of you get back here safe this evening please."

"Do I show them where the extras are Mr. Luck?"

"No, not until you teach them how to use a weapon properly."

Gray said, "I came in fourth in the NRA handgun tryouts for the central region, and I have a federal permit to carry a gun."

Delicious glared at him. "I hate you Gray."

"Yes dear, I know."

"You can show Gray where they are hidden Jayden, and make sure he knows what he's doing with them. She doesn't touch them, until she is taught about them."

"Yes sir."

As they were leaving the house, Delicious kissed me. I was a little surprised.

"Thanks for worrying about us dad. It means you really care about our safety."

"I couldn't show favorites between the two drivers, so I had to hire both of them. I was worried about Gray's safety, and you just happen to be there. If anything happens to you, I look good in the papers because I had you guarded. They don't realize you were just incidental, I was just protecting Gray."

"You are so full of shit dad."

"I am getting better; that will be $10 please."

"You went through all that just to get $10 out of me?"

"Do you remember the last few times I tried it and failed. I was heartbroken. I'm back on track now; I feel much better."

"You are such a bad liar."

"Can't you see how happy I am now that I've have taken $10 out of your pocket? Have you looked at your financial statements yet? Can you afford the $10 or are you going to get a $35 overdraft fee attached to next month's statement?"

"I couldn't look. After Rod handed it to me, he told me not to open it because of Gordon, and then things got a little bit hectic here. I brought it up to my room and put it in my dresser. I will look at it tonight when I get home."

"Make sure that you do, because if you can't afford your birth control pills, you are going to become pregnant. If you can't afford the pills, how can you possibly afford a baby?"

"At one time I was told this would always be my home. Has that been rescinded?"

"Absolutely not, your name is on the deed, but I would hate for you to have to live in a place where you are constantly being pushed to make yourself a better person."

"You have the shortest memory of anyone I know. How are you possibly one of the greatest scientists of the modern era. I'm going to college in 10 days to try to rid myself of those fears. Do you remember anything about that?"

"You're going to college? When did that happen?"

"They are waiting for me at the car dad. I will kill you when I come back."

"Okay, that means I can get a full day's work in."

"I hate you dad."

"I hate you three times as much."

She giggled and ran to the car.

****************

While they were riding into Denver, Jayden explained the protocols to both passengers:

1. Never exit the car until either he or Logan opened the door.

2. Never exit the car on the street side.

3.If shots are fired they had choices to make:

a. If they were very close to the car get in, close and lock the doors, and get on the floor.

b. If they were close to building entrance get inside, and go to the security office.

c. If they were too far away from the car, get on the ground, and stay there, until the all clear is given.

d. If both Logan and I go down, surrender and stay alive. Whoever these people are, they are pros. They won't hurt you. They want the information you have in your heads and the people who hired them paid a great deal of money to bring you back not only alive, and unhurt.

Within minutes every law enforcement agency in the country will be looking for you. No aircraft will be allowed to take off without being searched thoroughly. No car will cross the border without being searched. This country will be locked down tighter than a drum. There may be 200 companies in this country that can use the knowledge you have between your ears Dr. Thyme. They will believe, since you have worked closely with Dr. Luck, you will know the formula that defeats gravity. I don't know if you do or not, but that's what they will believe."

Delicious was about to interrupt, when Gray kicked her. She frowned at him, but he whispered, "No." She kept quiet.

"They will interrogate both of you; deprive you of food, drink, and sleep, to break your will. When you can't take it anymore give them tidbits of good information along with minor errors. When they catch your errors tell them it's because your mind is fuzzy, because you're tired, hungry, and cold."

"Miss Delicious, they will look at your transcripts, and believe you are worthless to them, except to get information about your father and money from him. Try to act smarter than your transcripts show, but always stumble back to the grades that are indicated on your report cards. Sooner or later they will leave you alone, and concentrate on Dr. Thyme.

These people are smart, and they know their time with you will be limited; more than likely less than a week. Then they will have to get rid of you. The longer you can hold out, the better your chances of surviving are. Concentrate on staying alive by being smarter than they are. Logan and I will do everything in our power not to let this happen, but if it does, you have to be prepared to take the fight to them."

"Do you know something we don't know Jayden?"

"No sir Doc, I surely don't. However, six weeks ago someone shot a rocket up my ass and blew an armored car I was driving into little pieces. If they have access to military grade weapons, and systems that can guide them precisely into the rear doors of our trucks, I want everyone to be prepared for anything."

Logan laughed. "Just so you folks know, Jayden is the optimist, I am the worrywart."

"Did you have to tell them that? Now they are going to start worrying."

"I thought it was only fair for them to know that you always look on the bright side of the coin, while I always look on the dark side."

"You are going to have gray hair by the time your 40."

"At least I'm still going to have hair. You are going to have to go Q ball."

"You must be colorblind. Q balls are white, I am going to go 8 ball; it's black like me."

"You are calling me colorblind? Your skin is the color of half a cup of coffee mixed with half a cup of heavy cream. The best you could call yourself is Cocoa, and even that is a stretch."

"Man, are you going to start this argument with me again? They don't have a block on the voter's registration form that says Cocoa."

Delicious and Gray listened to the two men argue as they drove into Denver.

Finally Gray asked, "How long have you two known each other?"

Jayden replied, "22 years."

"It's 23 years dummy."

"My mom should've thrown your mom and you out of the house when you couldn't pay the rent on time."

"Your mom had a compassionate heart and soul. When you were born, the good Lord was smart enough to give you neither."

"I saved your ass in Iraq twice."

"You dropped a perfect pass that cost us the state championship."

"That pass was low."

"Yeah, like the films showed, it was in the bottom half of the 8 on your jersey, and there wasn't a defender within 5 yards of you."

"I did put a smooth move on that guy, didn't I?"

"You could have flattened him with a tank, and it wouldn't have mattered. You dropped the ball."

"Do they sound like my father and me, Gray?"

"No babe, they're having fun with one another, when you and your father go at it, it's all-out war."

"Oh!"

************

"Here's the real estate office you wanted sir."

Gray said, "Thank you Logan," as he began to unlock and open the door.

Jayden pressed his gun to Gray's ear. "If you try that again sir, you and I are going to dance."

"Dance?"

"Yes sir, like in the boxing ring. What is rule number one?"

"Rule number one, uhhmm... Never leave the car until one of you opens the door."

Delicious applauded.

"Very funny baby, I can't wait until you break one of the rules, and see what they do to you."

"My face still tingles from the last time you and I 'danced'."

"Would you still be here if we didn't?"

"I guess we'll never know, will we?"

"Good luck in school today." He kissed her, and waited for Jayden to open his door.

"Is there a protocol for what I'm supposed to do now?"

"Yes; as soon as you exit the car, you walk briskly to the entrance of the establishment you intend to enter. I will close the door to the car, and be a few feet behind you. The less time you are in the open the better."

He walked in to the real estate office and the receptionist asked how she might help him.

"I need an apartment in the area of the University of Colorado. Three or four bedrooms, 4000 to 5000 ft.², furnished if you have."

"One moment sir, I'll bring an agent up front to help you. Would you like coffee or soft drink?"

"No thank you, I am on a short leash, time wise, and I need to get this completed quickly. If you don't have anything in the range I am asking for, tell me immediately, and I will move on to another agency that does."

"Yes sir, I will be right back." She hurried to the rear of the office and spoke with the manager.

"Elizabeth, we have a live one. 4000 to 5000 ft.², three or four bedrooms furnished or not. It sounds like he wants it yesterday. He has a bodyguard with him, so I don't think money is a problem. He's perfect for the new high-rise by the University. Get out there before he leaves."

********

"Hello sir, I am Elizabeth Vargas, my secretary did not get your name."

"Dr. Grayson Thyme, ma'am. Do you have what I need or should I leave and go to another agency."

"There are only two buildings in the University area that comply with your requests. The closest is a relatively new high-rise. It would be the four-bedroom penthouse suite on the 16^th floor. It lists for $14,000 a month.

The other building is in the financial area, and is also a four-bedroom suite, but it is on two floors. It lists for $17,600 per month."

"How long has the penthouse by the University been empty?"

"According to my search, it has never been occupied."

"Verify this unit has never been occupied. Then offer them a one-year contract, at $11,000 a month paid in advance, with an option for two more years if I am satisfied with the unit. This is a one-time offer, otherwise tell them I am taking the unit in the financial district."

"Don't you want to see it first?"

"That won't be necessary; give them a call please."

"I will do it right now Dr. Thyme."

Vargas called the leasing agent at Trident Towers and made the offer after verifying the unit had never been occupied. A man at the other end of the phone laughed at the offer.

Vargas said, "Your building has been up for three years, it is only 72% occupied, and no one has ever made a bid for the penthouse apartment because your pricing is unrealistic. Dr. Thyme is a very busy man. If you do not say yes now, I am calling the Financial Center, and making a bid on the two-story penthouse apartment. Make up your mind, is it yes, or no?"

The leasing agent didn't say anything as he was thinking the bid over. 15 seconds passed, when Vargas said, "I take it the answer is no, goodbye."

"Don't hang up, I will take the offer. How soon does he want to occupy the unit?"

"When would you like to occupy the unit Dr. Thyme?"

"If it's possible, one week from Friday."

Vargas repeated the answer and the leasing agent said the apartment would be freshly painted, and everything cleaned before he was ready to move in.