Straight Flushed (Hot Pursuit #1)(64)

I looked over at Vance, and despite the pseudo-annoyed front he put on when dealing with his family, I knew he loved all the attention; the expression on his face and the warmth in his eyes was all telling, especially when he spoke to the crowd.

He retold the story of how he got shot to a couple of his cousins. With exaggerated gasps and loud exclamations, they hung on his every word, and then they swarmed him with hugs and kisses. Not long after, the courses of food were laid in front of him, everyone assuring him that he needed to eat in order to regain his strength.

I smiled watching them then grabbed my vibrating phone from my pocket. It was Cavanaugh calling. I locked eyes with Vance, and he nodded then I excused myself into the foyer so I could hear.

“Sir,” I said.

“Cain,” Cavanaugh said, curtly. “The message was delivered and Avery was relieved to hear from Stephen. He agreed to a meeting.”

“Oh, that’s great news. Stephen’ll be so happy to hear that.”

As was his normal way, Cavanaugh got down to business. “Here’s what we’re going to do. We need to keep the knowledge of the meeting contained. And, I want only our best on this assignment. And that of course means you.”

Vance was part of the best, and I wanted him there. I figured Cavanaugh would have some reservations given Vance’s injury, but I didn’t. “I think Vance should be there too, sir.”

He bit back. “I don’t know, Cain, he’s injured.”

“He’ll be fine. I’ve already run it past him and he’s willing to do it. If we pick the right location then the potential for threats will be little to none.”

The line hung silent for a beat. “All right, I’ll trust DeLuca knows his limits. I’ll speak with him separately to confirm it.”

“I have no doubts. He’s already moving around well.”

“Okay then. It’ll take me a day to put everything together and to get the team assembled and up to speed. Andrews and Capinski are going to be the other two. The five of us,” Cavanaugh added, “and Avery and Stephen, will be the only ones who know about the meeting. Clear.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I want you to lay low until I have all the details worked out. Which reminds me, if this Stephen is going to be so critical then he should be in a more secure location.”

Although I thought my apartment was safe, I only had a dead bolt and a chain. A swift kick and some determination was all it would take to kick it down. “What do you suggest?”

“Get a room at the Hilton and ask for Jimmy at the front desk. He owes me a favor. The security there will be better than what you can offer at your apartment.” He coughed to clear his throat. “And Cain?”

“Yes.”

“This isn’t a vacation. Any expenses are on you. Got me?”

I laughed. “Got ya.”

The call disconnected, and I slipped my phone back into my pocket. I returned to the feeding frenzy and walked up behind Vance. I didn’t want to announce to the room what we were involved in, knowing it would only lead to a full meltdown from his mother, so I put one hand on his shoulder and leaned down close to his ear. He touched his head to mine. He smelled like soap laced with the hints of leather.

“Cavanaugh is setting up a meeting with Avery and Stephen. He’s going to call you to make sure you feel up to being there. I need you there.” With a subtle nod, he acknowledged. “I need to head out and move Stephen to a hotel. Cavanaugh doesn’t think my place is safe enough.”

He reached up and put his hand through the back of my hair then pressed his lips against my ear. “I’d have to agree. Make sure that guy keeps his hands off you. You should get outta here.”

The warmth of his breath heated my blood and a slow smile spread across my lips. “I—”

“What are you two whispering about?” Vance’s sister chimed in with a suggestive tone.

“Work stuff. Di’s gotta take off,” he answered in a husky tone.

The room erupted in a group of moans and boos.

“Easy now.” I laughed and quieted them like a conductor leading a choir. “I’m only leaving if I can get some of your food to take with me, Mrs. DeLu…Mama.”

Vance looked up at me and chuckled. He knew how ridiculous I felt calling her ‘Mama.’ Mrs. DeLuca, on the other hand, burst at the compliment. The room sprung to life, the happy drones shuffled through Vance’s drawers looking for take-home containers. Within moments, I had two grocery bags full of food loaded onto my arms.

“Thank you so much. This is more than I need. I’ll have food for weeks.” I laughed.

Mrs. DeLuca walked up to me. “You’re too skinny too. You eat! And when was the last time you were over for a Sunday dinner, eh?” She looked over at Vance. “When was the last time you invite her over for dinner?” she asked, scorning him.

“Ma, she has a life too,” Vance said.

Great relationships were born of great traditions, and the DeLuca’s were addicted to theirs, one being their Sunday dinners. The more they lasanaga’ed and spaghetti’ed together, the better and stronger they seemed to get, a point clearly visible when I was around them. They loved passionately and deeply, and I loved when I got to be a part of it.

“I’ll be over soon, promise.” I smiled. “And I’ll call you,” I said to Vance.