Thrown Down (Made in Jersey #2)(47)

There hadn’t been comfort for him growing up, only distractions. Well, that shit wasn’t going to fly anymore. By coaxing River into bed every time she tried to make things personal, he was actually pushing her away. The absolute last thing he ever wanted. Hell, being near her was the only thing worth fighting for in this life, but he’d been battling against himself.

Time to change that. Time to shatter the solo comfort zone he’d been living in and build it around his family instead. Unfortunately, doing so could sever the bond between River and the family who’d raised her, loved her, and helped her pick up the pieces when he bailed. Was he ready for that?

Vaughn climbed out of his truck and stopped, lifting an eyebrow at the polished black Mercedes parked in the motel lot. Identifying the vehicle didn’t take a private investigator, being that only one man in Hook owned a ride like that—Renner Bastion, the new factory owner. Vaughn wondered if the guy might be closed up in one of the rooms, working through some afternoon delight, but quickly disregarded the notion. Renner wouldn’t sully himself with the stink of ancient polyester.

His theory was proven correct when he caught sight of suit-and-tie dressed Renner waiting outside his door, speaking briskly into his cell phone. But he ended the call when he saw Vaughn approaching. “Mr. De Matteo. Are you always this difficult to reach?”

Interesting question. River would have answered it with a resounding yes. “Depends on who you’re asking.”

“I’d point out that I was asking you, but I don’t have time to talk in circles.” Renner made a quick adjustment of his tie clip. “I’ve been called out of town, so I won’t be available for our meeting tomorrow.”

Vaughn’s stomach twisted. “You came to tell me this in person?”

“No, I came to have the meeting now.” For the first time, Vaughn noticed how stressed out Renner looked, lines prominent around his eyes and mouth. Maybe not quite as flawless under all the expensive nonsense he was wearing? “There was a break-in yesterday at the factory and a new piece of equipment—just delivered—was stolen. Had to be someone who knew the delivery was coming, which unfortunately, could have been four dozen construction workers, who I didn’t have time to vet and certainly can’t take time to question.” A brisk roll of his shoulders. “I’m beginning to see the merit in a twenty-four-hour security team.”

Hope replaced the dread in Vaughn’s middle, spurring on a sense of urgency. This was his shot. While his head was still preoccupied with River, focusing now could mean good things for the family he needed to win back. For good. Forever. “We going to do this out here, or you want to come inside?”

There was a flash of something speculative in Renner’s expression—reserved, but there, nonetheless—and enough to make Vaughn wonder if Renner might have heard that same line from men before, with far different intentions. “No. Outside will do,” the factory owner finally answered, after clearing his throat. “I conduct all my business meetings in shitty parking lots. Can’t you tell?”

When Vaughn laughed, the other man looked somewhat startled. “Fair enough.” He blew out a breath, recalling the system he’d laid out in his mind. “As I mentioned before, you need a night patrol with two guards, one in the control room, one walking the four perimeters.” Using as much detail as he could, Vaughn explained the sophisticated monitoring system he had in mind, one he’d installed and operated at his job while living in Baltimore. “But it’s not just security on the outside you need to think about. I love the people in this town, but you can’t have blind faith when money is involved. Once you have human resources in place, we can work with them to arrange a security check as the employees leave the premises each day. I’d also prohibit any photography and—”

“Right. I’m relieved you’ve put some thought into this.” Renner checked something on his cell phone screen. “I wasn’t sure what to expect.”

Vaughn grinned. “You were worried I was going to show up with some binoculars and a six pack. Happy to prove you wrong.” He tossed his car keys up in the air and caught them. “As of now, I’ve got one man on board. Milo Bautista. We were overseas together, and he’s been doing security…of a kind…up in Boston. Little rough around the edges, but he takes his jobs seriously. He’ll help me train the new hires.”

Renner considered him a moment before removing a business card from his front pocket and handing it over to Vaughn. “You’ll need to speak to my accountant about putting funds in place. And I’ll want to meet this partner of yours when I’m back in town.” He gave a firm nod as he strode past Vaughn toward the black luxury vehicle. “Congratulations. You’re hired.”

Hot damn. Even while going through his whole spiel, he hadn’t been sure of the outcome. The opportunity seemed too easy for someone who’d fought for every chance he’d ever been given. “Thank you,” Vaughn called, without turning around.

A car door opened behind Vaughn. “One question, Mr. De Matteo. If you show up to my factory in ripped jeans, who is going to escort you out?”

Vaughn snorted, turning to watch the Mercedes pull out of the lot. His chest was so packed full of relief and anticipation and leftover nerves that when he attempted to enter his room, he stopped.