Life after the Lottery Ch. 49

"Ms. Williams, we have a late dinner being brought up for everyone. It will be set up in the dining room shortly," a suit already in the room told us.

Linda walked into a gorgeous bedroom and laid on the bed.

"I hate all this security," she said.

"Tuff shit!" Rachel told her walking in the bedroom.

"It's not you, Rachel," Linda said.

"I know, but I am running things until this nut case is gone."

"I know Rachel, thank you," Linda told her.

"I will be back in a few minutes," Rachel said.

"James, would you close the door please?" Linda asked.

I closed the door so it was just Linda, Dawn and me. Linda sat up on the edge of the bed.

"Dawn, would you come here?"

Dawn walked over and stood in front of Linda. Linda leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Dawn and held her tight.

"I'm glad you are here," Linda said. "Sorry about all the trouble."

"I'm glad we were with you," Dawn told her wrapping her arms around Linda.

"I wouldn't have gotten through this without you," Linda told her.

The two of them held each other. There was a knock on the door.

"It's Pat."

"Come on in," Linda said. She sat up and released Dawn.

"There is someone her that wants to talk to you, he is one of the security people."

"Let him in."

Patricia let in a nice looking guy in a black suit.

"Ms. Williams, I just got a call. They let the guy that has been following you buy a ticket and board a plane to Australia. The authorities are going to intercept him when he gets off the plane. That should keep him busy for a few days."

"Can they hold him?"

"Not for more than about three days, and that is at our request. I'm sure he will be back on the next plane to the states Monday or Tuesday."

"Great, then he will be back home following me around." Linda said. "My security won't let me go anywhere until this nut is dealt with."

"Ms. Williams, we will deal with him when he arrives in the states. He won't be able to fly anywhere in the US to follow you. He will probably have to fly into Miami or Atlanta. He will have company when he gets there."

"They have nothing to charge him with in the states, so what happens next?" Linda asked.

"Let the company worry about that."

"Thanks for the update."

"You're welcome."

He left the room and Patricia closed the door.

"Linda, do you want to eat?" Pat asked.

"Yes."

"It will be a few minutes."

"Okay, Pat."

Linda got up and we explored the suite. There were people setting up the formal dining room. Linda noticed one of the suits sitting in a chair in the formal lobby to the room. Rachel was talking to the guy that had updated Linda. We found the bar and got some wine.

"Linda, this room is beautiful," Dawn told her.

"I have stayed in it before, it is nice. There is another bedroom down that hall. I am sure the security is staying in the connecting rooms so be careful about walking around naked."

The luggage arrived and the security guys took it from the valets and Rachel told them where it all went. A few minutes later the food was brought up and placed in the dining room. Rachel ran everybody off except the guy sitting in the lobby. She said something to him then closed the inside doors. Rachel walked directly to Linda and wrapped her arms around her and held her for a minute.

"As far as we know, the nut is on a plane to Australia," Rachel told Linda.

Linda tilted Rachel's face up and leaned over and kissed her.

"Thank you, Rachel. Are you going to let me go anywhere when we get back home?" Linda asked.

"I will have to see."

"I have to be able to visit James and Dawn, you will be coming," Linda said.

"Linda, let's see what they do with this guy first," Rachel told her.

"Let's eat," Linda said.

We all went to the dining room and had a wonderful meal even though it was after 11:00 when we finished. Patricia went to the lobby and told the guard we were finished eating. After that, we all went out on the balcony.

"Dawn, what are you all doing next summer?" Linda asked.

"I don't know, why?"

"Can you and James arrange for you two and the girls to take off a month or so?" Linda asked.

"I don't know. The girls will be out of school from mid-May to mid-August. If James is not teaching summer semester we could probably arrange something."

"See if you can, I want to come back to Europe with all of you," Linda said.

"Will you have time?" Dawn asked.

"I'll make time. Patricia, would you like to join us in Europe for a month for your honeymoon?"

"If Gregg can get off, hell yes!"

"If he can't get off a whole month, you two can come as long as he can be off," Linda told her.

"Are all of you going to be having sex and running around naked?" Patricia asked.

"We will see," Linda told her. "Dawn. Find out as soon as you can when you all can go. Remember, Patricia's wedding is the first weekend of June."

"Linda, what brought this on?" I asked her.

"I need some time off, away from everything. And I want to take some time and show you two the rest of my companies."

"Do you want to talk to me about it?" I asked.

"Maybe later."

"Dinner was wonderful," I told her.

"Yes, it was."

"Linda, how are you feeling?" Dawn asked.

"Okay, but I am very tired."

"That is to be expected. Are you ready to get some sleep?" Dawn asked her.

"I think so."

"Do you want to sleep by yourself?" Dawn asked her.

"No! No...I need you two to be with me."

"Okay. Let's go to bed." Dawn said.

Dawn took Linda's hand and led her back inside. Rachel was talking to Patricia about something.

"You two, we are going to bed," Dawn told them.

"I need to take care of something first," I told Dawn.

"Don't be long."

I found my cell phone and called Sam, my computer and security guy. I knew it was 5 or 6:00 am at home. After a few rings, he answered.

"Sam, this is James, I didn't mean to wake you up."

"Hey James...aren't you in Europe somewhere?"

"Madrid...Spain."

"What's up?" Sam asked.

"I want you to begin Phase Three at the house."

"For your security?"

"Yes."

"Okay, what's up?"

"Something has happened that I feel like I want to move forward."

"You want to add Phase Two and Three together? When?"

"This morning."

"Shit, James."

"Sam, as soon as you can start and get it all setup."

"Okay. We ran all the wire everywhere for when you wanted to do this. How far out?"

"200 yards at least."

"We wired for 300, you want to go all the way?"

"Yes, with the cameras."

"Do I need to remind you that this will cost about $500,000, or more?"

"No, you don't. Get as much extra help as you need. Set everything up in the computer room as planned, but add me a large monitor and computer in the master bedroom so I can see everything. For now, I want additional monitors and controls set up in the bedroom next to the computer room. I may have people monitoring the system. Get as many electricians for the lights and things outside, but keep them out of the house." I told him.

"It will just be my people inside. The doors too?"

"Yes, especially the doors, all of the outside doors," I said.

"I will have to get a couple of locksmiths."

"Okay, get whatever you need. Sam, don't forget the plans for the gun case next to the door."

"I got it. We have already wired all of this. James, has there been a problem?" Sam asked.

"Sort of. Call me if you need anything."

"James, you said you were not going this far unless you were worried about someone getting to you or Dawn, what is up?"

"Someone is after Linda and it has me worried someone might try that with the girls. How long do you think it will take?"

"I have to order some things, but maybe 10 days if we push."

"We will be back late Saturday night. Dawn will be relaxing all day Sunday because she is having her boob job Monday. I want people working on this every day, the same non-disclosure."

"Of course."

"When you get up, call Amy and tell her what is going on, I will text her tonight."

"Okay. We will get started as soon as possible," Sam said.

"One more thing, can we add a high-quality video camera at the gate, along with some big lights?"

"Camera yes, we have the wires. I will have to check with the electricians to see if we can power some bigger lights off the small ones that are already there."

"You ran conduit didn't you?" I asked.

"Yes, but if we try to pull more wire through it, it may damage what is there."

Why don't you just start over? Use the wire that is there to pull more." I told Sam.

"If that is what you want. That will take a few days."

"I will see you in a few days. Text or call me if you need anything."

"Alright, James. Bye."

"Bye."

"James, what was that about?" Rachel asked.

"Adding some more security at the house. You and Pat need to go to bed."

"We are."

I sent a text to Amy so she would know what was going on. I went to the bedroom, Linda was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Linda, take your time," Dawn told her. Linda wrapped her arms around Dawn as she stood in front of her and pulled her to her. I sat next to Linda.

"Honey, there is nothing to worry about. Get some sleep and take your time tomorrow," I told Linda.

We all finally ended up in the shower and spent some time in the hot water. After that, we climbed in the bed for the night.

*****

Friday

I had been up a while watching the sun come up when there was a knock on the door. I went and opened the door, it was Rachel.

"It's 7:00, is she up?"

"Not yet. I'm going to let her sleep."

"Okay. Don't let her walk out here half-dressed, I am having a meeting with the security team."

"Okay."

I closed the door and turned and looked at the bed. Linda was turned toward Dawn with her arm draped over her. I went back to the bed and eased in behind Linda. I lay quietly for a while until Linda stirred.

"Emmm, what time is it?" She asked.

"About 8:00," I told her. "When do you need to get up?"

"I don't have to be anywhere until 2:00."

"Then just stay in bed," I said.

"No, it's time to get up. I want to take you two around the city," Linda told me.

Linda rolled to Dawn and kissed her. Dawn woke up. I got out of bed and went to shower because they were talking about yesterday. When I exited the shower the two of them were waiting.

"By the way, Rachel is having a meeting with the security people if you two decide to go parading around the suite half naked," I told them. I got a smile from them as they entered the shower.

I had finished shaving and getting dressed when the two of them came out of the bathroom.

"Let's get ready and dressed and we will go for a ride," Linda told me.

"I will go tell Patricia and Rachel," I replied.

I left the two of them to get ready and went to find Patricia. She was out on the balcony on her phone. I sat next to her and waited.

"How is she?" Patricia asked after she hung up her phone.

"She is okay. She wants to take a drive around the city with Dawn and me."

"You know Rachel can't let her do that."

"I know. You two better come up with a plan."

"Rachel's meeting is breaking up, let's go talk to her," Pat said.

We got up and headed to the dining room where they had been meeting. Rachel was finishing up with one last guy before he left.

"Are they up?" Rachel asked.

"Getting ready," I said.

"For what?"

"Linda wants to take Dawn and me on a drive around the city."

Rachel rolled her eyes.

"James, she knows better than that," Rachel said.

"Rachel, this is your show, but I don't think she should be overburdened with security today," I told her.

"I'll talk to her," Rachel said.

Dawn and Linda came into the dining room dressed casual and looking gorgeous.

"Rachel, I need to talk to you a minute," Linda said.

Rachel got up and she and Linda left the room. Dawn sat with me and Patricia.

"What's up?" Patricia asked Dawn.

"She needs to talk to Rachel," Dawn replied. "How long will this meeting take?"

"A couple of hours. She wants to leave right after it is over and fly to Dublin," Patricia told us.

"What does Rachel think about that?" Dawn asked.

"There shouldn't be anything to worry about, at least until we get home. If we leave Saturday evening, we will get home late Saturday night. Is that going to be enough time for you to rest before your surgery Monday?" Patricia asked

"That will be fine."

"Linda has made arrangements for all of us to tour Ireland by helicopter. She wants you two to see as much as you can. I have rented a country estate about 45 minutes outside Dublin."

"Is Rachel onboard with it?"

"It is sort of an Irish B & B. A couple runs it and it is big enough, and they don't mind the helicopter landing there."

I sat down next to Patricia.

"Pat, did Linda have anything on this trip for us to do?" I asked.

"I think she just wanted some company most of all, but James, I am glad you two came," Patricia said. "She needed a break...despite what happened."

"Okay, but all she had to do was ask. Remind her next time, please."

"Okay."

A while later Linda walked back in the dining room holding Rachel's hand.

"I have the boss' approval to let me take you two on a tour around the city until my meeting, as long as she goes. Patricia, when I get to my meeting Dawn and James will return by cab. I should be back by 5:00. Can you arrange for dinner so we can be out of here by 7:00 and on to the airport?" Linda said.

"I'm sure I can."

"If we get out of the airport by 8:00, we should be in Dublin by 10:30. You have the plans from there," Linda said.

"I have been on the phone this morning with your drug people," Patricia said with a smile. "They have agreed to meet us at the Inn. Once you are finished with them we can do what you want to do until we need to be at the airport around 8:00 pm or so Saturday." Patricia explained.

"Thank you, Patricia."

"Let me go make arrangements for a limo," Rachel said. Linda leaned over and kissed her, then Rachel left the suite.

"Linda, why didn't you just ask us to come with you instead of telling us you had work for us to do," I asked. Linda hesitated a moment.

"I did have work for you to do...or I do. I just wanted some company and I wanted you two to see places you will be going next summer. I really do have some places for you to look at and evaluate when we come back."

"Linda, we will help you evaluate your companies, but you should know by now that all you had to do was ask us," Dawn told her.

"I know. But thanks for coming...I don't know what would have happened if you two hadn't been here."

"I guess it was fortuitous," Dawn told her.

"We will visit my other companies next summer if you can join me for a month or so," Linda said.

"Okay, but I want you to understand that if you need one of us, just ask," Dawn said.

"I will. I wish we had more time to see Ireland. I have made arrangements with the company that I am buying my new helicopter from to loan me one just like it to fly around Ireland. I want you to see some of the countryside and old castles."

"They are just going to loan it to you?" I asked.

"Sure. I haven't paid them for mine yet. I told them I want to make sure that was what I wanted."

"Is it built over here?" I asked.

"They make them over here too, mine is being built in Texas. EC 155 stands for Eurocopter. They have been building commercial helicopters for about 30 years. The one I am getting is an upgraded B1 version."

"Of course, it is!" I told Linda. She laughed.

Rachel came back in.

"The hotel is going to let us use their limo. James, your briefcase is in my room, please get it. Once everyone is ready we can go." Rachel said.

"Rachel, can we stop somewhere for breakfast?" Linda asked.

"Sure."

Rachel headed to her room and I followed. She handed me the briefcase with the gun she had me carrying.

"Are you taking your machine gun?" I asked teasing her.

"No! I'm depending on you." I got back.

Rachel and I got ready and went back to the main room. Everyone else was ready to go.

"Give me a minute," Rachel said and went out to the hall. A minute later she came back in with one of the guards. "I want you to stay in the suite until we get back." He agreed and we all left.

We drove about 15 minutes from the hotel and stopped for breakfast. Rachel was very vigilant and looking around. Linda, Dawn, and Patricia had walked back in the cafe to get more coffee and chocolate pastries.

"There over there," I told Rachel. She looked at me sternly. "I won't say anything, I'm glad you have some people following us."

"How do you do it?" Rachel asked.

"Do what?"

"You keep spotting all my security."

"You show me where they are every time," I told Rachel.

"No, I don't!"

"Rachel, I said you show ME every time, not everyone else. Dawn sees them sometimes."

"I don't look at them."

"Yes, you do. One glance and you are just looking around, two and you give them away. At the winery club, you looked at the couple several times. Once you did that, I watched them and found the other two."

"How do you do that?"

"When we get back, I have a few books you can read."

After we left the cafe we drove around the city and stopped to look at some places. About 1:00 we headed toward the airport until we came to a big building that was the headquarters for the aviation company. Linda wanted all of us to go in and meet everyone. She introduced all of us in Spanish even though it appeared they all spoke English.

"Ms. Williams, have you had lunch," a man asked?

"Not yet."

"All of you please come with us to our restaurant."

We followed several executives through the building until we came to a cafe they had for the employees.

"Dawn, this I what I want. A cafeteria that is more like a food court. Different cafes and choices instead of a cafeteria where everyone has to eat the same thing."

We all ordered a lunch and sat. Linda talked business with the two executives and asked if we could take pictures of the cafe. About 2:00 Linda, Rachel and Patricia left to go to the board meeting. One man stayed with us to get us a cab.

"I have never set up places to eat inside a company," Dawn said as we pulled away.

"The hospital and university are set up like that, get with whoever is in charge and talk to them."

"I think it is all contracted."

"Even better," I told Dawn.

"Donde sir?" The driver asked.

"Mercado de San Miguel."

"Yes, sir."

Dawn and I rode back to the big market and spent the rest of the afternoon sampling and buying some delicacies. We walked through the Plaza Mayor and then back to the hotel. We got there about 4:45. The guard in the hall let us in and we let the guard inside go. Dawn and I sat on the sofa after getting some wine.

"I know Linda needed you last week and I didn't mind. But, I would have been upset with her if I had not come this week." Dawn said.

"I know. But, she did need some time with both of us."

"Still." Dawn sipped her wine.

"Are you upset?"

"James, I know you love Linda in a different way and I love her too, but this week has made me think about your relationship with her."

"Talk to me, honey."

"Other than Sam and Amy, there is no other woman that you love like you love Linda. You told me you are not romantically in love with her, but I think you are."

"Honey, you and I both love her. It is not like with the girls, but you know it is close. I have probably gotten too close to her because I have been talking to her and helping her so much. She appears so business, but there really is a sweet person under all of that, you know it."

"I know."

"Then what is going on?" I asked.

Dawn sipped her wine for a minute.

"Why do the girls want you to eat her after sex? I thought that was just for us."