Reunited

"You can't do that!" Jennifer protested as she chased behind us. Randolph was pulling her back from the shoulder, telling her. "We'll call our solicitor." Before getting in the car, I shake my head and say.

"Don't call anyone," I called out, as the two officers held me from the arms.

Constable Smith with his hand on top of my head gestured me into the back of the police car, he whispers in my ear. "You have no idea what is waiting for you back at the station."

When we got to the station, still handcuffed I was taken to a room. In the middle, a table bolted to the floor, with four chairs, two on either side of it. Forced to sit on one of the chairs by Constable Smith. Walking out of the room he chuckled. "When I come back we can play. Hahaha."

I was there for almost an hour, just sitting there. The door suddenly slammed open, banging on the wall. Marching into the room, it was another officer. The epaulettes on his arm had three bath stars. I knew then that he had a high rank in the police force. Stopping on the other side of the table, he started shouting. "You are going to be one sorry ass for pissing in my county, you prick!" Smith just stood next to him, like a pit bull waiting for the order to attack.

"Chief Inspector, I am entitled to a telephone call I believe." I calmly told him, confusing the inspector, making him look at his left epaulette.

"Chief what do you want me to do?" Smith said while making fists with his hands.

"Uncuff him and let him make his call." The chief replied.

"But chief."

"Are you hard of hearing Smith, I said uncuff him now!"

The handcuffs came off. I made the call I was entitled too. Then I sat back and waited. Smith escorted me to a cell, where I waited for two hours for my release. It took longer than I anticipated.

When my cell door opened, Constable Smith was not too happy. Behind him stood John. There was another gentleman with them. I didn't acknowledge who it was at first in civilian clothes, but once he took the sunglasses off, I recognised him. The man who taught me to survive in the toughest situations, in battle. At once I stood to attention. Saluting Major Harry, as of respect.

"At ease Jason, we're not in the army now."

Constable Smith standing there commented. "Like a German Shephard standing to attention."

Major Harry turned around and stared at Constable Smith for a few seconds before speaking. "For your information Constable, you are lucky to be standing here. This man has the authority to do anything to stop the act of terrorism. When you arrested him, you stood in the way of the law. Gentlemen, if you can kindly leave the room, I would like to speak to my men."

Once they left the room, Major Harry embraced me in a hug.

"Sorry to get you down here on a Sunday Major,"

"Glad to be here Jason. You saved me from the in-laws. Three hours with them is more than enough." Gesturing for all three of us to sit down, he continued. "I am here because I need your help, Jason?"

"Whatever you need Major. Just give me the order?"

Major Harry saved my neck many occasions. I would do anything in my capability to help him.

"It's Lawrence Sparks. We have been trying to bring him down for a long time, but he always comes out clean. You have managed to rattle his cage. Since you've been here, we have seen a rise of activity from him. Movement of laundry money, the hiring of more men, etc.

"I will do whatever I can to help you, Major."

"Thank you, Jason." Putting out his hand, he gave me a firm handshake, while he smiled. "John, let's see if you can get me home, before the mother-in-law leaves? When she is happy then the wife is happy too." Throwing on his sunglasses, he marched out of the room with John trailing behind him.

When I walked into the police station's waiting room, everyone was there waiting for me. Randolph saw me first, calling out my name. They all rushed to me, kissing me and hugging me.

"While waiting for you, a group of gentlemen strolled into the station. Led by a broad-shouldered man. Made the Chief Inspector look like a mouse in front of his officers. Did he come for you, Jason?" Melissa asked.

"Let's say he was a father figure to me when I was in the army."

Jennifer stood in front of me, with the brown envelope, containing the DNA results. "Can you open it, Jason?" Putting it carefully in my hand, like it was a piece of china, scared I might drop it.

Opening the envelope, I pulled out a cover letter with two other sheets, showing the results. Reading the letter, I quickly scanned the results sheets. Going back to the letter, I reread it. In this time, everyone was standing there in silence, waiting for me to say something.

"Well, what does it say Jason!" Jennifer called out.

"Young lady, since I am one year older than you. You have to listen to what your big brother says to you!"

Everyone screamed and jumped in celebration. Jennifer was embracing me in a hug, crying on my shoulder, tears of joy.

Chapter 8

"Jason, Jason the food is ready, the customers are waiting." snapping out of my thoughts, I quickly take the plates and hurry to serve the impatient customers.

For the last three days, I have been working every evening with John and Major Harry. Searching for some evidence, we can use to put Lawrence Sparks away for good. I had to find something fast.

As the last customers leave, I take a tray and start cleaning the table. Feeling someone grasp the side of my waist, startling me I drop the tray on the table. Spilling the leftovers, all over me. "What the hell are you doing Lilly?" I screamed at her, making her jump. The expression on her face changing from a smile to sadness. Dropping her head, she immediately went to walk away.

Reaching out, I grabbed her by her arm. "Hey, I'm sorry."

"All week you have been buried in your own thoughts, all I wanted to do was cheer you up."

"Hey, I have a lot of things on my mind. That is why I've been like this. Why don't we get out of here? Maybe go and watch a movie at the cinema?"

"But I have to prepare the food for tomorrow."

"Tell you what, let me help you finish off, then we can get ready and go to watch a movie." Picking up the tray, I started cleaning up the mess I made.

"If that's ok with you Jennifer?" I shouted across the cafe to my sister, who was collecting the money from the cash register.

"Knock yourselves out. Once I sought out today's takings, I am out of here." She replied as she started making her way to her office.

Lillian was usually finished by seven, but we ended up staying until ten in the evening. Explaining to me in detail, how she prepared the dishes. By eight we had completed everything, but Lilly wanted to try a new dish for the menu. Moussaka, a traditional Greek dish. Taking her time to prepare it, with me helping her as much as possible. She was ready to put the finishing touch on top. A thick white sauce to lay on top of the aubergine and minced lamb. With a wooden spoon, she carefully spread the source. Once finished she stood back admiring her creation.

Walking behind her, I put my hands around her waist. Squeezing her tight, kissing her lightly on the neck. Whispering in her ear, as she pushed herself closer to me. "It looks as beautiful as you." I complimented her. Turning around, she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me towards her. Kissing me on the lips, as we stood there gazing into each other's eyes. Our lips joined again, this time for longer. Releasing me, she took the tray of Moussaka. "Let me put it in the oven. It's not finished yet." With the timer set and the shop locked up, we started making our way upstairs.

Climbing into the shower together, we made love under the running water. Kissing and caressing each other, studying each other's body. Drying ourselves, we ended up in Lillian's bed, continuing where we left off. We eventually decided to stay home.

The rest of the week I was helping out Lillian in the kitchen. Once the cafe closed, I tried to spend as much time as possible with her. But I still had other obligations. It was too quiet. I hadn't heard from Sparks all week. Deep down I knew he was up to something, and with one week to go till he comes looking for more money.

On Saturday, Melissa had invited Lillian and me to her house for a meal. With a box of chocolates in one hand and Lillian's hand in the other, we rang the doorbell. Jennifer opened the front door, with a smile from ear to ear. When she started making her way to the kitchen, Lillian whispered in my ear.

"She seems to be very happy. With a smile like that, you would think she won the lottery."

"Tell me about it."

While the ladies prepared the table, Randolph and I relaxed in the living room watching a North London derby, on Melissa's 60" TV. With Randolph screaming and jumping up and down when his team scored. With all the commotion, we didn't hear the doorbell ring. Rushing into the living room, it was Tony and Anthony, both of them screaming who scored. Randolph with a smirk on his face, he shouted. "Arsenal!" With the two Italians being Tottenham fans, they sat, with their eyes glued to the TV, cheering on their tea m to make a comeback. Jennifer stood there with her arms crossed on her chest. Sophia and Maria were standing behind her. She opened her arms shaking her head from left to right. Since the other guys had been pre-occupied with the match, I was the only one to see Jennifer's reaction.

"Another fifteen minutes it will finish!" I shouted above the screaming voices of the others. Rolling back her eyes, she turned and walked away.

We had a lovely meal, which Melissa prepared with Jennifer. Once we finished, we all proceeded to the living room, for the rest of the evening. While we were all indulged in a general conversation, Anthony appeared with a tray of champagne glasses, with Jennifer next to him. Offering everyone a drink, he then went and stood next to her with their glass in hand.

"We would like to make an announcement," Anthony said.

Everyone went quiet. Turning to the couple, waiting in anticipation to hear what they had to say.

Anthony with a stutter in his voice continued. "We, we would like to announce something to everyone. This beautiful woman last night said yes when I asked her to be my wife." With a shaking hand, Anthony put out his champagne glass to cheer everyone. Watching his father at the same time to see his reaction.

At once Tony said to Anthony, "You know you should have asked for your papa's consent first." Looking at both of them, he smiled. Taking them both, hugging them tightly. "Health for the both of you and welcome to the family daughter." Kissing them both on the cheeks, a tradition people do in Italy.

The party went on till the early morning hours of Sunday. Everyone drinking and dancing. Tony was insisting that I join him for a few shots of Sambuca. Being hard to refuse him, as it was his son's engagement. It was three in the morning when we left. Lilian and I shared a taxi with Randolph, leaving the car at Melissa's as we all had too much to drink.

It was midday when we got up. Being Sunday, Lillian and I spent the day at her flat chilling out. Well getting to know each other more. The only time we left the bed was to get something to eat.

Late in the afternoon, Lilian needed to go downstairs for a couple of hours to do some preparations for Monday morning. With Lillian being busy, I called a taxi to take me around Melissa's to pick up the car.

On reaching Melissa's residence, there was a black BMW parked just across the street from the house. The driver of the vehicle was one of Lawrence Sparks men. It was the young man that was holding Anthony at knifepoint, the night Jennifer and I dined at Tony's restaurant.

Showing the taxi driver, the BMW, I told him to park close enough to it, but at a safe distance not to be seen. I just sat there watching the house and the vehicle, waiting to see what this goon will do next. It didn't take more than a few minutes for the taxi driver to start protesting.

"I can't hang around here mate. I've got other jobs to do!"

Taking out a fifty-pound note, I stretched my arm out to the front seat, waving it in front of his face. "How much time does this buy me?"

Seeing the money his eyes opened up, snatching it out of my hand, he replied. "Half hour!"

"When we go past thirty minutes you get another note the same colour."

He didn't say another word once he got the money. Sitting there quiet waiting for my next order, probably hoping we go past the time so he can get more money. What I saw next, surprised me. Melissa was coming out of the house, walking up to the black car. Opening the door, she climbed into the passenger seat. As the car started to move away, I just sat there frozen in shock of what I had just seen.

"What now boss," The driver's voice brought me out of my trans.

"Follow them, but keep your distance."

After a short drive, the car turned into a parking lot. On either side, rows of vans with hire logos painted on the side of them. At the far end of the parking lot stood a row of offices. I presumed this is where one would go to enquire about hiring a van. The BMW approached slowly to the building coming to a halt at the entrance.

Not wanting to drive into the lot. I told the taxi driver to park across the street from the entrance. After Sparks man unlocked the door he pulled out a torch light, Melissa walked in as well, looking around before she walked inside. They stayed in there for almost fifteen minutes. As time got closer to the half hour mark, my driver was getting irritable. Moving around on his seat, while scratching his neck. Once I slid another fifty-pound note on the middle armrest, he got comfortable again. When they left the offices, they drove back to Melissa's house. Getting out of the car, she casually strolled back inside the house.

Sitting in the back seat of the taxi for a few minutes, trying to think of a good reason why Melissa would do business with this kind of people.

"Are we going to wait here now?" The driver asked.

Tapping him on the shoulder and putting another twenty in his hand, I said. "No, I'm going to get out here."

Ringing the doorbell, Jennifer opened the door. "Hey what are you up to Jason?"

"Just come to pick up my car. Just wanted to say hello to you and Melissa. How is Melissa?" I enquired, to see what my sister's reaction would be.

"She was out. She just got in a few minutes ago. She went to have a lie-down, told me she had a migraine. Come in I'll make us something to drink." Jennifer seemed clueless, who Melissa was with for the past hour.

"Have to go, Lillian is waiting for me."

Driving back to the hotel, I couldn't get it out of my mind. Melissa is doing business with Sparks. As soon as I got to my room, I rushed to my laptop, Going on live chat straight away. I explained to John what I had just witnessed in detail. Finishing off what I was typing I waited in anticipation for an answer. Staring at the screen, at the blinking underscore. It took John forever to write back.

"Sorry for the delay Jason. I was speaking to Major Harry. He says this could be a breakthrough. We will make a full investigation into the van hire company. We also need to find out how deep Melissa is involved with Sparks. I am sorry it's turned out like this. She seemed such a nice person."

"I know, it will break Jennifer's heart. Ok, my friend, I will speak to you in a couple of days."

When I got back to Lillian's flat, she was still downstairs finishing off her work. I helped her to clean up then we both went upstairs. All night I was restless, tossing and turning in bed. Thinking about Melissa and her involvement with Lawrence Spark.

Chapter 9

It was Tuesday afternoon. We had just closed for the day. Jennifer and I were in the office going through the books with the accountant. Like I explained before, my sister likes to put everything on the books for tax reasons. Except for some cash transactions which go under the table.

It was almost six when we finished with the accountant. I walked with him to the entrance of the shop, letting him out. Locking the door once he was gone. That is when I noticed a vehicle parked across the street. I recognised the two occupants of the vehicle at once. It was two of Sparks men.

Taking my smartphone out I dialled John's number, with the device to my ear I waited for him to answer. It went straight to voice mail. "John call me back as soon as possible."

Bang Bang Bang.

It was Melissa, standing outside the cafe. She was knocking on the door to let her in. Unlocking the door, she came inside.

"Jason, I need to speak to you," she panted.

That is when my smartphone started ringing. "One-minute Melissa!" I spat back at her. Still angry at what I saw on Sunday. Seeing it was John on the phone, I walked away so I could speak to him in private.

"Hey, John."

"Everything OK Jason?"

"Just to let you know, I have some of Sparks henchmen parked across the street. Also, do you have any news on Melissa's involvement with Sparks?"

"We don't have anything on Melissa. But we may have something on Robert Clark. Melissa may be working together with him. That is all we have. I'll let you know when we have something else."

Pressing the end call button, I started making my way to Melissa. "You wanted to speak to me, Melissa!" I barked at her. That is when my mobile started ringing again. Rolling my eyes, I looked at the screen. The call was from Samantha.

"Hi, Samantha, how are you? Are the kids ok?" I asked worriedly.

"Hi, Jason we are all ok. We are down in London. The kids kept on asking about you. So, we got the national rail to come and visit you for the day. They had to divert us due to problems with the railway line. Instead of getting here at two in the afternoon, we just arrived."

I could hear Tina and William protesting in the background that they were hungry. "Are you at London Euston?" I asked. She took a while to answer my question.

"We're in a taxi outside Robert Clarks Solicitors. It was the only one in the Yellow Pages in North London. Are we near where you are?

Angry at her for getting the kids and coming down here, I tried not to show it in my voice. "Could I speak to the taxi driver Sam." Giving him directions to the cafe, I then hang up.

Looking at me, Jennifer quizzed me, "Who is Samantha?"

"You will see in about ten minutes."

Seeing the taxi pull up outside, I hurried to unlock the door. Checking to see if Sparks men were still there. Breathing a sigh of relief when I saw the car was gone. On seeing me, Tina and William rushed towards me. Almost knocking me over when I kneeled down to embrace them.

Introducing Samantha to Jennifer and Melissa, I explained to them that Samantha was a neighbour living on the same tower block as me. Lillian was not too happy about meeting her. The way Samantha approached me when she saw me. Kissing me and hugging me. I guess Lillian was a little jealous.

Jennifer on seeing the children, went down on one knee asking them their names and how old they were. Tina with her adorable ways just melted Jennifer's heart. Even Melissa and Lillian were getting excited with the children.

It didn't take long for Tina to ask her mum, "Mummy can we go and get something to eat?"

Going red with embarrassment Samantha started apologising, "I am so sorry, I don't know what came over her to ask me something like that in front of people."

Quickly getting up, Jennifer took Tina by the hand. "Food? We have lots of food here. Let's go and see what we have in the fridge that you like."

Lillian took William by the hand. "You hungry too." William was a little shy with someone he didn't know. So, he just shook his head up and down.