Contrary to Arturo’s warnings, Martin does not show up again or threaten Sherwood Holdings. A year has passed since their meeting and Mendici Shipping was struggling to stay afloat.Jake had doubled his personal security as well as the security for his family. They never went anywhere without a convoy of armed guards.“We can’t keep living like this,” Morgan complained to him one afternoon.It was a few days after their daughter’s exclusive first birthday party. Only the high and mighty in society were invited to the heavily guarded event.“What are you talking about?”“I want Victoria to have a normal childhood but that can’t happen with all these huge armed men hovering around us all the time. They scare her.”“She’ll get used to it. I’ll rather have armed guards hovering around her than expose her to our enemies.”She sighed. “Have you heard a

“Where are we going?” Jake asked. “You’ll see,” the mystery woman replied. “Look, I’m not doing this with you, ok? I need to know exactly where you’re taking us.” “I just saved your lives in there. If I wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be talking to me right now.” “Still… I demand to know where you’re taking us.” She looked pointedly at Rex. “The things you need to know are for your ears only. Your bodyguard can’t be privy to them.” “I’ve heard of the Boogeyman before,” said Rex. “I used to think he was just a mafia myth.” “He is neither a member of the mafia nor a myth,” she replied. “You can say whatever you want to say in Rex’s presence. He’s more than a bodyguard to me. He’s my confidant.” “You might want to stop confiding in the help,” she said disapprovingly. “I’ll take my chances,” Jake replied. “So… the Boogeyman. Who is he?” “A powerful man who just like you rose from nothing to prominence. He’s a Greek hustler who came to America at a young age to find a better life.

“What’s the hold-up? I don’t have forever to wait!” “I’m not selling Sherwood Holdings to you, Martin. Get lost!” “What did you say?” “You heard me, clown. Scram!” “I see… you think Stephanie and I are bluffing, don’t you? You think we’re playing games with you, huh?” Jake chuckled. “If you think those amateur props you and that tart put together will make me hand over my empire to you, then you’re more stupid than I thought.” “What!” Jake was thoroughly enjoying himself. He could imagine the veins on Martin’s head were straining against his skin right now and he almost laughed out loud. “You think this is a joke, don’t you? We’ll see then. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll be sinking under the sea like the Mendicis!” “Bring it on, Martin. I’m ready.” “Watch out for the news tomorrow, boy. You’re going down!” After Martin hung up, Jake called Mamba and she answered on the first ring. “He’s doing it tomorrow,” he said. “Noted,” she said and hung up. Later that night, J

“We, therefore, commit these bodies to the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure hope of the Resurrection to eternal life,” said the priest. His bleak voice rang out across the quiet graveyard where the remains of Morgan and Linda were being buried. It was raining lightly and the few funeral guests were huddled together under their umbrellas. Both Jake and Victoria were covered by the umbrella held by Rex. The usually lively toddler was very quiet today. It was as if she understood what was happening. After the bodies were laid to rest, everyone expressed their condolences to Jake again and left. He instructed Rex to take Victoria back to the car so that he could have a moment alone with the spirits of the departed. “Thank you, Morgan, for changing my life,” he whispered over his wife’s grave. “I don’t know what you and Richard saw in me, but I’m grateful to you guys for elevating my status.” He faced Linda’s grave and said, “Thank you for trying to be

“What the hell was that last night?” Mamba asked him angrily the next morning. “Good morning to you too,” he replied dryly. “Answer me!” “Don’t yell at me in my office!” He fired back. “If you cannot talk like a sane human being, then get the fuck out of my establishment!” “What?” “I won’t repeat myself.” “Do you realize who you’re talking to?” “I don’t give a shit about who you are, Athena. Fix your tone or get out of my office.” She was stunned to silence. Jake ignored her and started working on his computer. It took her a while to recover from her shock and speak again. “My apologies,” she said calmly. “How did your meeting with Roman Mendici go last night?” “It went well,” Jake replied flatly. He was still working on his computer. “Well?” “Well, what?” “Did he agree to the partnership?” “I thought The Association knew everything?” “Can you please stop stalling and answer the question?” “We’re still deliberating,” he lied. “Once all the loose ends are tied up, I’ll l