The Lonely Hearts 06 The Grunt 2 (33 page)

The air flew out of Leo’s lungs and he was paralyzed for a moment. 

Gavin quickly rolled on top of Leo and pinned him down to the ground.  Reaching back, he punched Leo square in the jaw, knocking out one of his pearly white teeth while still holding on to his polo.   

Leo face slammed into the concrete floor and blood flew everywhere.
So much for the flawless Ken doll look.  

Gavin hit him again and again. Each time harder.  “You say something about kicking my ass, you piece of shit!” Gavin screamed as he leaned forward, spitting in Leo’s face.  “Let me know when you want to begin.” 

In nothing but a purple G-string, a bikini top and heels, Amber ran from the private rooms and jumped on Gavin’s back, clawing at his face.  “Get off of him!” she screamed.

Gavin reached back behind him with one arm and grabbed her by her hair. Throwing her across the room, he felt Leo’s hands reach for his neck and choked him. His fingers gripped his throat, nails dug into his skin. Leo screamed out as he tried to choke the life from Gavin.    

Slipping his muscular arms in between Leo’s iron grip, Gavin balled up his fist and then pushed his arms apart, breaking Leo’s hold on him.  Grabbing him by his collar again, Gavin pulled Leo up and head butted him.  His head flew back and his neck jerked. 

By then the bouncers were on top of both of them, separating the fight.  As they yanked Gavin up forcibly by his arms and head, he managed to get one last kick to Leo’s exposed ribs.  The sound echoed around the building. 

Leo rolled over on his side in the fetal position. 

“I thought you were bad?  My grandmother can fight better than you and she’s 80!” Gavin screamed. 

He managed to catch his breath.  “You better be glad they broke this up. I was going to fuck you up!” Leo screamed, praying that the men didn’t let him go. 

Gavin laughed as the two muscular men in black shirts dragged him across the room.  “I thought you were a Special Ops Navy man!” He made sure to scream it loud enough that the men at the bar could hear him.   “You aren’t shit, Leo Tabor.  You’re a poser.  A fucking dentist thrown out on your ass by the Navy for fucking a superior officer’s wife.  They don’t’ give medals for that and it’s not considered a fucking tour of duty!”

Amber gasped, trying to straighten her hair up as she cowered in the corner.  “Wait.  I thought you said you were a Navy SEAL?”  This was the first time she’d heard anything about Leo being a dentist.
What about all those stories?  Where they all lies?  Had she been duped…again?
   

Daisy watched on from behind the bar with a grin on her face.  This was absolutely priceless.  She just wished that the bouncers hadn’t broken the fight up.  Leo deserved a good ass beating.

“You don’t know shit about me?” Leo said, spitting blood as one of the bouncers helped him up.  He grabbed his ribs, feeling as though one of them might be broken. Gawking at his tooth still on the floor, he coughed up more blood.  

“Yeah, I know you’re not a Navy SEAL,” Gavin said, laughing.  He knew the guys were looking.  “I know your service jacket doesn’t have any combat action medals. I know the only hand to hand combat you’ve had was in the academy.  And I know that you don’t have the fucking right to pretend to be Special Ops.  I hope you run up on one that kicks the dog shit out of you though.” 

Leo couldn’t afford to lose any more credibility in this place, but he could feel the slow changing on the tide.  People glared at him suspiciously awaiting an explanation not only for the lies but for the ass beating he had taken from the stranger.  Plus, Leo had told stories or alluded to his fake service with most of the locals in this place.  It was only because of his bizarre stories that no one fucked with him. 

He looked around at all the people who stood staring at him, judging him.  “Ask any Navy man. They will fucking tell you. I earned my right. Did you?”

Gavin lifted his pant leg.  “I earned every single solitary piece of it.  Marine Recon, bitch!  Did you tell Amber that you got an Other Than Honorable Discharge from the Navy and you have no retirement, no benefits, and no money?  And you can’t be a dentist right now because it would require you to lay off the coke and you can’t get a recommendation from the Naval Hospital.” Gavin laughed.  He snatched away from the men as they let him go.  Shocked at the new information, they weren’t sure what to make of Leo anymore.  “You’re a joke,” Gavin said, shaking his head.  “You got your ass handed to you by a one-legged Vet, but you’re supposed to be a SEAL.” 

“Regardless, you have to go, dude,” one of the men said to Gavin.  “And don’t come back.”

Gavin straightened his shirt. “I’m going.  But your boy is a liar and a cheat.  And if a real Navy man runs up on him in here this won’t be the last time that someone kicks his ass. That’s a promise.  Your best bet is to bounce his ass out too…for good.” He looked over at Daisy, feeling better that she was safer now. 

The three men at the bar that Gavin had spoken to when he first arrived, looked on and listened to the squabble whispering among each other.  When Gavin walked out of the door, they followed.

“Hey,” one of them screamed as Gavin headed for his car.

Gavin turned around, half expecting them to follow.  “What’s up?”

“By the look of you, I’d say you’re 0311,” the man said, pulling up the sleeve of his shirt to reveal a SEAL tattoo. 

Gavin shook his head.  “I was, once upon a time.  Then I went 0321 until I medically retired.”  He hit his leg.  “Left one of my limbs in the shit.”

The man nodded. “And that dude back there?  Is he what you say he is? A poser?”

Gavin walked back up to the young man, who appeared to be in his late 20s and completely gung-ho.  “Worse.  But who am I to get involved.  Marines are just a department of the Navy. One of you boys should teach him a lesson.”

The guy looked back at the club and then at his two friends. “We’ll get down to the bottom of this for you.  If he’s a poser, he won’t be for much longer. You’ve got to earn the right to claim that title.” 

“Damn right.”  Gavin offered his hand. “Appreciate it.”

The guy shook his hand. “Sure thing.”

Gavin watched the three men go back inside with a smile on his face.  He knew that Leo was in for the night of his life, and after tonight, he’d never be able to show his face at this strip club again.  Jumping in to his car, he threw on his shades and turned on his engine.  As he pulled out into the street, he dialed a number on his cell.

“Hello,” Mr. Benson said, answering on the first ring.

“It’s Gavin,” he said, checking his rearview mirror.

“Got any good news for me?”  Mr. Benson had been thoroughly impressed with James Gavin and his ability to gather information. Hopefully, he could put him on retainer in the future.

“Well, I know that you guys are looking for a link to the money and this case.  I have one.  There is an attorney, Richard Clemmons, who is the trustee over $735,000 that Leo’s looking to get if he can not only establish paternity but also get full custody.”

Mr. Benson cracked a smile. “Excuse me for a minute,” he said as he got up from the table and went to the restaurant’s bathroom. He shut the door and pressed the phone to his ear. “You sure about that?”

“Yeah. I heard it all. Didn’t get it recorded, but here’s the deal.  Leo only wants to pursue this case for another 75 days, so if you can get a continuance past that, you win automatically. He’s not going to fight for this a day longer than he can use it to get the money.”

Mr. Benson had something better in mind. “These two have been through hell.  We’re going to push for the first part of this trial and expose Leo Tabor for what he is to the judge and to the Riley’s. That way if he ever gets brave enough to go after Brett Black again, he’ll think twice.  Plus, all of this will be on record.  We’re going to destroy him once and for all.”

“Great, but I can’t testify now.”

“Why?”

Gavin smiled. “I just beat the shit out of him at the strip club.” 

“Plead self-defense.  I need you.” 

“What about the money?  Can you get a summons for the information from the lawyer?”

Mr. Benson racked his brain.  “Clemmons won’t just hand it over to us. I know him. He does everything by the book.  Let me work on it. I’ll let you know.”

Gavin put his foot down on the accelerator and changed gears.  “Let me worry about getting the documents from Clemmons. You just focus on getting the case together.  After all, what you needed to win was motive.  Well, I just gave you that.  Now, give my friend a winning case so he can move on with his life.”

Mr. Benson chuckled. “Done.” 

Chapter 25

"Boredom is the biggest problem. The same position.  Same day of the week. It becomes boring when you don't bring any added flowers home."

– Dr. Ruth

The alarm clock blasted loud beside Courtney’s head on the nightstand, indicating it was 5:30 a.m.   Reaching over without opening her eyes, she slammed her hand on top of it and hit the snooze button, then snuggled back into soft, warmness of her pillow. 
Just a few more minutes.

Wiggling her butt into what should have been Brett’s body, she realized that she was in the bed alone.  Most unusual.  Raising up, she looked toward the bathroom to see if the light was on, but it was off. 
So where was he?

She laid her head back down on the pillow and closed her eyes, but her nagging curiosity refused to let her procrastinate.  Getting up, she slipped on her bunny slippers and made her way out of the dark bedroom. 

Down the hall, the kids’ bedroom light was on and the television was already playing Disney. 

“Daddy, she likes pink shirts,” Cameron said, pulling out another outfit from the dresser.  “Bella doesn’t like green.”

“How do you know?” Brett asked, changing Bella’s diaper. He bent down and kissed her face. “Hey baby. Hey,” he cooed as she held on to his face and giggled.

“Bella likes pink,” Cameron said, handing his father the outfit. “She likes this one best.  Grandma bought it.”

Brett took the little dress without protest.  Slipping it over her head, he pulled it down the length of her little chubby body and gazed at her with approval.  “She looks cute.”

“Don’t forget the bow,” Cameron said, walking back over to retrieve one from the top of the dresser.

“Let me guess. Pink,” Brett said, looking at Cameron’s clothes. “Are you going to wear that to class?”

“Yes,” Cameron said more as a question than an answer. 

Brett looked at how tight it was around his collar.  “You might need to change your shirt. That one looks a little snug on you.”

“It’s my favorite,” Cameron said, huffing.  

“I promise I’ll buy you another one in a bigger size next week. Okay, big guy? Just work with me for now.” Brett slipped on Bella’s socks and debated if she could go without her little booties.  Besides, she always lost them by the end of the day. 

Courtney stood in the doorway watching them in quiet delight.  Brett looked so sexy in his black boxer briefs and dog tags.  Plus, since he started aquatic therapy, his body had toned up even more, making her want him even more, if that was remotely possible.  

After they talked for hours that rainy night, he changed and so did their life.  She was no longer a single mother and he had opened up a little more. 

In the last month, Brett had turned into a completely new man. He cooked. He cleaned. He ran errands via Uber.  He made appointments himself. And he included her more in his decisions about work.  They were moving toward the life that she told him she wanted and nothing could make her happier. 

“Can I help?” she asked, finally walking into the bedroom. 

Brett picked up Bella and bounced her in his arms. “Nope.  We’ve got it.” He walked over and bent to kiss her lips.  Lingering there, he kissed her again, this time slower.   Pulling regretfully away from her sweet mouth, his blue eyes flashed open and locked on her.  “Why don’t you go and get back in the bed.  I’m going to finish getting them ready.”

“Them?” Courtney asked. “Where is Bella going?”

“Yeah, them,” Brett said with a twinkle in his eye. “You and I have plans today after I get back from my physical therapy and PTSD session. So, you can sleep in until nine and then you have to get up, get showered, eat some breakfast and get ready to go have some fun by 11:00.”

“What are we doing?” Courtney asked, looking at Cameron. He always spilled the beans. All he needed was a little prompting. 

“Don’t tell her,” Brett said quickly to Cameron. He winked at Courtney. “It’s a surprise. You’ll have to wait and see.”

Cameron grinned at Courtney. “Mommy wants to know, but I can keep a secret.”

“Since when?” Courtney joked. 

Brett picked up the baby powder and put it into the baby bag. “Go! Get out of here.”  Nudging Courtney along, “I’ve got this.”

“You sure?” she asked, heading out the door.  She couldn’t believe he was taking care of them, but she wouldn’t protest any longer. She didn’t want him to change his mind. 

“I’m sure,” Brett said, swatting her bottom.  “Now go.”  Watching her backside as she walked out of the room, he made a mental note of what he wanted from her later. 

***

Courtney did exactly like Brett told her.  At eleven o’clock sharp, she was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt ready to go on their mystery morning excursion.  She had to admit, being allowed to sleep in before going out on a surprise date was hot and completely unexpected.  But it would have been even better if he told her where they were going.  She couldn’t help but wonder if she was dressed appropriately. 

A few minutes later, Brett returned home whistling cheerfully and then smiled at her.

“Where’s Bella?” she asked, hoping it would tell her something about what was going on today. 

Brett didn’t bite. “She’s with your Dad.  And before you ask, your mom is going to pick up Cameron when he gets out of school.” 

That had been Courtney’s next question. Now she had to think of another.

“I bet its killing you not to know,” Brett joked, enjoying her displeasure.

“It is,” she said, closing the magazine.  Standing up from the sofa, she picked up her purse. “You could at least give me a clue.”

“No clues,” he said heading upstairs. 

“Where are you going?” She said, holding on to the staircase banister, watching him hopping up the stairs.  How did he move that fast in that boot thing?

His voice echoed as he disappeared down the hall.  “I’ve gotta grab one thing and then we can go.”

“Go where?” Walking over to the window, she saw her mother’s car in the driveway.  Squinting, she pushed up against the window. “Is that my mother out there?”

Brett came back with an extra baby bag.  “Yeah,” she’s giving us a ride.” 

Courtney folded her arms. “What is going on?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Brett said, extending his arm. “Stop being stubborn and let’s go.”

Getting in the car, Courtney looked over at her mother and sneered. “He’s got you involved in this little scheme too?”

Diane smiled back at her daughter and slipped on her shades to hide her eyes from the bright sunny skies.  “Are we all set?” she asked Brett. 

Brett closed the back door and set the bag on the seat. “Now we are all set.”

“Great,” Diane said, looking back as she pulled out of the driveway.

Courtney was going crazy as they headed toward Jacksonville.  Every single time that she opened her mouth to speak, her conversation circled back to the date.  “Where are we going?  So what are we doing?” 

But both Diane and Brett were completely quiet.  They drove relaxed in her mother’s big-body Mercedes straight through town and headed toward Highway 24.  As they pulled on to the road headed toward the airport, Courtney exploded.

“Okay, now this has gone on long enough. What is going on?  Where are we going?

Brett grinned sheepishly. “We’re almost there.” 

“Is someone coming here?” Courtney asked, looking over at her mother.

Diane smiled but didn’t say a word.  There was no way that she was going to give this surprise up.  Brett had been working on it for nearly two weeks.   

When they pulled up to the front of the airport, Brett got out and grabbed his backpack.  “Okay, this is our stop,” he said, opening Courtney’s door. “Let’s go, baby.”

Courtney looked between them confused.  “Go where?  What’s going on?”

Diane leaned over and kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Enjoy your trip.  Now goodbye,” she said, pointing at the door. “Get out.” 

Courtney took her husband’s hand as he helped her out of the car.  Closing the door behind her, they watched as Diane quickly pulled off. 

“Brett, I have to know what is going on,” Courtney said wanting the surprise to end. 

Brett moved her off the curb and escorted her inside. “Remember the last time we spoke when I was in Afghanistan?  We were making plans for a trip.”

“Yeah,” Courtney said with a crooked smile. 

“Well, I figured that I still owed you one and I’ll be laid up for a few weeks after the surgery so now is the best time,” he said, cracking a smile. 

“What?” Courtney put her hands on her head. “Where are we going?”

“New Orleans.”

Courtney screamed. “I love New Orleans.”

He laughed. “I know.”

“What about clothes?  I have a stick of gum, some perfume and some hand sanitizer in my purse.”

“I’ve already made arrangements,” Brett said, walking with her to the line to check in. 

“I don’t understand,” Courtney said, looking at his backpack. 

“I called ahead and had the Manager of the hotel make arrangements for clothes, lingerie, personal hygiene products, shoes and most importantly…reservations.”

“How long will we be gone?” Courtney stuttered.

Brett loved to see her so speechless. Finally, he had gotten one over on her nosy butt.  “Five days,” he answered.

Another question.  “How long have you been planning this?”

He laughed and wrapped his arm around her.  “Two weeks.” 

She was about to ask another question, but he covered her mouth.  “Baby, relax and enjoy this.  Trust me.”

The excitement got the better of her. Wrapping her arms around him, she kissed his lips and hugged him. “Oh my gracious. I can’t believe that you’re doing this!”

***

The city of New Orleans was beautiful from the moment that they got off the plane. They were greeted by the sound of Creole music and the upbeat tempo of a busy bustling crowd.   Exiting out of the airport, a driver in a black Mercedes was waiting to whisk them off to the French Quarter.  When they arrived at the Bourbon Orleans, a historic and elegant hotel right off of Bourbon Street, they checked in and went up to the Governor’s Suite.

As soon as Courtney opened the door, she screamed.  The suite was old world southern charm at its finest from the gleaming black marble floors to the Provence-style décor and three-pronged brass candelabras strategically placed around the spacious living room and seating area among hundreds of red roses and gift boxes full of treats that Brett had arranged. 

He’d also made sure to have them stock the refrigerator, set the dining table for a formal five-course meal and layout exactly what he wanted her to wear tonight which was really close to nothing. 

The plantation shutters overlooking the lush greenery of the courtyard and saltwater pool had been pulled to make the room dark and candles glow, adding ambience to the already romantic setting. 

“Oh my goodness, Brett,” she said, smelling the roses on the wet bar.   Two bottles of champagne chilled beside the roses with a box of chocolate strawberries ready for her to open.

Brett closed the door behind them and watched her as she took in the opulence of the space. 

Courtney opened the card addressed to her and read it aloud.  “Words cannot express how grateful I am for all that you’ve done and all that you are in my life.  I’m hoping that this small vacation will be the relaxing break that you need and deserve.  Love always. Your husband, Brett.”  Closing the card, she wiped a tear. 

Brett walked up behind her and massaged her shoulders. Kissing the column of her neck, he whispered in her ear. “I love you, baby.”

She turned to face him.  “I love you too,” she said, raising up on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. “I love you so much.”  Her hand trembled as they cupped his face.  “I can’t even explain how I feel right now.” 

“Are you happy?” he asked, loving how excited she seemed.  It made him feel good to be able to do this, to be able to afford this, without worrying how it would affect them later. 

“I’m beyond happy,” she said, looking around the room. 

Brett stepped away and put his backpack on the sofa.  “Well, there should be a hot bath drawn in the bathroom.  Why don’t you slip in it while I pour you a glass of champagne?” 

Courtney put down her purse and made her way through the living room and seating area to the large bedroom.  A king-sized bed was surrounded by more candles and roses and in the middle of the bed was a pair of low cut French lace panties and matching bra. 

She bit her lip.  Tonight, she felt like getting absolutely crazy. 

Brett opened his backpack and pulled out the files.  Looking through each one to make sure that they were all there, he went to the bar and poured two glasses of the bubbly.  According to the manager, this stuff was not only expensive, it was also supposed to put you on your ass.  Good.  He wanted her lose and pliable tonight.  With no kids, no appointments and no interruptions, he felt incredibly free.