Page 71 of Nothing to Win
The pictures weren’t up close.With them taken from far away, not all of them were clear.In a quick assessment, he looked healthy… maybe even healthier than he had when she’d last seen him.
“This is great!”Gia exclaimed.“He found him!It doesn’t look like Jarrod is on drugs either.He’s a healthy weight and isn’t bruised as far as I can see.When can he come home?”
“Our PI didn’t take these pictures.He has contacts all over and has been using them to put word out for Jarrod.One of his contacts sent him these… they were taken in Mexico somewhere.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know exactly.”
“Why is he in Mexico?Does he have family there?”
Brogan may be able to answer that question, from the maternal side at least.Except… given his tenuous relationship with his mom, the idea of asking didn’t appeal.
“The PI says he needs to investigate, to confirm this is Jarrod and what he’s into.He thinks he might have been trafficked into drug running or something, that he might be acting under duress.It’s super dangerous, Gia.”
The distress in her friend’s voice prompted a reassuring hand to her forearm.“It’s okay, sweetie.I know it’s scary to think of him being forced into anything, but this is encouraging.He’s alive and you know where he is, you’re so much closer to having him home.”
Shanna sniffed and tried to smile.“He wants to go down there.The PI, he wants to go down there.He says it’s the only way to continue a credible investigation.”
“That makes sense,” she said, knowing little about Mexican authorities.“How much do you need?”
Shanna winced.“Ten thousand dollars as an initial payment.He says sometimes people will take bribes, or there could be a ransom, and he might need more.”
“Ten thousand dollars is okay,” she said, leaving the table to go to her purse on the couch.
Retrieving her checkbook and pen, she returned to her friend to write it out.
“What is that?”Shanna asked.“Your dad took away your direct access to funds, right?Where did you get the checkbook?”
“These aren’t Daddy’s funds, they’re Brogan’s.He said it saves time for me to have my own checks,” Gia explained.“The first event we went to, he gave me a blank check, and he said he’d lose track of my causes.Anyway, he came home about a month ago with this.It saves time.”Tearing off the check, Gia held it out.“It’s a book of authorized checks, I just fill in the amounts.”
“A book of blank checks?”Shanna asked, accepting the paper.“That’s twice you just referred to this apartment as home.Did Brogan ask you to move in with him permanently?”
All she could do while Shanna folded the check and put it away in her purse was sit there stunned.“I… not exactly… It’s just… convenient to be here, I guess.”
“When was the last time you slept at your parents’?Without Brogan?”
Hmm, when?It had been weeks, two… maybe even three.Had she slept there alone at all since the deal was done?
Shanna had said it out loud, now Gia had to face it.Brogan had given her full access to his home and his funds.The lower floor contained a gym with a full fitness suite, a shower room, and a cinema too.She often used the facilities, feeding herself, or just having coffee, working, even when no one else was present.This had become home.
“A while ago,” she admitted.
“You’re going away with him this week, aren’t you?”
“We leave on Thursday,” she said.“He, Julius, and me.”
To travel to Gault’s estate where the man would hear pitches from interested parties.Her father and brother would travel there too.Here’s hoping there wouldn’t be any conflicts.
“You’re getting serious with Brogan,” Shanna said.“I didn’t expect—it’s surprising.”
The instant jab of offense was usually reserved for Bram and his little remarks.“It is?”
“Yeah, he’s not like… It’s great!I think it’s great.”Though her friend faltered.“If he makes you happy… Does he make you happy?”
The sound of the elevator opening interrupted and completely flipped her mood.Smiling, Gia rose to go to the bar to pour Scotch, the crackle of anticipation overtaking her.
“He does, Shan, crazy as it sounds.Brogan Spurn does make me happy.”
