Chapter Seventy One

Stephen

We’d managed to get a good night’s sleep, but it hadn’t done much to ease my nerves. I had this nagging feeling that something was going to go wrong today.

I’d asked Trinity to take the kids over to Mia’s. I didn’t want them around when Benji arrived, especially since Chad and Sergio were coming over too, along with Clint.

Clint was supposed to text me when he was on his way. That way, I could get Trinity and the kids in the car and off to Mia’s. Chad would be out of the house by then, on his way here with Clint and Sergio.

If everything went smoothly with Benji, we’d arrange a meeting with the Chief of Police and the DA. The goal was to strike a deal in exchange for exposing the corruption happening right under their noses.

It was lunchtime. The twins were in their high chairs, and I was feeding them while Trinity fed Jay.

Trinity asked, “Baby, what time did Benji say he would be here?”

“He should be out of court by two-thirty or three, so he’s coming straight here,” I replied.

“Okay, that works out well. We can put the kids down for a nap after lunch so they don’t get too tired later. Then Mia and I can take them to the park this afternoon.”

Nathaniel piped up, “Yeah, on the slide, Momma.”

“We can go on the slide, baby boy. What about you, little miss thing? What do you want to do?” Trinity asked Olivia.

“I stay with Daddy,” Olivia declared.

I laughed, and so did Trinity.

“Little princess, Daddy would love for you to stay, but Uncle Clint and I have some work to take care of.”

“I help Daddy and Uncle,” Olivia insisted.

“Maybe when you get a little older, baby. But for now, Daddy needs you and your brother to look after Mommy this afternoon, okay?”

“Okay, Daddy,” Olivia agreed.

“Okay, Daddy,” Nathaniel echoed.

“That’s my good little pea pods. And when you get back, how about we all have a pj night, cuddle, and watch your favorite movie?”

“Yay, Brave!” Olivia cheered.

“Yay, I cuddle Mommy,” Nathaniel said.

“No way, Daddy’s going to cuddle Mommy,” I teased.

“No way, Daddy,” Nathaniel retorted.

“I’ll fight you for her,” I joked, laughing as my son raised his fists, ready to fight for his momma. He was such a momma’s boy. But I couldn’t say much, considering his sister was all about her daddy.

“I fight you, Daddy,” Nathaniel challenged.

“Hey, nobody is fighting in my house. You two better stop, or Momma will cry,” Trinity warned.

“Daddy did it,” Nathaniel tattled.

“Hey, you little snitch,” I teased, tickling him until he was giggling and squirming, trying to escape.

“No, Daddy, you stop. Lunchtime, not playtime,” Nathaniel scolded, pointing a finger at me. Trinity laughed at his stern tone.

We managed to feed the kids and get them to bed without too much fuss. Then we headed back downstairs. I was going through some emails for Capulet and Montague while Trinity cleaned up the kitchen and dining room. The kids had made quite a mess, and we wanted everything tidy before the guys arrived.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, Benji called to say he was leaving the courthouse and would be at our place around two-thirty.

I helped Trinity get the kids dressed and buckled into the car.

“Drive safe, baby. I love you,” I told her.

“I love you too. Call me when you’re done, sweetheart, and I’ll pick up some dinner on the way home.”

“Sounds great, baby. See you then. Please text me when you get to Mia’s.”

“I promise. Babies, say bye-bye to Daddy.”

“Bye, Daddy,” Olivia and Nathaniel chorused.

“Love you, pea pods. Be good for Momma, please.”

“Love you, Daddy,” they both replied.

I watched as my wife drove away, then went inside to prepare for everyone’s arrival. This afternoon was do or die. If things didn’t work out, we’d have to figure out our next move—and fast.

It wasn’t long before Clint and Sergio arrived with Chad. We’d only been hanging out in the backyard for a little while when Benji showed up.

“Too lazy to answer your door now, you prick?” Benji teased.

“Hey, come at me when you have three kids under five,” I shot back.

“Do I look that stupid?” Benji retorted.

“Hahaha,” Clint and Sergio laughed.

“Benji, you haven’t changed a bit, kid,” Sergio said.

“Good to see you, Sergio. It’s been years, mate,” Benji replied. They hugged and caught up for a bit.

“I’m proud of you kids. You’ve grown up and really made something of yourselves,” Sergio said.

“Everyone loves me. What can I say?” Clint bragged.

“Hahaha,” I laughed.

“Shut up, Clint,” Sergio told him.

“Hahaha. So where is he?” Benji asked.

“Out back, mate. I gave him a blunt to keep him quiet for a minute. Guess we’re going to need him on our side, huh?” I replied.

“Probably for the best right now. So, shall we do this?” Benji asked.

“Ready when you are,” Clint said.

We headed outside, where Chad was waiting, blunt in hand.

“Chad, you remember Benji?” I asked.

“Yes. Hi, Benji,” Chad greeted.

“Quite a mess you’ve got yourself in, Chad,” Benji observed.

“You could say that,” Chad agreed.

“Got a spliff for me, boys?” Benji asked.

“Always,” Clint replied, passing out smokes to everyone. We all took a seat.

“So, where do we start, Chad? I guess that’s the real question,” Benji began.

“Where do you want me to start?” Chad asked.

“How about you tell me what you’ve got that’s useful to me right now,” Benji suggested.

“My phone,” Chad replied.

“And how does that help me?” Benji asked.

“Have a look for yourself,” Chad said, unlocking his phone and pulling up some messages for Benji to read.

After about ten minutes, Benji looked up. “Can I keep this?”

“I guess,” Chad agreed.

“I just need twenty-four hours to verify the phone number and location to confirm it’s useful. You understand, right?” Benji asked.

“Okay. And then what?” Chad asked.

“Then you and I are going to set up a meeting,” Benji replied.

“With who?” Chad asked.

“The Chief of Police and DA,” Benji answered.

“What? I don’t know, Benji,” Chad hesitated.

“You don’t need to know, Chad. You just need to do. As discussed with Stephen, Trinity, and your friends in Barcelona, you’ll be making one more drop—a substantial one—while the Chief of Police and DA are there to witness it,” Benji explained.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Chad protested.

“Well, good thing you’re not here to think, Chad. Leave that to me. I’m definitely better at it than you, as your history of getting nicked by dodgy cops has proven,” Benji retorted.

Chad - But—

Benji - No buts, Chad. This is a clear case of 'do as I say, not as I do.' Is that simple enough for you?