Rollie opened the door slowly. He rubbed his face with his hands feeling very old and very tired. He wasn't sure whether Angie would be in bed or staring out the window, as she liked to do. Then, he saw her. Angie was sitting in the dark by the window, in the overstuffed armchair she had brought over from her place with her legs tucked under her. She was dressed in her pajamas and her robe. She held a tissue paper in her hand as she stared out the window, an indication that she had been crying. Rollie walked slowly over to her and knelt down in front of her. He scratched his chin and, hesitantly at first, his hand went up and caressed her knee. Angie's fingers curled around his hand as a current of electricity passed between the two.
"Angie, I know you're scared...."
Angie shifted in her chair as her gaze turned from the window and she looked down at him, a mix of emotions storming within her.
"But you knew that it would be like this...." he continued.
Angie shook her head and sighed.
Rollie caught the movement. "Hold on, hold on. Leo has offered to leave if that will make you happy. But you need to know; Angela, that I will continue to help him in any way that I can. That's who I am and you know that." Rollie squeezed her hand as he paused. "That doesn't mean that you are obligated to do the same. If you want nothing to do with this, that's fine. We'll figure out a way to keep this all separate from you —"
"No, Rollie." Angie's voice was soft and racked with emotion. "I...it's just...." she looked away from him and out the window again. "I got overwhelmed with emotions when I held Jack, you know? I didn't expect to enjoy it so much." She laughed an ironic kind of laugh. "I mean, I've been around babies before but it was so different this time. I don't know, maybe it's because we're getting married or something." Angie sighed. "I realized...that I want to have your baby so much, Rollie, I do! But it scares me too, sometimes. You have no idea." Her hand went to her mouth. "And then to have our evening ruined, and not just ruined but for it to invade our home!" Angie looked down at her fingers entwined with Rollie's and she was quiet for some time. After a few moments she sighed a long sigh and looked up from her hands and towards Rollie. "I don't want Leo to leave, Rollie. I know what I signed up for, all of it. I want to help you help Leo."
Rollie felt tears brim his eyes. "Are you sure?"
"About the danger? No. About you? About us? Yes."
Rollie stood and pulled her up to him and held her tight. Angie stood on her tiptoes as her arms encircled Rollie's neck and she pulled him closer. She nuzzled his neck, taking in his smell. This was all she needed right now; although, she thought of something else....
"But there is one other thing, Rollie...."
Rollie looked at Angie, unsure of what this other thing was. "What?"
"When I'm ready to pop babies out of my body, if you not there with me during the labor...you're dead meat!" She warned him with a smile as she squeezed his cheeks.
"Huh?" Rollie responded through squeezed cheeks.
The next morning Leo entered the lounge to find Angie busy with the blender. Rollie was sitting at the table drinking coffee.
"What's that you're making there, Angie?" Leo asked.
Rollie made a face that translated as 'don't ask', but Leo didn't see it.
"I'm making a health shake, a smoothie. It's good for you. It's got soymilk, strawberries, bananas, honey, and wheat germ. Rollie loves it," Angie replied as Rollie rolled his eyes behind her. Leo tried not to laugh. "Do you want some?"
Leo was about to say no when Rollie piped up and said that Leo would probably love it. Leo shot Rollie a dirty look.
"You mean that's breakfast? That's it?" Leo grumbled.
"Yes." Angie smiled and handed him a glass and as she did she apologized if it appeared she was angry with him last night or that he thought that she wanted him to leave.
Leo told her he understood and that if she ever changed her mind, she should let him know. Leo took his shake and went to the lounge with the morning paper.
"Everything okay?" Rollie asked Angie.
"Yeah, everything's fine. I apologized to Leo." Angie looked Rollie in the eyes. "I meant what I said last night, Rollie. I know what I signed up for."
"Promise me something?"
Angie cocked her head to one side. "If I can."
"Promise me, that if there is ever anything you didn't sign up for, that you will tell me?" he asked as he caressed her jaw line.
A small smiled curled Angie's lips. "I promise."
"Good enough." Rollie smiled as his lips came down on hers. He pulled away too soon for Angie's taste. "I have to call Li and tell him that everything's okay."
"Say hi to Michelle and Jack for me," Angie asked as she went upstairs.
After his phone call Rollie sat down next to Leo. He laughed as he caught Leo's look after finishing the smoothie. "Don't worry, mate. We'll grab a burger later. Angie's going to do some work on the Internet while we are out."
"And what exactly are we going to be doing?"
"We're going on a stakeout. We need to figure out the best time to break into Delveccio's place. So, for the next few days or weeks, even, we will be watching his place."
"You're not the least bit worried about what Sapien and Hanson may have found on your laptop?"
"Not really. Angie installed a security program. They can probably hack into it but it will take some time. And all that's on there is Sapien's and Hanson's travel itinerary. Angie removed the security information for the Carlton Arms. She had a bad feeling...."
"Thank God for her bad feeling."
"This is bloody boring!" Rollie complained as he and Leo sat in the van for what seemed the umpteenth time. They were playing poker while their cameras were trained on both exits of the Carlton Arms. A light drizzle dulled the day and Rollie was dressed against the early fall chill that Leo barely felt. They had been there for a few days and hadn't seen Anthony Delvecchio leave once.
"Sometimes it takes time...and a hell of a lot of patience," Leo replied as he scanned his cards and looked at Rollie over them.
"Yeah, well I think I'm fresh out of patience. Bloody hell, doesn't this guy ever go out?"
"You just miss Angie, that's all. I've done plenty of these and patience is usually rewarded to all those who wait," Leo advised him as he looked over his cards. "I tell ya though, this van is a hell of a lot more comfortable than any unmarked car."
"Glad you like— hold on. There's movement. He's leaving. Finally!" Rollie scrambled to get into the driver's seat.
They followed the limousine for several blocks uptown. They stopped in front of swank apartment building and Leo took down the address.
"Do you think Angie can find out who lives there?" Leo asked.
"It could take too long and I'm not sure she could find out anyway. Remember the problem we had finding out about Delveccio's place?" Rollie paused. "I'm going in."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"I'm open to other options...." Rollie said as he put his PDA in his leather jacket pocket.
"Be careful. Angie will kill me if anything happens to you."
"Yeah. I know." Rollie laughed.
Rollie grabbed a box from the back of the van. He wrote an address on it. Then he walked across to the apartment building. He wore a baseball cap, sunglasses, and was chewing gum. The building wasn't as heavily secured as the Carlton Arms but there was a security desk in the lobby, just before the elevators. He walked in and looked around. Then, he walked up to the security guard's desk.
"How 'ya doin?" Rollie asked in his best New Yawk accent. "I got here a delivery for a Mrs. Zielinski in 1501."
"Mrs. Zielinski?" The guard looked at him puzzled. "I don't think anyone lives here by that name. I think you've got the wrong place, pal."
"Nope. See." Rollie showed him the package as he chewed his gum loudly. "1358 Lexington, apartment 1501."
The guard looked at the package and confirmed that that was the right address. "We did have some new tenants move in last week. But I don't think any of their names were Zielinski. I'll have to check."
"You don't mind if I wait here while you do that, do ya? Another 10 minutes, and I knock off for lunch anyway." Rollie sniffed and grabbed his crotch.
The guard just shook his head, figuring Rollie for a slouch. "Sure. Knock yourself out."
The guard turned and started a search on the computer. Rollie leaned against the desk looking the other way. But he propped up his PDA and whispered a command to Leo. In the van, Leo started recording the computer screen.
After an extensive search the guard concluded triumphantly that there was Mrs. Zielinski at this address.
Rollie looked at his watch. "Well, no skin off my bones." He picked up the package again and made a point of looking at it. "Why that...that numbskull!"
The guard looked up at him, puzzled. "What now?"
"Well, look at the numbers. Doesn't the 3 look more like an 8 and vise versa?" The guard agreed. "That idiot, numbskull son of a—" Rollie took a breath. "I'd kill him if he weren't the boss's nephew. Sorry for wastin' your time there, pal." Rollie apologized as he left with the guard snickering behind him. Rollie had a big grin on his face.
"How was that, Leo?" Rollie whispered into the PDA as he left the building.
"Smooth, Rollie. Real smooth."
"One last stop," Rollie said as he made an unannounced detour. He found Delveccio's limousine. He checked to make sure no one was around as he placed a tracker underneath the car.
"As Angie might say 'we're cooking with heat', Leo." Rollie announced as he reentered the van.
Rollie and Leo returned to the loft. Rollie called out to Angie but there was no answer. Only Bluey was there to welcome him home. Even Chiops had taken off for the day.
Rollie reached into the fridge and threw Leo a beer. "Now, let's get to work and find out who Delveccio is visiting." As Rollie reached his computer he found a text message on his computer from Angie. It read simply:
Gone fishing. Back soon. I hope. Love, Angie. PS. I'll bring sushi.
"Bloody hell! Angie!" Rollie's brow furrowed as he now worried where Angie had gone. "Damn it."
"So it looks like raw fish for dinner." Leo grimaced. He caught Rollie's worried look. "What's wrong? You don't think she went for sushi?"
"No, I don't." Rollie groaned. "I have a feeling she's up to something."
"Why don't we check her computer and see if we can figure out where she went?" Leo suggested.
"I've got a better idea. I'll try her PDA." Rollie used the PDA to call Angie's PDA but she wasn't picking up. "Damn it!" Then Rollie thought of something else. "Come on, Leo. We can track the PDA through the GPS in the van."
Rollie drove while they wound their way through the busy streets of New York. Leo told Rollie the tracker was stationary near Central Park.
Angie had found Sapien's safe house when he stayed in New York while searching through his and Hanson's travel records. She had thought of waiting for Rollie and Leo, but figured they were too busy tracking Delveccio, where they had been for more than two weeks. She did try to call but couldn't get through. Besides, they had left her alone all that time while Angie slaved away over the travel records and she was itching to get out. So, she decided to go and check on the place herself.
Angie had no trouble picking the lock and getting into the place. She had called the place from a payphone prior to going into the building, so she knew he wasn't there. But, from the looks of things, he was in town.
She searched his belongings for any sign of what his plans are, being careful to return things to their place. Then, Angie found her laptop sitting on the desk. She considered taking it but thought better of it. Instead, her eyes brightened when she found Sapien's own laptop.
"Come to Mama." Angie smiled as she worked feverishly to copy the contents of the hard drive. While it was being copied, Angie spotted a notepad by the telephone. She could see that the top paper had been torn off. Curious, she took a pencil and lightly rubbed on the paper until an address became visible. She tore that piece of paper off and put it in her pocket. Then, her attention went back to the laptop.
"The tracker's on the move, Rollie!" Leo called from the back. They had just parked outside the last area the tracker had been stationary.
"She's mobile, then. The question is; is she alone?" Rollie worried aloud. "Where Leo?"
"Two blocks ahead, turn right on 42nd." Leo replied.
Rollie sped ahead of the signal, guessing what direction it would go in and praying he was right. Then, he turned the van sharply as they sped into the alleyway following the signal. He slammed on the brakes as Angie slammed into the van and went flying into a pile of garbage bags.
"Angie!" Rollie yelled as he stopped the van and ran to check on her.
Angie moaned and her hand went to her head. Rollie's worried face suddenly looked down on hers. "What? You're trying to kill me now?" she moaned. "I thought that would happen only after we were married."
"Very funny. Are you hurt?" Rollie asked desperately as he checked her body for wounds. "Sweetie? Are you hurt?"
"It's nothing a hot bath won't cure." Angie moaned as she sat up. "What's the big idea anyhow?"
"I saw your message. I thought you were in trouble. What the hell did you think you were doing? Where were you anyhow?"
"Help me up." Angie ordered as she slipped here and there because of her rollerblades. "You should be proud of me, Rol. I did good." She beamed.
Rollie shook his head and tried to maintain his angry veneer. Bloody hell, he thought. I love this woman!
Rollie helped her into the van as she tried to ignore the chastising looks from both Rollie and Leo. Angie changed to her shoes as Rollie drove the van out of the alleyway and drove to Central Park where he parked the van. Then he joined Leo and Angie in the back.
"Luucy, you got some 'splaining to do." Rollie tried his imitation of Desi Arnez and also tried to lighten the tension.
"Who the hell was that supposed to be? Speedy Gonzalez?" Angie smirked.
"Why I oughta!" Rollie feigned anger as he pulled Angie close. "Are you sure you're not hurt?" The concern was written all over his face.
"I'm okay," Angie assured him. "Just a few bruises. So, do you want to hear what happened?'
"Definitely."
"Okay, well, while you guys were busy with your stakeout I have been checking the travel records for Sapien and Hanson for anything that might help. Most of it was pretty boring and uninteresting but I did find two things. One: Sapien and Hanson took several trips to England and Malta. The only thing is, they didn't take them together. They made the trips a day apart. Hanson arriving first, followed by Sapien—"
"That's funny. Why didn't they travel together?" Leo interrupted. "To avoid suspicion, perhaps?"
Angie shrugged her shoulders and then she continued. "Two: I found Sapien's safe house when he stays in New York. So, that's where I was." Angie smiled, although she tried to brace herself for the diatribe that was sure to come from Rollie and Leo.
"Bloody hell, Angie!" Rollie yelled.
"What? I was careful Rollie." Angie defended her decision. "I figured time was of the essence so I decided to move—"
"But you had no backup! What if he came in? What then?" Rollie glared at her and then turned suddenly and exited the van, slamming the door on the way out.
Angie's eyes brimmed with tears as she was stung by his anger. She didn't think Rollie would be so mad at her. Why couldn't he see that she just wanted to help?
"Rollie's right, Angie. You should never have gone there without backup. You could have been killed. You should have waited for us, kid."
"I'm sorry. I just...I wanted to help." Angie looked out to see that Rollie had walked quite a ways from the van.
Angie exited the van and had to walk quite briskly to catch up to Rollie. He stopped suddenly as several steps remained between them. He didn't turn around but Angie saw his shoulders slouch in a way that told her that he knew that she was there.
"Rollie? I'm—"
"Don't say it if you don't mean it," Rollie warned her.
Angie looked towards the sky as she struggled to find the right words and understand what was going on. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't do it on purpose. I was just trying to help. You don't expect me to sit at home and knit my brow while you two are out on stakeouts, do you?"
"What if you had been killed? What am I supposed to do then? We didn't even know where you had gone. The only way we found you was through the PDA!" Rollie replied as he turned to face Angie, his voice choking with emotion.
"Excuse me, but you don't think I think those same things when you are out on your adventures?" Angie stared into Rollie's dark eyes. "I am so scared all the time. But I know how much it all means to you and I try like hell to accept it." They stared at each other for a moment, anger in both their eyes. Angie grabbed Rollie's hand. "I just wanted to help Rollie, that's all."
Rollie closed his eyes and shook his head. He opened his eyes to see Angie still before him with tears brimming her eyes and looking like a scared, lost little girl. He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. They were both getting wet from the drizzle that was still coming down.
"It's just...I love you so much, Angela and the thought of something happening to you makes me crazy. I love that you want to help, I do. But I don't want anything happening to you. When I go off to help people, I have backup. I have equipment. I make sure people know where I am. You didn't do any of that except leave a rather cryptic note on my computer. Your bravery astounds me. But can you see why I was worried?" he said as he searched her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Rollie." Angie sniffled. It astounded her to see how much he cares for her. She really didn't anticipate him reacting this way. "I promise I won't do anything stupid—"
Rollie started to say something but all he managed was. "Good—"
"If you don't." Angie finished as she smiled up at him.
Rollie shook his head and tried to suppress a laugh. "Bloody hell, Angela. What am I going to do with you?"
"I can think of a few things." She smiled seductively as she cocked her head to one side.
"So can I." Rollie agreed as his mouth covered hers. Despite the dampness a fire was ignited between them. Rollie held her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. She kissed him back hungrily, wanting more, demanding more as her hands cupped his neck and pulled him close. Rollie pulled away suddenly as he smoothed away Angie's damp bangs from her eyes. "We better get back to the van. It's freezing out here. We'll continue this discussion later."
"Who says there's anything to discuss?" Angie asked as they walked back to the van hand in hand. Her other hand went inside her jeans pocket and suddenly she remembered the paper she lifted from Sapien's place. "Rollie! I almost forgot! I found this address in Sapien's place. We should check it out. It might mean something!"
In the van, Rollie told Leo about the address Angie had found and they all agreed to check it out but only if it was safe to do so. They arrived at the address, which was an abandoned warehouse by the docks. It was dark and seemingly empty. Windows had been broken and there was glass everywhere. From the looks of things homeless people and drug addicts and were also using it. There were discarded needles, sleeping bags, blankets, and boxes everywhere and it smelled of urine.
"Stay close," Rollie whispered to Angie who nodded her head in agreement.
Leo went in one direction while Angie and Rollie searched in another.
"I don't understand. What would Sapien be doing at this address?" Angie whispered.
"Dunno. Maybe a meeting with a source or something?" Rollie suggested. Rollie's attention was diverted to a sound that came from behind them. He turned and started back in that direction.
Angie continued going ahead unaware that Rollie had turned back. Angie had a small flashlight with her and the light caught something. She moved ahead to see what it was when her foot hit something.
"Oh my God!" Angie whispered. "Rollie!" she cried again.
Rollie was beside her in a second. He called to Leo on his way over. "What is it?" he asked as he reached her, not seeing what she had found.
Angie showed him what she was looking at as her hand covered her mouth to stifle a scream or a cry, she didn't know which. She flew into Rollie's arms as she shook. Rollie held her tight as he swallowed. Leo showed up then too. He had to turn the body over to see the face. He tried not to disturb anything.
"Who is it, Leo? Can you tell?" Rollie asked as Angie cried in his arms.
"It's agent Hanson," Leo replied solemnly. "He took two slugs in the back "
"Bloody hell!"
They left the body where it was and returned to the van. Rollie called it in to the police from the van but disguised his voice with the voice synthesizer and Angie had the call signal bounce around.
Once back at the loft and after they had calmed down, Angie showed Leo and Rollie the CD with Sapien's copied hard drive information on it. However, both she and Rollie were still shivering from their rainy day adventure and the events that followed, so they decided to wait until the morning to check out the CD. Angie went upstairs to take a bath, the chill now having gone right to her bones. It was worse for Rollie, as unused to the cold as he still was.
Leo figured the couple could use some alone time so he said he would fix himself a sandwich and go to his room.
Rollie came up as Angie had changed into her robe and was about to head into the bathroom. She had lit dozens of candles all over.
She went over to him and fingered his collar as she smiled invitingly. "Come take a bath with me."
Rollie shivered slightly from the cold and what Angie was doing to him. His hands went down Angie's shoulders, clasped her hands and then went up her waist and to her breasts. Angie pulled him into the bathroom as her fingers began unbuttoning Rollie's shirt. She pushed his shirt off him and her hands rested on his waist. She undid his belt and looked up at him, her eyes dark. She unzipped his jeans and together they pushed it off him. Rollie undid the belt on Angie's robe. Angie reached up and pulled his face to hers in a deep kiss.
Then, she pulled away and stepped out of her robe. She let it fall at her feet as she stepped back and into the tub. She smiled as she pulled Rollie in with her as the warm bubbles enveloped them.
Angie wrapped her legs around Rollie as he leaned back against her. She used the sponge to gently wash Rollie. Rollie closed his eyes as he felt himself getting warmer.
Angie leaned down and kissed Rollie's cheek. "I love you Rollie," she whispered.
"This feels good." Rollie sighed, his eyes still closed. He opened them and looked back at Angie. "Do you want me to wash you?"
"No. You just stay where you are and let me take care of you." Angie nibbled on his ear.
"Yes ma'am." Rollie smiled contentedly.
"Are you all warm now?" Angie asked as she moved off Rollie and curled up against him on the bed.
"I am. How are you doing, Ange?" he asked as he looked down at her.
"I'm okay," she insisted. "I just didn't expect to find Hanson's body. Are you scared, Rol?" she asked as she looked up at him.
"I would be crazy not to be. Sapien's a killer. Do you see why I was so scared this afternoon when you took off?"
"I do," Angie replied as if scolded. "I'm sorry."
He reached over to his night table and grabbed something out of the drawer. "Give me your hand."
Angie looked at him puzzled. "Why?"
"Because I am asking you to, that's why."
Angie slowly held up her hand for him, wondering what he had in mind. Before she could do anything Rollie brought out the item he had retrieved and slapped it on her wrist.
"Rollie! What the—" Angie cried out as she tried to pull away.
"I borrowed these from Leo. I'm just making sure you don't take off on me like you did earlier today." He smiled as he closed a handcuff around one of Angie's wrists. Then, he closed the other one on his own wrist. "You're stuck with me, Angie. Like it or not."
Angie would have been mad if Rollie hadn't snapped the other part on his own wrist. As it was, they were each other's prisoners. She could live with that. They might even have fun with it, she thought as a wicked smile lit up her face.
"Okay. You've had your fun. You've made your point. Now, can we take these off?" Angie asked finally after they had taken a shower together, struggled to dress together, and come downstairs together. Bondage with Rollie had lost its charms after they tried dressing together. Now, she just wanted some privacy and to not be jerked around by Rollie's sudden movements. He seemed to keep forgetting that she was attached.
"We have to get the key off Leo. He should be up any minute," Rollie said as he poured a cup of coffee. In truth, Rollie knew he could slip out of it but that would leave Angie still with the new jewelry and, he knew, she would be very angry with him if he didn't let her loose at the same time. She had been a pretty good sport about it.
There was a knock at the door and Bluey showed onscreen that it was Lucinda. "Bloody great timing," Rollie mumbled.
"Great. What is she going to think?" Angie asked as she shook their wrists.
"She's going to think we have a bloody interesting life!" Rollie smiled.
"Hey! We do have a bloody interesting life!" Angie pointed out. "And we don't need these...." she shook their shackles, "to make it interesting."
"That's for sure, although last night we managed to do some pretty interesting things— morning, Lucinda," Rollie called as Lucinda entered the loft. "What brings you here this fine morning."
Angie looked at him and shook her head, convinced he was purposely being cheery to piss her off. They were standing close together and hid their cuffed hands.
"Morning Lucinda." Angie smiled.
"Hey guys. You two have been laying low since the engagement party. I haven't seen you...." She pointed at Rollie. "Since breakfast and Angie, when are we going to go out and have some fun?"
"Oh, sorry Lucinda. I'm an engaged woman now. I'm not allowed to have fun anymore." Angie joked.
"I wouldn't say that." Rollie cleared his throat as he raised his hand to scratch his chin.
"Whoa! Rollie! I had no idea you were into that." Lucinda exclaimed wide-eyed as she caught sight of the handcuffs. "If I had believe me you and I would have—"
Angie's eyes narrowed as Rollie's eyes grew big. "Rollie and you would have what, Lucinda?" she asked pointedly.
"Oh! Oh— nothing. Never...never mind. Forget that I even said that," Lucinda stammered as her face became flushed.
"Oh, I don't know if I can do that." Angie shook her head though Rollie caught the sparkle in her eyes, clearly intrigued by Lucinda's faux pas.
"Oh— but what I meant is— um...." Lucinda stammered again.
"All right, you've had your fun Angela. Now quit toying with Lucinda." Rollie admonished her, a sparkle in his eyes as well. "You're like a cat with a mouse," he whispered in Angie's ear. Angie giggled.
"I am so sorry, Angie. I didn't mean— Rollie and I, we never—"
"Lucinda. Forget about it." Angie giggled and let her off the hook finally.
"I'm sorry again. I'm so sorry," Lucinda repeated, her face was still red as she avoided their eyes. "But um...guys, it's almost 9:00. Shouldn't you be putting your toys away by now?"
"Can't. We uh...lost the key," Rollie lied.
"Well couldn't you just pick the lock? Unless of course, you're enjoying yourselves?" Lucinda managed to look up at them.
"It has its charms." Rollie smiled. "Doesn't it, Ange?"
"Yes," Angie answered slowly. "When I'm not being jerked around by your sudden movements."
"You mean like this?" Rollie asked as he pulled Angie to him, her back against him, and wrapped both their arms around her upper chest.
"Actually, that I can live with." Angie smiled.
"Well, I hate to interrupt you guys but I was really wondering if Angie could go shopping with me. I have a hot date and need Angie's help picking out a hot dress."
"Me? Lucinda you don't need my help picking out clothes to look fabulous in."
"Yes but its more than just getting a dress, its girl talk too, Angie. Please?"
"I can't Lucinda. Rollie and I are really busy. Maybe in a couple of days?"
Lucinda pouted. "It'll be too late by then. Angie, please? I really need to talk to you."
"Lucinda, I am the last person you should be asking for advice on these matters, believe me." Angie rolled her eyes. "Maybe you should talk to Rollie."
Rollie's brow furrowed at the suggestion.
"Well...okay. How about I talk to both of you? Now?" Lucinda looked earnestly at them both, Angie still happily ensconced in Rollie's arms.
"Shoot. We've got a few minutes," Rollie told her as he looked at his watch.
Lucinda went on to tell them about seeing Christopher, the model, the same guy who was Angie's date from hell, the guy who was constantly putting his foot in his mouth, and the guy who was constantly looking at himself in the mirror. Both Rollie and Angie were unsure of what Lucinda was doing with this guy. They both felt that she could do better.
Lucinda said the Christopher had invited her to Maine for the weekend and that it would be their first night together, let alone weekend together. She said she felt she was on a roller coaster and she knew it was moving too fast for her, but that she couldn't get off. She felt swept away by Christopher and it felt good.
"I need to know if I should go with him. Am I moving too fast?" Lucinda asked.
"Lucinda, Angie and I can't answer that. What do you want?"
"I don't know."
"Well, why are you with Christopher? What makes him special to you?" Angie asked.
"Special?" Lucinda looked dumbstruck. "You think Christopher's special?"
"No, I don't." Angie quickly insisted. "But you must if you are going away with him...right?"
"I agree. Lucinda, obviously you feel something for Christopher and whatever it is you have to figure that out for yourself. There is no one right thing to do or say. It's all up to you," Rollie said.
"I can't do this right now," Lucinda suddenly insisted. She grabbed her bag and jacket and put it on. "Call me when you can, will you Angie?"
Rollie and Angie both called out to her but she was out the door before they could do anything.
"Wow. She was all over the place," Angie said quietly.
"Yep. We can map the world, and map the universe, but we can't map the human heart," Rollie whispered quietly in Angie's ear.
"I hope she doesn't do something she'll regret later."
"You and me both."
"Maybe I should call her later?" Angie looked up at Rollie.
"Good idea."
"Why is it that just because we're a couple and we're engaged now, that people think we know what we are doing and that we have the answers?" Angie asked as she looked up at Rollie. She was thinking of Mira too and the talk they had when she got drunk.
"I don't know sweetie. Maybe they're hoping to learn from our mistakes or they're looking for a short cut. You and I both know it doesn't work that way. Don't they see how many mistakes we've made?"
"I guess not. Lucinda's going to have to learn the hard way, I'm afraid."
A short while later Leo came out and released Rollie and Angie from their bondage. He was discreet and didn't ask any questions, which Angie was grateful for. Then, they got down to the business of finding out what was on the CD Angie retrieved from Sapien's place as well as who Delveccio was visiting.
Angie had to work to decode the information on Sapien's hard drive and it was going to take some time. Meanwhile, she and Rollie both worked finding out who the tenant is that Delveccio was visiting.
"I think you would have better luck if you narrowed the list down to women, specifically young women," Leo suggested.
"Why's that?" Rollie asked.
"Just a hunch I have. Why else would a fat, ugly, old man pay a visit to an apartment building three times a week for three hours or more each time?"
"A mistress?" Rollie cocked his eyebrow.
"Could be," Leo answered.
"Yuck. That really makes my skin crawl." Angie admitted. "I've seen this guy. Why would a young women want to be his mistress? Why would any woman with an ounce of self respect put herself in that situation?"
"There are many reasons," Leo replied and he and Rollie shared a look.
Angie just shook her head. She just didn't get it. She didn't want to get it either. "Well, in any case I can narrow the search to women but I can't narrow it specifically to young women without more information," she said. "And if I could I wouldn't need to do a search."
"Do you know anything about Delveccio, Leo?" Rollie asked as he leaned over Angie and watched the screen.
Leo sat down next to Angie and looked at the screen. "He's a brutal killer. He waged a bloody turf war in Sicily about 15 years ago to become one of the top Dons in the country. There is nothing that he won't do. He's killed politicians and law enforcement officials and members of their families. He's married and has 3 girls and has one surviving son. His eldest son died during the turf war. The surviving son, Salvatore, has taken over Capricciio's turf over here. His father's last mistress that I know of was named Donatella Benigni. She was being investigated a few years ago for money laundering but I don't know what happened to her after that. It was a big scandal. She was trying to make it as an actress and got hooked up with him. It virtually ended her career before it even began."
"Well there's no one here by that name," Angie announced.
"Ange, wait. Scroll down...there!" Rollie pointed to the screen. "Check out that name. Donna Hanson. Coincidence?"
"Why would she be registered under Hanson's name?" she asked as she scrolled down to the name.
"That's a good question," Leo replied.
"Okay. Donna Hanson. Apartment 62. Tenant since last year. Occupation...unlisted. Unmarried. No dependants. Not much to go on," Angie read out the information. "Well it doesn't look like she was married to Hanson, which would have been bigamy anyway. Not that that really matters in the whole scheme of things...hold on," Angie said quietly as she continued typing. "Yep. The lease is in his name. I don't have a good feeling about this. Agent Hanson was boinging Delveccio's mistress?" Angie looked over at him with a skeptical look on her face.
"Yes, well, that appears to be what's happening. What the hell is going on here?" He wondered aloud which did not put Angie's fears to rest.
"Okay, so his mistress is living in New York. I can't imagine Mrs. Delveccio cares too much for that arrangement. But on the other hand, the fact that he visits her three times a week gives us a good chance to sneak into his apartment and take a look see." Rollie scratched his chin and tried to avoid Angie's worried look. "Let's see." He looked at his PDA. "He should be visiting Donna this afternoon for a little afternoon delight. While he's doing that, we'll be at his place."
"Shouldn't we wait to find out what her relationship to Hanson was?" Angie asked.
"What's to know? He's dead and we still need to get in there and find out what we can," Rollie replied.
"He's right, Angie. Knowing what her relationship was to Hanson won't tell us how they're getting the arms shipments to Europe and who the Interpol agent is. We still need to find that out," Leo said. He squeezed Angie's shoulder in reassurance as she looked between Rollie and Leo.
She knew there was no way that she would change their minds about breaking in. She didn't have to like it though. Leo went downstairs to get some things ready and also to give Rollie and Angie some time alone.
Rollie sat across from her and pulled her chair closer to his. "I'll need you in the van, Ange. Are you going to be okay with that?"
Angie looked away quickly. "I guess so," she sighed. "There's just so much we don't know, Rollie. Couldn't we at least wait until I've cracked Sapien's hard drive?"
"We can't. If Delveccio is the creature of habit he's appeared to be so far, he's going to go see Donatella today. It's our window of opportunity, the chance we've been waiting for." He lifted her chin with his finger. "And besides, there's still a chance that whatever is on that CD really won't reveal much. We need to move today."
Rollie, Leo, and Angie packed up the van and drove over to Delveccio's place. Rollie took the items he would need and made his way to the service elevator. Leo and Angie waited in the van. As soon as Delveccio's car left Angie started monitoring the tracker that Rollie had placed on the car.
Rollie used a magnetic card and the PDA to crack the numerical code for the service elevator and took it all the way to the top. Once in, he made his was towards the laundry chute where he would make his way down, using the pulley to lower himself to Delveccio's floor.
"Are you with me, Ange?" Rollie whispered, somewhat out of breath, as he had to use his muscles to keep the line taut.
"All the way, Rol. You're coming in loud and clear," Angie answered as she had on so many other occasions. "Delveccio's car is nearing Donna's place. Be careful Rollie."
"I will sweetie."
Rollie unhooked himself from the pulley. "Okay Ange, I'm almost in place. Activate the security disrupt."
Rollie had patched into the electrical panel before making his way up the service elevator. Angie used the remote link from the van to send a bogus signal to the security desk. In several ways it was made easier because of the earlier break in.
"Okay, Rollie, it's running."
"Wish me luck."
"Break a leg, Rol."
Rollie checked to see if was clear before climbing out of the laundry chute. Just as he was about to climb out of the chute, an elderly woman exited her apartment. She held a small dog, which she put down as she went to lock her door. The dog ran over to where Rollie was, still inside the chute. The dog sniffed and then began barking.
Rollie swallowed. "Bloody hell," he whispered as sweat formed on his brow.
"Rollie? What is it?" Angie asked, concern marking her voice. She couldn't hear the dog barking.
Rollie couldn't answer for fear that the dog would hear. As it was he was trying very hard not to move or even breath at this point.
Finally the elevator came and the elderly woman yanked the barking dog away with her. Rollie finally allowed himself a chance to breath.
"Rollie? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'll tell you later." Rollie now made his way to Delveccio's apartment. He and Angie had made a photo ID card with a likeness of Delveccio imprinted on it. Rollie believed it should work, but wasn't quite sure if it would. Now would be the test.
Rollie put the card in and prayed. He waited for what seemed like minutes as the entry was finally unlocked. He looked upwards and whispered 'thank you'. Once inside, Leo told him to look for a hidden safe or a strongbox that might be hidden under lock and key. Rollie looked behind the pictures and paintings on the wall in the den, and the library. He finally found the safe in the office. Again, he used the PDA to help open the safe. Inside, he found several books, ledgers, and stacks of cash.
"I think we hit pay dirt." Rollie told Leo and Angie.
"What did you find?" Leo asked.
"Books, several of them in fact. They're ledger books...." Rollie opened some of them to investigate. "Containing information on shipments...the dates of the arms thefts, what precincts they were stolen from, payouts. It's all right here. Mr.Delveccio must be holding onto this information either for his protection or for blackmail," Rollie surmised.
"That's it. That's what we need." Leo smiled.
"There's another book...I can't quite understand what it is, it's like it's in code or something. There's letters and numbers but none of it makes any sense," Rollie whispered quietly into the mic.
"Rol, just concentrate on scanning them. We can decipher them later," Angie suggested.
"Yeah, right." Rollie agreed.
After a few moments he spoke again. "This isn't going to work."
"Why not?" Angie asked as she and Leo shared a concerned look.
"Because I don't have enough memory cards to fit all the information. There are at least 7 or 8 books here."
"So, scan what you can and get the hell out of there." Angie suggested again, starting to get exasperated. Why didn't he see that it could be that simple, she asked herself?
Rollie didn't say anything for a few more minutes until. "Angie?"
"Rollie."
"There's a stationary store about a block from here...."
"Yeah. And?" Angie shook her head. She just knew where this was going.
"Angie, I need you to go and get some black, leather-bound ledgers. You know, the expensive ones? And I need you to do it quick, sweetie."
"Just what are you planning Rollie?" Angie rubbed her temples; she was starting to get a headache.
"Well, sweetie, I think it's fairly obvious—"
"Rollie, do you really think that's a good idea?"
"Rollie just scan in what you can and hurry up about it. We'll be able to use what we can. Its better than nothing, believe me," Leo suggested.
"There is too much information here Leo. Names, dates, shipment details...and of course I am very curious about the coded ledger. I am not lying when I say that there is too much information to scan. I don't even know where to begin." He paused. "Angie please, go and get the ledgers. We're running out of time."
"All right, all right." Angie sighed and threw up her arms in defeat. "How do I get them to you?"
"Contact me when you get back. I'll meet you downstairs at the service elevator. Hurry"
Angie ran to the stationary store and bought the ledgers. She met Rollie at the service elevator in the basement and handed it to him, at the same time he handed her the ledgers from Delveccio's safe. Then, he went back upstairs through the laundry chute and replaced the purloined ledgers with the brand new ones. He had just finished when Leo said that Delveccio had just left Donatella's place.
"Rollie hurry," Angie worriedly advised him. "He's getting closer."
Rollie closed and locked the door on his way out. He saw the elevator numbers moving, indicating that someone was going to be either getting off on this floor or the ones above.
Rollie sprinted to the laundry chute and flew in just as the elevator door opened.