Rogues, Riches & Retribution

By Harry Taylor

Toni Virenti and his twin Italian brother witness
the death of their father. Family mafia elders decide that
one day they will avenge their fathers death.
In Tonis quest for revenge, he meets and falls in
love with the adopted daughter of the lawyer who killed his
father. Her relationship with her father is at breaking
point and, when she discovers a treacherous deed
by him towards her, she makes a solemn promise that one
day he will regret what he has done.
Under cover of his business the lawyer administers
deals for the underworld. He hires Virenti
to undertake a mission with a wealthy Arab. Virenti engages in
double dealing, leaving the Arab to believe the lawyer
is responsible and seek revenge.


Three people with one objective, one cause, choose to
carry out their task on the day the lawyer hosts an elaborate
garden party in the grounds of his home.

WILL EITHER SUCCEED?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Nov 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491885048

Harry Taylor

Harry Taylor is a former Labour councillor who now works as a political director. He is the co-author of Peter Shore: Labour's Forgotten Patriot (Biteback, 2020).

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE PRESENT

In a reflective mood Toni Virenti lay quietly on the bed in his residence in the English countryside, gazing up at a semi-gloss white painted ceiling. His eyes followed a fly as it flew into his vision to land on a lamp bulb suspended from the ceiling. It crawled upside down along the surface and he puzzled as to how gravity allowed it to do that without it falling off.

He pondered over his daily routine while searching for a resolve. The routine was now too much habit forming. Virenti firmly believed he was tough enough to handle any situation but his present lifestyle was getting to him and the guys around were not too friendly. Perhaps it was his skill on the snooker table, or on the football field that was causing some resentment, whatever it was there was certainly an atmosphere. In all probability it would get worse instead of better.

His thoughts drifted back to the life he had led in Italy and the camaraderie he had with his accomplices in the mafia. A weak smile touched the corner of his lips as he reflected upon some of the antics they used to get up to and the guys they used to fleece on a regular basis. Making money was like taking candy from a child. All the small businesses in their territory either paid up for the so-called protection the mafia offered or their building mysteriously caught fire. Some of the fires were spectacular, especially when they spread to other buildings.

Extortion and audacious robbery from trucks on the highways added excitement to his life as did the many times he outwitted the police. His Uncle Musso, head of the mafia in their region, generally turned a blind eye to his exploitations but on the odd occasions warned him not to go too far.

Virenti missed the thrill and excitement of the chase when the police arrived on the scene as they were relieving a rich owner of some of his assets. Alonso their driver, affectionately known to all as Juan, after the immortal world champion Juan Fangio, was one of the best wheel guys in the business. He had nerves of steel and would drive their car at breathtaking speed through the city and down narrow passageways in an attempt to shake the siren off their tail. Never once were they caught but many other cars in the chase became total write-offs.

The confrontations and constant feuding with the Sicilian mob that tried to muscle in on their territory also brought exhilaration. Tempers were often strained to the limit and many a bloodbath would have ensued if it had not been for the calming presence of Uncle Musso. But Uncle could do nothing to prevent the revenge wrought by Toni and his twin brother Luigi on the Sicilians one night. Their hooligan element chose to roughen up the twins’ younger sister when she was returning home one evening from a friend’s house.

Sis was a pretty teenager who drew admiring glances from many young guys but she had not the slightest interest in any of them and always ignored their advances. A few of the Sicilian males thought they were irresistible to the opposite sex and on the occasions when they came across Virent’s sister they were annoyed at her attitude towards them and decided to teach her a lesson.

For several weeks they had her watched until they knew her routine. Finally they decided to act and waited for her in a parked car in a quiet street that she would pass through. As she approached four jumped from the car to confront and surround her. She tried to continue walking past them but they started pushing her around. One tried to kiss her but she lashed out at him with her handbag. Instantly she was grabbed from behind and her arms pinned to her side as a one of the pretty boys seized her head in his hands and kissed her roughly on the mouth. In defence she kicked him hard on the shin only for him to retaliate by slapping her across the face.

The most lecherous in the gang decided it was his turn and he grabbed her breasts firmly in both hands, squeezing them hard. In horror and fright she screamed out loud and lashed out at him with her foot. The sound of her screams brought people running out from a shop at the far end of the street and as they shouted and started running towards them the guys threw the girl to the ground before jumping in their car to speed away into the night.

Virenti and his twin brother Luigi heard about the incident a few days later when Virenti noticed the bruise on his sister’s face. She knew they would seek revenge and not wanting them to get into any trouble had tried to hide it from them. But Virenti could tell from the mark that a hand had struck her and for sure no one within the family would do that. His brother entered the house as he was questioning his sister but she refused to say anything about it. The boys wouldn’t let it rest and continued with question after question until eventually a younger brother thought he would come to his sister’s aid and shout out that it was the Sicilians. Immediately the house fell into a deathly silence as Virenti and his twin held their sister in their gaze.

Is it true? Virenti asked.

His sister shook her head from side to side, not wanting to tell him. She knew both her brothers would want to avenge the horrible act but was scared they would get hurt.

It is true. It is, their younger brother cried out. Not understanding why his sister would not tell them. You ask her friend Bella, she will tell you.

You may as well tell us Sis, said Virenti. We’ll find out one way or another.

All we want are their names, chipped in Luigi.

Eventually after much, much, persuasion and assurance that they would not cause any trouble their sister relented and described the hooligans that had attacked and molested her.

Days later the Virenti twins knew the names. Word then went out to find their haunts. Once that task was accomplished it was time to act. The club patronised by the Sicilians was heavy with cigarette smoke, noisy and crowded with couples smooching on the dance floor, tables full with people laughing and drinking while the bar was packed with guys on the night the Virenti boys and three accomplices entered the room.

As soon as they were recognised the word quickly went around, the music stopped and the room fell silent. Bodies moved quickly out of their way as slowly and menacingly they approached the bar where the four Sicilians stood with their backs towards them. The silence interrupted the Sicilians exaggerated boasts to everyone within earshot of their achievements with the Virenti girl. The stillness in the room was too much to ignore so they turned to seek the cause.

Dressed in long black gabardine raincoats the Virenti boys stopped 20 feet away to stand motionless in a line with hands in their pockets. Accomplice Romano stood to one side of Virenti while Santo stood on the far side of his brother. The fifth member, Alberto, positioned himself behind them but facing in the opposite direction. With trained eyes now blazing with hatred, the Virenti boys scanned the four punks in front of them, searching for signs of weapons they would be carrying.

We hear you fight with girls. Virenti challenged in a hostile voice.

What’s it to you? the leader replied.

You do fight with them then, Luigi taunted.

Hey, he’s some guy this one. Isn’t he? the lead Sicilian called out in a brash loud voice while glancing towards the crowd.

But no one spoke and the room remained silent. A sense of foreboding descended.

And it takes four of you to take on a young girl. Hey that’s some bravado, taunted Virenti.

Yeah, bet your friends here are really proud to be associated with guys like you who molest a defenceless girl then run away, baited Luigi.

Why don’t you button your lip, smart ass, a voice responded.

Afraid too many will hear of your cowardice? Virenti taunted again.

Hey, you really are a smart guy aren’t you? one of the gang chipped in.

Yeah, how stupid can you get? Walking in here, in our territory, and thinking you’re going to get the better of us. How dumb can you get? called out another in a loud voice.

The only dumb oafs in this room are you four, Virenti replied.

Hey, come on guys, lets teach them a lesson, another spoke up.

Wouldn’t be in your interest to try anything, Luigi replied menacingly.

No one tells us what to do smart ass. Come on, let’s give it to them. He made to put forward as a murmur went around the room.

Stay where you are, Virenti snarled, halting him in his footstep. One false move and we blow you away.

You joker, one laughed. You’re outnumbered.

Our business here is to teach these boys a lesson. So the rest of you stay out of this, Virenti shouted out in a loud voice to the room.

You don’t give orders here, snapped the leader. Come on, let’s make them wish they’d never ventured here.

The crowd rose in response to his call and a buzz went around the room. Behind Virenti one dim-witted Sicilian decided to act. He pushed his way through bodies until he was standing between two girls at the front of the crowd; there he thrust out his hand with a gun pointing at the Virenti boys.

Alberto heard the click of the gun hammer as it was pulled back and without hesitation he immediately fired a shot. The bullet hit the man directly in the centre of the forehead. For seconds he stood motionless before his body toppled to the floor as blood spurted out from the gunshot wound.

Hysterical screams immediately broke out giving rise to pandemonium. It was time for the Virentis to take their revenge. Without giving the four Sicilians time to produce their armaments, Virenti and Luigi threw back the folds of their raincoats to reveal small hand held pistols. Firing simultaneously they blasted the legs of their prey and watched as the four crumpled down to lay screaming in pain from their wounds. As they lay screaming on the floor blood slowly started to trickle out from the legs of their trousers.

Simultaneously, as the two brothers opened fire, Romano and Santo blasted their shooters high into the air over the heads of the crowd. Pandemonium then broke loose within the crowded room. Mortified at the sight and petrified for their own safety everyone started to scramble and fight their way out of the building.

Quickly the Virenti boys reloaded their weapons to stand in silence surveying the room. The Sicilian four whimpered loudly but their aides standing close by were afraid for their own lives and remained still, not daring to move to help them.

The Virentis retained their stance until wailing sounds of police car sirens could be heard in the distance. With guns still covering the room they slowly and cautiously made their way to the exit. At the door Luigi fired off a final shot over their heads before uttering a threat. Remember this lesson wimps. Don’t ever touch our women again.

The fly circled the room before returning to the lamp as a sardonic smile broke on Virentis face at the thought of their achievements that night. Yeah, he and the boys had sped away laughing.

For a second his brow furrowed then he smiled upon recalling a message he had received a few months past. It appeared that two of the Sicilians were now six feet under, courtesy of his brother, and would never bother anyone again. Apparently Luigi had developed into a ruthless killer. The four were pissed off at constantly hearing of his achievements and his frequent trespass onto their territory where he would cause mayhem.

The story went that they decided to erase him. Unfortunately for them Luigi got to hear of their plans and was waiting in a café when they drew up in a car, intent on throwing a petrol bomb through the café window. As soon as their car came to a halt across the road from the café and they stepped onto the pavement he burst out of the door with an automatic blasting away in their direction. Caught unawares they scurried for cover behind the car. Luigi killed one before he could reach safety. In the ensuing gun battle, with Luigi sheltering behind a large metal garbage container at the side of the road, he killed one more as he tried to dash for cover behind another car.

The remaining two had had enough and when Luigi paused to reload his weapon they scrambled into the car and sped away into the night.

The fly then scurried across the ceiling, stopped, flew in a circle to land back again on the lamp. Virenti watched as it preened itself before flying out of his sight.

He hadn’t heard from Luigi for some time and Uncle Musso never mentioned him, but then again his uncle was not one to pass on idle gossip or enlighten him as to what the mafia was up to. It was through contacts that he learned of his brother’s achievements. For sure he had taken a different path than him.

Virenti had always been a loner, even from his early days of youth and he much preferred to be on his own rather than in with a large crowd. He was a private person with a few select friends.

As for employment, well that was not a consideration. His earlier years had been spent learning how to make easy money with the mafia back home in Italy and he never really thought of that as a job. It was something you just did. Since his move to the UK he had applied his craft and could earn money without too much effort and was never short of cash.

Virenti had a persona about him. He was an elegant dresser and a good-looking guy. Standing at 5'10" with a lithe and agile body and a swarthy complexion he could pull the birds quite easily, which he did whenever it suited him but this one had been different.

He first met Julia Lawson one Saturday evening in a nightclub. She was with a group from the city’s elite district, or so the bird he was chatting to at the time told him. Her crowd was already well lubricated with alcohol when they burst upon the scene and in passing she stumbled into him; causing drink to spill out of his glass and onto his shirt as he stood talking to a friend.

Hey, what the hell are you at? he called out.

Oh, piss off, she retorted through clenched teeth while looking back at him through angry eyes.

Before he could answer someone grabbed her arm and pulled her away. He tried to follow but the bird on his arm put out a restraining hand and said the stuck-up AC/DC bitch wasn’t worth it and he would have a far better time at her place. And that he did.

Virenti cast his thoughts back to Julia Lawson. She had been on his mind ever since that first encounter and no matter how many other women he had had he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

Christ why did I go along with her scheme? he reflected. I would have been far better off doing it my way but she was a very, very, persuasive bitch.

CHAPTER 2

THE PRESENT

The city of Los Angeles, California, was basking in scorching hot weather on the day a taxi pulled to a halt outside Turners, a top car showroom in the city. The passenger door swung open and long shapely legs and slim petite figure of Juliet Jones, exquisite in a pale yellow designer dress, slid out of the car to alight on the sidewalk. A breeze fanned the 100-degree Fahrenheit heat, catching her blond flowing locks and blowing strands of hair across her face as she reached for the fare inside her Louis Vuitton bag. Pausing, she swept aside the strands from her eyes before paying the cabby, then turning she stepped briskly across the sidewalk, and with high heels clipping the pavement she was soon engulfed within the building. Juliet was so excited and in a hurry to see her latest purchase that she failed to notice the white Cadillac that had been following her as it crawled quietly to a halt alongside the curb a discreet distance away.

Inside the showroom a smartly dressed sales lady rose from her desk to greet Juliet warmly. Other staff, especially the males, casually observed the greeting but failed to recognise the look of endearment that passed between the two. The guys were pretty peeved with their colleague’s success as she had only been with the company a few weeks and would receive a sizeable commission on the sale. They were not to know of the secret liaison between the two women.

Juliet and the sales lady strolled over to where her gleaming Italian sculptured automobile stood waiting for collection. They were in discussion when the Managing Director emerged from his office to approach and offer his congratulations to Juliet on her fine choice of vehicle and to enquire if everything was to her satisfaction. Juliet smiled in assurance before being presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Impatient to get behind the wheel and drive away Juliet asked her friend to explain the controls and demonstrate how everything worked as she had never driven one of these cars before. The sales lady advised she sit in the driving seat while she herself slipped in the passenger seat beside her. Juliet was quick to comprehend the instructions and, assuring her friend that driving would not be a problem, she advised it was time for her to leave. Her friend squeezed Juliet on her knee while holding her in a steady gaze before slipping out of the car. With a knowing smile on her face she closed the door behind her and sashayed across the showroom to activate a control switch on an external wall. Then beaming towards Juliet she indicated for her to drive the car out of the showroom as large glazed doors slowly began to slide open revealing the driveway from the showroom onto the road.

The driver of the Cadillac heard the throaty roar as the powerful engine as it burst into life, and before he had time to catch his breath a gleaming red Ferrari Testerossa hit the pavement. With tires screeching it accomplished a 90-degree right hand turn on the tarmac to zoom away down the main street leaving a plume of smoke in its wake.

The golden locks of Juliet Jones flew in the slipstream, adrenaline pumped within her body, the excitement flowed, and the music of Led Zeppelin crashed out from the radio as her foot rammed the accelerator hard to the floor.

Outside the city limits the red Ferrari roared down a long a straight road far in excess of the legal speed limit but Juliet didn’t give a damn. She had stacks of money to pay a fine for speeding if she got pulled over by the highway patrol and anyway she felt great and was out to enjoy the day for she had been troubled enough with memories of her past years in the UK before she fled to the States. Only close friends knew of her arrival in the city and of her plans to start a new life with a new name. The memories were now beginning to fade but on occasions they returned to haunt her. At the time she hadn’t bargained for the constant attention she would receive from the press that was to drive her to despair. Her thoughts returned to the past.

THE PAST

Immediately after the event on that fateful day her cousin Barbara and her husband Tom took her to stay with them in their country home. There was no other real option, considering the rest of the family had never really taken a liking to her, especially as some thought they might benefit from a family inheritance but when she came along as an adopted daughter, they got their faces pushed out.

The idea to join Barbara and Tom sounded great but the ensuing court trial went on for months, and the media, camped outside their home, stretched everyone’s nerves to breaking point. God, how caged animals must feel, she mused one day while standing behind a curtain and peering out through the window at the press guys waiting outside. No way could she get too close to the glass otherwise the air would be filled with a cacophony of sound from camera shutters all firing at once.

The strain of the constant media attention and living in claustrophobic conditions with her cousin and her cousin’s husband took its toll. She began to feel penned in and found it difficult to see a way out of the situation. And as for friends, oh my God; it takes one hell of a crisis to discover who your friends really are. When an article appeared in the press that did not show her in an innocent light, calls from her assumed close friends dried up. Her phone remained silent, silent except for those unexpected calls during the night. She shuddered at the thought. In fear she refrained from mentioning them to the police and never discovered who made them.

The press coverage she received also began having a marked effect on her own company—Total Sports Incorporated—making it difficult to generate business. Although her partner Margaret Dickenson never mentioned how tough it was becoming for the company, Julia—her real name, decided it would be better if Margaret were seen at the helm and she disappear.

Then the idea came to her. The chance meeting she had had with American Gordon Chalaski and his invitation to look him up in the States. That was the catalyst for her move.

Julia bided her time and waited for an opportune moment to speak with her cousin when they were alone together in the house. Barbara, I want to say something but please don’t take offence.

Offence, exclaimed her cousin, puzzled by the comment.

Yes. You and Tom have been brilliant. Taking me into your home and not uttering a word or complaint about the press outside.

Oh, don’t worry about them, her cousin interrupted.

No, no, no, Barbara. It isn’t right. You don’t need this and they’re only there because of me. I’m not so naïve you know, as not to notice that your lives are being affected. So I’m planning to move out.

But where will you go? They will follow wherever you move to.

Don’t think so, not where I’m going. But I need your help.

Well, we’ll do what we can, but really, you don’t have to do this.

Dear Barbara. I’m indebted to you both. And one day I will repay your kindness but my mind’s made up. I have to get away for all our sakes. But I want you to promise not to tell anyone where I’ve gone, and I do mean anyone.

You know you can trust me, and Tom also, her cousin assured. But where will you go?

America!

America! But, but… . do you know anyone there? inquired her cousin, not totally convinced at what she was hearing.

Well, kind of. I briefly met this guy at our garden party. He gave me his business card and said to look him up if I ever got to the States.

But how can you rely on such a casual acquaintance? her cousin asked in disbelief.

Think he’s kosher. But don’t worry I can look after myself. Anyhow, I called him the other day and he said he would be delighted to help so it’s all arranged.

Oh well, her cousin sighed. She could see there was no further point in trying to dissuade her. So what would you like me to do?

I’m planning for Margaret to pick me up in her car and drive me to the airport. This will be late at night but I wondered if you and Tom could be seen in the house while I sneak out at the back. There may not be many press guys watching at that time of night, but you never know. It’s a risk I must take.

No problem. We will willingly do that. But when?

In two nights’ time!

Gosh, so soon?

Yes, if I’m going to do it then no point in delaying.

It’s up to you. Do what you think best.

Would Tom mind taking my cases to his office? Margaret can collect them from there?

I see no reason why not.

And so, two nights’ later under cover of darkness, she slipped away unnoticed while Barbara and Tom acted out charades in full view of the press through their lounge window.

_______________________________________________

In the States she changed her name from Julia Lawson to Juliet Jones and with Gordon’s help she registered the company brand name ‘Total Sports Inc.’

Juliet enjoyed the lifestyle, the parties, meeting different people and making new friends. Establishing the new business there was an immense challenge. It took her mind off the past, but from time to time she got uneasy feelings. Something around her wasn’t right. It was at times like these that her thoughts turned to her real parents. The same questions repeated time and time again. What were they like? Was her mother pretty? Did she look like her? Why had they given her to the horrible Lawsons? Oh, how she would dearly love to meet them. They must think of her at some time in their lives.

_______________________________________________

THE PRESENT

Eventually the thoughts passed, and as the Ferrari sped along the highway Juliet became aware of a white limo travelling in her wake. She noticed it in the rear view mirror and decided to check if it was coincidence that it stayed behind. First she drove slowly and then raised the speed, on her tail the car did likewise. A cold shiver went down her spine, was someone following her? Coincidence or not, she had to find out. Easing her foot again off the accelerator she reduced the speed of the Ferrari until it was merely crawling along and at a speed that allowed vehicles behind to easily overtake her. They nearly all did, even large haulage trucks whose drivers found sport in blasting their Klaxon horn at her, but one stayed a distance behind, the white limo. OK, sport, let’s see what you can do. Juliet slammed her foot hard down on the accelerator and was immediately thrown back into the seat by the force of the car as it lurched forward. In a matter of seconds the image of the limo got smaller. Who the hell was it? She was out to enjoy the day and the thrill of the car, not to have somebody on her tail.

A plan was needed, but what? For the next few miles the highway was long and straight with few junctions but the limo had again appeared in her mirror. Then she noticed a sign for a diner and a thought quickly came to mind that this was where she could get a look at whoever was following her. Juliet steered the Ferrari off the highway and onto the forecourt of a filling station where the diner was located and where a number of large trucks were parked a distance from the long glass window of the dining room. Juliet eased the car to a halt close to the building and quickly made her way to the entrance door. Most of the people within were roadies and they eyed her with a degree of lust and pleasure. Two of them called out for her to join them, another let out a long low whistle, but a cheerful, buxom, peroxide blond waitress named Cassie soon put them down. This was obviously a stop-off point for many of the guys and they all had a good rapport with the lady of the house.

Juliet took a seat at a table beside a window. From there she had a clear view of the forecourt and could see anyone approaching the building. Cassie came over with advice that she should not mind the guys while stating how harmless they really were, and how would she feel if she spent most of the day and night behind a wheel of a huge truck. Horny, she enthused, glancing across the room towards a huge hulk who never took his eyes off her.

Juliet smiled. He could well be. She arched her eyebrows and gave a slight twist of her head in the guy’s direction.

Cassie grinned at the comment; white teeth glistened from behind full bright red lips. Yeah, he’s one hell of a dude.

There was no answer to that. The implication was explicit enough, thought Juliet, while ordering a juice drink. Through the window she observed the limo as it arrived at the station. A smile touched her lips. She had formulated a plan while talking to Cassie and now there was no time to lose if it was to be implemented. When Cassie returned with her glass of orange juice Juliet requested her bill.

Going so soon, honey? Cassie quipped in surprise. You’ve only just stepped in here! Taking the check pad from her lap pocket she quickly scribbled down the amount. With a flourish she tore the single sheet from the pad and thrust it towards Juliet. Then she stepped back in amazement at the sight of a hundred dollar bill being thrust in her direction.

I guess you’re new to these parts honey? She eyed the money, shaking her head. People don’t usually pay with notes this size in these parts; it’s not good to let the likes of these guys in here see you flashing wads of that stuff.

Don’t mind me, I can take care of myself.

That’s what they all say.

No change. I just need a favour.

No change! Cassie exclaimed. Hey, was this her lucky day. The thought of making that much for a favour brought an even bigger smile to Cassie’s face. She could do with a few extra bucks, but there had to be a catch here somewhere, no one had ever offered her that kind of money before, not even the randy roadies who wanted an all night ride. You’re not in any trouble are you, Miss? She spoke in a low tone, not wanting draw attention to their table.

Juliet smiled and shook her head, her golden locks cascading around her shoulders. Her voice was almost a whisper. No, but here’s what I would like you to do.

Stuffing the hundred down her deep cleavage, Cassie glanced furtively around the room before bending down to hear what Juliet had to say. After Juliet finished speaking, she nodded and moved quietly away.

Casually Juliet lit a cigarette as she glanced through the window. She was curious to see who was driving the limo as it parked up. She didn’t have to wait long as the driver emerged and strode into the building. He was a short stocky guy with an ebony tan and a full head of crinkly jet-black hair. Cassie, who by pure chance had been standing close to the entrance door, escorted him to a table at the far side of the room. Juliet waited until Cassie had taken his order before she inquired in a loud voice for directions to the ladies room. She could feel his eyes upon her as she made her way across the room. His features and the way, he toyed with his cigarette lighter after flaming a long cheroot reminded her of someone. It puzzled her.

Minutes later Cassie appeared from the kitchen carrying a tray with the stranger’s order set upon it and as she approached his table she appeared to stumble and lurch forward. Instantly a cup of coffee shot off the tray splattering liquid onto the table and over his shirt. Yelling out loud he jumped bolt upright from his seat, toppling the table over in front of him. A torrent of Italian cuss words, directed at Cassie, ensued from his lips as he tried to wipe his wet shirt with a table napkin. Cassie, all apologetic, gathered napkins from a nearby table to soak up the coffee and timidly advised him to wash his clothing in cold water as quickly as possible.

This was the opportunity Juliet had been waiting for and while he was distracted she slipped quietly out of the door, ran across to her car and sped away wondering who the hell he was.

A few minutes later he emerged from the men’s room in a dour mood, eyes searching the room for Juliet and cursing his luck when realising she had gone. Throwing a few dollars onto the reception counter he glowered across the room towards Cassie and stormed out of the building with her apologies ringing in his ears.

With eyes furtively scanning the parking lot he hurried back to his car but she was nowhere to be seen. In anger he kicked a car tire with his cowboy boot. Then, standing with a raised hand shading his eyes from the fierce glare of the sun, he peered down the highway into the distance. All that came into view were shimmering images of trucks off the road surface.

Juliet got a kick from the fun of what she had just done and was exhilarated by the speed of the Ferrari and the beat and rhythm of music pumping out of the radio. Now she was away and there was fat chance he had of catching her. Perhaps he worked for the company that she recently bought out and then promptly set about sacking all the employees within a month. She couldn’t recall making other enemies.

She reflected how lady luck had played her part and smiled upon her since she had been in the US.

Let me introduce you to Mary Jo Safina, Gordon Chalaski said one evening at a party they attended soon after her arrival in the States.

The tennis player? inquired Juliet.

The one and only all American tennis champion. Number three in the world I believe.

Oh, I’ve seen her on television, Juliet replied. You know her?

Sure do, taking Juliet’s elbow he weaved a pathway through the crowd of people standing in the room until they stopped in front of the lady herself as she stood talking quietly with a young man.

Hey, Mary Jo, Gordon beamed as she turned towards them.

Hi. Didn’t know you were here this evening, she replied.

Gordon grinned as he stepped forward to kiss her lightly on both cheeks. I thought it might be a good opportunity for this young lady to meet some of our residents. I’d like to introduce Juliet Jones, a friend of mine from the UK.

Pleased to meet you, said Juliet, holding out her hand in greeting to one of the best tennis players in the world while thinking to herself how much more attractive Mary Jo was off court. Her short platinum blond hair was now worn loose and not tied back in a bandana and her skin was a lovely golden brown. She was wearing a sexy halter neck jersey dress in damson with the hem just above the knee and a single piece of jewelry in the form of a gold bangle on her right wrist. At 5' 8" tall she was of a similar height to Juliet but at 150 pounds she was a lot heavier.

Hi, nice to meet you too, Mary Jo smiled.

A tingling sensation ran through Juliet’s body immediately their hands touched. The chemistry between them was instant. The look in their eyes spoke volumes. It had never before occurred to Juliet that Mary Jo was a lesbian even though on court she appeared very butch.

Are you here on vacation? Mary Jo asked.

No, I’m here to stay. I’m planning on setting up a business but presently looking for a nice residence.

Well there a number of realtors around who I am sure can help you.

Yes I’ve already met one or two.

What kind of business are you in?

Sport!

Sport! What kind of sport?

To be precise I’m an agent. My company represents and acts on behalf of players. We negotiate their contracts, carry out all the PR work for them, organise promotions, arrange sponsorships and so forth.

You’ve done this kind of thing before?

Oh, yes. We’re very successful in the UK.

Who do you represent?

Mostly football players but it’s doubtful if you would know any of their names as they play in the English league. We also represent professional golfers.

Hmm, Mary Jo mumbled thoughtfully. What you do is of interest. Would you have a drink with me later this evening?

I would love to, thank you.

Great. Look, I have to talk to some people now but I’ll speak with you in a while. She waved her hand to a group of people standing across the far side of the room as she spoke.

You shoot off Mary Jo, chipped in Gordon. There are several other people here that Juliet should meet.

They stood watching her depart before he spoke again. Nice girl, Mary Jo.

Yes, I like her, said Juliet, turning her gaze away from the retreating figure.

Gordon had introduced her to a local doctor and his wife and had just made a second introduction to a lady that owned an antique shop in the city when he let out a loud gasp after glancing at his watch. Gee, is that the time? Look I’m really sorry Juliet but I have a pressing engagement with a client in ten minutes time and I’ll have to shoot off now if I’m going to make it. Hope you don’t mind.

Don’t think I have much choice. Juliet laughed.

Susan here will introduce you to a realtor friend. She’s a good contact and could prove helpful.

That’s fine by me, Juliet replied.

Later that evening after the realtor had departed Juliet stood alone on a balcony in the warm evening air, smoking a cigarette, sipping wine and gazing out over gardens below when she heard a voice behind her.

Peaceful isn’t it? The voice was that of Mary Jo.

Very, Juliet turned to greet her.

I noticed you talking with Gloria. Did she mention that she’s in the property business?

Yes. She’s promised to take me out and about tomorrow and to inspect a number of properties she considers will be of interest. That will be helpful as it will give me an idea of the district.

There may be something available here in this condominium. I could enquire for you if it’s of interest.

That’s very kind of you, replied Juliet, stubbing out her cigarette.

Not at all, would you like to see another apartment now?

What, at this hour. Wouldn’t we be intruding upon someone?

No, not really, Mary Jo laughed. It’s my apartment, come on, I’ll show you around and introduce you to Bud our night security officer. Security offers me protection and no one can get through to my apartment without passing by the guys. It’s really brilliant for me having a base here and my place is secure when I’m away on tour.

A while later Juliet sat reclining on a large sofa in Mary Jo’s apartment sipping a glass of wine as Mary Jo emerged from her bedroom where she had changed from out of her evening clothes into revealing soft silk loungewear. Well what do you think? she enquired, slumping down close to Juliet.

I must admit I’m impressed. I’ve only seen your apartment and two others but the standards, room size and finishes are excellent.

Are they of interest to you?

Well they are certainly worth considering but I would like to see what else is on offer before making a commitment.

It’s up to you but I may be able to pull a few strings if you’re interested, they are not readily available, especially in this district. Mary Jo put a hand on Juliet’s knee and let it linger there for a while as she leaned forward to reach for the bottle to replenish their glasses. Tell me your plans for your business here.

They are quite simple really. Get a named player on the books; create awareness through sports magazines and other media outlets to develop the company image.

A named player is beneficial then?

Oh, very much so! exclaimed Juliet.

What about me?

Are you serious? Juliet asked in amazement.

Very.

But surely you have a company working for you.

No, my father initially took care of everything. In fact if it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today, but as I progressed and started playing with the top players around I needed to improve my game. The only way to do that was with the help and guidance of a top coach.

So who takes care of everything for you?

I try to do it myself but it’s not easy and it takes time that I really don’t have. I need to concentrate on my game more. So the question I have for you is, can you take care of all my personal business, travel arrangements, hotels etc, so that I concentrate on playing?

Not a problem. We offer a similar service quite successfully for guys in the UK and there is no reason we can’t do the same for you.

Would you look after me personally? Her face was up close to Juliet’s as she spoke and her eyes inviting. The intonation in her voice left no question as to what she wanted.

I could certainly try, replied Juliet, feeling the heat of the moment.

There was no time for more words as Mary Jo took the initiative and kissed her passionately on the mouth. Then rising slowly from the sofa she took Juliet’s hand in hers to lead her into the bedroom.

CHAPTER 3

THE PAST

Colin Smith, a senior partner in the law firm Lawson, Lawson & Smith, was in the office kitchen resting his backside against a work surface and reading the