CHAPTER THIRTY

“I’m telling you, Chris, this has been the strangest week in sports I’ve seen in my entire career. Glenda Pinken, former owner of the New Orleans Fire, was found dead of an apparent suicide in her home with a signed suicide note.”

“I know, Ed. Weird indeed. She admitted to trying to kill players for cash, attempting to buy an NFL team, and admitting her knowledge of the chemical hazards at the facility. So many players are now facing years of treatment because of her cruelty.”

“Well, I guess that couldn’t have ended any better,” smiled Gaspar.

“I would have liked for her to face a public trial,” said Trevon. “I wanted her to face all the people she thought loved her and see the hatred in their eyes. But. I understand why you did what you did. That’s not a woman that deserved to live.”

“If you think about all the time and money that would have been spent on bringing her to trial, this really was the better way,” said Nine.

“I know, I know,” he nodded. “What about y’all? Have you been able to keep your identity secret?”

“We have,” nodded Ghost. “We made sure our faces were disguised. Our tech team is the best at messing with anything electronic. They overlayed other faces on ours while we were in camera view. None of our men removed their helmets at any time, so that helped the situation big time.”

“Well, I’m gonna head down to the nursery. Miss Noelle has me moving some trees today and planting some new things out in the west garden.”

“Wait a minute,” said Nine. “Come with us.”

Trevon followed the men in the ATVs as they moved around the main property, finally coming to a beautiful Acadian-style cottage.

“What’s this?” he asked. “Sure is pretty. Love the azaleas out front and the porch swing. Always wanted a porch swing, but I was afraid it would bust under my weight.” He laughed, and the others laughed as well.

“I can guarantee that this one will hold your weight,” smiled Gaspar.

“Sir?” he said, frowning.

“Trevon, we want you to stay here, on the property, with all of us. Sor’s cabin is great for a guest, but you’re not a guest, son. You’re one of us. This cottage is for you. Here on the property so you can be available to help with whatever is needed.”

“For me?” he asked in shock.

“Yes, for you,” laughed Ian. “If you want. If you don’t want to be on the property with all of us, then let us know. We’ll keep you out at Sor’s place if you’re good with that.”

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, no! I want to be here on the property. I can’t believe this. You’re letting me rent the cottage?”

“Not rent, Trevon. It’s part of your pay, just like any other man or woman here. You’re one of the family now, son,” smirked Ghost. The door opened, and Erin, Claudette, and Alexandra walked out onto the porch.

“Oh, there you are! We’ve got everything set up for you. The beds are made, linens in the closet, refrigerator is stocked, and all your things have been moved from the cabin.”

“Wait, what?”

“Babe,” frowned Nine.

“Don’t babe me,” she said with her hand on her hip. “You’re moving here, Trevon. You’re one of us, and you need to be with us. Besides, Zeke said he’s never slept so well knowing that you were with Noelle and helping her. You have to stay.”

Trevon slowly walked up the steps, ducking inside the doorway, afraid he might hit his head. He looked around at the rich furnishings, the decorated tree, and the smell of apples and cinnamon. Erin, Claudette, and Alexandra smiled, nodding at the men.

“That’s how it’s done.” They walked off, leaving the men with Trevon.

“What do you think?” asked Gaspar.

“I think it’s the most beautiful home I’ve ever had, and it’s the only place that’s ever felt like home. Thank you. Thank all of you.”

“You’re welcome,” they said in unison. “Come on. Let’s grab some lunch before Team Big eats it all. One game, and they think they can hog all the food.”

“Well, I gotta say even I was impressed at their play,” smiled Trevon. “I’ve never seen men their age move like that before. And that alligator? Is he trained?”

“I wouldn’t say trained,” frowned Gaspar. “He’s just adept at listening to Trak for some reason.”

“Because I respect him.”

“Shit!” yelled Trevon, turning to see Trak standing in his hallway.

“What? I was here the whole time,” smirked Trak.

“Dude, is that alligator in this house?” asked Ghost. Trak frowned at him, moving down the hallway to stand beside them.

“No. He’s with his wife and children.”

“His wife and children?” frowned Trevon.

“Trevon, don’t even bother to understand. Come on, son. Let’s get some food, and we’ll tell you a few more secrets of Belle Fleur.”

Christmas was fast approaching, which only made mealtimes even more frenzied, frantic, and fabulous. Even something as simple as lunch seemed to have a flair and finesse that Trevon had never seen before.

“You know, y’all got a lot of beautiful women here, but that young woman over there is something else,” smiled Trevon. They all turned to look, nodding at him.

“That’s Macie. She’s Sam and Mia’s daughter, but I think she’s smitten with Garr. He’s been a bit worried because of the age difference, but Mia’s always been an old soul,” said Ian.

“And just how the hell do you know all that?” growled Gaspar.

“I pay attention,” smirked Ian.

“Hey, Trevon! The guys and I were talking about something special for the holidays. Why don’t you come and join us,” said Dan.

“Go ahead,” nodded Nine. They watched him swap tables, and all grinned at one another. “He’ll do well with the boys and might one day actually decide to take part in the team.”

“He’s already a part of the team,” said Ghost. They nodded, digging into their lunch. Just as they were about to finish, Sly came walking in with a half-smirk, half-frown.

“What now?”

“Well, the investigators from the sheriff’s office, NOPD, and EPA are here to speak with you about Glenda.”

“Why?” they said in unison.

“Something about finding bison shit in Glenda’s vehicle.” While his three leadership partners burst into laughter, Gaspar stood, shaking his head.

“God, some days I hate my life.”