CHAPTER TWENTY

Emelia’s condo was buzzing with activity as everyone was sifting through the evidence they’d collected. So far, they’d found nothing on traffic cameras, but Hiro and the others believed it was because Jeffrey was able to freeze the cameras from inside their vehicle. As he approached, one after another would be frozen until they were a safe distance away. They knew it was possible because it was an older technology that they’d used once upon a time.

“The Silencers. Brother, this puts a spin on things we didn’t want,” said Chief, staring at his friends. “Old people and a fucking gang, that’s quite possibly one of the worst in the entire country.”

“We’ve got the team trying to find anything we can on where they’re located and what they’re doing. Local law enforcement and DEA said they raided one of their houses a week ago and walked away with a helluva haul. I’m going to guess they’re seriously pissed off,” said Torro.

“Silencers,” said Hex, shaking his head. “Guns, drugs, women, prostitution, trafficking, and murder for hire. One-stop shopping. Jesus. I sure as shit hope all our blue-haired gang didn’t know what kind of bed partners they were mating with.”

When the doorbell rang, they all quieted, pulling their weapons. Sebastian wasn’t stupid enough to pull Emelia behind him. She only would have run in the opposite direction. He did grip her hand, indicating for her to go slowly and let the others do their thing.

“My house. My door,” she said, turning to them. She had her own weapon behind her back. Looking through the peephole, she turned to them with a strange look on her face. As she opened the door, the others quieted even more.

“Mama Irene? Claudette?” said Chief. Behind them, Jake, Matthew, Baptiste, and Rose walked in.

“This is getting very crowded,” smirked Alistair. “Why are y’all here?”

“Give me the list,” said Irene with her hand out, wiggling her fingers.

“What? No. Mama Irene, this is evidence. I can’t just hand this over to you. What are you going to do with it?” asked Emelia.

“Honey, you can call it evidence. I call it human beings in need. These are people. People who reached out in good faith, believing someone on the other end could help them. They’re sitting out there waiting to see if anyone will respond. Can you imagine how that must feel for them? Now, you give me that list, or I’ll find another way to get it.”

“I-I,” she stammered, looking around the room.

“Might as well,” said Hex. “She won’t leave without it.”

“What are you going to do with it?” asked Major.

“What do you think I’m gonna do? I’m gonna help these folks. We got plenty, and if they need a little, we’ll give ‘em a little. We’re gonna split this up and contact these folks. We’ll see what we can do for ‘em. Doesn’t mean it ain’t evidence for y’all, but there are still people out there waiting for someone to answer their prayers. I won’t let ‘em die thinkin’ there’s no one.”

“Mama Irene, I love that y’all want to do this,” said Alistair, “but there are about six hundred people on this list, and they’re all over the East Coast. How will you help them?”

“Are you questionin’ me, Alistair Thomas Fitch?” He smirked, hearing his full name as the others chuckled.

“No, ma’am, I would never question you. I’m just curious.”

“It’s alright to be curious. We’ll find a way to get them what they need even if we have to hand deliver it all.”

Chief looked at Baptiste, who had that smile on his face that said, ‘easier to go with it than fight it.’

“You were in agreement with this?” he asked Baptiste.

“I wouldn’t say agreement,” he grinned, rubbing the back of his head. “I would say I was purposefully selected to escort them here.”

“Just by looking at these, Mama, about a third just need their prescriptions paid for,” said Claudette.

“That’s easy enough,” said Jake. “We can find their pharmacy and pay for their medications for a year. Longer if they need them.”

“Keep a list,” said Matthew. “If they need help beyond a year, we’ll stay in touch and see what we can do.”

“I love you all, but we can’t all fit here. My townhouse just isn’t big enough, and we’re bursting at the seams as it is,” said Emelia.

“Of course, we can’t all stay here,” laughed Irene. “Matthew rented the top floor of that fancy hotel downtown. Everyone has their own room, and we can spread out but still be together. Gather your bags, Emelia.” Chief raised an eyebrow, wondering how his daughter would react to being told what to do in her own home.

“But Mama Irene, this is my townhome. Sebastian and I can stay here.” She stared at the young woman, not saying a word. Emelia felt the others in the room squirming and cleared her throat. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll go get my bags.”

“Thank you. The rest of y’all do the same. Let’s go. We got work to do, and I brought food.”

“You brought food!” screeched a half dozen men.

“Of course I did. Did you think I’d let y’all eat hotel food? I swear, sometimes these children forget where they came from. Maybe we should come out in the field more often, Matthew. Did I bring food? What kind of mama and grandmama would I be without food? Brought coconut cake and lemon bars too. They’ll have to suffer through breakfast, but I bet I can talk to the chef at the hotel and get back there in the mornin’.”

“I know, darlin’, I know. Let’s go. They’ll be right behind us, won’t y’all,” he said, looking at the men in the room.

“Yes, sir,” they all chimed in.

“She brought food,” said Chief.

“She brought coconut cake,” smirked Alistair.

“Forget all that,” laughed Torro, “she’s going to talk to the chef about making us breakfast!”

“I got dibs on the first plate,” said Major.

“How do you get the first?” frowned Jalen.

“Because I just called dibs. Don’t you know how these things work?” Hex and Chief watched as they streamed out of the townhome. They both shook their heads.

“Maybe they are just overgrown children.”

“Maybe?” laughed Chief.

Sebastian waited at the foot of the steps for Emelia. She came down with a large bag and just smiled at him. They all looked somewhat surprised that she’d actually followed instructions.

“I’m a smart woman. I know not to argue with Mama Irene.”