Author Note: Hey wonderful people. I know you're mad and I understand I really was trying to keep my word and post one chapter out a week but my life has been pretty crazy the past month so agin I'm very sorry. I appreciate everyone's patience with this story I try to write whenever I get a free moment. I also want to thank everyone who has sent me messages telling me how much they like my story. You're one of the many reasons I keep going. I hope you like the direction that the story is going in. I love to hear back from the readers to see what they think. So if you have any suggestions please write me a review or send me a PM. Enjoy Chapter 27.
The view of the hills of South San Jose from the window made Paige feel at ease as they made their descent. Paige focused on the Vasquez file as she went over how she was going to approach her. Mike could feel her tension as she tapped her fingers along his forearm. He took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips. The feel of his kiss made her smile as she looked up into his deep blue eyes.
"Talk me through it," Mike said.
"What?" Paige asked.
"The plan for Vasquez. How do you want to approach her?"
Paige shakes her head, "I don't know how we do it."
"Yes, you do." He leans over kissing her cheek softly. "Paige, from the start you have led us to where we are now. You have kept us—and more importantly, me—on the path. You're….messing with me, aren't you?"
Paige looks up at him, her frowning face now a giant smile as she chuckles to herself. "Hey, we're about to interrogate one of the most dangerous drug lords in the world. I had to get us to relax somehow. Speaking of relax, your FBI boys know how to travel in style."
"I couldn't get ahold of anyone in time so I booked this plane myself."
"You little devil," said Paige as she leaned over, kissing him on the cheek.
"Hey, I figured we should at least enjoy the flight. You approve?"
"Oh, I definitely approve. In fact, from now on this is the only way I want to travel."
"Well, then you better figure out a way to get rich then."
"Why should I when I married into wealth?"
"So you only married me for my money? Now I see things clearly."
"Well, that and you have a cute butt," Paige said with a grin.
"I do have a nice ass." They laughed softly before sharing another kiss. "So are you more relaxed now?"
"I am for the most part, but I will feel more at ease when you tell me what the play is. You do have a plan, right?"
"Yeah, I do. And as much as I love you, Mike, I'm playing this one close to the chest."
"Paige that's not an option we need….."
"Mike. Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do."
"Then just play along,will you?"
Mike shook his head, telling himself this was a bad idea. He liked to have a game plan and see it out. Going halfcocked was definitely Paige. He could fight her on it, but what would that prove or help the situation. Paige was a great agent. He knew that. So as his inner voice was yelling at him, he nodded saying, "Alright, I'll play along."
Paige hugged him tightly. She knew he was going against his judgment, but the fact that he was playing along was a big step. "Trust me, Mike. Once I start in with Vasquez you'll catch on, and when you do you have to sell it."
"That won't be a problem."
One of the pilots stepped in the main cabin telling them they would be landing shortly and should strap in. "Ok, so when we land it will be a 30 minute drive to Stanford hospital," Paige said.
"I'll drive," Mike said.
"No, I will," Paige said.
"Paige, I'm a better driver so I'm going to."
"No. Mike, I grew up around here. I know that right now 280 is a faster route than 101. Did you know that?"
"No, I didn't. But I would have figured it out."
"When? When we're bumper to bumper passing Great America?"
"Okay, I see your point, but why can't you just give me directions?"
Paige then began to laugh, "Mike if you think I'm a bad driver, then you clearly have not driven in the Bay Area before. That's why people call us DBADs."
"DBADs?"
"Dumb Bay Area Drivers."
Mike chuckled as he leaned over and kissed her lips softly.
"Plus, there is a cute flower shop off 280 near the hospital. We can't go in there empty-handed," Paige added.
"Once again, you're right."
"I didn't tell you why my mom always complained about my dad, did I."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, we haven't been married a year and you're already agreeing to whatever I say and doing things my way. This marriage thing is gonna be a breeze."
"Not even a year married..." Mike mimicked under his breath in annoyance that Paige was clearly right.
"What was that?" Paige asked looking up at him.
"Nothing."
The buzzing phone caused Briggs to awaken from his slumber. He looked down at Charlie who was happily passed out. "Good thing I called HQ to keep tabs on Foster instead of you, babe," he whispered to Charlie. He reached over her as she was snuggled close to his chest.
"This is Briggs."
Paul, where is Warren? Silvo asked. I've been trying him and Paige's cell but they're going straight to voicemail.
"They're on their way to Stanford Hospital to question the Davis's family friend. She has a connection to Vasquez, who we found out is actually Melina Vasquez. We not sure if the Davises or their families know she is Vasquez, but Mike and Paige are not taking any chances. They're on their way to Stanford to question her."
You've got to be shitting me. This news could have been helpful to have 30 minutes ago. It would have been able to help me give them some time.
"I'm confused, sir."
The Davis's case is now being run by the bureau—more importantly, by agent Foster.
"Sir we need to buy them some time. They're close to closing it."
Paul, my hands are tied right now. Foster has people looking for Mike and Paige and is getting a warrant for the Davises.
The conversation caused Charlie to wake up. "What's going on Paul?"
"Does she think that Mike and Paige would hide them or do something to mess with the investigation?"
Foster believes that they're too close to this case, especially Paige. So unless they show up here in the next 30 minutes they're screwed and there is nothing I or my counterpart at the DEA can do about it.
"We'll take care of it sir, don't worry."
Do I want to know what you're going to do?
"I'll call you back in 30, sir."
"Paul, what the hell is going on?" Charlie asked.
"That LAFD Chief you know. Does he still owe you a favor?" Paige asked as he searched for his shoes.
"Yeah, he does. Paul, slow down. What's going on? Are Mike and Paige alright?"
"Call your friend, get dressed and I'll explain everything on the way." Briggs then yelled at Jakes and Johnny in the hallway door.
"Whoever that is, fuck off!" Jakes yelled.
"Fellas, if anyone asks, Mike, Paige and Charlie went to the farm where the fire was last night with a fire inspector, got it?"
"Yeah, we got it," both Johnny and Jakes yelled from their rooms.
Briggs turned to find Charlie standing there, her arms crossed. "You gonna tell me what this is all about?"
"Foster is running the case now."
"Well, shit Paul. That's all you had to say. Let's move." Charlie then yanked Briggs by his shirt, dragging him downstairs.
"Any movement from Anna?" Mike asked as they parked.
"She hasn't left the building."
"There are so many exits out of this place. How can they be sure?"
"One patrol is parked a few spots from her car and the other is inside the hospital. They just saw her walking down the hallway ten minutes ago."
"That's good to know." Before they walked into the hospital, Mike pulled Paige back.
"Is everything ok?" she asked with concern.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry, Paige."
"For what?"
"All this time I've been blaming you for being such a careless driver when actually I should've been blaming the entire Bay Area."
Paige slapped Mike on the chest. "Jerk. Seriously, you're doing this now?"
"Hey, you're the one who wanted us to be relaxed before we do this."
Paige shook her head and smiled, "Can't you be like a regular husband and just not listen to what I say?"
"Afraid not. And you have to admit, I was pretty funny just then."
Paige rolled her eyes. "Ha. Ha. Ha. You were hilarious."
"You can deny it all you want, but I know you got a kick out of it."
"Whatever you say, Mike."
"But seriously, how are people here allowed to operate a vehicle?"
"That's a mystery for another time," she said as they approached the reception desk. "Hi, we're looking for a patient. Her last name is…"
"Paige? Mike?" They turned around to see Nick standing by the elevator. Nick quickly cut across the room, giving them each a big hug. "What are you two doing here?"
"It was my dad's birthday a few weeks ago and because of the move and work we didn't get to come up and celebrate with him. So Mike and I came up this weekend instead."
"Paige and I figured since we're going to be in the area, we thought we stop by and offer any support you guys need," Mike added.
"Well, I know Brandi and I really appreciate it. She's upstairs in her mom's room with the rest of the ladies. I came down to check my messages but also to get away. It's just too much estrogen."
"I know what you mean, Nick. I can't be by myself alone with Paige, her mom, and two sisters."
"On that note, I'm going to join the ladies of The View. What floor are they on?" Paige asked.
"Third floor in the D Section. Room 328."
"Mike, will you stay with him."
"Gladly."
"I was going to get Brandi a smoothie. Wanna tag along?" asked Nick.
"We don't have to drive, do we?"
"No, it's just around the corner. Why?"
"No reason." The two guys walked down to the shopping center, enjoying the warm afternoon and catching up on what the other has been up to the past few days. Nick got a laugh as Mike told him of his and Paige's adventure babysitting Bobby's kids.
"Wait, it was everywhere?" Nick asked referring to little Mikey's accident with Paige.
"Yep."
"Man, I can't wait to tell Brandi."
"Do me a favor—tell her when Paige and I aren't here?"
"Will do," Nick said with a chuckle.
As they got in line at the smoothie shop Mike asked, "So how are things with you?"
"Ok, I guess."
"Brandi told Paige that both your moms were doing great. Did something change?"
"No, they're both great. It's just I got the weirdest call this morning from the police."
"The police? What about?"
"Something about a fire on my property way out in the valley. But I don't own any land, especially not out there."
"Maybe they got the wrong Nick Davis. It's not like there aren't any other Nick Davises out there. But you should deal with this sooner rather than later."
"Yeah, you're right. I'll talk to my aunt when we get back. She's a lawyer and she can help me straighten this thing out."
Mike's phone began to buzz. Seeing it was Briggs he turned to Nick. "Hey I'll meet you outside. I have to take a work call."
"You want anything?"
"No, I'm good, thanks." As he rounded the corner Mike answered, "Briggs, we have a problem. The police are calling Nick about the fire."
That's the least of your problems, Mike.
"What's going on?"
Foster is now in charge of the case and she ordered a detain on sight for Nick and Brandi. Right now they're going through their house, work, and anywhere else they might be. Where are you now?
"I'm with Nick, Paige is with Brandi, their moms and Vasquez. I've got to warn her. How much time do you think we have?"
The warrant just went through, so you have less than 30 minutes.
"Shit."
Foster is also looking for you and Paige.
"Why?"
So you won't get in her way. But don't worry, I told Silvo to tell Foster that you two are with Charlie and a fire inspector going over the fire from last night. I also called your friend Bobby, and both of your phones' GPS signals will show that location. This should buy you some time before Foster catches on.
"Thanks, Briggs. We really appreciate it."
Mike, whatever you and Paige are going to do, you better hurry.
"Excuse me for interrupting," Paige said from the door. Brandi, Monica and Lisa all turned to the blonde girl standing there with a bouquet of flowers. Brandi was the first to react as she squealed then rushed to the door, "Oh my God! What are you doing here?"
"Was in the area visiting my dad and I thought I stop by. Is this ok?"
"Of course it is," Brandi said as she hugged Paige.
"Is Mike with you?"
"Yeah, he's with Nick."
Monica's clearing of her throat snapped the ladies out of their conversation, "Soooo, Brandi, who is your friend?"
"Oh, sorry mom. This is my friend Paige, the girl I was telling you about?"
"Oh, right. Your new neighbor."
"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Young and Mrs. Davis," Paige said, acknowledging Nick and Brandi's moms. "I brought these for both of you as a congratulations for beating cancer."
"That is so sweet! Thank you, Paige," Monica said as Paige handed her the flowers. "Please have a seat. So, you're a Bay Area Native too?"
"Yeah, I grew up in Woodside. I've been living in LA for six years. My husband Mike is from Virginia."
"No kidding! My husband is from Virginia," said Lisa.
"Yeah, Nick mentioned that when we all first met."
"Well, I guess you and I have great taste in men then."
"Excuse me, but what about us?" asked Lisa.
"Well, Nick is my son, so of course Nick is great. Your hubby, on the other hand… ehhh," she said with a grin.
"Bitch," Lisa said with laughter.
"I now see where Brandi gets her great sense of humor from."
"Oh, why thank you hun. Brandi, I like this girl," said Monica.
"I think she was referring to me, since I'm her mother."
"Wow I leave for 20 minutes and you two are already fighting," said a voice from the doorway. Paige turned to see Anna Velasquez, aka Melina Vasquez, standing right in front of her.
"Anna, this is Brandi's friend Paige."
Anna crossed the room, closing the distance between the two of them. As she got closer, Paige felt her stomach doing flips as fear began to take over. Paige quickly shook it off and she flashed a smile and extended her hand. Anna pushed her hand aside, bringing Paige in for a hug. Paige froze a second, not knowing what to do, but quickly focused on wrapping her arms around her. "It's so nice to meet you. Brandi has told me about you."
"All good things, I hope."
"Can there be anything else?" Brandi asked.
"Nope. Just wanted to make sure."
"I agree with Monica, I like this girl," said Anna. "So, what made you come all the way from LA? Besides meeting three old ladies…"
"Hey!" Monica and Lisa shouted simultaneously.
"I grew up in around here, and my husband and I came to visit my dad since I missed his birthday."
"Good sense of humor, and loyal to family? Oh, you'll fit in just fine with us," Anna said.
As Anna spoke to her friends, Paige watched her closely. She couldn't believe that the same woman who stood right next to her and telling jokes and being affectionate was the same woman who skinned three men alive.
"Paige? Hello?" Brandi asked, shaking her on the shoulder.
"I'm sorry. What?"
"You zoned out there for a second. You ok?"
"Yeah, it's just been a long day. I was up most of the night working, then I went in to the office this morning before we left."
"Wow, you must be exhausted. Did you come here right from the airport?"
"Yeah I wanted to make sure we saw you before I get caught up in family time."
"That's really sweet of you, Paige," said Lisa.
"Looks like your work is running you ragged," said Monica.
"Well, there is this bitch who is trying to take my project, so I had to make sure she knew what's up. Excuse my language."
"Please, we've said worse here," said Lisa. "Is your project done?"
Paige quickly glanced at Anna, "I'm in the home stretch and I should be able to finish it up pretty soon."
"Well, I'm glad we're not the only ones lacking in sleep," said Nick as he and Mike walked inside.
"Well, hel-lo blue eyes," Anna said when she saw Mike. The same feelings of fear that Paige had been struggling with were doubled for Mike as the faint feelings of a panic attack began to creep in. Paige saw this and quickly stood next to Mike holding him close. "Back off, ladies. He's mine," she said playfully. She rubbed his back, placing her hand on his chest and helping to control his breathing.
"Ahhh, look how protective she is of him. It's too adorable," said Monica.
"Hey I'm just as protective of Nick. You should see how other woman look at him."
"It's the curse of being this good looking. Mike gets it, don't you?"
Paige's gentle touch calmed Mike down and he was able to answer Nick. "It's a curse and a blessing. I mean if we weren't this good looking we wouldn't have been able to get these ladies."
"Nice save there, Mike," said Brandi.
"He's had a lot of practice," Paige said.
"Well, it looks like you got yourself a good one there, Paige," said Anna.
Mike then turned to Anna, extending his hand, "I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Mike."
"Nice to meet you, Mike. I'm Anna, Nick and Brandi's aunt."
"Mike's a pilot," Brandi said.
"Really? Did you fly yourself up here?"
"No, we hitched a ride from a buddy of mine who was picking up a couple in San Jose. As much as I love to be in the driver's seat, it's nice to let someone else drive for a change."
"He's used to being in the passenger seat in our relationship because I make all the decisions. It's second nature to him," Paige added.
"Really?" Mike asked as everyone else laughed. Mike looked at the clock, realizing they were running out time. "Excuse me, can I borrow my wife for a minute?"
"You better not be sneaking out without saying goodbye. It's very rude," Anna said in a playful tone.
"Dude, she's not kidding," Nick added.
"Oh, I know she's serious. Trust me, we'll be right back." Mike then pulled Paige down the hallway to a quiet area, looking around before talking, "We don't have a lot of time so I can only say this once for please don't interrupt ok?"
Once Paige nodded, Mike continued.
"Foster is now running the case, she has a detain on sight for Nick and Brandi. Briggs called Bobby to have our Phone's GPS signal being directed to the site of the fire because Briggs told Foster that's where we are with Charlie and a fire inspector. She will be keeping tabs on us to make sure we don't interfere but she will figure we're not there and probably have a detain on sight for us too. Whatever plan you had to get Anna to talk we have to do it now. Right now Foster has the warrants to search Nick and Brandi's home and will soon figure out where they are." Paige didn't say a word, she just turned around and walked back into the room all smiles. Mike was not far behind her.
"Everything alright?" Anna asked.
"Yeah, just Mike is filling me in on some legal stuff he's been dealing with."
"Is everything alright?"
"I had an accident at work six months ago and I'm dealing with some of the legal issues," Mike added. "I'll just wait to talk to my lawyer when we get back to LA in a couple of days."
"Well, if you want I can help you with any questions you may have," said Anna.
"No, we couldn't ask that," said Paige.
"You're not asking, I'm offering. I'm a pretty good lawyer."
"She's the best I know," said Lisa.
"It won't be too much trouble?" Mike asked.
"No, don't be silly. There is a room down the hall; we'll go there and talk. Sound good?"
"Yeah, sounds good. All my paperwork is in the car. Paige and I will get it and bring to the room."
"We promise to come back when we're all done," said Paige.
"I'm going to hold you to it," said Lisa.
Mike and Paige waited in the room for Anna to arrive. The case files were lined up on the table all ready to go. Neither said a word as the watched the door. Mike looked at Paige and they each flashed a smile just as the door opened and Anna stepped in.
"So, how can I help you two?"
