Love Is Patient, Kind and Above All True
Chapter Thirty Three
"Okay, first things first. We need to find out if Jaime's really at this villa." Jason continued to watch the road, as he talked to Elizabeth.
"Yeah. What do we do when we get there?"
"Well, I'm going to take a look around. You need to stay in the car," Jason informed her.
He could tell she was not pleased with the idea, but he also could see a fleeting glimpse of relief.
"Jason, I can handle myself."
"Elizabeth, we're not going to argue about this. You're still shaken up after that explosion. You aren't coming. Besides, if you were scared before, you should be even more scared now. Rosco is not someone you want to be dealing with Elizabeth. He's dangerous. He's good at what he does and I don't want you to get hurt."
There was silence, for what seemed like a long period of time. "Fine. You're right. I mean, I just don't want you to get hurt Jason. If I could get hurt, couldn't you?"
Jason looked over at Elizabeth. She was on the verge of tears. Jason knew that the shock of the explosion and the unfortunate run-in with Mr. Nam was wearing off. "Elizabeth, I'll be fine. I'm just going to take a look around and find out how many guards there are. Besides, I need you to be the driver, just in case we have to make a quick get away. Hopefully we won't have to and I can look around unnoticed."
She nodded.
~~
It was dark by the time they got to the villa Manisso had described. Jason shut off the headlights and coasted in the dark behind some trees. "Elizabeth I might be a while, so, don't panic if I don't get back for a while. I should be 20 minutes tops, from here and back."
Elizabeth seemed to nod absentmindedly. "Yeah, okay Jason."
Jason quietly stole out of the cover of the trees and headed towards the gate. He was sure there were probably cameras and he made sure to be aware of any possible "eyes".
Jason felt his way along the brick wall that enclosed the villa. He found a tree near by the wall and made his way up the darkened limbs. How he wished he'd been a little more prepared and maybe brought a rope. Jason finally made his way up high enough to see over the wall. The house was lit up, there seemed to be several armed guards making their rounds across the grounds.
He never thought Rosco had so many men. Where did he get them?
"Hey you!" a booming voice called from the bottom of the tree.
Jason sat very still. He prayed that the man didn't have a flashlight. Jason was blinded by a ray of light. Darn it!
Jason's mind raced as he tried to form any semblance of escape plan. There was only one of him, so he could take him, but Jason knew that it would have to be quick, before any other guards were alerted.
Jason slowly climbed down the tree. He hopped off the large tree trunk and quickly sprung on the guard. Unfortunately, he seemed well trained and prepared. Jason swung a quick hook, but the man countered and socked him in the stomach. Oof!
The man reached for his radio, and he had opened the radio frequency, but Jason jumped on him. They rolled around on the ground for a few minutes and Jason sat on top of him. Jason threw a right jab, which was blocked and the man found enough leverage on Jason to toss him overhead.
Jason was a little bit dazed. He couldn't understand it. Rosco's men have never been this well trained.
He was a bit winded and in that short span of time, the guard was on him again. The radio crackled and a man's voice rang out over the CB. "SD? Hey, is everything all right? Are you out there? Answer me?"
Jason finally found his bearings and threw a surprise jab, which finally connected with his face. The man seemed to grunt and then pass out.
Jason had just begun to make a run for the car when two armed guards came running in as back up. He put his hands up in surrender.
***
"Where are you Jason?" Elizabeth whispered as she bit her thumbnail anxiously. "You've got another 10 minutes, before I come get you!" She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her head against them.
She had to be strong. Jason's life depended on it. Not too soon, or I could screw everything up. Elizabeth sighed loudly. Come on Jason. Don't make me come after you! I don't have a clue what I'm doing!
***
Jason was led up the long driveway to the house. His wits were sharp and he took mental notes of escape routes. The guards jabbed their pistols into his side, silently warning him to be co-operative.
As Jason was led into what seemed like a study, he could hear many voices laughing in merriment. This disturbed him. There's something wrong here. It sounds like a party or something! He heard the doors close behind him.
Jason looked around the study. There were pictures of a family placed on several different shelves of the room.
"Ahem!" a man's voice cleared his voice.
Jason instinctively went for his holster, but was reminded that the guards relieved him of his weapon.
"Excuse me," the dark haired man began. He had bushy eyebrows and a black beard, peppered with grey hairs. His temples also were distinguished with grey streaks. "Who are you?"
Jason remained silent. He studied the man. Where was Rosco?
It was obvious the man was oblivious to who Jason was and what reason he could be here. Jason was about to speak when a knock on the door interrupted him.
The older gentleman held up his hand to signal Jason to wait. He opened the door and allowed a squirming woman into the room. Jason's eyes closed. Elizabeth!
Jason didn't move a muscle. He didn't know what to make of the situation.
This man obviously has nothing to do with the kidnapping, but where could Rosco be hiding? Jason continued deep in thought.
"Is this woman a friend of yours?" the older man asked in a heavy Italian accent.
Jason was about to dispute that question, when Elizabeth began to talk.
"Yes! He's my boyfriend!" she exclaimed. She relieved her arm of the guard's grasp. Elizabeth walked over to Jason and grasped his hand. "We got lost on this country road of yours and stopped to get directions."
The older man eyed both Elizabeth and Jason. He was making a decision about whether he could trust him. Jason could read from his face that he was still quite wary of his newfound guests. "And why did your boyfriend attack my guards then?"
Elizabeth looked incredulously at Jason. "I have no idea!" she exclaimed, acting shocked. "Jason, why did you attack this nice gentleman's guards? I told you that your temper would get the best of you. Why didn't you listen to me?" she chided.
Jason frowned. "I'm sorry," he apologized confused. Jason was amazed at how well Elizabeth thought on her feet. "Honey," he smiled, realizing he would have to do his part. "I told you that this wouldn't be the greatest place to ask for directions."
Elizabeth hit him playfully and turned to the older man. "I'm sorry, Mr…"
"Perelli. My name is Andre Perelli. And who might you be?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm Elizabeth and this is my boyfriend Jason. I am truly sorry for interrupting your party?" she motioned to the tuxedo he was wearing.
Jason really hadn't noticed the tuxedo as he was confronted with the older gentleman. Elizabeth's better with details. He smiled as he watched her work the room.
"Yes. I am having a party," he answered.
"It is quite funny though, Mr. Perelli, is it?" she inquired, moving towards the old man. The guard made a move to restrain her, but Mr. Perelli waved him out of the room.
"What is signorina?" he asked.
"Well, I have a friend named Manisso, and he was telling me of a friend of his. A Mr. Perelli? Could it be a coincidence that you are that same man?" she smiled charmingly.
"Why, yes. I do know a Manisso. I do not know if he is the same man."
"Well, he's about 5'6, dark hair, has a beard? He often frequents a certain nightclub."
Mr. Perelli's face lit up. "Yes. Yes! What a coincidence? That is my friend!" he exclaimed.
Elizabeth looked over at Jason and motioned for him to help out. "Mr. Perelli, I am sorry that I hurt any of your men."
Mr. Perelli nodded. "Yes, yes. I accept your apology." He turned his attention back to Elizabeth and smiled. "Are you sure you are with this gruff, American boy? Surely a lovely girl like you could do better?"
Elizabeth blushed. "Oh, you've just got a bad first impression of Jason. He really isn't all that bad!" she laughed.
Jason smiled at Elizabeth. He was worried about her, but she was the one saving his butt. "I am one lucky guy to have a girl like her."
Mr. Perelli nodded. Suddenly he waved his hands in the air, "Oh, all is forgotten. I have a party to attend and it's silly to hold grudges…especially against beautiful women like you!" he smiled and kissed her hand.
"Oh, thank you Mr. Perelli."
"Now, my guards will give you directions on how to get back to autobahn," he dismissed.
"Oh, wait! Mr. Perelli," Elizabeth called.
"Yes?" he replied, turning around from his original path back to the party.
"I thought Manisso said that some men kicked you out of your house and you were staying in an apartment of his?" she asked.
He seemed to grow weary again and then in a flash, Mr. Perelli was all smiles again. "Yes. Si si!" he slipped back into his native Italian for a moment.
"Well, whatever happened to this man? I think his name was Rosco?" she asked.
"Rosco, si si. The man left with his men after the first night. My keeper Paolo informed me the day after he left. He wanted another location for his activities," he replied, seemingly to spit out the last word like it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Oh, " she replied, looking back at Jason.
"Mr. Perelli, you don't happen to know where that is, do you?" Jason asked.
He turned his gaze towards Jason. The man began to wring his hands. "No. I am sorry. I do not know such information." He seemed to glance between the two visitors. "I am sorry. I must be going back to my party. Johnny here will show you the way back to the autobahn."
With that he left the room filled with unanswered questions. Jason heaved a sigh of frustration. "Elizabeth…" he nudged her forward, out the door.
Johnny gave them the 'directions' that they needed and they were on their way.
***
"I can't believe we came here all for nothing!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
The adrenaline was still rushing through her veins. She had saved Jason! Elizabeth chuckled to herself.
"It wasn't all for nothing. I think we need to have a talk with Paolo, his keeper. But we won't be going to his house to do it."
Elizabeth looked at the smiling Jason as he pulled out of the cover of trees and on their way back to the apartment. "What are you smiling about?" she pouted.
"Nothing!" Jason stifled a laugh. "I just didn't know you were such a charmer with older men."
She felt herself open her mouth in false disbelief. "You take that back!" Elizabeth hit him playfully.
"Okay!" he laughed.
~~
"Jason," she said, flinging her coat on the chair that sat in the corner of her bedroom. "What are we going to do?"
Jason walked across the hallway and leaned against the doorframe. "I'll find out from my contacts who Paolo is, and we'll question him."
Elizabeth sat on the edge of her bed. She felt like her body was weighing her down "Jason, about today. Mr. Nam, he's in the same business as Sonny right?"
Jason seemed to hesitate in answering. "Yes."
Elizabeth hadn't quite figured out why Jaime hated her father, now she knew. The thought of the explosion made her numb. Manisso, he really hadn't been such a horrible man. Why did he have to die? Elizabeth shivered at the thought.
"Elizabeth…" Jason called quietly. "Are you going to be okay?"
Elizabeth's thoughts swirled around in her head. "Huh?" she asked, realizing Jason was talking to her. "Oh, uh, yeah. I'll be fine. I'm just tired." Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively.
"Are you sure?" Jason asked coming into her room.
"Yeah. I just need to get some sleep."
Jason nodded. Elizabeth watched him slowly take her hand in his and pull her into an embrace. Her whole body melted into his as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Jason smelled so good. It was like bark, a musky cologne, and the wind. Sometimes she felt like never leaving his arms, but she knew that it would never work, or so she had always told herself. Elizabeth took a deep breath and gave him a quick squeeze before pulling away from the warmth of his arms.
"Thanks. You always know what I need, ya know?" she laughed as she punched him in the arm.
"I'm…I'm always there for you Elizabeth," he replied quietly. "You know that right?"
"Yeah. I know." Elizabeth nodded her head as she looked into those soft blue eyes, which had been sharp and alert an hour ago.
With that, Elizabeth felt Jason's warm breath on the top of her head as he softly planted a kiss there. "Good night Elizabeth," he spoke softly.
And Elizabeth felt her body softly land on the mattress as she watched him walk to his room and close the door, as she sat on her bed. "Good night," she whispered.