Leverage characters are not mine.
Chapter 11
The Wrap
Jeff said grace and the food was passed down the on both sides of the table of each row. It was, in Eliot's view quite orderly. Talk was mainly catching Billie up on family news, jokes and laughter. All the employees were seated as well as the Leverage team.
Leaning over towards Billie, Jeff quietly asked her a question. "Are you ready to come home?"
She nodded. "I shouldn't brought so much stuff."
He smiled. "Movers will be here tomorrow."
The bell on the door suddenly sounded. The men were immediately on their feet with their weapons drawn and pointed towards the door. Jacob dropped his bag on the floor, staring at everyone for a moment. "Anyone have a beer?"
Eliot moved to an open chair to let Jacob sit next to his mom. She gave him a quick hug and went to get him a plate and utensils. It wasn't long before he was eating home fried chicken, potato salad and fresh beans. Jackson was sitting on his knee pulling beans off his plate and eating them. "Looks like I lost my job with the trucking firm. Anyone needing a farm hand?" He grinned when several raised their hands, including his mom.
The women were in the kitchen cleaning up while Jacob was talking with the men. "I was being sent everywhere. It was like I was running for the company, but they had no idea where I was." He looked at Alec. "You did that, didn't you?"
Alec grinned. "Had to keep you safe. We weren't totally sure if the hit was on you or Billie."
"Am I gonna get paid for all the places you sent me?" Laughter filled the room.
"Well, maybe...but they will probably file for chapter 11." Alec ran his hand over his head. "So, probably not."
Jacob looked at Eliot. "You made sure Mom was safe?"
"Yeah, we were in a safe house."
He looked to the kitchen. "I hope you didn't play poker with her."
Eliot felt all eyes on him, feeling slightly uneasy. "We may have, why is there a problem?"
Before Jacob could respond, one of the young girls brought a brown paper bag over to the group. "Look what I found!" The men watched as she pulled out a blond wig, bustier, a very small skirt, lace stockings and stilettos.
Jeff raised a brow, looking at Eliot, who wasn't sure if he he should stay or run. "Look, she needed a disguise. She only wore it once."
Jed, a cousin, reached for the bag and looked inside at the items. He smiled. "Anyone else want this?" Wife is wanting to spice up date night."
Jacob laughed. "Bessie might be sending out funeral invites the next day." He looked at Eliot. "Was it strip poker?" He was grinning.
"You know, you're enjoying this way too much." Eliot was looking for an out.
Jeff stood on the porch with Billie, and Jacob. "Billie, I want you to leave today, with Josh riding shot gun. Jacob, I'll need your help to start packing the smaller items."
Jacob nodded.
"I culled out several head of good stock for your mom's ranch, but your mom will need to buy more. I will line you up with several sellers that I know have good stock."
I'll be meeting with the real estate agent this morning." Jeff paused. "It might take some time to sell, depending on the housing market in the city." He pulled an envelope out of his back pocket, handing it to Billie. "Nate wanted me to give this to you."
Billie opened the envelope as Jacob peered over her shoulder, he emitted a low whistle. She looked from the check to Jeff. "Where did this money come from?"
"How Hardison explained it, she was stealing money from the company. On your last day there, she transferred the funds she stole to an off shore account. Hardison was able to intercept the transfer. Since you were terminated, Nate suggested the amount be considered your severance." He was quiet for some time. "Your ranch needs some updates, if Jacob wants a background in operating a ranch, schooling would be covered."
She nodded. "Want a walk through on the improvements?"
They walked around the house. "The CEO of SPMT indicated she had other effects on my family."
Jeff nodded. "Hardison shared the audio with me." He took a breath. "Let it go Billie." He saw her frown. "Hear me out." She waited quietly. "What you and this team uncovered in their financials shows a damning money trail that goes to the top." He had a thoughtful look on his face. "Sadly, none of these findings will bring Tom back. You and Jacob survived the loss. You both need to get busy and make a new lives for yourselves and let this go."
As they walked back towards the front porch, Jeff stopped. "By the way, just who won the poker games?"
She laughed. "You have to ask?"
He smiled. "He seems to be alright."
She shook her head. "His family is here. He is very loyal to them and I don't think he'd leave even for me or Wyoming."
Jeff nodded. "You need to move on Billie." He stopped before opening the door. "Melissa is driving me crazy with ideas of who to hook you up with."
Billie laughed again. "I promise to be more open to her suggestions."
He smiled. "That's all I ask."
Jeff carried her bag to her pickup, placing it in the backseat. "Josh will be at the motel waiting for you. Jacob and I should be in Wyoming by the end of the week." He closed the door and watched her drive off.
The End