AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 9
Gunner had been the first one at the office, and spent hours at his desk immersed in research. He had made it his business to find out more about the Italian mob. Seeing Lori distressed had made him determined to protect her. The Los Angeles Crime Family was an Italian American criminal organization based in the city.
The history of the organization was the stuff of crime novels. In recent years, the family had been crippled by damning evidence and testimony against them. An FBI investigation had resulted in arrests of their leaders and put a severe dent in their operations.
The actions against the Italian mob in L.A. nearly brought about the family’s extinction. But they survived, although they retained very few members. Those small numbers hadn’t prevented those who remained from thriving.
Since the police had shifted their attention to other syndicates, the Italian mob operated under the radar. For that reason, not much was known about their current businesses. Their estimated members totaled less than twenty, but that didn’t put Gunner’s mind at ease.
Gunner had arrived early to put in extra time on his investigation, but he had an event to attend. He was working as close protection at a high-profile business seminar, but Lori wasn’t far from his mind. He couldn’t wait for a break so he could check on her.
The seminar dragged on and wasn’t over until after lunch. Since Gunner was already downtown, he decided to drop in and see Lori. Chances were that she was with patients, but maybe he would catch her on a break. He could have just texted, but he preferred seeing her for reassurance that she was okay.
Gunner’s timing was good. When he entered the clinic, Lori was in the lobby. She seemed pleased at his arrival. “What a nice surprise. I didn’t expect you.”
“I was in the area,” Gunner said.
Lori took the arm of the older man standing next to her. “Uncle Sheldon…this is Gunner Cantrell. He’s a friend; I treated him for ankle pain, and we’ve gotten to know each other.” She looked at Gunner. “This is my uncle, Sheldon Marino.”
Sheldon was dressed for business. He was a good-looking man about sixty, with dark hair and brown eyes.
Gunner and Sheldon shook hands. “Good to meet you. Lori has mentioned you. You’re in banking?”
“Yes, I am,” Sheldon said. “I dropped by to take my niece to lunch.”
“I work for a security company and had an assignment at the convention center.”
“You look like ex-military,” Sheldon said.
“Yes, a former Navy SEAL.”
“Well, I’ll leave you two,” Sheldon said. “I’m going to see if Matt is in his office. Then I have to get back to work.”
Lori hugged her uncle, then he walked down the hallway. “I have patients, but you can walk me to my office,” she said.
Gunner followed Lori, glad that he would have a couple of minutes to talk with her.
Once in her office, Lori shut the door. She appeared at a loss for words. “It’s…good to see you.”
Gunner’s heart skipped a beat. The chemistry between them was undeniable. He resisted the urge to pull her into his arms. “I could have called, but I was so close.” He should have come up with a better response, but he was caught off guard.
The look in Lori’s eyes melted his heart. Gunner remembered kissing her all too well. He glanced away, lest he lose control.
“I appreciate you staying the night,” Lori said, then moved closer. “It was a comfort to have you there.”
Gunner’s mouth was dry and words seemed to escape him.
“Anyway…I am glad to see you,” Lori said. “A patient is waiting for me.”
“Sure…of course,” Gunner said, nearly forgetting what he wanted to ask. “I’d like to see you again. Are you free on Friday night?”
“Yes, that would be nice,” Lori said. “What do you have in mind?”
Gunner’s blood heated at seeing the twinkle in Lori’s eyes. “What about dinner?”
Lori leaned up and kissed his lips. “It’s a date.”
When she disappeared, Gunner walked out to his car. He cringed over his ineptness, realizing that he needed to polish his social skills. He hadn’t had issues with women before, but there was something about Lori that got to him.
