Page 47 of Joey

“I know. Don’t think I didn’t think about that. But he wouldn’t have changed, you know that. He was addicted to drugs and to women, the violence was following. Peter knew as well.”

Vasily turned and stared at Peter who looked from Wes to the old man and back again.

“Peter?” he said.

“I tried to get him to leave the women alone,” said Peter. “He wouldn’t listen to me. I tried. When he was shot, I knew I should have forced him to quit but he wouldn’t listen to me. I even threatened to call you.”

“But you didn’t,” ground out Vasily.

“No. I didn’t.” Vasily only stared at the man he’d thought of as a son, shaking his head.

“What’s the plan?” asked Vasily. “You shoot me here on the runway? You have so many options and it’s clear that you have my men at a loss as to what to do. Perhaps one day I’ll figure out what makes you all so great. For now, just shoot me and leave.” Wes smirked at him, shaking his head.

“No. That’s too easy. You’re going for a boat ride. Bundle up, it’s freezing in the north Pacific.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

“The Toledo just notified us that the packages were delivered,”said AJ.“They could pop up as ice cubes at some point but the last they saw them, they were swimming in the Beiring Sea. You know that shit is cold.”

“Thanks, AJ,” smirked Joey. “We’re heading home now.”

“We have to go back to base,” said Bullett. “It’s been a damn pleasure working with you, sirs.”

“Give us a call when you’re done fellas. You did great work here.”

“What about you?” Bo asked Joey.

“I’m going to request early end to my contract. Given the circumstances, they should grant it.”

“Are you sure, brother?” asked Bullett.

“Man, never more sure of anything,” he smiled. “I want to go home, marry my girl, and start spitting out sets of triplets.”

The men all laughed, shaking their heads. When River walked toward them grinning, he shook their hands.

“Well, done. Vasily and his crew are done and I can return to my team. Let me now when the wedding is, brother. I’ll be there,” he smiled.

“You know we will. You never know. It might be time for you to start seeking Miss Right.”

“Bite your damn tongue,” said River walking off with a laugh.

“Let’s go home,” said Gator. “Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Maybe we start the year with a wedding.” Joey laughed, nodding.

“Now, that sounds like a plan I can get behind.”

In spite of the multiple calls from the POTUS, the team refused to let him know what actually became of Vasily. They were fortunate that several of their leaders knew someone, who knew someone, who was someone on the USS Toledo. No one knew anything.

In the grove, on a frosty New Year’s Eve, Joey Dougall and Marissa Jordan were married with all their friends and family in attendance. More than three-hundred people. In true Belle Fleur fashion, they danced, sang, ate, and had a grand time – even the ghosts.

“Another family, my love,” said Matthew smiling at Irene.

“Yes indeed, yes indeed. Makes me so happy, Matthew.”

“Well, who will it be next, my love? We have several in the wings. Quinn, River, and Finnegan. Perhaps Brooks or Mitchell. We’ve got our little Wavy. Logan and Remington.”

“I’m thinking,” smiled Irene. “I’ll get with the girls and make a decision soon. It’s joyous to see though, isn’t it Matthew?”

“It is my love. It absolutely is. We’ve done well. You and me.”

“Always, you and me, Matthew. You and me.”