Thursday September 3rd
JORDAN
10:38 A.M.
It was decided that I would meet with Angelo's daughter Vinceta after our meeting. I stood in the hallway waiting for the elevator to arrive. I dialed Sydney's number. After the sixth ring it went to voicemail. I left a message and put my phone in my pants pocket.
I thought about our next course of action. A lot of the leg work was going to be put on me and Vinceta. But I didn't mind, it would help keep my mind occupied. I could handle this part; I was good at taking action. I would rather know what was going on then to sit at home wondering and pacing the room going out of my mind with worry.
Although I couldn't say the same for Vinceta. I didn't know how much she changed in the years since I last seen her. But if the rumors were true, Vinnie wasn't the type to sit around, she thrives on results and if none were given, she would do it herself. That is if the rumors were true. Which if I'm being honest, I wouldn't put it past her.
Vinceta was much like her old man in that way, I had learned along the way that she had adopted a 'business first' mindset. She was set to inherit her father's business. Out of all of Angelo's children, she was deemed the most loyal and competent out of the five of them. Her being the third and only daughter of them. I was actually looking forward to catching up with her, I just hoped that she wasn't as hard assed as everyone says she is. I guess I was about to find out.
When I stepped outside our driver Oscar was standing by a black Lincoln Navigator with blacked out tinted windows, patiently waiting by the passenger door. Oscar is an average height and build, late thirties early forties, bald Caucasian man. He wore a black business suit, black tie, white shirt. Oscar wasn't only our driver, but he was also the head of our security detail. Dad hardly went anywhere without him or did anything without him advising and assessing the situation.
And after much discussion it was decided that for today, Oscar was to escort me to where I needed to go. They didn't want to leave anything to chance, and since my dad was going to be with Angelo the rest of the day, dad would be perfectly safe with his security team.
As soon as Oscar saw me, he opened the rear passenger door. "Good morning, Ms. Hawkins." He greeted me with a smile.
"Good morning Oscar." I said in turn along with a genuine smile as I climbed into the back seat of the Navigator.
A few moments later, Oscar climbed into the driver seat, and we were off. Oscar wasn't big on idle chitchat unless provoked. Which suited me just fine, I had a lot of things on my mind as it is. I thought of calling Sydney, but I figured she'd be teaching a class. Besides, this could wait a few hours, I didn't even know how long this meeting was going to take. I didn't even know where to begin once I told Sydney. I needed to focus on getting through the next couple of hours. I just hoped my mom was alright.
One thing that's been plaguing me throughout this whole ordeal, was the fact that there hasn't been any contact with the kidnappers and my father. None. If in fact it was a kidnapping at all, then shouldn't there have been a ransom of any kind? Strange that this was not an issue for them. Why was it so important to take my mom? What was it that they wanted out of this? Surely there had to be a personal gain. No one gets kidnapped for no apparent reason.
Questions upon questions raced through my mind. I couldn't help but to think that something was amiss, so much didn't add up. And if it did, what was it that I was missing? I had more questions than I did answers. I calmed my internal struggle and began to focus once again on the next best thing. Finding a solution to each question.
11:46 A.M.
I felt the SUV slow down; I hadn't realized just how deep in thought I had been. We came to a huge black gate where a high stonewall fence closed off the property. I almost forgot how atrocious the traffic in the city was. What would've taken me twenty minutes if I were at home, took us a little over an hour to get through. Luckily, I was still ten minutes early. Oscar rolled down his window and told the security guard that I was here to meet with Vinceta. The guard checked his list and pressed a button. The gates retracted and we were able to drive through.
I had been here only a handful of times when I was younger. I had completely forgotten how beautiful and expansive the grounds were. Sycamores were sparsely spread over the property; the green hue of the grass was stunningly picturesque. Had the sunset been in the background, it would have looked like something out of a painting. Even with the light grey sky overhead, it still looked magnificent.
Once we reached the mansion, I was surprised that they had renovated it to look more modern. The last time I was here, which was when I was about 9, the mansion had a more Queen Ann exterior. Instead of its light brown, it was now a medium grey, with now modern windows scattered around the mansion. We pulled up to the circular driveway and parked outside the lavish front entrance. There were a few cars parked in the generous sized parking lot. Which looked to be security cars, you know, your standard model sedans and SUV's with blacked out windows.
Oscar got out and quickly came around to open my door. I hadn't seen Vinnie since we were kids, I wondered how different she'd become, or was she the same, just older? Did she still have the same long silky blonde hair? I briefly thought about the time I spent the summer with and her family when I was a kid. The last time I saw Vinnie, she was into barbies and playing house. I remember she was a bit on the girlie side, not that it was problem, even though it was never really my thing. I always enjoyed playing with her regardless, just as long as she would agree to play with me outside and not care to get dirty every once and awhile. there was always something about her that made me feel like I could be myself around her.
I thought back to the time when it was finally time for me to leave and return home. I remembered how she cried as Oscar drove off, me in the backseat looking back at her. Vinnie's tear-streaked face, on her knees crying into her hands, her white dress getting dirty in the driveway. Neither one of us wanted to be separated, she was my opposite in almost every way, but we clicked and became thick as thieves by summers end. I gave a slight smile at the memory. Oscar opening his door pulled me from my reverie. I patiently waited for him to open my door.
I walked up to the tall wooden door, took a deep breath then knocked. I was half expecting to see a tall burly security guard, and I was a little surprised when I was met with the one and only, Vinceta Vega herself. She had definitely changed over the course of nine years, that's for sure. I was a little stunned at the young woman standing before me.
Before I could react further or do anything foolish, she spoke, "Jordan Hawkins, as I live and breathe. Long time no see." Vinnie stated as she leaned against the doorframe. A huge wolf grin show casing her perfect pearly whites. Her long golden locks were now a platinum blond that was cut short into a pixie hairstyle. Short on the sides and back, the top about six inches in length. By her appearance alone, she seemed to have lost interest in all things girly.
"If it isn't the infamous Vinnie Vega. How have you been?" I asked playfully, giving her my best toothy grin. We shared a brief hug, I felt myself relax a bit in her arms, our playful greeting made it seem as if no time had passed between us.
"I'm good. Things are good. Come on in." Her tone casual as she gestured for me to come inside. I surveyed the room; a lot had definitely changed. The once intricate tan wallpaper gone, replaced by light grey walls that was sleek in its simplistic design. "So, my dad tells me you and your family are dealing with some major personal…issues."
"That's a nice way of putting it." I slightly scoffed, my tone coming off a little more curt than I intended. I know she didn't mean anything by it.
Seeing my facial expression Vinnie became more sympathetic, "Look, I'm sorry to hear what happened. If it's any consolation, we're going to do everything we can to help."
"Thank you. We appreciate any help we can get at the moment. Sorry about before, I've just been under a lot of stress." Earlier I hadn't meant to sound unappreciative. I really was grateful to them, and I meant every word. My demeanor softened.
"Don't worry about it. I completely understand." I was happy that she didn't take offense to my behavior. I knew it wasn't like Vinnie to disregard my feelings.
"So, how are you doing with everything?" Vinnie asked, her eyes completely focused on my, laced with a deep understanding.
"To be honest, I'm doing my best to hang in there. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around it." I admitted.
"Yeah, I don't blame you. I don't know what I'd do in your situation. Truth is, I'd probably be a lot worse than you." She remarked, with a lighthearted smile that could lighten any room and change any mood. "Anyway, let's go out on the veranda and hash things out while we enjoy each other's company."
"Sounds perfect." I smiled, suddenly realizing how much I missed our camaraderie and how natural it was for us to find comfort in the other.
"Good. Follow me." She said as she turned to lead the way.
I followed Vinceta through a semi-large corridor. Large and extravagant now modern designed rooms were on either side of the decadent mansion. The marble floor gleaming to perfection. I could hardly believe that this was the same mansion I visited when I was younger. So much had changed since then.
We continued down the hallway, first passing the wide u-shaped staircase that was to my right. Then we passed a set of tall double doors to my left, it appeared to be the living room area, I noted catching a glimpse of the room beyond the doors. As we kept walking there was another room with no doors, only an entryway that I noticed held the kitchen. The room was busy with commotion as the chef and other staff members busied themselves with whatever tasks they were dealt.
When we finally reached the glass terrace doors and stepped out onto the massive sized veranda, a large wooden table that could seat twelve sat in the middle of the spacious area. An eggshell tablecloth with intricate gold designs covered the tabletop. It was rather quite beautiful as far as tablecloths go.
Vinceta gestured for me to take a seat as she donned a chair at the end of the table. Looking every bit in charge of her domain. Vinnie straightened her back and placed both of her hands on either side of the arm rests. "I would like to start out by saying it really is good to see you. I just feel terrible that it has to be under these circumstances." Her regal demeanor was something that I was quite familiar with. Having grown up around the scattered aristocrat here and there.
"Yeah, it's not how I would've wanted our reunion to be, but if it's all the same, it is good to see you too. It feels like a lifetime ago since I last seen this place. So much has changed." I spoke my thoughts from earlier.
"Yeah, it has. And yet somehow, even though it's been so long, it feels like no time has passed at all. Strange to feel that way." She said with a comforting smile. Again, the ease in which I felt surrounded the atmosphere.
"Strange indeed." Silence fell for a moment as we both collected our thoughts. I couldn't wait any longer. "So, what are your thoughts on how we should go about this dilemma?"
"Well, I've been thinking about that since my father called earlier this morning and I think the best course of action is to send a few of my men out to canvas the area and try to get some information." She continued to lean back in her chair, speaking of the events casually as if it were just another day at the office. Which I supposed for her it was, considering her line of work.
"Look Vinnie, just so we're clear; I trust anything that you deem necessary. Lord knows I am very much in need of someone else's council, and I could think of no one better than to have you at my side, but if it's at all possible; I would like to be there the moment your men find something." I didn't want her to think that I was just going to be on the sidelines. I had every intention of being there as much as possible. If I could, I would be there every step of the way.
"Trust me Jordan, my guys are very good at what they do. They'll find something eventually; I have no doubts about that. Someone is bound to talk sooner or later." A sly grin spread across her face, as if she were privy to information that I knew nothing about.
"Oh, I trust you, I have no doubts that you won't get the job done." And I didn't have any doubts. I was being honest in my admission. Our families had been close at one time or another. I knew my dad wouldn't trust just anyone with something of this magnitude unless he was absolutely certain they could get the job done. My father was not a stupid man after all.
"If it would make you feel any better, I can have my men update me regularly if they find anything or not." She said continuing to comfort me with her words and actions. I couldn't help but to appreciate the time and energy she had spent on at least giving our unfortunate situation a moments thought, let alone the resources it was going to take to uncover who took my mother.
"Yeah, that would help to alleviate some of the worry and stress." I admitted, finally letting out a huge sigh of relief.
"Good. I must warn you though Jordan, it's mainly going to be a waiting game." The seriousness of it all becoming more evident as she continued. "I know that isn't something you wanna hear but that's the reality of it. But rest assured, I know my men will find something. It's why we hired them to begin with because they're the best at what they do. Let me give Carlo a call and tell him to get over here." She reached in her pocket and fished out her phone.
"Do what you must Vinnie." I said as she got up from her chair and walked towards the balcony. I watched as she casually strolled the veranda, it gave me a little time to take in my surroundings. A large pool sat only a few yards away, a sizeable hot tub separated the more than adequate pool house, which I could only imagine was like its own luxurious home away from home. The once young sycamores now fully grown were scattered throughout the backyard, providing much needed shade. A cool gentle breeze wafted over my skin, making the humidity somewhat bearable. I watched as the leaves danced playfully as the breeze continued to blanket the humidity.
"Hey Carlo, it's me…I'm gonna need you to come to the house as quickly as possible, we have a situation…okay, see you then." I could only slightly make out part of her conversation. Not that I was trying to eavesdrop, Vinceta's voice just happens to carry. When she was done, Vinceta sat down again. "Carlo will be here in twenty minutes."
I didn't mind having to wait for Carlo, it gave me and Vinceta a chance to begin to catch up on what we missed. It didn't surprise me how well we fell back into the friendship we once shared as children, laughing and joking with Vinnie was definitely something I needed to take my mind off things as we waited for Carlo to show.
Once Carlo made an appearance, Vinnie informed him of what was happening and explained to him what was to take place. Without a word, Carlo left with his orders. And before long I had to excuse myself and report back to my dad. Vinnie and I had made plans to get together later in the week. After we hugged, I told her I would see myself out.
12:42 P.M.
Oscar was waiting patiently by the SUV. I climbed in when he opened the door. Once the door was closed, I took out my phone and called my dad.
"Hey dad, it's me. I'm just now leaving the Vega estate."
"Good. How did everything go?"
"It went pretty well. Vinceta and I had a nice discussion about what we're going to do. I'll tell you about it later."
"Sounds excellent. Listen, why don't you, me, and Angelo talk over a late lunch. I already texted Oscar the address."
"Yeah alright. I'll be there."
"Okay, see you when you get here."
"Alright, see you in few pops," I pressed the end button and stared out the window.
2:27 P.M.
I arrived at the little Italian restaurant that my dad told me to meet him at. The restaurant was almost packed, but it didn't take me long to notice them. My dad and Angelo were sitting in a corner booth towards the back. As I approached both men, my dad scooted over, I slid in next to him. "Hey pops, what have I missed?" I inquired as I put my hands on the table.
With a slight turn, he looked at me quick flash weary in his eyes, he glanced in Angelo's direction then back at me. "Well, me and Angelo went back to the studio to look over the security footage." He remarked almost conspiratorially, I had hopes that we could find whoever did this.
"Did you find anything?" My focus was zeroed in on my father. No matter what he said, I knew I had to remain calm.
"Nothing that stands out. They wore black jumpsuits, black facemasks, and black baseball caps. Nothing distinctive from what we could tell. We weren't able to spot anything from the angles of the cameras." He said sounding just as disappointed as I felt at the news.
"Well, that's disappointing." I exhaled, feeling what little hope I had, dissipate.
"How did things go with you and Vinnie?" Angelo asked as he twirled a strand of chicken alfredo on his fork.
Suddenly feeling parched, I put my finger up in a I'll be right with you motion, I took a drink of my pink lemonade. "Good. We decided that we were going to send out some of your men to canvas nightclubs, bars, basically anywhere we think that someone might brag about a kidnapping. Vinnie told Carlo to keep an eye out for any low-level wannabe thug who might have come into some money recently. We figured that someone who never had money wouldn't care all that much about being caught, someone like that is bound to slip up." Giving them gist of what Vinceta and I discussed.
"Very good. Keep me posted if they find anything." My father said, the worry still evident in facial expressions. He didn't look like the same man I once knew; it broke my heart to see him so lost. I vowed then and there, I was going to make whoever did this, pay in the worst possible way.
"Of course." I said with as much conviction as I could muster. The rest of the lunch went by fast and was mainly hashing out more details, speculation, and forming different plans for security measures.
As we were leaving the restaurant my dad got another phone call. As far as the company was concerned, everything was business as usual. After he hung up, he turned to me, "Jordan, that was Kyle. I'm going to need to attend the album release party tomorrow. I was supposed to go with your mother," he let the words hang in the air.
"Don't worry about it pops. I'll take care of it." I was trying to be as reassuring as I could.
"Hey Jordan, why don't you take Vinceta with you. She's been working hard lately, and I figure she could use a night out and cut loose a little." Angelo suggested as he smiled down at me. His infectious smile could only be returned.
"Yeah, that sounds like a fantastic idea. We did make plane to go out this week anyway, I'll give her call." I stepped away from the two men. She answered on the third ring. "Hey Vinnie, how would you like to go to a party tomorrow night?"
"I say count me in." She replied without hesitation.
"Alright cool. I'll text you the address."