Maggie went to the cupboard to fetch the plates as Annie pulled out the flatware and napkins. Myra plucked out fresh wineglasses, and, within minutes, the kitchen table was set. All that was left was to sit down and enjoy the sumptuous meal Charles had prepared.
The five of them sat around the table, said grace, and dug in. Naturally, Maggie was the first.
“When you were growing up, was there not enough food to feed your family?” Charles had asked this question dozens of times, as it always elicited laughter.
“Not enough for me!” Maggie held up a forkful of perfectly prepared food. Charles was a marvel in the kitchen. That was only one of the many talents that Myra appreciated.
Dinner was filled with small talk, local and national politics, cheaters, and scams. The small group had certainly had their fair share of dealing with criminals. Perhaps they weren’t convicted criminals, but they were morally bankrupt individuals, all of whom richly deserved their share of retribution even if the judicial system couldn’t provide it.
After the table was cleared, they retreated into the study. Charles poured everyone a glass of port. “So, Maggie, tell us what’s on your mind.”
Maggie proceeded to reiterate everything she had told Annie and Myra. “I want to go down there and check The Haven out, but I think this is something the sisters should get involved with. I can’t do this on my own.”
“Of course not.” Myra patted Maggie’s knee. “I suggest we discuss this with the other sisters.” The men looked at the women and nodded in agreement. “Shall we see who’s available and set up a meeting the day after tomorrow?”
“If not sooner,” Annie jumped in. “If Gabby is in trouble, we need to act on this fast.” Fast was Annie’s normal speed for everything. Especially driving. Myra was terrified to get into any type of automobile with her. Even if it was just to drive to the local grocers. It wasn’t that Annie was reckless. She simply loved speed. She said it made her feel free. Myra, on the other hand, felt trapped in a bullet of steel, aluminum, copper, and rubber.
As soon as Annie would start the engine, Myra would shut her eyes, grip the handle on the door, and pray. It was probably the only time she wouldn’t be fidgeting with her pearls for comfort. She needed to hang on with both hands!
Annie pulled out her phone, hit the SPEAKER button, and got several of the sisters on a conference line. “Hello, lovelies!” Lots of “hellos” “hey theres” and “hi-yas” echoed through the phone. “Any of you available to meet tomorrow evening?”
Alexis was the first to speak. “Count me in. What time?”
Kathryn had a long-haul run to Charleston but would be available the following week.
Yoko spoke next. “I’m good, too.”
“I’m preparing for a trial,” Nikki chimed in. “But I can make the meeting tomorrow. I’ll know more about my schedule later this week.” Nikki was a top-notch attorney who handled many high-profile and controversial cases. She was married to Jack Emery, a former federal prosecutor. The beginning of their relationship was fraught with suspicions and deception until Jack realized how much he loved Nikki and the importance of Nikki’s extracurricular activities. Eventually, he came to respect what she and the sisters were doing and sometimes assisted them on a mission, or took on one of his own with the Men of the Sisterhood.
Isabelle was in San Francisco overseeing a building project she had designed for one of the supergeek billionaires of Silicon Valley.
Maggie wrote down who would be attending the first meeting:
Alexis, Yoko, Nikki, Charles, Fergus, Annie, Myra, Maggie
“That’s eight of us.”
“Excellent.” Myra clapped her hands. “Charles?” She looked at him wistfully, knowing full well he knew both the question and the answer.
“Yes, old girl. Dinner. Six o’clock. Fergus? You’ve got that, mate?” That was Charles’s way of telling Fergus he was on duty to help with the kitchen detail.
“Right-o.” Fergus nodded and gave him a thumbs-up.
“Splendid!” Myra responded, batting her eyes at Charles.
Annie ended the call with “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite! Love you all!”
Air kisses and affectionate replies followed.
Maggie gave a huge sigh of relief. Her eyes welled with tears.
Annie put her arm around Maggie. “What’s with the waterworks?”
Myra handed Maggie a clean linen handkerchief. “What is it, dear?”
“I’m just so grateful for everyone.” She looked at Annie. “You.” And then, turning to Myra, “And you.” Then to Charles and, finally, Fergus.
“We’re always here for you.” Annie squeezed her hand affectionately.
“Yes. I know.” Maggie wiped her tears and the dribble that was about to run from her nose. “I’m really worried about Gabby. She doesn’t have people like you.”
“Well, she does now!” they bellowed in unison, high fiving each other.
Maggie took one more swipe of her face. “Okay. So what are you making for dinner?” With that, the group hooted and howled. That was the Maggie they knew and loved.
Chapter Eight
When It All Began
The Haven, South Florida
Once Liam explained his intentions about using the property as a spiritual retreat to Noah, Noah’s wheels started to turn. If they could set up a tax-exempt nonprofit, he was certain he could figure out a way to put money in his own pocket. He had been watching Daniel Ruffing continue to build his empire for several years. Noah had heard about the prime piece of real estate on the shoreline of Cuba that Ruffing had leased, but had never asked Ruffing about it. Nor did he intend to. Noah decided to seek some advice from his mentor. But he had to be careful how he approached him. Ruffing was slick. That was one thing Noah had learned from the beginning. And he was secretive. He also had a temper.
All the deliveries back and forth to the fishing boats were making Noah suspicious, but he didn’t dare ask what kind of errand he was really running. He learned early on not to question anything Ruffing had him do. And that meant anything. But what he did know was that Ruffing was always pleased upon Noah’s return from his fishing runs. He would often tip Noah a few hundred dollars. That alone made keeping his mouth shut worth it. Besides, he loved the whipping of the wind as he raced across the clear cerulean-blue waters off the coast of Florida. Depending on the time of day, his return trip to the mainland would be blessed with a spectacular sunset. If he had a few extra minutes, he’d cut the engine and gape at the glorious shades of orange mixing with red, then hues of purple. It was those occasions when he could understand Liam’s desire for tranquility.