She shut the apartment door and locked it with the deadbolt, chain, then lock on the knob itself. She made her way over to the couch. Holding her phone to her chest, she wasn’t sure how to relax after finding her apartment had been disturbed.
Swiftly taking Rick’s suggestion, she grabbed a notebook and started to write down anyone who would want to harm her. Men she had dated but dumped. That list was far and few. She couldn’t think of anyone who would do this. She mainly stayed to herself, other than work, exercise, and maybe a little shopping.
Kevin, the security guard, was a friend. He had a family and they lived in the same apartment building. She didn’t think he would harm a fly, let alone her. But, she still added him to her list.
Remembering the stranger in the elevator, she wrote that down on the piece of paper. He seemed familiar to her somehow, but whom? Her mind started to play with her. Everyone seemed guilty to her, she knew to stop thinking about it because it was kicking her ass.
Valorie literally couldn’t think of anyone who would do such a thing. She honestly couldn’t even remember if she locked the door when she went to exercise. So confused and just a little scared, she cuddled up in the corner of her couch, staring at the walls.
Rick said he was going to file a report as well and to call him if there was any more trouble. Then why was she feeling so nervous. No way would she fall asleep tonight.
She grabbed her remote turning on the TV.
Liam felt restless and was having trouble sleeping. After dinner, he’d driven back to his house. He was used to being alone. Tonight though, he had to wonder what it would be like if he had someone?
He had watched the news then turned on a movie. Sitting in his recliner enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, he looked down at his phone. He wanted to call Valorie but didn’t want to bother her.
She probably was already in bed. Liam couldn’t get her out of his mind. Tomorrow he was starting a new job. He had to hire several men for a security team to work a large firm. He liked those jobs for the company. Easy money and kept several people with jobs.
Liam helped his father with the staffing as well as heading up his own team. Hiring several friends had been an easy way to get employees. Now they’re looking for more people. The jobs kept piling up and they didn’t have enough staff to go around.
Razan and Liam had talked about how it was nice to give ex-military jobs, a place to call their own. Some of these guys were broken with a mental illness and literally had no fucking clue what they were doing out in the civilian world. His mind wondered to Gabriel. Without Sophia and Liam, that man would have probably taken his own life eventually from the PTSD.
Most of the people they hired had returned from serving the country in the military. Others cops who just couldn’t find a job opening especially graduates who were young and full of piss and vinegar. He liked those guys and gals they were perfect for The Livingston Agency. They also had usual people with their company. These were the guys and girls who could honestly handle the rough and touch jobs.
He had several files spread out in front of him on the coffee table. There were three jobs he still needed to fill. Interviews were endless and he wasn’t sure how much time it would take to get the positions filled.
His phone rang, he saw that it was Dad. “Hello.”
“Hey, son, I have a quick question. I’m going through a few contracts here and I just saw something you might be interested in?”
“That would be?” Liam questioned.
“It’s a letter from the FBI. They’d like to hire our agency. I just forwarded the email to you.”
“Hang on, let me pull it up.” Liam already had his laptop on. He rapidly opened the email reading the letter quickly. When the word contract and special unit jump out at him. “Dad? What does this mean? They want us to put together a special unit for them?”
“I’m not sure what that means. I just assumed it was the deal Donny had been working on for us.”
“Dad, this letter is asking us to put together something entirely for the United States Government. It would no longer be us in charge, but a unit specifically for them to govern. I don’t think it’s a good idea, do you?”
“I’ll call Donny. We’ll do some special assignments working side by side with the FBI, but I won’t let a team go or break our privacy codes.”
“I agree, Dad. I’m not going to tell anyone about us. We surely can’t tell anyone about a Livingston employee. Besides, there are only a few we trust, mainly Mick and Donny. Those two we know we can.” Liam, still reading the entirety of the letter, he mumbled, “We’ll thank them for the thought but we’ll pas sat this time, okay?”
“I’ve been concerned about the number of letters I’ve received from the government. They are getting, um…”
Razan’s hesitation concerned him. “What are you not telling me?” Liam knew something else was on his father’s mind.
“Well, Liam, we’ve been asked to join with the FBI on a joint taskforce. It would be an entire division among the CIA, FBI, and us. They wouldn’t be employees of Livingston. It would be a federal program. I’m considering actually letting every employee with us decide for themselves.” This took Liam by surprise. He wasn’t thrilled.
“What if we actually commit part of our company? Keeping our name attached to it and controlling power over the taskforce. That way, we don’t have to tell anyone who or what our people joining in the group can do or bring to the group? What do you think?”
“Well, son, that might be an option. Maybe, when I call Donny, I’ll ask him what he thinks. How about we both meet with him and maybe bring Mick in as well.”
He heard his dad shuffling paper. Liam smiled, he must be on speaker. His dad hated the phone and didn’t spend a lot of time on it. “I, for one, prefer to let the company be a part of the taskforce.” Razan’s intake then exhale told him his dad was pleased with his answer.
“Really, you would?”
“For sure, just think my entire unit. Those crazy people all would want to be included. We already do special assignment; this would just be more work for all of us. This way we would have total government and local law enforcement aid.”
Razan chuckled. “Son, I believe you’re on to something. Have a good evening. I’m heading out and want to spend a little time with your mom. Love, you, son.”
“Ditto, see you soon.” Liam hung up and stared at his phone. His father hadn’t made any decisions without, at least, discussing it with him or him and the entire board of directors.
Liam wondered if Mariah had anything to do with this. It wouldn’t surprise him. He didn’t want to turn any part of their company over to the Government but sharing something might work. He thought they should wait a bit and find out what’s going on with Mariah and the baby. He prayed to God to help them save that little one.
He started thumbing through the pile of applications. The company was Liam’s number one priority. He couldn’t find time to date or hang out with friends. He’d put all his efforts into building the best teams he could. Going out on a mission with a person down, would be detrimental to their safety. Their weakest link would destroy an entire mission.
Gabriel had been a top man for intel as well as his stealth like qualities. The ex-Navy SEAL had been good at what he did. The man would be damn near impossible to replace but Sophia was doing a damn good job. He’d love to bring Gabriel back to his team and find a special person to take over the intel. Maybe this joint group would be good? After the baby is born they could utilize Mariah for all the groups.
Liam regretted his decision to become a recluse as far as dating. He’d thought it was his way of waiting for that right person. He knew it was Valorie. Because after today he knew that was the one he just needed to convince her of that. He’d been saving himself for the absolute right person who could put up with all of his baggage. Livingston, come on, get your head back in the game. Stop daydreaming and get your ass in gear. You found Valorie again, now go and get her. He couldn’t help the smile that spread over his face.
The office party had always been a high point of Liam’s year. The families always brought their children, so they had a Santa and a Mrs. Claus, which hadn’t been decided yet this year. He had to get on that too. It had always been his job to put the party together and make sure everyone had fun.
Liam grabbed a pen and notebook to write notes. On the top of the page, he wrote down find new Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Last year it had been an older employee of his father’s unit, Harold Spinner and his wife, Gladys. Harry had been shot in a robbery at the Metropolitan Credit Union, where he had been a security guard a few months back. Harry had recovered, but he decided to retire and move to Florida for the warmer weather, both Harry and Gladys had filled those parts of Santa well.
His phone rang. He grabbed it. “Hello.”
“Liam, I’m so sorry to bother you this late. Did I wake you?” Valorie’s voice sang out.
“No, I’m still nursing a very full stomach.” He groaned. “How are you?” he added, in a lower, huskier tone.
“I’m glad I didn’t wake you,” she blurted.
“No you did not. Is there something wrong?” He softened his voice. In his gut, he felt something wasn’t right and she didn’t call to visit.
“Um, well I hate to ask this of you. But, someone broke into my apartment tonight.”
Liam instantly stood up and paced. His way of releasing tension. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. My dad is a cop, he sent over a friend who is a detective here in the city. He went through my apartment.”
Her voice sounded shaky, “Can I help in anyway?”
“Well, I don’t want to bother you, really. I just needed someone to talk to is all,” she spoke in a suffocated whisper.
Liam didn’t want to leave her alone and scared. “Is anyone there with you to spend the night? Maybe a friend?” He wasn’t sure if the guy he saw her with today would still be with her. Maybe the douchebag had passed out.
“No, I live alone. My apartment is in a secured building. Detective Koski said I would be fine. I locked the door with the three locks I have.”
“Would you like me to come and spend the night? We can talk about the old times, eat popcorn, and maybe even watch a movie? I can even bring a sleeping bag. A sleepover, slash, slumber party.” There was a trace of laughter in his voice. Liam was hoping she would agree, so then he wouldn’t sit and worry about her. No time can erase the friendship he and Valorie shared. Seeing her today only confirmed this fact to him.
“Gosh, I would really hate to bother you so late at night. It’s after ten pm. Liam, I have to go to work tomorrow morning.”
“Valorie, if you want some company just for the night, I’m free and available.” The double meaning silenced her. He added, “What is the address?”
“If you’re sure, if not, I’ll be okay, really,” she muttered.
“Valorie, you haven’t changed one bit. Always worried about everyone else, it’s never been about you. I can’t sleep and I would rather be with a friend than sitting here by myself. Besides, I would love to catch up with you.” He lowered his voice slightly.
“This isn’t a booty call by the way.”
He put the statement aside, her nerves must be frazzled. She knew better, he never once thought of her that way. Their friendship meant too much to him. “Valorie, look I know better than that. We were friends for over a year and I never once thought of you like that. Wait a minute…” He waited a few seconds then chuckled loudly, “We never had sex.” Liam couldn’t contain his laughter.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Liam knew her apology was sincere. “Look, I know you must have had a really bad day. You must have been scared and pissed off. I’ll come over, make sure you’re safe. I’ll stay over if you want me to then in the morning we can figure out what I can do to help you, then I leave; end of story.”
“I’m sorry again for assuming too much. You only meant to help me.”
He thought Valorie was adorable, but she didn’t need to keep apologizing. “I know. If you want a friend to just come and hang out. Then I’m your guy. I even own a gun.” He chuckled. “Now, I’m already to leave, I have my coat on and walking out the door. Give me the okay and I’ll be there in about a half of an hour.” He started to throw on his jeans and sweatshirt.
“Okay, if you’re sure?” She sounded relieved as she gave him her address.
“I’ll see you in about half an hour. Oh, and, Valorie, don’t answer the door unless you get a text from me that I’m outside, clear?”
“Understood.”
After he hung up, he threw a few items in a duffle bag. Grabbing his coat, he put on his work boots, then grabbed his keys.
He went to his garage and grabbed what he needed to secure her apartment and put that in another bag. He would make sure nobody could enter her apartment undetected. Liam didn’t mind piling more work onto his shoulders. Valorie was worth it to him. Once he made sure she was safe, he could get through all the interviews and hires he needed to do.
After driving the thirty miles across town, he arrived at Valorie’s apartment building. “Nice,” he murmured, their office building was literally two blocks away. Now he knew he could take care of both Valorie and work.
He looked around and found a parking spot in front of an open meter. Shutting off the truck, he opened the door. The wind was blowing so hard he got a chill immediately as he stomped out onto the street. Winter had officially started. The temperature felt like it had dropped twenty degrees since earlier today. He suspected it was in the low teens. The street looked well-lit and in the morning would be busy with heavy traffic. Millions of people made their way around downtown Minneapolis. Right now, the streets were empty. The Christmas decorations were up, so the city had a feeling of cheer and happiness.
Liam peered up at the tall apartment building which had been put up a few years back. The charm and décor spoke money. You had to be making a fairly decent income to afford a place here.
Liam knew without a doubt he couldn’t keep Valorie safe in this building, especially because she lived on the third floor. Apartment buildings were complicated structures. Someone could hide or worse, get into the apartment through more than the front door.
He looked around for the pay box for the meters. He spotted it a few hundred feet down the sidewalk. As he walked up to it, he pulled out his credit card, swiped it and used the key pad to punch in eight hours for the spot he was in, then waited for his receipt to print. The cold was seeping through his jacket. After he put the receipt inside on the dash, he grabbed both bags, throwing them over his shoulders. He made sure to secure the truck by setting the alarm.
Downtown Minneapolis wasn’t a place to just leave your vehicle wide open. Young adults and teens were known for doing what they called car shopping. They would throw a brick through a window, grab what they could, and run. Thousands of people had been robbed that way.
Liam didn’t leave anything in his pickup, especially in the view of someone walking by. He had installed his own top of the market sophisticated alarm system. If someone even touched the paint job, he was alerted on his cellphone. The alarms would sound if someone tried to break in or open a door.
After entering the building into a vestibule, he saw the key pad to announce his arrival to Valorie. Her last name Thorpe was on a list above the console. It clearly read apartment three zero four, Valorie Thorpe. Anyone could figure out where she lived. That would have to be changed immediately.
He typed the number and waited for her response.
“Hello.”
He smiled when her voice broke up. “Valorie, it’s me.” He heard a slight buzz, then he pulled open the inside door.
The lobby had been decorated for the Holidays. A giant pine tree reaching at least twenty feet stood near a gas fireplace. Surrounded by brown leather furniture and a large screen TV mounted to the wall.
As he stepped into the elevator his nerves hit. He suddenly felt flush; his heart sped up slightly, his hands turned clammy. He felt nervous for the first time since his journey over here. You are not a teenager anymore. Stop acting like one.
Since Liam’s recovery, there would never be a moment he took for granted. What his father had done for him, gave him a renewed sense of life. Tonight was destiny as it should be. He intended to bring Valorie to his world.
For her to let her guard down and trust him; Liam was going to take full advantage of her faith in him. Nobody was going to hurt her again, if he had anything to say about it. Keeping her safe was his mission, if he couldn’t do it alone, he had a great team to help him.
As the doors opened, Liam stepped out into the hallway. He’d already seen several areas he would have to work on for security purposes. He would wait until morning, then consult with the office manager. Checking over the elevator first, he didn’t want the alarms to go off, so he made a quick assessment before letting the doors close. He noticed easy access to power in the ceiling of the car to mount a camera. Maybe he would luck out and there already would be one installed, just well hidden.
Liam looked down at his wrist it had literally been forty-five minutes. It was just a little after eleven pm. It seemed weird not to see anyone in the building so far, it was black Friday. You would think someone would be walking around. Maybe it was just a nice quiet building. He hoped for the latter.