Category: Change in the Wind

The Full Story, with all Side Stories and the Housekeepers’ War series integrated in.

Chapter 78: Close Calls

A/N: Trying something new here. We’re moving backwards in time. 😀

Danilo’s POV—2 am

I hate downtown duty, and downtown duty watching the local ICE office is the worst. It’s boring and demeaning and I shouldn’t have to do this shit. I’m a Don, not a soldier. I should be home, coordinating shit since Piman is in ATL. Instead, I’ve been sitting in the same fucking spot, in this car, for the past three hours thinking of ways to kill Piman. If I didn’t love him and trust his judgment like I do, I’d kill the bastard.

He got me to agree to this because he said he felt, in his soul, that I needed to be at ICE tonight. When Piman feels things, in his soul, I shut up and obey.

All Reyes in Miami are on alert tonight. He called an hour ago. Hector’s viciousness has reached a new level, but Piman’s getting word that el Tigre’s woman may have been kidnapped. Everyone is to stay alert and ready for action.

Still, this is boring. Next time, I wanna pull duty on the Cub. Continue reading →

Chapter 77.5 Unpleasant Duties, Part II

A/N: Tank’s POVs take place during the first week of Steph’s Miami trip.

Tank’s POV

This is probably the hardest apology I’m going to issue but I’m determined. I just wish I could get the nasty taste out of my mouth.

“Sir. Welcome to Boston.”

Mark has his blank face on but I detect confusion. Good. I nod and toss my bags in the back seat. I climb in and we travel to RM Boston in silence. We arrive and I note the silence on the floor. Everyone is confused. Good. I travel up to Les’s apartment, stash my bags, then head downstairs. I get off the elevator at 5 and walk to Mark’s office.

“Bring the results of Steph’s report with you.” Continue reading →

Chapter 77.3: We Woo, Part II

A/N: Mike is the man Danny has recommended as an XO candidate. Since there’s no real way for you to meet him during the Boston trip, this is your chance to get to know him.

Mike’s POV—Monday

The CO’s just left the gym and every man is quiet.

She holds our lives in her hands.

She holds Mark’s life in her hands.

She holds Pat’s and Rod’s lives in her hands.

And she knows nothing good about this branch. That’s a huge problem. Continue reading →

Chapter 77: Off With a Warning

Mark’s POV

Stephanie’s just given us the final report and I’m leafing through it. Danny was right; this is comprehensive. She took a look at my building, spoke to my men, and discussed our offerings and their viability with the Core Team. This report indicates we’re doing a good job, business wise, but we could be doing much better. That alone is humbling. This has always been considered the best run branch in the company. Now we’re being told that we’re just OK.

Leadership? Resounding failure. Continue reading →

Chapter 76.7 Unpleasant Duties, Part I

A/N: Bobby POV take place during Steph’s Boston trip.

Bobby’s POV

I’m not known as a cold, vindictive person. That’s good. It means I’m constantly underestimated. I have my moments. I feel rage and anger like the next person, but my default is peace and happy. I’ve seen enough blood, guts, and gore in the world. I don’t need to live in that. I usually rid myself of those feelings quickly and return to my normal state of calm amusement.

Unfortunately, I’m also capable of holding a grudge. A long, detailed, unforgiving one. A harsh one if you piss me off.

I’m pissed off. I have a former subordinate still walking the face of this earth without proper punishment. Continue reading →

I Resist the Pressure

A/N: All errors are mine. One shot prompt from Yllyn and Carol. Hope I did it justice. A special thanks to taniadanoff for providing the French translations used in this one-shot.

I want to wake up every day and do whatever comes in my mind and not feel pressure or obligations to do anything else in my life.—Michael Jordan

Bobby’s POV—Age 17

“And, of course, once Robert finishes Morehouse, he’ll continue to Wharton to obtain an MBA. We expect him to take over Wall Street before he’s thirty.”

I’m slumped in the chair. Fuck that. Are you kidding me? So I can work the same ridiculous hours you and Dad do? I’d actually like to attend my son’s birthday parties. His basketball games. Have some fucking time for him.

I’m stuck in the house with Jacqueline and Geneviève while Mom has her monthly Links committee meeting. My sisters are reading quietly, poking each other on occasion. Each time it’s about to spiral out of control, I clear my throat and glare. They stop poking each other and resume reading. The meeting is over and these biddies still haven’t left. I wish they’d go. I need to talk to the folks and they’re holding up progress. Continue reading →

Chapter 76.5: I’m not the same person

Armando’s POV—Wednesday

Tank and I are reviewing the third option the Atlanta guys have chosen for a Charlotte headquarters. The first two were busts. Tank didn’t like the locations or the setup inside. This building is more promising, but the longer we walk it, the more flaws I point out. Tank merely nods in agreement. The listing agent is looking at me as if he’d like to choke me now.

“Mr. Cortes, for the needs of your company, this is the perfect setup. Centrally located, priced to sell with excellent potential. This place is perfect.”

My back stiffens. I’ve had enough condescension to last a lifetime. I turn my coldest look on the real estate agent, who goes pale.

“Mr. Law, are you in security?” Head shake. “Have you ever worked with a security company before?” Another no. “Then please explain to me how you know what is perfect for the needs of our company?” Continue reading →

Chapter 76: The Consequences of My Actions

Danny’s POV

I have a head full of dust and a headache. I also have an intense desire to body slam this RangeMan.

“Perhaps if you told me what you were looking for, sir, I might be able to help you find it.” Jason, in charge of the gym and garage. Usually the man in charge of those areas also has charge of the building. I know he’s curious but I’m doing an assessment. He’s been following me around all morning and I’ve asked him, politely, to leave. He hasn’t. My instinct is to tell him to go away, rudely.

“Go away. Now.“

He looks shocked, then angry, before he turns on his heel and marches off. Thank god. Peace and quiet at last. Continue reading →

Chapter 75: Boston

A/N: I would like to thank Roscommon for her outstanding work helping me negotiate the Boston ahcent (LOL) and pointing out local jokes, insider info, and things for Steph to do. The Boston chapters would be very boring without her. Thank you Roscommon!

Jorge’s POV

I asked for hot doughnuts and Krispy Kreme delivered. Now, I know everyone isn’t a fan of Krispy Kreme and I get it. Everyone’s had a bad one but when you have a fresh one, right from the oven, soft, sweet, fragrant with the yeasty goodness . . . sorry, but nothing beats a hot fresh Krispy Kreme.

And judging by the look on Stephanie’s face, she agrees. The moans are starting to get to me. I gotta get somewhere and adjust before I embarrass myself.

“Oh my god,” she moans, with a look of pained ecstasy on her face. People are watching and I’m smiling. We’re in the lobby of Penn Station, waiting for the train to arrive, and Steph’s working through the last one. I had three and she had three. “Where have these been all my life?” she asks, licking her fingers. Continue reading →

Observation

A/N: One-Shot Prompts from Yllyn and molly9429. Thanks!

‘If you make listening and observation your occupation,
you will gain much more than you can by talk.’

Ram’s POV

Steady.

Steady hands, soldier.

I check the scope. Windage. Barometric pressure. Range. Check. Air temperature. Check.

Target is 1500 yards away. Chatting with other insurgents. I’ve been watching for days. They’ll leave, he’ll stay.

They leave.

I pull the trigger.

Next target. Continue reading →