Chapter 149 The Bar
Shea's P.O.V.
I watch Dakota as she goes through each of the businesses. Their family has several restaurants, a bar, and an accounting firm. They also sell alcohol and guns. I know that Dakota trusts me. Otherwise, she wouldn't let me in on the family business or ask me to be her assistant. I'm still a little intimidated by her.
Tyler holds my hand as we listen to her talk about what she wants each of us to do. We're basically being paired up to go through everything related to our assigned business. Tyler and I have the bar.
"I want you two to take the bar because Yegor was over that one, and as he's no longer with us, we can't ask questions. Go through every piece of paper, financials, and employees. If you see anything illegal going on there, let me know immediately. Once you're done, I'll have you report your findings. Ari and Galdino will be the only ones outside this room who will know what we're doing. Galdino will provide the security we need and any other resources. Do you have any questions?" I look at Tyler, and we shake our heads.
"Good. Shea, can I talk to you outside for a minute?" Dakota stands and heads for the door. I follow her nervously. When we're in the hallway, she shuts the door and smiles.
"I just wanted to see how you're doing. Your bruises don't look good. If you need some more time to rest, I'll understand." I don't know how she goes from mob boss to concerned friend in a matter of seconds, but it helps me relax.
"I look worse than I am. Thank you for giving me a chance to work for you. I didn't want to go back to the club." Dakota smiles again and takes my hand.
"Galdino and Ari both said you’re very smart, and I don't want that wasted. Ari also said you were the only friend he ever really had, so I know I can trust you. Don't be scared to talk to me if you see anything that concerns you. I know you have a good eye and can read people." I smile and squeeze her hand.
"I will." She hugs me, and tears sting my eyes. She doesn't know how much it means to me to have a real friend. We return to the office, and she takes her seat behind the desk. Tyler holds my hand as soon as I sit down. I look around at the others, and my heart feels like it's going to burst. This is a family, and I'm part of it.
"Noah and Kylie, I want you to go through the accounting firm. It's mostly online, so you can use my office. Uncle Kozy runs that business, so I don't expect anything illegal to be going on behind the scenes, but I'm not leaving anything to chance." I look at Noah and the young woman next to him. She seems nervous, and she's clinging to Noah like she's afraid he's going to leave her.
"We will," Noah replies, looking at his laptop.
"Sarah and Xavier, I want you to take the restaurants. Uncle Zaky is over them. Again, I don't suspect you'll find anything illegal, but don't hesitate to let me know if you do. The selling of guns and alcohol, we'll look at after we've finished with the legit businesses. Do any of you have any questions?" Dakota looks around the room and then stands.
"Let me know if you need anything. I'm going to try to get a little sleep before I pass out. I love you guys. Be careful." She walks out of the office, and we all stare after her.
"I've never seen her like this. I think Yegor's betrayal hurt her more than even she may know. Let's do this for her and hope that we find everything is on the up and up." Sarah says as she and Xavier stand. I look at Tyler, and we get up.
"Are you ready to go to the bar?" Tyler asks.
"Yes. Let me put some makeup on to cover my bruises." He takes my hand, and we go to his room. Dakota somehow made sure I had clothes, toiletries, and everything else I needed. With everything going on, I don't know how she even thinks of stuff like that. I put on enough makeup to cover most of the bruises on my face. I then put on a pair of black dress pants and a green blouse. It feels more professional than jeans and a T-shirt. Tyler watches me as I change clothes. I don't care about him seeing me naked. After I'm dressed, I comb my long blonde hair. When I look in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself. I don't look like someone who takes their clothes off for money. Tyler wraps his arms around me from behind.
"You look beautiful." I look at him in the mirror and smile. I turn in his arms and pull his face to mine so I can kiss him. I slide my hands into his short hair as I open my mouth, and our tongues meet. When I pull back, he continues holding me.
"Thank you for not being a jerk," I tell him. He kisses my forehead.
"Thank you for giving me a chance." When we walk outside, there's a car with two of Galdino's men waiting for us. They drive us to the bar about thirty minutes away. It's still early morning, so I don't expect anyone to be there, but the parking lot is full.
"Should there be this many people here?" I ask Tyler as we stop. The two men in front get out with us.
"I didn't think there would be. Let's be careful going in. I don't know what Yegor was up to, but I have a feeling it's not good." We approach the bar, and one of Galdino's men opens the door with a key. It's dark at first when we walk inside, but once my eyes adjust, I feel sick. This bar isn't a bar. It looks like Yegor was trafficking not only women and men but also children.