“So the monetary value you assign to my peace of mind is fifty thousand?”
“It’s a generous offer,” Mr. James pointed out.
“Maybe,” Tina said. “But I’m pissed beyond expression.”
“Understandable.” To his credit, Mr. James did sound genuinely sympathetic. “I’ve taken the liberty of promoting you to a full associate. Your belongings have already been moved to a corner office.”
She tried to take it all in. Wondered how twenty-four hours had made all the difference. In her heart she knew the answer. Her outlaw had taken control, paid a visit to Kline, threatened and beat him scared, then tracked down those guardian angels from the bathroom at the restaurant. No wonder he lied about an officers’ meeting yesterday. Vincent Ramos was the perfect vigilante.
Most women would walk away, but not her. Although she abhorred violence, this one time she understood. She gazed at him with deep appreciation and more respect than she’d ever held for anyone. Even more than she had for her father.
She focused on the paperwork again. The language contained in the nondisclosure statement didn’t raise any warning flags. She’d supervised the writing of dozens of these during her tenure at James and Bronte.
“I’m open to this arrangement if you agree to a couple of additions.”
“Such as?” Alex tapped his fingers on the table.
“Addendum one—Mr. Barnes must attend anger control management classes for the next year, then provide a certificate of completion to me, and a copy of the paperwork will be included in this file. Addendum two—Mr. Barnes will donate fifty thousand dollars to the Corpus Christi Women’s Shelter.”
Kline made a strangled sound, but Alex hushed him by whispering something in his ear. “We accept.”
“Shall I wait while Christine types this up?” Tina asked.
Alex and his nephew cleared the room.
Tina turned to Vincent. “What did you do?”
“Have I told you I love you today?”
“Vincent.”
“Club business,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
That’s when she knew he’d never say a word. She could badger and beg for answers, but he’d never break.
Mr. James returned fifteen minutes later, alone. “Please review the nondisclosure agreement again, then when you’re ready to sign, Christine will act as a witness and the notary.”
The whole process was over quickly. Mr. James shook hands with Vincent, then her. “Do you want to see your new office before you go?” he asked.
Vincent draped his arm across her shoulders. “We have all week,” he said.
“Actually, Mr. James, I appreciate your efforts. Really I do. But after our meeting yesterday, I could never represent this firm again. My heart is invested elsewhere.” She met Vincent’s dark eyes, pride radiating from her. “Please accept my immediate resignation.”
He looked stunned. “I understand, Ms. Bethel. Christine will prepare the paperwork, including a letter of reference and three months’ salary; it will be ready for you tomorrow. But if you ever change your mind…”
“I won’t,” Tina said, then pulled Vincent out of the conference room, ready to get away from all the bad memories.
Chapter 33
THREE WEEKS LATER, THANKSGIVING DINNER…
Vincent felt as much pride as Tina did when he studied the adoption certificate Dustin proudly shared with him at the dinner table. “Deserves a toast.” Vincent held up his wineglass. “To family,” he said.
“To family…” everyone chorused.
Vincent had made a choice earlier as he dressed for the holiday party: he could live without wearing his colors for one evening. Out of respect for Tina and her family, he decided to give them some time to adjust to the idea of their daughter living with a 1%er. Yes, he’d asked Tina to move into the clubhouse full time until they bought a house together. She wanted to use some of her settlement money for the down payment.
Mr. Bethel handed Vincent a bowl of mashed potatoes, then the gravy boat. Everything smelled good.
“I received a hand-delivered notice from James and Bronte yesterday,” Tina offered as she spooned some dressing on her plate. “Kline Barnes relocated to San Antonio. The hospitals there offer better rehabilitation programs. And the donation to the women’s shelter was made in my name.”
“That’s wonderful news, sweetie,” her mom said.
“Did you get an address on Kline?” her dad asked. “I’d like to check on him once in a while, make sure he stays where he belongs.”
The nondisclosure agreement forbade Tina from discussing the settlement outside her family unit. It seemed Mr. James possessed the wisdom to foresee her need to share her experience with her parents. For that, Vincent was grateful. He watched lovingly as she interacted with her parents and brother, desperately missing his sons. No longer satisfied with weekly phone calls and the occasional sleepover, he’d decided to change things. Just how, he didn’t know yet.