My First Apartment Chapter 21

Charlie stayed the night. We shared another magical evening together. The following morning Charlie checked the outside of my apartment and the immediate area.

All clear, Lana! I have to get going! Text me and let me know how you are doing, okay?

I will! I said. I kissed him deeply.

I'll be back around 6!

He gave me a soft lip kiss and headed back to his place. I started organizing my things. I had to move today. I started cleaning things up. My phone rang at 9 am. It was Keith.

Keith picked me up at 10 am. He took me to the Windham Hotel. Rianna sat me down and we went through everything from the day I moved in to yesterday.

Keith was listening and taking notes. Keith had me repeat my answers a few times. Rianna and Keith were adamant about the smallest details. They were professional about their questions. I found it to be exhausting. I was proud of myself, I never tripped up an answer.

What's going on guys? I asked.

Lana, before I answer let's be very clear! You have never crossed paths with these people before you moved in? Rianna asked

No, never! I never engaged with them the first day Lou started shouting at me. What's going on he?

Lana, the son, Lou Jr., Lou Sr., and his wife, Evelyn, are career criminals! They have their own little criminal network. Keith and I reviewed their criminal records. These are some very bad people. While they've never been convicted of any serious crimes, there is a lot of circumstantial evidence linking them to some very serious activities. Rianna said.

What are you saying? I asked

I'm saying you can put these people away! They also have a substantial amount of money and property. What you need to realize is that if you continue with this, things will get worse before they get better. Rianna said.

What am I going to do?

I have an idea, but you might not like it! We need to stash you away safely until the trial. In the meantime, the police are going to aggressively investigate their organization.

Stash me away? School starts in a couple of weeks!

I know this is lousy timing but we need to file this lawsuit tomorrow! If the police seize their property and a lawsuit isn't filed, you won't get what you are entitled to. We need to document your civil case with your criminal case. The real estate company is pressing charges, so regardless of your willingness to press charges you will still have to testify.

Where am I going to stay?

For now, you will stay at your apartment. The police will assign you a security detail.

The police are going to pull warrants soon. According to what Amy told me, they have been under investigation several times. This may be the break they need. Rianna explained.

I guess I'm not starting school right away? I said rhetorically. Probably not! But I know a great place to stash you! You're going to love it!

Where? I asked

Sorry, it's a surprise. Rianna said.

This is a lot more than I bargained for! I said

I know, I've been in this position myself! Rianna said. The threat wasn't as high but it was still there. You're going to be fine! Amy and Detective Perez are all over this. Once everyone is locked up you can return to your normal life!

Gosh, I hope so! I was just starting to enjoy my life for the first time!

I kept thinking about, Charlie! My transition, my friends. Chloe and my Dad. I was thinking this is going to really screw up Christmas. I could tell Rianna had a plan. I could also tell Rianna wasn't the typical civil attorney either. She genuinely cared about me.

Are you two ready? Keith asked

5 minutes! Ree said. We need to freshen up!

We went back to the courthouse. Detective Perez was there with Tony. Tony was wearing a badge on his belt. We filed my civil suit. Amy showed up and smiled at me.

Right this way Ms Simmons! Amy said.

I walked down the corridor, through a secured entrance, and into a very secure room. A uniformed officer was at the entrance.

Put all your electronic devices in the box! He said. Once our items were secured, he handed the key to Detective Perez.

Thank you, officer! Detective Perez said. We entered the so-called conference room. I knew what kind of room this was. I just realized things were much worse than I imagined. The door closed and I heard an electronic buzzing noise.

Amy began to speak, Lana...

Excuse me! Ms Rutherford! Everyone!

Are we in a SCIF?

Impressive! How do you about that? Asked a very Handsome Asian man. He looked a lot like Rick Yune from the first Fast and Furious movie.

My father was in the Air Force! He told me about these things! I never imagined I'd be in one!

Amy started again. Lana, I'd like to introduce you to special agents Julius Rowe from the ATF, Blake Collins, and John Park from the FBI. They will be working with Detective Perez, me, and the US Attorney's Office.

Why do I feel like I have just stepped into a crime novel? I asked.

You said she's smart! Ree! Agent Park said.

I told you! Rianna said.

You have stepped into an investigation and situation we haven't had any luck with for over two years. Amy said.

Why are there two federal agencies involved? I asked. I thought they were a local crime family?

Ms Simmons, we can't disclose information about an ongoing investigation. However, I can tell you, your testimony is crucial to our investigation. We are going to be relocating you for your protection. We will take care of you! Agent Park said.

Wait! Are you John Park? Rianna's husband?

Yes, I am! Don't worry about anything we'll take good care of you!

What about my Dad? I need to call him!

I'll take care of that, and Charlie!

My stuff? It's being packed as we speak. I also made arrangements with your doctor for your medication! Rianna said. I've got you covered! This isn't my first rodeo!

Or ours! Said the huge FBI agent.

Blake Collins? I asked

Yes!

My Dad loved watching you crush the Longhorns!

We're going to crush these people too. Just work with us! Tell the truth, if you are approached by anyone not in this room about this case, contact one of us immediately! No one outside this room is allowed to know where you are.

Great.... I get shacked up in some crappy motel?

No! I have a far better idea! You're going to love it! John said. Trust me!

I was taken back to my apartment. Chloe waved us into the office.

Lana! I packed up everything Rianna told me to. I even bought you some new boots, warm clothes, and a coat, just in case. Hopefully, this will be over soon. I had everything transferred to your new apartment for your return. I'm going to miss you, sweetie! Chloe said.

Chloe hugged me tightly. A caravan of SUVs picked me up and took me to the Navy Weapons Station. John, Rianna, and I got on the Learjet with me. We flew East and then turned North.

3 hours later we landed at a tiny private airport. We unloaded at the far west end of the Terminal. It was so far away that no one could see us with the sun setting. An older man in a big black Chevy Crew Cab truck approached us.

Grandpa! Rianna said. She hugged him and kissed his cheek.

Hi champ! He said to John.

Thanks for this, Hank! I make sure the Bureau will compensate you! John said.

Not a problem! We love company! Hank said. I know May will be thrilled.

We loaded the back of his truck with my things. I noticed Hank was wearing a holster with a gun similar to John's.

Lana, this is my adopted grandfather, Hank Pambini! Rianna said

Nice to meet you, Lana!

Are you a federal agent? I asked.

Heavens No! I'm a Vinter! My family has been making wine for over 150 years! Hank said proudly.

Come on, we have a bit of a drive, especially in the dark. Hank said. May, will probably have dinner ready when we get home.

We got in the truck and started driving.

Where are we? I asked.

Just outside Napa Valley! John said. You'll be safe here.

Just relax and enjoy the fresh air! No one knows where you are. Rianna said.

Here, take these! This is a secure Cell phone and Satellite phones. The numbers are pre-programmed. You can only call the numbers in the contact list. If you lose both of them, call this number and wait for instructions. Do not leave the property for any reason. Do not call, email, or even write a letter.

What am I supposed to do? I asked

What can you do? Hank asked.

I'm pretty good at fixing things. I did apartment maintenance before all this.

Good, you can help me! Can you cook?
.
I'm okay! I said. I'm sure May wouldn't mind the help! Hank said.

Relax, Lana! You're in great hands here. I love it here! It's my favorite place in the world. Rianna said.

I looked at the mountains, and it was very picturesque! I've lived in California most of my life and never seen anything like this! It looked like something from a dream or fantasy.

Here we are! Hank said as he turned into a long gravel driveway.

Where is the house? I asked.

We'll be there in about five minutes! I have a long driveway!

It was dark when we parked the truck. The house lights were the only thing cutting through the blackness. I've never seen it so dark. It was both beautiful and terrifying.
.
You must be Lana! Welcome to our home! I'm Hank's wife May. If you need anything, just ask!

Ree!!! She rushed to hug Rianna. John!

Hi May! She hugged him too!

She said something to John in Korean.

Hank responded! May!

She smiled and said, You're handsome too!

John and Hank will take care of your things! Come ladies! May said. She was kinda taking charge.

May is a small petite Korean Woman. I'm not sure how old she is, but she looked young for her age. Hank was over 6 feet tall and muscular for his age. He had a cowboy's rugged good look. He kinda reminded me of Scott Glenn in Silverado.

The house was a typical two-story farmhouse. It was old but well-maintained. The inside smelled like a gourmet kitchen.

Sit Lana! Make yourself at home. Would you like some wine?

I'm not twenty-one yet!

Lana, this is a family-owned vineyard! Having a glass of wine before or during dinner is customary! It is a way of showing respect to others. This is a custom that started in Europe hundreds of years ago.

As your attorney, I advise you to sample a glass to show respect to your host. Rianna smiled. May and Hank chuckled.

It's okay if you're on private property and don't leave! John said.

If you insist! I said.

May brought out spaghetti and meat sauce with garlic bread and green beans.

We ate a family style dinner. It felt good sitting down for dinner around a table full of people. The closest thing to family dinner I had was the last dinner Dad and I had at my old house before we moved out.

Hank and May were very nice and told great stories about their little slice of heaven in the mountain valley. I could see why Rianna and John loved it here. I could see how much these two couples loved each other.

After dinner Ree showed me to the guest room. All my bags were spread out on the floor.

Get some rest Lana! The bathroom is down and across the hall. John and I will explain everything in the morning, coffee and sunrise at 6 am. We'll be down the hall!

I put on a baby doll nightie and was out when I laid down.

I woke up at 5:30 am. I brushed my hair and teeth and washed my face. I put on my pink robe and went downstairs. I followed the smell of coffee. May and Rianna were swinging on the porch.

May saw me as I walked into the kitchen.

Good morning Lana! She hugged me! I hugged her back. She reminded me of my late grandmother. May is so sweet!

Coffee cups are here. I have cream, sugar and Splenda over here. Help yourself and join us! The Sun is about to rise! May said.

Thank you! I said. I prepared my coffee. I used the French vanilla creamer and Splenda. The back porch was as big as the front porch was. Each had four large porch swings. It was a little chilly outside. I sat across from Rianna. Rianna got up and handed me a blanket.

Tell me your story, Lana! It must be good one, if my granddaughter is involved! Rianna never backs down from a good fight! May said.

Wrong place wrong time I guess! I'm not supposed to discuss it! I said.

You can tell her up to how we met! Rianna said.

I'd like to hear this! John walked out with his coffee.

Morning handsome! May said in a friendly teasing tone.

Handsome, Really? Hank said in a joking manner.

Aww! Come here Handsome! May said to Hank smiling as she kissed his cheek.

Are you sure you want to hear this? I asked.

We watched the sunrise as I told my story again. As I told my story again, I watched the sunrise. It was a beautiful sight. I also felt a newfound strength beginning to grow inside myself. As I told the story the same way I watched the faces of everyone around me.

Everyone was listening intentionally. No one interrupted me, or made a single noise as I finished my story.

You're a brave young woman! Hank said.

She reminds me of someone else we know! May said, looking at Rianna.

She's one tough woman, that's for sure! John said. I can see why you're so fond of her! She reminds me of a younger you! John explained, kissing Rianna's cheek.

I wasn't trying to be brave. I wasn't looking for trouble! I said.

Smart people never look for trouble! Rianna said. Smart people fight through trouble! You're a fighter! Don't underestimate yourself! Rianna said.

We finished our coffee and waited for the Sun to clear the mountain, the mist sparkled in the sunlight. Soon afterwards we made our way inside for breakfast.

Rianna and May made Mexican skillet eggs blended with meat, onions, red peppers, potatoes and cheese. It was really good.

What is going on today? I asked.

John spoke up.

Today we're going to give you a tour of the vineyard. You can go wherever you want on the property, but do not leave, do not contact anyone ever, including us unless it is an emergency! Don't go into town, don't mingle with the workers.

For the time being, you are a ghost, Lana. My friends and I are going to do everything we can to bring these criminals to justice. To do that we need you safe. John said.

Hank and May will take good care of you! Rianna said. You can trust them! If you need anything, tell May. She knows what to do! In the meantime. I'm having a couple packages mailed to you here in May's name. For now relax and enjoy the sunrise and sunsets. Rianna said.

What about My friends, Charlie, My Dad? I asked.

I'll contact everyone. In the meantime just enjoy this magical place. With any luck it will only be a couple of months. Rianna said.