His Smoking Gun: Mafia Vigilante Romance (Gordon's Rage Book 1) Read online

  “Will I ever be able to see again Doctor?” Lisa asked after sipping a few mouthfuls of refreshing cold water. She was almost too afraid to ask.

  Doctor Taylor took the empty glass from Lisa, placed it on the nurses’ trolley, and circled around Lisa’s bed. “Now look, Lisa, I do not want to make any promises that I cannot keep.”

  “Is that a ‘no’ then?” Lisa asked, her voice quivering slightly, trying to control herself.

  “No, no, no, Lisa, let me finish.” Doctor Taylor said softly with a reassuring tone. “You have sustained trauma, and pressure inside your brain is causing you to not be able to see. Over time, the pressure will decrease, and then there is a chance that you could make a full recovery.” Doctor Taylor went on, “But, everybody is different and there could also be a chance that your vision may never return, just know that too, Lisa. I need you to be prepared for any outcome.”

  The door to Lisa’s ward opened again. “Ah, good day, mister Thomas, please come in.” Doctor Taylor said. Lisa heard the door close again. Lisa could hear footsteps approach the bed, and she instinctively turned her head toward the sound. “Hello ma’am, how are you doing today?” Lisa’s heart skipped a beat when she recognized that smooth deep voice: it was Gordon.

  “Gordon, is that you?” Lisa said in just more than a breath.

  “Yes ma’am, they tell me that you are still not able to see?” Gordon replied calmly.

  Lisa felt her eyes tear up as she stared blindly out into what she imagined would be Gordon’s face. “Yes, Gordon, it’s true, I can’t see a thing.”

  “Yes, Mister Thomas, Miss Lombardi is indeed blind, however, we do believe that with some rehabilitation, as the swelling from the trauma she had experienced subsides, she may regain her vision.” Doctor Taylor added.

  Gordon’s deep voice spoke softly again and Lisa felt his large hand wrap warmly around hers. “Well, that is good news, isn’t it?”

  “Yes I guess so.” Lisa said mustering up a tiny smile, relieving some of the lump in her throat.

  “When will she be able to leave here, Doctor?” Gordon asked.

  “Oh, we just have to wait for the final reports from her scans to arrive, just to be on the safe side. However, I do believe that we would be able to discharge her very soon.” Doctor Taylor said, sounding optimistic.

  “Well, there you have it, Miss Lombardi. You’ll be out of here very soon.” Gordon said, and Lisa could hear the smile in his voice. He reached out and dried the tear that was rolling down Lisa’s face with his thumb.

  “Lisa…” Lisa said softly. She could feel heat in her cheeks, not from the lukewarm tear that had streaked down over it, neither from the gentle touch of Gordon wiping that tear away, but she had realized that this man whose name has been on repeat in her mind, didn’t even know hers.

  “What was that ma’am?”

  “Gordon…” Lisa said a bit louder, “My name is Lisa.”

  “Well, Lisa, it is nice to meet you.” Gordon said, as he lifted the hand he was already holding, and softly kissed it. Lisa felt full, warm lips meet the back of her hand, amid the tickling sensation from his stubble beard.

  Doctor Taylor spoke next: “So Lisa, tell me, do you have any family or friends that we could contact to collect you when you are released from our care?”

  With those words Lisa was brought back to the real world, falling from her cloud, like a ton of bricks. “Um, well, Doctor, maybe I could call up a friend of mine, Christine.” Lisa replied.

  “What about your parents, dear?” Doctor Taylor replied.

  Lisa fell silent for a few seconds, “My parents are no longer with us, Doctor…” Lisa said softly.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, my dear, I was not aware, forgive me?” Doctor Taylor said “and Christine, does she live nearby?”

  “Not really, no, she lives about three hour’s drive away from here, but she’s all I can think of, Doctor…” Lisa replied.

  “Doctor, Lisa will be staying with me.” Gordon said, firmly.

  “Oh no, Gordon, I could not expect that of you…” Lisa started, but Gordon squeezed her hand softly and spoke again. “I insist, I live locally, and my home is open to you, Lisa.” Gordon turned to the doctor, and continued, “Doctor, please let me know when I can collect Miss Lombardi, as well as a list of anything she may need. I will make arrangements, then for the proper help she may need while in my care.”

  “Lisa, is that fine with you?” Doctor Taylor asked.

  Lisa was quiet for a while. I don’t even know Gordon…but I trust him.

  “Gordon, I already owe you my life…” Lisa started, then Gordon spoke again in his deep voice, and Lisa could hear the care in his voice. “Lisa, you owe me nothing, but if you truly feel that you owe me, you can now repay me by gracing my home with your company.”

  Lisa smiled, “Then, Mister Thomas, I would be delighted.”

  Just then the door opened again. “Ah, thanks, Jenny.” Doctor Taylor said, “Lisa, your lab results are back, and I will send for your release documents. I will brief you and Mister Thomas here on your rehabilitation.”

  “That is good news, Doctor, thank you, and thanks, Gordon, for taking me in.” Lisa said.

  “Isn’t he just a saint?” Doctor Taylor chimed in.

  “An angel, is more like it…”

  Chapter 3: Home is where the heart is

  Lisa felt the car stop and then heard the sound of a motorized gate opening. They had arrived at the home of Gordon Thomas. The engine hummed as they took a meandering pathway through the gates. Lisa could tell that they were driving for some distance before they came to a halt.

  “Here we are, Lisa…” Gordon said “Now just stay put and let me come ‘round to help you out.” Gordon shut down the car and got out. He walked over to her side and opened the passenger door and took her hand. He helped her out of the car when Lisa heard a voice from close by.

  “Good day, Sir, Madam, is there any luggage I can help with?” came the voice of a young man, with a slightly British, yet neutral accent.

  “Thank you Adam, I do not think our guest had brought any luggage, but thank you.” Gordon replied.

  “All right, Sir, do you need any assistance?” Adam asked.

  “No, thank you, Adam, I think we will be having drinks in the lounge in a few minutes, if you could get the kettle going…”

  “Very well, Sir.” Adam replied and briskly walked away.

  “Who was that?” Lisa asked shyly.

  “Oh, that was Adam, he is my butler, I’s sorry for not introducing you. I figured I would introduce you to the staff when we have had time to settle you in just a bit.” Gordon replied.

  Butler… Staff? How wealthy was this man? Lisa was not used to such lavishness, and would never have guessed that Gordon was this wealthy from the way that he behaved.

  Gordon and Lisa slowly made their way up some steps and then they went in through large double doors. Gordon guided her for a while until they reached the lounge where Gordon guided her to a very plush lounge suite sofa. “Here, have a seat, Lisa.” Gordon said and gently guided Lisa’s hand toward the seat of the sofa, so that she would not struggle to estimate the distance. As she took her seat, a bit awkwardly, because she still misjudged the distance to the seat area slightly, Adam made another appearance.

  “Good day, madam, could I interest you in something to drink? We have quite a selection of different teas or coffee blends to choose from. Naturally if you wanted to opt for something cold, that could be provided as well.” Adam spoke in his neutral tone, but Lisa could detect some eagerness in his voice, perhaps they do not get guests very often.

  “Thank you Adam, I would love some coffee, and I don’t really mind what kind, you can surprise me.” Lisa said kindly and smiled in Adam’s general direction.

  “As you wish madam, and your regular Sir?”

  “Yes thank you Adam, and when you bring the drinks could you ask the staff to join us in the lounge, I would like to introduce ou
r guest to you all. Gordon replied.

  “Certainly Sir.” Adam said and spun on his heel away to wherever he was going to prepare the drinks.

  Gordon took a seat opposite Lisa and spoke, “So Lisa, welcome to my home, I hope that you will find it to your liking. Please know that you are welcome to stay here for as long as needed.”

  “Thank you Gordon, even though I can’t see your house, I get the feeling that it is nothing that I am used to…” Lisa paused and she felt her cheeks heat up as she blushed, “I’m not used to this kind of grandeur Gordon, I have to be honest with you. I come from a family of little means.”

  “Please don’t feel intimidated by any of that, Lisa, I want you to make yourself comfortable here. You don’t have to try to keep up appearances. I insisted that you come here, because to be honest, I could do with some company.”

  “Thank you, Gordon, I really appreciate this, but it seems that you have several people with you at all times in the house, how can you possibly be lonely?” Lisa asked.

  There was a short hesitant silence until Gordon replied: “Lisa, I don’t want to sound arrogant, but, Adam and the others, they are my employees, and although I do care about them, it is not appropriate to be friends with them.”

  Lisa gave this some thought and said: “But, you must have friends from work… by the way, what do you do for a living? Sorry for asking so many questions…” she trailed off.

  “Again,” Gordon replied, “I don’t think it is wise to be friends with people you work with.”

  “And your family?” Lisa asked, but before Gordon replied, Lisa heard footsteps.

  “Thank you, Adam.” Gordon said and Lisa heard him stand up. She heard a tray being put down on a table to her left. She Gordon’s hand on taking hers, helping her to stand up. As she stood, he put his hand on her shoulder. Even though his touch was gentle, she felt the strength in his hand and arm as she stood up.

  “You have already met Adam, the butler. This is Miss Lisa Lombardi. She will be spending some time here. She is recovering from an accident which damaged her eyesight. Please respect her privacy and ensure that she is comfortable and cared for at all times.”

  The gentle authority in Gordon’s voice stirred something in Lisa. It made her feel as though this man could command an army to fight for whatever he chooses them to. Each of the staff members shook her hand as Gordon introduced them. She knew she would not remember them all – there were just too many: a gardener, a chef, several housemaids, even a secretary. She felt very small and insignificant. After the introductions, Gordon asked two of his staff members for a quick word, after which he dismissed the staff. When she heard the footsteps fade and the doors close, she felt Gordon’s strong hands taking her arm, this time holding her steady as he helped her take a seat.

  “Do you take cream and sugar?” Gordon asked Lisa when she settled into her seat again.

  “Some cream please, but no sugar, thanks” Lisa said and Gordon handed her a warm cup of coffee.

  “Now, let me answer some of your questions.” Gordon said as he took his drink from the tray, “I do have people that I consider dear to me, but when I say I could use the company, I meant that it would be lovely having you, an outsider, if you will, here to enjoy some time with.” Gordon took a sip from his mug and continued. “So you asked what I do for a living. I am the owner of a business called West Empire Company, we deal with imports and exports.”

  “Oh, interesting,” Lisa replied “how did you become the owner of such a business at such a young age?”

  Gordon took another sip from his mug, “I inherited the business from my parents when they died.”

  “My parents had died when I was only ten years old.” Lisa said, “So I know how that loss feels. I’m sorry to hear that Gordon. How old were you when they died?”

  “Thank you, Lisa. I was seventeen when both my parents were killed. Criminals wanted to use the business to smuggle weapons and drugs. My parents did not know that this was their intentions until it was too late…”Gordon’s voice changed, his usual smooth deep tone became hard and cold. “My parents wanted to involve the police, but it had turned out that the police were in bed with these criminals and exposed to these criminals, that my parents were ‘ratting them out’…” Gordon fell silent again, taking another pensive sip from his mug.

  “Gordon, that’s just awful.” Lisa replied softly “But, if your parents were killed and the police was in on it, then how did you get the criminals to go away?” Lisa asked.

  Gordon took a large swig from his mug, and it almost seemed to have warmed his spirit again. His voice regained most of its warmth when he spoke “That, my dear, is a story for another time. I would also like to hear about your parents, if you feel like telling me.” Gordon stood up and replaced his mug onto the tray.

  Lisa smiled, a sad smile, and extended her hand to where she knew Gordon was. “I will tell you, but I think that I had enough sadness for the moment. Will you sit with me?”

  Gordon took her hand and Lisa pulled him gently down to sit beside her. He complied and sat back against the soft back rest of the sofa. He put his arm around her shoulders, and Lisa also reclined back, placing her head on his shoulder. Lisa felt a bit overwhelmed by what had happened over the past twenty four hours. She felt like she just needed a small break from all of that, and to process what Gordon had told her about himself and his family. How can a man like him be lonely? Was it the death of his parents that made him shut people out? Did the betrayal of the police with his parents make him lose trust in people? Why was he so protective of me?

  After a while just sitting in silence, Gordon said that he wanted to show her to her room and that he thought that it would be wise for Lisa to get a feel for the layout of the house. They stood up and he held her softly by the arm just above the elbow and guided her through the house. First he showed her to her room as well as how to get to the bathroom from there. Then they started on the grand tour of the house. They walked past several rooms for guests as well as a small library, a small theatre room that could seat about sixteen people for a film on the large screen. They made their way to the music room, which was a large sound proofed room with various instruments and sound equipment. Then they made it to Gordon’s office. They walked through the office towards doors on the opposite end of the room. Lisa could feel the warmth of the sun baking onto this side of the room, and it gave her a warm and comfortable feeling. They went through those doors and were outside on the inside court. Gordon explained to her that there was a swimming pool and a bar there. By this time it had become late afternoon and the sun was setting. Gordon was still showing Lisa around when Adam reappeared.

  “Pardon the interruption, Sir, all of the things you requested have arrived.” Adam, said.

  “Marvellous, thank you Adam.” Gordon said.

  “Good Sir, will you be going for another ride tonight?” Adam asked.

  “I think I might, just as soon as Miss Lombardi, here gets herself changed.” Gordon said and a broad smile was evident in his voice.

  “Oh Gordon, but I don’t have anything to change into, I completely forgot to ask you to help me pick up some clothes from my apartment.” Lisa replied, feeling a bit irritated with herself as well as very self-conscious.

  “Not to worry, let me take you to your room and show you.” Gordon said, and with that they were off to her room, through the labyrinth that was the mansion he lived in.

  When they arrived at the room which was allocated to Lisa, Gordon saw that his staff had done as requested.

  “On the bed you will find clothes suitable for you to wear for our ride. I sent out my personal shopper, together with my tailor to get you clothes to wear, seeing as we did not bring any for you. I believe everything should be in the correct sizes.” Gordon guided Lisa to the bed where she reached out and felt a set of clothes put out for her placed on the luxurious bed.

  “You will also find a set of riding boots next to the bed near the clothes.
”

  “Are we going out horse riding?” Lisa asked

  Gordon laughed “You’ll find out soon enough, please get dressed, I’ll be waiting for you in the lounge. Adam will be waiting outside your door in case you need anything or need help getting to the lounge.

  “Alright, man of mystery, I will do as I am told. Thank you for arranging these clothes for me. I really appreciate everything you are doing for me.” Lisa replied.

  “You are very welcome, Lisa. See you in a few minutes.”

  Gordon left her room and closed the door. Lisa felt her way to the clothes that was neatly put out for her. How thoughtful he is, I wonder what he is up to? He had a bit of a sly sound to his voice when I asked about horse-riding. Lisa found a pair of jeans that fit like a glove. There was also a cotton shirt that felt so rich in her hands. It was as if the fabric was almost liquid. After she put on the jeans and the shirt, Lisa found the boots that Gordon had referred to. It was made of a very supple leather, and the quality of the workmanship was obvious even to Lisa that could only appreciate it by touch. She found a long pair of soft thicker socks inside the boots that had been put there for her to easily find them. Again, very thoughtful of Gordon and his staff, I must remember to thank them for their effort.

  After she had the pair of boots on that fit snugly over the jean bottoms she called out softly “Adam, are you there?”

  “Yes, madam, how can I assist you?” Adam’s muffled reply came through the door.

  “Please come in Adam, could you please help me to the lounge?”

  “Certainly madam, you look dashing!” Adam said and Lisa could tell that he was sincere which made her blush.

  “Oh Adam, I don’t even know what I look like, for all I know I put on the shirt backwards!” Lisa said

  “Not at all madam, not a single malfunction.” Adam said as they arrived in the lounge.

  “Are you ready, Lisa?” Gordon said in his deep mellow voice.

  Lisa stood there drawing her fingers through her hair “I don’t really know, mister mystery. What on earth are we about to go do?” she asked.