Chapter 46: The Cedar Room

“It’s around 5 p.m., and I’m probably not the only one here who’s hungry. And I have money burning a hole in my pocket. Can you guys call around? We need to find a good restaurant with a banquet room which we can take over for a private meal. Everything is my treat, I insist.”

In the “Cedar Room” of the restaurant where Willie and Trey had eaten before, Mia and Willie told their stories, beginning with Lucia moving in, then Julián. Then she described the goon squad, the street-side surveillance, and the home invasion.

It was Willie’s turn. She described Tricia’s sudden appearance in her backyard, why she was Willie’s secret housemate, and how it turned into more. The two of them smiled at each other, prompting an “Aww” from the others. Then, they took the necessary steps to keep Tricia’s identity a secret, which included opening the fence, building a screening pergola, and finally, creating Trey.

“This I have to see: Trishie as Trey,” remarked Sally.

Then it was Sally’s turn to explain, beginning with her abduction from boarding school. When she explained the murders of Paul and David, she told the same story as before. She referred to jealous David as the instigator (and also showed the wound on her arm). During this recounting, her dining companions were silent and quiet, leaving their food untouched.

Then she explained how Elias Sandro was determined to bury the whole sordid affair. Then she revealed that she and Tricia had received millions in “go away and keep quiet” bribes.

“The decision is entirely yours, but I believe that you and Willie could have an incredible honeymoon. Let’s see. What else?

“Oh, yeah, Uncle, we need to talk about your business. Do you want to stay where you are or have a new building? Things like that.

“Lucia, I’m putting you on an ultimate health insurance plan so you can have proper treatment for your back.”

“Thank you, Sally. But aren’t you forgetting someone?”

“No, it’s fine. Gabe and I are doing well. We have the spa, and Gabe has his baby, the Cadillac. We also have enough space for Lucia and Jul to live with us. Now that your evil family has abandoned us, perhaps we should plan a vacation. Or is it Del who is being left out?”

“Oh, no, Del and I have an agreement already, and he says he’s content, right?”

Del nodded his head. His impassive expression didn’t change. Gabe was shifting, nervously.

“Sally, if we need something in the future, can we approach you then?”

“Of course you can. You took in my uncle when he was in need, that’s a debt I will remember. And you have only had a few minutes to absorb everything. Don’t worry, I got you.”

“Mia, my love, everything you said about us is true. Now that Sandro is gone, we can enjoy a wonderful life in our home here. There’s just one thing you forgot: a vacation home up in the mountains.”