3 The Braque Connection by Estelle Ryan Read Free Book Online Page A

draped around his large shoulders. Behind him Manny had grown quiet. I awkwardly patted Vinnie’s shoulder. “I’m okay, Vinnie.”
    He shook his head and held me tighter. I looked over his shoulder into my apartment. Manny was standing a few feet behind Vinnie, scowling. He looked even more rumpled than normally. Dark rings under his bloodshot eyes showed that he too had suffered. His unshaven jaw was not the usual lazy one-day stubble. It was a few days’ growth. He looked exhausted.
    “Come on, big guy. Let’s go inside.” Colin’s hand rested lightly on Vinnie’s arm and pushed him into my apartment. “Jenny’s been wanting to be in her own place since she woke up.”
    Still Vinnie would not let me go. He turned around and took a few steps towards the sitting area to the left. The living area of my loft apartment was one large space, strategically divided into the sitting area to the left of the front door, my library and reading area to the right. Deeper into the apartment, after the reading area, was the kitchen—across from it, the dining area. Vinnie stopped next to one of the two large sofas.
    I heard him swallow, and allowed him a few more seconds to compose himself before I would start squirming. My dislike of being touched was not nearly as important as assuring Vinnie that I was here and mostly unharmed. A strong tremor shook his body before he released his hold on me. He lowered me to the ground, but anchored me with his hands on my shoulders.
    I was the one studying people, analysing the expressions on their faces. Being on the receiving end of such a scrutiny from Vinnie was a novel experience. I waited him out.
    “Jen-girl.” He cleared his throat. Bending slightly at the knees, he peered into my eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
    “I will feel much better once I’ve had a shower, but I’m operating just fine, thank you.”
    “Did those fuckers hurt you?”
    “Yes, but I didn’t feel it.” My half-shrug was unsuccessful. His hand on my shoulder was too heavy. “It hurts a little now, but the bruising will disappear in another few days.”
    The scar on the side of his face became pronounced as his lips compressed. “I will get those bastards, Jen-girl.”
    “No, you won’t.” Manny stepped closer, but was wise enough to not be within punching distance. “I want you to be in jail, but for some reason Doc likes you, so you will let us do this the right way.” Manny looked at me. “We will get these sons of bitches the legal way and make sure they never see the light of day again.”
    I gasped. “You can’t kill them, Manny.”
    “I’m not going to kill the… ah. That saying means they will never leave prison, Doc. Not that I will kill them.” The small smile my misunderstanding brought to his face was worth my annoyance at yet again lacking knowledge of common lexicon. He inhaled deeply and let it out on a loud sigh. “I’m glad you’re home, Doc. I’m even glad to see the thief.”
    Colin pushed past Manny, purposefully bumping him out the way. He held out his hand to greet Vinnie. My shoulders felt much lighter as Vinnie lifted his hands and used Colin’s outstretched hand to pull him into a man-hug. At least Colin’s height was near enough to Vinnie’s to not necessitate being lifted off the ground. Manny looked at the two friends with disgust curling his top lip.
    “Genevieve?”
    I turned around to see Phillip and Francine quietly waiting to greet me. They too wore the stress of the last two days on their faces and bodies. Francine was dressed like a supermodel, her exotic looks enhanced by the cream dress and designer jewellery. Her eyes were void of the usual dark eyeliner and mascara she used to draw attention. A few dark stains under her eyes were evidence of tears having washed away her makeup. I liked Francine being my only female friend. She was not overly emotional like most women. Therefore I was taken aback at the fresh tears in her eyes.
    “I’m