Nash: The Secret Billionaire Society

Prologue

“Mr. Nash Gill?” the voice said over the speakers.

“Present and accounted for Mr. Smith!” I raised my hand like I remembered Chase had when he was given the first assignment. He was the leader of our group, although he hated to admit it, and I followed his lead. “Yes, sir. I’m ready for duty. Cue the music.”

I expected the Mission Impossible theme song to start up but only heard the breathing of my buddies around me.

“Be serious, Nash,” Chase’s voice came from behind me.
I could be serious as the next guy, but what was life without a little fun? My motto had been live fast and furious until I met these five guys in college. I passed up a football scholarship to attend Harvard and thank goodness I did. Not every guy made it to the NFL, and I’d been smart enough to realize it. My dream had always been the same since middle school, own a gym. Back then, I oddly thought I’d work out for free and hang with the customers. The older I got, I realized I needed business skills, networking and marketing experience. Where else better to learn the ropes than Harvard?

My roommate was a great guy from the New York City area, Beau Miller, and we’d quickly made friends with Chase Young and Finn Larsson who lived down the hall. Finn was from California, a rich guy’s son, who wanted out from under his daddy’s shadow, and Chase was driven to become something even back then. We added Gabe and Kade to the group sophomore year, and we’d been tight ever since.

Chase had been the first to see my potential, encouraging me to follow my dream of opening a fitness center in Miami. I owned a chain of them now, Gill’s Gym, in Florida and one in Charlotte, North Carolina, Chase’s hometown.

In fact, I was in Charlotte now. I sat in the bunker, as we called it, a place Chase had built on his property in North Carolina. Actually, it was a glorified man cave, the outer room filled with manly toys and the inner sanctum, where only the six were allowed, looked like an interrogation room with a one-way mirror and two rows of seats. We’d entered the room as a unit when Mr. Smith came to call.

Who in the hell was Mr. Smith? We had no idea. I thought back to our thirtieth birthday bash, all celebrated on the same day, an annual tradition since we graduated from college and went our separate ways. We’d come from all parts of the country to attend Harvard and on our birthday, no one could keep us apart. Thirty was big, or as I’d heard it called, Dirty Thirty. Had no idea why, but I liked it. Turning the big three-o got us thinking. What had we done with our lives?

We’d formed the Secret Billionaire Society as a joke during our junior year at Harvard, swearing we’d all be one by the time we reached thirty. To our surprise, it happened sooner rather than later, thanks to Chase’s investment skills and Finn’s ties to people with money and connections. The three of us were the first to agree to the made-up club. I dragged Beau into the society kicking and screaming. He insisted he’d reach the big time without us. But once he heard the pledge, we’d help each other no matter the circumstances, he was in.

Kade and Gabe were the creative types and didn’t care about money in college. Then, they came to their senses. To follow their dreams, they needed cash or investors and jumped in feet first. Or headfirst? Whatever.

I learned to slow down but never gave up having a good time. I also despised being looked at as a jock because I worked out and liked it. Two lines of Chinese script tattoos ran down the inside of one bicep which made some think I was vain, all about the body and the look. Maybe a day’s worth of stubble didn’t help either. I shrugged it off long ago. No one, except these guys and my ex-girlfriend, knew I was a big softie inside.

On the fateful thirtieth birthday night, we drank, sang and reminisced until one in the morning. All went well until someone had gotten melancholy and asked if this was all there was to life—partying, drinking and making money. I stood, beer in hand, and gave quite the speech about the qualities of those three exact things. Someone threw wads of alcohol-soaked napkins in my direction as I broke into song. After the fight had calmed, we stared at each other for the longest time. It became the lightbulb moment. Beau did some research and Mr. Smith was born. The man behind the mirror. We’d never met him. We didn’t know what he looked like. Yet, we’d agreed to put our lives in his hands and trust him.

We only knew his name—Mr. Smith. He was now in charge of us. He’d receive all we owned if we did not follow through with the assignments. That became our motivation, get our money back from him. If one failed, we all did. We thought Smith had selfless goals when we hired him early the next morning, spouting how much he liked our talk of doing something for the greater good. He promised to fit the assignments into our lives. Maybe he didn’t have selfless goals after demanding our assets go into a trust. He might end up with all our money, but the Society agreed we wouldn’t quit the project. We’d succeed no matter what.

During the birthday night, I found the Mission Impossible theme song and kept playing it during key moments. I thought it added suspense, but someone, no make that two guys, had to wrestle my cell away and threw it into another room. Couldn’t a guy have a little fun? Sure, this was serious, we might have to start over again financially if we didn’t complete our missions. Yet at five in the morning, no one seemed to care about the money. For a birthday bash, we’d gotten way too serious on how to save the world or let us get real … one person. Money be damned. I had liked the partying mood we’d established earlier in the night and wished to get back to it.

Before ending the call with Mr. Smith, the six of us had been instructed to put together dossiers. A special courier would retrieve the drives on a set day and deliver them to Smith. Once he had the memory stick in hand, he’d know everything about us. The only thing we asked was to give each of us a separate assignment. He’d set the parameters, make the rules.

After Smith received and read our bios, another courier would deliver the next set of instructions. Mr. Smith took no chances and didn’t want us to use our cell phones, email, texts, or any technical means of communication to contact him. The first message we received had been to construct a soundproof room where we could meet, and the bunker was born.

Once built, we’d get our assignment and instructions in the room plus a burner phone, like Chase had, whenever we needed to speak to the man. Smith had already tweaked the rules for my mission after speaking with Chase. The rest of us could keep our real phones, besides the burner, a lesson learned from the first assignment.

“Mr. Gill?” The voice called to me again.

Chapter One

Vanessa Alverez always came to work early when Nash was out of town. “Good morning, my little Pepita!” She walked to her lovebird’s cage kept in the corner of her office. “Rise and shine.”

A recognition chirp came from the little green bird with an orange head as it scrambled around the outer rim of the cage to get to the corner. Vanessa met the bird, giving it a treat. “Nash says I spoil you, but he’s not the boss of me.” She laughed.

Vanessa let out a breath. “I swore I wouldn’t talk or think of him in that way again … like a boyfriend. Hard to do since his face is plastered all over the gym.” She rolled her chair back and sat.

The last time they’d spoken, Nash had been in the Miami airport. He’d called one more time to ask her to reconsider their breakup. “We tried twice, Nash. Isn’t that enough?” she had told him. “We have different goals in life. You already have yours and I plan to follow mine.”

Nash had turned thirty, and Vanessa was close behind. Her dream of opening her own gym or running one of Nash’s was slowly fading. Every time he’d plan a new franchise, she dropped hints she’d be the perfect candidate. She’d saved her money and had enough for the down payment, but it fell on deaf ears.

The newest Gill’s Gym would open in Charlotte, North Carolina soon, home to one of his best friends, Chase Young. Vanessa never thought Nash would go outside of Florida but saw it as her opportunity. Sure, they’d be a few states apart, but Nash came to Charlotte so often, it was his second home. He even had a suite at Chase’s home in the suburbs.

This time, instead of dropping hints, Vanessa asked outright for the job. Nash looked at her with his beautiful, honey brown eyes and said, “I’ve already got three perfect candidates, Van. You know me, I want to help guys out.”

Guys was the key word. When it came to awarding franchises, women never made it to the final rounds. Nash had a big heart and tried to help those who couldn’t achieve their dreams. She loved that about him. This time, his three candidates included a war vet, a high school teacher and a well-known boxing trainer who escaped from Cuba.

“Ugh!” Vanessa ran her hands through her dark hair, pulled it into a high ponytail and wrapped a band around it. “Pepita, am I invisible?” A chirp confirmed otherwise, making her laugh. “Maybe he won’t admit it, but Nash wants me to work with him forever.” She made a noise in her throat and folded her arms. “Men! I’ve wasted enough time thinking about him. Time to work out before we open.”

Vanessa liked to get her workouts in when she had the place to herself. She needed to beat the five-thirty a.m. opening and tried to head down by five. Sometimes, Nash joined her, but even he knew she preferred silence. No televisions or music blaring, no ear buds or headphones, just quiet. A time to think and reflect.

Twenty minutes in, she heard the door unlock. Staring straight ahead, Vanessa refused to look Nash’s way. She knew it was him by the grumbling noises he made as he tried to remove the keys from the door.

“I keep telling you to get a new lock or maybe a new door,” Vanessa called. Determined to finish her treadmill run she kept a steady pace and eye on the wall.

A gym bag dropped in front of the treadmill and Nash leaned on the front of the equipment. “New outfit?”

“I always wear this on Monday.” Vanessa wore a black halter trimmed in purple piping. The tight capris had two purple racing strips down the sides. Purple Nikes finished the look.

“Well, it looks new.”

“Maybe you never noticed before.”

“Are you almost done? We need to talk.”

Vanessa slowed the machine. “Personal or business?” Don’t look him in the eye! Her heart flipped when she did. The rugged man standing before her had the ability to melt her into a puddle of pliable goo and she wasn’t going to let it happen.

“Business. Come to my office after your shower.” Nash leaned forward and sniffed. “You could use it.”

Vanessa grabbed a towel off the bar and swung it his way before wrapping it around her neck. “Ass.”

“Are you going to use the peach perfume I like?” Nash wiggled his brows.

“I keep telling you it’s not perfume, big guy. I don’t buy the stuff. It’s Peaches and Cream body wash and lotion. That’s all.”

“Right. Peaches and cream.” Nash pointed at her. “A heavenly smell.”

Vanessa closed one eye. “You’re sure this is about business because I have a lot to do today.”

“Trust me, it is.”

Vanessa hadn’t notice at first, but Nash looked like he was carrying a heavy burden as he ran a hand through his wavy brown hair. “You okay?”

“Yeah, like always. I’ll open the doors for the early gym rats then head up to my office. Anyone else check in yet?”

“Nathan’s in the back, Missy’s in the office ready to check people in and Juan is opening the juice bar. They’re all I’ve seen, but I’m sure the rest are here somewhere.”

“You get in the zone when you work out, don’t you, Peaches? Better be careful. Someone might sneak up on you.”

Nash reached out to caress her cheek as she stepped from the treadmill. Vanessa swatted his hand away. “Don’t.”

“What?” Nash turned his hands over, palms up. “We can still be friends, joke around?”

“No!” Vanessa let out a breath. “Yes, we can. I’m tired of trying to make you see me as more than a girlfriend or a woman who works here. You went to Harvard, Nash. Women were in high positions at the college and the women students had goals. Goals beyond being someone’s girlfriend. I have a business degree from Florida State. I’m just as good.”

“Hey, give me a break! I’m not like that. You’re putting words in my mouth. I never said you’re not good enough because you didn’t go to Harvard. You’re second-in-command here. The assistant CEO.”

“Right.” Vanessa mumbled. Hopeless as always. Useless conversation.

Nash took her by her forearms, brought her to him and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry you feel that way. When I look at you, all I see is my girl, the one I love and want to protect with my life.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Vanessa answered. “I love you feel that way. It’s …” She pushed him away. “Never mind. I’m done explaining. Would you please move? I want to shower before it gets busy in here.”

“Hey, we’re not done,” Nash called after her as Vanessa walked away. “See you in my office for round two.”

In her office Vanessa had her own private bath and shower. She slammed her door closed and went into the well-appointed room. Flashbacks of Nash humming to her in the shower then playfully sniffing her afterwards to check if she was clean. “Stop it, Vanessa,” she scolded herself, reaching for her body wash. She turned on the shower and stepped inside. “He’s a child inside a man’s body. When he decides to get serious, I’ll be gone.”

The day before, Vanessa had received a call from her mom, Renata. She’d invited Vanessa and her sister Rosa’s family to come for a visit and stay at the gorgeous Chase Young compound. They’d be flown in tomorrow in his private jet and land at his C.Y. airlines facilities. Her mom was his house manager, having left Miami five years ago to work for him and rarely left the place. “You stole her away from us, Chase Young.”

Vanessa turned and let the water beat on her back to get out the frustration she felt. She knew she shouldn’t be angry with her mom or Chase. She loved them to pieces. When things went wrong with Nash, nothing seemed right in the world. “But I’d never tell him.” She turned around, pushing her dark locks from her face.

Her hand hovered over the handle then she grasped it, turning the knob to cold for an icy blast and shut it off. She toweled off and dried her hair, letting it hang free, then remembered she had voicemails to answer. “Business first, Nash,” she said as she pulled the light gray polo embroidered with Gill’s Gym in bright orange over her head. She slipped on gray gym shorts with orange strips and orange Nikes.

Vanessa had helped Nash choose the colors for Gill’s, having been part of the business from the start. She’d suggested pale gray walls with one side painted bright orange to make the rooms pop. The hardwood floors with orange tones fashioned winding paths through the gym. The design team had covered the workout areas in a dark gray industrial carpet made for heavy traffic. Large windows let in natural light and the customers had a landscaped view of palm trees and tropical flowers to enjoy as they worked out. The curved walkways through the gym broke up the rectangle-shaped rooms. The boxing ring in the smaller back room even had orange ropes. All her doing. Her ideas.

Hired as Marketing Director, Vanessa had always worked closely with Nash’s best friend from college, Beau Miller. He was the go-to guy, the techie, the one who designed the gym logo. She never understood the little pyramid instead of a dot over the “i” in Gill’s but had to admit it looked cool.

Beau’s message had come in on her machine last night. She strolled to her desk and made a few clicking sounds at Pepita before sitting down. The little bird perked up at the noise and followed Vanessa’s every move.

“You be quiet while I talk to Beau, Pita. No screaming.” She heard his phone ring and he picked up on the third one. “Beau, what’s up?”

“Hey, Vanessa.”

She heard him breathing, but Beau said nothing else. “Beau?”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“You left the message, so here I am, returning the call.”

“I saw Nash this weekend at Chase’s. He said you two broke up. I wanted to see if you’re all right.”

“That’s sweet, Beau, but I’m tough.”

“From the way you sound, you didn’t want to break up.”

“He gave the franchise to the army vet, Beau! He doesn’t see me as someone who’s capable of running one of his businesses. I’m his little side piece.”

“Whoa! Hang on there. I never heard him call you that.”

“We’ve had this conversation before. You understand what I mean.”

“I’ve tried to talk to him, Van. It’s like he doesn’t hear me.”

“When it comes to me, he never does. It’s always the same. I love her. I need to protect her. She can’t go anywhere without me by her side or she’ll fall down and hurt herself.”

“Again, you’re making that up. I never heard him say the last part.” Beau chuckled. “I have an idea. Why don’t I come for a visit? I’ll tell Nash we need a face-to-face for business reasons, and I’ll see what the big guy is thinking.”

“Would you? I haven’t seen you since we were at Chase’s in May.”

“Your mama was happy you’re coming for a visit. When do you leave?”

“You talked with her?”

“Truthfully? Yeah, I was there this weekend with the guys. That’s when Nash told me you broke things off.”

“Oh, you guys can’t seem to go longer than a month without seeing each other.”

“It just happens, I guess. We don’t keep track of the days. But, back to you. I’m sure a private jet is being sent down to Miami.”

“Yes, we leave tomorrow, but I plan to come back Thursday. Rosie can stay as long as she wants with her family. I have things to do.”

“Then I’ll try to come to Miami on Friday. I could use some R and R.”

“How long will you stay?”

“It might be a day trip. I’m not sure yet.”

“Okay. Keep in touch. I’ve got a business meeting with Nash and need to tell him I’m leaving for a few days. He’ll have to take care of Pepita while I’m gone.”

Beau gave a hearty laugh. “He’ll love hearing that. I’ll text, Van. If I can’t make it Saturday, it will definitely be next week.”

Her spirits lifted after talking with Beau. She’d known him for six years now, being twenty-four when she started work at the gym. Vanessa sighed, remembering how impressed she’d been that twenty-five-year-old guys had such ambition. Each had made the top one hundred U.S. billionaires’ list over the last three years. Beau had even reached his dream of being one of the top ten Black billionaires in the United States.

Over the years, she’d learned Chase was the catalyst, the leader of the band of friends. At times, they were secretive, and she felt somewhat left out. But, when they were together as a group, everyone was friendly and they always had a good time, be it Miami, New York or Charlotte.

“It’s about time you showed up,” Nash growled when Vanessa appeared in his doorway. “Sit.”

Vanessa sank into the chair across from him. “Can I …?”

“No,” Nash grumbled. “Let me have my say first.”

“Okay.”

“Terrell Fisher deserved the franchise in Charlotte. He’s a decorated army vet, served time in Southeast Asia and had to overcome PTSD. Terrell wanted a fresh start. Those are some of the reasons he got the job, Van. He’s also got great business sense and agreed to oversee the project from the ground up without me holding his hand. It’s his baby now.”

“Nash, I’m aware you want to help out vets and minorities. That’s well and good. I’m proud of you.” I fit in one of those categories! See me! Help me!

“Thanks, but I’m giving the best man the job I believe.” Nash leaned back in his gray leather high-back office chair and rocked. “Do you remember the other candidates?”

“Yes, Victor Dorado and Derreck Mills.”

“I’m going to help them out, too.”

“They’re getting franchises?” Vanessa almost jumped out of her seat, longing to wring Nash’s neck.

“Calm down.” Nash held up a hand. “I said I wanted to help them, not give them franchises. We never got to discuss their resumes. You were too busy breaking up with me.”

“Fine.” Vanessa exhaled. “Tell me about them.”

“Let’s start with Victor. The plan is to hire him here, have him work in the boxing room. In Cuba, he was a highly regarded trainer. Now, after escaping, he lives with a brother here in Miami. I knew he’d never move. That’s why I didn’t give him the Charlotte franchise. Victor wants to get his wife and son out of Cuba, and it’s best done from here.”

“If I remember correctly, his son is a famous boxer there?”

“Yes, and Victor was his trainer. He ran a popular boxing camp in a rundown building for years, fixing it up as he made money and offered jobs to those in need. He made one mistake. Victor’s too good at what he does. A criminal element moved in on him and his business.”

“To escape, he had to do it alone. Undercover.” Vanessa shook her head. “They’ll never let his son and wife leave.”

“You’re right,” Nash answered. “I plan to help him become what he was in Cuba, a well-known trainer. I’ll find an up-and-coming boxer in his son’s weight division and hopefully set up a fight here in Miami soon.”

“Good luck! It’s so far-fetched, I can almost see you pulling it off.”

“Money talks, Van.”

Her heart did a flip. Nash would put his money on the line for someone he recently met, making her love him all the more. “I want in, Nash, and don’t try to stop me.”

Chapter Two

Nash cringed. He half expected Vanessa to say she’d help. Why did I give her so much information? “I won’t try to stop you, but this may take time.” Two weeks is all I have.

“I know who is ready for a fight, and he’s not happy with his present trainer,” Vanessa said, her eyes lit with excitement. “It has to be someone with credibility and worthy of an opponent, right? This guy is perfect … if they’re in the same weight class.”

“The purse tied to the event is a biggie, too. How much do you think I should throw in?” Nash chuckled as he watched her sit back to think.

The wheels spinning in Vanessa’s mind had always been a turn on. She’d wake him in the middle of the night and deliver a new idea as clear as day. Afterward, they’d make love. He wanted those days back, but she seemed determined to stop every advance he made.

“Millions, but you’ll make it back.” Vanessa winked. “You always do. You didn’t answer me. What’s the son’s weight class?”

“Lightweight.”

“This was meant to be, Nash. I’ll make some calls and get C.J. here. He’s about one-hundred forty and fits what you need. I won’t be here to get things started, but you’ll be fine.”

“Wait! You’re leaving?”

“For a few days. Mama misses her girls. Chase is flying us up to Charlotte for a few days. I’ll be back Thursday.”

“That’s what you wanted to tell me?” Nash lifted his brow in thought, recalling a conversation Chase had with Renata regarding a phone call she’d gotten from Miami. It was about him and Vanessa, he was sure. Renata wouldn’t come to Vanessa, so her daughters went there. He rubbed his face before he dropped his news. “I won’t be here, either.”

“What? Why?”

Darn Smith! I can see why Chase seemed aggravated all the time. He messes with your head and your life. “I need to go to Pennsylvania.”

“Did I hear you right? Pennsylvania.” Vanessa folded her arms over her chest. “Why would you go there?”

“Derreck Mills.”

“The other guy who didn’t get the job? What’s going on, Nash?”

“I told you there was something about these three guys. They need my help.”

“What part of P.A.?”

“Pittsburgh.”

“Does Pittsburgh get a Gill’s gym?”

If Vanessa kept peppering him with questions, he was afraid he might tell her everything, yet Nash didn’t want her to leave his office. He needed to leave soon and had no idea when he’d get back. Vanessa flipped her head and dark hair spilled over her shoulder down to one breast. Nash loved the silky feel of her hair and skin. Not the best time to tell her.

“Nash? Does Pittsburgh get a gym?”

“Um, no. I’m not sure yet.”

Derreck’s mission was the easier of the two. Nash had made his plan on the flight home. Fly to Pittsburgh, meet up with the coach and go to the high school where he worked. Nash wanted to see if there was land close by for the new gym. Kids could walk there after school. He’d have his crew on it in a day, put Derreck in charge and leave. Pittsburgh was too far from Miami and Vanessa. The sooner he closed the deal, the better.

Victor’s was the killer assignment, and he hoped no one would be put in harm’s way. Putting together a fight in two weeks was madness, yet he couldn’t think of another way to get Roberto “Robbie” Dorado to the states. Hopefully, the kid would insist his mother comes with him.

Nash was unaware if Victor was in contact with his son, and he needed concrete answers. He’d texted the man after he landed in Miami the night before and asked him to come to Gill’s today. Nash would offer the job and his grandiose idea.

“Well, Nash? Did you hear me?” Vanessa asked. “Who will take care of Pepita if we’re both gone?”

“Missy,” Nash answered.

“She hates the bird!” Vanessa laughed. “Remember last time?”

Nash chuckled. “How can I forget? Even though she’s not fond of birds, she felt sorry for it and let Pepita out of her cage. It took the whole staff to wrangle up a three-ounce bird. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to her and probably have to give her a raise, but she’ll do it.”

Missy had worked with Nash and Vanessa, from the end of the first year they opened until now. Almost ten years older, she came with good business skills and experience, able to take on anything Nash threw at her. He had often left her in charge of the gym. She was his number two after Vanessa, with Nathan as a backup. The four of them were an awesome team, and he hoped it never changed.

“I’m going home early to pack,” Vanessa said, stood and stretched.

“Are you doing that on purpose to torture me?”

“Never.” She winked and left the room.

“Close the door, please,” Nash called after her. He dug for the burner phone in his back pocket to call Mr. Smith.

The last time Nash talked with Mr. Smith, he’d received his assignment at the bunker. His friend, Chase, who’d gotten the short straw and chosen first, had just completed his mission He got to change his last name and go undercover to work for an airline. Nash had to bury his rage when he was given his assignment, help the two men he hadn’t chosen to receive the franchise. He’d keep his name. No undercover. No spy games.

“That’s it?” Nash had asked Smith incredulously as they finished up in the interrogation room.

“Yes, but there is always more than ‘that’s it’, Mr. Gill,” Smith had answered.

Nash had come out of the room swearing and ready to punch a wall at the lame assignment. All he knew was he needed to help Victor and Derreck. Once Smith left the bunker, he was to retrieve a burner phone in an envelope inside the interrogation room. Nash didn’t even get to ask Smith if he could call him Charlie, like in Charlie’s Angels, to lighten the mood. He’d thought it funny when he’d told Chase, always enjoying a humorous take on things. Chase, not so much. He’d shaken his head wildly and told him to knock it off. “Call him Mr. Smith,” he had said.

Mulling over the details, Nash decided to solve both problems and get back to his biggest one, claiming his girl. Yet, after discussing Victor with Vanessa, he knew he was over his head and needed help.

The phone picked up on the second ring.

“Mr. Gill.”

“Mr. Smith, I’ve been doing some thinking, and I need your opinion. What if I arrange a fight between Victor’s son and some lightweight right here in Miami? It’s the only way I can get Robbie to the states. If there’s a better plan, please tell me. I’ll offer a big enough purse his people can’t resist.”

“From the little I know about boxing, isn’t a date set months in advance? It involves preparation.”

“It’s all hype. Gives everyone time to sell tickets, make bets. These fighters are ready. They live in the gym and want to get in the ring.”

“I gave you a window of two weeks, but I’m willing to extend if needed.”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“I have an idea.”

“You will help me? Chase said you were a son of a … never mind. Go ahead.”

“What if you make it a charity event? The fighters get a set amount, and you donate the rest to Cuban and U.S. charities. Once it’s put out there, like in the Twitter Universe, Robbie’s people will look foolish if they turn it down.”

Nash rubbed the stubble on the side of his face. “I may take you up on the idea and the time. Give me one more week.”

“If you need more, call me.”

“You are so reasonable, Mr. Smith. I’m speechless.”

“Don’t always believe what you hear, Mr. Gill. Although …”

“Although, what?”

“The more time you take, the others may have to wait, and the window might close on their assignments.”

“Shit! I knew it was too good to be true. Stick with your plan, Smith. Change nothing. Is there another Society meeting next Sunday?”

“Yes, but not Sunday. I’ve scheduled it for Saturday seven p.m.”

“I’ll be there.”

“Are you leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow?”

“Yeah, how’d you know?” Nash rocked in his chair. “Smith? I said how’d you know? Are you there?” He looked at the phone screen. “Damn! He hung up!”

Nash hopped from his chair and rushed to Vanessa’s office. “I got a great idea!” Adrenaline pumped through his body. “We have to start now, before either of us leaves.”

“Okay, slow down, big guy.” Vanessa pointed to her cell like she’d just gotten off the phone. “C.J. is ready to go. He’s psyched. He should be here this afternoon.”

“Victor is coming in soon and I’ll get him up to speed.”

“What’s your big idea?”

“A charity event. Think we can pull it off in two weeks’ time?”

“Okay, but why the rush? Never mind. I love the idea by the way. We’ll have to find a venue, get confirmation from Robbie’s camp, let the high rollers and celebrities know it’s the place to be seen and a theme. We need a theme!” A frantic look crossed her face. “Let me think on it. While I’m gone, I can still work. Oh, Nash, this is exciting and great marketing for Gill’s and people will benefit. Make it an annual event.”

“Whoa, slow down, Van.” Nash grinned. “I’m glad you like it.”

“You already give back to the community, make that many communities, but this is a wonderful thing you’re doing. Makes me think you’ve grown up in the short time we’ve been apart.”

“I had a lot of time to think, especially after the guys and I celebrated our birthdays. We turned thirty. Time to do something for the greater good.” I have no idea what I’m doing!

“Nash!” Missy called up the stairs. “You weren’t answering your intercom. You’ve got a visitor. Should I send him up?”

Nash went to the top of the stairs, smiling at the petite woman with wavy light brown hair, standing with her hands on her hips on the floor below.

“Well?” she asked.

“Is it Victor?”

“The guy you didn’t pick for the franchise? I was rooting for him. Poor man escaped with his life from Cuba. He has to share a small bedroom with a teenage nephew in his brother’s house.”

“Wow, you found out a lot about him.”

Missy lifted a shoulder. “What can I say? I’m friendly.”

“You are.” Nash pointed at her and chuckled. “Send him up.”

Nash stayed at the top of the staircase, gazing out over his gym from the railing. Half of the building was second floor while the first had a two-story ceiling, giving the gym an open feel. Victor walked on the winding hardwood path leading to the steps. When he looked up, he raised his hand in recognition.

“Nash, I was happy to hear from you.” Victor shook hands when he reached the second floor.

“I have a job proposition for you. Come into my office.” Nash led the way. “Please, sit.”

Once behind his desk, Nash folded his hands on top and studied Victor. Is he up for the challenge? If not, I need to find another way to help him, and I have no clue what to do. “I’d like to put you in charge of our boxing room. After our interview, I felt you weren’t the right choice for the Charlotte franchise. You’d rather stay here in Miami than move to another state. Am I right?”

“Yes, sir, and thank you for the job offer. I will take it.”

“Hold on, you haven’t heard everything.” Nash held up his hands. “Don’t ask me why, but I want to help you get your son and wife to the states.”

Victor raised his eyebrows. “You do? Why do you care?”

“Sometimes, people do care, Victor. I heard your story and know your family’s at risk even if they don’t come here, and you can’t return to Cuba.”

Victor wiped his face with a hand. “I do not want to go back there to live, and if I did, I’m afraid they will kill me.”

“They?”

“Let’s say there are people who dislike me.”

“Sorry to hear. Are you up for a challenge or not?”

“Yes, whatever you want, I will do it.”

“Did you ever hear of the fighter, C. J. Mack?”

“The Mack Attack? If you are in the fight world, as I am, everyone has heard of him. He’s an up-and-coming fighter looking for a break. He wants to fight a known name, a winner.”

“Like your son?”

Victor’s eyes widened. “What are you thinking, Mr. Gill?”

“Please, if we’re going to work together, call me Nash.”

“Okay … Nash.” Victor bobbed his head.

“C.J. is on his way here. You start training him today. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“How long do I have?”

“Ten days, give or take.”

“What?”

“We can do this, Victor. Trust me. Can you get word to your son? Tell him to accept the fight challenge and make sure his mother comes with him to the states.”