Chapter 180: Chapter 180 Vault of Memories
Caleb’s POV
After Heidi and Scott departed from the compound, I shifted my focus to my crew. I briefed them on Inspector Adler’s call and the harsh reality that we still had another rat lurking somewhere in our ranks. I explained Scott’s upcoming role managing the legitimate front operations and Heidi’s return as our financial overseer for the underground accounts.
"Finally, some damn good news!" Xavier burst out with genuine relief. "Boss, you and I were drowning in those money laundering operations without Heidi handling the books!"
"Absolutely, Xavier, but I had to honor the arrangement she made with the old Don," I said, running a hand through my hair.
"Good thing she couldn’t stay away from the family either!" Jude grinned with satisfaction.
"Hey, check this out - Daniel got transferred back to our territory. He’s partnering with Adler," Xavier mentioned casually. "If it’s cool with you, I’d like to bring him into our poker games at the safe house."
"You don’t need permission for that, Xavier. Daniel’s more than welcome!" Dominic jumped in immediately, and we all nodded in agreement. "Just as long as he keeps his hands off Gemma. And remember, you promised to help me since I agreed to let Lila and Ruby go."
"Chill out, Dominic, we’ve got your back. Actually, I think Daniel might be interested in Lila anyway. He was asking questions about her," Xavier revealed with a knowing look.
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. "When’s he arriving in the territory?"
"This weekend, I think. Why?" Xavier’s curiosity was obvious.
"Hold on." I pulled out my burner phone and sent Ivy a quick encrypted message, unable to suppress my smile at her response. "Xavier, I need to talk to Daniel. Can you set that up?"
Xavier called Inspector Martinez, and after exchanging pleasantries, he handed me the secure line. I wanted to express my gratitude for rescuing my son from Roman’s men, and Ivy was thrilled about adding another member to our inner circle. So I asked Daniel to be one of my groomsmen and mentioned he’d be paired with Lila. He was genuinely excited, accepted without hesitation, and insisted on arriving early to join my bachelor party at the compound.
"Well, that solves a major headache for Zoe and me," Jude said with obvious relief, and we all stared at him blankly. "A partner for Lila, guys! Zoe made it crystal clear that fixing this was my responsibility."
"Ivy was stressing about that too," I admitted.
Jude dove into explaining everything already arranged for my engagement dinner. He’d secured catering from our Italian contacts, elegant decorations imported from Sicily, and a string quartet for ambient music during the meal. He also confirmed that our house manager Walter would spend the entire day at the estate coordinating services and receiving deliveries. Everything was perfectly positioned for me to ask Ivy’s father for her hand in marriage, though in our world, it was more about showing respect than seeking permission.
Heidi’s warning about Roman’s remaining associates echoed in my mind, so I called our banker to schedule time for accessing the family vault to retrieve the wedding rings and engagement ring. Jude had also booked an appointment at our tailor for selecting my wedding suit.
Then Roman’s menacing presence crept back into my thoughts, and I realized we needed enhanced security at the estate. The property sprawled across acres with extensive perimeter areas. A dedicated security team was essential for the coming days. I called Fisher into my office.
"Don Thorne, first, I must apologize for my failure in assigning Caleb and Fisher to protect Miss Ivy and your son," Fisher said as he entered, clearly mortified by recent events.
"Fisher, stop right there. You have nothing to apologize for. We were all deceived by that rat bastard Roman. Your performance has always been exemplary, so don’t worry. This situation doesn’t reflect poorly on your abilities whatsoever," I assured him firmly.
"Even so, sir, I apologize and would appreciate the opportunity to apologize to Miss Ivy personally," Fisher persisted with professional dignity.
"That’s fine," I said. "Ivy returns early next week, and you can speak with her then, but I guarantee she’ll tell you the same thing." Fisher offered a professional smile and respectful nod. "But I called you here because I need you to assess a situation and provide appropriate security measures."
"Absolutely, Don Thorne, I’m at your complete disposal."
"I’m hosting dinner at my parents’ former estate tonight. Ivy and I are marrying this weekend in the mansion’s garden, and we’re relocating there permanently. I want ironclad protection for my family, especially since Roman’s remaining associates are still out there."
"Congratulations, sir. You need a permanent security team stationed there. I’ll assemble a team without compromising our other operations," Fisher proposed.
"That sounds perfect. Can you have this team ready today?"
"Yes, sir. I can assemble and deploy the team. They’ll arrive before your dinner, conduct comprehensive sweeps of the entire property inside and out, then begin continuous surveillance," Fisher suggested, and I found his approach excellent. "I’ll have Justin lead the team we place there."
"The same Justin who headed security during my father’s time?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
"Exactly. He spent considerable time in Europe completing advanced tactical and surveillance training. Then he provided protection for a politician in witness protection before returning to the family," Fisher explained.
"That’s absolutely perfect! I trust Justin completely, just like I trust you," I declared with confidence.
Fisher withdrew, assuring me he’d handle everything, which significantly eased my anxiety. After that, I accompanied the crew to our private vault as our scheduled appointment approached, and punctuality was crucial in family business.
At the vault, we were escorted to a private room adjacent to the main chamber, where I entered the combination and used my key to open the family safe. The contents were promptly brought to the room for my inspection.
Opening that safe felt like unleashing a flood of emotions. I traced my fingers across those numerous velvet boxes and couldn’t contain the tears that escaped. There were my mother’s precious jewelry, my father’s watches and family rings, and various small treasures. Items deeply personal to our bloodline, each carrying tremendous history.
Despite my happiness about marrying the love of my life, diving into the conspiracy investigation and discovering my parents’ assassination was deliberate sabotage created an aching wound in my heart. I couldn’t stop thinking that they should be here. I couldn’t escape thoughts of everything Roman stole from me when he sabotaged my parents’ car with that bomb. He murdered my parents and robbed them of experiencing this moment with me. He stole their chance to meet their grandchildren, to be moved by my children, and to become the wonderful grandparents they would have been.
Roman didn’t just kill my parents, though that alone was devastating beyond measure. The assassination completely altered the trajectory of my life, Ivy’s life, and Max’s life. Without the hit, I wouldn’t have lost Ivy that night at the auction. We would have remained together or at least maintained contact. I would have witnessed my son’s birth, his first words, his first steps. They wouldn’t have endured so many hardships or faced danger from rival families because Ivy had been a single mother in enemy territory.
Everything could have been different. But it wasn’t! However, from this moment forward, I wouldn’t allow anyone to harm my family again. I would make every moment with Ivy by my side meaningful. I would ensure my family’s safety and happiness.
Lost in these thoughts, I didn’t realize tears were streaming down my face until Xavier placed his hand on my shoulder, bringing me back to reality. Once again, my brother reminded me I was never alone and silently assured me of his unconditional loyalty and friendship, as he’d done countless times throughout our lives, especially after my parents were murdered. I looked at him, and with an embrace, I thanked the brother the streets had given me.
From that vault, I retrieved the box containing my mother’s engagement ring, the box with matching wedding bands, cufflinks my father wore when he married my mother, my grandfather’s watch, and another box I planned to give Ivy as a gift. Searching through all those velvet boxes, I discovered a small box at the bottom that I’d forgotten. Opening it, I immediately recognized the piece and decided to take it as well. I closed the vault, secured it properly, and thanked our banker for his usual discretion and efficiency.
From the bank, we headed to the jewelry store. I needed all pieces polished, the wedding rings engraved, the engagement ring and jewelry from the small box engraved, and the watch mechanism inspected. The owner, an old family friend who handled our legitimate transactions, recognized every piece and was moved learning my intentions with them, reminding me how proud my parents were of me and that wherever they were, they were celebrating for me. He promised delivery by day’s end.
Next, we visited the tailor, another longtime family associate. Mr. Bennett had crafted my grandfather’s suits; his business passed from father to son and now to grandson. They all knew our family well. Bennett Jr. suggested a light blue suit, a stunning cobalt blue ensemble. He recommended wearing it with a white shirt and no tie, perfect for a daytime garden wedding.
Besides Daniel, Xavier, Dominic, Jude, and Finn would serve as my groomsmen, and I gave them complete freedom choosing their attire without imposing combinations or restrictions. Following Bennett Jr.’s suggestion, they selected blue pants in a slightly darker shade than my suit, matching ties, white shirts, and suspenders. Bennett, visibly excited, decided Max should dress like the groomsmen, except with a bow tie instead of a regular tie. Bennett guaranteed everything would be ready by the end of the week.
Jude immediately informed Zoe we’d purchased Max’s outfit. She predictably threw a tantrum, but Ivy calmed her by explaining that I’d already missed many milestones in my son’s life, so choosing his wedding outfit was only fair, and she trusted my taste completely. This made me incredibly happy.
"Now we’re hitting the shoe store. No way you’re getting married in old boots," Dominic declared, making me laugh. So many details existed; without my crew, I’d never remember everything.
At the shoe store, I bought a brown pair following Bennett’s recommendation and purchased an almost identical model for my son. They were so tiny, and these were the first shoes I’d bought for him; actually, the first thing I’d purchased for him since discovering he was my son. The emotion overwhelmed me.
After our busy, hectic day, we stopped by the jewelry store late afternoon. Everything was ready and had turned out flawlessly. I thanked everyone for their efforts completing everything so quickly.
Everything was organized; now I just needed to prepare for dinner with my future in-laws.
