Asher

Everything is completely out of my control, and the stubborn woman refuses to listen to reason. I'm getting a really bad feeling today.

Maggie and I decided to keep Greer home from school, just in case this is an attempt to distract us so he can get an opportunity at Greer.

We told her that we wanted one more day with her because we had so much fun over the weekend. That's true for the most part.

Elle has her upstairs while Dario, and I prep her for the meeting with Tony Calabresi.

Dario is getting a bit daring with his hands while he plants the bug on her. Victoria left early this morning, so that's one less curious person to worry about, and that son of a bitch Matthew passed his background check and will be her driver today. He has been briefed on our situation.

I've been ordered to stay with Greer. Dalton felt it necessary to involve the FBI, so there will be government agents undercover in the cafe.

How the fuck am I supposed to stay back and just watch all this go down? To top all that off, Grant and Sena Dalton are flying in with the test results.

Elle has been ordered to keep Greer away from the west wing today. There is a mobile command station set up in the ballroom where the agents are getting ready.

"If he says he wants you to leave with him, I want you to refuse. Do not confront him about lying to you. Act as if everything is normal.

Do not under any circumstances mention Greer, but talking about Diara and Gloria is encouraged.

If anything happens, remember the knife in your boot and the pepper spray.

Francesca sewed a tracking device into your undergarments, so we will be able to track you.

Do you remember your code word?"

"Yes, it's princess." She rolled her eyes and looked over at me, and I smiled.

"Alright, Matthew will meet you downstairs in ten minutes," Dario said, and left the room.

"Last chance to change your mind." I reminded her.

"I'm not scared of Justin. I'll be fine, so quit worrying. Greer will sense it, and I don't want her upset."

"I'll ask one last time. Please, don't do this Maggie."

"You're wasting your breath." She said. "Let's get this over with."

She walked past me and went downstairs. Maggie thinks today is about gathering intel about this man's father, but I'm smart enough to know this is about taking Tony Calabresi into custody.

She went and said goodbye to Greer, then left with Matthew. I sat down in the temporary command center, and it wasn't two minutes later, Dalton and his wife walked in, and Sena sat next to me.

"She will be okay. Grant and his team are the best." She said.

I'm not so sure.

"Is she mine?" I wasn't going to waste a second.

"Yes."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Thank God," I said in relief.

"If you want, I'll file the papers necessary to establish paternity and make a motion for full custody as soon as this is over."

"Yes, please do."

Everything got quiet suddenly. "They've arrived at the cafe." An agent announced.

"I want her body cam and surveillance to stay on the screen," Dalton ordered.

He hadn't arrived yet, so she sat and ordered a coffee.

"Boss, a black SUV just arrived."

I got up and started to pace. I know this is a trap, and nobody listens.

"That's him. Everyone stand down until I give you the word. If we can get intel without extreme measures, that's what we will do." Grant watches the screen intensely.

He walked inside and gave Maggie a hug. "You're a sight for sore eyes." He said before they sat down.

"It's good to see you, Justin."

He sighed. "Angel, I wish we were here under better circumstances, but we need to talk. Make sure they can hear us, but keep your voice down."

"Who can hear us?"

"I know Grant Dalton has taken your case. My father called me and wanted me to draw you and your niece out, but I refused. Maggie, both our lives are on the line. I'm taking a huge risk, and I'm hoping you can help."

"Why are you doing this?"

"You know why, Maggie. I wasn't lying when I said I'd die for you. My father is going to storm the mansion as soon as he has his men in place. We've got a few days tops. Take that child, and get out of New York. Go to Chicago where he's most vulnerable."

"What does he want from us?" She asked.

"It's not you he wants, it's the child. He wants to end her because she's the heir. My grandfather is at the end of his life, and when he dies, that child gets everything. My father got the criminal side of the business, but he wants the legit side. That's the side that will give him more money."

"So if she dies, he gets everything?"

He nodded yes.

"A man in Chicago will help. He's tied to the Daltons, and I've already spoken to him. He is willing to take over my dad's territory if my father dies, but I can't do it alone. I need men and more resources. Grant knows Moretti, and he will take you in along with the girl. Get out of town, and with you gone, Dalton can take my father down."

"Why did you use me? You know I'm no benefit to you."

"I didn't know when we met. I found out a few years ago. My father figured it out, and instructed me to stay with you. He knew you were clueless, so you weren't a threat. Until now your life wasn't in danger."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"The less you knew the better."