Draft version - Russian Roulette - Family secrets

Ch. 115: Can I call you that in bed?

"I have no idea what to buy for him," Alyssa sighed when they left yet another store empty-handed. "What can I get somebody like Cracker? The man's got everything."
"I don't think he cares about presents. Just show up naked and bring beer, you'll have him by the balls for life."

Alyssa winked at Mackenzie with a smirk. "Yeah, that kind of behavior is what's gotten me into this mess in the first place."
"I knew dear Fallon was a simple man at heart," Mackenzie laughed trying not to picture Cracker and Alyssa doing the nasty.

Back when Mackenzie had set up Alyssa and Cracker for their date, she had hoped they would hit it off. Their relationship had become more than she had imagined it could have led to.

They were in love.

Cracker was perfect for Alyssa, he was smart, funny and caring. He respected Alyssa for her mind and her personality as well as her looks. With Cracker Alyssa got the whole package, she did not have to hide or feel bad about her own success, Cracker celebrated with her and never compared their accomplishments. If she did good, he was happy for her.

It was that simple for him to love.

"I still need something for him to unwrap for Christmas. As in an actual gift for him."
"You think it's easier to find something for Gareth?"
"You could always buy him his own whiskey distillery."

Both of them laughed.

Alyssa had no idea how close to the mark she had hit with that comment. Mackenzie had thought about giving him a share in a distillery, she had been in contact with a few to hear if they were interested. Though Gareth would probably drink away any profit it would make.

"How long do we have until we meet the guys?"

Alyssa loved being in London with Mackenzie; shopping and having girl time while the guys did the business they had postponed back when Jace had needed them to be at home. She had been disappointed when it had been called off last time, but she had understood.

Now that Jace was better and Gareth had needed to get that business taken care of before Christmas they had gone to London the four of them.

It was cold like a polar bear's asshole, being there in December, still the city was beautiful and shops wanted business.

They had been there for two days. Mackenzie and Alyssa had gone shopping and sampled restaurants under the watchful eye of Anatoly and his men, while Gareth and Cracker had been in meetings. They had met up in the evenings to eat and go out enjoying the Christmas decorated city.

The plan was to separate the following day. Cracker and Alyssa would go visit Cracker's home and Gareth would take Mackenzie to see his father's estate.

Well, their estate.

It was only planned to be a short trip. They needed to be back home to continue with the investigation into King and Campo. The guys at home worked on that while they were gone.

Jace and Phoenix had convinced Gareth that Mackenzie deserved her honeymoon, they had been the cause of the first one to be cancelled, they wanted them to have a few days before they went after King.

"We have a little time," Mackenzie said after looking at her phone. Mackenzie smiled sneakily. "Want to help me take the piss on Gareth?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"I was thinking an ugly Christmas tie with lights and music."
"Oh no, that's brave. He'll kill you," Alyssa gasped. "Let's do it!"

Giggling like teenagers they had bought ugly knitted sweaters, ties with reindeers, pajama sets, bowties and whatever they could get their hands on for all the guys. Mackenzie had sent one of the bodygoons back to the hotel with all their purchases.