Rowland, The Senators Son

Chapter 5 Target Practice For Minnie

"You were very friendly with Alexia Kingstone last night," Rowland didn't have to look up to recognise that Blain Jackson was standing at his office door.

"What can I do for you Blain," Rowland kept his expression bland in an attempt to hide his irritation at the unwanted intrusion.

"Just a friendly chat, you should be very careful about who you are seen with my friend" Blain threw a copy of the New York Times down on his desk. It had been opened to the society pages and folded to highlight a picture of those he had dined with the night before including Alexia.

"Nice photo, I'll get Minnie to frame it for me," he said admiring how beautiful Alexia looked.

"You mean that nice little piece of arse that just ran out for some coffee" Blain's words were lecherous and if Rowland had not been so acutely aware that he was trying to get a rise out of him he would have jumped up and knocked his fucken teeth out.

"I am sure my assistant would love to hear you call her a 'nice piece of arse', Blain though I would be careful however her father is an ex-New Orleans Police Chief and her brothers are either Police or Marines and more than a little protective" Rowland enjoyed seeing Blain's eyes bulge a little and continued "Not that Ms Williams needs any protection she is a very skilled marksman, seems her daddy taught her to speak softly and carry a ridiculously big gun."

"So what is it you want Blain?" Rowland was finished with this little sexist pig. "I have work to do."

"I want to know what you know about Alexia Kingstone?" Blain demanded.

"Not much, why?" Rowland sat back in his chair and folded his arms.

"I have her under investigation" Blain answered.

"For what?" Rowland's voice had risen slightly.

"She is the wife of Nerio Rossocove" Blain spat the name like poison from his lips, Rowland could not help but be surprised "Now isn't that interesting you didn't know."

"You mean; Nerio Rossocove, Gangster thought to have known ties to the Sicilian Costra Nostra" Rowland confirmed.

"Why yes, you've heard of him." Blain was being an obtuse little prick now.

Ignoring his slight, Rowland asked "And what is it you think Miss Kingstone knows?"

"Well everything, they were married just before she came to the States from Australia some twenty years ago. Only seems she has been out from under his thumb for the last six years." Blain explained.

"So any intel she would have on his operations would be out of date" Rowland was starting to feel a little defensive, Blain shrugged he was obviously trying to make a name for himself.

Walking to his office door giving a clear indication that he wanted him gone Rowland stated "Blain, thanks for the advice but I really have work to do."

He watched as Blain strode out almost colliding with Minnie as she raced back in juggling hot coffee and some Danish treats she knew he liked.

"You okay, Boss Man" Minnie had one of those looks the one which said given the chance she would love using Blain's arse for her target practice.

"Yes Minnie, I'm fine," Rowland had to smile Minnie might have been small in stature but god help anyone who disrespected her or those she loved. "Minnie, get me everything you can on Nerio Rossocove, any known associates and if anyone from our department has them on their radar."

"Yes, Boss," she answered.

"And Minnie," he added.

"Yes, Boss," she turned to look at him.

"Quietly, please"

Her lips quirked into 'a butter would not melt in her mouth', smile of innocence "Of course, Boss"

***