Part 24
DISCLAIMER: I by NO MEANS feel that Howie or any of the guys would ACTUALLY condone the events in this part or upcoming parts. IT IS STRICTLY FICTION AND USED TO SHOW HOW MUCH HOWIE LOVES SARAH AND TO WHAT LENGTHS HE AND THE GUYS WOULD GO TO PROTECT THE ONES THEY LOVE!
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"Hey, Guys! Come on! This is a HAPPY day," said Howie attempting to lighten the mood.
Billy said, "I know this is your wedding day, Howie, but we need to talk."
"About what?"
"They’ve got evidence that Sarah’s ex was murdered and when you get back to Orlando, they’re gonna want to question Sarah," said Billy.
Cautiously, Howie said, "So?"
Billy looked at Sarah and then Howie. He continued, "Kevin was worried about Sarah so he came to me to do something to protect her. I knew Sarah didn’t want a bodyguard so I decided the best way to protect her without her knowing was to put a tail on her. Raoul offered to do it because of his relationship with the two of you."
Raoul said, "I would have been MORE than glad to take care of that
bastard. All you had to do was say the word."
Billy went on, "Raoul was on the boat with Sarah THAT day."
Sarah looked at Raoul. "Why didn’t you say something?"
"I was waiting to see what happened. If he had hurt you, I was fully
prepared to stop him. You surprised me, pushing him like you did. That took
guts, Sarah, and I admire you for wanting to protect Howie like you did. I’m
just sorry that it almost destroyed you."
"What evidence do they have?" asked Howie.
"For one, there’s a letter detailing what might happen to him stating that Sarah would be at the root of it all if he should disappear," said Billy. "They have something else too but I’m not sure what it is."
"Why tell us now?" asked Sarah. "Why not wait until after our honeymoon?"
"Or at least the reception," said Howie.
"We have a plan to keep the heat off both of you," said Billy.
"What kind of plan?"
"I’m gonna turn myself in," said Raoul.
"NO!" said Sarah emphatically. "You can’t."
"Sarah, I’ve been on the inside…you won’t last a day," said Raoul.
Howie had known Raoul for some time and knew he was determined to do this. Softly, he said, "I’ll take care of ALL your attorney bills and Billy, when it’s all over, he WILL have a job, won’t he?"
"Most definitely. In the meantime, who do you want on you and Sarah?"
"Doesn’t matter to me. I’m cool with your guys."
"What about you, Sarah?"
Sarah was crying at the thought of Raoul taking the heat for her and Raoul took her small hand into his massive one. He said tenderly, "Sarah, don’t be upset. I’d die for BOTH of you and besides, this will be a vacation compared to all those teenage girls throwing themselves at Howie."
"I never meant for my actions to hurt or cause problems for anyone else."
Billy said, "Chances are, he’ll get off. The story is, he was keeping an eye on you without your knowledge when he spotted Russell coming after you. He stepped in and a scuffle ensued. In trying to subdue Russell, Raoul snapped his neck, killing him instantly. Because of his prior record, Raoul dumped the body in the ocean. Sarah, you’re tracks are covered."
"Then why go to these lengths if I’m covered?"
"The publicity, Angel. We don’t need the publicity that will go along
with all this. It’s gonna be tough enough with it being a bodyguard but
it’ll be easier."
Raoul said, "I have my story down so that it goes along with your
whereabouts. The two old guys you spoke to on the docks even saw me."
"When did they see you?"
"As they were leaving."
"Why didn’t I hear you or see you get on the boat?"
Raoul laughed, "You had the music turned up kinda loud and you were singing along."
Howie laughed, "BUSTED! And I thought it was ONLY Becca who did that kind of stuff."
Sarah turned a bright shade of red, "Raoul, you did NOT have to tell him
that."
All three men laughed and Howie asked, "When are you going to do all
this?"
"As soon as we get back to Orlando," said Billy. "You’ve got
the extra security at the reception. My goal is to spare you both the media
blitz when you get back from your honeymoon. Where are you going and when will
you be back?"
"We’re going to the Delano in Miami and I plan for us to be back Wednesday night or Thursday morning. We’ve got the benefit next weekend."
"Do me a favor. Let me send a driver to get you so you don’t have to fly in and be met by the press."
"That’s fine," agreed Howie. "We’ll take a car to Miami tonight too."
Sarah asked, "What do we tell the others?"