by Eden O'Neill
“Can you help me? I think I’m lost.”
I turned around, feeling like I recognized the voice, and the moment I did, my eyes twitched wide.
A man, a disheveled man wearing a dirty T-shirt and sweatpants. About a month or two of coarse hair on his face, it took me a second to realize I knew the guy.
But by then, he’d grabbed me.
Sinclair covered my mouth, smelling like booze and smoke when he normally didn’t do either. I screamed, but his hand muffled the sound, and before I knew it, he was dragging me across the woods. He had a car parked off the trail, way off and far away where the police normally did their rotation. It wasn’t just a car, though. It was a van, a white one, and opening it up, he threw me inside it.
“Help—”
The door slammed in my face, cutting off my sound from the world. I scrambled on my front as a door opened and closed. Sinclair hopped in the front seat, and the next thing I knew, he was peeling away, my body sliding and slamming against the side of the van.
I groaned, hugging my impacted side. I tried to get up on my knees but didn’t have the need when Sinclair reached back. Getting a hold of my arm, he dragged me up and between the seats.
“Get the fuck up here and sit down,” he growled, dark circles under his eyes. I barely recognized him, his facial hair patchy and completely unkempt. He pointed toward the seat. “Now. That’s not a request, and don’t even think about going for the doors or windows. They don’t open on your side.”
Shivering, I stayed where I was, but then he went for the handgun shoved into the front of his sweats.
He pointed it at me. “Get in the fucking seat, Billie. I won’t ask you again.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
LJ
“You’re doing great, Lance. Just great. Remember to stay calm and don’t obstruct the wire.”
The detective working the Marvelli case coached in my ear while I strode down the street. I’d told Billie that the police planned to meet with the Marvellis.
I’d just left out the fact that person would be me.
The Marvelli family had asked to meet with me specifically, sending a representative on their behalf. I hadn’t told Billie because I hadn’t wanted to worry her, and the police assured me they had my back on this. They said they’d have me completely surrounded at any given time, and I think the only reason I trusted them was because of Billie’s dad. He made sure I always had someone around me, security detail out the ass watching over me. He’d fought for me and my family, as well as Niko’s. He made sure people were there keeping an eye on things, an eye on them, and as far as I was concerned, the man made good on his promise to his daughter.
Her dad did right by me, had me covered enough that I felt safe in this situation, a downtown cafe today’s meeting spot. The Marvellis wanted neutral ground, and I did too, but I wouldn’t go without the police in my ear. They had a wire on me, but I highly doubted this rep wouldn’t know about it. In fact, they probably assumed, which was why they wanted to meet on neutral ground in the first place. Out in the open assured no trouble.
On both parts.
Letting out a breath, I headed down the street toward the cafe. The cops dropped me off about a block away, well within view of the cafe, and they had another car positioned on the opposite side of the street. Any trouble and they’d come in, but I didn’t expect any trouble. These people weren’t stupid, and the cops had already gotten Alexi, so I highly doubted they wanted to make waves. I came upon the street crossing before getting over to the cafe, but had to stop when the light changed, a cluster of people around me.
“Not long now, Lance,” Detective Guthrie said in my ear. “We got your back. We’re watching.”
I looked out for them. Though I couldn’t see the authorities, I supposed that was the point. Breathing hard, I waited for the light to change when suddenly a guy brushed my arm.
I glanced over at him, the man in shades talking on a cell phone. Shrugging the brush off as nerves, I stared ahead, waiting for the light change.
That was until he touched my arm.
“Pass the cafe,” he said, letting go and sliding his hand into his pocket. He kept the phone to his ear, a young guy like myself in jeans and a graphic tee. He didn’t look out of the ordinary, but maybe that was the point. He lifted his head. “Then keep walking and get into the first black sedan you see. It’ll be waiting for you.”
Frowning, I glanced up, and with no voices in my ear, I supposed the cops hadn’t picked up on what this guy clearly said to me on a crowded street corner.
Tension brewed immediately in my veins, and bracing my arms, I shook my head at the guy. I knew the cops were in my ear and didn’t want to incriminate myself with whoever this guy was.
The guy must have seen what I did because he nodded. After that, he shrugged a little. “Suit yourself. My employer would just like a solution that suits everyone’s interests. Keeps everyone safe.”
My heart jolted as the light changed, and before I knew it, this guy was on the move. I stood there, frozen and jaw slack. It took a moment for me to realize the detective was in my ear, asking what was wrong.
“Lance?”
“I’m good,” I mumbled, sprinting across the street in my jacket. The cafe sign with a peach and fancy lettering came up pretty quick, but without a thought, I kept walking. The guy said something about both our interests, safety, and that sure as hell stuck with me. They knew about Billie obviously, and if whatever this was kept her okay, my family…
“Lance, where are you going? You’ve passed the cafe. Lance?”
“Just trust me, all right?” I whispered, though I hoped he could. I wasn’t a betting guy, but at this point, I was all in here.
I found the black sedan easy, the thing was literally parked just beyond the cafe. Since it was out in the open, that made me feel only slightly better. The cops could see where I was going and follow if these people took me someplace.
Coming upon the ride, the front door clicked open. A man got out, a driver in a suit. He opened the back door, then put a hand out for me to go inside.
“Looks like he’s getting into a black sedan! Lance?”
I lifted a hand, but only just, swallowing before getting inside. Right away, I heard the detective’s voice again.
“He waved us off. Just… keep eyes on him for now,” Detective Guthrie said. “The windows aren’t tinted. Just one perp inside.”
The detective was right, only one man inside, and with the windows not tinted, this whole meeting was terribly obvious. Whoever this guy was, clearly wasn’t trying to hide.
Dressed sharp, the guy had dark hair, his look inquisitive. His legs crossed, he shifted a glance toward the window. Outside, a maroon-colored van took his attention, the words Sullivan Bros. Electric Co. marked on the side. He ticked a finger toward it. “I’m assuming your friends. Let them know you’re fine. This won’t take long. We aren’t going anywhere. I assure you.”
My mouth dry, I stared at the guy, clean-shaven and a cigar in his hands like he’d stepped straight out of The Sopranos. He had an air about him that screamed Alexi Marvelli and even looked like him, his face narrower and more physically fit in general. Alexi was a little on the hefty side, but this guy looked like some kind of politician. A slow breath eased from my lips. “I’m good, guys.”
“You’re good?” came into my ear.
“Yes, for now,” I said, then returned my attention to the guy sitting across from me. He wasn’t smiling, wasn’t doing anything really. He just stared right back. We were the only ones in this car, not even a driver in the front seat. The guy who let me in stood outside, his back to the door.
The man crossed his legs. “Do you know who I am, son?”
I didn’t, but assumed he was from the Marvelli family. I shook my head, and he nodded.
“Leonardo Marvelli.” He reached for my hand then, a hard shake I took before he sat back. He lifted his chin. “Though to the public, I go by Le
o Pearson. My mother’s maiden name.”
Well, that name I definitely recognized. Leo Pearson was like a senator or some shit. I mean, he used to be. I’d heard his name a lot freshman year, since that was when the elections were and new people were taking office. My lips parted. “You were a senator.”
“Yes, hence the name change.” He chuckled, the sound light. “My family name hasn’t always had the best associations with it. And I’m sorry for all the cloak and dagger.” He lifted and dropped his hand. “I’m not in politics anymore, but people still know my face. I just wanted to meet somewhere I wouldn’t be recognized, and definitely not at a police station. I’ve heard my name in the papers enough over the years and don’t really want to add another byline to it. I figured here, the police could still see you while at the same time, give us a little privacy.”
“Privacy for what?” I asked. The dude made me get in his car and that didn’t sit well with me.
A smile touched his eyes now, an array of genuineness there this guy definitely hadn’t earned from me. At least, not yet. Even still, he attempted to give it to me, his fingers lacing on his crossed legs. “To thank you.”
“Thank me? For what?”
“For whatever your involvement was in my brother’s arrest.”
“Your brother. As in…” My eyes twitched wide. “You’re Alexi’s brother?”
“The one and only. Though, I wish I wasn’t. There’s a reason I took my mother’s name and stayed the hell clear of my father’s. My brother has dragged it through the mud. Used our father’s legacy for his own personal gain for years when he became head of the family. My father built his companies from the ground up as an immigrant. Well, when he died, my brother took creative license to turn the Marvelli name into the one it is today. It’s become one of fear, and I hate that. It goes against everything I stood for in my previous line of work.”
Shocked, I sat back.
Leo sighed. “Well, now that my brother is behind bars and I’m next in line, I’m making changes. I have my family to think about, both close and extended. I plan to get us out of the game and the messes my brother has dragged us into.”
“What about Alexi?”
“I love my brother. I do, but I’ll honestly be surprised if, after he’s tried and charged, he’ll even make it out of prison. He’s made a lot of enemies everywhere, and most of them are behind bars. He’ll most likely befall his fate there. I hate it, but that’s probably what’s going to happen.”
“You still good, Lance?” I heard in my ear, and since I thought I was, I smiled.
“Yeah, you hearing this,” I said to the detective.
“Every word.” A smile in the man’s voice.
The same one faced right back at me, Leo. He nodded. “I guess I just wanted to say thanks and give my personal apologies for any issues you’ve had with my brother. You or the authorities will see no retaliation from the Marvelli family. I’m not entirely sure of your involvement in my brother’s case, but since I heard your name around, I wanted to meet with you personally, give you some peace of mind, I guess.”
I appreciated that, and when his hand came out, I shook it. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Let the authorities know that too.”
“We heard,” came into my ear, and I laughed.
I smiled. “They heard.”
Another nod from Leo. “Well, I guess this is good day then. I hope it’s a good one.”
I had a feeling it would be, and after letting Leo go, I went about my own. I made it to the electricity van across the street, and though I got a good scolding for going rogue, I got a pat on the back too.
“We appreciate all your help with this, Lance,” the detective said, smiling when he shook my hand. “Maybe you should consider a job in law enforcement.”
Nah, didn’t think that would be happening, but I was glad I’d been able to help. After shaking the detective’s hand, it turned out he hadn’t been the only one who wanted to shake.
Billie’s dad had shown up, the prosecutor himself. He obviously didn’t have to be there, but came through anyway. He also shook my hand, commended me on how brave I was.
“Well, these guys had my back,” I said, referring to the detective and his team. They were all wrapping things up. I eased hands into my pockets. “And I feel like he wasn’t the only one.”
The man personally had fought to make sure I’d been looked out for, my family too, and I more than appreciated that.
Billie’s dad appeared modest at the acknowledgment, scratching the side of his neck. I never saw him in anything less than a business suit, and something told me usually DAs didn’t make it off the golf course, let alone hung around criminal investigations. They definitely didn’t pick up guys from crime scenes such as myself, yet here he was. He shrugged. “It was the least I could do. You’re obviously my daughter’s friend.”
I was more than that, but I had a feeling he knew that. Things were definitely complicated with him and his daughter, and I was on her side always but could give credit where credit was due. This guy had gone to bat for me, and I appreciated that.
“Thanks for all you did.” I put my hand out again, shaking his hand hard. “My family’s everything to me, and Niko’s is to him too. I think I can say on his and my behalf that we appreciate you making calls to get police details for our families too.”
Another shrug before he released my hand, then a nod. “I’m just glad everything turned out all right. Sounds like it did.”
These men around us were headed off to far more important issues now and I was grateful for that. Fuck, I was happy for all this to finally be behind me.
Billie’s dad rocked on his shoes. “I suppose you’re going to go see my daughter now?”
“I am. She’s been giving me an earful about not being there.”
“Well, I guess you can let her know everything’s okay now. That she’s safe. I’d appreciate that.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, but he shook it off, and all that red hair reminded me so much of his kid. He clasped my arm. “And you, uh… you just take care of her, okay? Be good to her?”
He didn’t have to ask, always in Billie’s corner as long as she’d have me. I’d been stupid before when it came to her, but I wouldn’t be now. I refused.
I loved her.
“I will,” I said. “Sir.”
I had respect for the man, and when his smile stretched, I felt I had the same on his end. I was happy for that.
He backed off to talk to the detective and his team more when my phone buzzed. Seeing it was a certain red head, I grinned too wide. Crazy, how she affected me.
I swiped my thumb across the device, then put it to my ear. “Hey, beauty queen. I just got done and—”
“What are you doing, Sinclair?”
I twitched. Sinclair? Her ex-boyfriend motherfucker? What the hell?
My lips moved to speak.
“Why have you taken me?” she questioned, my gut twisting right away. She panted. “I’m scared. Let me go.”
My heart racing immediately, I started to speak but didn’t know if I should or she could. This fucker had taken her?
“Shut the fuck up, Billie!” Sinclair seethed but not directly into the line. He was somewhere wherever she was at, and the sudden charge of an engine accelerating grappled my insides. He had her in a car. He was driving her someplace.
“Please,” she pleaded. “Why are we in this white van? Where are you even taking me? Why did you grab me off Henderson trail and drag me in here? Stop. You might hit someone jogging on the paths. The roads are too narrow for big vehicles up here.”
I listened to every word, taking in every detail as I got my keys.
“Baby, just keep telling me where you are,” I thought, trying to keep it all straight and not let my mind wander. I had to stay calm.
If I didn’t I might be too late.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Billie
I widened my legs
a little, my phone tucked beneath them. I still had it in my hand when Sinclair grabbed me and managed to keep it concealed even when I climbed between the front two seats to sit beside him.
A glance down and the screen was black, but I hoped to God the call to LJ had gone through.
Sinclair had been navigating the road when I hit my recent contacts. LJ had been the last person I’d spoken to so it’d been easy. I’d touched the screen, then shoved the thing between my legs. I couldn’t hear anything on the other end with all the bumps in the woods, but the moment Sinclair got us away from the wooded trail to the dirt paths, there’d been nothing but silence. LJ could be on the line still as we sat, but I had no way of knowing it.
I swallowed, a sticky knot in my throat. Sinclair was horrifying with his appearance, a shell of himself. A shadow darkened beneath each eye, and showers seemed to have been a thing of the past. My lips parted. “Sinclair…”
“I told you to shut the fuck up, Billie,” he gritted, and his hands working the wheel, I’d definitely seen this inside him. He’d snapped at me quite a few times in our relationship. But even this I hadn’t guessed. Even with the signs of his stalking. He’d been mad, yes, but not crazy mad. His jaw worked. “Haven’t you done enough? I’ve lost everything because of you.”
“What do you mean?”
He actually laughed, the dark tone shooting a chill directly down my spine. My hands curled at my sides as I attempted to keep my panic inside and my legs completely apart for my phone. He grunted. “You and fucking Lance Johnson.” His gaze dragged down my body. “He’s obviously obsessed with you.”
Him obsessed with me? What the hell? “Sinclair, I have no idea—”
“Of course, you don’t. You’re daft as a fucking doorknob. Meanwhile, you rip through people’s lives without any fucks given. You ruin everything. Everything…”
He rounded a turn too fast, and up here, there was little to no traction.
I gripped the door. “Stop! You’re going to tip us over. The turn is too tight on this road.”
