by Posey Parks
She said she wouldn’t be able to handle us being apart for a long time without hearing from me. Shit, this is the life she signed up for. It’s not all sunshine and fucking rainbows. I murdered people for a living. Hugo knew better than to tell Carmen anything. It was for her own safety.
The following day, we devised our plan over breakfast. Filippo Jr. was hiding out in a tree line suburban neighborhood. Sebastian utilized his real estate connections to find a house we could occupy for our next stakeout.
I enjoyed the camaraderie with the fellas. A guys’ trip in the near future would be cool. Maybe we could make it a couple’s trip. Shit, if I have a wife after this job. Sitting on the sofa in the family room, I stared through the binoculars out the window.
I searched for any movement in the house across the street.
Darkness fell upon the sky and it was time to move. Dressed in dark clothes carrying assault rifles we took the house by storm. They weren’t prepared for our type of heat. We picked Filippo Jr.’s men off as we entered the backyard. I felt like fucking Scarface. Once inside the house we were merciless. This was the end of the line for the Bertozzi family.
Filippo Jr. sat on the bed smoking a cigarette. He had the nerve to disrespect the Don of the Magarelli family. He told my brother he’d never be the Don my father was. A devious smile curled my lips the second my brother held the Glock to his head. His brains splattered across the bedroom. Nessuna pietà, bitch.
Tony slapped a brick of C-4 on the wall facing the empty lot as we fled the house. Inches from the vehicles the explosion roared. The intensity of the blast knocked us to the ground.
We collected ourselves and climbed into the trucks. I called Quince a police officer who owed the Magarelli’s a favor. He assured me we were in the clear.
∞
Spending time with my family was perfect. Alex warmed up quick to Dillon.
Later that night, we had one more important meeting then I could return to California.
Dressed to the nines, Dillon, Tony, and I walked into one of our gambling establishments. There was a secret strip club only to be occupied by made men. The moment we walked in my eyes darted across the room to Marco. He was occupied. Strippers serviced him much like they often did at his strip club. We sat at a large table with the remaining bosses. Dillon assured them the Bertozzi family was no more. Their tense posture became relaxed. It was time to celebrate.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
CARMEN
Hugo wouldn’t allow me to leave the condo for four days. I was a wreck. The image of Dominic equipping himself with fire power shattered my nerves. What was going on? Would my man return to me? I remembered being hyper vigilant as Hugo and I strolled the hotel halls. I kept my hand on the handle of the Glock, resting in my waist holster.
Shit, why did I fall in love with a fucking gangster? In the mafia movies someone was often shot in an elevator. My heartbeat thudded in my ears and my chest.
He mashed the elevator button. “Behind me, Carmen.” My giant bodyguard barked holding his Glock inside his suit jacket. The tall gold luggage cart shielded our view. The doors opened and I exhaled. Hugo and I rode the service elevator to the kitchen. We strolled out of the back door, carrying all my shopping bags and luggage. I doubt I stopped looking over my shoulder until we were in the air, flying back to San Jose.
The following day, later in the evening, I walked toward the kitchen to grab a glass of water. I overheard part of Hugo’s phone conversation. He mentioned I was upset. He was talking to Dominic. A small smile took my lips and my heart raced. He was ok.
I guessed Dominic ordered Hugo not to allow me out of the house. What the fuck was going on? Was I in danger?
By the third day, I was on edge and craving my husband’s touch. Dominic and I making love most of our honeymoon was the plan. We finally made love and he was called away. Ugh. I was pissed.
Hugo barely left his post gawking out the large window facing the busy street.
“Good morning, Hugo,” I yawned, padding into the kitchen.
“Good morning, Carmen.” He grunted.
“Coffee?”
“Yes, please.” He never made eye contact. Hugo wore a black T-shirt hugging his huge chest and biceps. I’d only seen him in a pair of dark jeans one other time. Usually, Dominic’s guards kept their weapons hidden. Since we’ve returned to San Jose, Hugo’s shoulder and waist holsters were exposed equipped with four gray Glocks. It clicked for the first time. These weren’t your typical bodyguards. I popped a K-cup into the machine and waited for the rich dark roast coffee to brew. Peeking into the living room, I observed his stature. Muscular, about six-five, square jaw. I was convinced if someone punched him in his face he wouldn’t be phased. His gray eyes were full of darkness. I wondered why. And why on earth would two young guys choose to become a part of the mob and put their life on the line? Hugo and Brian were thirty and twenty-eight. If they had a life outside of this one, I couldn’t tell.
“Would you like cream and sugar?”
He ran his hand over his olive complected jaw. “Two teaspoons of sugar.”
I stirred in the granulated sugar then delivered the steaming mug to him.
“Thank you,” He sipped the coffee.”
I stood, staring at him, tapping my foot. My mouth opened.
“Nope. Don’t ask,” he stated in an even tone.
“What did you think I’d ask.”
“No, you can’t leave the house.”
He glared at me. “You run shit on Brian all the time. That cute little smile won’t work on me. Brian’s told you, Dom’s told you. You know what you signed up for. Mafia life isn’t always pretty.”
His words cut through me like a knife through Colby jack cheese.
I glowered him. “You are right, I do know what I signed up for. My husband is a dangerous man.”
He chuckled and his gray eyes brightened.
“Don’t forget psychopath.”
My forehead creased and I gritted my teeth. I couldn’t argue. He spoke facts.
“I’d like to go to my lab.”
“We’ll see.”
“Who’s after my husband?”
“Who said someone was after him?”
“I overheard your conversation with Dominic.”
He peeked at me with an arched hairy brown brow.
“You know nothing Carmen. Keep it that way. My job is to keep you safe. If something happens to you, they may as well take me out too, because your husband will torture then kill me. Go watch TV, Carmen.”
I stood on my tippy toes, pointing my finger in his face. “That’s all I can do. You took my phone and my laptop.”
He glanced at the front door. “Don’t forget I locked you in. Only I have the key.”
My eyes shot over to the dead bolt. “Ugh!” I grimaced, and stormed off.
For the next two days I remained held up in my bedroom. I lived off of Chex Mix and water. Sitting in the middle of the floor, I scribbled calculations across several white sheets of paper. They were lined up in order.
Heavy pounding on the door shook the room. I jumped, clenching my chest.
“Carmen, unlock the door or I will knock it down,” Hugo growled.
“One moment,” I yelled, rolling my eyes and sucking my teeth.
I slipped jeans and a breathable white sweater over my bra and panties. Unlocking, then yanking the door open, I glared at him. “What?”
“What are you doing in here? And don’t tell me you’re watching TV because the same movie ‘Point Break has been on loop for two fucking days.” He brushed past me.
He halted and stared at the twenty plus pages lined in rows across the floor.
“I guess you got me. I’m working. My research keeps me from going insane.” I dropped on the bed. “It’s been a week. My husband hasn’t tried to contact me because if he did, I’m sure you would have informed me. Last time I thought he was dead. He wasn’t. He was partying and hanging out in strip clubs with
made men. Fuck, why did I do this to myself? I told Dominic, not to ever do this shit again. Not contact me.” Tears streamed down my face.”
Hugo crouched beside me. “When we arrived at the Four Seasons last week. I told Dominic he chose the right woman.”
I peeked at him. His features were soft. I caught a glimpse of happiness in his eyes.
“The first time he saw you at the coffee shop, he was filled with excitement. To be honest he became a little obsessed. He wouldn’t lose sight of you again. Dominic could have any woman he wanted. Women shoved their phone numbers into his pockets, grabbed his hand when he walked through parties. He wanted more. He wanted a woman who’d give him purpose. You’re a challenge to him. I think he thought you’d come around a little faster than you did.
Dominic was invited to a yacht party for his birthday in two thousand fifteen. The second you called he gladly changed his plans.”
A wave of warmth swept through my body. I loved my Dominic.
“Thank you, Hugo.” I scanned the room. The street lights peeked through the curtains. “How long had I been working?”
He glanced at his Rolex. “I don’t know, but it’s a little after midnight.”
“Shit, I don’t remember the last time I slept.”
He patted my shoulder. “Get a little rest.”
“That’s the best option. I’ll be too tired to think about him the second my head hits the pillow. Have you talked to him?”
He visibly swallowed. “No. Sleep. I’ll take you into your lab tomorrow.”
I threw my arms around his thick neck. “Thank you, Hugo.” I pulled back.
He stood to his feet. “No problem.” Hugo exited my bedroom closing the door.
Smoothing my hand over my unkept mane, I sighed. “Dominic, where are you?”
The bright lights shined over head as I sunk under the sheet. Point Break remained on a loop. That was my last memory I enjoyed with my husband. My eyelids closed. Dominic’s tongue slid across my neck. “I love you, Carmen.”
Did he mean those words? Why would he marry me and leave? The smell of cigarettes and cheap perfume mixed with his expensive woodsy cologne singed my nose from that day our eyes met in Newark. That day haunted me.
CHAPTER FIFTY
CARMEN
Slipping my wedding rings off my finger, I placed them in the top dresser drawer. I needed to avoid all the questions about my husband. No one knew I was eloping except Paisley.
Hugo sat outside the research lab entrance. I breathed the air into my lungs then exhaled. A smile took my lips as I spread four sheets filled with calculations over the counter. Research was my sanity. Science was delicate. You had to pay attention or you could blow something up accidentally. I tucked Dominic away in my memory bank.
“Good afternoon, Carmen.”
Holding the vial in my hand, I released two drops of solution inside. “Hello, Gilbert.”
He leaned over my station. “Can I assist?”
I smiled. “Absolutely.”
Gilbert stepped around the counter.
“I think I had a breakthrough. First, can you add two pink drops to those five vials?”
“Yeah.”
“So, I wanted to create a form of birth control that was similar to the ring. Women could insert the contraceptive inside their vaginas that would release hormones that prevented their ovaries from releasing eggs.”
His face turned a shade of pink.
“Well, the ring I am creating will not only act as a form of birth control but also fight off a couple of sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and HPV (Human papillomavirus infection). I know the goal would be to ward off of all STD’s but I will work within this small window.”
His smile lit up his pale face.
“It’s a start. I intend to test it all week.”
“I’ll help. Have you turned in your patents?”
“On my way into the lab today I did.”
“Good job, Dr. Drake.”
I cringed when he said my maiden name. It’s supposed to be Dr. Magarelli. My heart plummeted.
His eyebrows wrinkled. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah.” I glanced around the room. Only Gilbert and I shared this lab. We each had four long counters to fill with our research. It was a dream.
“What happened? You were on vacation and figured out a calculation and came running back?”
I grinned. “Something like that. What brought you into the lab on a Saturday?”
“I wanted to run a few tests.”
“I can manage on my own.”
“Yeah, I know. But I’ll help you then I’ll head over to my station.”
I nodded. He slid his white lab coat over his burgundy rock T-shirt that radiated his red hair.
“Let’s get to work,” he said slipping a pair of latex gloves over his hands.
I smiled, pulling the safety glasses over my eyes. “Ready.”
Hugo and I sat in silence, eating juicy vegan burgers at the white kitchen countertop, later that night.
His gaze followed my left hand for what felt like a full five minutes. “Hugo, whatever is on your mind just say it,” I sighed, smoothing my loose strands into my ponytail.
“You gave up on Dom just like that?”
I wrinkled my nose. “What are you talking about?”
“You didn’t wear your wedding ring to work, which I thought maybe you didn’t want to talk about your wedding, because you hadn’t heard from your husband. Then you entered the house and didn’t bother putting it back on your finger.”
Leaning my elbow against the counter, I palmed my face. “My husband left for what probably began as work and led into play. He doesn’t give a shit about me.” I slammed my palm on the counter.
“It’s been seven days!” I scowled.
“Nothing. Not one fucking word.” I leaned across the counter.
“You were right, he did pick a good woman, but I ain’t stupid. I’ve had enough. You can continue to follow me around per your boss’s orders. I don’t care. I am going back to my apartment.” I hopped off the stool.
“Oh, and one more thing, if he was dead. Someone from the Magarelli family would have informed you by now. I’m sure you have connections and know what’s going on and was probably ordered not to tell me. Ask me if I give a fuck?”
Hugo sat stoned faced. Anger seeping out of his pores. I knew he wanted to come to his boss’s defense, but he couldn’t.
I stormed down the hall into the bedroom, threw personal items into a bag. Hugo stood by the front door, waiting.
I shook my head. “Jesus.”
A few minutes later we arrived at my apartment.
“Have a seat on the sofa, Carmen.”
Hugo was still barking orders. He searched each room then gawked out of the windows through binoculars. I didn’t know what he was looking for.
He halted at the sofa. “The apartment is clear. You are not to leave here without me. Do you understand?” he growled.
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah.”
He gripped the top of the sofa and glared at me. “I don’t think you do. I’m placing a camera on your building. If you leave, I’ll know. Then I will lock you in the condo you and Dominic share. Do I make myself clear?”
Hugo knew I hated being locked up. “Yes, I understand. Since you have my cell can you please arrive at eight a.m.?”
“I’ll be here.”
I jumped off the couch and locked the door behind him. Pretty sure he bugged my apartment.
My body fell against the firm mattress and I stared at the ceiling. Shoving thoughts of my husband out of my mind was difficult but necessary. Well it was until now. Maybe this was what I needed complete silence. His eyes were always fixated on me. His emerald green eyes saw straight into my heart. He knew I loved him first. Our first kiss was something out of a romance movie. It was perfect. He inhaled me then and on our wedding day. I have questions. How long will he leave me like this, hurt, scared, lone
ly? He never told his parents we were married. All because of a stupid prenup. I would have signed it without hesitation. His love was all I needed. My fingers grazed my lips. He left an insatiable need inside me for sex.
Sex only from him. Dominic broke me down. I’d kill for him. He knew it too. That’s why he taught me how to shoot guns.
Now he left me with a broken heart. How could he talk his way out of this situation?
∞
Gilbert and I ate breakfast and lunch together three days straight.
After lunch Monday, I asked to borrow Gilbert’s cell. I slipped into a stall in the women’s bathroom. My heart beat at a rapid speed. Pulsating vibrations swept through my body.
I dialed Dominic’s phone number. Holding the cell to my ear, I clenched my eyes shut as the phone rang once. His voice mail greeting played.
It’s Dominic Magarelli. You know what to do.
Beep.
The words caught in my throat.
Dominic, it’s Carmen. It’s been ten days. Where are you?
I disconnected the call, then redialed his number.
Voice mail popped on again. I could listen to his stupid message all day, so I could hear his voice.
Dominic, how could you do this to me. To us. Stay wherever you are. I don’t ever want to see you again. You broke my heart. I hope you’re fucking happy.
