Deceptive People
Page 2
I wrapped a towel around my head and one around my torso. My clothes were rung out as best as I could, then hung on a line in the shower to dry. With no purse, no money and no phone; I was in way over my head. My life was in jeopardy, and as much as I didn't want to talk to Brian, he was my only option. He was a cop, and we had a history, that had to account for something. I decided to trust him. Removing the towel from my hair, I ran my fingers through the strands, letting the damp locks cascade down my back. My complexion still resembled a ghost, so I pinched my cheeks to bring a little color to the surface and smacked my lips together. I appeared far from glamourous but better than when I walked into the bathroom.
I tightened the towel around my body and opened the door to the hotel room. Brian stood as I entered. His large frame dwarfed mine. His breath hitched as he took in my attire or lack thereof. “Sit,” I said, avoiding the bed and opted to sit in one of the club chairs. My body sank into the seat which was surprisingly comfortable. “I am ready to talk, but only after you tell me everything you know about Max Barroni and his affiliates.”
Brian resumed his seat and placed an ankle over his knee. His green orbs darkened with desire and stayed locked on my body for way too long. I shifted in my seat, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. He seemed to collect himself as he leaned back in his chair. “Off the record. He's mafia through and through. Bad news in more ways than you need to hear. He runs under the radar, but he's connected to some of the Berreti family as well as the Zantorin's. Why, what is your connection to Mr. Barroni?”
I swallowed the lump that formed as Brian spoke. The names were recognizable from some articles I had read about local gang bosses. I figured Max Barroni had ties to some bad people, but I never considered the mob. He was intimidating and sly, which was why I researched him in the first place. His visits to our offices continued to increase in frequency, and Luis, my boss, got more agitated each time he left. I thought I was doing Luis a favor by looking into the man. I had no idea what a mess I would uncover. My in-house research yielded little information about the man himself, however, the money trail spoke volumes. Lots of greenbacks filtered through Luis's campaign and personal accounts.
“I uncovered things I shouldn't have regarding Max and Luis.” Unsure where to start, I ran my sweaty palms on the towel, and tried to even my breathing.
“What kind of things, June? Illegal I'm assuming.”
“I've been working as Luis Persia's personal assistant for the past three years. Shortly after, you know…” I coughed and waved a hand between the two of us. “We broke up.” I took a steadying breath. “My life changed in many ways, I moved into a small apartment, and Luis and I met at a…” Brian reached across the table between us and took my hand in his. The warmth of his touch helped to settle my shaking hands.
“I know all that.” His voice was deep and calming, but did nothing to stop the shock of his words from forcing my jaw to the floor. “We may have been apart, but doesn't mean you were out of my thoughts. I've known exactly where you were. Who you've been with.” He looked away for a split second. A look of what passed for chagrin swept across his features, although Brian Rigshaw didn't do embarrassed. “Don't get pissed. I needed to make sure you were okay. You don't just stop caring, or at least I couldn't.”
His statement floored me. Brian had been keeping tabs on me. Rage surfaced first, and I withdrew my hand from his. He no longer had the right to touch me or to care about my well-being. “How dare you use your job to keep abreast of my life. That's unethical and plain old creepy.” My voice rose with indignation.
“Settle down. You have the right to feel however you want, but I won't apologize. You matter to me, and I checked in from time to time. It's not like I was stalking you or anything. I made sure you were safe, which is my job actually.” The righteous look he sported had me chomping at the bit to claw his eyes out.
“It's not your job. I am not your responsibility; you gave up that right a long time ago.” I balled my hands into fists.
“Your choice, not mine.” He kept his tone even and non-confrontational. The sign of a true professional.
My anger simmered a little. I didn’t want to leave; it was the only choice left for us. Had he blamed me this entire time? The demise of our relationship was unavoidable. I might have been the one who walked away, but I left wounded and angry. It was easier for me to hate him than to miss him. Only I didn’t hate him, and by the look on his face, he didn’t hate me either. The hurt was evident in his eyes, even though he attempted to school his emotions.
“Brian, I.” The sentence was too difficult to get out.
“Don't.” He held up his hand to halt my explanation. “It's the past. What matters right now, is what happened tonight. What you know, and why Luis shot at you. I need all the details.” Brian, the detective, was talking now, and my indignant ex-lover left the building.
For a while, I was silent, trying to figure out what to say. He knew about my work, which meant he knew that Luis and I had dated. Or maybe he didn't know everything. I decided to gloss over how I came to work for the Senator, and stick with the facts around my research and subsequent shots being fired. It was time to come clean about everything. I hoped that Brian could still look at me when I finished talking.
Chapter Four
THE TIME TO bare my soul had come. With my legs tucked under me, I put my elbows on the table, and told the truth. “Max started coming around about a year ago. Luis is up for re-election, as I'm sure you're aware, and I figured Mr. Barroni was a campaign contributor. I'm not privy to the conversations that go on behind closed doors. Being a personal assistant does, however, give me access to all of Luis's accounts and emails.” I exhaled loudly. This proved to be harder than I anticipated. Telling Brian about my crooked boss, would make him think I was an accomplice, or at least aware of the wrongdoings. “Nothing out of the ordinary surfaced over the past year. I didn’t understand the reasons behind Max Barroni’s visits. A few months ago I observed him showing up unannounced a lot and causing Luis some grief.”
“What do you mean by grief?” Brian asked.
I rubbed the back of my neck, how could I explain a gut feeling? “Luis would appear agitated and frazzled after Max left. He would have me reschedule his appointments, allowing him time to simmer. Let me say those requests were strange. I have known Luis for long enough to know the man doesn’t get worked up easily. This pushed me towards checking into things. Starting with the money Max donated, I followed the paper trail. Everything seemed odd, several of Luis's advisers had gone to great lengths to move the money and shuffle the papers around to hide Mr. Barroni's contributions. I recalled the dates he visited the office, but none of the paperwork added up. I did some digging and discovered his campaign coordinator transferred large sums to offshore accounts. I didn't have names, I had account numbers and dates. It all appeared fishy, but I didn’t grasp what it all meant. Armed with my documentation which detailed my findings, I presented it to Luis earlier tonight. I figured he needed to know what members of his staff were doing, they’d stolen from him. That’s what I thought, therefore, it seemed logical to show him first.”
“Did you make copies of your research and findings?” Brian interrupted. His mouth formed a thin line, and I sensed he didn't like my story so far. The relaxed demeanor from earlier vanished, he now appeared on edge.
He wasn't the only one stressed. Recalling the events of the past few months and saying everything out loud made me jumpy. Every little sound around me could be an intruder waiting to pounce. I opened another bottle of water and drank half in a few large swallows.
“Yes, I made several digital copies, but Luis has the only paper versions with signatures approving the money transfers. After I presented my research, he turned gray, like he would pass out at any moment. Everything pointed towards corruption within his office, I could only imagine how he felt, so I gave him time to digest the information. He sat there silent for so long, behind his desk with
his head in his hands, I thought he might want privacy. I opened the door to leave when he called my name. I turned and saw the gun. The absolute last thing I expected to see, and I panicked. Frozen to the spot, my mind told me to get him talking, to buy me some time. I asked him what was going on, what it all meant? He admitted he was laundering money for Max Barroni. They paid him handsomely to pay off certain officials and vote how Barroni wanted. None of it made sense since I knew for a fact Luis had plenty of cash. He laughed at me. It was the most awful cackle I ever heard, demonic almost. He said some horrible things after that.”
“What kind of things did he say?”
Things I wanted to forget. I wished I never laid eyes on Luis Persia, but I couldn't re-write the past. My cheeks were wet with tears before I mustered the ability to answer. “He said I wasn't worth the trouble. That I was a stupid little slut, a power chaser, and only good for opening my legs. He said that he never should have hired me. Luis rambled something about me teasing him and fucking him over. His words were so mean and hurtful that I kind of shut down. He vented while I just stood there. It all boiled down to protecting his position, and Max guaranteed him a long career. Luis swore a lot, said I was nothing more than his pretty little ornament, and I picked the wrong time to grow a brain. Some choice names got used, nothing that warrants repeating, and he topped it all off by saying I was as good as dead.”
I trembled, reliving the moment all over again. Even with my arms wrapped around my torso, I couldn’t get warm or stop the terror from taking over. Visions of being held at gunpoint would not fade anytime soon.
The next instant, I was curled on top of Brian's lap as he sat on the edge of the bed. “You're safe now. Just breathe.” His words reassured me. He placed a hand on my bare shoulder and rubbed the length of my arm. The friction added much-needed heat into my cold limbs. I let myself seek comfort cradled in the safety of his thick, muscular arms. With my head against his chest, I hugged my legs. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat gave me the courage to finish my story.
“Brian, I almost threw up on his expensive Oriental rug, I was so scared! Luis said I should have minded my business. And he was right, I should have never looked into Max. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be in this mess now. But that's not who I am, I needed to know, do the right thing. He bombarded me with questions: did I have copies, how many, where I kept them, who I talked to, and the list went on. He barely gave me a chance to respond, which was fine because I couldn't talk. Luis got angrier when I stood there in the doorway like a mute idiot. I remember that he made a quick call to someone. They chatted briefly about a situation which came up, and all the while, I remained like a statue by the door. After he hung up, he glared at me with such hatred. I've never seen eyes turn black like his did in that moment and all the while, he pointed the gun directly at me. When Luis stood up, he lowered it slightly, and in that moment I knew I had to run. He would kill me without remorse. After I made that decision, everything was a blur. Somehow, I made it out through the back of the building and down the alley to the street. By some miracle, I made it to you,” I finished softly, unable to stop the steady flow of tears. Thank you wouldn’t be enough, I wanted to wrap my arms around Brian and thank him with kisses for saving my life, but I stopped myself.
Sobbing, I buried my face in my hands to hide my shame. Only an idiot would trust a man like Luis Persia, I berated myself for allowing a slimy politician with an agenda to deceive me for over three years. Who wouldn’t be dazzled by his dashing good looks and fast tongue? Luis could sell ice to an Eskimo, and I bought all of his lies. Of all places, we met at a coffee shop. He flashed his dimples, turned on the charisma, and asked me out. Flattered, I said no, however, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Relentless, I finally agreed to a date to get him off my back. Our romantic courtship lasted only a few weeks. Long enough to realize we weren't relationship material, although we formed a bond, or so I thought. He was my rebound man, but we were doomed from the start, because I hadn't been ready to date. Even now, I had only been on a handful of dates since Brian, and no one compared. As much as I hated him now, Brian had a lot of redeeming qualities.
My tears soaked Brian's sweater, but he held me tight, and let me cry until I had nothing left. The rigidness of his body meant he was furious, and I wasn't sure if it was directed at me or the situation. I wiped my tears with the back of my hands and looked up to see him watching me.
“I swear I had no idea what was going on.” Another tear fell, and I rubbed it off my cheek. “What happens now?” I asked.
“I called in while you were showering and they're looking for Luis now. Last I checked, they hadn't apprehended him yet. Once we're done talking, I'll share what you've told me, and we'll pick up Max Barroni and everyone else involved.”
Shifting on his lap, I sat up straight so we came face to face. “Brian, I'm not sure who's involved, but Luis was clear about paying off law enforcement. You need to be careful who you talk to and what you share.”
“Is that why you said you couldn't trust me? You thought I was on the take?”
I contemplated that for a moment before answering. Did I trust Brian? With my life, absolutely. He wasn't the type to take bribes, but then again, I believed Luis to be a good man as well. Clearly my judgment was compromised. “I never thought of you as one of the bad guys, but I don't trust myself to know the difference right now. I'm sorry if that hurts, but it's my life on the line.”
He cupped my face in his big calloused hands. “I won't rest until you're safe, June. You have my word.” His pupils dilated. I sensed the waring within those eyes, it looked like he might kiss me, and I didn't pull away. His face moved closer to mine, and my pulse accelerated. I closed my eyes, and his lips pressed against my forehead. My eyes snapped open as he distanced his face from mine. “I need to get a copy of your research so I can give it to my tech guy. He'll be able to decipher the players based on the bank accounts and whatever other details provided.”
I exhaled in disappointment. “Of course. There's a USB stick between my driver's seat and the console. It fell while I drove to work this morning. That's why I wanted to go back to my car.”
“We've impounded your car, but it seems they got to it first. Your windows were smashed, and the car ransacked. They wouldn't have had much time to search so I'm hopeful knowing where to look we'll recover the data.” Brian seemed optimistic, but I wasn't so sure. “Do you have any other backups?” His fingertips caressed lovingly across my collarbone. I shivered and snuggled closer to him.
Cradled on his lap, engulfed in his outdoorsy scent, I felt safe. For the first time in far too long, I also felt special. Every fiber of my being was drawn to him, even though I shouldn’t be. I wanted to forget everything bad in my life, and Brian could make that happen. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “The data is on my office computer, but I'm sure Luis erased that already.” I wiggled on Brian's legs and felt him harden under me. “Maybe your techs could recover it from the, um. Hard. Drive,” I flirted. The heat between my legs needed attention. Brian's eyes darkened to the color of jade. He understood, and he was as aroused as me.
“June...” My name lingered in the air like a promise. The way he breathed it so softly, made me want to hear him say it over and over, but a loud knock on the door killed the moment. I clung to his neck for dear life.
Chapter Five
BRIAN PICKED ME up, the veins across his forearms bulged to life. He removed me from his lap and placed me on the bed with little exertion. His large body stood tall, and he turned his attention to the door.
“Please don't open it.” I reached my arm towards Brian, but he was already at the window. My heart beat so loudly in my ears, it drowned out the knocking. Had Luis found me?
The curtains were drawn as Brain peeked outside, he also checked through the peephole on the door. “Relax,” he said. Satisfied there was no threat, he unchained the door and opened it.
Overcome by fear, I rema
ined on the bed, with my bare feet rubbing holes in the already worn carpet. The distinctly male voice behind the door, uttered a few words, but I couldn't grasp their meaning. A million scenarios rushed through my mind of who could be there and none of them were good. I ran my sweaty hands along the comforter in an effort to calm my nerves before I hyperventilated. He wouldn't have opened the door unless it was safe I reminded myself.
Brian reached into his back pocket, removed his wallet and some cash. His big body leaned out the door and returned a moment later holding a large pizza box. Relief washed over me, and I laughed at my overactive imagination. Marinara, Italian seasoning, and melted cheeses wafted over as I lay back on the bed in hysterics. The earlier mentioned food had been completely forgotten. I laughed until tears once again leaked from my eyes. Above the sound of my laughter I registered the chain lock sliding into place on the closed door.
“I've missed that sound,” Brain said, and I startled, not expecting him to be so near. My eyes opened to find him standing right next to me, a smile on his handsome face, and a slice of pizza in his hand. My mouth salivated for a bite of the gooey, cheesy slice. “I got vegetarian, extra olives. I hope that's still your favorite.”
“Brian,” the word fell from my lips in a whisper. After all this time apart, the man still remembered something so inconsequential as my favorite toppings. I fell in love with him all over again. Then, of course, there was the real possibility I never stopped.
He held out the pizza for me to take. “Eat. Please.”