by Rimmy London
“I understand Loriel.” He was reciting a line, and I knew it. A line that I had heard. A line that I had said! And I wouldn’t let him.
“Hold on, you aren’t listening. I only meant that I don’t want you to be disappointed when this hope of a normal life doesn’t ever come…” I wasn’t finished, but he still wasn’t listening. His eyes were avoiding mine and he nodded before I had even explained. With a roll of his shoulders, he lifted his head and looked like he would fake a cheery smile and abandon the conversation altogether.
It hit me hard in the next second. What he’d said—it must have been difficult. To let me know that he planned on us having a life together. Sure it had made me giddy to the point of almost passing out, but he didn’t know that. All he knew was that the first words out of my mouth were an objection.
My stomach coiled when I looked at him again. I needed him to believe what I would say next. He turned away and I gripped his shoulders, spinning him around. My hands held him tightly and I gazed into his eyes, feeling nervous and wishing he could just read my thoughts. It was so hard to say. But at least I had his attention. The way I was acting and what he thought I’d said were contradictory. I could see the confusion churning in his eyes.
“You need to listen to me Givanni, and understand what I was saying. But first I need to tell you something. Do you know what happened when you told me you wanted a normal life with me?” I could feel my cheeks growing warm, but I kept my eyes glued to his. He shrugged his shoulders a little. “I nearly died with happiness, that’s what.” I continued with my throat feeling tighter by the second. “I’m sorry that I didn’t show it—believe me, I felt it! You have to know that I’m with you forever right? And that’s not nearly long enough.”
I laughed a little, watching his lips lift as he studied me. “I’m not sure if this is what you need to hear, or if you thought we had changed?” I shook my head in my own confusion. “But every second I am with you is amazing, terrifying or not, it’s still amazing to be with you.” I had meant to say more—to explain myself and my views and what I thought of our future, but nothing else could force its way out of my tight throat. So I watched silently as the fabricated cheer on Givanni’s face melted into serenity, and the walls that had quickly gone up disappeared.
With a breath, he finally relaxed, showing me the honest fear and relief on his face. “Forever’s a long time, are you sure about that?”
I laughed, “It’s pretty much the only thing I am sure about.”
* * *
“I assume he’ll wait for us?” I leaned my head against the window, trying to see down the highway and past rows of traffic. Instead of moving forward it became more congested with each passing minute. And finally our slow progress ended. The car rocked back gently to settle into a standstill along with the six lanes around us. Givanni glanced at the clock, and I wondered at their timing and location. Didn’t they know that five o’clock was about the worst time to go anywhere within the city?
“Fifteen minutes,” Givanni mumbled, mostly talking to himself. I could see him surveying our surroundings, but what else could we do? It was impossible. The high-speed buzz of a bullet bike came from behind, and I glanced into the rearview mirror. Its cobalt blue shine was like a slap in the face to the grey, black, grounded vehicles it passed.
“Would you…” Givanni stopped, glancing at me and my legs and my feet before nodding.
“Huh?” I looked down at what I had hoped to be a professional type of outfit. Givanni rolled down his window and held a heavy clip of bills out. I lifted an eyebrow, but the buzzing reacted immediately and instead of whipping by us, the motorcycle slowed.
Pulling up alongside our car, a man looking to be in his late thirties removed the helmet from his head. Brown hair escaped at odd angles, but his smile was smooth and easy. “What’s this?” He grinned, clearly enjoying the predicament we were in and how it would most definitely benefit him.
“A trade.” Givanni smiled, twisting his keys from the ignition and adding them to the folded cash. The purring engine was silenced. I gasped, my hands gripping the seat like it would catapult me off at any moment. Was he crazy?
“Are you crazy?” the man nearly fell off his bike, gawking as he took another look at the shimmering silver Audi R8 that Givanni was willing to so casually give away.
“Yes, I’m desperate. It’s the same thing.” Givanni’s voice ground with impatience, and I felt my heart pump. He was so good at acting calm I hadn’t realized the urgency of our little traffic jam—I would have to be better at reading him. Me, I was an open book, but he took the weight of a situation on his own.
“Look, man, I can’t take your car.” The stranger’s words were more of a shock than Givanni’s had been, and I leaned clear over my legs to look at his face. He met my eyes with a very boyish smile, even with his slightly receding hairline. “But if you really want to ride my bike I guess I would allow it.” His sarcasm was refreshing; something I imagined came from living a good life. “Just let me take that for a spin, traffic jam or not. I’ll get it back to you when you need it.” A cheap looking business card was passed through the window. “Deal?” He was already stepping one foot down, and Givanni flicked his seatbelt off in the same instant.
I followed, emerging into the traffic and feeling completely ridiculous. A few bored commuters smiled, while most glared at me like I might try and cut into their line. I hurried to the bike, taking the helmet from off the seat. “Thank you.” I smiled at the man and clipped a strap under my chin.
Settled into the driver’s seat, he had just turned the ignition and laughed out loud. “Are you kidding me?” Was all the answer I got.
Givanni tossed the cash into his lap. “Fine. Return my car, but take that.” He grouched, smiling at the man’s reaction.
I kicked my foot over the seat and clasped my hands tightly around Givanni’s middle and we shot forward. In hardly five minutes we weaved to an exit, taking a popular boulevard strip. Palm trees lined the road, and heads turned at the sound as we whipped past. The sun was now full on my back, heating my skin until I felt a drop of sweat trail down my neck.
The airport came into view, and we weaved up the hillside entrance roads. Jets burdened with their loads hung in the air over us. Some had landing wheels down, while others were tucked into their bellies—only just beginning their journey. When we screeched to a stop, I removed the helmet and shook my hair out, letting the cool breeze sweep away strands of hair that were pasted to me.
Quickly, we found the upper levels. It was a strange place to meet, with high security and an endless entourage of people. Not to mention the commotion we caused with every step. It didn’t start right away, but once a few heads turned, a chain reaction would follow. We crossed over our own path more than once, keeping them confused.
“Looks like rain, don’t you think?” Jeremy called from a back hallway, although he’d changed his look again. His hair was threaded with blonde and standing up in spikes. I studied his face, wishing I could see someone I trusted.
“Boswik’s this way. Conference room. You’re cutting it close.” Jeremy’s voice was dry, and his face held a tint of sweat.
Givanni turned to me, and I knew he wanted to keep me away from all this, I could see it in his eyes. “You know I want you out of here,” he began, almost smiling when my lips set in a determined slant. “And I know you’re coming with me, so if we could just agree on one thing first?” He stepped forward suddenly, holding me close and whispering in my ear. “No matter what, this is the last time we meet with the IM… ever.”
I held him tightly, “Agreed,” I answered quietly.
We walked through the door determined, with me telling myself it would be over quickly. It was just a simple meeting. Tell them they win. Make the agreement. More time… easy.
But when we entered the room, Dario and Oriana were seated in front of us. I was too shocked to notice Givanni’s reaction. My puzzled face swept the room quickly.
I jolted at the sight of Allen Conner standing along the back wall. Boswik was there too, although spaced far enough away from Conner to show his distrust. Givanni’s aunt and uncle seemed okay. Although, their faces were perfect matches—a sort of false happiness at seeing us. It was clear they were acting, and my heart raced at what might have happened to get them to do this.
“What’s going on?” Givanni demanded, focused on Conner.
Conner waited while Boswik placed a paper on the table in front of Dario and Oriana. “We just needed the right witnesses for this type of contract,” Conner said. “Don’t want you going back on your word, is all.”
“I have to admit, I’m surprised to see you.” Givanni kept his eyes locked on Conner. “In behalf of an organization who recently found out your undercover smuggling operation against them, especially when that organization is the Italian mafia. It’s surprising they would keep you.”
Conner seemed absolutely thrilled with this accusation, and his chin split into half a dozen rolls under a wide grin. “Of course they would keep me, my boy, why ever would they let this much expertise slip away? More especially, why chance my retaliation?” Givanni looked ready to respond, but Conner continued. “But don’t take it from me—why on earth would you?” He waved his hand across the table.
“Vani,” Oriana spoke up quickly. “We are no doubt such a surprise to you, but our reasons for being here are to right a wrong we feel we have imposed upon you.” Although her English was heavily accented, it was very precise. Givanni only waited, glancing between them.
“Yes,” Dario took over, looking a little uncomfortable as his forehead glistened. “We let you believe that our distance from the IM was something we desired…” He paused a moment at Givanni’s reaction—his head had dipped, and one eyebrow arched dramatically. “B-but, you see,” Dario’s hand flicked to his ear, swiping at the hair that was a fraction too long. “It was their resources and opportunities that gave you so much. Your education, your career, it is all due to their investment in you. We’ve come to realize this, and have renewed our friendship with the organization.”
Givanni turned to study Conner’s face before replying. “I see… well, it wasn’t necessary. I’ve already decided to reinstate my company’s contribution to them—it’s become too dangerous not to.”
Conner looked at Givanni seriously for a moment before turning his gaze to me. But I’d been waiting for his eyes to meet mine, and I let my disgust for him tighten my insides until any fear was pushed aside. I looked back determined. It seemed to have an effect on him—his eyebrows lifted and he tossed a pen on the table. “Let’s have it , then,” he said.
Givanni didn’t hesitate. He took the pen and scribbled out his signature. But the second Conner snatched the paper away he was staring down the end of Givanni’s pistol. Conner sunk a hand in his pocket and froze. He patted his coat frantically, and then his gaze lifted to settle on Jeremy.
“What do you think you’re doing, boy?” he growled, as Jeremy handed a gun to Givanni. “Do you want to be dead for good?”
Jeremy shrugged, “If I were you, I’d be more worried about that gun in my face.” He sat in a metal folding chair and kicked his feet on the table. “Besides, I don’t like being blackmailed—so I thought I’d repay the favor.”
Conner was glowering, but he stayed silent. Givanni pointed slightly with one of the two guns he held. “That contract is still binding,” he said. “Don’t think I’m going back on my word, I just don’t like your methods.”
As he spoke, I had made my way to the table, and my eyes settled on Oriana. “What do they have on you?” I asked quietly. Dario glanced to the side, and I saw Oriana’s lip shake.
“Zoe.” He whispered. “Lower level.” Oriana’s desperate face turned to her nephew.
“But how will we get her?” She pleaded.
Givanni shook his head, taking a step closer to Conner. “Have them bring her up,” He ordered. But Conner only grinned, and I doubted he would follow that order while he still breathed.
“You want her back?” he asked, “Go get her yourself. I’m sure my men would be happy to work with you.” His words were laced with hatred and the room fell into silence.
Finally, Boswik walked forward from the back of the room. He stepped aside Givanni and took the gun, holding it up as Givanni had done. “Go,” he said, “I can take care of Conner.”
We all moved at once—except Jeremy. “As much as I’d like to help,” he said. “I think it’s time for me to vanish again.” Givanni took a moment to nod back at Jeremy, showing his gratitude clearly on his face before Jeremy dashed from the room.
“Givanni, I need to warn you,” Boswik’s gaze stayed locked on Conner as he spoke. “Conner will be spoken of as a traitor and an enemy…” he glanced at Givanni. “And so might you—there’s no other way to explain this. You’ll have to be quick.”
Conner laughed , but Givanni ignored it, “Got it. Thank you Dovan.”
“Have your aunt and uncle board their plane,” Dovan added, and then we were out the door.
I rested a hand on Oriana’s shoulder as we stepped out into the hallway. “Don’t worry about Zoe,” I reassured her, “It doesn’t sound like they ever meant her harm—we’ll find her.”
Dario stepped aside his wife. “Yes, but what about you two?”
Givanni and I glanced at each other, but we didn’t answer. Givanni only nodded after them as we split off in different directions—there was no time for anything else.
Chapter 27
We raced down the hall and out onto the flight line. Terrified passengers were being evacuated—rushing in from two different flights, and we skirted the edge of the building until coming across a row of doors. The third door down glowed with light, and Givanni watched it warily. “Let me check it out,” he whispered, hardly leaving me the chance to answer. He rushed down the side of the building and slipped in through the door.
I inched my way forward, and finally got close enough to see in through the window. But before I had the chance, my arms were pinned behind me.
“You might as well go inside,” Marco said, holding my arms as he swung the door open. Not until we’d gained the attention of the entire room did he release me. Givanni sat at a table, in the center of a dozen men, and he shot to his feet at the sight of me. Finally, Marco released my arms.
I quickly joined Givanni, ignoring jeers from around the room. The faces I saw were eager, harsh, and completely focused on us. I flicked my eyes to Givanni, wondering what his reaction to Marco had been—because from his outward appearance there was none. He’d treated his uncle like a complete stranger.
Feet shuffled, and there was a ripple of mumbled reaction before a space opened up, and a very Italian face emerged. I recognized him as one of the leaders we had spoken to in Italy. It seemed so long ago.
“Demetrio.” Givanni acknowledged, standing to shake his hand.
“Yes, let’s keep this brief.” Demetrio started, casting a flicker of attention in my direction. “My cousin is dead. Callisto.”
Givanni let a gust of breath out, sounding disgusted. “I remember.” He stated.
Demetrio nearly smiled. “Of course you do, my apologies. But my cousin was a fool—too used to his ways. He would have been a burden to this empire.” His eyes washed over the room as if he were admiring his own children. “I see a great future for us all, and I need you to know the place you could take in it, indeed you will take it when you realize what you could become.” His accent was pronounced, but instead of confusing his words, it only embellished them.
“Where is Zoe? I want to see her.” Givanni demanded. “And why have Loriel here? What is she to you? Release her.” Givanni kept his voice rough, but the last word had softened enough for me to turn to him.
“Zoe is on a plane to Italy with her aunt and uncle,” Demitrio answered with kindness in his voice. “You don’t understand Givanni, this is not a battle. We are offering you a life. More le
adership than anyone you know.” His eyes flicked pointedly to Marco, who shifted his feet stiffly. “The young lady,” he gestured to me, “is clearly important to you, and so she should be a part of this new life. We want you to take Callisto’s place. We want you to lead this organization. You—both of you—would become family. You would have protection and wealth. Complete freedom not only in your life, but freedom from rules, laws, and boundaries.”
His words settled in the room, some of the younger men around us looking starry-eyed and envious. I couldn’t imagine ever being comfortable in such company, but the thoughts came of what it would be like to live above everyone else—surrounded by more luxury than most people could imagine. It was strangely tempting. I looked up to see Demetrio smiling at me, and I turned my head.
Givanni was watching me too, and when our eyes met he smiled sympathetically—like he’d read my mind and understood. He took a breath. “I see what you need. I see it in the faces around us. There’s conflict.” He allowed this to sink in, glancing across the room and finding welcoming faces as well as defiant ones.
I turned to study his expression, admiring the skill with which he chose his words.
“You need to solidify the whole,” he continued, “and so you turn to me—someone who is opposed morally to this lifestyle—someone who would change things if he was given the chance.” Demetrio looked on the verge of complete elation. “But you would never give me that chance. We both know that. Just let me help you from a distance. Let me remain outside this operation while still discretely advising you.”
Demetrio’s expression turned fierce, and he answered nothing. He stared back at Givanni long enough to have fear creeping through me more powerfully than before. “Goodbye Givanni.” He said. He lifted from his chair, not meeting a single eye as he turned and left the room with Conner close behind. Some of the faces around us looked reluctant, but not enough of them.
