“Can I help you boys?” a woman asked.
She slid in front of us, blocking our entryway into the main living room of the townhome we were in.
“Any idea where Ghost is?” I asked.
“And if I do?” she asked, blowing a bubble with her bubblegum.
Ciro brandished his weapon. “We’d like a word with him.”
The woman looked down at the gun before she pulled her shirt off to the side. Revealing a small sidearm tucked right into the cup of her bra.
“We all got one of those, asshole. The man’s busy. Come back later, yeah?” she asked.
Then, her eyes ran down my body as she turned toward me.
“Or, you could come with me. Keep yourself busy until he’s free to talk,” the woman said.
“Enough, Lacy. Lay off ‘em,” another woman said.
“Ah, Trishelle. How nice of you to join us,” Ciro said.
I quirked an eyebrow, but I didn’t say anything. It was clear to me Ciro knew more about this gang than he had originally let on. So, I was more than willing to let him take the ropes. This Trishelle girl pushed Lacy out of the way, shooing her off to go ‘hop on someone’s else’s dick’. Or, so she said. Trishelle chewed her own gum pretty loudly as she turned back toward us, her eyes quickly finding Ciro’s.
“The hell do you want? Are you insane? Crashing a party like this?” she asked.
“We’re looking for some information, and we have a feeling your leader can provide it,” Ciro said.
“Well, now that I’m his right-hand girl, I’m sure I could help, too,” Trishelle said.
“Right-hand girl? That code for something?” Ciro asked.
“What can you tell us about Rufio?” I asked.
“Am I supposed to know who that is?” she asked.
“You should know. One of your gang members--probably high off coke--shot and killed one of our gunners tonight,” I said.
“About two hours ago. Just outside of the laundromat a couple miles from here,” Ciro said.
“Ring any bells?” I asked.
Trishelle paused the chewing of her jaw before she started looking around.
“With me, now,” she said softly.
Then, she grabbed our arms and tugged us along.
We pulled us behind her before leading us into a darkened room. She closed the door and locked it, then turned on the light. We were in nothing but an oversized coat closet. Way too cramped for three people to be in. But, I saw the fear in Trishelle’s eyes.
And that overrode the fact that I practically felt Ciro’s crotch against my fucking thigh.
“Spit it out,” Ciro said.
“Look, we know about that shooting, too. Two of our men went down and out. It wasn’t us, though,” Trishelle said.
“We have no other confirmed killings at that location,” Ciro said.
“Because we get in and get our men out before anyone finds them. They died en route to one of our private medical facilities,” she said.
“You mean, one of your chop shop basements?” Ciro asked.
“Enough,” I said curtly.
Trishelle scoffed as I glared at Ciro, then took the reins with the conversation.
“Why were your men anywhere near Rufio tonight? We don’t do business together,” I said.
“Believe it or not, some people actually use that laundromat. I bet if you call your guy or whatever, he’ll tell you about the bloodied baskets full of dirty clothes that were left behind when we dragged our men away from that scene to get help,” she said.
I paused. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”
“Wait a second. Your leader’s sending women out to pull bodies out of shootouts?” Ciro asked.
Trishelle shook her head. “Don’t matter how our man’s running the show. All that matters is that we didn’t do it. But, there are rumors floating around this side of town. Rumors about a new mob man trying to make a name for himself.”
“You got a name for us?” I asked.
She shook her head. “All I got’s are rumors. But, if those rumors are right? This mystery man’s been responsible for the last four kills within our crew. Along with many injured, my boyfriend included. He was gunned down in the middle of the fucking street in broad daylight less than a mile from here. Broad daylight, guys. Which means we’re hunting this son of a bitch down. Think your boss might be up for a little partnership? You know, the enemy of our enemy, and shit like that.”
“I can speak with him and figure it out,” I said.
“I’d appreciate it. Because we’re losing recruits faster than we can replenish ‘em. If we keep losing guys, we’ll eventually be killed off. Because no one will wanna join,” she said.
“We’ll do what we can,” Ciro said.
Trishelle finally let us out of that damn coat closet and we made our way through the party. We had more than enough information to relay back to the boss. Meaning this night had been a success. Ciro and I walked all the way back to the SUV. Sweating our asses off in the humidity of the summer night. We slipped into the blacked-out vehicle and eased back onto the road, making our way to the restaurant so we could pick up my SUV we’d left behind.
“So, you wanna talk about how Alianna keeps giving you the side eye?” Ciro asked.
“No, I don’t,” I said curtly.
“Then, I’ll just say this: be careful with her. Getting wrapped up in Mr. Russo’s daughter will only end in your death. And I haven’t out boxed you yet. So, you can’t die on me now.”
I chuckled. “Trust me, I’ve got no intention of exploring whatever it is she’s got wrapped up in that pretty little head of hers.”
“You sure about that?”
No. I’m not.
“Sure as I can be about it. Now, if you’re done with this pointless conversation, I need to call Mr. Russo and update--.”
Before I could even get the damn sentence out, though, my burner phone rang. I saw Mr. Russo calling me. I furrowed my brow as I picked it up, bracing myself for whatever was on the other end of the line.
“Luca, where the hell is my daughter?” he asked.
My eyes bulged as I grabbed the steering wheel, swerving the SUV into an abandoned parking lot.
“The fuck?” Ciro asked.
“Mr. Russo, what’s going on?” I asked.
“Why the fuck is my daughter not at the estate?” he asked.
“We sent her with Giana from the restaurant before we went scouring for information. Giana said she’d message you--.”
“Well, all I’ve got is a fucking empty house and no sign of my daughter!” he roared.
“I put a tracker on her cell phone this past week. You give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll have her in my line of sight,” I said.
“It’s your fucking head if you don’t,” he glowered.
Then, he hung up the phone.
“Shit,” I hissed.
“What is it?” Ciro asked.
“The girls didn’t go back to the fucking estate,” I murmured.
I pulled up the tracking application and tapped Alianna’s name. The great thing about her sunbathing is that I had plenty of moments where she fell asleep to put a tracking device behind the battery of her phone. Undetectable. Untraceable. Hooked up to an application I downloaded onto my phone. Because I knew Alianna. I knew that look in her eye. I knew, eventually, she’d try to give me the slip. Or pull the wool over my eyes.
Like she was doing now.
“Follow my directions. Now,” I said.
I felt Ciro pull back out onto the road, making a sharp left as I pointed my finger.
“Right here.”
“Get through that light, Ciro.”
“Left. We’re taking the alleyway to get around the traffic.”
“Uh huh, right up here.”
“Left. Left. Left, Ciro!”
And twelve minutes later, we came to a halt in front of a waterfront condominium complex.
“The signal stops
here,” I said.
“You wanna go inside and try to find her?” Ciro asked.
“No need,” I said, nodding my head.
I saw Giana’s convertible creeping down the driveway that dipped into a parking garage underneath the facility. I slammed myself out of the SUV, holding my hand out to halt traffic as I crossed the road. People honked their horns. Cursed at me as I leveled my eyes with Alianna.
I watched her get out of the convertible, standing there with the door open.
Like she thought I’d let her get back in that car.
“You’re coming with me,” I said.
“Wait a second, what?” she asked.
“Your father is livid. Come on,” I said.
“Don’t you dare. Let go--Luca!”
“I can get her home,” Giana said.
My eyes snapped over to hers. “You’ve already proven you can’t. I’ll take it from here.”
“Let go of me, you asshole!” Alianna exclaimed.
Her fist came down into my arm, but I dragged her back across the street anyway. I dialed Mr. Russo’s number, then held it up to Alianna’s face as she continued to scream at me. I pulled her over to the SUV. I opened the back door and more than helped her into the seat. I slammed the door closed before I climbed into my own seat, listening as Alianna cursed my existence underneath her breath.
“Mr. Russo, I found her with Giana at a complex called--.”
“Desmonda Downs?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“That’s where Giana lives. Get my daughter home. I want a word with her.”
“On our way, sir. Give us twenty minutes.”
“You’re a real son of a bitch, you know that? I’m not some child you can tug along at your side. I’m a woman, Luca. That how you handle your mother?” Alianna spat.
“Well, since my mother knows how to keep her word, no,” I said coolly.
Ciro snickered as I pointed him in the direction of Mr. Russo’s estate.
“If that grip of yours leaves a mark, my father’s going to have your head,” she hissed.
“Right now, the only head I’d be concerned about is yours,” I said plainly.
Then, she kicked the back of my seat like a child throwing a temper tantrum.
I got it. I understood why she was angry. But, stunts like this affected my career. Affected my ability to provide for my mother. To keep a roof over both of our heads. And I wasn’t going to let her take that from me because she wanted to be a spoiled little brat. My work phone rang out and I looked at the notification, tucking my burner phone away.
I saw the notification from my bank, stating an extra ten thousand had been deposited into my account.
But, the money didn’t do anything to calm my soul. It didn’t make me feel any better about the situation. Because I was upset that I couldn't avoid pissing off Alianna.
A girl I couldn't get off my mind.
10
Alianna
“Morning, Miss Russo.”
“Mhm.”
“Good afternoon, Miss Russo.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
“Have a good evening, Miss Russo.”
I had no want or reason to speak with Luca. At all. Things had changed between us completely, and despite how much I wanted us to reconcile, it wasn’t my place to start that train rolling down the tracks. Sure, I had some things to apologize for. But, Luca started this. He didn’t have to drag me around like a petulant child a few days ago. I was a grown woman with a degree. All that man had to do was tell me to get in his car. I might’ve had some questions, yes. I still wouldn’t have been happy, no.
But, he sure as hell didn’t have to put his hands on me like that in the process.
Day after day, the tension kept rising. I’d come downstairs and he’d say good morning. He’d follow me around from room to room, keeping a watch on the exits and windows. And everyday, I solidly ignored him. Only responded whenever my father was around. He didn’t mind my cold shoulder toward him, either. I knew how he felt about my interactions with Luca. Vice versa, too.
He wouldn't give a shit if I ignored Luca all day damn.
The days crept by and he stayed at my side. Every time Giana and I went shopping, he was there. Every time I wanted to watch a movie, he was there. Every fucking time I walked through the back garden to get some fresh air, he was right there. A few steps behind me.
Probably staring at my ass, too.
I tried keeping myself busy as best as I could. But, it was hard. I didn’t like this tension between us. I didn’t like not speaking with him. I didn’t know why he wasn’t apologizing, though. Did he think what happened was okay? Did he think gripping me so hard he hurt me was an okay thing to do? I mean, was that part of his job? Hurting me like that if it got me to where he needed me?
I didn’t understand anything anymore.
So, I occupied myself with thoughts of confronting my father. Well, not really confronting him. But, bringing up the condo that was still for sale in Giana’s complex. It had been over a week, and shockingly enough the thing was still on the market. And while I rejoiced in that fact, I had a feeling the manager was secretly holding it for me. Waiting to see if my father and I would make a decision on whether or not to take it.
I mean, it wasn’t like people around this town didn’t know who I was.
The problem was that I didn’t know how to approach him about it. I knew what my father wanted for my life. I knew what he wished for it. If he had his way, I’d stay at home with him, let him build me a guesthouse to live out of, then I’d work in the restaurant. Full-time. Managing it, since he doesn’t currently have an operating manager. In some respects, I wonder if that’s why he was completely all right with me getting my Music Degree.
Because in the end, he knew that industry was hard to get into. And figured he could spin my hardship into a reason to take the job at the restaurant he sometimes offered me.
Only one way to find out, though.
I knocked on his office door. “Daddy?”
“Hmm?”
“Could we talk for a second?”
“Can it wait? Got some stuff I’m looking over.”
“I wanted to talk about the restaurant.”
He snapped his head up. “Why didn’t you say so, then? Come, come. Sit down, princess.”
I knew it was a sneaky way into this conversation. But, it worked like a charm. The way it needed to.
“What’s on your mind,” he asked as I stepped into his office.
I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye and found Luca walking toward me. I sighed as he took up station right outside my father’s office, but he held my gaze for a long time. Like he knew what was about to happen. He nodded his head, silently telling me to get in there. And I didn’t know whether to slap him for the command or thank him for the reassurance of his presence.
“Close the door, too,” Dad said.
I walked in, leaving Luca behind as I did as I was told. I walked over to the chair in front of my father’s desk and sat down. Like some client of his instead of a daughter.
“So, what’s on your mind today?” he asked.
“How disappointed would you be in me if I wanted a little more freedom?” I asked.
He cocked his head. “Such as?”
“So, you would be disappointed.”
“Disappointed isn’t the right word, sweetheart. I’d be more… wary of it, though. Considering what you pulled a couple of weeks ago.”
“Daddy, I wasn’t gone more than fifteen or twenty minutes. Giana and I were just--.”
He held up his hand. “If you’re here to justify your actions, don’t bother. The only thing you owe me is an apology for worrying me. I’ve taught you that, in this family, our word is everything. And when you tell someone you’re going somewhere and that you’ll do something once you get there, detours aren’t expected.”
“Daddy, I just--.”
He leveled
his eyes with mine and I knew this conversation wouldn’t go the way I wanted it to.
“I’m--I’m sorry,” I said softly.
He nodded. “I’m sorry, too. For getting so upset with you once you walked through those doors. I know you were frazzled after Luca finding you. But, what you have to understand is that your safety is of the utmost importance to me. If you’re going to venture out, I have to know where you’re going. At least for now.”
“What if you knew where I was staying? Would that be enough?”
He grinned. “You and Giana planning another girl’s week?”
I shook my head. “I was actually thinking about getting a place of my own.”
He paused. “Come again?”
“And, I don’t know, trying to carve myself out a career with my degree and my cello music.”
“Uh huh.”
“That’s what Giana and I were doing, actually. There’s a condo two floors above hers that’s for sale. Or rent. And it’s gorgeous, Daddy. It’s--.”
“No,” he said plainly.
“Wh--what?” I asked.
“No, you are not moving out.”
“But, Daddy. I’m twenty-six years old. I’m more than capable of--.”
“You’re not even capable of abiding by your word when you tell someone what you’re going to be doing. Certainly you’re not going to attempt to convince me you’re capable of honestly living on your own and still alerting me as to where you’re going and what you’re doing.”
“At some point in time, you have to let me live my life. I don’t want to work in the restaurant. I got my degree in what I did for a reason. I want to perform for people. I want to produce music and videos and cover songs and compose my own music. I want--.”
“You can do all of that from here. I’ll build you a studio. In your own guesthouse. It could have its own address. It’s own mailbox. Hell, I could tear down some trees half an acre away and put in your own driveway. You can be completely independent while still being under my protection,” he said.
“And what if I don’t want your protection?” I asked.
Luca: Sinful Shadows Mafia #1 Page 6
