by Thalia Lake
Sarah mentioned something to me at lunch that stuck with me. She asked me why I wasn’t having Carter taken care of by someone else. In my head the answer was easy: Because the issue is between Carter and me and no one else. I don’t cower to anyone, nor do I hide. But I also understand what Sarah was trying to bring to my attention. I’m not a gangster or thug anymore. I’m not an enforcer like I used to be for my family. I’m a respectable businessman. The last thing I need is to have my mugshot on the evening news and in the papers for personally taking out an old enemy. This would only make the media dig into me and my family’s past and blow up all the hard work I put into changing my life and building my business. What she didn’t know is that I have ways of carrying out this sort of thing without any evidence ever pointing to me, but Sarah was right - I need to go about this in a different way. I need to go about this in a cleaner, quieter way. It’s time for me to make some phone calls. The sooner Carter was out of our lives, the sooner Sarah and I could move on with our relationship - and I was not going to let anyone or anything get in the way of that.
As I continued to think about our time at the bed and breakfast, I couldn’t help feeling ashamed of myself for allowing my emotions to get the better of me by bringing up Leo’s crush on her. I told myself over and over through the course of the day to leave it alone, but the image of him cupping her face and gazing into her eyes as if she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen kept flashing before my eyes. Now I understood why jealousy is a dangerous emotion, because in that moment I wanted to beat the shit out of Leo Santorini’s pretty boy face. I can admit that the man is handsome, very handsome. On top of that he’s powerful, successful, and filthy rich. Why wouldn’t Sarah be attracted to him? But that’s what drove me crazy, the idea of Sarah being attracted to someone else. Seducing her was a huge risk, but I had to show her that I was serious. I wanted her so bad I could taste it. Had she allowed me to continue on with my dare, there was no doubt in my mind that we would have spent the night at that bed and breakfast. When she looked me in the eyes and admitted that she belonged to me, that’s when I knew I had nothing to worry about, and I kissed her like there was no tomorrow.
Chapter Nineteen - Taking Care of Business (Ace)
I hadn’t seen or talked to my cousin Roman for almost two days, and this wasn’t like him. Finally this morning I got an urgent text from him asking me to meet him at his house. It’s not like Roman to hold meetings at his house, so I knew it had to be serious.
When I arrived to his place he was dressed in some light sweat pants, a white T-shirt, and some running shoes. Roman only runs when something is bothering him, and I felt dread coil in my stomach as I walked inside of his home.
“I ran into Carter Williams a few days back.”
I liked how casually my cousin brought up our past nemesis as if he were talking about the weather. He then walked to his fridge and took out two bottled waters and tossed one to me.
“The fuck did you just say? Carter Williams? What the hell is he doing here in Detroit?” I asked in total disbelief.
“Apparently he lives here now, and has been living here for quite some time. I’m surprised our paths didn’t cross sooner.” Roman gulped down his water in two huge swallows.
“Well where did you see him?” I asked as I sat on a stool at his kitchen island.
“That charity event at the art museum. Sarah came with me as my date, and guess what? She knows Carter too. She used to date him back in the day.”
“Get the fuck outta here, Ro! She dated that low-life motherfucker?” I yelled.
“It’s a long story, but yeah. He saw us first, and when I realized that they knew each other, I kind of flipped out on Sarah and she stormed off. I lost her in the crowd, but he found her and told her that I’m the one that killed his brother. Then he called her at her job the next day and told her that he was going mess up my business and she would be his again. She called me and was pretty shaken up about it. Later that day when she went home, one of Carter’s goons attacked her. I just so happened to be driving to her place to check up on her because I had a funny feeling he’d do something stupid and go after Sarah, and I got the attacker off of her and beat his ass within an inch of his life. If Sarah hadn’t stopped me I would have killed him, Ace. That’s how pissed I was. The only reason he’s alive is because Sarah kept screaming at me to stop. I asked him who sent him and he said that it was Carter. He also said that Carter planned on ruining my life, killing me personally, and taking Sarah back as his woman. I met with the Santorini brothers the following morning, who happen to be Sarah’s in-laws because her sister Sloane is married to Luca. Sarah is the personal secretary to Leo, and I believe Leo has the hots for Sarah - but that’s a story for another time. When I arrived for my meeting I walked in on Leo holding Sarah’s face in his hands looking at her neck. He saw the bruises left on her neck from her attacker and was demanding to know who put those bruises on her neck.”
“So you told them about Carter.”
“I had to. They were going to find out sooner or later. These are smart, perceptive men, and since I’m trying to do business with them, the last thing I want them to think is that I’m not honest or a man of my word. It was pretty tense for a while and they wanted to know why I didn’t kill Sarah’s attacker and take Carter out immediately. Once I assured them that I had my own plans of how to handle the situation, everything became kosher again. They offered their help in getting rid of Carter, but I let them know that I would handle that myself.”
“I agree with the Santorini’s, Carter needs to be dealt with now, and that’s not something you should be getting your hands dirty with either, Ro. That’s what I’m here for.”
“That’s why I asked you here, and I don’t want you getting your hands dirty either. We’re both businessmen now and we have to protect that. We need to handle this quickly and quietly, and I’m not just talking about getting rid of Carter. I want his entire organization gutted with no chance of ever rebuilding.”
Roman and I looked at each other for a moment as understanding exchanged between us. “You want me to reach out to Massimo,” I stated.
“Yup. Tonight. I want this matter taken care of within the next twenty-four hours, if not sooner, Ace.”
“Consider it done.” I stood up and tossed my empty water bottle in the recycle bin.
Roman opened a drawer and handed me an envelope.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“It’s all the intel Massimo will need on Carter: where he lives, where he hangs out, who his soldiers are, everything. That intel is so detailed it even tells you how often he takes a shit.”
I chuckled. “You gotta love Kramer and his creepy thoroughness.”
Kramer was our long-time private investigator, and he always went above and beyond what was asked of him, which is why we kept him on our payroll for so many years.
“In the meantime, I’ve got some aldermen that I need to pay some personal visits to,” Roman said as he took out a large brown envelope from the same drawer. He tossed it towards me and said, “Check that out.”
He leaned back against the counter with his legs crossed and his arms folded across his chest with a smirk on his face.
I opened the envelope to find photos of the two aldermen butt naked having sex with women that were more than likely prostitutes and clearly not their wives.
“Oh, shit! This is hilarious! These are some nasty, freaky, wrinkled-ass motherfuckers!” I laughed as I quickly looked at all the pictures. My reaction to them varied between disgust and laughter. These pictures were quite disturbing.
Roman chuckled at me and said, “Yeah, well, they aren’t the only ones who know how to blackmail. And if these don’t get their attention, I have other things in another file that will. And once Carter is gone, there will be nothing holding me back from building my apartment buildings, businesses, and houses. No one will stand in my way like this ever again, Ace. Mark my word,” Roman said
with a seriousness that was borderline dangerous. There are two things you can’t do to Roman Mancini: mess with the people he loves, or mess with his business. From what he’s told me, it sounds like Sarah fits into the people he loves category.
“Well, I’ve got my assignment, so I’m gonna head out and get to work.” I began to walk out of the kitchen and to the front door.
“Is everything okay, Ace? You seem a bit distracted,” Roman asked.
“It’s nothing, I’m good,” I shrugged.
“I know it’s about Lola, and it’s not good,” Roman countered.
I hate it when he’s right.
“Spill it,” he demanded.
“It’s nothing, man. It’s just bothering me that she’s still putting up with that jerk wad and I know for a fact he’s a no-good cheat.”
“You had Kramer follow her boyfriend?” Roman gave me a knowing smile.
“You know I did. I had to. Now that I have the proof, it’s eating me up. I want to tell her so bad, but I know I’ll also risk losing her if I do. I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place right now and it’s eating me alive.”
“It’s all going to work out, trust me. Lola is smart, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t already have her suspicions too. Just be patient and don’t do anything stupid,” Roman reassured me.
“Yeah, well, that’s easier said than done,” I said as I opened his front door. “I’ll keep you posted on everything with Massimo, so keep your phone close.”
“I will,” Roman said as he slapped me on the shoulder.
“Thank you for helping me with this, Ace.”
“You know I’d do anything for you, Roman. I’ll always have your back.”
I only called my cousin Roman when we were being serious, and he knew this. He gave me a strong hug and I left.
***
I called Massimo right away and arranged a meeting. We met at an abandoned garage on the outskirts of the city. Massimo is a short, fat Italian man who is not only a skilled assassin, but he also has a sick passion for ancient torture methods. I watched him in action once, and I quickly realized that the man had a demented mind. When I brought this assignment to him, I saw the happiness and excitement in his eyes.
“It’s been a long time, Ace. I haven’t had this kind of action for quite some time. My men and I are always ready, and we will strike tonight,” he said in his thick Italian accent.
“You know the drill, Massimo. Roman wants this done quickly, quietly, and clean. Call me as soon as it’s handled.”
Massimo was still studying Carter William’s face as I spoke. He snapped his fingers and one of his men ran up to him.
“Creare copie di questo. Questo è il nostro obiettivo e questi sono i suoi uomin,” (“Make copies of this. This is our target, and these are his men”), Massimo instructed.
“Si, Signore.” (“Yes, sir.”)
“My men in New York will handle things there. I’ll be sending them the intel shortly. And yes, this will be quick, quiet, and clean as Mr. Mancini requests. Hai la mia parola.” (“You have my word.”)
“Thank you, Massimo.” I shook his fat, strong hand and then he kissed me on both cheeks. It’s an Italian thing. “The money will be in your account as soon as you verify with us that everything has been handled.”
Massimo looked at me with understanding. We didn’t just take his word; we required proof in the form of pictures that everything we asked for was done to our specifications. We only used burner phones that destroyed themselves after so many hours for these transactions, so nothing could be traced back to any of us.
“Understood.” Massimo smiled and nodded his head in understanding.
I got into my car and headed back to the city. I had a brief conversation with Roman letting him know that everything was in place and would be handled tonight. I was going to go to the office, but the office was the last place I wanted to be. I had so much on my mind with Lola occupying most of it that I needed time to think.
I kept driving and decided to cruise down the lakeshore. It was a hot summer day and I had the top down on my black 1965 Mustang convertible. I was enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery when I spotted Lola’s red Volkswagen Bug parked off to the side. I knew it was her car because of her personalized license plate that said LOLABUG and she had an Indian feather that hung from her rearview mirror. I instantly began to scan the sidewalks to see if I could spot her. I slowed down my speed even more as I studied the people on the beach and sidewalks for this beautiful woman who had me on edge since the day I met her almost a year ago. Lola...I love her name. I love everything about her. To describe Lola as pretty would be an insult. In my eyes, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. I can’t look at another woman without comparing her to my Lola. Yes, I said my Lola. I know she’s dating someone right now, but in my mind and heart, Lola is mine, and it’s just a matter of time before it becomes a reality.
Her skin is such a beautiful, dark-mocha color that I find myself constantly wanting to reach out and touch it’s silky smoothness. There isn’t a blemish in sight other than a small beauty mark to the right of her top lip. Her hair is long, thick, and shiny, but she always has it pinned up some kind of way with her big cat-eye glasses on that makes her look like a sexy school teacher. She has a small build at the top with average-sized breasts, but good lord the curves she has at the bottom. Her hips and ass are so perfectly round I have to suppress my groans every time I watch her leave a room.
But what I love most about Lola is her sweetness. She’s the kindest, most thoughtful person I’ve ever met. Girls I grew up around, girls I’ve dated over the years, were either rough, around-the-way girls or gold diggers. They went out of their way to date tough guys like myself because they wanted the status of being a tough guy’s woman. They weren’t all lady-like and classy like Lola. She loved working for Roman and she made it a point to learn his likes and dislikes right away to keep him happy. She also took care of me even though she didn’t have to. What I couldn’t understand was how did a nice, sweet girl like Lola end up with a jerk of a boyfriend like David Preston? David. I hate saying his name. It’s the name of someone I want to punch in the face repeatedly. He’s your typical rich kid whose parents come from money. His entire family wears their status with pride for all to see, and it’s sickening. Roman didn’t like him either, but out of respect for Lola, we refrained from talking bad about him in front of her. That didn’t stop me from rolling my eyes or mean mugging him whenever he came to the office to take Lola to lunch or to pick her up at the end of the day. The way he carried himself and looked at us was so pompous and condescending even though he was cordial towards Roman and me. Lola would chastise me in her sweet Lola way for being so cold towards her spineless boyfriend.
“Ace, why can’t you be nice to him? He knows you don’t like him!”
“Good.” I couldn’t hide my dislike for her punk of a boyfriend if you paid me to.
Then she’d stare up at me with those beautiful, brown, slanted eyes of hers and I’d melt like an ice cream cone left out in the hot summer sun. And when she touched my arm to really implore me, I’m ready to move heaven and earth for her just to make her happy. But her heart belonged to David and it killed me. David was jealous and possessive, and whenever Lola came back from lunch with him, she always looked sad. I hated that. She would bend over backwards to make him happy, and it would never be enough for him. Lola tried not to complain about David in front of us, but I’d overhear her speaking to the other secretaries in the break room about how jealous and controlling David was about everything in her life. I hate men like him. Lola needs to wake up soon before he tries to put his hands on her, and if I ever find out he so much lifted a finger towards her, he’s a dead man.
I circled back around to where I saw Lola’s car and parked nearby. I continued to search until I spotted her and David at an ice cream stand across the busy street. They were having a heated argument and Lola was pissed. I have nev
er seen this side of her before, and she wasn’t backing down. I knew I liked her for a reason. David had a nasty scowl on his face and his nostrils were flared. I watched as his hands clenched and unclenched into fists, and I got out of my car and began to cross the street. My need to protect Lola took over and rational thinking went out the window. As I was crossing the first busy road, I saw the unthinkable. David pushed Lola hard in the chest and sent her stumbling back, and that’s when I lost it. I crossed in front of cars as I ran to Lola and David, not caring that I almost caused multiple accidents. Once I got to them, Lola was about to lunge at David when I punched him square in the nose at full speed, sending David flying into some nearby bushes. I hoped those bushes were full of thorns.
I stalked over to him and grabbed him by the shirt. “You like to hit women, you little bitch? Hit a man! Hit ME!” I yelled.
“ACE! Stop it!” Lola screamed, but it fell on deaf ears. I punched David’s face over and over, bloodying his perfect, caramel-colored skin, feeling his jaw break as I continued to strike him with all the strength in me. David was screaming and crying out like the little bitch that he was, begging me to stop but I wouldn’t.
This time Lola jumped on my back and screamed in my ear telling me to stop, and it was only then that I stopped. She got off of my back and I stood up straight, my eyes crazed with rage and anger. My chest was heaving with adrenaline as I turned my attention to Lola.
She looked at me as though I was some crazed monster that she didn’t recognize, and I looked at her like she had lost her mind protecting this piece of shit who had shoved her like she was a man instead of treating her like the delicate woman that she is.
