Conviction (The Cassano Series Book 4)

by Scarlet Wolfe

  It still surprises me, but I couldn’t live without her in my life.

  ***

  It’s noon when my phone buzzes. It’s a text from Adrian telling me to call him immediately. Tara is not in bed, and I smile as I inhale the smell of bacon.

  “Ace, what’s up?”

  “You’re not going to believe what I’m about to tell you.”

  “What is it?”

  “Two things… Blanca is an FBI informant, planted in our place to leak information. I busted her last night by hearing a phone conversation she was having with them.”

  “Fuck, now there are two people I want to murder. What else do you have to tell me?”

  “It’s about Theo. Karen left him for another man.”

  “OK, make that three people. Bitches.”

  “Zev, calm down.”

  “Calm down? Are you serious? I fucked Blanca’s brains out…” I lower my voice in case Tara can hear. “Bro, I fucked her for months.”

  “Yeah, I heard rumors about that.”

  “Damn, how is Theo taking the news?”

  “He’s hanging in there, but he’s pretty stunned. Are you all set for tonight?”

  “As ready as I can be. Hey, does this mean you need a new personal assistant?”

  “Yes, do you have someone in mind? Someone we can trust completely?”

  “Actually, I know the perfect person for the job.”

  Ending my call with Adrian, I prowl up behind Tara while she’s cooking at the stove. My arms circle her waist, and I breathe her in.

  “Luring me awake with bacon, are we?”

  She giggles against my face that is buried at her neck.

  “I thought it might drag your butt out of bed.”

  I spin her around and she smiles.

  “Actually, Adrian woke me up. He had some important stuff to discuss with me.”

  “Oh, is everything OK?”

  “Not exactly. My brother Theo … his wife left him.” I’m quiet now as an unpleasant thought of Tara leaving me travels through my mind. I will it away because I want to trust her.

  I want this right here. I desire to have my arms wrapped around her on a lazy morning over bacon and pancakes.

  “I’m sorry, Zev. That’s terrible.”

  “I have something to ask you, and I want you to be completely honest with me. Adrian and Theo need a new assistant. Is that a job you might be interested in?”

  Tara’s eyes avert to the floor. “I don’t know how I feel about working at Submission.”

  “I completely understand why you’re hesitant. The place holds bad memories for you, but aside from you, it’s my world. I need you to be comfortable there again. I thought this might be a good way to make that happen.

  “You would never have to enter the lounges or Submission rooms. Never. My brothers pay well. You would make six figures. Will you at least consider it?”

  “Wow, six figures. I didn’t expect to make that at a new job. I could continue to sock money away for the future. I’ll think about it. I would like to have good memories there again, too.”

  Bringing her in for a hug, my lips press to her neck.

  “Thank you. Mmm … you smell like bacon and daisies.” We both laugh, and I couldn’t ask for a better morning with her.

  Her eyes flit away again. “Um, I will understand if you got caught up in the moment this morning. You know, when you said that about not using condoms.”

  With a finger, I tilt her chin. “Tara, look at me. I meant every word.”

  “Since I woke up, my mind has been reeling over it. I um, I’m not having a baby out of wedlock. It’s not the future I have in mind. I want a solid family.”

  “Fuck, I would never try to knock you up. I meant the whole package, baby. Of course, only if you want it, too.”

  Her bright smile resurfaces and lights up the whole space around us like every other time I’m lucky enough to see it. “This is all happening fast, but it feels so right.”

  “It’s time you meet my mother.” Tara giggles hard. “What? Why is that funny?”

  “You’re adorable. Can we have bacon and pancakes first?”

  “I didn’t mean today, silly. Actually, something else is happening today.”

  “Oh, what’s that?”

  “Noah’s world is going to come crashing down tonight.”

  “It’s tonight?”

  “Yep.”

  Her arms sling around my neck, and she hugs me tightly. “I’m scared for you.”

  “I’ll be OK. It’ll all be over soon.”

  “I’m going to be a wreck as I wait and wonder.”

  I frame her face and look her in the eyes.

  “Tara, I will be fine, and I’m never going to let that sick bastard hurt you again. Not ever.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Victoria

  Adrian: I admit I made a jackass comment. Now, answer my damn calls!

  I don’t reply to Adrian’s text message, and within a minute my phone is ringing again. It hasn’t been even forty-eight hours since I stormed out of Submission, so he can squirm a little longer.

  I’m in a pissy mood today. I’m still angry at him, and then I’m frustrated that I’ve been undercover in his casino this long. Since I’ve been attempting to get in good with Noah by playing poker, I’ve been unable to do any of my other work, and it’s aggravating.

  Don’t get me wrong; I love poker, but I miss some of the more action-packed aspects of my job. Not to mention, it sucks losing to his ass on a regular basis. I seldom let myself win.

  Noah is also a selfish prick who won’t bring me into his circle no matter what I say or do. If I wasn’t in a committed relationship, I would sweet-talk my way into his menacing web. But with Adrian watching my every move, I can’t put the moves on Noah, fake or not.

  I’m also frustrated that I can’t be in on the action tonight when Zev makes his drug deal. If I want any shot at keeping my job, I can’t go near the site of the drop, wherever that might be.

  Zev said Noah won’t give him the location until this evening, which won’t give the Feds much time to organize the sting.

  Once the local cops discover the FBI have busted Sanders, I’m going to be questioned about whether or not I was aware that the Cassano brothers were working with the Feds. I definitely will be playing dumb during that interrogation.

  I toss my phone into my bag, which is sitting in the floorboard of Reggie’s car.

  “What’s your problem today?” he asks as we drive toward the station.

  “We have to do something reckless today. I’m sick of paperwork and poker. Here’s another ‘P’ for you; let’s stress out some prostitutes instead.”

  “You and the word ‘reckless’ are never a good mix, but I’m down with questioning a prostitute. There is one in particular we need to pay a visit to.

  “I got a tip that Dalia is back on the corner, and you and I both know what she’s doing when she’s working the streets, especially when she’s doing it during daylight hours.”

  “She’s fallen off the wagon. Perfect. I hope she plans on running from me in those heels again. I’ll get to work out some of my irritation.”

  My phone rings again, so I groan as I fish it back out of my bag. “What?”

  “That’s how you’re going to address me?” Adrian asks.

  “That’s all jackasses deserve.”

  “Victoria, I said I’m sorry. You haven’t let me explain.”

  I glance to Reggie who I’m sure is only pretending not to be listening. “There is no explaining. You take it back or else.”

  “Or else what?”

  “I thought we were in this together,” I practically mumble into the phone. “Forever, remember?”

  “Baby, I know, and I’m sorry. It was a stupid thing for me to say, but I said it because I want you to always be happy.”

  “Whether you’re behind bars or not, I will always be happy if I’m with you.”

  “I know.�
� His silence echoes his regret. “Tell me what I can do to make this right?”

  “You can squirm while I go chase down a prostitute and a drug dealer. I might even pick a fight with him on your behalf. Maybe introduce his head to the side of my pistol.”

  “Victoria! I know what you’re doi—”

  “Love you. Talk tonight.”

  I toss my phone back into my bag and smile.

  “That was low, Vic. He’s going to have a nervous breakdown before the days over.”

  “Mmm hmm, but I should get a mighty fine punishment out of it.”

  Reggie’s head snaps my way. “Sick. I don’t want to hear about your twisted sex life.”

  I chuckle and take a drink of my coffee. Maybe this day will be action-packed after all.

  Sadie

  “Simon, I’m sorry. Tomorrow. I promise I can spend the day with you then,” I say into my phone.

  “Why did you think working all summer was a good idea?”

  “I need the money. I’m not wealthy like you, and I didn’t expect to have the social life you’ve provided. I’m a nerd, remember?”

  “You’re my sexy nerd.”

  “I know, and I’ll show you tomorrow.”

  “Is it going to be another one of those ‘do you prefer A or B?’ cause I’m totally down for more of that shit. Ooh, how about ‘do you prefer position A or B?’”

  I giggle over how damn cute he is.

  “Sure, when Professor Edward isn’t looking over my shoulder, I’ll research positions.”

  “Fuck, have I told you today how much I love you?”

  “Only once.”

  “Well, I fucking love you.”

  “I love you, too, incorrigible Simon.” Once I end the call, I plow through the door of the science building. I’m about two minutes late for work. A hard chest slams up against me, scrunching my glasses forcefully against my nose.

  “Ouch. Shit.”

  “Sorry. Wait, Sadie?”

  Bringing my glasses back to their appropriate position, I look up and discover Noah Sanders in front of me.

  “What are you doing here? Didn’t you graduate?” I ask.

  “Yeah, but I, uh, I was visiting someone here.”

  “Who, your latest female prospect to harass?” Noah grabs the cleft of my chin like he’s done before.

  “Just because you’re with Simon doesn’t mean I can’t hurt you if I feel it’s warranted.”

  “Is that a threat?” Being with Simon has made me bolder, but I might’ve walked myself into trouble. My lip begins to quiver as his grey eyes narrow on mine.

  “It’s a fact, and you’d be wise to use these brains of yours not to forget it.” He flicks my head with his free hand, and all I can think about is how I’d like to sic Simon on his ass.

  “Whatever. Just leave me alone, and I won’t tell Simon.”

  He smirks and lets my chin go. “His brother handed over his girl pretty fast. I wouldn’t put too much faith in your man. It’s only a matter of time before he grows tired of one woman. Then, I’ll find you.”

  I shove past him and don’t look back as a shiver shoots through me. He’s demented, and I don’t like to think about what he said. Could Simon grow tired of me?

  Victoria

  It’s late afternoon, and the metropolitan area we’re looking for Dalia in is sketchy at best. She’s African American, about five feet eight, and if I wasn’t skilled at my job, I’d be afraid of her.

  Her chest alone could knock me down. That woman must wear an “F” cup. She’s not obese. No, she’s stalky. There’s a difference. She’s like a brick wall when you slam into her.

  Word on the street is that men love her. She’s a take-charge kind of woman. Needless to say, our personalities clash. We’re too much alike, minus our skin color and build. Oh, and the fact she’s a prostitute.

  Reggie’s old Taurus pulls up at the curb of a gas station where two women barely old enough to buy cigarettes are hanging out. They’re dressed for street work.

  “Hey, have either of you seen Dalia?”

  They give each other a sideways glance. The blonde one with stringy hair smirks. “I wouldn’t tell you if I did. She’d beat my ass.”

  “Fair enough. Is a pack of smokes and a six-pack worth an ass-kicking?” I ask.

  “Uh, not one by her.” Her head is swiveling as she gives me attitude and flicks her cigarette toward the concrete.

  I roll my eyes. “I’ll find her another way.” My window goes up, and Reggie drives again. We make a right at the next light and ride slowly down the ghetto looking road.

  “Damn, Reg. I think your car is too nice for this neighborhood.”

  “Cheap shot, Vic.”

  “Whoa, there she is.” I’m pointing straight ahead as I squint to ensure it’s Dalia. She’s pretty far away, but I can spot that body anywhere. “Pull over.”

  “Already?”

  “Yep. Stay here. I want to see how close I can get to her before she tries to make a mad sprint.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Pull up once I tackle her.”

  “Don’t get yourself hurt. Adrian will call me and pout about it.”

  “Hmm … that’s a thought. A small injury will earn me a better punishment.”

  “Fuck, Vic! Shut the hell up about that shit.”

  “Damn, touchy much?” I ask as I study Dalia. She looks bored as she picks at her fingernails. “I think you need to get laid.”

  “For sure. Do you have any prospects for me?”

  “Dalia looks bored.”

  “Fuck you.”

  I chuckle as I exit his car. Slipping my hands into my jeans pockets, I stroll toward her. A car pulls up in front of her, so I slow my pace. This is perfect. I’ll catch her in the act, and once she flees, I’ll have grounds for taking her ass down.

  I’m torn between wanting to see how stealth I can be and wanting her to see me. If she notices me now, it will be more challenging as she attempts to run in the purple spiked heels she’s sporting.

  Gradually, her head turns toward me and back to the vehicle in front of her. Then, it snaps my way before she makes a run for it. Awesome.

  “Stop! Police!” I take off running and gain ground quickly since I’m in tennis shoes.

  I’m not surprised when she doesn’t listen. Her heels are clacking against the concrete, the sound growing louder as I get closer to her.

  She’s nearing a dumpy residential area, and I fear she’ll flee into a house if I don’t stop her, so I kick it into high gear and catch up to her.

  I yell out, repeating that I’m an officer, which she already knows, and the most I get is a swift backward glance.

  Like I’ve done once before, I tackle her ass. I’m bounced above her as her chest hits the pavement. Her left arm flies out, and I’m thrown onto my back as she tries to roll onto hers to flip me off of her.

  Fuck! Why does she have to be built like an Amazon? I’m flipped so hard and fast that the back of my head hits the pavement.

  “Get off of me! Police brutality!” she exclaims.

  She’s attempting to get up to her knees, so I grab her calf. My hand slides down her black fishnet stockings, but I get a new grip on her and pull.

  She’s brought back down onto her stomach with one swift move. “Bitch! Get off of me.”

  “All you had to do was talk to me, Dalia,” I say as I straddle and cuff her. Once I start to stand, Reggie is fast approaching us.

  “I’m not telling you shit!” she spouts as we pull her heavy ass up.

  Half of a boob is hanging out of her stretchy black top, so I squint my eyes, wishing I could get that image out of my line of vision.

  “We can do this the hard way or the easy way.”

  “I can tell you now, Dalia, Victoria prefers it the hard way,” Reggie says.

  “You’re fucking crazy!” she shouts at me.

  “Thank you. You’re pretty badass yourself. Now, we’re going to have a little
chat, or you’re going to spend the night in jail. Which is it?”

  Dalia huffs, trying to get part of her black wig out of her face. “You know I can’t go to jail again.”

  “Exactly, so you better start talking.”

  “Whatever, you know who I get my shit from.”

  She’s referring to her crack.

  “Yeah, but I don’t know where he is,” I say.

  “I don’t, either.”

  “I call bullshit.”

  “All I know is he comes through here for me between four and six some evenings. So please, get the hell out of here before he sees you questioning me.”

  She tries to lean over. “Damn, bitch, you tore my hose.”

  “Put it on my tab.”

  Reggie removes the handcuffs from her wrists.

  “You’ve been a big help. Now, put those away,” he says with little enthusiasm as he points to her chest.

  He’s providing me much entertainment today. Next, I get to face Adrian, and secretly, I can’t wait.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Adrian

  I pace the floor of my office with a hand across the nape of my neck. This tension is too much. I massage the muscles, but it doesn’t help.

  I ended a call with Ms. D’Angelo only five minutes ago. I’m ready to have that bitch out of my life. She wouldn’t tell me shit. I guess Xavier is the only one in the know, and he’s sworn to secrecy until the bust is over.

  Glancing to my watch again, I see it’s six p.m. The deal doesn’t happen until eleven. This wait is going to kill me. I need a fucking release. My phone rings, and I see it’s Aggie.

  “Agatha, this isn’t a good time.”

  “Hello to you, too.”

  “I’m sorry, but there’s a lot going on this evening.”

  “Like what?”

  “Will you be up early tomorrow? I can talk to you then.”

  “Ma is sick, Adrian. I mean really sick. The doctor was here, and he doesn’t believe she has much time left.”

  “How long?”

  “A week or two … at best.”