“My mom’s recipe.”
“It smells delicious.” He twirled some on his fork and tasted it. “That’s really good. You’re a great cook in addition to being a stunt driver.”
She blushed as brightly as a Crimson Glory rose.
Cash patted the bed next to him. “Keep me company. After all, this is your home.”
It was obvious that she was very shy, but she reluctantly sat down. “Do you bike around here very often?”
“Yes. The area is nice and hilly. It makes for a good ride. I used to ride professionally, but now I just do it to keep in shape.”
Malaina eyed him up and down. “I’d say it’s working.” Oh God, was I too forward? Shoot, of course I was.
“I ride as long as the weather permits.”
“You’ve got an interesting accent.”
“I’m an army brat. My father was transferred to Saudi Arabia when I was very young, and so … I hope my accent doesn’t bother you.”
“Oh no. I mean you sound interesting, and … I kind of like it.” Malaina brushed the hair away from her eyes and smiled impishly.
“Good. So you’re not completely turned off. I would have been completely crushed if you thought my accent was a big turnoff.”
“You do know what they say about flattery, don’t you?”
Cash set down his dish. He answered her question with a thoughtful smile. “I suppose I really should get going.”
“Oh no. You need to rest,” she said, protesting impulsively. “I know you think you’re okay, but it would probably be a mistake for you to move too soon. I’m afraid you might pass out again or something.”
“The doctor said I was fine—just a little banged up.”
“I gave you some shot. I suppose you’re in a hurry to talk to your lawyer.”
“No. Not really.”
“I mean, why wouldn’t you? You know, the big house and all. Most people wouldn’t see anything but dollar signs. Really, though, you do deserve some compensation for being inconvenienced. I know my father will want to make things right.”
“I tell you what. You can buy me a new bike. I don’t remember too much about the accident, but I’m sure the old one is ready for the scrap heap.”
“You can’t be serious. Anyone else would be ready to sue the pants off of me.”
Cash flashed his killer smile again, the one that made her melt. “Well, when you put it like that …” He paused for a moment and seemed reflective. “Anything that involves lawyers is way too much trouble for me. But I’d love to see you again … when you’re not behind the wheel of a speeding car, that is.”
Oh my God. Really? I can’t believe he’s interested in me. Try not to sound desperate. “How about I think about that one? I don’t normally date strangers, but I did almost take your life.”
“The minutes will seem like hours.” He placed the serving tray back on the night table and tried to stand but was unsteady.
Malaina sprang to her feet and caught him. Their faces were close now, barely inches away, close enough for the chemicals of passion to react. Malaina froze for an instant, not knowing what to do. They were close enough to … but Malaina was incapable of such impulsiveness. “Still reeling from rejection, I see?” Her quip bought her a laugh, and they moved apart.
Cash tried to hobble around the room and winced with every step. “If your offer is still open, I think I will stay a while longer.”
“I think you’d better,” she confirmed, unable to hide her smile.
“Malaina, you’re beautiful and funny.”
And lonely. I guess Dad’s really busy or he’d be up here with a .45 and a shovel. “Get some rest.” Malaina walked through the bedroom door and pulled it closed. She paused outside his room and rested her head against the wall. It was spinning, and her heart was pounding. She enjoyed the trance for a few moments before heading down the stairs and returning to reality.
Chapter 42
In the morning Cash awoke to a knock on the door. Silvestri’s physician had returned as Silvestri had ordered to make sure the unwanted guest was well enough to go on his way. To Silvestri’s chagrin, Cash had spent the night, which was a much longer and unwanted stay than he had hoped for.
The doctor’s opinion was that no significant injuries had been sustained. He had strongly recommended X-rays be taken at the hospital, but Silvestri had fiercely objected. “There’s nothing a few days of rest won’t take care of,” Silvestri had said.
Cash took advantage of a hot shower to soothe his aching muscles before getting dressed. The marble bath had a powerful steam shower, and the hot water helped to make him feel right.
The house was quiet save for Orzani, who watched the stranger with discernible mistrust but made no attempt to introduce himself. Cash could feel his eyes on him as he roamed around. He poked around for a few minutes without bumping into anyone else in the sizeable home.
There was a large mirror hanging in the center hall. Checking his freshly shaven face in the mirror, he commented on his appearance, repeating the description Silvestri’s physician had used to define how well he had come through the accident. “Quite remarkable.” The night’s rest did you a world of good.
Nikki Silvestri caught him looking at himself in the mirror. “Good morning. How are you feeling?” she asked in a hopeful spirit.
“Much better,” he said, looking flustered about his vanity. “Actually, I feel like a new man.”
“Wonderful. How about a cup of coffee, new man?”
“I don’t want you to bother. I’ve already put you and your family through way too much trouble. I just wanted to say goodbye to—”
“It’s no trouble,” Nikki interjected. “I’m dying for a second cup anyway.” She smiled warmly. “Come on.”
He hesitantly followed her into the kitchen.
“I was talking to the doctor, and he said you didn’t look too bad. I think we were all pretty lucky you didn’t get hurt much worse than you did.” She poured him a cup of coffee and pushed the cream and sugar across the kitchen counter toward him. “How about some breakfast? I just took a cooking class at Sur la Table, and I’m dying to try out my goat cheese frittata on somebody.”
“No, really. The coffee is plenty.”
“I’ll throw a waffle in the toaster,” she said, ignoring him. “You have to eat something.”
“Okay. I know when I’m outmatched. You win.”
Nikki smiled at him, then opened the refrigerator and took out eggs, goat cheese, and other ingredients.
“But I thought—”
“Humor me,” Nikki said with a sly smile. “I’m under strict orders to keep you here until Malaina gets back.”
“Back from where?”
“Too many questions,” she said firmly. She cracked three eggs and began to whisk them. “Malaina tells me that your father was stationed in Saudi Arabia and that’s the reason why you sound like Omar Sharif and have a name like a country singer.”
“I guess that sums it up pretty well. I’ve been all over the world, but my dad was stationed at the Riyadh Air Base in Saudi Arabia when I was small. I went to school with American and Saudi kids, and I guess I never entirely lost the accent.” He looked around, admiring the elaborate kitchen. “This is an incredible kitchen.”
“I spend a lot of time in here,” she commented as she lit a burner. “Cooking is therapy for me.”
“So, when’s Malaina getting back? I want to thank her for her hospitality before I leave.”
Nikki glanced up at the wall clock. “Soon. Would you like rye toast or a bagel?”
~~~
Orzani knocked on the door to Silvestri’s office. “Anthony, you wanted to see me?”
A single disconsolate word breached the massive wooden door. “Yeah.”
Orzani entered and was directed to the chair opposite Silvestri’s desk.
“Someone is lying to me,” Silvestri said hotly.
Orzani stiffened in his chair.
“Relax. I wasn’t talking about you,” Silvestri said in a hostile tone. “There’s no chatter about the hit on Linuzzi, which makes me suspicious.” He stood and walked to the window. “I think it’s time I had another poker night.”
“You mean—”
“You know exactly what I mean. You round up anyone with half an ounce of influence. I want everyone here tonight.”
“Anthony, that’s pretty short notice.”
Silvestri became quickly incensed. “I don’t care.” He whirled around, snarling at Orzani. “You tell every one of those sons of bitches that they’re coming here to play poker with me tonight. I don’t give a rat’s ass what they’re doing or what they’ve got planned. If they’ve got air in their lungs, they’d better show up. Can you do that, or do I have to handle it myself?”
Orzani understood the implication. “Leave it to me, boss.”
“That’s fucking better,” Silvestri said with bitterness in his voice.
Orzani paused for a moment before rising, questioning the timing of his next comment. “Just one thing.”
“What?” Silvestri snapped.
“With all due respect, Anthony, how many people had a hard-on for Tommy? How many husbands and fathers did he kill? How many women became widows?”
“It doesn’t matter. He was a made man, and no one had the balls to kill him. You think some pissant widow had Linuzzi iced?” Silvestri stared at Orzani long and hard. “I think you’ve lost your marbles or something. No. Someone is trying to make a move on my turf. I can feel it.”
“Anthony, surely—” Orzani saw that Silvestri was not listening to him and dropped his argument. “What stakes should I say we’re playing for?”
Silvestri shook his head. “I don’t care what you tell them, Mike. Tell them they’re playing for their fucking lives.”
~~~
Nikki watched Cash eat and voiced her approval. “I enjoy cooking for people who eat with such gusto.”
“I didn’t realize how hungry I was until you put the plate in front of me. This is incredible.”
Nikki blushed.
“Your husband’s a lucky man.”
“Nah. He appreciates nothing,” she said, turning to the sink.
Malaina burst into the kitchen, beaming a giant smile and staring at Cash, making it obvious that she had a great surprise.
He studied her face for a moment and then, unable to decipher her expression, said, “What’s going on?”
“Close your eyes,” Malaina said.
“Why?”
“Just do it,” she insisted.
He put down his fork. “Whatever you say.” He closed his eyes.
“Open.”
When Cash opened his eyes, he saw Malaina rolling a brand-new cherry red racing bike into the kitchen. She was beaming with joy as she made her entrance. She rolled the bike up to him. “I brought you a peace offering,” she said.
He took the bike from her to look it over. “Wow. This is top of the line.” Cash stood and smiled. “This must’ve cost you a fortune.”
“Do you like it?” she asked excitedly.
“What’s not to like? I had an old clunker. This one is fantastic.”
Nikki studied the two of them, their body language, expressions, and the chemistry she found evident. “Two’s company. Three’s a meddling parent,” she said with a grin as she left the kitchen.
“Now I understand why your mother insisted on cooking such an elaborate breakfast for me. The two of you were in this together.”
“It’s the least I could do, and I promise I won’t ever run you over again.”
“That’s not enough.” He gazed into her eyes and got very close, mere inches from her. “Are you still thinking about my offer?”
She batted her eyelashes. “Uh-huh.”
“Leaning one way or another?”
She twisted a ringlet of hair around her finger. “I might be leaning toward … yes,” she said coyly.
“You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you? I mean, toying with my affections the way you are.”
Malaina was smiling playfully when the door swung open and Silvestri burst into the kitchen. His mind seemed somewhere else as he considered Cash. “You’re still here?” He glanced at the new red bike momentarily. “What the hell is this doing in my house?”
Cash stared at him coolly. “Malaina was kind enough to replace my touring bike.”
“Oh, she was, was she?” Silvestri paused for a moment, resisting the urge to make a scene. It almost seemed as if he was silently counting to ten. “Well then, you’re good to go. Are we all done here?”
“Dad-dy, you’re being very rude.”
Silvestri’s eyes flashed, and he pretended to bite his knuckle to express frustration. “Malaina, are you kidding? Do you know how much I have on my mind?” He turned back toward Cash. “Look, I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but the doctor says you’re fine, so it’s time for you to go. This isn’t a hotel.”
Tears welled in Malaina’s eyes. Her mouth opened. “I—” hate you!
“What was that?” Silvestri barked, momentarily forgetting that he was addressing his daughter and not one of his lackeys.
“It’s okay, Malaina,” Cash said, his eyes blazing with contempt. “I’m going. If you don’t mind, I’ll leave my bike on the side of the house and come for it some other time. I’m still a little too sore to ride. My car’s parked in Oyster Bay at the Arboretum. I’ll grab my phone and call a cab.”
“No. I’ll drive you,” Malaina insisted. She gave her father an icy stare and bristled by. “Not everyone in this house is ill-mannered.”
Cash and Silvestri eyed each other antagonistically, each sizing up the other. The staring match lasted until Cash had rolled the bike out of the kitchen, but he could still feel Silvestri’s eyes searing into him even after he had left the room.
Chapter 43
“This is the best you could do?” Lorraine walked into the small hotel room, listening to the moaning and gasping from the adjacent hotel room as she entered.
Cabrera shook his head. “Look, Lorraine, this is a temporary accommodation, not the witness protection program. What were you expecting, the presidential suite at The Ritz?”
Sounds of ecstasy continued to waft through the wall. “Yeah. Right there. Right there. Don’t stop. Uh. Again. Again. Again. Again.”
Lorraine’s mouth dropped. “Is this one of those places with an hourly rate?”
Cabrera closed the door and walked in. “The bureau uses this hotel regularly. It’s clean and safe, and you’ve got a flat-screen TV.” He walked to the window. “And you’ve got a great view of …” He pulled back the curtains which hid an unimpressive vista. “Never mind.” He looked at her sheepishly. “Okay, the view’s no great shakes, but you won’t be here that long.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
“And what if you’re wrong?”
“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it, okay? You’ll have round-the-clock protection—one of our agents will be on the other side of that door at all times.”
Lorraine dropped her purse on the bed and looked around the room a second time. “I guess it’s not that bad. I’ll have to check to see if I brought earplugs.”
“That’s the spirit,” he said with renewed enthusiasm. “Do you think I’d let anything happen to you?”
Her eyes softened. “I guess not.”
“Atta girl. I’m going to check on the officer in charge and make arrangements for your dinner.”
“And where are you going?” she asked unhappily. “I thought you’d at least stay and keep me company for a while. I’m still pretty shaken up you know.”
“I get it. I’ll be back in the morning, but right now my time is better spent putting the guilty behind bars. The officer on duty is six-five, two hundred and thirty pounds, an ex-Navy Seal, so you’re in good hands. Trust me. Can you be brave, Lorraine?”
“I guess I
have no choice. This is a hell of a situation.”
“A temporary situation. Turn on the TV, relax, and it will all be over before you—” Cabrera stepped back but not quickly enough to avoid her. She closed her eyes and kissed him before he could sidestep her advance and then quickly stepped back. “You shouldn’t have done that,” he said. “You want us both to be unemployed?”
“Just protecting my interests,” she said as she opened her suitcase. “I’m going to take a shower. I’ll see you in the morning unless … you care to join me.”
What the hell? Cabrera was clearly stymied. He was accustomed to being the aggressor, and when the roles were reversed … He thought for a moment about how to respond and then simply walked out the door.
Chapter 44
A fierce wind blew outside Silvestri’s home, and an eerie creaking sound engulfed the estate in a haunting melody. Temperatures had dropped precipitously throughout the day, depositing a thin layer of ice on the road surface. It was about a quarter of nine when the first car rolled slowly to a stop in Silvestri’s circular driveway.
Upon entering the estate, all sensation of the bitter cold was left behind. Silvestri’s house was warm and brightly lit, and the mouthwatering aroma of Nikki Silvestri’s baking seeped into the nostrils the moment the entrance door closed.
Orzani stood in attendance in the foyer, thanking each visitor for coming on such short notice. A serving cart was set up with espresso coffee, sambuca, and Nikki’s freshly baked cookies.
Silvestri stood before the bedroom mirror, rubbing his hand over his chin, trying to decide if he needed a fresh shave. His head jerked in the direction of the bedroom door when he noticed Malaina speeding by in the hallway. They had not exchanged a word since the altercation in the family kitchen. He rushed to the door. “Hey, where do you think you’re going?”
Malaina stopped dead in her tracks and wheeled about with defiance in her eyes. “Out, damn it. You’ve got a problem with that too?” She had never spoken to her father with such callousness before, but he had made her life intolerable. She spoke as if she just couldn’t take it anymore. “What’s the problem now, Father?”
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