by Alexie Aaron
Harry stuck his head out the window. “Do I need to get a firehose?”
“Please.”
Max put me down, laughing, and I ran into the penthouse. I sat down in a singular chair and pulled out my phone. There were no more messages. I put it on vibrate and stuck it in my pocket.
Marco came out of the office, walked over to me, pulled me out of the chair and into the bedroom.
“Victor says that the longer you are here, the more likely someone will figure this out. He and I think that Max should take you to dinner. I want you to act lovey-dovey and return here. I cannot let you go home. I will worry. I’m not healed yet, so I can’t protect you. Max can.”
“Just as long as I don’t have to make love to him, fine.”
“He likes you.”
“No.”
~
Harry stayed with Marco. He still thought that the man needed protection. I put on the same dress I wore to the memorial, but this time, I put the shawl around my waist and tied it so it fell lazily around my hips.
I looked like a gypsy on the make when I left in D’Amore’s car. Max drove to a restaurant that was a hot spot for the opera set. He handed his keys to the valet and held out his arm to me. We entered the eatery. Eyes looked us over. Max put a protective hand on my waist. This endearment was enough to start the tongues wagging. The owner himself greeted Max.
“This is Ms. Fin-Lathen, my guest,” he introduced me. “We would like the chef to surprise us tonight.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll have my best table ready for you. Follow me, Ms. Fin-Lathen.”
I did so. We wove our way through the middle of the dining room to a table by the windows, and I noticed we were overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway.
Max waited until the host had seated me before taking the chair across the table.
I looked from the scenery to my dinner date and said, “The view is beautiful.”
“Yes it is,” Max said, looking at me. “Cin, thank you for going through with this charade.”
“Thank you for choosing such a fine restaurant.”
“In my family, it is custom for the man to order for the woman. In your country, the woman orders for herself. I thought I would let the chef decide what we would eat tonight.”
“A happy compromise.”
“Cin, tell me about yourself. All I know comes from Marco and Victor’s reports.”
“I’m a musician, not so recently divorced from a corporate pilot. I have two children…” I went on to tell him about my family, Harry, and a few of our adventures. Max listened and asked questions. “No one was more surprised than I when your father asked me out.”
“Why did you go out with him?”
“Curiosity, and I wanted to eliminate him from our list of suspects. I was a little scared of him to be honest. But he quickly put me at ease.”
“He has that talent.”
“Tell me about yourself and your family.”
“I’m not married. There were a few near misses, but my choices could not separate Maximiliano from Marco. I enjoy my siblings’ children and spoil them every chance I get. All of us D’Amores are products of my mother’s love affairs. Marco loves us and accepts us. He enjoys the fact that the D’Amore bloodline stops with him.”
“That is so unusual,” I commented.
“I think it is his way of getting back at his parents for the forced marriage. I think he blames them for his losing Eldora. You see, after Eldora dumped him, Marco made himself sterile. It is a family secret.”
“Don’t worry, I will keep it. I’m very good at secrets,” I told him.
“Cin, I think your relationship with Tom Richards has hurt Marco.”
“Max, I didn’t know Marco when I chose to have Tom help me over my terror of making love, and I returned to Tom when I thought Marco was through with me. I was with him twice, and I would not trade those loving encounters for my having my reputation back. Your father is many things, including a hypocrite, when it comes to sharing me with his old nemesis. I know it is over between us. Pushing you at me is his way of softening the blow, I suppose. I hope you’re not offended that I respectfully decline any invitation from you in the future.”
“Is it because I’m no Marco?”
“No, it’s because I need to find Cin again. I’m not this Bella; she’s not me. I’m a clumsy, shoe-losing, whiskey-drinking musician who has just come to grips with the knowledge that I don’t have to be with a man to be whole. I was married for a long time. It’s time to see what the world has in store for Harry and me.”
“This Harry, what is he to you?”
“I think he’s my one true friend. Sure, there are a few others I can call friends, but Harry, he brings out the best in me. I’d like to think of him as my son, and I would have adopted him, but I think our strongest bond has already been formed. We are partners in chaos,” I said and smiled.
“Cin, I respect you. I, like Marco, see the gypsy in you, but I like it that you are fighting it. I will be very interested to see the true you.”
“When Marco decides to let the world know he is alive, I will be happy to transfer the wealth back to him.”
“That isn’t going to happen. You see, Cin, Marco needs you to give the D’Amore name respectability. He loves the idea of the D’Amore Foundation. We could find no better person to chair this. You know the need, and frankly, I’d like to see his money go to someone like you.”
“I would be happy to work for the foundation, but the estate, truthfully, that is way over the top.”
“But, Cin, the estate will fund the foundation and give you the freedom to do what you do best, investigating. In time, you and Harry will make enough to support yourselves, and when that time comes, we will arrange a meeting. Victor will watch over the estate with your help. As far as Marco is concerned, he has given you this, and you have graciously accepted this gift, with no strings attached.”
“This is very generous of you, Max.”
“Cin, I’m a very generous man. I’m not my father’s puppet.”
“I can see that.”
“Let’s enjoy our meal, and then I want to show you a building I think you should keep. It has so much potential.”
“You have captured my curiosity, Max.”
“Too bad it wasn’t also your heart,” Max said softly.
~
Max drove me to a block of loft apartments I had inherited, carved out of a former manufacturing building, on the Intercoastal Waterway. He pulled into a vacant garage and took me upstairs to see the loft.
“Harry said you wanted to move. This would be good for the two of you,” he said, pulling me after him.
It was. The loft was on the top floor, two floors up from the garage. The large space was newly renovated. There was a main area with four separate bedroom suites, and rustic barn doors separated each personal space. I walked up the stairs and into one of the suites. It was spacious and had a large bathroom with a humongous tub and multi-spray shower. The closet was more than adequate, and I could see my shoes would have no problem fitting in.
“Come, I will show you the best part.” Max grabbed my arm and pulled me into the bedroom. He turned out the lights before he laid on the carpet. He reached up and pulled me down by my skirt before he pointed up to the skylight.
There were the stars. I really hadn’t taken the time to observe the stars since the party at Tom’s house. I put my hands behind my head and focused. “I can see them so clearly.”
“At my home, you can see them more clearly. You have light pollution here, but we are close to the water. It is darker, no?”
“Yes.”
Max rolled over and looked down at me. “Marco says that there is tension between us. That we should just make love, and we’ll be over it.”
“Did he?” I asked with suspicion.
“But I’m not going to even try to seduce you, Cin. Perhaps when we have caught the murderer and Marco has settled back into his life, you would d
o me the honor of having another meal together.”
“I’d like that.”
“What, no NO?” he asked with mischief in his eyes. He got up and pulled me to my feet. “Come, let’s check out the rest of the loft.”
~
We arrived back at the penthouse tired. We had rolled through Taco Bell and procured Harry some food. He didn’t even look up from the book he was reading. I looked around for Marco. He was out on the patio. I walked out there, bent down and kissed him before I took the lounge chair beside him.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m feeling sorry for myself,” Marco said.
“Being officially dead is kind of hard, isn’t it?”
“You’re being glib. When I was Max’s age, I could do so much more.”
“And when you were his age, I’m sure you did. I used to be able to climb a rope, but now, I’m rubbish. However, I can still throw a javelin. Some things never leave you.”
He looked over at me. “I’m glad I met you. I’m sorry you had to die first.”
“Me too.”
“Tell me about your death, Bella?”
“The dying part was horrible. The dead part was kind of nice. Then I came back, and all the pain came back again.”
“Do you regret coming back?” he asked.
“I did. But then I met you and realized that all the pain was worth it.”
“You are a funny woman.”
“So you said. You do realize this relationship is going to keep me in analysis for years,” I told him.
“Good, you need something to do.”
I laughed. We walked slowly back, but he didn’t take me to his room. He opened the door to a guestroom and kissed me goodnight. It was at that moment I knew he had left me, never to return to my arms again.
Harry and I left early the next morning. We didn’t talk until we came to the car. I looked at him and said, “I found our loft.”
He smiled at me.
Max had given me the keys. It took me two tries to find the building. “It looked different in the dark,” I said. I opened the garage, and we laughed as we pulled the car in. “Tony won’t know if we’re here or not,” I said. We ran up to the large freight elevator that took us into the loft. I unlocked the gate and said, “Ta-dah!”
Harry walked around, mesmerized.
“I’m taking the bedroom up there.” I pointed. “You have the choice between the three over there. The top floor one has a skylight.”
I walked into my new room. On the floor where Max and I had looked at the stars was an envelope. I picked it up. It smelled like Marco’s cologne. I sat down and opened up the letter.
Dear Bella,
Once again, I am a bad man. I am a coward. If I spend any longer with you, I will lose myself. I encouraged Max to seduce you, so you could see that you could enjoy other men. If you continue with Max, it is up to the two of you. I will not interfere. Victor will call you soon. I want you to continue with the board and, yes, make a charity for the children. The money is all yours. I have taken the manuscript back. It is too personal, and I agree with you that it would hurt my wife. I know you and Harry will figure all of this out. Max is taking me to Roma to heal. I am still dead. Please do not tell anyone. I know I can trust you and Harry.
Preston is a dangerous man. Eldora is more dangerous. Keep Harry close. I do love you. You are so very special.
You’ll always be my Bella.
Marco
This time I didn’t cry. I knew going in what I was getting into, and at least, he was alive. I had a household to move and a crime to solve. I would no longer have to fear Buslowski walking in on me or cops parked in the driveway. Marco had freed me, and I was grateful. I laid back and closed my eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“Measuring,” I said, opening my eyes. I got up fast. “Let’s check out the kitchen.”
He looked at me oddly but followed anyway.
We were walking down the stairs when he said, “Marco and I talked while you and Max were at dinner.”
“Really? Did he say anything interesting?”
“He said he could have accepted you having any other lover, but knowing you went from his bed to Tom’s was more than he could bear. Marco can’t let go of the baggage of his past. To him, Tom, in some way, would always be a danger to your and his relationship. He told me that he was leaving you. I said it was a good idea. I told him that you needed to heal, and he needed to come to the understanding that there was never going to be another woman like you. And that he was an asshole.”
“Thank you, Harry.” I laughed. “I think I’m going to give up on men.”
“Really, why?”
“If they aren’t trying to get me killed, they are breaking my heart. Do you think it’s the same in the lesbian community?”
“Well, I don’t really know. I think you should ask a member. Cin, you just have rotten luck, but it seems that the consolation prize is pretty good,” Harry said, looking around. “You get this loft.”
“And a box of gold bars,” I said.
“So those weren’t chocolates.”
“Seems to me, they are tax free until we spend them,” Cin said. “I’ll ask Victor when he calls. Actually, I’m not sure what’s up. I’m taking this loft anyway. I’ll sell the house, bat my eyelashes at Luke, and I think we’ll be able to afford this place.”
“Hello!” someone called from the elevator.
I walked around the corner, and there stood a paint-covered male.
“Hi, I’m Cin Fin-Lathen, and this is Harry O’Rourke.”
“Hello, Cin. I’m Austin Byers. I have the top loft on the other side of the building. I understand we’re going to be neighbors.”
I smiled and gripped his hand. It was calloused. I liked that. “We’re just sorting things out, moving from west of here. Our work seems to be on the coast, so it’s a good fit.”
“What do you guys do?”
“We’re private detectives,” I said and smiled at Harry.
“You must be good to be able to afford this place.”
“She’s an International Detective, and I’m local,” Harry explained.
“Hey, since we’re neighbors, I wonder if I could convince you to go in with me on a joint project.”
“I’m all ears,” I said.
“Have you been on the roof yet?”
“No.”
“Come on, you’re in for a treat,” he said excitedly.
Harry and I got in the elevator with him. Austin was older on closer inspection, but with all the paint on him, it was tough to really get a good look at him. He was very strong. His upper body was well developed. His brown hair was longer than was stylish, and he had it in a ponytail tied with a leather strip. He studied me with his hazel eyes. I didn’t know if this was, I presumed, the artist in him or if he was just plain weird.
“If you want to see me, I’m on the other side. Look.” He shut our elevator door and opened his. “If you don’t want me wandering in, shut your door. Otherwise, I’m going to steal your beers,” he said and laughed.
He shut his door and took the elevator to the roof. It opened into a large open room. “This is great if you have a smoking guest. Put him up here. I do. Come.” He led us outside, and the view was fabulous.
“I talked to a structural engineer, and he thinks that, if we could convince the owners to spring for the supporting floor, we could have a rooftop garden. Great for parties or just being Zen.”
“I think it would be a great idea. What do you think, Harry?”
“As long as we stay away from the skylights.”
“I hear you. I depend on that light for my painting,” Austin said.
“Why don’t you draw up a proposal, and I’ll take it in to the office when I sign. Maybe I’ll have some sway.”
“Smart woman. Your girlfriend is smart,” Austin said to Harry.
Harry shook his head. “Not my girlfriend, try again.”
“We’re good friends, family,” I corrected.
“Good. I mean, oh. Damn, that wasn’t too smooth,” Austin said, blushing.
“No it wasn’t, but it was perfect,” I said.
“Are you dating someone else?” Austin asked.
“Just got dumped. You?” I answered.
“I’m six months out from a serious breakup.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said.
“Cin, we have to get moving,” Harry said, looking at his watch.
“Yes, we have an appointment. Here’s my card. For the proposal. Call me.”
We got in the elevator, and I locked up the loft before we continued down to the car. Harry drove out.
“So do you think Marco handpicked your next lover or not?” Harry asked, skeptical of the coincidence.
“I think he’s pretty. Should I send Marco a thank you card?”
Harry laughed. He drove further. “Harry, do you like this car?”
“Yes.”
“Keep it. I’ll sell it to you for a dollar.”
Harry pulled off the road. “What’s going on?”
“It’s time. I want something I can pick up a kid from the airport in.”
“Do you want to use my jeep until you find the perfect car?”
“Thanks, that would be nice.”
Transizione
I took Dr. Andrews’s advice and let Tony run the investigation. Harry kept us in touch with him while we were busy moving into the loft. After consulting with my children, it was decided that we would just give all my old furniture away, after I gave Luke the opportunity to take anything he wanted. I boxed up the kids’ stuff. I would put it into storage until they had time to sort through it.
Commuting to Miami, I spent two hours a week with Victor, learning about my businesses. I decided I wanted to be the landlord of my building but had him sell off the other properties. We made quite a bundle.
Austin called, asking for my input on the proposal. I suggested he drop into my loft space to work on the rooftop garden together. We climbed the stairs to my suite because Harry had workmen installing the office equipment in our loft, and it was too noisy for a decent conversation. I had two reading chairs over by a window. We sat down and looked over the plans.
