Stories by Kiera Dellacroix

by Dellacroix, Kiera

  "I doubt it, but he could help if he wanted to. What's the story? Jimmy told me we'd be a body light on the trip back."

  "He's having a problem understanding that he isn't nearly as powerful as he thinks he is."

  I snorted. "Sounds about right."

  "I'll be right outside. If you need anything give a holler."

  "Okay," I said, turning to go below but pausing at the door. "Tony, how did you get roped into this?"

  "Joey was a man short and asked me to ride along. That, and I wanted to see you. Sophie was going to call you today but I asked her to wait until I found out whether or not it she'd regret it."

  That stung and I winced. "Was I really that big of a bitch?"

  "Do you want a straight answer, Maddie?" he asked dryly. "You weren't the only one that ended up with a broken heart."

  I could only nod since there was nothing I could say in my defense. Reluctantly, I made my way down the steps with a weight on my chest and sensing the birth of a massive headache. When I reached the bottom, I made my way into the small room Merchant was in and closed the door behind me.

  His eyes widened in surprised recognition, but they quickly turned icy with rage. The fellas had gagged him and handcuffed him to a chair behind a crappy little card table. It was extremely close quarters and I squeezed into the second chair. I leveled an appraising glare on the man and hoped I could make him see reason.

  I cleared my throat. "I figure us to be a mile or so offshore by now. I'll remove the gag, but you should realize that screaming won't do anything but piss everybody off. Understand?"

  It took him a moment, but he finally nodded.

  "Before I remove it you need to know some things. First, there's a very real possibility that you'll die out here. These people don't fuck around and I can't stop them if they decide to do just that. Second, I don't want that to happen because if it does, it'll be my fault. I'm the one responsible for you being here. Surely, a lawyer of your experience understands how the mob does things."

  The fury in his eyes died in an abrupt and visible wave of comprehension.

  "Have I made the situation perfectly clear?"

  This time the nod was quick in coming and I immediately rose to relieve him of the gag.

  "Ledoux isn't it?" he rasped.

  "Yes, Maddie Ledoux. Would you like something to drink?"

  "Please."

  I got up again and exited the room long enough to ask Tony to bring down a couple of sodas. When I returned, I sat quietly until the drinks arrived. I extended a Pepsi in Merchant's direction, but stopped short as he tilted his head to one side and shot me a sarcastic look. I almost smiled.

  "Sorry," I mumbled. "Tony, can we lose the handcuffs? There isn't anywhere he can go."

  He shrugged and handed me the keys before making an exit. I moved the little table out of the way and released his arms from the chair, leaving only the cuffs keeping him bound to the chair by an ankle. A man with a chair attached to his leg would be easy to take down if the situation called for it.

  "Thank you," he said as I settled back into my seat. He popped the top of his soda and took a few swallows. "I would never have pegged you for a wise guy with a name like Ledoux."

  "I'm not."

  He blinked. "You seem to have a lot of pull."

  "Joey Vendito is my uncle."

  "I see," he said slowly. "What do I have to do to see the sun rise?"

  "Truthfully answer any question presented to you and hope I can convince the fellas you'll forget this entire evening ever happened."

  "And what would the odds on that be?"

  "Not very good."

  Much to my surprise, he chuckled. "At least you're honest."

  "When we met earlier today, I wasn't kidding. Anything you tell me will stay with me."

  "And how would ethics concern me as I sank to the bottom of the lake?"

  I couldn't help it. I liked the guy. "Good point," I said with a grin.

  "Well, let's hope you're more persuasive with the gentlemen on this boat than you were with me earlier today. What would you like to know?"

  "Who paid you to defend Tish Binkowski?"

  "I remember the name from this morning, but I don't know a Tish Binkowski."

  I narrowed my eyes, but as far as I could tell, he wasn't lying. A light bulb went off. "How about LaTisha Morland? It was her maiden name."

  That rang a bell, but he appeared reluctant. "May I ask a question of my own?"

  "Sure."

  "Why do you want to know?"

  "Because Tish is dead and the person that killed her is the same person who killed my Dad."

  He ran a nervous hand through his hair. "This is personal then?"

  "Very."

  "Then I'm extremely sorry, but I don't have any information that can help you."

  "Why is that?"

  "I was anonymously given four times my normal fee to defend Morland and given a substantial bonus if successful in keeping her from serving any time."

  My shoulders slumped in disappointment. "Do you often get paid in secret for defending the guilty?"

  He started to reply, but hesitated, obviously measuring his response. "Isn't that a rather hypocritical question considering the circumstances of this conversation?"

  I resisted the urge to lash out. "Perhaps."

  "Everybody on board at the moment is a criminal, Miss Ledoux."

  "Are you including yourself?"

  "Of course, although I'd never admit that anywhere but in this room."

  "I've broken the law, Mr. Merchant." I said quietly. "And in all likelihood, I'll break it again, but I don't consider myself a criminal. However, the other men on this boat are criminals and they don't feel the need to try and hide it. That in itself, makes them more honorable than most. They don't hurt people for fun, they don't rape women or molest children, they don't exploit you unless you give them the opportunity, and they certainly don't hide behind the guise of good intentions."

  "You sound like you admire them."

  "In a way, I guess I do."

  He looked at me, suddenly thoughtful. "You were a cop, weren't you?"

  "Once upon a time."

  "I remember you now, your name has been nagging at me all day. You're the one who put the big hurt on Senator Hilary."

  "My popularity on that issue is something I wish would just go away."

  He chuckled. "No wonder your friend out there didn't bat an eye about leaving you alone with me unrestrained."

  Suddenly amused, I smiled. "Don't I look tough?"

  "Gimme a break," he scoffed. "You look like a little elf. I'll bet Hilary thought the same thing until he woke up in a body cast."

  I tried, but I couldn't quite disguise my grin.

  "Are you aware that I was once approached to defend you?"

  "Really?" I asked in surprise "Why didn't you?"

  He shrugged. "Democrats keep trial lawyers in business. I was advised that representing you wouldn't be in my best interests."

  "Gee, there's a shock."

  He laughed and shot me an appealing smile. "Are you single, Miss Ledoux?"

  I chuckled. "That's an odd question to ask, considering the amount of shit you're currently swimming in."

  "I have every confidence you'll convince your companions that I had no idea who I was dealing with, and couldn't resist the opportunity to shoot off my mouth."

  I started to laugh. He had said the last with just enough self-demeaning humor to come across as charming. If I were into guys, he'd probably be the type I'd go for. I started to reply, but the door suddenly opened and Tony poked his head in.

  "Step outside a second, Maddie."

  I rose from my chair and followed him up the stairs. As I took the last step, he turned on me with a befuddled look.

  "What the fuck is going on?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "We grab the guy, rough him up, drag his ass out into the middle of the lake with every intention of leaving him on the
bottom, and you're in there laughing with him like he's been chatting you up for the last half an hour."

  "We can turn the boat around, he'll keep his mouth shut. He wasn't aware of all the factors. He's also very aware of the consequences."

  He grunted reluctantly. "You sure he understands?"

  "He's not a fool."

  "It's Jimmy's call, but I trust your judgment. I'll run it buy him," he rumbled. "But if he comes down here to look in, you better not let him hear you in there hamming it up with that guy."

  "Won't happen again," I said and spun to make my way back down the steps.

  I reentered the room and sat back down.

  "Should I be worried?" he asked.

  "They're talkin' about it. Jimmy's the one in charge and is kinda new. I don't know him as well as the others."

  "Don't they all work for your uncle?"

  "Yes."

  "Then why aren't you in charge?"

  "I told you I'm not a wise guy, Mr. Merchant. Joey was just doing me a favor."

  "Ah."

  "While we're on the subject, I should make it very clear what would happen to you should anything about this evening come back to haunt any of the entities involved."

  "No need. I'm quite aware of Mr. Vendito's reputation."

  "If they question you, make it a point to say that."

  "I'll do that. You speak rather eloquently when you want to, Miss Ledoux. Have you ever considered becoming a lawyer?"

  "Not once."

  He chuckled.

  "Do you know a Sabrina DiCarlo?"

  He hummed for a second. "I don't think so."

  "How about a Salvotore DiCarlo?"

  "Sounds familiar, but I can't place the name. Why do you ask?"

  "Just curious. Tell me, do you happen to know anyone that Tish Bin… Morland used to associate with?"

  "No, in fact, I only met Tish a total of three times. I never dealt with any…" he paused, his brow wrinkling.

  "Yes?"

  "If I recall correctly, I had a girl come into the office not long after the second time I got Morland off. Told my receptionist that LaTisha informed her that I was her attorney."

  My eyebrows started to climb. "Do you have a name?"

  "Can't remember it, but it would be in the office records."

  "What happened?"

  "We sent her away, I don't remember the exact reasons, but she was in trouble for something very minor that another lawyer could help her with for a lot less money. Assuming I live to return to work, I'm sure I …" he trailed off at the sound of footsteps on the stairs, "…Looks like I'm about to find out," he finished amiably.

  I kinda admired him. Instead of fidgeting like a man awaiting his execution, he sat there calmly as if expecting to be pleasured by a body slave. This wasn't the first episode of the kind I had participated in, and by this point, those in the hot seat were usually, and quite understandably, reduced to incoherent blubbering.

  Jimmy poked his head through the door. "Maddie, Tony told me you have the keys?"

  I nodded.

  "Uncuff him and bring him up top," he said, disappearing instantly.

  I slumped in my chair as soon as the door closed.

  "That sounded like bad news."

  "Any news is good news."

  "Oh?

  "If you were going overboard, he would've shot you the second the door opened."

  He released a very long, slow breath. "What a relief."

  "It ain't over, but you'll be okay as long as you play it straight."

  "I'll do my best."

  I gave him an apologetic look. "Mr. Merchant, I'm sorry this turned out to be as serious as it did. I admit I wanted to run you through the ringer, maybe even a few broken bones, but I had no intention of endangering your life. "

  "You can make it up to me."

  "How so?"

  "A dinner?"

  "I find it strangely amusing, and more than a little flattering, that you would want anything to do with me after tonight."

  "Why?"

  "Putting the obvious reasons aside, you should know that on the way to the marina, I was wondering how many of your fingers I would get to snap before you broke."

  "Five, but only if they were on the same hand."

  I grinned and moved the table aside so I could undo the cuffs around his ankle. "That's four more than I would've guessed."

  "You underestimate me."

  "I don't doubt that."

  "And that dinner?"

  "We have a small you're straight and I'm not problem."

  He fell back against his chair, placing a hand over his heart. "I'm crushed," he said jovially. "Ever consider jumping the fence?"

  "If I do, you'll be the first one I call."

  "Call me anyway, I'll have that name for you."

  "I'll do that," I said, gesturing to the door with a nod. "After you."

  ----------

  To my considerable relief, I watched Merchant get into a cab not long after we arrived back at the docks. I thanked the guys for their assistance and even managed to give Tony a quick, and somewhat hesitant hug before I returned to my car.

  My first stop was the grocery and I hurried through the store with my buggy. The only food I currently had at home was an almost empty box of Fruity Pebbles and no milk. I hoped that Anabel wasn't too put out with me for leaving her with nothing to eat and subjecting her to Billy's company for the last hour and a half.

  Shopping complete, I smiled as I approached the checkout and noted that I wouldn't have to wait in line. Predictably, a skinny woman with a pierced nose and grungy clothes spotted the opening as well. I quickened my pace but she saw me coming and nonchalantly moved to cut me off at the pass.

  I ground my teeth. The chick had an overflowing buggy and my eyes narrowed as I spotted the checkbook in her hand. For Christ's sake, I only had fourteen items in my basket and was going to pay cash! What the fuck did she have going on her life that made it imperative for her to get in line ahead of me? It would have only taken a minute or two to let me go first whereas I'd be standing in line behind her for twenty goddamn minutes. It had to be some sort of power trip.

  I simmered silently. If the situation had been reversed, I'd do the considerate thing and let her go before me. I mean shit, I was far from perfect, but at least I had some manners. I held the door open for the person behind me, I didn't light up a cigarette before walking into a convenience store, and I made it a fuckin' point not to fart in the elevator.

  I brooded over the subject until I noticed her struggle to withdraw a fistful of coupons from her purse. For the love of God! I leveled an investigative glance at the items she was buying; it was the kinda food I'd buy if just shopping for myself. My eyes sought out her left hand and I wasn't surprised at the absence of a ring.

  Fifteen minutes later, she was finally writing out her check and I moved forward to place my items on the belt.

  "For a single woman, you sure bought a lot of food," I said in a friendly voice.

  She turned to me with a look of condescension and feigned tolerance. "Oh? Why would you think I was single?"

  "Because you're uglier than shit."

  The nerd running the register blustered an involuntary guffaw and I beamed my best smile at the woman's darkening features, dismissing her and turning my attention to the cashier.

  "You'll be happy to know that I'm paying cash and don't have any coupons."

  The nerd played along. "That's…uh… very considerate of you, ma'am," he said, trying his best not to snicker.

  "Yes, it is, isn't it?" I said, turning a squint upon the woman who was still rooted in place. "Since I don't have but a few items."

  Settling for an insulted huff, the scruffy slag proceeded to stomp toward the exit. I grinned, pleased with myself.

  Exactly two minutes and thirty seconds later, I exited the store and ambled to the car, tossing my bags into the passenger seat. My hand was centimeters away from the ignition when a grip in my hair
pulled me back hard against the seat. I barely stifled a scream and went immediately for my gun, my fingertips brushing the grip of it before a knife at my throat froze me in place.

  "Don't be stupid," a voice whispered in my ear. "Put your hands on top of the steering wheel."

  I complied carefully, the hand in my hair was painful and the blade gave me no leeway at all.

  "We need to talk, Matilda."

  "Do I know you?"

  "No, but I know you."

  "Would you mind backing up a little? Your breath is bleaching my hair."

  A quiet chuckle. "I'm going to relieve you of your weapons. It would be advisable not to move."

  My eyes strayed to the rearview as he released me and an arm snaked over my chest, the mirror had been tilted toward the ceiling and I cursed myself for not noticing immediately. After he took my gun, I groaned when he reached behind me to take the second one. I knew then that I was dealing with someone that was not only very serious, but dangerously competent.

  "How did you know?"

  "I assume you're referring to the gun at the small of your back?"

  "Yeah."

  "It's my business to know."

  "What is it you want?"

  "Just conversation. If it goes well, you can have your guns back."

  "Can we hurry it along? I have a date."

  "I'm going to take the blade away and lean back."

  "Thank God. Your breath smells like you brush your teeth with dogshit."

  "Don't piss me off. Believe me when I say that if you attempt to turn around, I can, and I will, drive this blade through the seat and into your spine long before you can get a look at me."

  I didn't have a shred of evidence to think he wasn't bluffing. "Okay, why don't you start since you have me at a disadvantage."

  "My employer wishes to express dismay regarding your current investigation."

  "Which investigation is that?"

  "The death of your uncle, Augustus Ledoux."

  "He was my Dad."

  "We both know that's not true in a biological sense."

  "What the fuck would you know about it?"

  "I know all about you, Matilda. Your father died when you were twelve from an opium-induced stroke. Your mother died when you were three from a variety of untreated venereal diseases."

  I caught my breath. "My mother?"

  "She was a whore, Matilda."