by Cala Riley
“I’m sorry I brought this onto your doorstep.” She pauses a moment. “I’ll never forgive myself for getting Nico killed.”
I can hear the tears in her voice.
“He was happy to give his life for yours. What happened anyway?”
“He was waiting outside. I don’t know why, but he was hiding. He put his finger to his lips and told me to be quiet, so I did. Then he attacked Ricky and told me to run. I tried, but when I looked back, I watched Ricky shoot him. Ricky was threatening to wait for you to come back and blow up the house with you in it. That’s why I left with him and why I stopped running.”
“Cara.” I press a kiss to her temple. “We had the house checked. There are no bombs here. The explosive on the door was a small one he attached right before he came in. I wasn’t in danger.”
She starts to shake as she sobs. “That makes it worse. Nico died because I went willingly.”
“No, Nico died because Ricky is unhinged. He would have done anything he could to save you. I know this is hard to hear, but it’s not your fault.”
She takes a deep breath. “Ricky said it wasn’t me he was after. I was the cherry on top. He’s been after you, Matteo.”
I startle, pulling back. “What do you mean?”
She turns, looking at me. “He said that he’s been trying to take you guys down for a year. I don’t know why, but he said he ran into you on the street and saw you watching me on your phone. That’s how he found me.”
My mind runs back to the day the guy on the street ran into me. It was Ricky. That’s why he seemed familiar.
“I need to tell Bash.” I go to move.
“Can you lie with me a minute longer before you go?”
I lean down and kiss her lightly. “Of course.”
I cuddle her for a few moments before speaking again. “Are you happy here? Be honest with me.”
“I am,” she says, hesitantly.
“Do you want to stay?”
“Do you want me to stay?” she asks, looking up at me.
I run my finger along the side of her face. “I do, but only if you want to.”
A beautiful smile overtakes her face. “I would like that.”
I remember the conversation I had with Bash, Lo, and Gio. How they told me I can’t just keep her locked up in the house like a princess in a tower.
“Is there anything you want to do? Like go to school, get a job, anything?”
“I’ve never really thought about it.” She sighs. “It was never an option before, so it wasn’t worth thinking about.” She bites her lip and is quiet for a bit. “I would love to find a way to give back. There are so many good people on the streets. We watch out for each other. If I could pay them back in some way, I would love that.”
“How about we start brainstorming on ways you can do that. If we come up with something good, we could go to Bash and ask for the family to sponsor it,” I suggest.
“Okay,” she says sleepily, snuggling into my side.
“Go to sleep, cara.”
“I think I love you, Matteo,” she whispers in her sleep.
“That’s a good thing, because I know I love you.” I softly kiss her forehead, squeezing her tight.
As Vanessa drifts off to sleep, I think about everything that transpired.
I will avenge you, Nico, I promise him as I slip from the bed to go update the others on the newest development.
Chapter Twenty
Matteo
Dressed down and in all black, I lean against a building, watching the apartment ahead.
“What are you doing?” Lo asks, leaning against the wall next to me.
“You shouldn’t be here,” I say, not taking my eyes off of the door.
“Why are we watching this place?”
I don’t respond, watching my victim exit the building and get into a taxi.
“What’s your plan, Matteo?” Lo demands, coming into view.
“It’s none of your business,” I say harshly, sidestepping him.
Lo puts a hand on my chest, stopping me. “Have you thought this through? You know what this means, right?”
I raise a brow, making him curse.
“Go home, Lo. This has nothing to do with you.” I push past him and toward the apartment building.
“I would do the same thing,” he says, following me. “But don’t think Sofia’s softness toward you will save you. Are you willing to leave your girl alone?”
I pause. “You guys will take care of her. She needs this to be safe. Our family needs this. He’s been attacking us for almost a year and we had no clue it was an organized attack. Lo, I’m telling you now. Leave. Go home. I’m doing this.”
He sighs. “Be smart about it.”
I jog across the street and slide past someone coming out. Heading up the stairs, I pull a pair of gloves out of my pocket, slipping them on. Approaching the door, I check my surroundings.
No witnesses.
I slip the lock picking tool from my pocket and pick the lock with a flip of the wrist. I walk inside, shutting the door behind me and flipping the lock. The place is a pigsty, empty pizza boxes, beer bottles, and takeout containers on every surface.
“I’m going to need a tetanus shot by the end of the night,” I whisper under my breath. Moving into the bedroom, I slip into the crowded closet. Having a direct view of the hallway.
Lying in wait, I think about cara and how I can’t wait to get home to her.
What is she doing?
Is she in bed?
Then I think of Nico. His lifeless form on the ground.
This is for you, Nico. For Vanessa. For our family.
After an hour, I hear the door open and close.
“Stupid idiot doesn’t even know what’s happening under his nose,” he says with glee.
I soak the cloth with coliform, preparing to attack. My target walks into his room and starts dropping the contents of his pockets onto his dresser. Silently moving out of the closet, I approach him from behind. Right when he looks up and into the mirror in front of him does he see me do I put him in a chokehold, covering his mouth with the cloth. After a few minutes, his body goes limp, and I lower him to the floor.
Unzipping my jacket, I remove the rope from around my waist and the zip ties from my pocket and get to work binding him.
Just like he bound Vanessa.
Once done, I zip my jacket again and open the window. Grabbing him, I drag him out the window and onto the fire escape, softly shutting the window behind me. Lifting his dead weight, I carry him down the fire escape like a bag of potatoes over my shoulder, hiding in the shadows.
Tossing him in the trunk, I cover his mouth. God forbid for some reason we get held up before we reach our destination. I look around, making sure no one is around as I jump into the car. The drive goes faster to my destination than I expected. Hurrying, I carry his limp body into the warehouse and get to work.
I hang him from a hook in the ceiling so he’s suspended in the air. Dragging out the bag of lye, I dump it into the metal tub, adding water. I slide the open flame burner under the tub right as he comes around.
He thrashes, making me smile.
“Welcome to the land of the living.” I smirk, making his eyes widen. “Do you know who I am?” I question.
He narrows his eyes, unable to speak.
“Forgive me,” I say, taking the hook in my hand removing his gag.
“Your nothing but Italian trash, do you know who I am?” he spits.
“I do.” I raise a brow. “You’re a corner drug dealer who’s head got a little too big if you ask me.”
“I’m a Westie,” he growls.
“Does it look like I care?” I push off the wall. “You fucked with what’s mine and honestly, I don’t appreciate it.” I stalk toward him.
“What did I fuck with?” He struggles against his binds.
“Vanessa.”
“You mean that homeless bitch.” He laughs. “Is that all you can get
? Some dirty fucking pussy? That bitch has never been clean.”
I bite my tongue, tasting copper from drawing blood. The water bubbles, drawing my attention.
“Have you ever killed anyone?” I ask, drawing this out.
“No,” he gulps.
“Are you afraid of dying?”
“You can’t, please don’t kill me,” he begs.
“See, the difference between you and me is I respect women. You don’t,” I say, circling him as I make my way to the lever. I tap it, making him lower.
“What are you doing?” he yells, trying to lift his legs. “You can’t kill me.”
“Did you know if you mix lye with boiling water it will dissolve flesh and bone?” I say, lowering him more. “Any last words?” I ask.
His breathing becomes erratic as he tries to avoid the tub. Soon enough, he finally touches. His screams echo off the walls as he’s slowly dissolved alive. Raising him out of the tub, I gag as flesh falls off and into the tub, leaving his bones exposed. I close my eyes as I lower him farther, inch by inch. By the time he’s knee-deep he’s passed out from pain and by the time he’s waist-deep he’s gone. I drop his body completely into the tub, fully submerging him. Letting the lye do its job. I strip, dropping my clothes into the tub. Getting rid of all the evidence and slip into a new pair of pants and shirt.
Once he’s dissolved, I shut off the burners, letting the tub cool and go about cleaning up. By the time I’m done, the sun is coming up. I drive home in a blur and let myself into my place. I strip in the laundry room and start washing the load. Slowly I make my way into my room, exhaustion consuming me. Heading into the bathroom, I start the shower. As it warms up, I lean against the doorframe, watching Vanessa sleep.
Fear not cara, he can’t bother you any longer.
Wanting to join her in bed, I rush through the shower and crawl into bed with her.
I pull her against me and take my first real breath as I fall asleep.
I walk into Bash’s office and come to a halt.
Killian O’Reilly. Head of the Westies.
I school my features, keeping my face carefully blank. I nod in his direction and turn my attention back to Bash.
“You needed me, Don Bastiano?”
“Sit.” He nods to against the wall.
As I sit, both men turn their chairs, facing me. The door opens and Lo slides inside, shutting it behind him, and takes his spot against the wall.
“Killian came in here today with an accusation,” Bash says, making me stiffen.
“It’s not an accusation when I know,” Killian growls, slamming his fist on the table.
Lo pushes off the wall, ready to intervene. Bash raises his hand, halting him.
“Remember whose house you’re in, O’Reilly,” Bash says coolly.
Killian turns toward me. “Does the name Ricky Smith ring a bell?”
“I’m sorry, but I have no clue who you’re talking about.” I frown.
“Dark blond hair, short, about five-eight, corner dealer in Queens.” Killian raises a brow. “Rumor has it he had a thing for your woman.”
“My woman lived on the streets before she was with me so it’s possible she knows him, but I’m afraid I don’t. I’m sorry.”
“Someone saw you, wearing a black hoodie and pants carrying him over your shoulder out of his apartment,” Killian hisses.
“Now I’m afraid I have to stop you right there. I’ve known Matteo for years and even I know the man doesn’t leave his home in anything less than a suit.” Bash steps in. “What is it you want, O’Reilly?”
“Look, I’ll admit, you did me a favor. The kid was going out one way or another. But I can’t let this slide. I want blood. One of your men killed one of mine for no reason. That goes against our treaty,” Killian growls.
“There will be no blood spilled,” Bash says, leaving no room for argument. “Think of something else.”
Killian leans back in his chair, steepling his hands in front of his face, staring at Bash.
“I’m sure we could come to an agreement.” He smirks. “You have a hacker I’ve had my eye on for a while now.”
“I’d be willing to lend you Lucian for a short time.” Bash folds his hands on his desk.
“Not the hacker I have in mind.”
“And who would you like?” Bash raises a brow.
“Greer.” Killian smirks.
“I’m sorry, but you must be misinformed my sister doesn’t hack and has nothing to do with the family business. She isn’t on the table,” Bash says coldly.
“Are you sure about that?” Killian stands, shaking Bash’s hand. “Tell her I’ll be seeing her soon.”
“My sister isn’t for sale, O’Reilly.”
“Maybe you should see what your sister wants,” Killian says over his shoulder, leaving the room.
“Wait,” I yell, an idea coming to mind. “I actually have an idea and it would take both of you,” I tell both men.
Bash raises a brow as Killian comes and stands next to me.
“You know the empty lot on the property line? I have an idea,” I say roughly, spitting out my idea.
“That could be beneficial to both parties,” Bash says, looking at Killian.
“It could be, I’ll think on it and get back to you,” Killian says, walking backward, he looks at Bash. “I look forward to doing business with you on both counts.” He smirks, walking out of the room.
The tension increases with the click of the door. Lo sits in Killian’s recently vacated seat.
“Is there a body?” Bash murmurs, not looking at me.
“How should I know?” I lick my lips, playing dumb.
“We know you went into the warehouse right before midnight and didn’t leave until after five,” Lo says.
I look away, choosing my next words carefully. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“Is she worth it?” Lo asks, tilting his head. “Is she worth going rogue for?”
I nod.
“What is it he knows about Greer that we don’t?” Bash says, rubbing his chin.
“That’s it?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“If you ever go rogue again, I will kill you myself. My wife’s wrath be damned, but Lo told me you didn’t do this for purely selfish reasons. That I can respect,” Bash says, dropping the subject.
“How would he know about Greer?” Lo asks, frowning.
“As long as I’ve been around every time she visits, she’s managed to ditch her guard as soon as she’s in the city,” I say, taking my first real breath since I walked in. “And constantly on her phone.”
“She’s been living the quiet life in the homeland, you can’t blame her for wanting to live a little when in the city,” Lo says.
Bash rubs his face. “Looks like it’s time to have a one-on-one talk with her.”
Lo and I both stand, making our way to the door.
“Matteo,” Bash says, making me stop.
I turn, looking at him.
“Remember La Costa Nostra is your family, anyone else comes second.”
“Yes, Don.” I nod, following Lo out of the room.
Lo and I walk down the hall in silence.
“So, how did you do it?” he asks under his breath as we approach the front door.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I smirk, making him laugh.
One year later
Matteo never said what happened to Ricky, but he promised me he would never come back again. I know that means he’s most likely dead, but I can’t find it in me to be upset about it.
Smiling at the three-month-old baby in my arms, I know he did it to protect his family.
“Cara.” Matteo comes up, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “We are almost ready to open the doors.”
“I’ll be there in a second. Take Nico for me, will you?” I hand the baby off to him.
“Of course. Our little boy is going to be as strong as his uncle Nico was, won’t you?”
Tears pric
kle my eyes as I think about Nico. He gave his life for me, which is something I’ll never forget. It’s why when we found out after everything calmed down that I had actually been pregnant for a couple weeks, I knew that if it was a boy, we would name him Nico. It’s the least I could do for him.
He won’t ever meet his uncle Nico, but he will know of him. I asked his sister to send me some photos so I could make an album for his namesake.
She’s been having a rough time, but Matteo assures me he will keep sending her money and offering any help that he can. He doesn’t want to admit it, but Nico was his best friend as well.
Now he has Frankie and while I love Frankie. He’s been great, I don’t think I’ll ever have that bond I created with Nico.
“Vanessa.” I look over at Mia. “It’s time.”
I smile as I join her, getting ready to walk out the front doors.
The crowd gathered is amazing. Hundreds of people must be here, waiting for me to cut the ribbon signifying the opening of Safer Home, a new resource center for the homeless.
It’s not a shelter, but it has an area for safe showers. Instead of giving food freely, the participants will complete a task to earn a token for food. It will help teach them skills and help them get on their feet. It will also keep the freeloaders who only pose as homeless to panhandle and get money from taking advantage of these resources.
That’s not to say that they will turn anyone away, but it will be left up to their personal judgment. Besides the food and showers, we also have clothes for job interviews, a laundry area, and a classroom where we already have several professionals signed up to teach classes to help these people get jobs.
It’s my baby and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Matteo. When he brought up the idea to me, I ran with it. He was the one who secured the funding, though. The Westies and the Catalinis will provide funding through their legitimate businesses. It’s a tax write-off for them and helps endear them to the citizens.
“Thank you,” I say when the applause dies down. “Safer Home is near and dear to my heart. I lived several years on the street myself, stealing food to survive. I saw the darker side of being homeless. Most people ignore us. They prefer not to see us because it makes them feel things they don’t want to. Some hate us and think we are lazy while others are sad for us, but also scared of what we might do. There are some out there who take advantage of kind hearts, but I don’t believe that’s the majority. That’s why I started Safer Home. A place where the homeless population can come and learn new skills. They can take a shower without fear of harm coming to them or their items being stolen. There are lockers with locks they can get from the front desk to secure their items while they shower or sit through a class. They now have a place to clean their clothes that’s not the pond in a park. I think this will help our homeless population get back on their feet. A reintegration program to help them blend back into society as productive members instead of the lepers they have been treated as. I thank each and every one of you for being here and to everyone who has donated to make this happen. I hope you continue to support this place as it becomes a beacon of safety in our community. Thank you.”
