Chapter 5
I was a little anxious about what may be waiting for me back home. Dante was not happy about having to grant me permission to return. Loyalty he had for my father was still strong. Trusting Dante was not something I would ever allow.
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The sound of the plane revving its engine caused more anxiety. Flying was not something I enjoyed doing. Having control of where I go is more enticing to me. I have to rely on the pilot to get me to my destination. Bobby sat on one side of me and Tim on the other. Wynter decided to stay home since she had taken care of everything when she was back home a few months prior, for the funeral. Even though the guys sat with me, I still wanted the comfort of my sister. Holding both of their hands at take-off helped a bit. The plane leaving the ground caused my stomach to drop. For a brief moment, I could feel myself becoming nauseous. Bobby looked at me in a way that told me I better pull myself together. Tim kept squeezing my hand to give me reassurance. The flight seemed to take an eternity to arrive in New Jersey.
New Jersey traffic was something I definitely didn’t miss. I was just grateful that Bobby offered to drive. The man was fearless. We managed to fight the traffic and find the exit for the attorney. It was decided before the trip was taken that we would fly back, sign the paperwork, and leave. There would be no stopping to see family and that included my Marcello. Every time I thought about it, I wanted to cry. I hope Dante realizes the emotional hurt he has inflicted upon me. If it weren’t for Bobby I would plead for Dante to kill me. No mother should ever have to live a life without her child.
I will never forget the sick feeling I felt in my stomach when Bobby pulled up to the brick building. Seeing the name on the sign, Law Offices of Richard Romano, Attorney at Law, displayed on the front was making everything seem more and more real. If I could, I would of turned around and went back home. Even though I had been granted permission to be here, the idea of being stalked frightened me. Dante’s guys were not far behind, watching my every move. I wouldn’t put it past Dante to give the order to have me taken out at any given moment. That’s how he worked. Watching people suffer was entertaining to him.
Walking through the doors, I was hit with the smell of greed. With greed comes power, Mr. Romano worked for my father for years. His hands were just as dirty as the rest of them. This man was a part of our family. The Romanos were always at our family gatherings. He protected my father from the law, worked the system so that my father wouldn’t serve a day in prison. I had a good suspicion that he was working for Dante. There had to be many rewarding incentives from protecting those in the Mob.
Bobby decided to stay in the car in case there was any problems. I, personally, think that he didn’t trust being there. He knew the dangers of what could happen. Tim being the guy that he was walked through the doors with me. There was an attractive brunette sitting behind a desk. That must be Lucy. I have spoken to her several times growing up. Hard to believe she is working for Mr. Romano. Suspicion told me that Mrs. Romano wasn’t aware of the new secretary. Late nights at the office were a thing in their world.
“Hello, may I help you?” Lucy’s perky voice was still the same after all of these years. “Hi Lucy, it’s Raine Ricci. I’m here to see Richard.” “Raine? I can’t believe it’s actually you. Hope you are doing well these days. You, at least, look good.” She was beginning to really annoy me. I couldn’t stand her back then and I, surely, cannot stand her now. “Yes, it’s me in the flesh. I’m doing good and thank you for asking.” With a smile she paged Richard. “Mr. Romano will be with you shortly. Please have a seat.”
The longer I sat there the more my stomach churned. Tim sensed that I was becoming more upset. Grabbing onto my hand was his way of telling me that it was going to be okay. An office door opened across from where we were sitting. A tall man with slicked back white hair, tired eyes, skin that resembled basking in the sun too long, stood. The chill that was felt sliced through me. “Ms. Ricci, how nice to see you?” The grin on his face was eerie. This man was pure evil. Tim stayed in the waiting room while I walked towards the office. Before stepping in I turned to look at Mr. Romano. With courage I spoke. “Hello, Mr. Romano. Thank you for seeing me so that we could resolve the matter with my father.” Placing his hand on my back, I turned one last time to make eye contact with Tim. I gave him the look of fear. The office was cold, smelled of rancid air. The urge to leave was great. I wanted out of there. Being there was too dangerous. This man knew everything about my life.
“Ms. Ricci please have a seat while I find your folder. Would you like something to drink?” He began. “Please call me Raine, and I’m good.” He needed the clarification. Fear was something he wouldn’t witness from me. “Ah here it is. Your father left you and your siblings some money. In the event of his death you would be able to collect it. I just need you to sign this paperwork and it should be good to go.” A little cautious, I stared down at it. “Mr. Romano, you are quite aware of what happened to me?” Shaking his head told me that he was listening intently. “I was banished and now I find out the man who exiled me has passed away and left me a small inheritance?” Questioningly, I asked him. Quietly, he sat waiting for me to finish. His eyes never left my face. “Listen, Raine. Yes, I’m well aware of the events that took place. If I may be blunt here. You’re lucky they didn’t kill you and Marcello. If you thought Dante was bad when you left, you should see him now. He has a zero tolerance for bullshit. Nobody crosses him and if by chance they do, you know what happens. As far as what happened between the two of you, it was wrong on so many levels and not ethical. Dante knew you were off limits. He let some pussy get in the way of his loyalty. But something tells me that he isn’t the only one to blame. You were quite a little slut in your teens. Don’t think for one minute that no one knows what went on with you and your cousin. Pretty sick if you ask me. Don’t worry I think you’ve suffered the consequences with losing Marcello. So enough talk. You need to sign this document. I don’t agree with you getting it, but it’s what your father wanted. Your father got whatever he wanted no matter what price had to be paid.”
Taken back by what I just heard, it didn’t surprise me. A quick signature and it would be over. I didn’t even respond to him. Pulling a pen out of my purse, I read over everything and scribbled my name on the line. Pushing it back towards him, I got up and walked out of the office. Motioning for Tim we left and never to turn around. The look on my face told Bobby that we needed to leave the area immediately. For once, I wish he would disobey the law, exceeding the speed limit.
The car ride was silent for the first couple of hours. The guys knew I needed to process what just took place. They have learned that when I go into a quiet space to just give me a moment to regain my composure. So many thoughts were going through my head. Bringing up the past of my cousin was one secret I wanted to remain hidden. If Mr. Romano knew, I wondered how many others knew. One thing, this was a secret that would always remain hidden. It will spend an eternity with me, even after I’m laying in a dark, cold box, just a pile of bones.
Chapter 6
Night time approached quickly. I wanted nothing more than just to be surrounded by complete silence. The guys were not going to allow that to happen. Tim felt the need to seek out companionship. I have been rather cold towards him. Mentally, I just wasn’t in the mood to be smothered by a man. Too much heartache and not enough healing. This journey back home was a chance for me to become grounded while discovering that the hurt will always remain, but the wounds can be healed. There may come a time that I would be able to accept the circumstances. Happiness would ultimately have to start, with me, before the healing could begin.
“Tim, I’ve had one hell of a day. I’m not really in the mood for fucking.” I should feel bad for being mean, but it was the only way my point was going to come across. Anger crossed his face. “Damn it, Raine! You don’t think I know what took place today. You were not in a good place mentall
y and physically. You know, sometimes, you just need to move ahead without fear of what is yet to come. There is so much locked up in that heart of yours. It hurts me to see you so broken. Thoughts of your family have tormented you and it’s obvious you’ve learned how to deal with it.” Tim turned to walk away. I can be such a bitch when it comes to him. Bobby grabbed my attention, seriousness appears on his face. The one that says you better straighten this out and stop being a fucking cunt. Blowing out a big breath, rolling my eyes. “Tim, wait! I shouldn’t of been that way towards you. You have done nothing to deserve that treatment. In fact, you have been such a blessing. Bobby and you both. I don’t know what I would ever do without you.” Slowly sliding my hands around his waist, I nuzzled myself to his chest. Burying his face in my neck, he nibbled ever so slightly. “Thank you, Tim. You mean so much to me.” Taking a step back, Tim looked perplexed. “Sweetheart, why are you thanking me? You’re my girl and I would do just about anything for you. Raine, I know deep down I will never be Bobby, but I do love you.” Baffled by what he had just said; not knowing what to say or how to react I just peeked around to see if Bobby had heard. He stopped what he was doing to look up at me. “Uh. Um. Tim, I’m not sure how to respond to that. You know that I’m with Bobby and it was never supposed to get weird between us. We had the agreement that it wouldn’t go any further than intended. Don’t get me wrong, I love you too. Just not the same way you love me.” My heart was breaking having to tell him this. Tightening his lips together I knew he wanted to say more. “Like I said, I know you don’t love me the same way you love Bobby. I was just telling you that. I have accepted that you won’t ever be a part of my life in that way. I’m just happy to have you as a part of my life.” Crossing my arms, I bowed my head. I needed to stop acting this way towards him. “Tim, I get it. Thank you for being so understanding.” A smile from ear to ear was on his face.
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Tossing and turning most of the night caused for a restless sleep. Getting up before the guys did, I ventured out to find some coffee. There was this little coffee shop that wasn’t very busy. Walking in I was greeted by the friendliest woman. She reminded me of my nonna. “Good Morning, what can I get you?” Without any hesitation I ordered two coffees and a soda. Turning to leave I thanked her for the drinks, and told her to have a wonderful day. By the door a piece of paper caught my attention. It stated that you could spend the night in an actual haunted prison. I couldn’t help giggle. Who would want to stay the night in a prison? Growing up, in my family, people were wanting to get out of prison, and now others were paying to spend the night in them? How strange? It must be that it’s around Halloween. This time of year brought me happiness and sadness. Every year around this time you would see television shows filled with the paranormal. I got a kick out what stories these people come up with for entertainment. It might be interesting to check out a reportedly haunted location. The guys would appreciate it being that they having been known to put their fair share of criminals behind bars. If anything, we will all have a night of entertainment from these ghost hunting freaks. I can almost imagine the look on Bobby’s face and, well, Tim will just go along with it. The white piece of paper had all of the information I would need for us to attend.
Chapter 7
While waiting for my two sleepy-heads to awake I researched the prison. It had a lot of reports, photos, and to my surprise a dark history. Holding the paper in my hand I kept reading it over and over again.
Spend the night with us locked up in prison. Will you be alone? Only the night will tell.
11pm-4am
$75 per person
Not wanting to wait until they woke up, I smothered their faces with kisses. I received the usual reaction from Bobby, and Tim just smiled, reaching out to give me a big hug. “Good Morning my Love. You’re in a good mood today.” Smirking at him I just sat on Tim’s bed. “Listen, I know things have been really stressful between all of us. I didn’t sleep well last night, got up early and decided to venture out for coffee. The entire time I was thinking everything through that has gone on these past few months. Leaving the coffee shop I came across this advertisement. Now before you laugh and dismiss me, please listen. Have any of you ever gone on a paranormal investigation?” Four eyes were fixed on me, giving me the answer I already knew. “There is a prison that’s in town which is reportedly haunted. You can spend the night and do a ghost hunt sort of thing. I’ve never done anything like that as my family would think I’m insane due to what business my family was involved in. Tim wanted an adventure, and this would certainly fall into that category. It’s only seventy-five dollars per person and you get access from eleven in the evening to four in the morning. I really think we should do this, as crazy as it may sound. What do you think?” The smile on my face, excitement in my voice I can only imagine that the guys thought I had lost my mind.
Tim was first to speak, “as long as I get to spend some time with you, then it’s all good with me. I’ve heard of crazier things. I did tell you I wanted an adventure, and from the looks of it, you are determined to see that I get one.” We both waited for Bobby to respond. By this time he was looking at us as though we had lost our minds. “Let me get this straight, you want to pay seventy-five dollars to walk around an abandoned prison, in the dark, looking for ghosts? I have had heard some crazy shit and this is one that tops it.” Crossing his arms he glared at me with annoyance. “Listen, Bobby I understand what you’re saying, but I want to do something different. It might be a stupid, waste of money, but it’s really popular around this time of year. Several of these paranormal groups have visited this location. One particular group that I follow online has been there several times, and have made claims that the building is restless. You know restless spirits that refuse to leave prison.” Bobby was laughing at this point which made me quite angry. “Sweetheart, I hear you. Just don’t talk about restless spirits as I can’t take you serious.” My stance was stiff at this point and my lips were pouty. “Bobby, I love you so much, but you can be such an asshole at times. Oh, and I’m going whether you like it or not. Tim said he would go with me. So you can stay back here and wallow your night away.” Turning to walk away I could feel the cold stare on my back. I have never spoke to Bobby in that tone. So I’m sure he is wondering what has taken over me.
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The investigation was set to take place that night. I spoke with the main person in charge. Bobby told me late last night that he would go with us. On the same hand he was sure to let me know it was a waste of money. Ignoring him was the best thing I could do at that point. I wasn’t going to allow him to destroy my excitement. I called Wynter first thing this morning and told her that I was partaking in a paranormal investigation this evening. More laughing, first it was Bobby and now Wynter. I was, yet again, called crazy. After she stopped laughing, she told me to call her tomorrow and give her all of the details. I was certain that she was questioning my sanity, she was also intrigued. Most of the day I spent online gathering as much research as possible. I found a really great Ghost Hunting 101 site. Interesting information, most of it was common sense. Tim found my enthusiasm entertaining. He had seen many things in his line of work, but hunting for ghosts was not on his list. Bobby was stilled irritated, but he was being a good sport about it.
Bobby had been conspiring with Tim most of the day. I could see that they were up to no good. Not sure what, but a plan was being put in place and if I was a betting person I would bet that it involved me, the prison, and some naughty play. I couldn’t resist a dirty romp with my guys. Thoughts of a prison threesome would be so risqué.
Chapter 8
Getting into the car, I couldn’t help notice the chill in the air. It was night like this that I had given birth to Marcello. Temporary sadness overcame me, but I wasn’t going to allow it to define my whole evening. I was off to a new adventure with two of the most important people in my life.
Driving down the co
untry road, we didn’t know what to expect. Looking off to the left a massive structure appeared. There was a tall, linked fence that surrounded the dark, eerie building. “Look at that boys! Isn’t she beautiful?” I was so excited to actually be there. You only hear about this stuff in the movies, and now here I was about to share a scary evening with my main men. Bobby rolled his eyes, “whatever you say beautiful.” Tim sat there quietly, listening to me ramble.
Tricks or Treats: An Anthology for Charity Page 36
