For Luca (Chicago Syndicate Book 2) (9 page)

“Usually we speak to you more often. James, I’ve barely seen you in the last few weeks. Business is good because I’m making huge amounts of profits disappear into Security Simplicity, but we need to meet more often,” I counter.

He ignores my comment completely. “This is what’s going to happen. You two need to be reminded of your place.
I
decide our course of action, and right now”—he indicates to me—“
you
need to follow instructions. I’ll look into Camilla. The house has been repaired and is safe. Adriano, tell the other
Capi
the house is open again.” Then he turns his attention back to me. “You and Adriano focus on Alex’s investigation. I want that case closed. Every loose end involving Miss Michaels must be covered.
That
is your priority. And then stay away from her.” James strides to the elevator. “And Luca, I’m glad you’re not drunk. Adriano, make sure he stays sober.” He disappears through the doors.

“What crawled up his ass?” Adriano states.

“I have no idea. But it’s best for us to follow orders. Let’s make sure Alex’s case is closed without pointing back to us, and I’m going to stay away from Fallon.”

CHAPTER 11

Fallon

For two months, I’ve been unemployed and about to go stir crazy. My life sucks. Well, most of the time. It doesn’t suck when I’m watching my new favorite TV series. I’m seriously addicted to watching back-to-back episodes of
Charmed
. The only thing that gives me pleasure is watching that show. I’m already at season two which is my favorite season so far since it revolves around Phoebe and Cole. Cole, played by Julian McMahon, is my new TV boyfriend. I’ve kind of given up on book boyfriends because I haven’t picked up a book since I came home from my kidnapping. I’m slightly obsessed with this Julian guy.

After pulling on my socks over my cold, bare feet while sitting on the floor, I settle back against my couch as I consume my burrito
al pastor
and actually smile when the opening music starts. Why did I not watch this show when I was younger – probably because I
was
too young. I missed years of ogling Cole.

I’ve told my parents I’m working temp jobs, which isn’t true. I’m not doing anything except sitting at home with TNT on. Now I get how people get addicted to watching TV. 

I’m also alienating myself from everyone. Teagan and I rarely talk anymore; we communicate mostly through texting. Jason’s called, but I always hold him off. Why? I don’t even know.

Alex’s investigation is at a standstill. Detective Wade informed me that at this point there isn’t enough evidence to look further into the case, but he never confirmed that the case was closed.

Every day I miss Luca more instead of less. As the anger fades, the love is still tangible. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. Time has only managed to worsen my depression. And the fact that I have too much time on my hands isn’t helping at all.

I didn’t return Luca’s money, because after our confrontation about it, I realized that I’ll probably need it if I don’t find a job. Therefore, for now, the smartest thing is to keep the money. But I’m worried about the conditions that might come with that money – even though Luca didn’t mention any conditions – so I haven’t spent a dime.

My nights are restless and filled with an unnerving recurring dream. I wake up drenched in sweat and remember my dream vividly. I’m stuck somewhere, surrounded by blackness, and I’m crying. There’s a need building in me to get out, but something hinders me from standing up. I used to have this dream where I’m partly awake, and I want to wake up fully, but I can’t open my eyes because they feel too heavy. In that weird dream state, I’d fight to open my eyes, but it was impossible. And then when I finally did wake, I remembered every second of the dream. This dream is similar. Only instead of trying to open my eyes, I want to get out of the dark, but I can’t. My limbs won’t work with me. The anxiety it gives me sparks an eerily realistic sensation, even after I’ve woken up.

My phone catches my attention on the coffee table when it vibrates loudly.

I stare at the screen before deciding not to ignore him. “You’re very persistent.”

“You’re unreachable,” Jason retorts. “What are you doing? Wait, let me guess. You’re already in sweats, sitting on the couch?”

“No,” I deny unconvincingly with a smile. “Not on the couch, on the floor.”

“You’re coming with me tonight. My no-good friend who always cancels ditched me again, and I need a wingman.
You
need to get out of that house. Don’t sit at home on Saturday night.”

I groan because I’m not in the mood to dress myself, and I think Cole is about to get vanquished. “No, I really—”

“I’m picking you up at nine. You have over an hour to get ready.” And he hangs up.

I finish the episode, and my favorite actor at the moment does get whacked – by the love of his life and her sisters. I’m shocked; this show is too awesome. I’m also a bit saddened that Cole got written out because he reminds me of Luca, and Cole and Phoebe remind me of Luca and me. I can identify with Phoebe’s struggle in being a part of Cole’s death, but I could never kill Luca. Cole loved Phoebe, and yes, he was evil, but the love was so intense I could feel it on my bones. How could Phoebe help her sisters kill Cole? Shit, I’m reprimanding a TV character for making a stupid decision, while I couldn’t even allow Luca in my life. And Luca wasn’t The Source of All Evil like Cole is, but I still want her to forgive him, while I couldn’t forgive Luca. Maybe, just maybe, I’m a little too invested in this show. For now, I turn off the TV.

I stroll to my bedroom and fall back on the bed. I should stop whining and just go meet Jason. With a heavy sigh, I get up and head to the bathroom to start fixing myself up.

***

“I really thought I would have to drag you out of that apartment kicking and screaming.” Jason kisses my cheek after I slide into the cab, and we drive away from my building.

“For the first ten minutes, I was trying to come up with any excuse to get out of this, but I drew a blank.” I smile. “I actually do feel somewhat better after my shower and shaving my legs again after three weeks,” I whisper, and he winces while glancing at my legs. “I
did
shave.” I tie the belt of the blue cardigan I’m wearing over my sleeveless, ivory-tiered dress as a shiver runs up my spine from the cold. It’s not even that chilly, just the mildly cool temperature of fall, but I’m cold because I barely get out. 

“Thank god, or else we’d be heading right back to your place.”

“Where are we going?” I’m determined to try to have a pleasant Saturday evening. That constant emptiness still lingers, but tonight I’ll make an effort to enjoy myself with my friend.

“Cocktails & Heels.”

“I’m not wearing heels.” I look down to my extremely comfortable nude flats.

His lips thin in a straight line. “Not a good enough excuse. Even without heels, you’ll get in. Besides, we’re almost there.” He meets my eyes. “Ten minutes.”

The place is swarming with people when we arrive, and I follow Jason directly to the bar to order some drinks as I untie and remove my cardigan. It only takes five minutes for me to swoop in on an empty barstool, and Jason brings our drinks.

“Long Island Iced Tea.” A grin pulls at his lips as he hands me the tall, cold glass.

“You do realize this is my first drink in months, and you give me this?” I arch a brow but pull my lips over the straw.

Jason laughs and stands right in front of me so no one bumps into me and makes me fall off the seat. “You look good. Not what I was expecting,” he blurts bluntly.

“Well, thanks.” I roll my eyes.

“You know what I mean.”

“I do.” I sigh and lean forward so he can hear my words in this jam-packed place. “I’m having a difficult time getting over him, but I really want to. It’s confusing and draining.”

He caresses my hair affectionately. “Give it a little more time.”

“That’s all I can do. I need a job to establish a routine again because now I have too much time on my hands. How’s your job?” I change the topic to a more fun subject and take another sip of my drink as I notice Jason’s gaze straying to the blonde on the stool next to me.

“So far, so good. It’s a lot more administrative work than they said it would be, and I’m not enjoying that aspect, but I can’t complain. At least I found one quickly. I’m keeping my eyes open in case any position becomes available for you.”

“Thanks.”

We exchange a hasty grin when the blonde finally flirts back with him. He inconspicuously points his thumb to her, so I nod, relaying that he can flirt away and doesn’t need to stay with me.

Swiveling around in my chair, I face the bar. The wall is lined with liquor bottles, and two bartenders put on an entertaining show while mixing the cocktails.

Jason almost bumps me off the stool when he helps the blonde from her chair and turns to me with a sorrowful look. “Sorry. Come dance with us?”

I shake my head. “No, no. You can go.” I’m not going to be the third wheel on the dance floor.

With my attention back on the bartenders, I taste my drink again and realize how lonely I feel surrounded by all these unknown faces. A few men smile kindly, but I just ignore them.

I’m startled when I’m suddenly engulfed by two big arms but instantly relax when Jason’s cheek is pressed to mine. “So…my wingman did such a good job, I can call it a night already, but I don’t want to leave you.”

He releases his hold, and I pivot around to face him. “You suck! You drag me here, and after half an hour, you leave?”

“Come on; we’ll leave together.”

I point my thumb over my shoulder to my half-empty drink on the bar. “I’m finishing my drink, and then I’ll take a cab home. Go have fun.”

“You sure?”

I know he would stay if I asked him to. “Yes. Just call me tomorrow.”

“Definitely,” he replies and walks backward two steps before bumping into someone.

I watch him disappear through the door with his latest conquest, then I spin back to the bartenders and my drink. The alcohol is starting to make me feel warm and relaxed. One of the bartenders throws me a wink. I’m starting to feel less lonely with every passing minute while the music is improving.

CHAPTER 12

Luca

Two months have passed excruciatingly slowly. I’ve done everything I could to tamper with Alex’s investigation, and the case will be closed soon. However, I haven’t found Collopy – which definitely concerns me. Adriano and I obeyed James and have focused solely on Alex, but James still hasn’t discovered anything leading us to Camilla or any other suspects for the bombing.

I’m on my way to my penthouse, and I frown when, for the first time in weeks, David calls me. David’s primary assignment has been to follow Fallon’s every move since that weekend I took her home. I’ve resisted stalking her myself but couldn’t let her out of my care completely. She’s not talking to the police, so I was pleased to cross Fallon off our list of suspects. But I still feel responsible for her. I still
feel
for her. And my need to protect her will always be there, even when I'm enraged at her dishonesty in not confiding in me about Alex's note.

I hurriedly answer, “Yes.”

“Someone, other than me, just followed Fallon and companion to West Madison Street. She went into a bar or club named Cocktails & Heels.” A door is being slammed on his end. “I’m walking in too.”

Unease instantly pours in. “Don’t reveal yourself unless absolutely necessary. Protect Fallon without scaring her.” I turn my steering wheel and hit the gas to go to West Madison Street. “I’m on my way. Don’t let her out of your sight.” I raise my voice and end the conversation to immediately touch base with Adriano.

“Ciao.”
Hello.

“Where are you?”

“Loop.”

“Are you close to West Madison?” I ask.

“I think so, let me check.”

“Hurry.” I ignore a red light and speed through the streets. “Someone followed Fallon into Cocktails & Heels. David just went in, and I’m on my way. I have no idea what I’m walking into.”

“I’m there within ten minutes. I’ll find you inside.”

Flinging the phone on the passenger seat, I race to the club. While driving, I realize I’m finally going to see her after two long months. My palms are perspiring from both apprehension and the anticipation of being close to her again.

I park the car and jump out, striding into the bar. Music is blaring from the speakers, and the place is packed, so I check my phone screen. A message from David informs me that she’s sitting at the bar to my left.

My head whips to the illuminated area, and at the end of the bar stands David, watching Fallon and everyone around her like a vigilante. I head over to him first as I recognize her posture right away. She’s in a white dress with her back to me, but people keep disrupting my line of vision. She’s gaping at the bartender’s antics as he shows off while mixing his drinks.