“The note implies very differently,” Collopy comments from behind me.
“Perhaps, but I never spoke to Alex outside of work.”
Wade’s eyes narrow, and he beckons for his colleague to leave the room. “Fallon, what are you not telling me?” he asks after Collopy has closed the door.
I don’t back down under his gaze, and I try to control my emotions and mask them the way I’ve seen Luca do so many times. Although, obviously I’m unsuccessful since Wade asks what I’m hiding after one answer. Still, I remain quiet. I’m not being interrogated, and I won’t speak until I’m forced to.
Wade steps forward and releases a soft sigh. “Listen—” He stops abruptly and his eyes whip from my feet back up. “Are you hurt?” His face softens because he’s seen my bruises and scratches.
I pull my skirt over my feet to hide them. “No, just some scratches.”
“How did you get them?”
“Happened when I was at the lake,” I retort.
“Okay...” He clearly doesn’t believe me but lets it go. “Did you notice anything out of the ordinary about Alex the last couple of weeks?”
“No.”
“You don’t know why he would write that note?”
Who says he wrote that note? “No.”
“Did you have anything to do with Alex Gentry’s death, Miss Michaels?”
Back to ‘Miss Michaels’ now. “No. Am I a suspect?”
“No,” he replies and paces to the door. “But you are to stay available for further questioning. And, Fallon, when you’re ready to talk, call me.” He hands me another one of his cards and locks eyes with mine as he lowers his voice. “Call me; no one else. Don’t forget.”
I frown at his conspiratorial tone, and I take the card.
After I exit the office and make my way over to one of the desks, I overhear Ashton speaking to Chantal in the kitchen. “Wrap it up quickly.”
I look around the room, searching for Jason, as I power on my laptop. First, I read Chantal’s email which states that if an employee doesn’t have any questions, they can choose to sign the documents immediately to terminate their contract and finalize the severance package. I print the documents and sign them before handing the papers over to Chantal. The amount of money I’m receiving will only keep me afloat for a couple of months, so I’ll need a new job as soon as possible or else I’m screwed.
After taking all my belongings, which aren’t much, I leave the office to head home.
At home, I’m back to sitting on the couch and staring at my ceiling, trying to let everything sink in, when Danny pops into my mind. He’s my ex-boyfriend who turned out to be a hacker for the Syndicate and the catalyst for Luca arranging to meet me in that club at the beginning of this year. I can’t refrain from checking his Facebook profile on my phone, and my eyes instantly water at reading all the goodbye messages from his friends and family. Danny betrayed the Syndicate and paid with his life. I see that his father has posted an update about his funeral which is apparently taking place tomorrow. I make the snap decision to attend the service.
CHAPTER 3
Luca
On Monday, I follow Fallon to work because I crave to see her – she’s cutting me out of her life, and I hate it – and because I don’t trust her. I make sure I’m not too far behind since I want her to sense my presence, and I think she does because as she walks, she suddenly stops and looks around warily. I smile to myself as I notice that she’s finally more aware of her surroundings. She’s stunning in her long yellow summer dress, and from this distance, I don’t see any bruising on her face. It’s as if that upsetting week never happened, but I know how her confusing mind works. The moment she feels afraid again, she will make irresponsible decisions, and that’s why I need to keep my eye on her. However, the simple truth is that I miss her every second of the day. How can she not miss me when I feel so empty without her? Does she hate me that much?
I tail her to work and am surprised to find her walking back out through the revolving doors after not even an hour inside. Something happened at work; I can clearly see the anxiety in her small frame. While I keep a reasonable distance, I follow her home and watch until she’s safely inside.
I call Damian as I step into my car. “Damian, I need you to find out what’s going on at Charity Events. And call me back as soon as you know.”
“Will do,” he confirms and hangs up as I insert the key into the ignition.
When I arrive home, I immediately strip my clothes and pour myself a glass of whisky to take into the bathroom. Tossing the drink back, I look at the tub I was going to fill, but it’s less appealing now as the memories of Fallon and me in that tub flow through my thoughts.
Returning to my bedroom, I sit on the bed, knowing it’s not smart for me to start drinking at ten a.m.
Fuck this, I’m tired of always thinking about her while she just ignores me.
I go to the kitchen, snatch the bottle from the counter, and stride to my terrace where I proceed to get shit-faced drunk at ten in the morning just to get her out of my mind. I’m done – tomorrow, I’m not tailing her anymore.
***
The next morning rolls around, and I awaken with a slight headache. And of course, my drunken resolve to stop trailing Fallon has vanished. So what do I do? I drive to her apartment just in time to see her exiting but not in the direction of her workplace.
After following her to the train station, I jump out of my car and race to the entrance, frantically searching for Fallon after she disappears inside. She’s buying a ticket at the counter to my right, so I wait until she moves to the platform to catch her train.
She walks to platform two, and I look up to read the departure information on the screen – destination is Lake Forest. She better be visiting her parents and not going where I’m afraid she’s heading. But I know Fallon, and since she’s dressed in all black, my guess is that she’s probably going to Danny’s funeral. I clutch my hands in my hair and give a wild tug as the train departs, and I race back to my car to drive to the train station in Lake Forest.
***
I’m standing right outside the exit doors of the Lake Forest station, waiting for Fallon. The train has arrived because people are starting to come out. She’s one of the last people to walk out, and I step in behind her, inhaling her familiar perfume before speaking.
“Hey.”
She spins around so rapidly that I immediately steady her, but she brushes me off roughly.
“What are you doing here?” Her eyes dart around, making sure we’re not alone.
Is she seriously that afraid of me? This is starting to annoy me. I step closer to her as she takes one step back, and I keep moving forward while she’s walking backward.
“What are you doing here is the more important question,” I counter evenly as I grip her upper arm and steer her in the direction of my car. “Where are you going?”
She draws in a deep breath, and her eyes drop to my lips and quickly back up. I still have the same effect on her as she has on me. She stops suddenly, and I make sure to stand as close to her as possible.
“I’m sure you already know.” She keeps her back straight.
I look past her and lean in to whisper in her ear. “Then you must also know that I’m here to take you back.” And I circle my arm around her waist, hugging her to me while scanning the area around us.
Her sweet perfume wafts around me. She smells so good.
I close my eyes and palm the back of her head when she drapes her arms around my neck and actually returns my embrace. I nuzzle her hair and breathe her in.
“I want to say goodbye to Danny, Luca,” she mutters.
“I get that, but it’s not safe. We have to leave.”
“No. Don’t take this away from me too.”
When her soft lips connect with my cheek, a shiver runs up my spine.
“Please,” she adds softly.
She’s trying to be sly!
I sigh and te
mper my outrage at how she’s willing to play me. “No. Don’t play games with me, Fallon. You will lose.” Pulling back, I place my hands on her shoulders. “Get in the car. You can’t go to the funeral. You can’t take a chance on being linked to anything right now.”
Her eyes narrow, but she covers her stunned reaction.
“What’s wrong?”
“You are,” she snaps. “Here you are, still trying to control everything in my life.”
“No, there’s something else. Is there something you need to tell me?” I crowd her again, backing her up against my vehicle.
“I thought you knew everything?!” Her tone is filled with acrimony.
So there is something else. I’ll find out, but it pisses me off that she’s still withholding from me. “Last time, get in the car, Fallon.”
She rounds the Maserati and slams the door closed, frustratingly loudly.
“Don’t vent on my car, please,” I say dryly and gesture to her to buckle up.
The entire drive back, she refuses to even look my way.
“How have you been doing?” I ask.
Silence.
Gripping the steering wheel, I decide to lay it out there and make myself vulnerable this once. “Talk to me, dolcezza. Mi manchi così tanto.” I miss you so much. “It feels like I haven’t spoken to you in months.”
She gasps and blinks a few times but continues to stare stoically at the scenery outside, completely ignoring me for the entire hour it takes for us to reach her apartment.
As we park in front of her building, she confesses in a soft voice. “I can’t do this, Luca.” She opens the door to step out and closes it quietly.
I’m forced to watch her walk away from me.
CHAPTER 4
Luca
I sit on my terrace in only my sweatpants and turn my attention away from Chicago’s skyline to the almost empty bottle on the table while rubbing my sweaty hand down my face. I feel miserable because I haven’t spoken to Fallon since Tuesday. The sky is darkening on this depressing Sunday, and when the wind whips across my face, I swear I hear her voice. I take another swig straight from the bottle and let the whisky numb my battered heart. My head falls back against the chair, too heavy for my neck to support. She doesn’t leave my thoughts for a second, not even in my drunken, nearly-passed-out state.
Fallon, what are you doing?
Placing the bottle back on the table, I check my phone to see if she’s messaged me back. I’ve texted and called her several times to make sure she’s okay because not knowing what or how she’s doing is fucking killing me, but she’s ignored every one of them. My vision doubles and the haziness of being excessively drunk is working its way through my body. However, I don’t pass out – which is the one thing I desperately want. The phone, which has fallen into my lap, vibrates, and I immediately grab it, hoping to see her name flash across the screen. It’s not Fallon. I release a ragged breath and answer.
“What the fuck happened to Camilla?” Adriano barks angrily.
“What?”
“Where’s Camilla, Luca? Did you do something to her?”
Completely confused, I rake my hair back with one hand. “What are you talking about?”
“I can’t reach Cam. Her phone has been disconnected, and I just went by her apartment – it’s been vacated,” he explains.
“Adriano, we didn’t do anything. You know I wouldn’t do that, and James has nothing to do with Camilla. If she’s gone, it’s because she wants to be gone.”
“Merda! Farò di tutto per trovarla.” Shit! I’ll do anything to find her. “You need to come back to work because I can’t cover for you anymore. You have a meeting with James tomorrow at the warehouse that you can’t forget. We need you, Luca, and I can tell you’ve been drinking.” He sighs tiredly.
“I’m coming in tomorrow. Don’t bother me again tonight.” I press end and decide to make one last call before retiring to my bedroom.
“Follow Fallon Michaels. Day and night. You report directly to me, and only me, every day,” I quickly instruct David and get up, sliding the door open to head to my bedroom.
Sleep eludes me as I lie in bed. When Fallon was in my bed, my favorite position was spooning her. When I would feel her soft body tucked against mine, I was content because she was under the protection of my body. So much bare skin touching. Even when our spirits were separated while dreaming, we were still connected physically. But now she’s completely out of reach, and I don’t know how to protect her anymore. How do I protect someone who doesn’t even want it?
***
I pull the key out of the ignition and make my way to the warehouse where I’m meeting James. I’ve sobered up this morning, ensuring that my mind is clear and focused. Pushing through the door, I’m greeted by James and Salvatore, who are standing in the middle of the otherwise empty space.
“Luca,” they both welcome as the door bangs shut, and I close the distance.
Why is Salvatore here? Nervous prickles run down my arm, and I realize I’m unarmed because I left my gun in the glove compartment. After forcing a stiff nod, I stop in front of James.
“Where have you been all week, Luca?” James takes one step toward me.
“Home.”
“Were you with her?”
“No,” I assure him with a frown.
“Son, what’s happening to you? She’s either in or out, and if she’s out, you need to distance yourself from her. Ti sta distruggendo; non te ne rendi conto?” She’s destroying you; can’t you see that?
Salvatore decides to give his opinion. “Adriano is good at handling our business, but we need the underboss, Luca. Pull yourself together and stop drinking. You know where that will lead you.”
James braces a hand around my neck forcefully and looks me straight in the eye. “I need the underboss in control of his emotions. I’ve given you free reign with her, but that time is over. Don’t force me to do something I don’t want to do. I gave you a second chance – now get your shit together.”
This is a clear threat. This is how the Syndicate works. The moment you become a liability, they’ll eliminate you. And James is the only one who can make me disappear without a trace.
In a harsh tone that’s unlike him, James continues, “Ti è chiaro?” Am I getting through to you? “Check your phone, Luca. We’ve left you dozens of messages. Your Fallon is unemployed and under investigation. Did she tell you that? Did she give you a heads-up? Does she think of your safety?”
That’s what she was hiding last Tuesday. I’m not even shocked to find out it’s something this important, but I am furious that she continues to distrust me. I shake James off and hold up my palm, indicating that I’m calm. “What kind of investigation?”
“Alex left a note in his safe, mentioning to contact Fallon Michaels if anything happened to him,” Salvatore replies.
Now shock is registering. She’s under investigation for Alex’s death? “How did we miss that? Why wasn’t that note destroyed before it became part of the official police investigation?” How did I miss that? I was following her for days – no police officers paid her a visit and she never set foot inside a precinct.
“For one – because you’ve been drunk for an entire week, and second, because your dear friend Collopy is on the case,” James mentions and sends me a dissatisfied look.
The tension in this huge space has diminished, and I come to terms with the fact that she’s not mine to help anymore. She doesn’t want it. Catching James’ eyes, I see the glint of hope he has in them for me. I’m like a son to him, and while it might hurt him to end me, he would do it for the good of the Syndicate. Fortunately, he has a weak spot for me, and I take full advantage of that. “Padrino, avevo proprio bisogno di questo tempo. Chiedo scusa. Lei è una debolezza che non posso permettermi, ti ho sentito.” I needed this time. I apologize. She’s a weakness I can't afford; I heard you.
“We need you on top of things,” James reminds me sternly.
“Give me an update on everything.” From now on, I’m done following her. She can come to me if she needs my help. This was the wake-up call I needed.
CHAPTER 5
Luca
The entire week, I throw myself back into business. Fallon has no clue how stupid she is by not confiding in me. She’s putting the only person who could possibly help her in danger; what if the cops caught me following her? I can’t be associated with this case, or with any case for that matter. She’s off limits now; at least the investigation forces me to stay away. My life depends on it. My anger toward her finally prevails, and I’m starting to push her to the back of my mind. But that’s easier said than done.
On Tuesday, I meet with my accountant to transfer money. Alex’s brother apparently shut down Charity Events, and I know Fallon must be looking for a new job.
On Wednesday, Adriano and I meet up in The Blackhall’s gym for a light workout since we’re both still experiencing minor pains from the explosion, and I share my concerns about the incident at the house.
“Adriano, you’re not going to like what I have to say, but hear me out, okay?”
He nods, full of curiosity.
“I remember Fallon saying that she and Camilla escaped the house that night via the back entrance, which means they rounded the house and walked past the hedges.”
Adriano’s face falls because he realizes where my train of thought is leading.
“The explosion ignited precisely by those hedges, and now Camilla is suddenly missing, without a trace.”
“What exactly are you getting at, Luca? That Cam planted it?”
“Well, it wasn’t Fallon; I’m positive of that. Biagio was quite adamant that it wasn’t Leggia’s doing either. We have to look into this. It’s pretty suspicious that her phone is disconnected and she’s untraceable right after she’s left our employment and a bomb exploded!”
For Luca (Chicago Syndicate Book 2) Page 2