Mafia By Blood (Soul of the Sinner)

by Rumer Raines

  “Wh... Why am I here?” She stutters.

  I start to answer her, but Alex cuts me off. “Why are you so nervous? My brother has been spending a lot of time with you. Do you think we are going to do something to you? We just make to make sure that you are good for him. Have a seat Lola, tell us about yourself.”

  The minute Alex finishes talking Thomas is planting a chair behind Lola and hits the back of her knees so that she knows to sit. I grab another chair and sit next to her. I know this is completely wrong, but I grab her hand and squeeze it as Alex looks at me shaking his head. I don’t know what they have planned for her, but all I know is I won’t let anything happen to her.

  LOLA

  I have never been so afraid in my entire life. My family has used me before to penetrate different mob families. No one ever expects a woman of digging for information in the mob. Men don’t always think with the right head as my father always said. I always can get just enough information to benefit my family and we take over the other family’s business. I always felt proud knowing that my family has what it does partly because of me. My family has complete faith in me helping them to take over Chicago. I only needed to find out about the families and who was taking over. Now I am sitting in Alex’s office, probably with my cover blown. I can’t believe that Frank will let them kill me. We’ve gotten so close over these past few months. I screwed up and let myself develop feelings for him. He was never what I expected. It would have been so much easier if I could have focused on Alex. I could have focused on the job at hand because he is such an arrogant, obnoxious bastard.

  I hear fingers snapping in front of me and look up. The arrogant bastard is standing in front of me.

  “Are you paying attention? Tell us about yourself Lola. How did you end up in Chicago? I am sure there are plenty of opportunities in New York.”

  “I needed a change. A job came open and I applied.”

  Alex tilts his head and lets out a small chuckle. “Really? Hmmm… that is odd. Would you believe that I asked a few of my friends that work for the department and they said there were no openings when you arrived? It almost seems like a position was created for you. I realize that in most business settings someone always is lucky enough to have a position created, but they normally have kissed major ass to get it. This makes me wonder what makes you so special, Lola.”

  I narrow my eyes and continue to look at him. “I’m sorry. I guess I stopped paying attention after you said your friends. I wouldn’t think you’d have any.”

  Now Alex is narrowing his eyes and walks closer to me, but he is stopped when Frank releases my hand and stands between us.

  “You know what Alex? This isn’t working for me. We’re leaving.” Frank turns back and grabs my arm.

  “Frank, you can’t trust that bitch,” Alex yells as we head out the door. Frank turns around and heads back towards Alex, but I grab his hand and shake my head. I just want to get out of here and I can tell that Frank is not going back to just chat.

  The minute we get to the bottom of the stairs someone calls Frank’s name. We both turn around to look and its Oliver Gallo. I don’t know why mafia men have to be so fucking attractive. Oliver strolls down the stairs like he’s a GQ model and not a hardened criminal. Maybe I am wrong and he’s not a criminal, but I doubt it. I can’t help but glance at him as he comes down the stairs. Oliver has to be 6’1 with dark hair cropped short. He has a sexy, well-kept beard and chocolate brown eyes. He has both his shirt sleeves rolled up displaying his tattoos. Oliver glances at me and then focuses back on Frank.

  “Frank, I don’t agree with Alex’s approach but he is right. Please be careful. There is a lot riding on you and lots of people are counting on you. Please call me when you can.”

  Frank nods his head and looks at me. His eyes are sad and he takes my hand again. “Let’s get out of here.”

  FRANK

  I was not going to sit there and watch Alex hit Lola. I knew that would be his next move. He was pissed which I understood. Lola has a smart ass mouth and she was baiting him. Oliver was right and I do have obligations to my family. It’s time that I man up and do what I need to do. I need to start handling shit and the first thing I need to do is find out more about Lola. I need to find out why she is in Chicago.

  We haven’t said a word since we got back into the car. Lola probably thinks we’re going back to my place, but we aren’t. I can’t have her at my place tonight. I need to be alone and figure this shit out. I won’t be able to think with her around. I am dropping her ass off at her place. I am not even going to tell her, she’ll figure it out soon enough.

  “Are we going to talk about what happened tonight, Frank?”

  I look over at her and turn the radio on. Hopefully, she’ll catch on that I don’t want to discuss this with her. Lola reaches over and turns the radio back off.

  “Frank, I won’t let you ignore me. This is some serious shit your brother had Oliver Gallo in his office along with some other suspicious looking guys, who were probably his henchmen. Gallo…Frank! The Gallos are the mob. Is your brother involved with the mob? Are you?”

  I look over at Lola and she is waiting for an answer. “What do you think, Lola? You think I am a detective during the day and work for the mob at night? I would really be slipping at my nighttime job since my nights have been spent buried inside you.” I turn back to the road and I can tell Lola’s gaze is burning a hole in the side of my head. I turn the radio back on and she doesn’t touch it again.

  LOLA

  I thought I would be able to question Frank when we got back to his place. He was obviously aware of my plan to do so because before I knew it, he pulled up in front of my house. I am so pissed at him that I hop out of the car and slam the door. Once I get inside, Frank pulls off and I start to pace. I don’t know what I am going to do about any of this. So, I decided that I am going to take a nice long bubble bath where I can relax and think. I start taking off my clothes in the hall on the way to my bedroom. Hell, I think I’ll need a bottle of wine too. I turn around and head towards the kitchen to grab a bottle. Thankfully, I always keep several bottles around for situations just like this one. I head back towards the bedroom with the bottle and realize I forgot the glass. Oh hell, I’ll just drink from the bottle. After a night like this, I’ll probably drink the entire bottle anyways. I stumble on one of my shoes that I kicked into the hallway from the door. “FUCK!”

  “Did someone have a bad night?” I scream as a voice coming from my bedroom startles me. It’s Brandon and he is here. The night just got worse.

  “Brandon, what the hell are you doing here? What if Frank was with me? “I ask as I stare at him in the doorway to my bedroom.

  “I suppose we could have ended this shit tonight then.” Brandon heads back into my bedroom and I notice that he is only wearing boxers.

  “Why aren’t you dressed, Brandon? You’re not planning on staying here?” I ask hoping he isn’t planning to.

  “Lola, it’s been a long day and I am exhausted. I had to convince a bunch of angry ass mobsters that you’re here doing what you’re supposed to be doing. One of those angry mobsters was your father by the way. They are ready to move into Chicago and don’t understand why it’s taking you so long to figure out who is in charge and what businesses the families handle. Hell, we even got you planted inside the fucking police force with one of those Deluca’s so they are a little agitated.”

  “I told you that I am close Brandon.” I walk past him into my bedroom and can’t help but notice his clothes thrown across the bed and a suitcase.

  “Lola, it’s been months. You haven't gotten information in days. I hope you haven’t forgotten the whole point of you being here.” Brandon lifts his eyebrows and watches as I put down my bottle of wine.

  “I know exactly why I am here Brandon. I actually think I may have found out something tonight. I think Alex is in charge.” I lie as I turn back to face him.

  “You think Alex Deluca is in ch
arge? We didn’t think the old man would trust him with the family dog let along the family business.”

  “I said I think he is. I just need a little more time to figure it out.”

  “You’ll have a week and I’ll be here with you. Then we’re going back to New York. For now, how about you finish getting undressed and I’ll let you use my dick to unwind,” he suggests as he starts to walk towards me

  “I am really tired, Brandon, I’ll have to use it some other time.” I grab something to sleep in and head to the bathroom to take a quick shower. I don’t know what I’ll do with Brandon here. I hate that I told him that Alex was in charge. I have no evidence that he is, but I wouldn’t be upset if they got rid of him either. I just can’t put the focus on Frank because I don’t want anything to happen to him. When I get back to the bedroom, Brandon has fallen asleep on the bed. I roll my eyes and climb in and soon find myself sleep as well.

  FRANK

  I didn’t get any sleep last night. The past few months have been running through my mind and leaving me with more questions. I decided that since I am now the mafia boss, I am going to start using my connections and power to my advantage. I call the station and leave Hill a message that I will be in two hours late. I rarely go in late so he doesn’t even question me. He just tells me to come in when I can. The next call is to Oliver Gallo. I ask that he meets me at my place at 7 am sharp. I could tell he wasn’t happy about the early wake-up call, but he said he’d be there.

  Five minutes before seven, there is a knock on my door. I suppose I’ll have to remember that Oliver Gallo is prompt if nothing else. I answer the door and Oliver is standing there holding two cups of coffee. I will have to remember that Oliver Gallo will be my right-hand man.

  “I was surprised that you called Frank. When I saw you last you were pissed off and leading your woman out of Deluca’s.” Oliver sits on the couch with his coffee.

  “You’re right I was pissed. I wasn’t going to sit there and let her be killed. Especially when she may not be involved with any of the things Alex has been accusing her of.”

  Oliver tilts his head and looks at me. “So, why am I here?”

  I sigh and sit down across from him. “Alex said that we have people. He said we have judges, lawyers, and other police officers on the payroll.”

  “Alex is right. We do have these people at our disposal,” Oliver answers.

  “I want you to find out who called in the favor to have Lola put into the department. I want to know who her family is. As a matter of fact, I want her tailed. I want her phone tapped. There was someone calling her from New York named Brandon; I want to know who he is. Hell, I want to know which credit cards she has a balance on.” I am now pacing in front of Oliver.

  Oliver laughs which makes me stop my pacing and I stop to look at him. What the fuck did I say that was so funny?

  “I’m sorry, Frank.” He holds up his hands. “I just can’t believe you’re the same man that was holding her hand when Alex questioned her last night. I will get you the information. Is there anything else you want?”

  “Yes. Don’t tell Alex that you're investigating her. I don’t want him knowing shit about this.”

  “It’s between you and me, Frank. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible,” Oliver advises.

  Oliver leaves and I get ready for work. I’ll have to put my game face on because I don’t want Lola to know that I no longer trust her.

  LOLA

  I wake up to the wonderful aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon coming from the kitchen. I roll over and remember that I’m home. I guess Brandon being here wasn’t just a bad dream. I walk into the kitchen and he is standing at the stove with a cup of coffee. He hasn’t gotten dressed yet and is still in his boxers.

  “You probably should get dressed, I would hate for you to burn yourself cooking bacon. What would the others say?”

  Brandon laughs and turns to look at me. “It’s nice that you're showing a little concern, but I’ll be fine.” He scoops the bacon out of the pan and puts a few slices on a plate for me. “No eggs?”

  “You know I hate eggs, Lola. I did think of you and I know how much you love your meat, so I made the bacon for you.” I roll my eyes and eat a piece of the bacon.

  “What’s on the agenda for today? “Brandon asks as he takes a sip of his coffee.

  “I have to work today,” I answer.

  “Really? I want you to introduce me to Frank.” I choke on my coffee and Brandon gently taps my back.

  “You can’t be serious? I am not going to introduce you to Frank.” Brandon’s eyebrows rise.

  “Why not?” He asks.

  “Who would I say that you are?”

  “Tell him I am your significant other from New York and that I came to visit you.” Now I am the one with the raised eyebrows.

  “I won’t tell him that.” Brandon crosses a leg and studies me for a few minutes

  “I know I normally overlook when you fuck as a part of business, but I hope you didn’t fall for this guy, Lola.”

  “Why would you say that Brandon?”

  “Why don’t you want me to meet him? As a matter of fact, everything that has been going on in Chicago has been a little sketchy.”

  “I have been doing everything I am supposed to be doing in Chicago, Brandon.” I walk over to the sink and dump the rest of my coffee.

  “No, you haven’t been Lola. That’s why I am here. You have been here too long. It has never taken you this long to get information. Hell, we even gave you most of the information. You didn’t have much to do here. Find out who is taking over as the don and the names of the other families and their business activities. Hell, we even put you in the police station working with one of them. Yet it takes you twice as long, you never answer your damn phone, and you never check in.”

  “I met Oliver Gallo last night,” I tell him.

  “Gallo? Where does his family fit in?” Brandon wants to know.

  “I don’t know,” I say.

  “This is exactly my point, Lola. Who is in charge now?” he presses.

  “I don’t know.” Brandon chuckles and walks to the sink to pour out his coffee.

  “I want to meet Frank Deluca tonight.” Brandon walks out of the kitchen and I hear the shower start. He is done with the conversation.

  FRANK

  I walk into the station and I am ready to grill Lola. I stop by Hill’s office to let him know that I made it in. I knock on his door and I hear him yell to come in.

  “Hey, just wanted you to know that I’m here.”

  “No problem Deluca. I guess everyone had a bad night. Lola called in today, so you’re on your own anyways.”

  “Lola called in sick?” I ask.

  “Yeah, she said she has the flu.” Hill doesn’t even stop looking over his paperwork as he tells me that Lola won’t be in. Last night was intense and I think she took off because she doesn’t want to deal with me.

  “I found out the name of Knight’s girlfriend. I am going to question her today. I don’t think I need Lola for that anyways.” I tell the captain.

  “Okay, Deluca. If anything goes wrong, call for backup,” Hill says and looks back at his computer.

  I walk out of Hill’s office and softly close the door. I am going to question Knight’s girlfriend, but before I do I am going to question Lola. It seems to take forever to get to Lola’s place. I keep running through all the things I want to ask her when I get there. I know I can’t just spring an interrogation on her. I have to ask questions discreetly throughout the conversation. I finally pull up in front of Lola’s house. Lola has a beautiful house and I have to wonder how the hell she affords it. I have lived in Chicago my whole life and this neighborhood cost a lot of money to live in. The neighborhood is full of doctors and lawyers and Lola. I could never afford to live in this neighborhood. At least I can’t now, I suppose once I start running the mob I’ll be able to afford it.

  I walk up the sidewalk and ring the doorbell
. I can hear movement inside, but there is no answer. I can see Lola’s car in the driveway, so I know she’s here. I ring the doorbell a second time and the door swings open. Lola slightly opens the door, but she leaves the chain on.

  “What are you doing here, Frank?” she whispers.

  “I came to check on you. Can I come in?”

  “This isn’t a good time. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Lola tries to close the door but I block her.

  “What the fuck is going on, Lola? Will you just open the damn door so we can talk?”

  “Frank,” she whispers and her eyes widen as a voice screams from inside.

  “Lola! If you think hiding my damn clothes is going to keep me here all day you’re fucking insane!”

  I hear some guy yelling at Lola and I look into her eyes as fear clouds them.

  “I have to go, Frank.” She closes the door while I stand there in shock. Who the hell is this guy in Lola’s house?

  LOLA

  I called in sick today. I know the minute Frank finds out he’ll be suspicious and will try to question me. I need to stay home and deal with Brandon being here. He is determined to talk to Frank himself. The last thing I want is for that to happen. I realize that everything Brandon said is true. I can normally wrap a man around my finger pretty damn easily and get whatever information we need. I am the reason for the cops, judges, and lawyers that we have under our thumb. The family would decide they needed a cop and we’d find the one that I could sink my hooks into.

  This was supposed to be easy with Frank. Unfortunately, we managed to sink those same hooks into each other. It seems I have spent too much time in Chicago and I am now arguing with Brandon on why he needs to stay out of it. He has decided he’ll give me a ride to work and introduce himself to Frank.

  “Lola, we’re done talking about this shit. I’m taking you to work and I’ll be the protective Italian brother who wants to question the guy spending time with his sister. “