Shaking and gasping for air, she broke contact first. She pushed off his chest, grabbed her coffee and ran for the cashier. She practically threw the money at the poor man and ran out the door.
Gianna’s convertible was parked in the spot closest to the door. Her long, dark hair was pulled back in a low, stylish ponytail. Her face looked older and more worn than Kirin had imagined it would.
The wench was checking herself in her visor mirror and glanced up as Kirin trotted out, red faced, disheveled and perfectly kissed. Kirin smiled her best, “eat shit” smile and climbed into her car. As she backed out, Gianna’s stare switched from Kirin to Sam. He looked even more messed up than she did, with his hair standing on end and Kirin’s lipstick smeared all over his lips.
As she drove off, she glanced in the rear view mirror and saw him standing on the sidewalk with a satisfied smile, watching her taillights disappear.
Chapter Eleven
When her heart rate slowed, and she’d taken her pain medicine, she opened her window to clear her head. The cool autumn air did wonders. What the hell was that? It’d been a while since they’d made love—days before the accident—but whatever that was...was powerful.
Her lips were puffy. She touched them and felt the deep kiss. Yes... he loved her. She’d promised she’d remember. But that all flew out the window when she saw him with Gianna. This was too hard—knowing that snake knew about her and yet she monopolized his time trying to steal him away.
She shook the images out of her head and got back to the task at hand. She headed towards Maggie’s store. Maybe she could weasel some information about Saul’s extended family. She just needed a clue as to what kind of person she was up against. She needed to determine who the ringleader was, Scar or Todd, or if it was someone else she hadn’t encountered yet. She had to discover the hierarchy to know how to get her friend back.
Kirin parked in the garage and walked down the steps toward Market Square zipping her jacket against the morning air as best she could with one arm. It was opening time and her Aunt Maggie should be flitting around inside Galaxy 10.
When she reached the door, the sign still read, “Closed.” She checked her watch again then cupped her hands to look in the window. Lights were burning in her office, but the main store lights were off.
She yanked on the door, but it was locked. Then, she whipped out her key and tapped it three times on the glass. Nothing. Pulling out her phone, she dialed her aunt’s number. On the third ring, her aunt answered in a whisper.
“Aunt Maggie?”
“Who is this?” she replied, tight and angry.
“Kirin, your niece.”
“Oh, dear, I’m sorry. I’ve been spooked this morning. What can I do for you dear?”
“I’m standing outside the shop, but your door is locked.”
Kirin watched as her Aunt’s head popped out from inside her office. She waved and waddled toward the door. Her flowered skirt and sweater swayed back and forth, as she came closer to the door. Maggie unlocked it, ushered Kirin inside then locked it back, turning around and hugging Kirin, tight.
“Dear... I’m so sorry I didn’t visit you in the hospital. Then, I didn’t get a chance to speak to you much at your party. I should’ve come up there, but my anxiety got me. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. What’s got you so spooked this morning?” Kirin placed a hand on her aunt’s shoulder.
Maggie hesitated, her eyes darting around. A tell-tale sign that Kirin was about to get only half the truth.
“Oh nothing, just crazy downtown bums walking in and looking around like they want to rob me. I’ll open the doors now that you are here. We can sit up front and chat for a bit, okay?”
Maggie flitted past and switched on the lights, plugging in a few Halloween displays and unlocking the door before returning. They sat on stools and leaned over the glass case up front and watched people walk by.
Kirin took a breath and got to the point. “Maggie, I need some information from you.”
Maggie eyed Kirin over the top of her glasses.
“Sam said no. He’s already warned me that you’d be here asking questions. He made me promise I wouldn’t tell you anything about Saul’s wretched family.”
Kirin’s jaw tightened. She sat up straight on her stool shaking her head.
“Did he also tell you that he’s moved out, broken up with me and was seeing another woman behind my back while I was in the hospital?”
Maggie cocked her head to the side, “No...wait, that doesn’t make any sense, why would he do that? Are you serious?”
She lifted her ringless left hand. Maggie’s eyes grew wide.
For all purposes, this was the story they were supposed to live by, so why not tell Maggie? The whole family would know by Sunday when he wouldn’t show up to their normal family Sunday dinner, so why not use this information to her benefit?
“So, whatever he told you, doesn’t count. He’s gone.”
Maggie scratched her head and looked around her shop for some divine inspiration. She let out a defeating breath and watched Kirin through dark rimmed glasses.
“What do you want to know?”
Kirin thought for a moment. “When Saul died, who would’ve been next in line to take over?”
Maggie walked over to the cash register and grabbed her drink, walking back, her eyes narrowed, deep in thought. A sadness crossed her face. She still felt responsible for Saul’s death.
“Well, let’s see... there was Nicky...Nicola is his full name. He was Saul’s younger brother. He was a little...odd. Super shy around me. He never spoke but watched Saul and I all the time. His parents used to send him with us on dates as our chaperone. I’d think he’d be in line to be the head unless Saul had a son.”
“He did...Todd. He’s engaged to my friend Stacy. Or I think they’re married now, I’m not sure. She hasn’t spoken to me since the night...” Kirin trailed off.
Maggie stared at her hands.
“What I need to know is who’s pulling the strings.”
Kirin told her about feeling like Stacy was forced to stay away, about the flowers in the hospital, and the phone call leading to catching Sam in the parking lot. She left out the part about Stacy texting her, just in case Sam called Maggie, but told her about the threatening phone calls she and Sam were getting.
Maggie looked horrified.
“Kirin... I think I know who’s running the show. But...” Maggie hesitated, staring off into the distance. “I’m not completely sure.”
“Who?”
“Sam mentioned that he heard Nicky oversaw the drug side now, but he wasn’t the leader; however, with the hospital bombing, I can’t help but think that’s wrong. He has the demeanor for cruel punishment and although I’ve never met Saul’s son, I’d say Nicky would be the one to worry about. But, Saul’s son and Nicky aren’t the only heirs.”
“Really? Who else?
“A woman...although Saul’s dad would roll over in his grave, Sam mentioned a woman.”
Kirin rolled her eyes, “Yep. Same one he kissed at the hospital, I’m sure.”
Maggie shot Kirin a look of pity and touched her hand. The lump in her throat burned. Then Maggie glanced down at her skirt and straightened it out. “Okay, I lied to you earlier. I actually...Well, I saw a man this morning in front of my shop, from the past.
“I had the closed sign out, but the door was unlocked. All the lights were off, but I was standing right here in the shadow fixing the display. This man walked by twice, slow, which always makes me take notice, so I won’t get robbed again. On the third pass he stopped and cupped his hands on the window and looked inside.”
Maggie took a deep breath. “It was Nicky.”
“Are you sure it was him? You haven’t seen him in what...forty years?”
“True... and it’s possible I’m wrong. But he looked in, then slid his hand around the doorknob at the exact second I remembered it wasn’t locked. I panicked. He tu
rned the door handle but stopped. Then he stepped back and glanced up at my apartment.” She shuddered and exhaled, clearly rattled.
“It was like he was working out a puzzle. Then he turned to the right and the sun caught his scar. I knew it was him. He sprinted away right before you called.”
Scar. Chills ran up Kirin’s arms. Scar’s name was Nicky. Scar suited him better. So, if Nicky was in charge, he was solely responsible for the cafeteria bombing and Laura’s coma. Then it hit her.
“If he left right before I called... then he saw me walk in here. It’d confirm his hunch that this was your shop.” Kirin ran a trembling hand through her hair.
“I’m so sorry...I’ve led him right to your door.”
“Oh, honey, I think he knew where I was before he ever saw you here,” she added sadly. “I might just have to take a good long vacation for a bit and get my assistant manager to run the place for a while. They couldn’t mistake her for me, she’s young and skinny with green hair, and pierced everywhere. She won’t be in any danger,” Maggie smiled wearily.
“I’m so sorry,” Kirin repeated. “Where will you go?”
Maggie patted her on the shoulder. “Dear, the less you know the better. Don’t worry about me, your dad made sure I had several escape plans already thought out a long time ago. Most of which involve a nice vacation destination. I will worry about you though.
“I’m sure Nicky believes Saul’s death was not only my fault but yours and Sam’s. You two need to work this out and come together as a team instead of against each other. And Kirin, don’t underestimate Nicky.”
Kirin picked up her phone and dialed Sam. Shit, she forgot—he was still with her. He answered on the first ring.
“Hello?” his voice was clipped.
“Look, I know you can’t talk on your date, but I need security placed on Maggie. Can you help me, or should I call Steve?”
“I can do it,” he said indignantly.
“Thank you.”
“Thank you for this morning,” she heard a faint smile on his lips. Bet that perplexed the wench. “We’re still on for tomorrow night, right?” he asked formally as if he was talking to a business associate.
“Uh...no. I’ve got plans.”
“Not anymore you don’t.”
“You’re an infuriating man.”
“Seven? Yeah, seven sounds great,” he said, ignoring her.
“I won’t be home,” she lied.
“Sure, I’ll meet you there,” he said, then the phone line went dead.
Kirin stared at her cell, then looked up to see Maggie smiling.
“Well, it’s good you two are speaking. Now you run along back home but watch your back. I’ll lock the door back and pack up. Knowing Sam, he’ll have someone here in a few minutes.”
She’d just found her father’s sister, not even six months earlier, and she was losing her again. Kirin shook her head no, frozen. She didn’t want to say goodbye.
Maggie stepped toward her, “Honey, it’ll all be fine. I’ll send you a postcard when I get settled. Knowing that impatient crew, it won’t take them long to give up on me and when it’s all over, I’ll come back. I promise.” Maggie kissed her cheek and handed over her hoodie. Kirin gave her one more, quick squeeze.
“I’ll be waiting for that post card,” she said, memorizing Maggie’s features before she turned around. Maggie unlocked the door and Kirin walked out into the October cold.
~*~
Heading toward her car, she was on high alert. Scar, or Nicky as Maggie called him, was in the vicinity only a few minutes before. Any sudden movement and she’d use the mace on her keychain, which was out and wrapped around her hand. She needed a gun. Sam wore one, why couldn’t she?
Rounding a concrete pole, she spotted a woman leaning up against the back of her SUV. She slowed, squinting so the woman’s face came into focus. The woman’s arms were crossed in a pissed-off stance.
Kirin strode toward her, shoulders back, but mace out and her head on a swivel. This woman could very well be bait. Her heart thudded. When she got close, the woman smiled, but her eyes were misty as if she’d been crying.
Kirin came to a halt several feet away.
“What? What do you want?”
If Stacy was startled by her tone, she didn’t flinch. “We need to talk.” She sounded tired.
“Is this a set-up? Is some thug gonna jump out and hurt me?”
Stacy uncrossed her arms and stood tall, “Kirin, why would you say that? I’d never do that. Really? That’s what you think of me?”
“I don’t know what to think. Laura is still in a coma because of you.”
Stacy threw her arms in the air, “I told you over text—that wasn’t me! Or Todd. It was...someone else. Todd doesn’t have anything to do with the barbaric side of the business. He runs the money part. Admittedly, he’s not your biggest fan or Sam’s, but he swore he didn’t order the hit on you.”
Kirin stepped towards her.
“And you believe him? Stace, wake up. He took Saul’s place. Saul had my mother killed and my father enslaved in The Club his entire life. He was forced to abandon me, or else Saul would’ve had me killed as a child. Don’t you see? I didn’t kill Saul. His grief did. He learned, the love of his life was alive and didn’t want him, and he took his own life. It wasn’t me.”
Stacy’s eyebrows pinched together. “I didn’t know he ordered your mom’s death or took your dad from you,” Stacy stared down at the pavement. “I’m sorry. I was only told he died...and it was your fault. Todd was devastated. He cried for weeks.”
Stacy shifted from foot to foot. “I miss you,” she admitted, “and I miss Laura. My world is so different now. If I could go back to before Todd’s father died, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
“I wouldn’t. That was a terrifying time for me. Saul hunted me down and put a gun to my head. I’m just lucky he didn’t pull the trigger.”
“Why didn’t you tell us? I could’ve helped. Steve could’ve helped.” Stacy took a cautious step toward Kirin.
“I didn’t know Saul was Todd’s father until your dinner party. And Steve did help. He brought the FBI to my house and saved us.” Kirin shoved cold hands into her pockets. She shook more from the conversation than the chill in the air. She was afraid to ask but had to know. “Why did you act so odd in the cafeteria? You held my hand under the table, and pushed me?”
“A show. I wanted to give Todd’s uncle a show. I had strict orders, in front of his uncle, not to speak with you if I happened to see you out.”
“Stacy, why would you take orders from Todd to do anything?”
Stacy stared at her shoes. “Our relationship has gone through some changes.” She locked eyes with Kirin. “I belong to him...with him. He still treats me like a queen in private, but I have boundaries now. Places I can go and people I can see. And others... I can’t.”
Kirin’s eyes narrowed. Her friend was a slave in Todd’s world. She had to get her out, but how? She needed to know what they held over her head to convince her to live like this, but first, they needed to be able to trust each other.
“So you can’t be seen with me, but we can still be friends?” Kirin’s voice was a hoarse whisper thanks to the lump in her throat.
Stacy’s eyes perked up, “Yes! Would you consider that kind of a friendship? A temporary arrangement until I can convince Todd to go back to the way things were. He’s a good man, Kirin, really, he’s just fallen into this odd culture right now, but I know I can bring him back out.”
Even if this was a trap, she couldn’t leave Stacy in this situation. She had to get her out.
Kirin smiled, “I’ll take your friendship however I can get it.”
Stacy ran to her friend, lifted her off the ground and hugged her, crying and laughing at the same time. When she placed her back on the ground, she glanced at her watch, ran back to a bright red sports car, and peeled out, waving.
Kirin stared after the taillights.
&nbs
p; She’d make sure Stacy was out right before she crushed these people.
Chapter Twelve
Driving home, Kirin thought of Sam. Where was he going with the wench today? Gianna had looked so smug, as if she’d already won. She needed to know more about her foe to be able to win. So far, all she had was the woman was an attorney in Cleveland. She didn’t know her last name or even where she fit in with Saul’s clan, but she knew what she was. A prostitute, just like Sam. Only, from the way he spoke, she was dug in deeper than he’d been.
At the top of her to-do list was to see how many Gianna’s she could find practicing Law in Cleveland.
She pulled in to find Little Jack asleep and Rosa napping on the couch in front of the TV, while pretending to watch her “stories.”
Kirin crept upstairs, tossed her things on her bed, and fired up her computer. Checking her watch, she had an hour before she had to grab Will from school.
Googling the name “Gianna,” “Law,” and “Cleveland,” the search engine found three possibilities. The Rhodes and Lambert Law firm, Testerman Law, and Calamia and Associates. Calamia was Saul’s last name. That was easy.
She clicked on the Calamia Law firm. Pictures of seven attorneys came up along with a professional, model-like picture of the wench. Great. She was the owner of the firm specializing in labor law, divorce and workers compensation law. Snatching up the number, she dialed. Since she was traveling with Sam, most likely she wasn’t there.
The receptionist answered, “Calamia and Associates, Leah speaking.”
“Hi Leah, Is Miss Gianna Calamia in today?”
“No, Ma’am. Most of our attorneys are gone this afternoon to prepare for the benefit.”
“Benefit?” she asked.
“Yes, Ma’am. The annual benefit that Attorney Calamia sponsors to help girls affected by human trafficking. If you’d like to donate, you can watch the benefit online tonight or if you’re local in Cleveland, it will be broadcast on PBS at 7pm.”
Unraveling Page 7