I chose a rounded icon and in an instant, the front of my wardrobe opened to expose an extra-large television screen and I began to search the pictures it displayed. I chuckled at the modern technology that was as thin as a pane of glass in depth and capable of occupying any space, even a ceiling, without compromising its function. Yet, its programs were limited to endless reruns and remakes.
Finally, I grew weary of flipping and settled on a black and white novelty and snorted as the plot revealed itself. Cops and mobsters but, it was a far cry from my reality. The gray line between the good and bad was rarely depicted in fiction. The good guy, always the hero, always got the girl while the bad guys, the men who my life closely resembled, always lost the battle in the end. A stereotypical plot. In the real world, things were slightly more complicated.
I gave the channel one more flick and became instantly involved in the romantic scene on the television. I glanced at the time. If I was at De’Bris, Jessie would be walking onto the stage for her last dance. I thought about getting dressed and going to meet her but she would probably be home by the time I reached the club.
Instead, I waited until I was sure she was leaving the club, picked up my phone and dialed her number for the first time. My heart fluttered and I felt nervous as I waited for her to answer.
“Hello?”
“What are you doing right now?” I chuckled at my silly greeting.
“I’m walking home.” I could tell she had no idea who I was.
“I hate it when you walk.”
“Well, life’s a bitch sometimes,” she countered, but she didn’t hang up.
“So, about earlier – I meant to say that you were someone special in my life, but I wasn’t sure if I’d be telling a lie.”
“I’m just a stripper, right?” She sassed. “I understand.”
“You’re no stripper.” I laughed.
“What do you want? A house call?” She spat.
“I wouldn’t say no if you wanted to come over.”
“I bet – I’m off the clock, Sean.” And she hung up.
I called back.
“This is really annoying,” she sang, but I noted the laughter in her reprimand.
“So, I’m sitting her watching a movie. And this couple is running on the beach – I think that might be fun.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never done anything like that before.”
“Ah, nah. That can’t be true.”
“I haven’t had the best luck with men.”
“You dated fools. I would never make the same mistakes.”
“You’re not making this easy for me,” she sighed.
“I told you – sometimes I’m bad and sometimes I’m good.”
“Which one are you tonight?”
“Let’s just say it’s a good thing you’re not standing in front of me right now.”
My statement made her laugh too and I relished the sound.
“You really are a mess, Sean – I have to go – I have company.”
I laid the phone on my nightstand and for a moment my eyes lingered on it. Then I sat back against the headboard and placed my hands behind my head.
“I knew you were awake.” Mickie slipped through the darkness, flopped on my bed, opened the bag of chips she had brought with her and snuggled against my arm. “Whatcha watching?”
“Some crappy movie,” I replied while reaching to retrieve a bottle from the small fridge built into my nightstand.
“You really are drinking a lot lately.”
“No more than usual Mickie.”
I grabbed a handful of her snack and popped it into my mouth then washed it down. “Geeze, girl you make a mess.” I teased her about the crumbs she dropped then fired the first shot in an ensuing food fight until the bag was void of its contents and the bed was covered in a crushed salty mess.
“So, Janelle said she has seen you quite a few times since I left.”
“Funny, I haven’t seen her.”
“She said she saw you talking to some woman and by her description, I think it’s the same one you were talking to today – or yesterday.” She giggled. “Depending on what you consider this time of morning.”
“I always knew Janelle was nosy,” I growled. Mickie’s best friend had always reported anything she witnessed to her clique, but for the most part, she had always been harmless. Annoying, but harmless.
“Bubba!” Mickie hit me with a pillow.
“What?” I threw the pillow back at her playfully. “I was just talking to her, that’s all.” I had a good relationship with my little sister despite our age difference.
“Have you asked her out? Are you dating?”
“She’s a stripper, Mickie,” I tried to play it off. I wasn’t sure if I could win the woman’s heart and I wasn’t ready to explain all the complicated details to my little sister.
“Oh please, like there is nothing questionable about your life? Don’t be such a hypocrite, Bubba.”
I arched my brow, the warning sign that I gave Mickie that meant she needed to change the subject.
“I’ve always had suspicions about where all our money came from and after today, I’m pretty sure I was right.”
“I’m going to forget you said that, Mickie.”
“I’m sorry.” Mickie picked at the seam in my comforter. “I still think you should ask that woman out.”
“Of course you do.” Mickie always made me smile. She was in love with the idea of being in love. It was a beautiful thing the way she saw romance, but it was also dangerous. Nonetheless, I was glad that Josh Tucker had not broken her spirit.
“I think you want to ask her out,” Mickie teased.
“It’s too late for me to have anything in my life but you little sister.”
“Bubba, I’m not going to pretend I know everything you’ve had to do all these years, but I know why. Daddy was a sick bastard and I cannot imagine another human on this Earth who can equal the amount of evil he had inside of him. I am glad he’s dead and I want what he left behind to die too.”
“That guy today … his family wants control. I would love to let them have it. Take the out. But you know what that would mean.”
“That’s the law’s problem, not ours. Give it to them and live a normal life … and I don’t want to have this talk with you again.” Her gaze was stern. Unlike any expression she’d ever given me before. I did not know when Mickie had grown up, but I did know that she had claimed her place in the family business and she was determined to make her voice heard.
TWENTY-FOUR
(Jessie)
“Hey! Wait up!” Tina called out, struggling to catch up in shuffling five-inch heels.
I hung up the phone. Shocked that Sean had called me. I had to admit that hearing his voice had made me smile. It was the first time he didn’t show up at De’Bris. I found myself missing him and I felt bad, thinking my words earlier that day was responsible for his absence.
“Did you know that we live in the same building?” Tina’s pace slowed when she reached my side.
“We do?”
“I saw you leaving this morning or were you visiting someone?”
“No, I live there.”
“Great, now I have someone to walk with. If you don’t mind the company.” Tina kiddingly poked out her lip, begging.
“Okay.” I laughed. I had always admired Tina and wished I had someone like her in my true life. If our circumstances were different there was no doubt in my mind that Tina would have easily become a close friend. Perhaps my best friend.
“So, Sean didn’t show up tonight,” Tina stated. “That’s not like him. I think it has something to do with that guy he was talking to yesterday. You know that short, bald guy?”
“Who was that guy anyway?” I felt horrible, picking Tina, who had honestly befriended me but, I hadn’t been able to get close enough to see if the man Sean spoke to was Bolivar or not. He sent me home early every time the guy showed up.
“I don’t k
now. I stay out of Sean’s business, but what a perv! The guy asked for a lap dance and then tried to undo my bra.
“I’m so thankful no one ever asks me for one.”
“You got to let them know you’re offering. It’s where I get most of my tips.”
“I think I’ll pass. Only the desperate ones would ask me anyway.” Confidence in my appearance was something I had struggled with all my life.
My inability to expose my body had become part of my act and to my surprise, De’Bris guests seemed to enjoy it. Spencer had even demanded that I continue. It made my job easier, but it yielded a very small supplement to my paycheck and often I become frustrated with the lack of funds when I had the Bureau’s payment sitting in a bank account I couldn’t touch because of my undercover status.
“You know you’re fine. Don’t even try to play that.” Tina turned, grabbed my shoulders and shook me playfully. “Snap out of it, girl! You are gorgeous!”
I burst out laughing. It was hard to remain sad around Tina.
“Tina, you’re a nut.”
“A very salty one,” my friend agreed. “I can tell you really missed Sean tonight.”
“I could care less about Sean Gianetti,” I insisted.
“Sure, that’s why you smile when you see him and light up every time you hear his name. Face it, you’re in love.”
“I’m not in love but, he is cute.”
“He’s more than cute. That man is gorgeous – “Don’t feel bad, Jess.” Tina draped her arm about my shoulders. “You’re not the only one who couldn’t turn his head.”
“I’m not trying to turn his head.”
“Sure you’re not – Actually, I think he may be gay and that guy that’s been hanging around is probably his boyfriend.”
“No, he’s not.”
“Think about it, Jess,” Tina continued to prove her theory as she stared into a compact mirror and touched up her lipstick. “The man owns a strip club, yet he never watches us dance.” She rolled her lips together, then puckered them at the mirror. “And every girl in here has thrown themselves at him, me included.”
I controversially cocked one eye.
“Hey, I told you what I think. That man is sexy. You’re damn right I tried to get with that. Any way he does the exact same thing – every time – no matter who you are.”
“What’s that?”
“He politely takes your hand.” She took my hand to demonstrate. “And leads you away from him and then he flashes one of those heartbreaking smiles. Then he will walk away leaving you feeling like a complete fool.”
“Sean is not gay, Tina.” I laughed. “He’s asked me out twice.”
“You’re lying!”
“He just called me.” On cue my phone rang again and I held up the number that I knew Tina knew well before I declined it.
“You hung up on him? Are you insane woman?”
“You know I am already spoken for.”
“And you’re miserable. Just have a one night stand with him so you can tell me all about it – no one else will ever know.”
“Tina – I’ll see you tomorrow.”
We parted ways at the stairwell. The journey didn’t seem as long with a friend by my side.
“How’s it going, Cupcake?”
“Well, look who’s stalking me again?” I casually conversed without discontinuing my task.
Jackson hadn’t contacted me in some time and I assumed Rick had changed his mind about his value.
“You couldn’t hide from me if you tried.” He leaned with one foot on the wall and his arms crossed and waited for me to open the door.
“To what do I owe this honor?”
“I wanted to personally thank you for all the crap I’m getting from Harkins.”
“I’m sure that has nothing to do with me. You never needed help getting into trouble.”
He grinned. “True, but since fat boy can’t yell at you, I get an extra helping of his sweet nature.” He touched the small of my back to guide me into the apartment and shut the door behind us.
Then, he stood too close, blocking my path and trapping me against the wall.
“Jackson?” I said calmly, “What are you doing?” I wasn’t sure what he was up to. He was the guy I shared a bed with a couple times and he never once made a move on me. He had become a really good friend and I depended on that.
“I’m trying to figure out what the hell you see in Tucker.”
“I’m not really sure myself,” I confessed and welcomed his touch to my cheek. “I’m not sure about much of anything except this lie feels more real than the truth.”
“You’re not like the rest of those pigs.” After a moment of searching my eyes he seemed to find the answer he was looking for and he backed away. “That’s the only reason I watch your back.”
“Well, it’s kind of your job, isn’t it?” I reminded him.
“We all have secrets, Jess.” He dropped on the sofa. “I don’t care for many people, but you’re alright.”
“I think that’s the first time you called me by my name.” I laughed, collapsed on the sofa next to him and patted his leg. “Oh but, since you brought up secrets – I think Sean was ready to tell me a few today.”
“Really?”
I took off my necklace, wrapped it in a foil gum wrapper, then stuck it in a metal box on the end table.
“I found the first excuse I could find to get out of there.”
“Why are you protecting him? He’s going to end up in jail anyway?”
“Well, I’m not going to be the one to put him there.”
“Are you crushing on your suspect, Cupcake?”
I shook my head. “I feel bad for him – that’s all. The man lost his wife and he shouldn’t be played by the first woman to turn his head since her death.”
“You have too much heart to be a cop.” He ran his tongue over his lip. “You like him, don’t ya?”
“It doesn’t matter if I like him or not.” I sighed. “I’m a cop.”
“Well, you better figure out what side you’re on because you can’t be part of both worlds.” He moved away and headed for the door. “By the way, I liked those shorts you wore at the club tonight.”
“How did you know that?”
“I told you …”
“I know. You’re always close.”
~ ♥ ~
“It’s about time you fixed that light, Seany!” Tina called out and I lifted my gaze to see Sean climbing a ladder with a light stick in his hand. As if I had been a lover he had cruelly discarded, I immediately left the room, unwilling to be so close to him.
It was Valentine’s Day. I’d wanted to sneak off to Beau Reve with Josh. Willing to give him one more chance to revive our relationship, but he’d flat out declined by saying there was nothing special about the day – it was just another day like any other. Damn, would it have hurt him to acknowledge me just a little? A card? Something? It was the day of love and I didn’t want to be reminded that a criminal had showed me more attention than my fiancé.
I waited on tables. Searching for the bald headed man and the older gentleman that I had seen with Sean before. Geeze, I was sure they were part of the Bolivar family, but I had to get it recorded. I had to hear it from their mouths before I could end my assignment. I needed to get the hell out of there and away from Sean Gianetti.
I couldn’t focus on anything that night. I was more confused by my thoughts than ever and Harkins was still threatening to revoke his job offer. My mind was everywhere. I was messing up orders and dropping mugs worse than I had on my first night.
Spencer scowled at me and his mouth twitched. I knew he was about to yell so I turned on my heel to head away from the bar and was blocked by Grato.
“Excuse me,” I took a step to the side.
The colorful haired man matched it.
I stepped the other way.
Again he blocked my path.
“Grato, what is your deal?”
He po
inted a thumb behind him. Made a silhouette with his fingers and thrust his hips at me.
“Um, no thank you, Grato.” I laughed and again tried to go around him.
Grato laid a hand on my shoulder and shook his head. Then pointed at the door in the back of the room again.
I glanced behind him and saw Matt standing beside it.
“He’s saying you have a customer,” Spencer spat.
“Me?” I felt all the blood drain from my body. “Are you sure?”
Grato nodded his head then tapped his watch and pointed again as if he was trying to say the guy was waiting for me.
I took a deep breath and slowly made my way across the room. Matt opened the door for me the moment I approached. I took a step in. He didn’t follow.
“Aren’t you coming?” I knew he or Grato always accompanied the dancers inside the private rooms.
“Not this time.” He informed me. “It’s cool.” He promised.
I stepped inside. Matt shut the door behind me. I swallowed. I could feel my heart beating through my skin. The room was pitch black. I took a minute for my eyes to adjust. Tina said there was a small stage in the corner and a dim spotlight, but the light wasn’t on and I could only hope I was heading to the right corner. I took a careful step. Then another. Until I was well inside. I heard a click. I whirled toward the sound.
“Sean?” He sat at a small table holding a lighter to the wicks of two tall candles.
“You looked like you could use a break.” He poured whiskey into two glasses and I felt the fear flee my body.
I took the chair beside him and accepted the drink he offered. “You’re sneaky.” I accused with a slight smile.
“I’ve been accused of that a time or two.” He reached across and took my hand, rubbing his thumb over the stone on my ring. “You didn’t wear the dress.”
I’d left it on his private table as soon as I arrived at work the night before.
“Well, It would be kind of hard to return it if I was wearing it.” I downed the drink. I was a little thirsty and it was the only thing I had access to at the moment.
Son of a Mobster (Criminal Desires) Page 17