Sausalito Nights (Montgomery Beauty Book 1)

by Stephanie Salvatore

  Once the essentials were packed, I zipped the bag closed and placed it on the floor, picked my keys and purse up off the bed, and grabbed a few coats and blankets, placing them into a trash bag for easy transfer.

  Stopping at Luci’s room, the door was cracked open. My sister had a niche for style and chic design. I realized then that when I agreed to walk away from the family business, it meant that I would also be leaving my family behind; and that Christopher was meant to come into my life so that I wouldn’t be left alone when this time came. Walking out the front door to the building, I knew there was no turning back.

  Arriving inside the cabin on Cakes and Pies, I hobbled my way to the bedroom and threw my bag and the blankets in the closet, grabbed the stashed pregnancy test, and decided to take one more for good measure.

  Setting the test on the sink, I went to stash the money away in a safe spot and came back. Two bright pink lines were painted over the window. I knew what I had to do now.

  ***

  Arriving to Planned Parenthood, I signed in and took a seat looking around at the variety of men and women sitting in the waiting room. Is this where the helpless came to find answers to the questions they feared the answer too?

  Signing in, I looked at the woman behind the counter. “Hi. I um, I need to confirm a pregnancy.”

  She slapped a board against the counter. “Fill that out, I’ll need your state ID or driver’s license when you bring that back up.”

  I flashed a gentle smile, taking the clipboard to go sit down and start filling out the paperwork. I tried to focus on filling out the general information and found myself getting distracted by intimidating eyes staring toward me.

  Ignore them. Get this taken care of.

  Sitting down after turning in the paperwork, I pulled a Walkman from my purse, covered my ears with the headphones, grabbed one of the many parenting magazines sitting on the table and sat back to start reading. My mind raced at the thought of bringing a child into this world to raise on a yacht. Would Christopher still be there once he found out I was due to have his child in nine months? How could I break this news to him when it’s barely been less than six months since we met? Perhaps I had just answered my own question. Even if he wasn’t there, I’d emancipate myself and raise this child where he or she wouldn’t be exposed to the danger of the Castillo family. I was raised in and around parents, a brother, sister and many extended cousins, aunts and uncles that ran an organized crime business. They hurt people and got paid to do it! How could my parents think it was smart to raise their children around such an atmosphere? The stacks of cash I took came to mind as well. Was it earned through the syndicate? No. I refused to believe the money my parents threw at me came from the syndicate. They owned many yacht clubs and casinos out in Vegas. This wasn’t blood money.

  I never understood why they had to hurt people and orchestrate crime to make a better living, and I never would. Perhaps, the voice in my head telling me to ignore these people in the waiting room spoke beyond that. I needed to ignore anyone standing in the way of my visions and dreams.

  “Lorelai Castillo?”

  I turned my head toward the nurse holding the door open sometime after all these thoughts marinated into my head. “Yes?”

  “Come on back. We’re ready for you, dear.”

  The universe had spoken, and it was calling my name. I stood and walked toward the nurse ignoring the narrowed eyes, staring at me as I approached the door.

  “Right this way. How are you today, Miss Castillo?”

  “I’m good. Just in a little bit of a hurry, to be honest.”

  “We’ll do our best to get you in and out of here.”

  She stopped at the exam room. “We’ll be right in here, but first we’ll need a urine sample. There’s a bathroom right across the hall with a cup all ready for you.”

  Following the instructions from the nurse, I did as I was told and returned to the exam room.

  A few minutes later, the doctor walked in. “Good morning, Miss Castillo.”

  I smiled nervously. “Good morning.”

  He set down a folder on the counter and took a seat. “I just had a look over the pregnancy test. Congratulations, you had a positive result.”

  I nodded, before I looked down.

  “Was this unexpected?”

  I nodded. “Very unexpected and not planned for.”

  “Hm. I understand. The good news is, you’ve come to the right place to get all the information you need to make a decision in what route you’d like to go. Is the father in the picture?”

  I inhaled a deep breath. “Yes he is, but he doesn’t know yet. I’m unsure on how he will react.”

  The doctor nodded and proceeded to stand and gather a number of pamphlets. “Do you know what you want regardless of his position?”

  “Yes. I will have this child with or without him, doctor.”

  He looked back at me and walked over. “Can I answer any questions for you right now?”

  “Can I make an appointment for a follow-up on further prenatal care?”

  “Of course. Stop at the desk and let them know and the girls up front will take care of you. I would strongly recommend you make time to read through these materials.” The elderly gentleman placed the pamphlets of all shapes and sizes in a bag and handed them to me. “Good luck, Miss Castillo. I hope to see you again soon.”

  “Can I get a letter of confirmation on the pregnancy?”

  “Of course, they can provide that at the front for you as well.”

  I jumped down off the table. “Thank you.”

  The doctor opened the door, and I took my bag of information overload and walked through. Stopping up at the front desk, I made my next appointment, and made sure not to forget the letter of confirmation before I headed out to the car. Tossing my bag and purse on the passenger seat, I dug into the center console and hooked up the car phone, dialing in a familiar number.

  The phone rang in my ear, and I sat back praying silently for an answer.

  “This is Matteo Castillo. How can I help you?”

  “Matteo? This is Lorelai. I need a favor.”

  Uncle Matteo came up from Vegas after completing his law degree under Uncle Thad’s orders.

  “Lorelai?” The husky voice replied. “Lorelai! Oh my… What’s the favor?”

  “Is your firm in Sausalito still open?”

  “Yes it is. I’m actually in town right now.”

  “Okay, good. I’ll be down there in a few minutes.”

  “Hey wait!”

  “What! I said I was on my way, damnit!”

  “I know, I know. But answer me this. Is everything okay with you? I heard about Armani.”

  “No! Nothing is okay. As far as Armani goes, I can’t talk about it right now.”

  “Fine! Fine! I’ll see you when you get here.”

  There was a click on his end, and the phone line dialed back. I hung up slowly, and put the phone away before I drove back toward downtown Sausalito.

  Discovering Betrayal

  Lorelai

  Upon arrival at the Castillo Law Firm, I walked through the door and sat down.

  A window slid open and a blonde bombshell stuck her head out the window pulling her pencil skirt down. “Hey Lor. What brings you here?”

  “Can you please let Matteo know that I’m here? I called to let him know I was on my way”

  She nodded. “Sure thing.”

  I furrowed my eyebrows and shook my head. It’s just like Matteo to fuck his secretary at the office. Now wasn’t the time.

  The door opened a moment later and she stood in front of the door tucking her shirt into her pencil skirt. “Matteo is ready for you now, Lorelai.”

  I chuckled as I stood and walked toward the open door. “You might want to check yourself in the mirror… I think you misaligned the buttons on your shirt.” I mumbled and moved swiftly past her. I heard a scoff from behind me as I approached his office, and pressed my lips together to hold
back a bout of laughter before I entered my dearest Uncle’s office. “Are you fucking your secretary?”

  His eyebrows furrowed, as he narrowed his eyes at me. “It’s nice to see you too, little niece.”

  I sat down, pulling out the confirmation letter from Planned Parenthood. “I’m not here to play catch up Matteo. I just happened to notice the lack of customer service skills the front office had, and put two and two together when her clothes were in a disarray opening the door to let me back here.”

  A smug smirk rose on his lips. “Okay then. I guess I won’t fuck and tell. How can I help you?”

  I opened the letter. “I would like to file for emancipation.”

  His face fell, and the tension in the room rose off the charts. “You’re divorcing your parents?”

  “Maybe you would understand if you opened that letter.”

  He pressed his hand over the letter, sliding it across the desk before he opened and studied the words. “And the plot thickens. You’re… pregnant?”

  I nodded. “Your Dad would blow a gasket, or… turn into the Incredible Hulk-King Kong hybrid and destroy everything in his path, if he knew.”

  He widened his eyes. “And not stop until whoever did this to you was dead.” He paused and turned to his file cabinet, pulling out a stack of paperwork and set it down with a pen. “Fill out the first page, and we’ll go over the rest. I can have this filed by the end of the day, and mail the certified letters tomorrow morning.”

  I nodded and did as I was told.

  One hour later, I finished with the paperwork, and looked up at him. “Thank you.”

  “You got it. Lor, before you go…”

  “What is it?” I spoke above a whisper.

  “Was Armani in trouble?”

  I swallowed hard. “I… I don’t know. All my Dad said was that he crossed into enemy territory, or that’s what they think.”

  He pursed his lips and stared blankly as the mystery was unsolved.

  “Do you remember Santino?” I said in a matter of fact tone.

  “Too well,” he mumbled.

  “He had a thing for me, and Armani warned him to stay away; but Santino refused and I think Armani had enough. They got into a fight at the Summer Bash. Whether Santino was behind it or not. I can’t be sure.”

  He shook his head. “Fucking bastard. He will be next, I have no doubt. Armani won’t let him live.”

  Lifting my arm, I flashed the tattoo on my arm.

  He gasped. “You opted out, huh?”

  “There’s more than one reason I need out.”

  He nods. “I get it, but you know we’ll always have your back if you need us.”

  I stood up. “I know.” I paused. “I have to go now, Matteo. Keep in touch about the filing.”

  He stood up and walked me out in silence. We exchanged glances before I walked back to the car and took off. I needed to drive and clear my head before I went back to seek Christopher and give him the news.

  Driving up to the Muir Woods, I found a parking spot, and decided I needed time. I walked the trails and found myself up at the Muir Beach lookout, taking in the endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Sitting down on the bench, I pulled my knees up to my chest as tears filled my eyes.

  I was going to be a mother whether Christopher stood by my side or not. This is a turning point, and only one struggle I will remember as long as I live. I will get through this.

  I sat at the lookout letting time pass by me. Memories of Armani filled me. Holidays, birthdays, the Castillo Yacht Club parties our parents threw. The years we spent walking to and from the school bus stop with Luciana. He always had mine and Luci’s back. Closing my eyes, I buried my face into my hands, sobbing out the emotions. Tears dripped over my cheeks like a leaking faucet, only the leak was petrifying. A leaking sink should not have been this devastating!

  “God damnit Armani, why couldn’t you just leave it alone? Who’s going to protect us now that you’re gone?” I spoke between sobbing.

  My vision blurred as I curled into a ball and laid on the bench and buried my face into my arm as I wept, and my cries echoed through the mountains. I cried until I couldn’t cry any more. When I opened my eyes, the sky was bright pink, and the sun reflected off the ocean water.

  It was eerily quiet, no one in sight; yet I felt his presence like he was sitting next to me. The wind blew gently.

  “Find him.”

  I looked around. “Is someone there?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. I was hearing voices, and now I was sure that I had lost it. “Get it together, Lorelai. You’re not hearing voices.” I whispered. Standing up, I wiped the tears away and took a deep breath.

  “Find Christopher.” The male voice was clear and dominant this time, as if there was a physical human being speaking. Looking around once more, the entire area was clear and panic filled me. Was Christopher in trouble?

  “Oh god… Christopher.” I took off running back toward the car. The distance to the parking lot left me breathless by the time I found myself in the driver’s seat scrambling to push the key into the ignition. Peeling out of the parking lot, I made my way back through the city traffic toward Sausalito. Nightfall was near, which is when we normally met up. I would find him, and it wouldn’t be an obstacle. He’s safe. Santino wouldn’t be dumb enough to strike twice in one day, would he? Gripping the steering wheel tight, another question came to mind. Was Santino really the homicidal psycho that went after Armani? Or was there a huge piece to my puzzle missing? I couldn’t be sure, but I couldn’t focus on that. I would find him at all costs. If someone laid as much of a finger on my Christopher, let alone hurt him, there would be a price to pay.

  ***

  Walking into the Castillo Yacht Club, I went into mission ‘Find Christopher’. I walked down the ramp onto the boardwalk and my first approach was going directly to his house.

  I took a deep breath and knocked.

  His father answered the door in his pajamas and stood there staring in silence as his eyes narrowed.

  I took a deep breath before. “Hello, Mr. Montgomery. Is Chris home by chance?”

  “He’s not. I haven’t seen him since last night. But you listen to me, young lady.” He stepped out and shut the door. “I know my son is quite fond of you, but I don’t want you anywhere near him. You stay away from him! Do you hear me?”

  I shied my eyes away from him for a moment before I met his glare. “I’m not sure why you’re so angry, but you have to know that I love your son, Mr. Montgomery. Regardless of what my family’s reputation is or what you think my family’s reputation is.” I paused as emotions choked me from continuing. “I’m sorry for bothering you.”

  “I meant what I said…you leave Christopher alone.” He slammed the door and left me standing there by myself with wide eyes for a moment. I swallowed hard and turned to walk away from the house, heading down toward Cakes and Pies.

  I couldn’t be sure if he had a fight with his parents, but something had understandably changed. People in this place talked; and if they hadn’t heard it through word of mouth, there had been an explicit murder delivered to the yacht club this morning and it just so happened to be one of my family members. I couldn’t blame Mr. or Mrs. Montgomery for having a change of heart, but that was the least of my problems. I needed to find their son before it was too late.

  Making it to the end of the docks, I jumped aboard the vessel and made my way into the cabin. “Chris?”

  No answer. I did a quick walk through; and when I found the cabin empty, panic struck. My chest tightened. “God damnit!” I yelled, making a mad dash out of the cabin, and onto the dock grabbing my walkie. “Christopher? If you can hear me, please respond. I need to know your location.” I checked the unoccupied houseboats failing to find my beloved boyfriend at every last one. Throwing my hair back in a ponytail as sweat dripped down my forehead, I found myself back at the boardwalk, keeping my eyes peeled.

  “Where are you, Christopher?” I spoke just abo
ve a whisper as I stopped and closed my eyes, trying to clear my head.

  He was close. I could feel it. I opened my eyes and a blurry vision of Luci came into my line of sight. She stood outside of the Black Diamond Club. Bile rose to my mouth as I slowly made my way down, and approached her standing in a black hoodie and yoga pants. “Luci?”

  She turned slowly and her eyes widened. She stayed silent for a moment. “It’s about time you showed up.”

  I studied the stern look on her face. Something was wrong, or something had happened.

  “W-what are you talking about?”

  “This is normally about the time you meet up with Christopher, right?”

  “You’ve been spying on me?”

  “Look, we can address that later. We have bigger problems on our hands.”

  I narrowed my eyes at her. “Go on.”

  “I think someone on our father’s team swiped your boyfriend into the Black Diamond Club. I’ve been watching foot traffic, but no one has come in or left in over an hour, Lor.”

  “Then we need to go in and look ourselves.” I started past her only to have my arm caught by her hand pulling me back to look at me face to face. “You know you’re not allowed back there, Lorelai.”

  I snapped my wrist out of her grasp, narrowing my eyes at her. “Doesn’t look like I have a choice, do I?” I crossed my arms, pacing the pathway in front of her and stopped after a few minutes. “Are you coming with me or not?”

  She sighed. “Yeah. You leading the way Catwoman?”

  I rolled my eyes, continued my way under the arch and made my way down the walkway. There were at least a dozen yachts anchored. Turning to Luci, I bit my lower lip. “Where do you think he’s being kept?”

  She stayed quiet for a moment. “Keep going, to the end of the dock.”