Mafia By Blood (Soul of the Sinner) by Rumer Raines (1)

Frank Deluca

 

I make sure no one is around as I walk back to my car and lift the key fob. I hear the car explode behind me. I don’t turn back to look at what I just did. I don’t want to see it because that would mean I have to acknowledge what I’ve done. I love being a Chicago detective. I have over ten years on the force and the respect of everyone I worked with. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fellow officer or someone I am interrogating; they all respect Detective Frank Deluca. They know I am a man of integrity and I won’t shit them around. I used to respect myself as well, until today.

I never thought I would cross that line. The imaginary line between good and evil. Sometimes family can fuck you up. You are on one path and they can easily direct you to another. My father paved the way for this new path. My father had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Despite the best treatment that money can buy, his health failed quickly. We all hated watching the disease take him away. We are a close family; there are five of us and we cherished the hell out of him. I am the oldest and then my brother, Alex and our baby sister, Alexis. Alex is four years younger than me and he is a hothead. Alex is the trouble maker in the family. I often think I went into law enforcement because of Alex. I always wanted to be able to get to him first. Alex has mellowed a little since turning thirty, but not much. He owns a club in downtown Chicago, which has been a huge success. He made Pop proud when he bought the club and named it Deluca’s.

Alexis is the family princess. She works at a cosmetic counter at the Water Tower. I often wonder if selling handmade soaps is a job, but Alexis is happy so the family is happy. Alexis is twenty-five and she is beautiful. Pop, Alex, and I have always taken great pleasure in torturing any guy that even has taken a second look at her when we’re around. Of course, being a proud Italian family, we always request that she brings the next victim over to family dinner. The only protection that Alexis and the next victim can seem to gather up is Ma. My mother is a saint. She is beautiful and you wouldn’t believe that she is a day over forty, and if you ask her, forty will always be her age.

Before Pop got sick, I considered my family to be the perfect little Italian family that still had dinners on Sunday, but I suppose all families have something buried in the backyard. Unfortunately, with my family, it’s probably a body.

When Pop realized that he couldn’t defeat his cancer, he had a talk with each one of us. We all spoke to him privately and he told us his wishes. We never confided to the others what was said, but Ma, Alex, and Alexis seemed to have peace with what was said. I was the last one to enter the hospital room to hear his wishes and have the dreaded talk. I hated entering the room. It is so heartbreaking to see the man you looked at like he was Superman, find his kryptonite. Pop had lost so much weight; he looked like photos I had seen of his pop, which was at least fifty pounds lighter than my pop. His face was sunken in and he was so weak. I hated seeing what cancer had done to him. He was a fighter and he fought to the very end. As I walked closer to the hospital bed, I could feel myself getting weaker and weaker. I knew in my gut that this would be one of the last times I would talk to my father, my hero. He turned his head slightly to look at me and his weak voice said he had something important to ask me.

 

“I am dying Frank. I can no longer fight it, it’s too painful.” It hurt so much to hear my father admit to his pain. My father spent the next twenty minutes making his final request and I was shocked by what I was hearing. My father was a criminal. My entire family is criminals. Hell, I may be a criminal by blood. My father is the fucking don.

He runs the fucking Chicago mafia and he is asking me to take charge. He could bypass me and ask Alex since I am in law enforcement, but Alex is a wild card. He doesn’t trust Alex with lives. I, on the other hand, will make level-headed decisions. I can’t believe what I am hearing. My fucking family is the mob? He wants me to run the mob. I am a fucking detective with the Chicago Police Department. How could I have missed that my family is made up of criminals? My father also advises that everything is already in place and when he dies, I am in charge. I will be approached and asked how I would like to proceed. If I decide that I will not run the business, it will have to go to Alex.

I love my brother, but to be honest I wouldn’t trust his judgment to oversee a pet fish. Alex is loose cannon. He doesn’t think anything through. He acts first and then thinks about the consequences. If I don’t take over, it will become his responsibility. Can I really let him take charge when this will directly affect Ma and Alexis? Granted, I don’t want this either and I don’t know how my family has kept this hidden from me. According to Pop, the family has always been in the business. His father was the don and it was passed down to him. He had great pride in the family. The only ones that were clueless were me and Alexis. Ma knows about the family business, but according to Pop, she knows nothing about the dealings of the business. Women are never involved, which is also why Alexis was never informed.

Pop said that I was never advised because of the obvious, I am on the wrong side of the law. I knew my family wasn’t happy with my decision when I announced I was interested in law enforcement. They all claimed that it was too dangerous. How much safer could I be, than in the family business?

Shortly after walking out of Pop’s hospital room, we were all called back. We watched him take his last breath and it felt like I was taking mine.

 

“Frank! Open the damn door!” I roll over and look at the clock. Its 4:30 in the morning and Alex is banging on the door. Why is he here so fucking early? It’s Saturday morning and it’s my day off. I roll out of bed, grab my pants and walk through my condo to open the door before he pisses off my neighbors. “What the hell, Alex?” I move aside and Alex strolls in looking agitated like I am the one who is getting him out of bed. “We need to talk. It’s been weeks since Pop died and you have a decision to make.”

Alex is great at reminding others of their responsibilities if only he would acknowledge his own. I haven’t made any decisions. I realize that this is a big responsibility, but I have other things to consider as well. I am a detective with the Chicago Police Department. I can’t just hand over my badge and start working with the mob instead. How can I go from protecting the city to working alongside people I am trying to put away? “Alex, I need time.” Alex looks at me and sits down in a chair next to the sofa, rubbing his chin.

“Frank, the business doesn’t go on vacation or take a break because you need time to think. Pop isn’t here to run the business now and there are other people involved. People that want to know who is calling the shots from now on. There’s a lot of shit going down and we need someone in place telling people how to handle shit.”

I am now a little confused. Pop said that Alex was aware of the business, but how involved is he? “Alex, how involved are you in this shit?” He stops rubbing his chin and looks up at me and lets out a slight smirk. “Frank I am very involved. How do you think I was able to open Deluca's? Didn’t you think it was odd that I was able to buy my house and drive a BMW just by owning a club? The club is a front. It’s the easiest way to make our money appear clean. You need to decide what you’re going to do, or I’m taking over. You have a fucking week.”

Alex’s visit is short so I decide I am going back to bed. It’s easier for me to think when lying in the dark in bed. When I finally get rested enough to fall asleep my phone rings. I have the day off, but I am always on call, so I know ignoring it isn’t an option. It’s the department. They need me at a crime scene. This obviously won’t be a peaceful Saturday.

Have you ever felt that you were being watched? As I drive to the crime scene, I have the strangest feeling that I am being followed. I don’t want to be paranoid because this is Chicago and traffic is a bitch, but the same blue car has been behind me since I pulled out of my parking spot. I switch lanes cutting other cars off and this blue car follows and appears to be one car away. I drive off the road and get my gun out of the glovebox deciding to figure this shit out. The blue car passes me and luckily, keeps going. That was some strange shit, but I guess it was just a coincidence. I put my gun back into the glove box and head to the crime scene.

This is a nice neighborhood, not one where you’d expect a triple murder. The only thing that feels out of place is the blue and red lights that are all over the place. I park and ask one of the other officers for updates. “It’s ugly. With three dead. They were sitting at the kitchen table and they were all shot in the head.” I ask if there are any suspects and he says no. “Do you know who the victims are?” “Oh yeah, we know who the victims are. This was a mob hit and I know the victims very well. I have been trying to catch a lead on their asses for months. I guess someone thought I was close to getting one.”

I hear nothing past the words mob hit. “How do you know for sure it had anything to do with the mob? Maybe they ticked someone else off.” He puts his notepad away and finally looks back at me. “Like I said I have been dealing with these three for a while. Look, I can’t say much, but there’s some major shit going down and I wanted to cut it off before it becomes another Valentine’s Day massacre. My people are telling me there are some changes being made. Apparently, a New York family wants to take over Chicago. I just can’t find out who’s involved In Chicago.”

The arrival of the coroner thankfully ends the conversation. I get back in my car and drive directly to Deluca’s to get as much information as I can from Alex. He wasn’t in the most loving mood when I saw him earlier. I know he wants to run the business. I would prefer he run it too, how can I run it? I can’t commit crimes and then solve them. The last thing I want to be is a dirty cop. Deluca’s is twenty-five minutes away from the triple murder. It’s early, so I know there won’t be anyone at the club. As expected, I see Alex’s BMW parked in the back. He practically lives here so I am not at all surprised. I suppose I should have suspected something was going on at the club. Alex had a lot of money always flowing through the club and somewhat suspicious clientele. I even questioned Alex whether drugs were being pushed. He always said the club was legit.

The back door to the club is in the alley, but Alex never locked it. I walk right in and call for Alex. The lights are all off, but I can see the lights to his upstairs office are on. “Hey Alex, we need to talk.” He yells back that he’ll right down and to give him a second. A few minutes, later a girl comes down the stairs adjusting her clothes. I shouldn’t be surprised that Alex isn’t here working. The girl looks at me and gives me a sly smile advising that maybe she’ll see me later. A few minutes later, Alex comes down the same stairs with a look of satisfaction on his face. “Really Alex? If you’re going to fuck around at work, you should probably lock the door.”

Alex goes behind the bar and grabs a couple of bottles of water, tossing me one. “Well Frank, you should know that no one is going to start shit at Deluca’s unless it’s with me in the office. What are you doing here anyway? Have you made your decision? Business doesn’t take a break.”

“I just left a crime scene where three people were shot in the head. I was advised it was mob related. Do you know anything about it?” Alex lowers his water bottle and rolls his eyes at me. “You’re actually here on police business? I want to give you a tip. If we had anything to do with it, your co-worker wouldn’t have said it was a mob hit. Our own cops would have been on the scene feeding you totally different information.”

Oh hell, did he just say his own police? “Alex, what the hell are you talking about?” He lowers his water bottle and walks to the other side of the bar. “Frank, you think that pop just had a small little group and we called ourselves the mob for fun? We fucking own Chicago. We have lawyers, doctors, judges and police officers. Hell, you are probably part of the small percentage of good, law-abiding officers on the fucking force. How do you think we were able to totally keep you in the dark?” I start to question Alex further, but his cell phone rings and he indicates he has business to handle. He walks back up to his office and I decide I need to get the hell out of here.

I am too wound up to go back home, I need to work out. I head to the gym thankful that I keep my workout clothes in the trunk of my car. I check in and look around, thankful because the gym is slow. A lot of guys from the force use this gym and I am not in the mood to make small talk with any of them. I keep thinking about how Alex said the mob has dirty cops in its pocket. Have I really been kept in the dark by people I trust? It’s bad enough that my family has kept me in the dark, but the guys I work with? How do I even know who to trust now? What if I decide to stay on the right side of the law? Would I have to investigate the guys I work with? Would they continue to keep me in the dark? Am I even allowed to stay in the dark or do I know too much now?

I change my clothes and head out to run on the treadmill. I have so much shit to decide. My family is everything to me and Pop was on his deathbed when he told me all of this. How can I not continue his legacy? He obviously wanted me to run the business and not Alex. He would probably be better at it than me. Alex has apparently known about the business all along. He is good at this. He must be since he has kept me in the dark all this time. The thing about Alex is that he’s dangerous. He doesn’t think things through. He acts then he thinks. Alex can also be power hungry. I can imagine him killing someone just because he thought they looked at him wrong.

“Excuse me!” I look over and there is a girl standing on the treadmill next to me. She is pretty and her dark hair that is pulled back into a ponytail. She has to be about five and a half feet tall and has pouty lips. She isn’t wearing any makeup, thank goodness. I hate when girls put on makeup to work out. They only sweat the shit off anyways. She is still looking at me, with raised eyebrow probably wondering why the hell I am sizing her up. “Yeah, did you need anything?” Now she’s sizing me up, “Do you mind if I use this treadmill or do you need personal space? I know there are others, but I thought I would run on this one.” I look around and there are several open, but if she wants the one right next to me, who am I to deny her?

“That’s fine if you don’t mind getting a little of my sweat on you.”

She looks me over and smiles and says that my sweat won’t bother her at all. Is she flirting with me? I have so much shit on my plate right now; I don’t think I can take anything else. Not even her. I give her a small smile and increase the speed on my treadmill.

“Do you work out here a lot?” I turn to look and yes she is talking to me. Of course, she is talking to me; I am the only other person using the treadmills. “I try to come a few times a week. How about you?”

“I actually just moved to town and this is my first time here! My name is Lola.” She did not just say her name was Lola. “Lola, huh? “She gives me the sexiest smile that I have seen in a long fucking time. “Well, Lola my name is Frank.” “It’s nice to meet you, Frank,” she responds.

Lola and I hit it off and actually have an interesting conversation while on the treadmills. The gym has several televisions that you can watch while exercising. Lola and I didn’t have to watch any of it. She talks about her family and how she is from New York. She lived in Manhattan and decided she wanted to get out of such a large city, but wanted to stay in a city, so she moved to Chicago. She has been in Chicago for three weeks now. She is the only child and her parents own a restaurant. They were upset when she left New York, but they have already visited in the three weeks she has been here.

“Geez, you have heard all about me, Frank. What’s your story?” Oh shit, here we go. Do I want to tell her what I do? I don’t even know what I do now. Am I a Chicago detective with a foot in the mob?” Or, do I say I might be a mob member in training or maybe I just recently inherited the mob? I open my mouth to answer… “Hey, Frank!” someone yells. I look over and I have never been more relieved to see Gina. “Hi, how are you doing Gina?”

“How about I let you find out later?” she smirks.

Gina and I dated for almost six months, but it just didn’t work out. She decided she was ready to get married and have kids and I wasn’t. This is the reason why you don’t add people onto gym memberships. I added her on mine and once we were through, she continues to come. Gina doesn’t like working out so I thought I would be safe coming on weekends, but apparently, that didn’t work.

“I think I’ll have to pass Gina, but it’s good seeing you.” She looks over to Lola and sizes her up. Knowing Gina, she will assume that Lola and I are here together. This is understandable since there have to be 15 treadmills, we’re the only two on them and we’re right next to each other. I look over at Lola and she has started looking at me and Gina with a confused look. Gina sizes her up once again and walks away.

“Am I going to have to problems in the locker room with her?” I chuckle and advise that she should be safe. “That’s good to know because I have to get going. It was nice to meet you, Frank. Maybe I’ll run into you the next time!”

“Nice to meet you too, Lola!” I watch her ass as she heads back to the locker room. Lola was a breath of fresh air. It was nice to talk to her and forget about my own problems. Once I get off this treadmill I still have a lot to decide.

 

I only had Sunday off and it was family dinner day. Sunday isn’t the same anymore without Pop. Ma still cooks a big meal. Alex, Alexis, and I still come over every Sunday. We are painfully aware that one person is missing. Ma has been a little quieter lately and I know she is a missing piece of her heart. We try to keep her busy so she doesn’t get depressed. I have to hand it to Alexis; she has really been spending a lot of time with Ma. She has even moved back in with her and Alex and I are so grateful to her for doing that.

Family dinner is a little quieter without Pop. I think it’s only because Alex and Alexis argue less because they don’t want to upset Ma. Once we are finished eating dinner, Alex and I go to the living room to watch football. Ma and Alexis clear the dining table and head to the kitchen. Alexis comes back with a couple of beers and hands one to me and Alex. “Ma needs you in the kitchen, Frank.” I watch the game for a few more seconds until a commercial, open my beer and head to the kitchen to help Ma.

“Hey, Ma, did you need me?” She is sitting at the table and I can tell she is deep in thought. “What’s wrong, Ma?” “Oh Frankie, I so miss your father. “ My parents were married for so many years; I can’t imagine how it feels for her to be without him. My longest relationship was six months with Gina and there are times when I would miss her. I didn’t even have the love for her that my parents had for each other. “I know you do Ma, we all miss him.”

She looks up at me with tears in her eyes and my heart breaks. “Frankie, I know how much you love your job. Your father and I have shielded you and Alexis from so many things. Things that the family was involved in. I know your father asked you to make a decision and you really need to make it soon.” Oh shit, is my mother talking to me about the mob? I assumed that she didn’t know about it, but I guess I was wrong.

“Frankie, your Uncle Vinnie is worried about things heating up. I won’t lie and say I know much about the business. Your father didn’t believe that women should get involved, but I did know the man that I was married to. If you decide that you don’t want this life, then you need to let your uncle or Alex know. The family needs a leader. Whatever you decide, you're my son and I will stand with you.”

“Ma, what do you want? What would you choose for me? I know if I don’t do this, Alex will take over. You know I want to help people. I want to help keep this city safe.” I need her viewpoint on this and I need to know that whatever decision I make will be the right one.

Ma gets up and peeks out the kitchen door. She obviously wants to make sure Alex and Alexis are still in the living room. “Frankie, I have no favorites between my children. However, if I have to choose who I want to protect the family I have to choose you. My Alex is a good boy, but power is dangerous for him. Frankie, I shouldn’t tell you this, but Alex has killed innocent people. Your father had others clean it up and bury bodies to protect Alex, but the family needs someone who has a level head. When you chose your career, you father started to prepare Alex to take over. What he saw in Alex scared him.”

Fuck, I can’t believe Alex has killed people. It doesn’t sound like this was just one innocent bystander either she said he killed people. My mother starts to say more, but Alexis comes into the kitchen questioning if Ma is giving me family secrets. If only she knew.

 

Monday morning is here before I know it and I am back at my desk researching cases. Once, there was a day when I loved coming in and looking at cases. Now I fear what I might find. I might find out that Alex is the prime suspect in some of these cases. I hear the chair across from my desk being scraped on the floor and can’t believe that Alex is sitting across from me. “Hey Frank, whatcha doing?”

“What am I doing? Alex, I am working. What are you doing here? You do realize this is a police station?” Alex lets out a chuckle and looks around. “Like I told you, Frank, the family business is bigger than you think. I may have more clout than you do around here.” This is why Pop didn’t want Alex in charge. He is such an arrogant bastard. He would proudly take too many fucking risks. “Alex, what the fuck are you doing here? I’m working,” I say. “Yes, you are working. You’re working your part-time job. You have a full-time job that you need to commit to or you need to tell us if you have other intentions.”

I am now officially sick of Alex and stand up from my desk and ask him to follow me outside. Once we reach the doors, I grab Alex by his shirt collar and shove him against the building. “Did you have anything to do with a triple murder yesterday?” Alex pushes me off and straightens his shirt. “Excuse me? Are you actually going to question my ass in front of a police station? You’ve got a lot of fucking balls, Frank. You haven’t even decided if you want to run things, but you want to ask questions?” I start to move towards Alex again, but I notice a couple of officers walking past to enter the station. I give them a nod letting them know all is well and they head into the building. “Alex, what the fuck do you want? I haven’t made my decision, but that didn’t stop me from getting rid of your fucking evidence did it? I don’t remember seeing you when I was blowing up a car. I told you I will decide. I have to go back to work and don’t come back here!”

I walk back into the building, not giving a second look at Alex. “Hey, Deluca, I was just at your desk looking for you. Can you come into my office please?” Shit, the minute I get back inside, Captain Hill summons me and I head to his office. What else can derail me today? The only thing I want to do is focus on this triple murder. “Frank Deluca, I want you to meet your new partner, Lola Covelli.”

I can’t believe my eyes. Not only am I getting a partner -- although I prefer to work alone -- but my partner is the girl from the gym. I believe the world is small, but this is Chicago and it’s not that small. Lola looks at me with a smile and puts her small hand out to shake my hand. “I believe we have already met, Captain.” Hill looks between the two of us, obviously wondering where the hell we have met each other. I grasp her hand to shake it and I feel something that I don’t quite understand. I notice Captain Hill is still eyeing me so I decide to end his misery. “Lola and I met at the gym. Of course, I assumed that would be the only place I would see her.” Lola slowly pulls back her hand and smiles. “I guess you’re not that lucky.”

Captain Hill has us both take a seat. Mob crimes have been increasing in Chicago. He wants all hands on deck and brought in another detective, Ms. Covelli who has experience in working the mob scene. Ms. Covelli will be the perfect addition to the department. Since I don’t currently have a partner, it makes sense for us to work together. Hill doesn’t want to split up any of the other teams. My primary focus will switch from homicide to the mob. Apparently, everyone wants me involved in the mob. My family, my captain, and now my new partner. I am either going to take them down or lead them. After twenty minutes of planning how Lola and I will take on the mob, Captain Hill dismisses us and tells me to show Lola to her new desk. Lola looks at me and smiles and I know I’m in trouble.

Walking back to my desk with Lola hot on my heels, I start to have flashbacks. If you ever wondered if it’s true that your life can flash before your eyes; I can assure you, it’s very true. I start thinking back over the past few months. I think back to Pop having his chemo treatments, telling me about the family business, asking me to take charge. Then with pop dying, and lying in his casket, how family dinners are missing something since Pop died. Then there was the car explosion and me having to investigate the mob, and now Lola as my partner. I have decisions to make and make fast.

“Here is your desk, right across from mine.” Lola evaluates the desk and looks up at me with a smile. “It will do. I’ll just need to bring flowers in or something to make it look more feminine.”

I asked, “Lola, why didn’t you tell me you are a police officer?” She takes a seat at her new desk and pulls her hair up into a ponytail. “I never tell guys I am a police officer. I don’t recall you mentioning being one either.” I am about to respond when Marcus Mancini waltzes over with a cocky smirk on his face. I can’t stand Marcus Mancini. He is a 28-year-old arrogant punk who thinks he is the gift to the world. I watch for ten long-ass minutes as he flirts with Lola and brags that he has basically solved every case in the department. The cases he didn’t solve, he offered valuable clues on. If I didn’t know any better, I would think Lola is falling for this shit. I am about to put an end to it and step between the two, indicating that Lola and I needed to get going. As I start to make my move, Captain Hill comes out shouting “Detective Deluca and Covelli my office, NOW!”

“What is it, Captain?” Hill sits at his desk and rubs his temples. “You two need to get to Lakeshore Hospital, one of our informants has been shot.”

 

When we arrive at Lakeshore, Lola and I aren’t prepared for what we see. Jonas Knight is a mob informant. He obviously didn’t do his job that well because he got caught snooping which proved to be painful. Knight was not only shot, but he was blinded in both eyes from having acid thrown in his face. The doctors had him drugged up because he was obviously in a lot of pain. Lola looks at him and shakes her head obviously shaken and leaves the room.

I walk out shortly after her and she is leaning against the wall, with her hand over her mouth. “I can never get used to any of this.” I can totally understand where she is coming from. It’s hard to see what people can do to each other, without any regard. “How long have you been a cop, Lola?” She looks to me and chuckles. “One year. My parents were devastated. They would have preferred me become a nurse or a teacher if I wanted to help humanity. They believe there are criminals in the streets and the police department.” I am now chuckling because she is too close to the truth.

We decide to hang out at the hospital since the doctors indicate that Knight should awaken shortly. At least, he’ll be awake enough to answer our questions and we need to find out who did this to him. I am praying that I am not related to any of the suspects. I am sitting outside his room waiting for Knight to regain consciousness, so Lola decides to get coffee from the cafeteria.

I close my eyes and tilt my head back to the wall. I keep thinking about Knight being shot and having his eyes burned out. How he had to have suffered. He wasn’t only shot, but as he laid there in pain, acid was thrown in his face. Are these the monsters that I will have to deal with? If I was in charge, could something like this be prevented? I did just blow up a car, but that was to get rid of evidence. There was no one in the car, so I didn’t commit a murder or hurt anyone. Did I prevent justice from being done? Yeah, but no one was hurt.

I am praying that Alex isn’t involved in this. I know that my family isn’t the only mob family in Chicago, so why am I worried about Alex being involved? I know why I am worried. Because this sounds like something Alex would do. He would be the type to shoot someone and for extra measures blind them with acid.

 

LOLA

I hate buying coffee from a machine. I don’t even know why they even refer to it as coffee. Why not call it what it is, brown water? However, I volunteered to get myself and Frank a cup so here I am buying brown water. I had to get away from him. It was bad enough being near him at the gym. He could not have been any sexier than when he was all sweaty on the treadmill. My new partner is going to cause me a major issue and I have a job to do. I wasn’t sent here from New York to fall for the guy, I was sent here to help take him down. I only wish he was different. Why can’t Frank Deluca be an arrogant, obnoxious jerk who is overweight and ugly? That would be too easy, I suppose. This guy has a body that looks like it’s made of stone, stands over six feet tall, with dark hair and the most beautiful chocolate brown eyes I have ever looked into. If that isn’t bad enough, he always seems to have forgotten to shave this morning. The scruff on his jaw makes me think about how it would feel it in places I shouldn’t even be thinking about now.

I pick up our coffee and take a sip of the brown water and it’s as bad as I expected. I will definitely need to stop by a real coffee shop before going back to the station. This coffee is so weak, that I don’t think I will need any cream or sugar, but I pick up a few packets for Frank. I doubt he’ll need any; he seems more of the strong black coffee type. He’ll have to deal with strong black water. I am headed back to the room when the theme song from Jaws starts to play in my purse. Shit, that only means one caller and I am not in the mood for him. I don’t have any information to give him so I’ll ignore the call. He will be pissed, but so far I have nothing on Frank Deluca.

 

FRANK

This is the worst shit I have ever tasted. I force it down and look over to Lola. She is looking at me with a smirk and holds up her cup taking a sip. “What is this shit?” I ask her as I am choking down another sip. Lola makes the cutest little chuckle and looks over at me. “That would be the complimentary coffee that I picked up in the waiting room. Isn’t it tasty?” I catch myself staring at Lola’s plump bottom lip.

After spending too much time wondering how Lola’s lips would feel, the doctor finally comes out and tells us that we can talk to Knight. He’s in bad shape, but it is okay for us to speak to him. Lola and I walk into his room and look at each other as we see the bandages on his eyes. Someone really did a job on him. It’s one thing to shoot someone, but to try to blind them is personal. Lola walks over to the bed and introduces us and advises him that we have a few questions for him.

We questioned Knight for almost thirty minutes before the nurses kicked us out. We didn’t get a ton of information from him, but the information we did get was unsettling. He mentioned bad mob guys and talking to the wrong person. Knight also made one comment that had me sweating bullets. He mentioned witnessing a man blow up a car.

 

LOLA

We didn’t get much from Knight, which I expected. He was drugged, but conscious as the doctor described. He was so afraid, that no amount of drugs would calm him. This was obviously a mob hit. He pissed off someone who wanted him to pay. Who could be so fucking evil as to throw acid in someone’s face? One thing is for certain, he won’t be able to pick anyone out of a lineup. When Knight mentions the car bomb, I can’t help but notice Frank stiffen. He starts to grill Knight more about witnessing someone blowing up a car, but the nurse comes in and halts our questions. Frank can’t get out of the room fast enough.

“Are you okay, Frank? You look like you’re going to be sick.” Frank looks at me and snaps that he is fine. “We need to get back to the station, “he advises and stomps off. I have a feeling that Frank is not even close to being fine.

 

FRANK

We finally get back to the station and I should get away from Lola. She is asking question after question trying to figure out what Knight could have seen. Who could he have pissed off? She heads back to her desk and I head to the restroom. I need to splash water on my face and think. I haven’t heard of any explosions in Chicago. The only explosion was the one that I caused. I had no choice, but to get rid of evidence for Alex. I haven’t decided if I will run the family business or not, but I had to protect Alex. He is my brother, my blood and I couldn’t let him go down. Now I have to wonder if he is responsible for Knight and it’s his way of making sure I don’t go down for the explosion. I need to talk to Alex.

When I get back to my desk, Lola is leaning back in her chair and ready to continue with the mob conversation she started in the car. “Do you know the mob families in Chicago, Frank?” She is going to charge ahead with this. “I don’t think they are in the phonebook under Mob if that’s what you’re asking,” I reply sarcastically.

Lola rolls her eyes and straightens up in her chair, so I know this conversation is just getting started.

“Yes, I realize that, smart ass. I know they don’t advertise, but I think we need to dig into the families. We need to find out who is in charge and what they have been up to.”

“I don’t think we know for sure that the mob is even involved. For all we know, this could be the work of a jealous ex-girlfriend or wife. You know women can get evil when they are crossed.”

Lola tilts her head and looks at me like I am an idiot. “Women don’t throw acid in someone’s eyes. We may shoot you, but never acid.”

 

After the shift is over, I can’t wait to get out of here. I need to talk to Alex. I have to know if he had anything to do with Knight being shot and burned. Alex isn’t in charge, but I know he is handling the business. I head to Deluca’s to find out what exactly he knows.

Deluca’s is packed as I expected. It doesn’t matter if it’s Tuesday or Saturday. It’s the place to be. I have to admit that Alex knows how to keep the place packed and successful. I don’t see him anywhere on the floor, so I head upstairs to his office. Alex has a guard standing by the stairs to keep anyone from going up, but luckily the guard is my cousin, Thomas. He tilts his chin and lets me pass to go up to the office.

As a courtesy, I knock once and then open the door to Alex’s office. He has stacks of money on his desk and he is counting a wad of cash. There is also has a leather couch and a small coffee table. I turn to go sit on the couch but notice there is a girl sitting on the floor between the two and she is snorting cocaine. I shake my head and look back over to Alex who smirks at me and yells for the girl to get out of his office. She mumbles that he is a jack-ass and stalks out of the office.

“Really, Alex?”

“Hey, I am in my damn office and if I recall, Thomas was supposed to keep anyone from coming upstairs.” Alex finishes counting his money and comes around the desk, sitting on the edge.

“What do you want, Frank? Do you have any major announcements that you want to share? You know that this is really all yours. The money, the women, and even the drugs if that floats your boat.”

I roll my eyes and ask Alex the one question that I had for him. “I had to question a man named Jonas Knight. He was shot and had acid thrown in his face. He said he was heard talking about the wrong people and witnessed a car explosion. Did you have anything to do with his injuries, Alex?”

Alex starts to laugh and stands up to walk back to his chair. “Frank, are you honestly asking me this? First of all, you haven’t made any decisions, so right now you’re a cop. I don’t answer any questions from the cops. Secondly, if I did it shouldn’t you be thanking me? You, my law-abiding brother, recently caused a car explosion. If someone did blind the guy, maybe they did you a favor. So, I guess to answer your question, get the fuck out of my club.”

 

LOLA

I am going crazy. I shouldn’t be doing this, but I followed Frank and am now sitting outside of Deluca’s. I know he has more information than he is saying. I could tell how tense he was when I mentioned the mob. He didn’t want to give me the names of any of the mob families in Chicago. He was so uncomfortable when I questioned him. Deluca’s is so busy that I can’t believe it’s not Saturday. My people tell me that Deluca’s is run by Alex Deluca, who is Frank’s brother. Alex is a dangerous fucker who no one wants to deal with. Apparently, Frank’s dad wanted Frank to be in charge since he is the sensible brother. I can see that in him, however, I can tell he has no business being anywhere near the mob business. I just hope that he isn’t, so I don’t have to do what I have been sent here to do.

 

FRANK

I need to get more information about the family business. Lola started asking me these damn questions again and I can’t give her any safe answers. None of my cases have ever involved the mob. I honestly have no idea if there are other families in Chicago. I also don’t know how to get the information without looking suspicious. What if I ask the wrong questions of the wrong person? I was told that the mob family includes police officers. Since I had no idea what was going on, that doesn’t include me. These other officers have done a wonderful job at keeping me in the dark. They could have easily gotten rid of information or made sure I didn’t hear anything. One name comes to mind… Marcus Mancini. I need to talk to the arrogant fucker.

I make sure to get to the station extra early the next morning because Marcus is always there super early. I have no idea why, but I know that he normally is and I want to talk to him before Lola comes in. The little fucker is exactly where I expect him to be. At his desk leaning back in his chair like he owns the place. “Hey Frankie, you’re normally not here this early.” I really hate this guy, but I put on a phony smile and pull a chair over to his desk to sit across from him. “You’re right, but I’m working on a new case and thought I would get an early start. Would you mind if I pick your brain a little?”

Marcus sits straight up, obviously shocked that I would ask for his help with anything. He is not the only one shocked since I threw up a little in my mouth as the words came out. “Sure go ahead. What does the great Frankie Deluca need help with?” I hate that he thinks he can call me Frankie. Ma and Alexis are the only ones that call me that. Pop used to and Alex only does it to piss me off. I need information from this prick, so I will let it slide. “What do you know about the mob families in Chicago?”

I notice one of his eyebrows rise and he starts to run his hands through his hair. “What I know, Frankie is that the families have recently gotten very active. They have always been around, but there hasn’t been as much activity as there is now. There are three families in Chicago. The Gallo, Moretti, and Russo families. I think they basically have agreed to stay out of the others’ way. Apparently, there has been a shakeup at the top. Now the families are in a battle to take charge.”

The Gallo, Moretti, and Russo families? I wonder how the Deluca family fits into the picture. Are we an outside family? I can’t ask Marcus if he’s heard anything about my family, but this is very strange. Are there any other families in the city?” Marcus is now rubbing his chin. “Not that I am aware of. These are normally the only names that come up. Why? Do you know of any new families?”

“No, it’s just a big city and I am surprised those are the only families,” I tell him.

“Well, we’re not as big as New York City. They probably have dozens of families. Speaking of New York, how’s it going with that hot little partner of yours? Lola?”

On this note, I think I need to end the conversation since I have no interest in discussing Lola with Marcus Mancini. Lola is beautiful and I am sure he only wants to get in her pants. Which I don’t plan on letting happen. I am not sure why I care and don’t understand why I have this possessive feeling towards her, but Marcus and Lola won’t happen while I am around.

I get up from the chair so fast that it scrapes across the floor and some papers fly off his desk. “Thanks for your help, Marcus. I better get to work while these names are fresh.” I can hear him mentioning Lola again as I walk away.

 

LOLA

“Deluca, Covelli! My office, now!” The minute I put my purse down, the captain yells for Frank and me to come to his office. It’s going to be a long day. Frank smirks and follows behind me as we find out why we are being summoned first thing in the morning.

“What did you find out from Knight when you questioned him at the hospital?” Captain Hill is pacing and doesn’t look happy.

Frank looks at me and we both notice how tense Captain Hill appears and realize that something bad has happened. “We questioned him for maybe 30 minutes and the doctors said we had to leave. He was agitated and basically said he saw something he shouldn’t have. We were going to talk to him this morning.”

“Well, you won’t be able to discuss anything with him. He’s disappeared.”

I must have misheard Captain Hill, so I calmly ask him again. “Did you just say he disappeared?”

“Yes!” Captain Hill yells so loud that it startles me. “Apparently, the doctors went to check on him and the bed was empty. Hell, the bed had even been made like he was never there. No one discharged him or even saw him leave!”

“It has to be one of the mob families. We know it had to be them that did this to him. They had to have known we were going back to talk to him and decided to get to him first!” I look over to Frank expecting him to agree with me, but he is silent. We make eye contact and I am hoping he says something, but I get nothing from Frank Deluca.

Once Captain Hill dismisses us telling us that we need to find Knight and find out whatever he knows, it’s now my turn to be hot on Frank’s heels. “Why didn’t you say anything in there?”

We get back to our desks and for a moment I think he didn’t hear my question. “What is there to say, Lola? He’s gone. If the mob took him, we’ll probably never find him.”

“Did you just say if the mob took him? Who else would have done this? Let’s just say this was a typical robbery. He may have been shot, but not blinded. If this was a drug deal gone bad, yes he may have been shot, but no acid would have been involved. Knight said that he saw something that he shouldn’t have seen. He said he witnessed someone setting off a car bomb. That has mob written all over it!”

Frank suddenly looks pissed. “Lola, we don’t have proof that the mob has done shit. Innocent until proven guilty, right? Or is that not how things were done in New York?”

“Fuck you, Frank!”

“Oh snap! I came at the right time! I hope that wasn’t an invitation only for Frank, sweet thing.” Marcus chooses now to come wondering over, as I am about to chew off a piece of Frank’s ass.

“No, Marcus, that wasn’t an invitation to Frank or anyone else in this department.” He makes a sad face and tries to give me puppy dog eyes, which only pisses me off more. Marcus is a nice guy and very attractive. He has clean-cut, good guy looks. He probably has different colored polo’s color coordinated perfectly in his closet. He is not my type.

I am so mad, that I practically throw myself into my chair and start looking over my paperwork. I make sure to handle the paperwork roughly so Marcus and Frank would realize that I am still pissed.

Marcus takes the hint and turns his attention to Frank. “Hey, I talked to one of my buddies about the Chicago mob families and he insisted that those are the only families in the area. Apparently, other families can’t just move in.”

Frank mutters a ‘thank you’ and notices that I’ve stopped shuffling my papers and I am now focused entirely on him.

 

FRANK

He really had to announce that in front of Lola? I am sure she now knows I am researching the mob after I told her we didn’t have proof. I can tell it’s on the tip of her tongue and she will grill me about this one. Damn, this woman won’t move on when she has something in mind. She is worse than pit bull when it has you by the pants leg. You can’t shake her off.

“You asked Marcus about the mob families in Chicago? I thought you said there was no proof they were involved?”

I can tell she’s pissed. “I did tell you that, but I still wanted to know who is in the area. If anything else happens, we’ll be ahead of the game.”

“Ahead of the game?” Lola rolls her eyes and I can hear the sarcasm in her voice. I can tell she isn’t buying this shit.

Lola grabs her purse from the drawer and slams it shut. I am not sure if I should ask, but do anyways. “Where’re you headed?”

“I am going to the coffee shop at the corner. I need to get out of here!”

“Great I’ll come with you.” I stand up and lead the way to the elevator.

 

LOLA

I don’t know why this jerk is coming with me. I needed to get away from him and handle personal business. He knows more information about the Chicago mob than he is letting on. I can’t believe he questioned Marcus about the families. I don’t know if he is smarter than I realize or just stupid. I was sent here to get information on his family. We had a snitch who told us that it is not a single group in Chicago. There are several families that make up the Chicago mob. They all agreed to stay out of each other’s way. Once the families merged, they took the boss’ name. Apparently, the boss died and his son will take over. We couldn’t believe that son was a Chicago detective. After doing our research, we discovered that son had to be Detective Frank Deluca.

I need to get more information on this family, but it won’t come easily. Apparently, Frank’s father inherited the mob through Frank’s mother. Frank’s great-grandfather was a badass mafia boss in Sicily. He owned most of the country. His wife gave birth to all girls, but he wasn’t going to let anyone but family inherit his legacy. He left his business to his son-in-law with the stipulation that the business always stayed the family name, Costa.

Several generations later a son was finally born, Frank Deluca.

We walked to the coffee shop a few blocks over. Frank grabs the door, holding it open for me and I walk up to the counter to order my coffee and bagel. Frank orders the same. We move to the end of the counter waiting for our coffee to be made.

“Lola, I realize that you are pissed, but we can’t just go after the mob. We have to investigate and find people willing to talk.”

“I am not new to the job, Frank. You have the names and we need to start questioning them. One of these families has Knight. He could still be alive and willing to talk. He saw someone or something.”

 

FRANK

Lola is right. Knight did see something. He overheard something and witnessed someone blowing up a car. My gut feeling is that he witnessed me blowing up the car and that Alex found out and took care of him. I am so sick knowing that when he mentioned the bomb, I was almost relieved that he had been blinded. He couldn’t see me as I questioned him.

I was still getting over Pop’s death when I decided I would go to Deluca’s for a beer. I knew it was closing time, but I also knew Alex would still be there and I could get a drink. I pulled into the alley and saw that Alex and Thomas were shouting and then I witnessed Alex push Thomas.

I jumped out of my truck and got between them asking what the hell was going on. Thomas and Alex were always close, so I knew that some bad shit was going on. “He fucked up! We’re going to end up in prison because of him!” Thomas is yelling, still trying to get hold of Alex. I turn to look at Alex who’s just smirking. I just don’t understand what makes Alex tick sometimes. Thomas is ready to strangle him with his bare hands and Alex is smirking.

I can tell I am not going to get an honest answer from Alex. I look at Thomas and ask him what happened. “Your stupid ass brother stole a car, but did so to bring the cash and drugs that he stole.” I look over to Alex who is still smirking and he rolls his eyes at me. I look back at Thomas to question him. “What the hell are you talking about, Thomas?”

“Do you see that black Chevy Impala over there?” I turn and see the car parked next to Thomas’ white Jaguar. “Yes, I do. Are you saying that car is stolen?” Thomas raises an eyebrow. “I am saying that car is filled with drugs and cash, all of which are stolen. There is enough shit in that car to put all three of us in prison just for standing near it.”

I turn away from Alex, going to look inside the car. Thomas was right. There are stacks of bundled cash, as well as drugs. The drugs are wrapped and have tags that look very familiar. It almost looks like authorities-wrapped evidence. I start to feel sick. Alex is still smirking at me and he knows what I am about to ask him.

“Alex, where did you steal this shit from?” Alex doesn’t answer, so Thomas does for him. “Where do you think he stole it from? He took all this shit from the fucking police station!” My vision suddenly goes black and the next thing I realize, Thomas is now pulling me off Alex. I want to kill him; he stole evidence from the police station. He came to see me at the department and stole fucking evidence.

“How in the hell can you do this, Alex?”

“Look, the opportunity presented itself, so I took it.” He actually believes this shit. I can’t believe I am related to this fucker. “How does the opportunity present itself to steal evidence from the police station? You do realize that they will notice that this shit is gone, don’t you? The serial number for every bill is in the station. Hell, besides the money and drugs, someone will miss the car! ”

Alex shakes his head and smirks. “You have a police scanner. Did you hear anything about a missing car? No one will be able to tie me to the drugs or the money. As far as this car goes, it will be dust in one hour.”

“You’re going to blow the car up?” Alex has the nerve to look at me like I’m stupid. “Yes, Frankie, I will get rid of the car. I’m keeping the cash and selling the drugs to earn more cash. Maybe, if you’re a good boy, I’ll split it with you.”

“We’re not splitting anything, Alex. In one hour, the car, drugs, and cash will be dust.”

“You are crazy as hell if you think I’m letting you get rid of the cash and drugs. The car is yours, but nothing else. Do you know how much I can make off those drugs? I can buy another club! Free of fucking charge.”

“Alex, this isn’t free of charge! You stole this from a police station. This is obviously evidence from a drug bust. It will be missed and they will pull tapes to find everyone that was in the station!”

Alex laughs. “I practically own a third of the cops in the station. They won’t say shit about me!”

“How about me, Alex? You don’t think I will say anything if questioned? I was left in charge of the family, not you.”

“You would turn me in,” he asked. “Fuck yeah, Alex. Now, where were you planning on getting rid of the damn car?” I practically spit out

A few hours later I was lifting the car fob and listening to the explosion in the background. Alex refused to come pick me up, so Thomas came along. I could have tried to sneak everything back into the station, but it was too risky.

Thomas and I don’t speak as we drive back to Deluca’s. When we are within a few blocks, Thomas decides the silence was enough. “You do realize that if you don’t start running the family, Alex will, don’t you? Alex will have us all doing time in prison.”

I don’t even want to discuss this with Thomas. I can feel him looking at me. “He stole evidence from the police station. He could have gone down and taken me with him. He brought the shit right back to the club! Do you know the stupid fuck left his own car at the station?”

I look over at Thomas shaking my head. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”

Thomas smirks. “Hell, I wish I could make this shit up. The dumbass stole a car, drugs, and money from the police station and then left his signature in the damn parking lot. What a fucking leader, huh?”

I don’t know or care how Alex got his car. I was done with this shit for the night.

 

LOLA

I can’t sleep and stare at the clock for most of the night. I toss and turn thinking about Frank. I need to figure out how to get information out of him. He’s closed off and I can’t get shit out of him and I am starting to catch heat. I don’t think he is involved with the mob yet, and to be honest I can’t see him being a dirty cop. There are a few others in the department that smell of mafia. It’s odd that no one else can see it. I don’t even think Frank notices it. I think you must be raised around la familia to notice it. They definitely have the ‘I am a badass’ swagger to them. They fear nothing and are very arrogant. You also can’t overlook the small things. The expensive little pieces of jewelry, the cars they drive. They almost have a different look in their eye. I have to be careful around them. If I can see it in their eye, they may something in mine.

I will tell Frank that I am investigating the families. I think I have enough information to spook him; he’ll think I really did the research. He’ll never need to know this is information I already had.

 

FRANK

I can’t believe that Lola hasn’t come in yet. She’s always here before me and is always at her desk with her coffee in hand. I’m going to sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet until she arrives. It’s not that she bothers me. I actually like Lola. She is very easy on the eyes, too. I just hate having to investigate Knight with her since it looks like the mob was involved. Lola knows they are involved. Hell, I know they are involved. I just hate having her as a partner for this, especially when I am starting to like her. I need to look into this alone just in case I need to bury some shit.

I don’t even need to turn around to know it’s her when I hear the click of Lola’s high heels, as she walks to her desk. “Good morning, Frank. I’m glad you finally made it.” I raise any eyebrow questioningly as I look up at her.

“I’ve been here. I think I should be saying that to you,” I advise her as I look at the clock. Lola laughs and says she’s has been in for at least an hour. She went on a scavenger hunt looking for mob info. Oh, shit…

“Did you find out anything important?” I ask, praying that I like the answer. Lola pulls a folder out of her leather tote. “I actually found out quite a few things. I am not sure if you knew this, but there are three mob families running Chicago. Notice I say running because they own a lot of shit and that includes people.”

“What are the names? I ask. Lola looks around moving her chair closer to my side. She doesn’t want anyone else to overhear what she has to say. I am grateful because I don’t want anyone to overhear her either.

“There are three families that work together in Chicago. The Gallos, the Morettis, and the Russos. It’s quite surprising that the families actually work together, but they do and quite effectively. They each have their own little specialty and the other family doesn’t get in the way. They make their money from drugs, prostitution, and money laundering. However, they all have legit businesses so no one can ever prove anything. If one family handles the drugs, the other two families don’t.” Lola looks at me wondering why I haven’t said two words. I just need to find out what she knows.

“What I can’t figure out, is which family is in charge? My research tells me that several families can make up the mob, but one has to be in charge. What’s also interesting is that whichever family is charge gives the entire group his name. We just need to find out who’s pulling the strings with these families.”

“You are sure these are the only families in Chicago?” I still can’t figure this shit out so I need to know where my family is mixed up in this shit.

“Everything I have found only indicates the three families, Frank. Do you think there are other families that I am missing?”

Lola is looking at me questioningly, and I can’t give her any reason to search for any other families, especially since my family is somehow mixed into this situation.

“No, I don’t. I asked Marcus about the families that he’s heard of and they are the same ones you found. I guess we should start asking around about Knight.”

“I totally agree with you, Frank. I think we should start with the Gallo family.”

 

LOLA

Frank and I spend most of the day looking for businesses that the Gallo family owns. Frank had us doing background checks on almost every freaking Gallo in Illinois. While he was doing ‘research’; he kept me occupied with looking for meaningless crap. I thought this was pointless and basically a good stall tactic. He doesn’t want me researching and finding anything on the Gallo Family. It’s really no use for me to find anything on the family either. The only information I need is about the man sitting at the desk across from me.

The theme from Jaws startles me out of my useless research and Frank looks up me with a smirk. I grab my phone. “I have to take this,” I say as I get up from my desk and go into the ladies room to take the call. I know I can’t keep putting this conversation off.

“Hello?” I answer with an attitude which I know will piss him off. He doesn’t appreciate the attitude, but I also don’t appreciate being called every three hours. If you want me to do a job, leave me alone and let me do it. I’ll let you know if I can’t handle it.

“Don’t give me a fucking attitude, Lola! You haven’t been checking in like you are supposed to be. You get to Chicago and I haven’t heard from you in weeks. We didn’t ship your ass out there for a fucking vacation. Do you have any information on Deluca? We put you inside the fucking police station so it shouldn’t be that hard.”

“What information are you asking about?” I ask trying to keep him calm. I realize this has been taking too long and he is right. The family had me assigned as Frank’s partner.

“Are you fucking kidding me? Is Alex or Frank Deluca going to be taking over the Chicago territory? We know it’s one of them. My money is on Frank. I don’t think they would put Alex In charge of shit. I heard he stole some shit from the police station and Frank had to get rid of it. We want to increase our business and if Frank is in charge, we need to handle it.”

“How do you know Alex stole something from the station and that Frank got rid of it?” I don’t believe this. I’m right here in the station and haven’t heard squat about shit going missing from the station. Am I really this far out of the loop?

“Lola, you know you aren’t the only one we have in Chicago or at the station. You’re just the one we thought could get the closest to Frank.”

“Tell me what Alex stole and how Frank got rid of it.” I should know this. I am a cop and I am getting my information from a criminal.

I can hear laughing, and for a second I think he isn’t going to give me that information.

“Apparently, Alex stole a shit load of evidence from the station. There was a huge drug bust and a dirty cop told Alex about it after one of his visits to Frank at the station. His dumb ass actually stole a car along with the drugs and cash from the bust. I don’t know how Frank got involved, but apparently, he and one of their flunkies have a way with bombs and got rid of it all.”

Shit, I can’t believe Frank actually had it in him to destroy evidence. Maybe I have been wrong about him and he isn’t as clean as I thought?

“Ok, thanks for sharing. I can probably use this. I have to go.”

“Lola, I need you to check in every three hours. If you can only send a fucking text, do it. These Chicago fuckers won’t spare you if they find out you’re one of us.”

“I’ll check in,” I say as I disconnect the call and leave the restroom.

As I walk back to my desk, I decide to go the long way around and swing by the evidence room. The room is normally locked and there isn’t much activity near the room which is down a rarely used hall. The department really doesn’t want heavy traffic where drugs, money, and other evidence are stored.

Today there’s an officer standing in the hall and next to the door. “Hey, is this the evidence room?”

“Yes, it is. Did you need something?” he asks, probably wondering why I’m in this area of the building.

“I am actually new to the department and thought I would learn where everything is. I’m from New York and must admit I’m impressed. We don’t have armed guards for our evidence room. I guess Chicago is really hardcore.”

He chuckles and looks at me. “Not hardcore. We had a robbery a few weeks ago so, until our new security system in place, someone will be here guarding.”

“Wow... someone actually robbed a police station?”

“Yeah, isn’t that something. Someone got in here and stole almost $750,000 in drugs and cash. The best part is they even stole a cop’s car for the getaway.”

“That is something. I guess the Chicago criminals are ballsier than the New York ones.”

He looks at me and shakes his head and I now found my hot button to push with Frank Deluca.

 

FRANK

Lola is back at her desk after her phone call and I can feel her eyes on me. I told her to research the Gallo family businesses to keep her busy. The Gallos is a huge ass family in Chicago and while she is looking at the clean businesses, I am researching the ones that I know are dirty.

“Did you know some asshole actually stole drugs and money from the evidence room?” Lola asks.

I am so caught off guard by that question; I actually swallow wrong and start to choke. I grab my bottle of water and take a drink. “Wh… where did you hear that?”

“I walked down to the evidence room and there was a guard who told me. He said that the bastard stole $750,000 in cash and drugs. You won’t believe this; they even stole a cop’s car from the lot.”

“Yes, that is unbelievable. It’s even more unbelievable that while I was up here doing research, you were off visiting the evidence room.”

Lola actually starts to laugh. “Oh, Frank, don’t you get it? I was doing research. Who in the hell would come to a police station and steal that much money and some drugs? Then to top it off, have the balls to steal a car from the parking lot? This has mob all over it! If we find out who did this, we’ll have our first lead on the mob!”

I can’t let Lola go down this road. I don’t know who saw Alex in the building that day. I don’t know which cops he has in his pocket. I only know that I can’t let Lola start asking questions about this shit. I don’t know how this has been kept quiet, but I am sure ‘our’ people are involved. I just need to make sure she doesn’t go stirring shit up

 

LOLA

I can tell that I struck a nerve when I mentioned the evidence room break-in with Frank. I don’t know why, but my gut is telling me that Frank is just not cut out to be in the mob. I don’t see Frank killing anyone or even having someone else do the dirty work for him. Frank has cop written all over him. I know what I was told, but for some reason, I don’t want it to be true.

“So, you're saying that the mob actually came into a police station and stole all that shit, huh?” Frank asks with a questioning look. I know he’s trying to throw me off.

“I think that’s exactly what happened,” I answer.

“Why would the mob be at the police station, Lola? From what I’ve heard, the mob is anti-anything police. Do you think they were here filling out a missing person report?”

Now, he’s just being a smart ass trying to piss me off.

“Maybe they were here snooping? Or maybe they were visiting family?” That should strike another nerve and I can see that it did when he squints his eyes at me.

 

FRANK

I thought I was going to have a heart attack when Lola said: ‘maybe they were visiting family’. Why in the hell would she say that? Does she know more than she is letting on? I almost think she knows Alex stole that shit and I am the mafia connection that she’s looking for. It’s impossible. She can’t know shit; she isn’t even from here. Even if she reviewed the surveillance video, I doubt that Alex would be stupid enough to pose for the damn camera. Alex said that we have people at the station and I am sure they would have gotten rid of any evidence that pointed to either of us. Lola can’t know shit, but it still doesn’t explain how she would have known to throw that plot twist into the situation.

“Visiting family, Lola? Are you insinuating that we have dirty cops? Accusing your fellow cop won’t be the way to get invited to the Christmas party,” I admonish her. Not wanting to give her time to respond, I’ve decided I am done with the conversation, shut down my computer and call it a day.

Once again I can’t sleep. I toss and turn thinking about Pop. I keep hearing him tell me how he runs the Chicago mafia and he wants me to take over. He doesn’t want Alex in charge. He wants me to take over and keep the family safe. He wants me to keep Ma, Alexis, and Alex safe. Alex is a wild card and we always knew he was loose cannon. I didn’t need any more proof of that than when he stole all that shit from the station. No planning or anything; he just took it because the opportunity was there. My time is running out and I have to decide what the hell I am going to do. I am either going to help Lola take down my family or I am going to leave the force and run the mob.

If I only had more time to decide, but time is no longer my friend. I am being pressured by Alex and by Lola. I don’t understand how Lola is so good at this mob shit either. She hasn’t been here long but managed to get the names of the families and find out shit about the robbery. Hell, she even knew it was mob-related. I had asked around about the robberies too, but no one suspected the mob was involved. They just figured it was some druggie who was in at the right time. Not, Lola, she hit the nail right on the head, mob-related.

I turn to look at my clock to see how much time I have to sleep and its 3 am. Shit, I need to fall asleep fast so I can still get in a few hours before work. I need to be on my game if I am going to be around Lola. The minute I get comfortable and close my eyes the doorbell rings.

I throw on my pants and whoever is at the door starts pounding on it. The last thing I want is to wake my neighbors. I have good neighbors and we all get along and I prefer to keep it that way. I swing the door open and realize that I won’t be getting my good night sleep. Alex, Thomas, along with two of my cousins, Paul and Peter, waltz in making themselves at home. “What’s going on?” I ask because I can’t think of anything being important enough to come over this time of morning.

They all sit except Paul. I have never gotten along with Paul. I always considered him to be the troublemaker of the family. I think every family has that busybody woman that keeps shit going in the family. In our family, it seemed that Paul took on that role. If anyone didn’t get along, he was somewhere in the mix.

“We need your decision, Frank. You have had enough time. There’s a lot of shit about to go down and we need someone giving the orders to the families.” Thomas looks over at me and stands.

“He’s right Frank. Look, we know this is a big decision for you. The family needs to come first and if you aren’t going to lead us, then let us know so Alex can take control. People are getting antsy and we need to keep control of this shit.”

I rub my head and go to sit down in Thomas’ now vacant seat. “What families are involved? I assumed it was just our family. You need to give me more information. I can’t make any decisions without knowing what I am jumping into.”

They are all giving each other a look and I know what they are thinking. They don’t want to tell me shit. They want me to make this kind of decision, but not give me anything. I have made my life decisions on facts and information. Hell, I won’t even buy meat from a grocery store without knowing where it came from. They know me and should know that this “no tells” policy won’t work if they want anything out of me. I can tell that realization has hit Thomas and he gives a nod to the others. “We have to know we can trust you before we tell you anything.”

“Are you shitting me? I destroyed stolen police evidence for you.” Thomas shakes his head. “No, you destroyed that for Alex. That’s different.”

I laugh and walk over to my desk that I keep my spare gun. I pull it out and shoot Paul it the leg. “What the FUCK did you do that for?” Paul yells as he hits the ground, writhing in pain. Everyone is now standing, looking at me like I have lost my mind. Peter is kneeling beside Paul, probably trying to stop the bleeding, but at this point I am pissed and I couldn’t care less if he bleeds to death. They’re the mob. If he does bleed to death, they can get rid of the fucking body.

“I have had all I am going to take of this shit. If you want me to decide, somebody better give me all the information I want, now! It’s my fucking life that will change. Now, who in the fuck are these families?” I lift my gun and I point it towards Peter.

Alex lets out a chuckle. “I am in no mood for your shit, Alex. I will fucking shoot you too!” He and Thomas look at each other and Alex gives a faint nod.

They leave several hours later and I have more information. What I realize is, it’s information I wish I never had. I am calling in sick tomorrow and then going to question Ma.

 

I always feel a little empty when I pull up outside the house. I think it matters when someone dies, but it is their presence that is always missed. Each time I enter the house I expect to see Pop. He would be working in the garage or sitting in his favorite chair watching some game. I wanted to come over first thing in the morning, but I decided to wait until I knew Alexis had left for work. I don’t want her involved in any of this shit. I still have a key, but I decided to knock since Ma isn’t expecting me.

“Frankie. Isn’t this a pleasant surprise! Are you sick? Why aren’t you at work?” I give Ma a big hug and a kiss and walk into the kitchen closing the door. “I took the day off. I really needed to talk to you, Ma.” She looks at me and she can tell that I have some serious shit to talk to her about. It’s odd that mothers always seem to know when they are about to deal with some real shit for and with their kids.

“Do you want a cup of coffee for this chat? It’s too early for the hard liquor.”

“I’ll take a cup of coffee, Ma. We probably should set the liquor out though,” I warn. A few minutes later, I’m sitting across the table from Ma and we both are sipping our coffee. I can’t believe the conversation that I am about to have with my mother.

“Well, Frankie, this coffee is very good, but let’s get to it. What did you want to talk to me about?”

“I guess we can start with how my mother is the real mob boss of the family.” She sighs and takes another sip of coffee.

“Oh, Frankie, your father inherited the business.”

“Pop inherited the business from your father.” Ma laughs and shrugs her shoulders.

“Yes, Frankie he did. My family is the original Mafioso in Sicily. Unfortunately, the family blood is full of women. Men don’t like to be given orders by women. This is why it will always be a little hard to elect a woman as president. The family wasn’t about to give up its control, so they did the next best thing. The husband of the first-born girl runs the mob until a son is born. When my father died, I was the oldest daughter, so your father inherited the family business. Your father was so relieved when we had boys!”

“Your father was a little worried when you said you wanted to be a policeman. Luckily, we thought we had Alex if you weren’t interested. He started to work with Alex and realized that he would get everyone killed if he was in charge.”

“Tell me about the families, Ma.” She stands up to get another cup of coffee and brings the liquor back to the table with her. “You might need some of this in your cup, Frankie.”

“Oh, shit,” I moan as I take my first cup of coffee and booze

“Our family business name is Costa, Frankie. We practically invented money laundering. The only thing your great grandfather requested was that the business keeps his name. It was bad enough he didn’t have a son to hand the business over to, but it killed him to have to hand it over to a son-in-law with a different name. In the mob world, a family isn’t a single group. Its several different families that work together but agree to stay out of the others’ way. There were plenty of girls born into our family and there is one girl married into each of the families. The Costas work with the Russos, the Morettis, and the Gallo families. From what I know, the Russos make their money from gambling, the Morettis from money laundering, and the Gallos basically steal shit from dock workers. Alex buying the club was perfect because the families could use it to make the money look legit.”

My cup is now filled with the vodka Ma had put on the table. She was right, I did need it.

“What are we expected to do?” I take another big gulp of my vodka.

“We make sure the money looks clean and keep them out of jail, Frankie. We have several police officers, judges, lawyers, and politicians in our pocket. Once you find out things about people, they will work with you and protect you.” I can’t help but laugh so hard that I practically spit my last drink out of my mouth.

I can’t believe I am having his conversation with my mother. “Is there anything else I need to know, Ma?” She pulls the bottle of vodka closer and pours some into her coffee cup.

“There is, Frankie. Apparently, there’s a family in New York that wants to take over Chicago.”

“What do you mean; they want to take over Chicago?”

“The New York mob wants to increase their territory and they want to do business in Chicago. They heard that there is a shakeup in the Chicago leadership, so they think now is the time to take over.”

“I don’t understand Ma. They can’t just take over. That’s not how it works.”

“You’re right, Frankie. The only way they can take over is by killing the people in charge.”

“Who would they have to kill, Ma? “ I asked afraid of her answer.

“They can take charge if they kill you, Alex, and me.”

The next hours are full of information about what the don does and what the hell the consigliere, underboss, caporegimes, and soldiers do. My head is spinning and I can’t believe that Ma knows all this shit. She wasn’t running the business, but she had been taught the family business. If Alex and I are both killed because of the New York takeover, Ma will be in danger. Her blood ties our family to the mob. As long as she’s alive she can give the business to any potential husband of Alexis.

“If I take over I can decide who I want as the underboss, correct?”

“Yes, you can, Frankie.”

I give Ma a kiss on the forehead and decide I have had enough for the day.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, Ma.”

“Goodnight, Frankie.”

On the drive home, I think over everything I learned about my mother and decide that I can’t go home. I am going to Deluca’s for a drink or maybe several drinks. I pull into the alley and of course, Alex and Thomas’ cars are both parked in the back. I wonder what Thomas’ role is in the family business? I know that Paul and Peter must be the henchmen. Hell, I think they came to my place to beat some sense into me. I believe me shooting Paul ended that plan for them. When I take over, I’ll have to decide what role Thomas will have. Shit, did I just say when I take over? I have to decide if I take over. It’s if I take over, not when. Honestly, knowing lives are at stake if I don’t take over is a big deal for me. I owe it to Pop to protect Ma and Alexis. Alex can self-destruct if he chooses, but I must protect Ma and Alexis.

As I walk into Deluca’s, I notice Alex is at the bar. He is talking to a few guys and you can tell whatever they are discussing is some deep shit. I slowly approach the group and one of the men look up at me and nudges one of the other guys. They soon are all looking at me wondering what I want.

“Hey, Frankie,” Alex calls out and the other guys appear to relax. I nod my head as I take in the group. I have a feeling these aren’t regular customers. I think I may have just walked into my first mob meeting. I guess it does make more sense to do business out in the open. People are less likely to suspect shit when it’s out in the open. If this group would have gone upstairs to Alex’s office, the police probably would have been notified. I am not sure how they could be doing any business in the bar with the music blasting. You could probably shoot someone in here and no one would notice. The music is loud and most of the people in here are drunk or high.

“Alex… How is everything going?” I am talking to Alex, but I am keeping an eye on the group.

“Business is always booming, Frankie.” I see movement from the corner of my eye and notice one of the guys is approaching me. I hope I won’t have to beat this guy’s ass. I only wanted a drink, but if he starts shit I will gladly end it. “Hey, Frank. I’m Oliver. I’ve heard a lot about you. “He sticks out his hand, so I turn to shake it. I can tell he is sizing me up and he looks me directly in the eye. For some reason, I can tell that I will like this guy.

 

“You have heard about me huh? I’d like to know what you’ve heard.”

Oliver’s eyebrows rise. “I’ve heard that we may be working for you soon. I guess it’s a big decision, deciding what side of the law you’re going to work on. If it makes you feel any better, we have people that work both sides.”

“I would prefer not to.”

“I understand. I’ve had to make difficult choices too. I chose family. We hope you do the same.”

Oliver turns back to the group and reminds that they need to get going. They have some business that needs to be taken care of. As they are leaving, Oliver turns back to me and Alex.

“I’ll talk to you soon Alex. I hope the next time we have a meeting, you’ll be joining us, Frank.”

As Oliver finally leaves, I look over to Alex. “Did you want a drink, Frankie?”

 

I start to answer him and begin to ply him with questions when someone taps me on the shoulder and Alex starts to laugh. I turn around and Gina is standing behind me with a drink in her hand.

“Hi, Frank. Isn’t this a pleasant surprise?” Gina leans in and plants a kiss on my lips. I grab her by the waist to push her off me. “Hey, Gina. How are you?”

“I am so much better, now that you are here.”

I can tell she’s been here for a while and is drunk. I look over at Alex and he still has that stupid grin on his face. Alex knows Gina and I have a history. I brought her to the club plenty of times and she practically told Alex that she would be the future Mrs. Deluca. I was never that serious about her. We had fun and I hate to admit it, but she was just someone I liked to fuck. She was never going to be the girl I would marry.

“I think you have had too much to drink, Gina. Do you want me to call you a cab?” Gina pushes into my space again and is practically sitting on my lap.

“How about you take me home?”

“Gina, I can’t and it wouldn’t be a good idea.” I turn to see if Alex is still gawking at us from behind the bar. “Alex, can you call Gina a cab, please?” I emphasize the please so Alex knows I am not fucking around and that the cab needs to be called. I am in no mood for Gina. I have shit to talk to Alex about.

“Oh. I can see why you can’t be bothered to take me home, Frank!”

I grab my temples and turn back to Gina. “What the hell are you talking about?” Gina moves over pointing towards Lola.

“Holy fucking shit. Who is that?” I hear Alex asking me. I turn towards him and remind him that he is supposed to be calling the fucking cab. I pull Gina over to a bar stool and sit her on it. “Gina, sit your ass here and don’t move.” She crosses her arms like a pouting child. I have to find out what the hell Lola is doing at Deluca's.

 

LOLA

I can’t believe that Frank called in sick to work today. I know there isn’t a damn thing wrong with him. I will get my regular call and I won’t have the information he needs or wants. He is going to be pissed. He’ll want to send someone else to get the information. Since Frank is out ‘sick’ today it will give me time to regroup. Always right on schedule, I hear the Jaws theme playing in my purse. I take it out of my drawer and look at the screen to see Brandon’s face on display. I don’t even need to see the face, I know the ringtone. The worst part is he chose the ringtone himself. He wanted there to be no question as to who is calling.

I want to ignore the call, but I know I can’t. If I don’t answer, he’ll come to Chicago and he probably won’t leave until we have taken over. Frank is out today, so there is no need for me to leave my desk to answer. “Yeah,” I answer knowing he’ll hear the snarkiness in my voice.

“Yeah? Do you have any updates today, Lola?” I sigh knowing this won’t make him happy. “I have no new information, Brandon. Frank is out sick today so I am re-grouping.”

“You’re regrouping, Lola? You’ve been in Chicago for over a month. You should have him eating out of your hands and spilling family secrets by now.” I know Brandon is right. I took the wrong the approach with Frank. I focused on the law-abiding cop side. I need to focus on the actual man side. I need to seduce the information out of Frank Deluca.

“You're right, Brandon. Give me another month and I’ll have all the information we need. We will take over Chicago.” I hang up and start to plan.

At the end of my shift, I head directly to Michigan Ave. I have nice clothes, but they are all business attire. I brought the wardrobe befitting a Chicago police detective. I need to switch my tactics a little with Frank, so I need sexier clothes. I am in full-on seduction mode now. I need Frank to stop looking at me as a cop and start looking at me as a woman. I can tell he finds me attractive, but I need his walls torn down. It won’t be a difficult task for me either. Frank Deluca is one hell of a sexy man. I am willing and able to do whatever it takes. I just need to remember that he is the enemy and an obstacle we face in taking over Chicago.

After I have finished my shopping, I head back to the house. My people think of everything and they set up the house to be the perfect home. I almost expect to see a little poodle running out to greet me at the door. I am not used to this at all. In New York, tons of space is rare. I love my little apartment in downtown Manhattan. New York is all hustle and bustle. Chicago does have the hustle and bustle, but it is also more family friendly than New York. There is more space in Chicago. The house I’m staying in could hold two of my apartment. I am a little lonely in Chicago. I miss my family. However, I know I am here for the family, so I will do what I need to do.

I drop my purse onto the sofa and pull out my laptop. We have a tracking device set up on Frank’s car. I haven’t had to use it since I have been spending my days with him. I need to find out where he is right now. I doubt he is sick, so I am sure he’s not home. I find out he’s at Deluca’s and I plan on putting on something sexy to meet him there.

 

FRANK

I can’t help but look at Lola as she’s standing across from me. She is in the sexist black slip dress. At least I think it’s called a slip dress, it looks like she forgot to put the dress on and is only wearing the damn slip. The dress hugs her in all the right places. The dress hits right above her knees and she is wearing at least 3-inch heels. Her hair is down with falls halfway down her back in bouncy curls. I feel my dick instantly stand to attention. I can feel Gina’s eyes burning a hole in the back of my head, but I couldn’t care less at the moment. I hear Alex in the background telling her something about a cab and I hear her get snippy with him. I really don’t care what’s going on with those two. My eyes are glued on Lola. She looks at me and I can’t help but walk over to her.

“I take it you feel better?” she asks.

I have no idea what she is talking about and she can tell I am confused by the question.

“You called in sick today remember?” she reminds me.

Oh, shit. I did call in sick today. “I do feel better. It must have been food poisoning.”

Lola squints her eyes and I know I she isn’t buying this shit. I have never noticed how good Lola smells. She must not wear perfume to work.

“Well, I am glad you’re feeling better. How about buying me a drink?”

As she walks past, she brushes lightly against me. I walk back to the bar and stand between her and Gina. I wish the cab would hurry up and get here. This is downtown Chicago, so it shouldn’t take this long. I look up at Alex who is smirking and he nods towards the door. “The taxi is here, Gina. I’ll have someone walk you to the door.” Gina stands up and I can hear her mutter something about someone being a stupid bastard and I don’t know if she was referring to me or Alex, but at the moment I didn’t care.

“What do you want to drink, Lola?”

“I’ll take a beer,” she responds.

I am shocked by her choice. Lola seems like the fruity mixed drink kind of girl. I chuckle and ask Alex for a beer.

“What is so funny? Are you surprised that I want a beer and didn’t ask for Sex on the Beach?”

“You seem to be more of the Sex on the Beach type, so I am a little surprised.”

Lola moves closer to whisper in my ear. “I think I could use sex on the beach, but I am not talking about the drink.” I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I can’t believe that Lola is flirting with me. I wonder if this is the first bar she visited tonight or the last. I adjust myself and turn back the bar as Alex brings two beers. I didn’t request two, but I‘m glad he brought me one also.

“Are you going to introduce me to your friend, Frankie?” Oh shit. I don’t want to introduce them at all. My brother, who is all-mob-all-the-time, should not meet my detective partner who wants to take down the mob, which technically includes me. I start to refuse, but if I don’t, Lola will start asking questions.

I take a deep breath and look at Lola. “Alex this is my partner, Lola, and Lola, this is my brother, Alex.” They shake hands and I can see both of them have wheels turning as I closely watch the two.

“Wow, Lola, you don’t look like any type of law enforcement I have encountered.”

“I will take that as a compliment, Alex. Do you own this place?”

“I do. I purchased it several years ago. Have you been here before? I don’t recall seeing you around and I would remember it if I had.” Alex says as he flirts with Lola.

Lola smiles and looks at me. “This is my first time being here. I’m actually not from Chicago, but so far I like it.”

Alex looks at me and then back to Lola. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from New York. I really wanted a change and the detective position opened so I took the leap. I really lucked out getting Frank as a partner. I guess they decided that the two of us together can take down the Chicago mob.”

I nearly choked on a swallow of my beer when she said that. He’s looking right at me and I can see he is pissed.

“Lola, let’s not talk business now.” I look back over to Alex and he is still staring directly at me.

“Hey boss, we need more bottles of vodka from the back.” A bartender comes over to inform Alex and he turns to him, saying he’ll go get it.

“Priorities await, Lola, I have to run to the back. I hope you’re still here when I return so we can chat some more.” Lola lifts up her half-empty beer bottle and says she’ll be here.

“Your brother is really nice, Frank. Do you come from money and are hiding it? How did he get the money to buy a place like this? It’s in downtown Chicago, so this can’t be the cheapest property to own,” Lola comments.

“Lola, let’s not talk about Alex. Let’s talk about you.”

Lola crosses a leg and turns towards me. “What do you want to know, Frank?”

“I want to know what you were looking for when you came into Deluca’s.”

Lola takes a sip of beer and looks back at me. “Why do you think I was looking for something?”

I look over her and meet her eyes. “Let’s think about this. You are dressed like a woman on a mission, in the middle of the week and you just so happened to appear in a bar with my last name? Were you looking for me, Lola?”

Lola leans over towards me. “You should be home sick in bed, Frank.”

One of the bartenders, Jessica, comes over asking if we needed another beer and we both take one. I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting night.

 

Lola and I spend the next couple of hours drinking, flirting, and dancing. The dancing was the worst, but she was insistent that she was going to dance. It was either dance with her or watch someone else dance with her and I was going to be the only one bumping and grinding with Lola. When this night is over, I am going to need to take care of myself and I can’t say I’ll be gentle about it either.

Lola is getting a lot of attention tonight and I don’t like it. I know most of these guys and I don’t want any of them near Lola. I feel a little territorial about her and I don’t know why. It’s probably because we work together. I also notice Alex has spent most of the night at the bar watching me and Lola. I hate that she told him we are investigating the mob. He is going to have questions about that. Once I get Lola out of here, I’ll address it with him.

Lola has finally finished dancing and throws her arms around my neck. “Let’s go back to the bar,” she suggests.

There is only one seat, so I help her onto it and stand in front of her, blocking her from the guy sitting on the next stool. Lola grabs the front of my shirt pulling me closer to her. “How about you and I getting out of here, Frank?”

“What did you have in mind, Lola?” She can’t be asking me to go back to her place. Please, don’t let her be asking me to go back to her place. I’d go, but I know I shouldn’t. How could I refuse her? Lola is hot and she is fun when she isn’t in cop mode.

“How about we go back to my place and learn more about each other?”

Holy hell! She did just offer and I don’t think I can turn it down.

“Are you sure about this, Lola? We will still be working together tomorrow morning. Once the lines are crossed, we can’t…” Before I finish my sentence, Lola’s lips are on mine. She has the softest lips I have ever touched. I can taste the beer she drank and before I know it, her lips part and I am sliding my tongue in. I hear a cough in the background. I ignore it. Lola now has her hand in my hair and I hear an annoying cough again. I pull away and Alex is standing in front of us and he is looking pissed. “Can I talk to you for a second, Frank?” I look at him and back to Lola. “In my office now, Frank.” Alex walks away from the bar.

“I need to find out what he wants, Lola.” She looks at me and touches her lips. She is obviously affected by the kiss too. “I’ll wait for you here.” I nod and head up to Alex’s office. I get to the top of the steps and look back towards Lola. She is watching me and smiles.

I open the door to Alex’s office and he is inside pacing. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he yells.

“What are you talking about, Alex?”

“What am I talking about? Let’s start with your hot partner showing her ass up in my club, then let’s move on to her telling me that the two of you are investigating the fucking mob, then we’ll close with you two practically dry humping and kissing at my fucking bar. I think those are all conflicts of interest.”

“Alex, this is all complicated but I am not investigating the mob, for obvious reasons. We were put on the case after the Knight incident. I have been throwing her off track. We also weren’t dry humping at the bar. I think she’s just drunk and kissed me.”

“You need to keep your relationship with her about business.” Alex moves to sit at his desk.

“I’m sorry, but when did you start running things, Alex? He tilts his head. “I’m sorry. Does this mean you have made your decision, Frankie? If not, one of us must show some type of leadership. Your partner also mentioned being from New York. Maybe you need to start questioning her about New York. I’ve heard talk that the New York mob wants to move into our territory.” I start to pace and look back to Alex.

“Don’t give me orders, Alex. I will handle this shit.” Alex starts rolling his eyes and leans his head on the back of his chair.

“Will you make up your fucking mind, Frankie? One minute you’re a cop, the next minute you still need time to decide. Yet when I try to keep shit running, you want to take control. What have you decided? You’re either in or you're out! You can’t stay in the middle!”

I rub my beard and start to pace. I look over to Alex and give him my answer.

“I am in Alex. I’m taking over. I can’t quit the force yet. They are investigating the mob and I have to make sure everything points away from us. For now, get as much information that you can on the New York mob. Maybe I can point this Knight shit and the robbery back to them.”

Alex smiles and moves from around the desk. He extends his hand out to me. “I look forward to working with you. We will own this city.”

I turn around and walk out of Alex’s office. I can’t believe that I just told him that I was in. Maybe I have had too much to drink. I just couldn’t deal with him barking out orders. I wasn’t about to let him dictate my relationship with Lola. I need to back out there and get her the fuck out of this damn club.

 

LOLA

I could tell that I had pissed Alex off. I wanted to get a reaction out of him by mentioning the mob. I thought he was literally going to explode. I noticed that Frank tensed up too when I mentioned our investigation. I can tell I am really starting to get to Frank. I could see the shock on his face when I showed up at Deluca’s. I also noticed that he liked what he saw. I would have had him out of the bar and half way to his place if Alex hadn’t pull him away. I wonder if they are up there talking mob business. I’ll have to find a way to get the information out of Frank later. I take another beer and look around the club. I am sure Alex can do plenty of money laundering through this place. No one would question how much money is being brought in and out. I wonder if he is the sole owner or if the other families have a stake in the club? I look up just in time to see Frank headed my way and he looks agitated. Things must not have gone well with Alex. I take another sip of my beer and watch as he weaves his way through the crowd. He is really something to look at. He is wearing black trousers and a black button down shirt. The first two buttons are undone. You can see just a peek of his chest hair with the buttons undone. I continue to watch him as he heads straight for me and I notice he is smiling at me. He obviously caught me checking him out, but at this point, I don’t care. My goal now is to seduce him.

 

FRANK

I walk back to the bar and Lola has a new beer. I wish I would have gotten here before the new one. I want to get out of here and I obviously need her to leave with me. There is no way in hell I can leave her here with Alex upstairs. He won’t stay up there and if she says the wrong thing to him, he’ll kill her. I told him that I was taking over, but that doesn’t mean he won’t do stupid shit on behalf of the family. I am going to need to talk to the others and find out who is on our payroll.

“What are you thinking about?” Lola takes another sip and once again her hand is tugging on my shirt.

I don’t know why she can’t keep her hands to herself tonight, but I will admit I like it.

“I think we should get out of here,” I tell her.

“Your place or mine?” Lola asks and since I don’t live that far, I think it’s best to go to my place.

“Let’s go to my place. How did you get here? Did you drive?” I ask her.

“Of course not, I knew I would be drinking and I am a cop, right? I took a taxi.

I find it odd that Lola planned on getting hammered. “Good, I’ll drive. Let’s get out of here.” I help Lola off her barstool and I lead her through the crowd and out the back door.

“Wow. You have special parking, huh?”

“It’s the one perk of being a brother of the owner, I guess.” I go to the passenger side to open Lola’s door. I can’t help but notice she has the sexiest legs as she slides in. I close the door and jog over to my side of the car.

“This is a really nice car, Frank. It is totally you,” Lola comments.

I start the car and wonder what she means. I have always loved older cars. I restored this black Mustang and I have to admit she is my baby. I even had black leather seats put in and of course, only the best stereo system was added.

“How is it totally me?”

“It screams sexy bad ass, but it’s older so it’s a little mature too.”

“How much have you had to drink, Lola?”

Lola laughs and looks at me. “I am relaxed, but I know exactly what I’m doing and saying.”

We don’t say anything else on the rest of the drive and I pull into my parking space at my condo.

“Are you sure you want to come in? I can take you home.”

“I don’t want to go home, Frank. I want to go in.”

Before I can go around and open Lola’s door, she is already out and walking towards the sidewalk. I take her hand and lead her to my front door.

Lola walks around the living room, basically just taking in the place. I am a bachelor, but I think I keep a nice place. There aren’t take out cartons all over the place or clothes on the floor. I am a little paranoid as she walks around inspecting the place. I like natural and clean. My living room is in black leather and gray walls. The tables are all natural wood. I also have wood blinds on the windows. I hate curtains. Even my floors are all hardwood.

“This is really a nice place, Frank. Did you decorate yourself or did Gina help you?”

Did she really just ask me if Gina helped me decorate? Is this jealousy I am hearing in Lola’s voice?

“The only female fingerprints in this place would be my mother’s and sister’s. Although they would probably like to have more of the female touch to the place.”

Lola looks at me and starts slowly walking towards me.

I am not sure what she is about to do, but I have to admit I am instantly hard and I have to adjust myself.

“Lola…” before I finish my thoughts, her lips are on mine and this time it’s her tongue in my mouth. Lola’s hand is in my hair and she is pulling me closer to her and before I think any of this through I am picking her up and taking her to my bedroom.

Lola’s legs are wrapped around my waist as I toss her onto the bed. She is looking up at me and I kneel on the bed between her legs. She is so fucking beautiful. I am lying on top of her, practically mauling her and she pushes me from her. She pushes me onto my back and now she is straddling me while I am looking up at her. Lola pulls her dress over her head and stares down at me. She is even more beautiful as she sits on top of me in her red bra and matching panties. She’s so hot; I’m about to rip those pretty panties right off.

Lola is on her elbows and I have a handful of her ass. I normally prefer to be in control in the bedroom, but if Lola wants to be in charge tonight, I’ll let her take the ride of her fucking life.

I can feel Lola fumbling with my pants and I have never been patient, so I help her. I rise from the bed and yank my pants off. I don’t have to worry about underwear because I don’t like to wear them. Lola gasps when she notices that I am totally bare. She looks down and starts to palm my dick.

“Oh, my God, you are so big, Frank.”

“All the better to fuck you with, Lola,” I tell her.

I climb back on top of her and hold her arms above her. I open her legs with my knee as I push myself inside her. She lets out a scream as I push my entire length into her repeatedly. Lola kisses me as she meets me thrust for thrust. She is fucking me back just as hard and I won’t last as long as I want it.

 

I slow my pace because I am not ready for this to end. She looks at me in the eyes and I lower myself so I can kiss her on the neck. When I am close enough she turns her head to whisper in my ear. “I want you inside me for as long as possible,” she tells me. Oh, hell yeah. I think I’m in love.

Lola orgasms three times before I finally allow myself to let go. When I finally come, Lola passes out on my chest and I roll us over so she can sleep in my arms.

 

LOLA

That was the best sex ever. I love being dominated in the bedroom. I want him to have an experience he won’t forget and that would bring him back for more. I had no idea how much I would like to be dominated by Frank. He has the biggest dick I have ever had the pleasure of riding. The man is built in all the best ways. Now I am lying in his bed with that perfect dick pressed firmly against my ass and his arm wrapped around me. I want to fall asleep, but I know that I can’t. I need to get up and snoop around his house. I need names and addresses of the Chicago mob and I know there has to be something here. Any information I can get will keep Brandon off my ass and happy. I shift in bed to see if Frank wakes when I move. I shift a little more and Frank moves his arm off me and turns over. This is my chance and I have to take it.

I noticed when I was perusing Frank’s living room earlier, that there was a desk in the room. I slip on his shirt as I leave the bedroom. In the living room, I head over to the desk, hoping to find something I can use. Frank really isn’t one for leaving anything around. The house looks like a model home instead of a lived-in one. There are no papers or anything on this damned desk. Who has a desk and doesn’t leave anything on it?

I pull open one of the drawers and there are folders and files. I pull out the leather desk chair and take a seat to find out what exactly he is keeping in the folders.

“What are you looking for, Lola?” Oh shit! I didn’t even hear him get out of bed.

“Frank! Shit, you scared me!” Frank squints his eyes and approaches me. I sure wish I would have paid more attention to him when I was taking off his shirt. He is wearing sleep pants that are hanging off his hips. Frank Deluca has the perfect ‘V’ that I have read about in books. He has the perfect twelve pack and that perfect little trail of chest hair that can lead any girl to heaven.

“Lola, why are you looking in my desk? What are you looking for?” He asks again as he comes closer to me

“Paper… I am looking for paper, Frank.”

“What? What kind of paper?” he asks and I can hear the suspicion in his voice.

“I was going to sneak out, but I wanted to write you a note. I couldn’t find a damn piece of paper because apparently you’re a neat freak and there wasn’t a piece on your perfectly neat desk.”

Frank looks at the desk and then back to me. “Why were you going to leave?”

“We have to work in the morning. I need to go home and change my clothes. I can’t go to work wearing that dress.”

Frank rubs his hand through his beard and looks back at me. “We have a few hours until we have to get up. Come back to bed and you can shower here and I’ll drop you off at your place.”

I closed the desk drawer and head back to bed with Frank. Unfortunately, we don’t get any sleep.

 

FRANK

We didn’t get any sleep last night. Once I got Lola back in my bed, I took over. Lola fits me like a glove in all the best ways possible. I finally climbed off her and decided we both needed sleep. We do have to work tomorrow. As Lola lies in my arms, I start to wonder what the day will bring. Will we still be able to work together? The department will split us up if they find out something is happening between us. We could just make this a one-time event and forget anything happened. I have to be truthful with myself, this will happen again. It will happen many more times if I have anything to do with it. I don’t know what it is about Lola, but it just feels right. I wanted her from the minute she climbed on that damn treadmill next to me at the gym. I can’t even think of the word climb without getting hard again, especially with Lola all snuggled up next to me. I also have to consider the big picture. I am about to walk into the world of crime. I told Alex that I would take over the family. This isn’t any light shit and I can’t get Lola involved. I am in bed with the woman determined to take me and my family down. I have to figure out how to have both if I want this with her.

My alarm clock goes off a few hours later. I turn over to stop the alarm before it wakes Lola. Thankfully, she’s still here. I was worried that she was going to sneak out on me. I don’t know why she was going to write a note and leave last night. The worst part is when I first saw her at my desk, I thought she was snooping. I actually felt like Lola knew I was now in the mob. I was relieved that she was just looking for note paper. She is right, I am anal and don’t leave bullshit lying around. She would have had to look in the desk to find something to write on. Even if she did go through the desk, she wouldn’t have found anything. I know better than to leave a paper trail.

I pull on my pajama bottoms and head to the kitchen to make us breakfast. I am no big cook since Ma loves cooking for her kids, but I can make something simple. I hope Lola likes eggs because she is getting eggs and toast. I want her to have a decent breakfast before I drop her off at her place to change for work. I try to be as quiet as I grab the pan from the cabinet. I don’t spend much time in the kitchen, to be honest. It’s a nice-sized kitchen and Ma made sure I have all the state-of-the-art cooking items that I need, even though I haven’t used a pan in months. Hell, even the fact that I am cooking eggs for Lola says a lot. When Gina stayed over, I would just go get her a bagel. I put four pieces of bread in the toaster and start beating the eggs. I don’t even have to turn around to feel Lola’s eyes on my back.

 

LOLA

I wake up and Frank isn’t in bed. I lie there thinking about the previous night. I can’t believe I actually went through with it and slept with him. The worst part is, I didn’t do it to get information out of him. Well, not entirely. I slept with Frank Deluca because I wanted to. What’s even worse, I enjoyed it and I am tempted to call in sick and go find him and do it again. Hell, to be honest, I want to do it several more times. Frank Deluca uses a bed like a dangerous weapon. I am getting wet just thinking about it. I need to stop and focus on what I was sent to Chicago to do. Brandon will probably be calling shortly to get updates on what I’ve found. At least I can report that Deluca’s is where the money is flowing through. I’ll even be able to throw out Alex’s name, which will keep everyone content.

I sit up to get out of bed and I am so sore. I can feel everywhere Frank had been. I notice my dress on the floor and put it on and walk out of the bedroom looking for Frank. As I walk out of the bedroom, I follow the smell of eggs into the kitchen.

I stop dead in my tracks when I see Frank standing by the stove. I had gotten a good look at the total package from the front, but the backside is just as nice. His pajama pants are hanging perfectly off his hips and he has a tattoo on his right shoulder blade. The tattoo is a cross with sharp edges and in the left section, it has RIP and a date. He obviously jumped right of bed to cook breakfast because his hair is a little messy too. Frank must feel me staring at him like an idiot because he pauses for a moment before he starts to beat the eggs again.

“Good morning, Lola. Are you just going to stand there watching me?” he finally asks.

“I might. You know there is nothing a girl finds sexier than a man standing in front of the stove cooking for her.” Frank turns around with a sexy smile and tilts his head.

“What made you think I was making some for you? I left a few eggs in the fridge.”

I glare at him and walk over to the stove to make sure there were enough for two and lucky for him there was. I’d hate to eat all he made.

“Where are your plates?” Frank nods over to the cabinet and I pull out two. “I don’t smell any coffee?”

“Nope. Sorry, I don’t have any coffee. We can stop by the coffee shop before we head to the station.”

I put the plates on the table and Frank scoops the eggs and toast onto my plate. Neither one of us has our eyes on the plates. We both are so focused on the other.

“What’s next for us, Frank?” I ask as he gets up to go into the fridge and pulls out the orange juice and grabs two glasses

“Well, I thought I would get dressed and take you…”

I cut him off. “I don’t mean that. We crossed a line. If the department finds out --” Now Frank cuts me off.

“They won’t find out, Lola. We won’t tell anyone. We’ll stay professional at work. What happens after hours isn’t anyone’s business.” I take a sip of my orange juice and finish up the eggs.

“Are you saying that you want whatever this is to continue?” I ask and Frank looks up at me with heated eyes.

“Lola, I think this has been going on since we meet at the gym. I know we’ve both felt it. I think we should find out where it leads.”

“Do you only want it to lead back to your bedroom or further?”

Frank chuckles. “Of course, I want it to lead back to my bedroom, but I am fine if it leads to yours too.”

“Frank.”

He grabs my hand and looks at me. “I want it to come out of the bedroom too, Lola.” Frank stands up, taking our plates to the sink and turns to head out of the kitchen. He stops in the doorway and says, “I want to make you an offer, Lola. You can either wash the dishes or come watch me take a quick shower.”

“Hmmm. I think I better wash the dishes and wait out here.” Frank laughs and heads to take his shower. I have to be the dumbest girl in the world to choose the dishes. But I knew that if I went anywhere near that shower, I would have been in it with him. I head towards the sink and change my mind. Before I realize what the hell I am doing, I am out of my dress and headed towards the shower.

 

FRANK

We had two hours to get to the station. We were doing fine on the time. I fixed breakfast and we gazed at each other. We talked about how to handle the relationship and we were still okay on the time. Then Lola had to climb her ass into the shower with me. I didn’t think she would actually take me up on the offer. I really thought I could avoid distraction by getting her to do the dishes. Nope. Lola shocked the hell out of me when she climbed into the shower and I was quick to take advantage. Now we are running late. I threw on some clothes and she put back on her black slip dress. We practically had to run to my car and she gave me the directions to her place as I wove in and out of traffic.

We can’t be late to work. How would that look if we were both late? I am watching the time and thought we might make it, but of course, there is a traffic backup. We are now sitting in traffic. Lola turns down the radio and looks at me with a smile.

“Do you think we’ll make it?”

“Hopefully.” I look over at Lola and notice her dress has risen up on her thighs.

She clears her throat as she looks at me. “My eyes are up here.”

I look up at her. “I know and they are beautiful.”

Lola rolls her eyes. “I’ve been thinking about something, Frank. How about we go question the Gallo family to see if we can get a reaction from them if we mention Knight?”

“Do you really want to start talking about work now, Lola?” I look over at her and she looks as if she really wants an answer to her question. “I think it’s a good time. We’re just sitting here.”

“To be honest with you, I don’t think the mob had anything to do with Knight. I think we should close the case until he shows back up. At least until we’re able to question him.”

Lola sits up in the seat and turns towards me. “Are you shitting me? You seriously want to close the case and not question the mob?”

“There’s no evidence, Lola. We can’t just go accusing people if there is no evidence.”

Lola is about to say something when Jaws starts to play in her purse. She closes her eyes as if it’s the last call she wants to receive. She turns back in her seat and doesn’t answer it. The music stops and immediately starts up again. “Are you going to answer that?” I ask and Lola looks back at me and turns away looking back towards the window. She is pissed at me. The music again stops and restarts up again. “Lola, will you answer the fucking phone? It’s obviously important!” Lola snatches the phone out of her purse and answers. “Yes... Yes... I can’t talk right now. I will. Yes!”

She obviously didn’t want to say anything with me around. She hangs up the phone and I ask her who was on the phone. Lola looks at me contemplatively. “It was the mob; they wanted me to thank you for being such a loyal ass fan.” Lola turns back to look at traffic and thankfully it has started to move.

The ride to Lola’s place is silent and when she gets out she slams my door shut. I let down the window and wait for her to get inside. “I’ll see you in a few; I’ll stop to get the coffee.” Lola doesn’t even turn around to respond.

We both are eventually at the station and I should admit Lola gives the cold shoulder like she got a Ph.D. in it. I tell her that we need to talk to Hill and let him know that there is no proof of mob involvement at this time. Lola didn’t want to do it, but she went in with me and sat there pissed off as I spoke. Captain Hill accepted the facts and advised that we are still to find Knight. He wants to find out what happened to him. Lola can’t get out of the office fast enough causing a cold breeze that I hope is only temporary.

 

LOLA

I am so pissed right now. I don’t even want to look at Frank, which is hard to do since I can feel his eyes on me. He basically ended the mob case knowing they are involved. How am I supposed to get information when I am going to be wasting my time doing unimportant shit? I don’t want to spend my day chasing after petty criminals. I need to kick up this Chicago mob shit. Frank mentions looking into Knight’s family and I don’t even respond to him. I need time alone to think. I need fresh air and coffee so I think this is the perfect time for a coffee run. I grab my purse out of the drawer and put on my jacket.

“I am going for coffee, I’ll be back.”

Frank lifts an eyebrow and tilts his head. “You’re not going to ask if I want to tag along. Or even offer to bring me a cup back?”

“No.” I turn and walk off leaving Frank behind. I have no interest in him coming along or bringing him back shit. The coffee shop isn’t that far from the station so I decide to walk. I could use the time to think and to take a break away from Frank. I can’t believe how beautiful Chicago is though. I love the city which is almost like a cleaner version of New York. I love being around the people who are always so busy with their own lives. I weave in and out of the busy sidewalks and finally get to the coffee shop. There is a line, so instead of standing in it, I decide to sit for a few minutes to clear my mind. A couple walks into the shop hand in hand and laughing with each other. The guy whispers something in her ear and she laughs and whispers something back to him. It’s funny how couples trust each other enough to share the most intimate secrets with each other. Once you fall in love with someone you easily share your weaknesses. As I watch the couple, I realize that I still have a chance with Frank. Last night was the stepping stone I needed with him and I am going to stay on that path. I will seduce what I need out of Frank Deluca. As I am about to get in line I look at the clock. Brandon should be calling me any second now. I reach into my purse for my phone and it’s not there. I go back to the table so I can search through my purse and holy shit; I left my phone on my desk.

 

FRANK

Lola was pissed at me, so she wouldn’t even let me go with her to get coffee. I could have forced myself on her and gone along anyways, but I could tell she needed space. It would have been nice if she offered to bring me a cup, but hell, she wouldn’t even do that. I guess I’ll file that way knowing when Lola is pissed, she is pissed. Lola has been gone for almost thirty minutes and I really would like a cup of coffee myself. There is coffee here at the station, but I prefer real coffee and not that shit. I lean back in my chair trying to decide if I should head to the coffee shop myself. It is a free country and I would like a cup. I just wonder if this would piss Lola off more. To hell with it, I am going to the coffee shop. I grab my jacket and suddenly, I hear the Jaws theme music playing on Lola’s desk. I walk over to pick it up and there is a guy on the screen and the name says, Brandon. Who the fuck is this? I am not sure if I should answer it and ask who the fuck is calling or set the phone down and find out from Lola later. This is the same ringtone that I have heard call her before. Hell, I think I have heard it several times before. Lola will normally leave the room and disappear once he calls. In the car, she made sure to keep her answers short and sweet with him. Who in the hell is this guy? Lola doesn’t seem like the girl that would sneak around on someone. What if this Brandon is a husband or boyfriend? I only assumed Lola wasn’t married. I have never asked the question. Lola also hasn’t mentioned any boyfriends either and she sure as hell didn’t act like it last night. Brandon finally catches a clue that Lola isn’t going to answer and the phone stops ringing. I look back at the screen and notice that he left a message. I put the phone in my pocket and head for the coffee shop for answers.

 

LOLA

I’m almost done with my coffee when Frank comes marching inside. I don’t understand why he didn’t get that I didn’t want to be near him right now. It’s quite obvious all the coffee shop girls notice when he enters because they are all standing at attention and suddenly have smiling faces. When I walked in they seemed more agitated than I did. One of the cute blond girls walks right up to the counter practically throwing her 40D’s in his face. “Hi, Detective Deluca. Did you want your usual? Or can I get you anything special today?” The sound of her voice is so sugary sweet that it makes me sick.

“I’ll take my usual, Sara. I’ll be sitting with Detective Covelli when it’s ready.”

“Oh my, isn’t that nice? Do they bring it to you and maybe blow on it so you don’t burn your sensitive lips?” I snarl at him as he sits across from me.

Frank narrows his eyes at me. “I don’t know what’s cuter. The thought that you are acting annoyed that Sara likes me or that you’re thinking about my soft lips.”

“I didn’t say anything about your lips being soft, I said sensitive.”

Frank leans over the narrow little coffee shop table. “Lola, I won’t argue with you because we both know you enjoyed them last night.”

“Did you just come to piss me off, Frank? I assumed I had made it clear that I wanted to get away from you. If I wasn’t, I’ll be crystal clear now. In the future, if I say I am going to get coffee and I won’t bring you any back that means I am trying to get away from you.”

Frank chuckles and sits back in his chair. “I needed coffee, Lola. I didn’t get much sleep last night and I was running late this morning.” Frank states and I immediately start to blush before he continues.

“I did notice that you appeared to want time alone, but I thought I should bring your phone when Brandon called again.”

 

FRANK

I think Lola turned several shades of red within seconds when I mentioned Brandon. I would almost think it was cute if I wasn’t waiting impatiently for her to say something as to who he is. I can also tell she is breathing harder, so I must have touched a nerve when mentioning him. Lola takes another sip of her coffee as Sara brings my cup over.

“Here you go, Frank. Please don’t hesitate to ask for anything else.” She smiles and I watch her sway away from the table. As I turn my attention back to Lola, I notice she’s now watching me with narrowed eyes.

“Don’t let me stop you, Frank. If you want to go over and chat with her, you should go.”

“Don’t change the subject, Lola. Who is Brandon?”

Lola puts her cup down and I can tell she is trying to come up with something to say. When you're used to questioning people, you can tell when they are thinking of a lie. You don’t have to think about the truth. Lola is thinking and I don’t like it.

“Brandon is someone from my personal life. It doesn’t concern you.”

I can’t help but laugh at her response. “Your personal life doesn’t concern me? Do I have to remind you that last night…” Lola cuts me off

“I don’t need to be reminded of last night Frank. Look Brandon is a friend. He is looking out for me as a favor to my parents while I am here.”

“How close are you and Brandon?” Lola tilts her head and pinches her nose. “Why are you asking?”

“I don’t know Lola, your response when I asked you who he was, didn't scream friend. You didn’t want to answer your phone in my car this morning when he called. I can recall other times when I would hear that ringtone and you would disappear.”

“Wow! Frank. I am guilty until proven innocent and the mob is innocent until proven guilty. Is there a reason for that? You act like they are more trustworthy than I am.”

“Well, now that you mention it, I think I do know more about them than I do you, Lola.”

 

LOLA

I made a huge mistake leaving my phone on my desk. Frank now knows Brandon’s name and he’s started asking questions. The kind I don’t have answers for. The first thing I thought of was saying Brandon was a friend looking out for me for my parents. I don’t think he bought it. We had to get back to the station, so we both finished our coffee and walked back in silence.

I couldn’t wait for the day to be over. Frank still had me looking into Knight’s family, while he dug into Knight himself. This is really a waste of my time. I look over and notice Frank staring at his computer screen. “How about we grab a pizza after work?”

Frank glances at me and shakes his head. “Sure.” He quickly gets back to work.

This won’t be good if Frank has lost his trust in me. I need him to fully trust me to get information from him.

“I have an even better idea, how about I pick up a frozen pizza and we can have it at your place?”

Frank looks at me and rubs his hand through his hair. “I don’t know if that is a good idea.”

I stand and walk over to Frank’s desk and sit on the edge facing him. “Frank, I know you are rattled because of Brandon. I can assure you that he is only a friend. I really want us to work on whatever this is.”

“Okay, Lola. Pick up the damn pizza.”

 

FRANK

Lola arrives with a frozen pizza and a bottle of wine. I like to think of myself as a good judge of character and for some reason, I am starting to have doubts about Lola. I just don’t know if I should really trust her. We put the pizza in the oven and I grab two wine glasses. Lola is curled up on my sofa watching me as I bring the glass over to her. “What are you thinking about, Frank? I can almost feel the questions bouncing off you.”

“Honestly, Lola, I am wondering if I can trust you.” Lola sets her glass down and stands up and walks towards me. “I wonder the same about you too, Frank. We just have to learn to trust each other.”

I put my glass down and place my hands on her face looking into her eyes. I lower my head and slowly cover her lips. Lola grabs my shirt and starts to unbutton it as I pull her ass slowly toward my now hard-as-a-rock dick. When she feels it she laughs and pulls away. “We better stop; we have a pizza in the oven.” I groan and walk into the kitchen and turn off the stove.

“We’ll order a damn pizza later.” I grab Lola and throw her over my shoulder and head to my bedroom. Lola laughs as I toss her onto the bed and crawl over her. “It’s a good thing I don’t break, Frank. You are a little rough, aren’t you?” I lift her shirt and start kissing her stomach as I crawl further up. “Are you kidding baby? You loved it rough.”

I sit up and look at her. Her eyes have darkened and she is breathing harder. “Are you sure about this? If we let this happen again there is no turning back, Lola. Once is a mistake and second time is always intentional.” Lola sits up and puts her hand on my cheek. “I want you, Frank.”

We’re out of our clothes in record time and Lola is now kissing her way down my chest. She’s going lower and lower and I only pray she goes low enough. I open my eyes and look down at her when I feel her lift off the bed. She has now settled between my legs and holds my dick with her soft hands. She gently strokes my length. Her warm little hands caressing me from the base to tip where she gives a little squeeze. “Are you just going to look at it, baby?” I ask. Lola looks up at me and shakes her head.

“I am going to do a lot more than look, Frank.” Lola then parts her lips and takes my dick into her mouth. Her soft warmth feels so good as her tongue continues to caress my cock, her lips wrapped tightly around me as she takes me deeper. So deep, that feels like it’s I’m hitting the back of her throat. I wrap my hands in her hair to hold her closer. She massages my balls as her mouth continues on its quest and I thrust a little deeper. It takes a second to realize the groans I hear are my own. I am getting close, but I want to be buried deep within her when I finish. But first, I want to taste her. I withdraw from her amazing mouth and position her onto her back. Lola looks up at me with a question in her eyes.

“I am hungry, And Lola. I don’t want to wait for the fucking pizza.” Lola looks puzzled as I position myself between her parted legs and place a kiss on her pussy. She threads her fingers in my hair holding me even closer. As she does so, her taste becomes even sweeter. I trace my tongue over her sweet folds as Lola pushes to meet my mouth. I hold her hips to keep her in place as I take her clit between my lips and suck it firmly. Lola shrieks as her orgasm washes over her. She tastes so good, I can’t get enough. I want to eat her all fucking night. I feel the tingle at the base of my spine starting. But I don’t want to come like this. I want to be inside Lola’s tight little pussy. Lola looks relaxed to the point of sleep, but I am not close to being done with her. She wanted me and she is going to get me. I climb up the bed and pull her to the edge positioning my dick at her entrance and I thrust into her. Lola groans and reflexively tries to close her legs. I pin her down once again as I pound into her. Lola pulls me down on top of her and is scratching the hell out of my back as I enter her. This only encourages me to slam harder and faster into her.

“You…are… so…deep,” she says in my ear. I am grunting so hard from ramming into her I can barely answer her.

“You… feel…so… good…baby.” Lola tries to move her pinned legs again and I let them go. Then I take her legs and throw them over my shoulder as I now have her in another position which allows me to go even deeper. Lola likes it deep and lucky for her I’ll give her what she wants.

 

LOLA

Frank eventually rolls off me and I feel dead to the world. I can’t even move to pull the covers over me. Luckily Frank notices and has enough energy to cover us both. I am normally a side sleeper, but I don’t even have enough energy to turn to my side. I look over at Frank and he is lying on his back with one leg uncovered and staring at the ceiling.

“Wow… I think that is all I can say. Just wow,” I managed weakly.

Frank chuckles and turns to look at me. “Agreed.”

“Are we still ordering pizza?” I ask.

“Who has the energy?”

Frank turns onto his side to face me and pulls me into his chest. We eventually fall asleep and we never do get our pizza

That night as I slept in Frank’s arms I had a dream. I see Frank and me happily together. We are married with kids. Frank kisses me before he leaves for work. The doorbell rings and its Brandon. He points a gun at me and tells me that even though I never finished the job, he did. There was a hit and Frank was killed on the way to work; now he, Brandon, is in charge. He then explains that he won’t leave any of Frank’s family behind and now I and the kids are next. He pulls the trigger. I wake up sitting straight up in bed. Frank jumps and sits up next to me. “Lola, what’s wrong? It’s only a dream.” I look around the room and realize where I am and it’s not just a dream. I was sent here for one reason and I have to stay focused on it.

 

FRANK

Have you heard the saying life goes by when you’re having fun? Lola and I have been inseparable and I feel like my life has just begun. We have kept our relationship a secret since dating your partner is against department policy. I thought I would have to talk Lola into breaking the rules, but she has been totally open to it. We haven’t spent a night apart. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t think I can sleep without her next to me. Lola has practically moved into my house.

Alex has been putting more pressure on me to be all in the mob. He wants me totally focused, but I have told him that I can’t do it yet. There are too many loose ends that have to be handled at the station. First and foremost, Captain Hill still has us looking for Knight. I need to stay one step ahead of finding him. I could do it on my own, but I don’t want Lola or anyone else finding anything out without me being involved. Alex is also getting suspicious of my relationship with Lola. He doesn’t think any relationship I have with her will turn out well. He hates that she is a cop and thinks if I am with her, I’ll always think with the wrong head. It made perfect sense when he mentioned it, and I have to wonder if he is right. Lola constantly wants to talk about the Chicago mob and the families involved. Luckily, I always can bring her back to the missing Knight. I can even guilt her little over her obsession with the mob when we have an innocent man missing. Lola will bring up the mob occasionally when we’re having dinner and luckily were normally at my house when she does. I always take great pleasure in fucking the conversation out of her. I always have Lola at her weakest when she is naked in my bed. It’s funny how she was so dominant the first time and now I totally dominate her. She pretends not to like it, but I can tell she loves it when I take charge.

Lola arrives at the station with two cups of coffee and sets a cup on my desk for me. I love it when she does little things like this for me. At one point, if she brought in two cups of coffee I would have worried that she was pissed at me and she was going to dump one of them on me. Now each morning she stops by the coffee shop and brings in my usual. I offered to bring her the coffee, but it makes more sense for her to stop.

Each morning she goes home to change, so I always beat her to the office. I asked her why she doesn’t just bring clothes with her, but she is insistent that she goes home before work. As Lola sips her coffee at her desk, my cell phone rings and I see that it’s Alex.

“We need to talk now. Can you come to the club?” I can’t help but notice that he emphasizes the word ‘now’ in his request.

“Alex, I am at the station. I can come after I get off.”

“This shit can’t wait until then. I’ll meet you in the parking lot. I’ll call you when I get there.” Alex hangs up not even giving me a chance to tell him not to come to the station.

Alex is never on time for anything. When he says he’ll be somewhere in 30 minutes, you can keep doing whatever you’re doing because he probably won’t even show up. Alex doesn’t value anyone’s time but his own. This is why it was truly shocking when 25 minutes later he was texting me that he was in the parking lot by my car. I smile over at Lola who is busy doing the Knight homework that I managed to get her to work on and head to the parking lot.

“What’s going on, Alex?”

“We have a major problem, Frank. One of our people just told me that New York has someone here digging into our business. We know they want to take over, but someone is already here sending information back.”

Alex runs his hand through his hair and starts pacing.

“Okay. So, we’ll find out who they have here and take care of them. Why did we have to meet now for you to tell me this?”

Alex squints his eyes and looks at me. “Isn’t your new partner from New York, Frank?”

I can’t believe where this conversation is going. Is Alex actually accusing Lola of being in the New York mob?

“What does that have to do with anything Alex? New York is a big city. Lola doesn’t have anything to do with the mob. Do I need to remind you that she is a cop?”

Alex chuckles and runs his hand through his hair again. “You’re a cop too, Frank. Hell, we have several cops on the payroll. This is exactly what I was talking about when I said you need to think with your big head instead of your little one. My sources say that New York sent someone here around the same time she arrived. I think your new little girlfriend is not out for your best interests.”

“You know what Alex. I don’t have time for this shit. Lola isn’t a mob spy. I need to get back to work.”

Alex steps in front of me blocking me from going inside.

“I bet you fell real hard and fast for this girl didn’t you, Frank? I can tell you how that happened. She worked you. She probably knows more about you than you do her. Hell, she probably fell fast and hard into your bed too. She probably thinks it will be easier to get information from you if you let it slip while she is banging you. Do you pay attention to what she does outside of bed, Frank? Does she get mysterious phone calls? Always have to leave the room to answer them? Have you been to her place, Frank, or does she always comes to yours?

I look at Alex and feel sick that he almost has described Lola perfectly. He notices that I haven’t responded, so he continues.

“Bring her to the club tonight, Frank. I just want to question her.”

“I don’t want you to hurt her, Alex.”

“I will only question her, Frank. Besides you’re in charge, remember? I won’t do anything without your permission. If she is spying on us, we need to take care of it.”

When Alex says we need to take care of it, I know what the “it” is. He would want me to give him permission to kill Lola. I know it won’t happen because there is no way Lola is a mob spy. I wouldn’t let myself fall for her if she was just playing me.

 

LOLA

Frank has been acting strangely since he came back to his desk. He is quiet and when I try to have a conversation he is snippy with me. I don’t know if I should ask him what is bothering him or where he disappeared to. I just know this Frank has an edge that I am not used to. Luckily I have information on Knight’s family, so I can hopefully get a pleasant response out of him. I write down the information and close my laptop. Frank is now leaning back in his chair watching me. I really don’t like the way he is doing that either.

“I have good news for you, Frank.” I don’t know why, but the way he is staring at me gives me a cold chill. He doesn’t even respond he just keeps staring at me.

“Frank? Why are you looking at me like that?” Frank sits up in his chair and puts his fist on his chin.

“I was just thinking about getting out of here, Lola. How about we stop by your place so you can change and we head to Deluca’s?”

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind a drink so that sounds nice. I think I left a few dresses at your place. We can just go to your place. That way we don’t have to make one stop instead of two.”

“Whatever you want, Lola,” Frank says with a hard edge to his voice.

“Now that we have our after-work plans confirmed, I should tell you that I have information on Knight’s family. Why don’t we go question them to see if they know where he is?”

“We can check it out tomorrow, Lola.” Frank stands pushing his chair under the desk.

“Where are you going?” I ask as he turns his back to walk away from me.

“No worries, Lola. I need to touch base with Hill on some personal shit.”

I can’t help but wonder why I am getting the cold shoulder from Frank Deluca.

 

FRANK

It took everything I had in me not to jump over my desk and put my hand around Lola’s throat. I keep replaying all the shit that Alex said earlier. If I hadn’t known better I would think he had been following me and Lola from the very start. I wanted to give her a quick test and mention how we could stop by her place so she could change clothes. If she said yes, I wouldn’t even consider taking her to Deluca’s tonight. Now I am suspicious too, so I have to. I only hope that Alex isn’t stupid about it. If Lola has no ties to the mob, I’ll deal with her tomorrow. She’ll ask questions and my secret will no longer be safe.

I have worked with Hill since I started the department. He is almost like a second father to me. He would always tell me that I was the son he never had. I trust him completely, so I have to ask him about Lola. I knock on the door and Hill yells for me to come in.

Hill is sitting behind his desk staring at his computer. “Hey, Deluca, what do you need?”

“Hey, I actually just wanted to check in with you,” I advise as I walk over to the chair in front of his desk.

Hill wears these brown-rimmed glasses, which he always looks over the top of. “Really? And why would you need to check in with me Deluca? You haven’t gotten involved in some shit that is going to give me a heart attack later did you?”

I chuckle because back in the day I probably would have come into his office to let him know I had done something. Hill is still looking at me over the rim of those damn glasses.

“I have actually been behaving myself. I have to talk to you about Lola.”

“What about her? “Hill barks as he goes back to looking at his screen

“Well for starters, why did you bring someone in from New York? We have plenty of other officers here that I could have worked with.”

“Look Deluca I don’t know why you're questioning me about Lola. Did she do something wrong?”

“No, sir. She seems bound and determined to take down the mob. She practically lives and sleeps it.”

Hill stops looking at the screen and takes his glasses off, setting them on the desk.

“She lives and sleeps it? Deluca, do I need to remind you that the department has rules against personal relationships? If there is anything going on between you two, I won’t care who called in favors to get her put here, I will ship her ass back to New York.”

“Did you just say someone called in favors to put her at this station?” I question.

“Oh shit. Yes, I was told by the higher ups that she was being put into the station. I wasn’t supposed to mention that to anyone, so keep your mouth shut or it will be your ass.”

“I won’t say anything. Why did you stick her with me?” I ask.

Hill shakes his head and looks at me, a bewildered expression on his face. “I was told to.”

 

LOLA

After our shift, Frank and I head to his place to change clothes for a night at Deluca’s. I am so glad I thought ahead of time and left a few clothes at his place. I knew he would question why we never go to my place, but with the mood he was in I was taken off guard. Frank would ask questions if he came inside. I have a house, not a home. It doesn’t feel or looks like a place that I plan on staying. I don’t have pictures of family or personal items lying around. It’s not even my house and he would feel it. The house is cold, just like my family.

I can’t help but watch Frank as he drives us to Deluca’s. He is tense and quiet. His knuckles are gripping the wheel so tightly they are almost white. He isn’t even playing the music so the car is dead silent. I almost feel like he’s driving me to my death.

“Is something wrong Frank? Are you upset with me?”

He turns his head to look at me. “Why would you think I’m upset with you?”

“Well for starters, I need a sweater with the cold shoulder you have been giving me. You’re quiet and haven’t said two words to me.”

“Lola, why don’t we ever go to your place?” he asks.

Oh shit, here we go.

“To be honest I just feel more comfortable at your place. I really haven’t had time to do furniture shopping.” I tell him.

“Really?” Frank glances at the road and then back to me.

“Yes, really. Do you think I am hiding something from you?”

“Not you, Lola. So, how long were you on the force in New York?”

“Why are you asking? Do you think I need more on the job training?” I ask and wonder what is going on and if I should be worried.

 

LOLA

I don’t know why Frank was asking me questions about being on the force in New York. I couldn’t answer him. I can’t recall what it says in my file or what I mentioned to him in the past. All I know is I feel like I am in trouble. When I didn’t answer the question, Frank picked up speed and completely focused on driving. He drove with anger and I was so relieved to get to the club. At least I hope it’s safer at the club. He sped into his parking spot, and I didn’t even wait for him to open my door. I felt trapped in the car and I needed to get out of it desperately.

Frank put his hand on my lower back and we walk into the club. As always the place is busy. The bar is at full capacity and all the tables are taken. I see a couple leaving one of the tables and I move to grab it before someone else does. Frank takes hold of my elbow and nods towards the stairs.

“We are actually going upstairs to talk to Alex.” My heart starts to race. This can’t be a good sign, but I can’t let him know that I am afraid.

We get to the stairs and there is a guard at the bottom. “Hey, Thomas. We're just going to talk to Alex.” Thomas looks me over and nods his head, moving aside for us. As I start heading up the stairs I look back down and notice that someone else is standing guard and Thomas is coming upstairs with us. I realize that there was a reason for me to feel fear earlier. I am supposed to feel it. I have been discovered and they are going to kill me. Frank Deluca, the man that I have fallen for, is leading me upstairs so I can be killed. Maybe he’ll let me use the bathroom and I can call Brandon and he can get someone here for me. I know he has someone else here. He just wouldn’t tell me who it was because he felt it would give me a false security.

Frank knocks three times on Alex’s office door and opens it. He holds his arm out to invite me to enter and when I do, I know I am about to meet the Chicago mob families.

 

FRANK

Lola is as stiff as a board as I lead her up to the office. If she wasn’t walking up the stairs I wouldn’t think she was breathing. I am a little concerned as to why Thomas is coming upstairs with us. I told Alex that he is only to talk to Lola. I will not let him hurt her. When I push open the office door Alex isn’t alone. Oliver is here and there are also two other men in the room and I have no idea who they are. Lola has stopped walking and I move her inside so Thomas can enter too.

“Hey Alex, Oliver, who are your friends? I thought we were only meeting Alex?” I notice that Thomas has moved around me and Lola and are standing with the others.

Alex looks over at them and back to me. “We are all family Frank. I thought the guys would like to meet your girl too.” Oliver steps towards Lola and I step in front of her blocking her from Oliver.

Oliver chuckles and looks around me to look at her. “Play nice, Frank. I was only going to say hi.”

I narrow my eyes at him hoping he would catch on to the unvoiced threat.

Oliver holds out his hand towards her. “It’s nice to meet you, Lola. I am Oliver Gallo.”

I glance at Lola and notice her widening eyes. I can’t believe this stupid fucker actually used his real last name. She has done enough research to know that the Gallo family is Chicago mob. I close my eyes and place my hands to my temples.

“Your last name is Gallo?” Lola softly asks as she looks at him and back to me.

“Yes, it is. Have you heard of me?” Oliver asks.

“Uh, I... I am not sure.” She quietly answers.

Oliver is now squinting his eyes and has a smirk on his face. He looks back at me and walks over to sit on the corner of Alex’s desk.

Lola looks over the room and at everyone in it. She looks at me and I notice how watery her eyes are. She is scared and it’s because of me.

“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.