Corey
It’s four in the afternoon and I’m still in the nasty motel bed. It’s not like I’ve slept. Well, maybe I drowsed a little, but every time I do, I dream of Stefano getting shot. Or shooting me.
I wake up with a pain in my chest like it really happened.
How did things get so messed up? How can I make it right?
I simply can’t allow Stefano to believe I used him. Why did I never tell him how much he meant to me? That he’s the only guy I’ve ever fallen for? How much I appreciate-no, appreciate isn’t deep enough-how he devastated me with his thoughtfulness. His love. I know he never said it, but only love would make a man work so hard to lift his woman’s belief in herself. If only I’d done something to show him my love, too. Then he wouldn’t have doubted me. Wouldn’t have believed I could betray him.
I stumble out of bed and take a shower in the dingy bathroom.
What’s my plan?
I need a plan. Finding out where I really stand with the Tacones would be a start. I need to call Sondra. And maybe she can help me figure out a way to prove to Stefano I wasn’t a part of my father’s plan.
I put on my dirty clothes and walk to a Walgreens on the corner where I buy a pair of flip flops, leggings and a t-shirt so I at least have something to change into. I also get a burner phone to make calls.
I hardly have anyone’s number memorized anymore, but Sondra and I have been close since before the dawn of cell phones. I still know her number by heart. I dial it, my nerves jangling as I wait for her to pick up.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me.”
“Corey, thank God! Where are you? Where have you been? Stefano is looking for you.”
“I was afraid of that. My dad-”
“Stefano told me about the bug and that you tried to pay your dad off. He’s already called Stefano to blackmail him for more.”
“What?”
Of all the possible scenarios, that one hadn’t crossed my mind.
“Yeah, Stefano’s meeting him tonight in the Hard Rock parking garage.”
My heart thuds painfully against my chest. This is exactly what I need-my dad and Stefano in the same room-or garage, as the case may be. A chance to prove to Stefano I’m not a part of my dad’s nasty schemes.
“Thanks, that’s what I need to know,” I say.
“Wait, Corey!” Sondra yelps into the phone to stop me from hanging up. “Where are you? What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to prove to Stefano I wasn’t a part of this shitstorm. Or at least make him believe I didn’t know I was bugged. I should’ve told him about my dad investigating him-that’s on me. But I had no idea my dad planted a bug.”
“Stefano’s worried about you.”
My chest constricts painfully.
He still cares.
I can fix this.
I can’t speak because my throat clogs with tears. “Thanks, Sondra. I’ll be in touch.”
Stefano
I’m ready to chew up and spit out everyone around me. I need to get a grip on my aggression or I’m going to smash in Corey’s dad’s skull. I hope to fuck he knows where she is.
We put on kevlar vests under our shirts because I definitely don’t trust this guy. All three of us also set our phones to record. Audio surveillance goes both ways. Having evidence against Mr. Crooked Fed could be useful.
I didn’t like what Sondra said about Corey’s childhood with this dickbag. I already knew it sucked, but now I want to make him pay for it. He damaged her. I want him to bleed.
Dial it back, stronzo.
We arrive at the Hard Rock and pull into the underground parking area. I get out with the suitcase full of nothing and we check our weapons. There are video cameras up in the corners, but it looks to me like someone already shot them out.
Okay, dickhead. Where are you?
I stroll through the garage like I’m going for a goddamn walk with my dog through the tulips until I spot him, leaning up against a pillar.
“Simonson.”
“Tacone.”
“Where’s your daughter?”
“She’s somewhere safe,” he says, simultaneously relieving me and ripping my heart out. She did go to him for help.
Is she working with him?
Fuck-I know she’s not. She’s not.
“She’s ready and willing to testify against you, but she doesn’t want to.”
My heart slows, drags like a lame horse in my chest.
“Oh yeah?” Now I’m just teenage bluster. I can’t even think. Can’t discern what’s what here. Dammit. Corey is my blind spot. I should’ve let Nico or Leo take the lead on this.
“That’s bullshit!”
I nearly drop to my knees.
Corey comes marching out from around the corner, looking like a fiery angel with her red hair spilling out behind her.
“Corey, get back,” her father barks, but she ignores him. She’s blazing toward me. Anger crackles all around her and my heart skips up to speed. I’m suddenly sure of her-I know this woman.
Fury crosses her father’s face. I should’ve paid attention, but I only have eyes for Corey. I need to apologize, let her know I believe her.
“Stefano, I’m not a part of his scheme. Not at all. Don’t believe a word he says.”
“Stefano,” Leo barks, drawing his weapon.
It’s too late. Simonson fires on Leo, hitting him in the chest.
Corey whirls. “No!” she screams and leaps in front of me. Her body jerks and crumples to the asphalt.
I draw my pistol and fire on Simonson. The bullet hits him right in the forehead but I don’t wait to see him fall, I’m running for Corey. “Call 911,” I shout at my men, scooping her into my arms. Blood spreads rapidly across the top of her shirt. I ball it up and push on the wound.
No, please.
Don’t let her die.
Not now. Not like this.
How could I have doubted her love?
She took a goddamn bullet for me.
And I failed her.
In every possible way.