Page 11 of Malevolent Secrets

I think back to what Massimo said about Jeremy getting mixed up with dangerous people. What was he involved in? Why would the Durettis see him as a threat?

As I ponder these questions, a thought strikes me. The Garden of Eden. The club is owned by the Durettis. It’s a long shot, but maybe someone there knows something. Maybe I can find answers.

Determination hardens within me. I have to try. For Jeremy.

I get up and head to the bedroom, pulling out a sleek black dress from the closet. It’s not my usual style, but I need to blend in. I slip into it, the fabric cool against my skin. I touch up my makeup, adding a bold red lipstick for confidence.

I glance at my reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looks determined and fierce. I hold onto that image, letting it fortify me.

With a final deep breath, I grab my keys and head out. The night is still young and The Garden of Eden awaits.

As I drive through the city, the neon lights and street lamps blur past, casting colorful reflections on the windshield. My mind is focused, every nerve on edge. This is it. My chance to get answers. To find out why Jeremy was killed and who’s responsible.

When I arrive at The Garden of Eden, the exterior is as impressive as I imagined. The neon sign flickers, casting a soft glow on the line of people waiting to get in. The bouncers at the door look imposing.

I take a deep breath and walk up to the entrance, trying to exude confidence. The bouncers eye me for a moment before letting me through. Inside, the club is a whirlwind of lights and music. The bass reverberates through my chest, the crowd is a sea of bodies moving to the rhythm.

I weave my way through the throng, heading towards the bar. The bartender, a tall woman with striking features, gives me a nod as I approach.

“What can I get you?” she asks, her voice barely audible over the music.

“Surprise me,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

She laughs, the sound sultry. “A woman after my own heart,” she says with a bold wink.

As she pours my drink, I glance around the club, my eyes searching for any sign of familiarity. I need to find someone who knows something, someone who can give me answers.

The bartender slides the glass of wine towards me. “First time here?”

I nod, taking a sip. The drink is strong, but very good. “Yeah. Quite a place.”

She smiles, leaning in a little closer. “You here for business or pleasure?”

“Business,” I reply, meeting her gaze. “I’m looking for someone who might have known Jeremy Foster.”

Her expression shifts, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. “I’ve heard the name. What do you need to know?”

“Anything you can tell me,” I say, my heart pounding. “He was killed a few weeks ago. I think it has something to do with the Duretti family.”

The bartender’s eyes narrow and she glances around before leaning in even closer. “Look, you're obviously new here, so I'll give you one piece of advice. Be careful who you talk to about the Durettis. They don’t take kindly to strangers asking questions.''

“Just sip your drink and try to have a good time. Keep your questions to yourself and maybe you'll get to keep your life, too.”

I nod and nurse my drink. I know I’m not going to heed her, but her warning makes me realize that I need to be more careful.

As she moves away, I take another sip of my drink, slowly this time, trying to steady my nerves. The minutes drag on, each one feeling like an eternity.

And then I see him.

Chapter Four

Daniella

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him. He is tall, impossibly tall.

From my vantage point in my seat, his eyes look piercing. It might be my tipsiness, but I swear the crowd parts for him as he walks. He moves with quiet confidence, his commanding presence drawing attention without trying.

My heart skips a beat as he approaches the bar, his gaze locking onto mine.

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