Page 45 of Unspoken Obsession

It's not her.

My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach.

It's not Dani. It's not my sister.

I stare in disbelief at the stunned girl who is standing dead still, wide-eyed, and looking horrified at being manhandled by me. She looks so similar to Daniela. The shape of her face, her body - I can't believe how much she looks like my sister.

"Who - what?" She stammers, terrified of me. Realizing I am still gripping her arm I shake my head and release her arm. "I'm so sorry. I thought you were - I thought - I'm sorry." I back up away from her. My head spinning. I'm dizzy with tension.

Memories of my sister fill my head.

Her laughter, the way she would rip me off about everything.

She was - she is such an amazing person.

I can't believe the relief I felt when I thought I had found her.

What am I doing? Why haven't I been focusing every effort on finding her? I've been distracted, and it isn't fair. I abandoned her.

My heart pulls tight. I'm a terrible person. My sister is out there somewhere - scared and alone and she needs me. And what am I doing? I'm roaming around my casino feeling sorry for myself.

I worried about the mysterious woman - not focused on my family.

I sigh, pressing my fingers against my temple.

I'm selfish; I know that isn't a fair thing to say. I've spent years looking for my sister. I've spent millions, and so much of my time - but I slowed down. I never gave up; I just slowed down. That's all. And tonight was a reminder that I need to pick up where I left off.

Maybe it's time to look into Antonio Musetti -- the man I was trying to avoid causing shit with. All the other leads were dead in the water. He is the last one still lingering.

He is not a man I want to mess with and upset the fine balance of power between us - but if he did anything to my sister, I would burn his empire to the ground.

Turning back towards the casino I find I can't face going back in there tonight. I need to go home. I need to catch up on some rest and face tomorrow like a new challenge. Today I am overwhelmed and unfocused and it's making me do stupid things.

On the drive home I am thinking about Frankie again, and even though whatever connection we share is real - she is not real - she's a beautiful liar.

I've got to think about my other duties and get my priorities back in order. Remember what is important to me.

Like finding Daniela.

I need to trust my instincts - the ones telling me that Frankie has something to do with Daniela's disappearance. I will figure it out. But that means I'd have to treat Frankie like a suspect, not a lover.

Frankie reminds me of the girl from all those years ago at the gala event and she gives me the same thrill that girl gave me. All I want is the truth.

The car behind me honks and I realize I've been staring at the green light, not moving. I hold up my hand to apologize and speed up away.

Just go home.

Get some sleep.

Tomorrow is a new day.

I'll reorganize my scattered thoughts and focus on what is important.

Antonio Musetti is now at the top of my list.

But I will need to tread carefully with him. I want to meet with Lorenzo and tell him we are going to pursue this direction. He will not be happy - but he will understand.

At home, I head straight to my bedroom. I can't even face food or a drink. I need a hot shower and sleep.

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