Page 22 of Elusive Enforcer

“That was amazing,” she whispers.

“Yeah, love. It was.”

She sighs contentedly and I tuck her into my side, running my fingers up and down her back while she traces my tattoos in featherlight touches. We have so much more to talk about, so much to discuss when it comes to handing over the documents, but right here and now? This is all that matters.

10

FLORENCE

Something rouses me from the most peaceful sleep I’ve ever had. The morning light filters through the small window on the other side of the room, and I blink away the grogginess from my eyes.

A loud crackling noise followed by the unmistakable sound of broken glass has me jumping out of bed and searching around frantically for Lorenzo and Sprinkles. I spot the cat hiding under the desk in the corner, but my man is nowhere to be found.

I quickly get dressed in a pair of leggings and a comfy shirt before throwing my messy hair up into a bun. Just then, Lorenzo bursts through the back door, gun in hand, rushing over to me.

“We have to leave. Now,” he says, the urgency in his voice scaring me.

I nod, grabbing my purse and the cat carrier, then turning to face Lorenzo. He surprises me by scooping up Sprinkles, and I’m even more shocked when my cat lets him. The two may have started out as enemies, but they’ve grown to have a mutual respect for each other. Each one knows the other will protect me, which is exactly what Lorenzo is doing now.

He motions for me to get behind him, and then he tucks Sprinkles into the jacket he has on, keeping the fluffy littlemonster close to him as we file out the back door. Lorenzo scans the area, wincing when he sees the rear window of his car is busted. Glass litters the ground as well as the backseat, but we don't see anyone around.

“I’ll cover you. Make a run for the car. Get in the front seat but stay low,” Lorenzo whispers. He kisses my temple and urges me forward. With my heart pounding and head spinning, I put all of my trust in Lorenzo and sprint toward the vehicle.

No sooner do I shut the passenger side door than Lorenzo is sliding into the driver’s seat, Sprinkles still stowed away in his jacket. We take off, the back wheels kicking up dust and sending glass shards spraying in every direction. I keep my head low, trying not to have a panic attack as we make our escape.

“I’m so sorry,” Lorenzo says. “I put my trust in the wrong person and they gave up our location.”

I nod, unable to speak at the moment. Sprinkles mews from his hiding spot and Lorenzo opens his jacket enough for the cat to crawl out and hop into my lap. I hold him close, burying my nose in his fur and letting his fresh laundry scent ground me.

Lorenzo takes a deep breath and rolls out his shoulders, looking in the rearview mirror to see if we’re being tailed. He nods to himself and relaxes the tiniest bit, letting me know we’re safe. For now.

His large, warm hand rests on my thigh, squeezing gently and then rubbing his thumb back and forth in a soothing gesture. We ride in silence for a bit, the desert landscape giving way to the strip malls of the suburbs and eventually, the streets of Las Vegas.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask where we’re going, but I’m not sure I want to know the answer. Lorenzo picks up on my unease, gently stroking my leg in reassurance. “I’m taking you to the Caparelli compound,” he says, answering my silent question. Every muscle in my body tenses, making Sprinkles look up atme with concern. “It’s the safest place in the city. Hell, the safest place in the state.”

“Will the traitor be there?” I ask, finding my voice.

Lorenzo growls and grips the wheel tightly. “Not for fucking long,” he spits out.

“What are we going to do about…?” I don’t even want to finish the thought, but Lorenzo knows exactly what I’m asking when my gaze drops to my purse, which is shoved between my feet on the floor of the car. We both know the file that started this whole mess is in there.

“We’re giving it to the Boss,” he states matter-of-factly.

“And he’s going to go public with it?”

“No,” comes the automatic response. I glare at him, remembering how we never finished that particular conversation yesterday. Or was that two days ago now? This entire week has been a blur.

I haven’t checked in at work yet, not a single call or email. It’s completely unlike me to not show up at work. I’m usually one of the first people in the office. On the rare occasion I’m sick, I always send an email and leave a voicemail for my direct supervisor. I guess none of that matters now. It’s not like I can go back to work for Mary and Larry Hanson. Not after everything I’ve seen and know.

“Why would he keep it a secret? Isn’t it to the mafia’s advantage to make the cops look bad? I know I’m new to this whole crime syndicate thing, but it just doesn’t make sense to me. Expose those filthy fuckers for what they are - greedy, selfish, lying pieces of shit who will do anything to silence truth-seekers. We have proof. Let’s take them down.”

I’m out of breath after I finish my rant and my face is flushed with anger and righteous rage.

“Why are you so determined to make this public?” he asks after I’ve calmed down a bit.

“Don’t answer my question with another question,” I snap at Lorenzo. I know I’m being a brat right now, but I don’t care. I have justice on my side, making me feel invincible, at least for now.

“I’m just trying to understand you, Florence. Something happened in your past, right? Something awful that exposed the truth about the few at the top who use their position to leverage power over the masses.”

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