Page 23 of The Sicuro

“You good?” I ask as I hold the door for her. She mumbles in agreement. As we reach my office, she tells me about Sarah and her situation, that her ex is becoming abusive.

“Since I had to get enough things from my apartment for a few days I assumed that it would be empty. So, I have said she can stay at mine.”

“It will. I will have one of the team take her there when she’s finished shift.” I like how she hasn’t argued about staying with me.

She stays with me in my office for the day, sitting on the couch reading a book she got from her apartment. I can’t stop myself watching her. I think I am slowly beginning to understand why my grandfather was happy having his wife with him. I just need to know she is safe. I speak with David and have one of his team look after Sarah, after noting she’s onthe late shift over the next week and will be staying at Kelcie’s, I have it scheduled that she is given a lift home each night.

We fall into somewhat of a routine with Kelcie coming into the office with me at midday, we have some lunch and then does her 4pm-10pm shift. After which she comes back up until I’m finished. The fact she’s here with me means I can easily get my fix of her whenever I like. There isn’t a space in the office that I haven’t had her pinned to or bent over. Plus, now that the house is finished, except for the master suite it has given me more opportunities for me to see how far I can push her. She’s willing to please me but I know I need to take my time with her.

It’s Saturday and she is sat in her usual spot as Anders walks in clearly aggravated.

“Boss, we’ve had a situation.”

“Go on.” He looks over at Kelcie and then back at me. “What is it, Anders?”

“Miss Taylor’s apartment was set fire to early hours this morning.” I see the shock on Kelcie’s face.

“How bad is it?”

“There’s nothing left, one casualty. Hurt badly but will survive.”

“Fuck, Sarah!” the panic in Kelcie’s voice is piercing.

“She was taken back there last night by one of the staff as planned. I had her ex looked into this morning, he was at a bar, got black-out drunk and then went home. He’s clear.” Anders states.

I look over at Kelcie, knowing that it’s not Sarah they were looking for. If the bar is being watched they will have seen Sarah be taken back to Kelcie’s each night, they will have assumed it’s her. I can feel the rage start to take over me, I’ve always been able to remain calm in these situations and manage accordingly, but something is burning inside me.

“Police?” My single word supplying him a direct question.

“They were on scene as there was a casualty, but no foul play has been found. They can’t interview Sarah until she is in recovery.” He looks across at Kelcie again, I can tell he’s not comfortable talking openly in front of her.

“Boss, there is something else. Mr O’Connell hasn’t been seen, he’s gone but we don’t know where.”

I fucking knew that waste of breath family would cause me more issues.

“Have Sarah taken care of, private medical care. When she is recovered discuss the options with her about where she wants to restart her life and make it happen. Have additional security on shift and review last week’s bookings, I want to know who has been here and who hasn’t. Even the slightest thing out of the norm I want to know.”

Kelcie’s colour has drained from her face, and I can tell that she’s blaming herself for letting Sarah stay at hers. I walk over to her and grab her face in my hands pulling her to look at me.

“This is not on you. I will find who did this.” I have Kelcie taken off shift, I can’t risk herbeing in a position where she can be reached. Plus, if they think she was at her apartment last night they will think they achieved what they set out to do so I need her to be out of sight.

“Kelcie, I need you to be safe. I am going to have David take you to the house and stay with you until I get more information.” She protests but accepts it.

By 5pm I have Anders back in my office with more details. Mr O’Connell vanished earlier in the week after having a meeting with another member, Mr Geovanni. Subsequently, Mr Geovanni didn’t make his scheduled bookings in the bar on Wednesday and Thursday. I don’t even need to ask Anders before he tells me that, Mr Geovanni is on his way here.

Within the hour he’s willingly walking into my office. There have never been any issues with him, he was loyal to my grandfather.

“Missed a couple of bookings Mr Geovanni.”

“Gabriel,” I cut him off to correct him.

“It’s Mr DeMarco.” He stands, silent for a moment.

“Mr DeMarco, as you know business isn’t discussed between members unless they are specifically brought into it. Having been informed what has taken place, and who is nowhere to be found I understand your concerns regarding my missed bookings.”

My glare doesn’t leave his face.

“O’Connell insisted on a meeting, he was selling his business, didn’t say why and I never asked. That kind of business isn’t what I am about, therefore I politely declined. I wasn’t at my bookings as my wife foundout about the discussion with O’Connell and let’s say wasn’t happy.”

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