Page 113 of Thrill Me (Dark Odyssey 3)

Chapter Thirty-Four

Mimi

“Oh wow…it looks like I came to the right person then,” I state but there’s a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. I try nevertheless to keep up appearances.

“Looks like you did. As you know Mr. Russo hasn’t really been heard of in years. I haven’t seen him and I don’t know what happened to him. I fell out of certain circles when I stopped working for the government. Being a criminal and all you have to pick sides. Doesn’t look like I can help you, but maybe I can sign your book. Your mother was nice to me. Drove her and Mr. Russo around a lot. She liked the beach. The water.”

The water… it makes me think of where I found her, but more so of the picture by the beach.

He knows something.

The unbalanced look in his eyes makes me think he knows something and the way he looks at me too.

I get the feeling he knew Mom and William Russo were having an affair.

“I would like that. Thank you for being so kind. My grief for her still affects me a great deal.”

I don’t mistake the flash in his eyes for any kind of emotion. It’s clear that guys like him have none.

“I can imagine so sweetheart. Like I said nice lady. Good people you don’t want to lose too soon, and yeah, she really was into law. Mr. Russo was training her in a matter of speech.”

“Oh, I didn’t really know that. There was mention of a guy called Adrian. I think he was an assistant. Do you maybe know where he is?”

The bladed spark that peppers his gaze suddenly grabs my attention. Jesus lord what did I say to make him react like that? Was it because I pressed.

No…

I mentioned Adrian.

“You know what sweetheart. I really wish you didn’t mention that name.”

“What?”

“Adrian. Your story was almost believable. Almost had me good. You see Mr. Russo had certain guys for different things. Different situations. Some kept secrets. Adrian was a guy like that. Except nobody is supposed to know his name, only if you know the secret. Like me. There’s no way you could just know that name unless if you know the secret too, or, want to open certain things.”

Oh God… what is he talking about?A rush of cold washes over me and my breathing stills.

I shake my head. “No… I don’t know what you mean.”

“The files,” he states. “I think you know more than you’re saying Miss Cipriani. Just like mother. Digging for information, snooping in places she shouldn’t have been looking.”

His words pulse adrenaline through me and I jump to my feet.

“You… did something to her?” My voice is shaky.

“No. Not me.”

“But someone did?”

He laughs. “How about I ask the questions here? Where are the files?”

My mouth drops. “What files?”

“Liar.”

“I don’t have any files. What files are you talking about?”

“Liar! The only reason you could want Adrian is the files. You must have them and you must know, he’s the only person who can open them. It’s really him you’re looking for, isn’t it?”

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