Page 19 of Powerful Deception

“I heard some people at the bar I work at talking about it. And since I’m in a tough place financially, I thought I would look for something that would pay better.”

Tough place financially. I was right, I guess. Her father’s funeral did put her back. Either way, I can feel my jaw tick, which causes her to cower back even more.

“Put your dress back on.” I throw out before heading over to my desk and calling for Evelyn.

The sooner Arianna is out of here, the better.

I had one Vitale involved in my business, I don’t need another.

“Yes, sir?” Evelyn says through the phone intercom.

“We’re done.” I grunt out, not even letting her respond before I release the button.

I look over at Arianna and she has finally covered her chest and has her arms wrapped herself in a protective manner.

“Can I ask what the position really is?” She throws out, her voice sounding a lot smaller than it did when she first walked in.

“No, you cannot.” I answer.

“Please? Maybe I could still be of help in some way? You never know, maybe I really am qualified for the position.”

I can’t help but snort. “You’re a qualified nanny?”

That takes her by surprise. “A nanny?”

“Yes, a fucking nanny. These interviews weren’t for new dancers or bartenders for the club, Ms. Amato. I was looking for a new caretaker for my children.”

I use the fake name that she gave because if I used her real one that will just cause her to throw questions at me that she shouldn’t know the answers to.

Though I do suspect that she is here for more than just finding another job.

Because what a fucking coincidence that only a few weeks ago a cop comes up dead, my name gets throws around in the mix of possible assailants and now his daughter is here for a job?

There is definitely more to this, I know there is.

“Oh.” Arianna voices, like she doesn’t know what else to say. “I didn’t know you had children.”

“It’s not public knowledge.” I tell her through gritted teeth.

There are people in this city that think they know every fucking detail about me, that they know the type of man that I am.

Yes, I’m a killer. Yes, people should be afraid of me, and yes, I hold secrets, but that doesn’t defy who I am outside of the city limits.

They don’t know I’m a father or that up until early this year, I was a husband.

And I will keep it that way until the day I die.

“Oh.” She says again, cowering deeper into herself.

My attention moves from Arianna to Evelyn, who just walked into the office looking surprised that I finished the interview earlier than expected.

“You can escort Ms. Amato out. We’re done.” I tell her before taking a seat at my desk, waking up my computer in the process.

“Are you sure?” Evelyn asks and when I look at her, she has an eyebrow raised at me.

Look, Evelyn is a few years older than me, so she thinks she has this ability to tell me when I’m wrong. She calls it a big sister looking out for her little brother.

We’re not related, and I see it as a fucking pain in the ass.

---