Page 34 of Twisted Lies

“I’m not telling you anything.”

“I know,” he responds. He rolls the window down a crack. “You won’t tell me anything you don’t want to. One day soon, you’ll have no choice. You want to know how I know?”

And because I’m in the mood to torture myself, I ask how.

“Because I saw your eyes the other night. That terrified expression was put there for a damn good reason. Whatever put it there is not going to go away on its own. I can help you. But first, you need to tell me the truth. I can wait.”

My hands tighten on the steering wheel. I don’t need his help; I’ve been doing just fine on my own. I need to get out of there. There was no way the man recognized me. I was no longer a child. They think I’m dead. Maybe I can stay and just put last night behind me. That’s what I’ll do; just let it go. I died a long time ago—no reason for them to be digging. I’m fine. Everything is fine. Now all I need is for Kevin to let it go. He’ll get bored and forget all about it or get distracted by a stripper. I need to pretend nothing happened. I’ve been doing fine at that all these years till a damn Christmas party.

* * *

ELIJAH

Helping Lily carry the bags inside, I try not to catch on fire from her glare. She’s pissed that I came with her and she couldn’t make her escape. The store, my ass. I knew she was going to try something. That’s why I hid in that car of hers. She really needs an upgrade. Hopefully, she gets the picture and doesn’t try anything again. Or at least not at the moment. She’s deep into something, and I need to find out what before it rains down on the rest of us. Maybe it’s something easy like a crazy ex. That would be easy enough to take care of. I have a terrible feeling it won’t be that case. Nothing, it seems, is easy with Lily.

My phone rings as I’m putting the milk away. I glance at Lily and she rolls her eyes. “Go ahead and take it. I won’t plan my getaway before I put the vegetables away,” she states, clearly annoyed.

“Good. I’d hate to have to do more work,” I reply, winking as I walk past her into the hallway. I hear her mumble ‘ass’ on my way out.

The call is from Andre. “What is it?” I ask, already wanting to get back to Lily. My luck, she’ll be halfway down the road by the time I’m off the phone. I’d track her down no problem, it would just be a waste of my time.

“I’ll be in town Tuesday. At the park. I have some information you’ll want to see.”

“I’ll be there,” I respond, hanging up. The last piece of the puzzle is only a couple days away. Re-entering the kitchen, Lily is putting away the last of the food.

“Still here,” she says, placing the box of cereal away. I try not to look at her ass in her jeans as she stretches to reach the top shelf. “You could help, you know,” she adds.

“I could, but I’m enjoying the view far too much.”

“Such as ass. I don’t know how you made it to adulthood without anyone killing you.”

“Me too.” I laugh. She has no idea how close it came a couple of times.

“I’m going to the pool,” she declares, turning around. “Don’t follow,” she orders.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” I call after her.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she yells back.

I’ll have some men stand around the area to make sure she stays out of trouble. I know she’ll be wanting to swim after the last few days. It seems to be her way of getting out her head, much like me when I beat someone with my fists. Hers maybe the healthier outlet but mine is much more fun.

ChapterThirteen

ELIJAH

Aman of his word, Andre drops the file off on Tuesday. He drops it off at a park bench, and I quickly snatch it up and hide it under my arm. Once in the car, I flip through the pages and sigh with relief. This is what I needed on Nikola Costa. Over the years, I’ve had time to watch and learn about the Five—now four—Families; their habits, their drive, and most importantly, their weaknesses. Each a little different than the last. For Daniel Ferrari, it’s his wife. It’s no secret that they love the other. His wife’s family helped make him what he is. His family had the history and bloodline, but her family had the money and the connections. Few are aware that he has a mistress and a child by her. It took years to dig up that dirt. He moves her every few months. From all accounts, his wife has no idea. It would ruin him if she did. Either her family would have his head for the disrespect, or she would make his life a living hell. I’m counting on him not wanting to find out which option it would be.

Daniel is the last piece I need. I already have what I need on Nikola Costa and Gian Marino. What I have over them is better than killing them with my bare hands. Okay, maybe not better, but pretty damn close. If I end up dead, I’ve placed copies and documents with people who will release it to the world. Watching and waiting has finally paid off, it seems. We’re going home. One day they will all feel the pain like we did, but that can wait. After all, I’ve been the one waiting for years. Now I just have to decide who I want to reintroduce myself to first.Time to go home.

* * *

“Where are you going?” Claire asks, barging into my room.

I don’t glance up from organizing my bag. “I’m going to New York,” I say calmly, knowing she’s about ready to flip.

“Why?” she demands, stepping closer.

“It’s time, Claire. I’ve spoken to Alex. He’s expecting you back tonight. I have your flight booked; it leaves in four hours. This will be the last time we speak till it’s safe and I have control again.”

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