Page 7 of The Viper

Finally, she’s opening a little. “There are.”

“Do you know everyone?”

“Basically,” I reply. “There are a lot of associates from work.”

“Work?” she scoffs. “Other than Rose, I don’t really know anyone. A few people I’ve met. Generally we’re on polite basis.”

“You’ve summed that up fairly accurately.”

Eliza turns to look at me as her forehead slightly crinkles. “You’re not friends with these people? Is Adrian?”

“It’s more about connections,” I’m careful not to say anything I shouldn’t or even give the appearance that we’re not a tight-knit family.

Eliza’s jaw tightens as she chuckles. “Right.” She steps back and smiles. “Excuse me, I see my husband returning and he’s calling me back to the table.”

“I’ll walk you back.” I guide Eliza toward the table and see my brother glaring at me. Once we’re back I hold Eliza’s chair out then help her slide it in before taking my place beside Adrian. I beckon the waiter to bring another scotch. “What?” I ask as I throw back my drink.

“Keep your fucking hands to yourself,” Adrian warns.

“We were dancing because you weren’t here.”

“I don’t touch what’s yours; you don’t touch what’s mine.”

I lift my hands in surrender. “Fine.” I look over and find Ruben staring at us. “The boss,” I whisper.

Adrian’s attention goes to Ruben, where he lifts his glass in appreciation.

Ruben gives him a small nod as he sits back and continues to watch us.

Rose is right. Adrian is a dick. But he’s my brother. And blood is thicker than water. Especially in our line of work.

Chapter two

Rose

It’s been two days since I’ve heard from Eliza, so I’m making a quick stop before I head in to work. I pull up the to the driveway gates and wait until I’m buzzed through before heading up to the massive mansion and parking my car.

I sit for a moment looking at the front of the house, and scrunch my nose. It’s ostentatious to say the least. The immaculately manicured lawns frame the pristine brick and gaudy gilded trim. I walk to the front door and ring the doorbell.

Jackie answers the door. “Hello, Miss Hopkins,” she greets as she blocks the door with her petite body.

“Hey, Jackie,” I say as I try to step past her.

“Mrs. Sacco isn’t here.” She looks over her shoulder then tilts her head slightly forward as if she wants to tell me a secret.

“Yes, she must be. She told me she’d be home,” I lie.

“No, ma’am,” the young housekeeper says. “She’s gone out with some of the other wives.” Her voice deceives her though, I know my sister is here. I try once again to move past her, but Jackie blocks my entry. “Miss Hopkins.” She rapidly blinks and purses her lips together. “Please,” she whispers.

I hate this. It’s been two months since the wedding and Eliza is pulling away from me. I know something is going on. I just wish I knew what. I look back to my car as I shift my weight impatiently from foot to foot. “Tell her to call me, please.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Jackie nods once and closes the door.

“Fuck,” I grumble as I walk away. I slide into my shitty old car and head toward work.

“Hey, you’re in early,” Finn, one of the staff, says as I rush past him to put my stuff away and try to call Eliza before my shift starts.

“Yeah, I tried stopping in at Eliza’s but she wasn’t there,” I lie. I don’t want my co-workers knowing what’s going on. “I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

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