Page 76 of Shackled By the Mafia Boss

“Really?” A bolt of relief jolts through me. “But how?”

“Don’t ask how. I have my ways, but you can still change your mind.”

“No, I need to see him.”

“We should go now if we’re to get a chance at meeting him.”

“Alright.” I pick up my handbag that has all my essentials inside. Taylor leads the way. I’m about to hurry after him but stop and peer at my desk.

If Victor Valentes is who I think he is, then meeting him won’t likely end well. I need to protect myself and Taylor.

I amble back to my desk and bend over. Opening a drawer, I bring out my gun and tuck it in front pocket. I’m not wearing a holster and it would be too obvious if I put it in my back pocket. My shirt is long so it’s the perfect camouflage.

I follow Taylor to the parking lot. He walks past my car and straight go his. “I thought we were taking my car.”

“I can’t drive your car.” His is a tinted S.U.V like Marcus’s. I’ve always wondered how he could afford such an expensive car when we don’t get paid that much.

There are rumors Taylor comes from money so I guess that explains it. I’ve never cared to ask because that would mean prying into his business and I hate doing that.

He pushes a button on the key fob and the headlights flash once. Taylor gets in the driver’s seat and I scurry around to the passenger side.

His car smells like mint and expensive perfume. Over the past months, I’ve gotten so used to the smell of Marcus’s car, that any car other than mine that doesn’t smell like his makes me uncomfortable.

He starts the engine and moves the car forward. “Where are we going?”

“To one of Victor’s warehouses.”

I frown, the question obvious. “How do you know where Victor’s warehouse is and that he will be there?”

“You’re not the only one who has been investigating this case, Jane. I have been doing my own digging.”

I smile at how casually he’s speaking to me. “How long will it take to get there?”

“Thirty to forty minutes. It’s on the outskirts of town so you might want to catch a quick nap. You don’t look like you got enough sleep last night.”

“I didn’t, but I’m too nervous to sleep.” I’m coming face to face with the man who killed my father after years of trying to find him. I’m not certain how I’ll react, but I need to brace myself. “Can I connect my Bluetooth?”

He nods. “Sure. Do whatever makes you comfortable.”

“Thank you.” I connect my Bluetooth to his car and scroll through my playlist for a song to calm my nerves.

I stop at Billie Eilish’s,Bury a friend,and tap on it.

The beat starts, I nod my head and I sing along.

My voice is strained from too much singing by the time we reach the warehouse. It’s an abandoned building by the sea with gray, brimstone walls that have faded.

The water slaps against seawall, a cold breeze sending icy fingers through my hair. I tuck it behind my ear, but it does nothing to stop the stray strands still fluttering around my face.

There’s a strange smell from the water, like rotting vegetation and other things I can’t name. It is disgusting. My stomach cramps, my hands are clammy and cold.

Taylor exits the vehicle and stands beside me, his hands buried in his pockets. “We’re here. It’s not too late to turn back, you know?”

“Actually, it is.” I can’t turn back when I’m already so close to the truth, to finding justice for my father.

I march towards the entrance. Each step I take feels like I’m walking barefoot on hot coals. My legs are wobbly and it’s difficult to maintain an air of dignity. My heart is in my throat and it’s hard for me to breathe. Taylor follows me. I don’t stop because I know he’s there to catch me if I fall. He won’t abandon me.

I hesitate in front of the entrance when I hear footsteps approach. A group of suited men, all with the telling bulge of guns at their hips, stop in front of me, and then they make way for someone—Victor Valentes.

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