Power (The Santini Assassins #1)

10. The Partnership

10

THE PARTNERSHIP

SIMONE

S imone drove down Route 7 in Tysons with a mix of emotions. Her heart had been shredded, the grief gaining momentum like a locomotive roaring down the tracks. Yet, the anger could not be stopped, the hatred turning her heart to stone.

After heading down the familiar road, she pulled over, her gaze trained on the rearview mirror. Though she hadn’t seen anyone tailing her, she had to be sure. Five minutes later, when she felt certain she was alone, she drove down the street. The last time she’d been at ALPHA HQ, the facility was located in Middletown, Maryland, near Camp David.

When Luther retired, and Providence and Dakota took over, they relocated to a nondescript building in Tysons. She drove to the end of the street. There stood a lone, warehouse-like structure with bars over the reflective-glass windows and a sign over the front door.

ALPHA MEAT PACKING

There it is.

Her heart took off in her chest, the excitement coursing through her veins. Her entire body tingling with anticipation. Her pain and her anger would fuel her. Yes, she was scared, but a healthy dose of fear would keep her on high alert. And she would need every ounce of it if she was going after The Bomb Maker.

But who’s gonna take him out?

Simone was the first to admit she was rusty at firing a gun. Once a strong markswoman, she hadn’t been to target practice in a while.

She killed the engine, walked to the front door, and pressed the buzzer. A voice through the intercom instructed her to drive around back. Seconds later, as she exited her vehicle, Providence opened the back door and welcomed her inside.

She crossed the threshold and an unexpected calmness settled into her soul.

I’m home.

“Red, it’s good to finally meet you.” Providence shook her hand.

“You too,” Simone replied.

Also tall, Providence kept her hair short and her makeup light. She exuded warmth, yet had an air of professionalism about her that reminded Simone she was working at the pinnacle of law enforcement.

She was led into a break room where Providence topped off her water bottle, pulled a bottle from the fridge, and offered it to Simone. With waters in hand, they walked down the hallway, voices bursting from every office.

“Everyone was told to stand down,” Providence said as she entered her office and closed her door. “Everyone on the research team is working from home. But our problem children—” Her warm smile touched her eyes— “our Operatives, they all came in. Every last one of them. I’ve been a wreck all day, checking the surveillance cameras for anyone driving into the parking lot.”

“Has anyone?”

“No.” Providence paused to drink. “It’s been quiet, but I’m wondering if we’ve got a mole on the inside.”

“I hope not,” Simone said.

“I’m very sorry for your loss. For all our losses.”

“Thank you.” Simone sipped the cold water. “I’m sorry for you as well. You lost an entire team.”

Providence nodded. “I’ve been on the phone with the families. It’s been a rough day. Frederica’s mom and dad requested her remains be returned home to Wisconsin.” She cleared her throat. “Tell me what’s been going on with you.”

Simone’s heart ached, but she pushed on.

“After I left ALPHA, I worked for Mitus Conglomerate for three years, and I’ve been a watcher for the past two. It’s been a great experience.”

“I read Z’s notes on you,” Providence said. “He was very impressed with your work ethic, and he trusted you, which is very unusual for him.”

Simone smiled. “I liked working for Z.”

“I also re-read Liv Savage’s clinical analysis,” Providence continued. “You’ve been cleared to return for several months. How do you feel about returning now?”

“I’m very interested.”

“In what capacity?”

“As an Operative. Fred—Frederica—told me that there’s a ninety-day trial. That’s perfect. Slash offered to take me to Henninger’s for target practice. I’d make that a priority, going a few times a week on my own.”

“You’re saying all the right things.”

“I’m not sure I’d be here if Frederica wasn’t killed,” Simone confessed. “That affected me to my core. It brought back what happened to me—to my team. The first time, I was afraid he’d come after me because I was the lone survivor.” She steeled her spine. “I’m not afraid anymore.”

“I appreciate your honesty,” Providence said as her phone rang again. “I’m sorry.” She glanced at it. “It’s my husband.” She answered. “Hey, honey. I’m meeting with Red.” Silence. “Understood. Okay, thanks for the call.” She smiled. “I love you too.”

Providence hung up, shifted her attention back to Simone.

“I’d like to work The Bomb Maker case,” Simone said.

She wasn’t sure she was the most qualified to take the case, but she was, without question, the most motivated.

“You can’t work it alone,” Providence said.

“What about working with an experienced Op?”

Tap-tap-tap.

“Come in,” Providence said.

A man walked in, his gaze jumping from Providence to Simone. Providence made the introduction. Simone stood, shook Cooper Grant’s hand, then Providence suggested they all sit at her table.

“You’ve got this,” Cooper said. “We’ll talk offline.” He addressed Simone. “Good meeting you, Red.”

“Same,” Simone replied.

“Let me know when you’re finished,” Cooper said.

After Providence acknowledged him with a nod, he left, closing the door behind him.

Providence leaned back in her chair. “Like I mentioned, you can’t work the case alone. It’s too dangerous. We’d pair you with a seasoned vet, certainly a good marksman.”

“Understood. Whatever you need.”

“Should we decide to bring you back, when can you start?”

Excitement and determination powered through her. “As soon as Carrera accepts my resignation.”

“What questions do you have of me?” Providence asked.

“No questions, just one comment. I will do whatever it takes to find the person or persons responsible for these explosions and I will remove the threat in whatever fashion ALPHA deems best.”

If that didn’t put a button on their meeting, she had no idea what would.

Feeling empowered, she thanked Providence and left the building. As she drove onto the main road, she called Frederica to let her know the good news. She dialed, the phone rang, then reality crashed into her moment of bliss.

Ohgod, she’s gone. She’s never gonna answer her phone.

A wail shot out of her, tears welled, and her throat tightened with emotion.

Shuddering in a breath, she forced herself to stay composed. Rather than head back to Slash and Carrera’s, she drove toward home. She needed time, alone, to grieve.

Once inside, she walked into the kitchen, saw the box of mini cakes waiting on the counter.

And she lost it.

LUCIANO

Luciano needed to see Simone. She was hurting, he could offer his support and encouragement. Though he expected she’d be at Carrera’s, he tapped the app tracker, selected her, and zoomed in. To his surprise, she was at home.

Being alone in grief was the worst, yet he’d pushed everyone away too. Maybe he wouldn’t have turned into a cold-blooded killer if he’d allowed his family and friends to help him heal.

He rerouted his course, hit the gas.

Not long after, he pulled up to her Alexandria home. Her car was in the driveway. He cut the engine, hastened up the walkway to her front door.

He rang the doorbell. A couple of minutes passed.

Nothing.

He was about to call her when she cracked open the door. “Now’s not a good time, Luciano.”

“Let me in.”

She opened the door a little wider. Her eyes were bloodshot, her nose red, her cheeks wet with tears. He nudged it open, pulled her into his arms.

“I got you.”

She started sobbing. He moved her into the foyer, shut the door behind them, then he held her.

No words, just support.

Her sobs turned to wails, then she quieted. He didn’t feel the need to move her. He didn’t need to say anything. He was there for her and that was it. When her sobbing subsided, she pulled away.

“I ruined your suit.”

He offered an encouraging smile. “I’ve got more.”

The knot between her brows relaxed. She retreated into the bathroom, blew her nose. Rather than wait in the foyer, he stood in the bathroom doorway, caressed her back.

“I must look terrible,” she murmured.

“You look beautiful,” he replied.

He could never understand why women were so obsessed with their looks. Yes, his wife had been pretty, but it was her warmth, her personality that had first attracted him to her.

Beauty was eye-catching, but substance mattered more. He’d wanted the whole package, beauty, brains, and backbone. Something strong enough to last a lifetime.

Nothing lasts forever.

She was studying him so hard, he wondered if he’d said something out loud. “Why are you here?”

“To offer my condolences.”

“How’d you know I was here?”

He could lie or he could come clean and tell her Teddy had put a tracker on her vehicle when she’d been stalking him. If they were going to work together, he had to fess up… but was now the right time?

Wait.

“I didn’t think you should be alone,” he said. “Your grief is so raw.”

“Can I get you something to drink?” She went to squeeze past him, but he was blocking her way.

He ran the back of his fingers down her cheek, replacing his hand with his lips. Then, another light kiss on her other cheek. Her musky smell drew him in. “Let’s sit.”

He stepped out of the doorway and waited for her to lead the way. To his surprise, she curled her fingers around his bicep, walked into her kitchen. There, she opened a pastry box and stared at the contents.

Inside were four pieces of cake, all different.

“Frederica brought these over.” Sad eyes peered up at him. “We shared two. She was coming back tonight and we were going to eat two more. That was the plan.” More tears welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.

With a light touch, he brushed away the streaks with his thumb. “Tell me about your friend.”

“Do you want coffee?”

He clasped her hands in his. “Simone, I’m here for you. Just you.”

A little smile tipped one side of her mouth. “But I came here to be alone.”

“I’ll go, if you want.”

His comment was met with silence.

Don’t send me away.

“You can stay,” she whispered.

“How ‘bout I make us coffee?”

“You know how?”

Appreciating her sense of humor, he smiled. “You can walk me through it.”

While he made coffee—without instruction—she eased onto a counter chair, rested her head on her arms. Her hair flowed over the Quartz and he paused to appreciate her. But his heart broke for her loss. Turning away, he pulled two mugs, a plain white one and one with the words, BADASS BABE.

When the coffee finished brewing, he filled the mugs, sat beside her. She lifted her head. Grief-stricken eyes met his. Then, she spied the mug and choked back a sob.

“That was a gift from Frederica.”

Feeling compelled to comfort her, he caressed her back. “How did you meet?”

“We used to work together.”

“Where?”

She regarded him for several seconds. Though her beauty held his attention, he was more fascinated with what she’d say. Would she come clean about her real career or continue the personal shopper charade?

“We were both junior buyers at a major department store,” she said.

He bit back a smile. “Right, personal shoppers.”

So, we’re back to make believe.

He pulled the cake box over. “Which cake would you choose? What about Frederica?”

“The tiramisu was her favorite.” A rueful smile touched her eyes.

“She has excellent taste.”

“Had. She had excellent taste.” A shadow fell over her eyes. “She’s not here.”

“She’s not here physically, but her spirit is with you.”

“I’m not sure I believe that.”

“Frederica will always have excellent taste.” After a beat, he asked her which cake she’d pick.

“Cheesecake. So, on the third night, we’d share the chocolate and pistachio swirl.”

“Would you feel better eating this now or should we freeze them?”

Her phone rang. She glanced over, perked up. “Excuse me.” She answered. “Simone Redding.”

“Red, it’s Providence Luck.”

“Let me take you off speaker.” She tapped the button, pressed the phone to her ear. “I’m here.”

He knew Providence was offering her the job. He sipped the hot drink, took another mouthful, and set down the mug.

After listening for a moment, Simone said, “A partner? That makes sense.” More listening. “Outside the organization? You mean, like, at the Bureau?” She furrowed her brow. “Monday? Absolutely.” She grew silent. “I’ll ride in with Slash. Thank you for this opportunity.” She hung up, heaved in a deep breath.

This was Luciano’s moment.

Tell her.

“Congratulations on your new job,” he said.

“How did you… I mean… that wasn’t?—”

“I’m your new partner, Simone. Welcome to the dark side.”

SIMONE

Simone wasn’t okay. That much she knew on her own, but she was hearing things. Strange words were coming out of his mouth.

Is he trying to mess with me? Is this a joke?

Luciano collected her hands in his, caressed her soft skin.

“I know the explosion wasn’t from a gas leak,” he began. “I know Frederica was on a mission to arrest someone making bombs. Maybe The Bomb Maker.”

“How do you know this? Is my phone tapped?”

“I know this because I have access to powerful people in high places. I’ve been able to take care of business for them, when they can’t do it.”

She tugged her hands away, steeled her spine. “This has been a really tough day. You walked in on a moment when I needed to be alone. I appreciate that you’re here, but you’re not making any sense. Is it me? Is it you?” She moved off the counter stool, stood on the other side of the island. There, she folded her arms and glared at him.

“I thought you ran Santini International,” she continued. “Clearly, Z was on to something. Did you just tell me you’re my partner? How is that even possible, and why didn’t Providence say anything?”

“She’s going to, on Monday. Where’s your meeting?”

“No idea. She said Slash would drive me.”

“To the Black Site, where Rebel trains his rescue team.”

“Ohmygod, you’re with ALPHA.” Pausing, she furrowed her brow. “Why would Z?—”

“Not ALPHA?—”

“I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Relax. Everything stays between us.”

She inhaled a deep breath. It marginally helped.

“First, I hate law enforcement, but there are people who straddle the line of good and evil that I’m tight with,” Luciano continued. “ALPHA goes after the worst of the worst, yes?”

“Right.” Now, he was starting to make sense.

“When criminals get off on a technicality or escape prison, ALPHA might be tasked with re-arresting them… or taking them out.”

She nodded.

He knows as much as I do… maybe more.

“Sometimes they can’t take someone out, despite the evidence. They have to arrest them. And that person might not get charged.” A devilish smiled brightened his handsome face. “That’s where my team and I come in?—”

“You don’t work alone?”

He shook his head. “We take out the monsters ALPHA can’t.”

“You’re a contract killer?”

“It’s my volunteer job.”

Strangely, that made her laugh. “You’re a sick fuck.”

“I run Santini International and take out thugs on the side.”

“This has gotta be a nightmare,” she murmured. “Are you for real?”

“ALPHA doesn’t know if there’s a mole on the team?—”

“Providence mentioned that.”

“The first time The Bomb Maker struck?—”

“Five years ago,” she said.

“Right. He took out his own men along with ALPHA.”

Muscles running the length of her back turned to steel. That she knew, all too well. He paused to study her for a long moment before continuing. Though she could have told him— more like bare my soul —she stayed silent.

“Frederica’s mission was also an ambush,” he said. “He was expecting them.”

“How do you know?” she asked.

“I was watching the live feed with Carrera and Sin.”

Her heart plummeted, her guts twisted. “You saw?”

“I did.”

She shook her head. “I’m not ready to hear about it.”

“Not up for discussion,” he replied. “ALPHA Ops have to stand down. The entire organization is at risk, but no one needs to know you’re a part of the group, especially since you won’t be going there.”

“I was there today.”

“We’ll work at the Black Site or at my home. Both are secure.”

Though elated she’d been brought back into ALPHA, she wasn’t sure how she felt about working with Luciano. As it turned out, Z had been right about him. He was up to no good.

“Now I understand why Z had me watching you.”

He smiled. “Not a personal shopper?”

Despite her grief, she couldn’t help but appreciate his handsome face, the way his eyes gleamed with mischief.

He lives for danger.

She gestured to her home. “I have no real fashion sense and I’ve never taken much interest in home furnishings either. I can appreciate beautiful décor or a stunning couture gown, but I don’t seek them out.”

“You could wear a burlap bag and look phenomenal.” After a breath, he said, “Z thought I was still involved in organized crime, specifically counterfeit money.”

She wanted to ask him if he was, but opted not to. At this moment, not knowing seemed like a better way to start their professional relationship.

Less is more.

She extended her hand. “I look forward to partnering with you, Luciano. It’s a relief not to pretend to be in the home furnishings and apparel industries any longer.”

He lifted her hand, pressed her skin to his lips, and kissed it. “We’re gonna have a lot of fun catching The Bomb Maker.” Another sly smile blanketed his handsome face. “When we’re finished with him, he’s going to regret his actions.”

“Which ones? He’s been killing people for years.”

“Every single one of them,” Luciano replied. “And he’ll regret them for all eternity.”

Feeling like she wanted to do something to solidify their newly formed partnership, she slid over the piece of tiramisu. “Let’s share this.”

He forked off a small piece, held it out to her. She opened her mouth and accepted it. Sweetened cream, espresso, and savory chocolate filled her with everything good.

Though her life without Fred would never be the same, staying focused on Luciano helped. His presence soothed her in ways she couldn’t begin to understand.

“In honor of Frederica.” Luciano paused to take a small bite of the decadent dessert. “If you’re having a bad day or if you’re overwhelmed with grief, tell me.”

“Thank you,” she said. “What about you? Will you tell me if you’re having a bad day?”

His gaze hovered on hers for longer than she expected, then he set down the fork and leaned back in the chair. “All my days are the same.”

“Seriously?” She sipped the coffee.

“They’re filled with anger and a need for revenge. My world is dark and ugly.”

“You love Elsa. You run a successful business.” Then, she grew quiet for a few beats before she forked off a piece and offered it to him.

When he opened his mouth, she slid the treat inside and slowly extracted the utensil, her gaze locked on his luscious mouth. Mesmerized by him, she stilled.

He lifted the mug, sipped. “What do you know about me?”

He murmured the words, a secret only meant for her to hear.

“Nothing from watching you,” she replied. “I couldn’t find anything about you beyond the basic information online. You’re the founder and CEO of Santini International. Your European headquarters is in Milan. Your US HQ is in the fashion district of DC. Beyond a few articles I read online, there’s nothing. Why is that?”

“Nothing to know.”

“What are your demons, Luciano?”

Pain flashed in his eyes before a shadow darkened them. The anger masking his true feelings. Sadness.

“Life is full of surprises,” he murmured. “Not all of them are good.”

She took no issue with his need for privacy, so rather than press him, she said, “I’m a good listener, if you ever feel like talking.”

“Grazie, Simone.”

Her heart fluttered at the sexy way he pronounced her name. Seemone.

Just because they were going to be working together—if indeed that was true—didn’t mean they had to spill every little thing about themselves. He had stopped by to comfort her. Mission accomplished. That was enough for one day.

They finished the tiramisu in silence, their gazes locked on each other. She could have looked away, but his beauty, his power, and his intensity kept her riveted on his every move. And for reasons she couldn’t begin to fathom, he stayed anchored on her as well.

When they finished, she stood. “Let me walk you out.”

“I’m not leaving you alone. Not today. I can wait outside or I can follow you to Carrera’s.”

“I’m okay, really,” she insisted. “I mean, I’m not okay, but I feel better.”

“Grief comes in waves,” he said with conviction. “Now, it’s like a tsunami, engulfing you in water. You feel like you’re drowning in pain.”

The need to touch him had her slipping her hand around his bicep and guiding him toward the front door. “Who have you lost?”

“My entire life,” he replied.

Before she could question him further, he opened the front door. “Are you ready to head back to my cousin’s or do you need me to wait for you?”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t be here alone.” She hugged him, relishing his hard body, the delicious scent of his skin, and the perfect way their bodies fit together. One light kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for being here for me.” She broke away, offered a little smile. “I owe you one, partner.”

“Anytime.”

After she locked her front door behind them, he walked her to her car, waited while she got in. She watched him walk to his SUV. Beyond his obvious good looks and the swagger in his step, there was an energy that surrounded him. If she stared hard enough, she could almost see it.

Is that what pure power looks like?

She started her vehicle, backed out of the driveway. As she made her way toward Slash and Carrera’s, he stayed behind her, like a guard. For the first time in a long time, she felt protected. Like someone had her back in every way that mattered.