19. Chapter Nineteen
19
Sofia
After the fight that ended up triggering Luca's seizure, things between us were...strained. I admitted that I should have told Luca I'd turned down the job, and in turn, he conceded that my life was my own and turning down the job was my choice, even if he didn't agree with my reasoning.
It felt like a hollow truce, though, balanced precariously across the divide between us.
We'd fallen into a routine, where I would halfheartedly pretend to hunt for jobs I had no intention of applying for, then rattle around the house cooking and cleaning out of stress. Dante would pick Luca up and they'd go...somewhere, I wasn't sure. Aria said she only saw them occasionally at the mansion. I couldn't imagine what they were doing, only that Luca would be worn to the bone when Dante dropped him off. Then we'd have dinner, curl up in front of the television, followed by kissing that usually led to sex. But even that felt like we were just going through the motions.
What were we now? Friends? Lovers? Roommates? For all his intimacy and affection, Luca might have been on the far side of the moon. Distant even though he was sitting right next to me.
I was losing him.
Luca was still hiding something from me, I was sure of it. I'd hoped he'd open up and talk about it eventually, but days had gone by, and still nothing. We were both being careful not to rock the boat, and the tension was killing me. Was it the family or this thing with Dominic? His health? Or was it me? Had I hurt him more than he let on, by lying to him and turning down the job? I didn't know. And the not knowing was eating me alive.
The phone rang, breaking the silence, and I grabbed it and answered, relieved for the interruption. I'd been staring at my blank computer screen for the last hour, pretending to job hunt and trying not to look at the clock every two minutes wondering when Luca would be home.
"Hey." Julian sounded out of breath.
"Hey yourself." I swiveled around in my chair. "What's up?"
"I'm in your neck of the woods. What are you doing? Want to grab some dinner?"
"Sure."
"Good, because I'm at your apartment."
My stomach plummeted.
"And apparently the parking sucks around here, because I can't find a spot. Where's your car at? I'll just double park there. Is that a problem?"
Shit. How was I going to get around this one? My brother was outside an apartment I no longer lived in, looking for my non-existent car that I supposedly drove to a job I didn't have. My careful construct of lies was falling apart around me.
"Actually, I can't meet up tonight. I've got..." My brain scrambled for an excuse, anything, but it came up blank. "Um. A lot of work to do."
Julian didn't listen. "Don't worry, I found a spot. Listen, I'll be up in a sec, why don't you start getting ready? I've got someone I want you to introduce you too, we're meeting him at The Mint in twenty. Wear something nice, whatever you wear for work will be fine."
For one insane moment, I almost snort-laughed imagining showing up for a high-profile meet -and-greet with Julian's friend wearing my Shaws cashier's apron. "Well um, Jules, about that..."
"Yeah?"
I sighed, rubbing my hand across my eyes. "I'm kind of...not there at the moment. At the apartment, I mean. I'm not there."
There was a pause. "Then where are you?"
"Um. Yeah." I swallowed hard, my throat clicking. "I'm kind of at Luca's."
Silence.
"Jules?"
"Luca's apartment."
"Yes."
Another long silence. "Luca is at the compound with Dante. What are you doing at his apartment?"
He spoke calmly and evenly, but I knew my brother enough to hear the underlying anger. Julian was no idiot. He knew what I was doing at Luca's apartment.
The phone was slippery in my palm. "Um. It's complicated."
"Then uncomplicate it for me."
I closed my eyes, trying not to sound as nervous as I felt. "I've been staying here for a little while. He's been having headaches, and he gets dizzy, and—"
"I'll be right over."
"Julian, wait."
"Be dressed and out front when I arrive." He hung up, and the line went dead.
"Shit!" I slammed the phone onto the desk and paced.
This was bad. This was so bad.
I dressed as quickly as I could, throwing on the only outfit I had suitable for a fancy business meeting, which happened to be a knee-length skirt, silk blouse and sensible shoes, and hurried downstairs to the lobby. I'd only waited ten minutes before Julian arrived, and he parked and stalked across the lobby.
He barely glanced at me, and when he did, it was to sweep an evaluating look from the top of my head down to the tips of my toes. His jaw was set and his shoulders tense, but other than that, he gave nothing away.
"Let's go," he said tersely, and spun on his heel.
I had to jog to catch up with him. "You're upset."
"Am I?" He slid behind the wheel and started the car.
"Look, I can explain."
"Not now." He slammed the gear shift into reverse, backing up. "I need your head in the game right now, Sofia. We both do."
"Where are we going?"
Julian didn't answer, but he was seething underneath that icy mask of calm. My brother wasn't overly demonstrative with his emotions on a good day, but when the shit really hit the fan, he clammed right up.
Traffic was heavy on a Saturday evening, and it took us nearly a half hour to get downtown. The Mint was located on the corner of Beacon and Cambridge, a short walk from City Hall and the Old State House. I'd heard of the upscale bistro before but had never eaten there myself. It was a popular place among the young and fashionable in Boston, with an expensive menu and a waiting list that was months long.
"I thought you said this was a casual dinner," I muttered.
Julian ushered me up the stairs. "It is."
As we walked toward the entrance, a young woman in a tight skirt and heels rushed to open the door for us. I could smell the food as we entered, savory scents that made my mouth water, but I was too nervous to think about eating.
The hostess smiled widely at Julian, then gave me a cursory glance. "How may I help you, sir?"
"I'm Julian Russo. I believe we're expected. Mr. Dougherty?"
"Oh, yes, of course." She beamed again. "Right this way, please."
Julian didn't look back, but he held his arm out, and I looped mine through his.
We were led through the crowded dining room, winding our way past tables decked out with crisp white linens, sparkling silver and polished glassware, until we arrived at a private corner table in the back. A portly man in his early fifties was waiting for us, wearing a grey gabardine suit and a striped tie, glasses and a comb-over that was fooling no one. His smile was wide and genuine, and he reached out a plump hand for Julian's.
"Mr. Russo. Nice to meet you." He glanced at me. "This must be Sofia."
Julian made the introductions, while his companion pulled a chair out for me.
"Thank you, Mr. Dougherty." I sat, my smile freezing as the man's gaze flicked to my cleavage.
"Edward, please." He lowered himself into the seat beside me, and the chair creaked ominously under his weight.
I scooted closer to Julian, trying to put some distance between myself and Mr. Dougherty. Julian noticed, of course, and he shot me an irritated look.
A waiter came by, and Julian ordered for both of us.
Dougherty leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hands together. "So, Julian. I understand you'd like to get your sister a position in my office?"
I balked. What?
Julian nodded. "Yes, sir. My sister is a political science major, she graduated with honors. I believe she'd be a good fit."
Dougherty turned his gaze on me, and I smiled politely at him. He was openly staring at my chest, and it took every ounce of self-control I possessed not to grab Julian's napkin and cover myself up.
"She's certainly a lovely young lady. How old are you, sweetheart?"
"Twenty-two," I said curtly before turning to Julian. "Would you excuse us, please? I'd like to talk to my brother alone for a moment."
Julian looked startled, then gave Dougherty an apologetic look. "Of course. I'll be right back."
He got up and led the way towards the bar. Good. I could use a drink. I could tell how irritated he was by the way he was walking. Long strides, stiff posture, the works. I didn't care. This wasn't right. Whatever the hell Julian was playing at, it was not going to happen.
We arrived at the bar and I crossed my arms, trying to keep my cool. It was hard. I was pissed. "What the fuck is this? I have a job."
Of course, that job was a lie, and I'd been fired from one real job and quit the other weeks ago. But I had a feeling I knew where this was headed, and I wanted nothing to do with it.
Julian gave me a tight smile. "The future. So behave yourself. And stop being so rude."
"Me?" I glared at him. "He was the one undressing me with his eyes."
He leaned in, his voice low and angry. "He's the commissioner for urban renewal. He knows Hastings, and he's got contacts all over the city. Having someone I trust in his office will give us inside information on development projects, putting us in a position to get our foot in the door and expand. Do you understand what this means?"
"Yes," I hissed. "Bribes. Insider trading. Money laundering. Real estate fraud. Election fixing. You're using me as part of your crazy scheme."
His eyes flashed, and he shook his head, disgusted. "I'm giving you an opportunity, Sofia. To make something of yourself. You're not getting anywhere at the Councilor's office, and you certainly aren't getting anywhere with Luca."
"Luca? Is that what this is all about?" I sat back, aghast. "Are you really that petty?"
"Yes. And I don't like being lied to. By anyone. Especially by my own sister. I told you I'd help you, and now I am." Julian sat back and took a breath, his cheeks flushed with unspent emotion, but his eyes softened a bit. "Look, I love Luca like a brother, Sofia, but he's not good enough for you. He never will be. You need someone with influence, power, who can offer you a good life. A full life. And that person isn't Luca Mariano."
I sat there, thunderstruck, and my brother calmly took a sip of his coffee. When I spoke again, I had to struggle to keep my voice steady.
"You don't get to decide that for me. You don't get to decide who I love, where I work, or what kind of life I lead. Only I do. If you think that bribing some sleazy commissioner to hire me as his secretary just so you can get ahead is going to change that, then you're wrong."
Julian's face hardened, and he leaned forward, his gaze hard and cold. "No, you listen to me. You're young and naive, and you have no idea what it takes to be in this family. What you need to do to survive, what sacrifices you have to make, or how far you have to go to get ahead. I'm doing this for you, Sofia, not me. It's time for you to grow up."
He sat back, his lips pressed together. "Now, pull yourself together and apologize to the commissioner. We have a business meeting to attend to."
My hands were shaking with fury, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. Calmly, I set my napkin on the table. "I'm sorry Julian, but the answer is no. And if Dougherty has a problem with it, then you can tell him my credentials are a lie, too. I never worked for the Councilor's office. I worked at Shaws Supermarket as a cashier, and I served drinks at a dive bar at night. Just another lie I told my controlling older brother."
The blood drained from Julian's face. "Sofia, wait—"
Belting my drink back in one swig, I stood up, my chair scraping on the hardwood floor. “Goodbye, Julian."
"Sofia!"
But I was already walking away. I didn't look back, even though my brother was calling me, his voice growing louder and angrier as he pushed his way past the tables after me.
I didn't stop until I was outside, and the cool air hit my face, the smell of exhaust and hot asphalt filling my nostrils. I looked around, not really sure where to go. Julian was my ride back to Luca's apartment.
Fuck that. I wasn't going back there. I'd walk the whole way home if I had to.
I was done being a pawn in this game of power my brother was playing.
I hailed a cab and climbed in. I gave the driver directions to Luca's apartment, and sat back, trying not to think. But I couldn't stop picturing Julian's face, and the expression he wore when I told him the truth about my jobs.
I had to admit, it felt good to finally tell him. For once, I'd called the shots. I'd decided. I was in control.
But then, the reality of the situation hit me.
Julian would be furious. Somehow, he would find a way to blame Luca for all of this. He was my big brother, and I loved him, but he could be so pig-headed and unreasonable sometimes.
I was still mulling the situation over when the cab pulled up to Luca's building.
The driver dropped me off at the curb and I paid the fare, then hurried up the steps. I was hoping to change and get out before Luca showed up, but I knew I'd have to confront him eventually. And I had no idea what I'd say to him.
I unlocked the door and slipped inside. Luca's wallet and keys were on the kitchen table. Shit. He was already home. I heard his voice coming from the bedroom. He was on the phone, and it sounded like he was talking to Dante.
I couldn't tell what they were saying, but something about the tone of his voice stopped me dead in my tracks. Luca sounded agitated, worried.
I crept closer, pressing myself against the wall and listening.
The increase in violence. Julian speaking out, Sal's rage. The Russians possibly getting involved. Dominic becoming suspicious. They'll be watching Luca now, especially after the fight.
"Jesus, Dante." I heard Luca pacing. "How much longer are we going to have to wait?"
He paused. I couldn't make out Dante's voice over the phone, but Luca's reply was loud and clear. "That's not good enough. I'm worried about Sofia getting wrapped up in this thing more than she already is. And Julian's losing it, Dante, I've seen it. He's making mistakes, stupid shit. If he doesn't calm the hell down, he's gonna get himself killed."
Silence. I held my breath, listening.
Finally, Luca said, "I can handle him. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to him."
I leaned closer, listening.
"Well, what about that sister of Beth's, do you think she's working with the Feds?...nothing, huh? No, no, I...well if it's not her, then..."
Another pause.
"I don't know what I'm going to tell Sofia," Luca said. My breath caught in my throat. "Julian knows she's already been interrogated by the FBI…No, I don’t know how he found out…But with her brother on the warpath...Jesus, it's a s-shit show. All of it. Somebody needs to put a bullet in Sal, and soon."
I sucked in a breath. This was it. The thing he was hiding from me, but what did it all mean? Were they...plotting against Sal? Was that why he and Dante had been so secretive lately?
What? Julian already called him? What the hell were he and Dante up to? And was Julian really going to pretend like everything was cool with Luca after the earful he gave me? My heart was pounding so loudly, I was afraid Luca would hear it. He sighed heavily, and I could picture him pacing the room, the way he always did when he was stressed.
"Look, I gotta go. I'll see you at the compound in a bit. We'll talk about it more then."
The phone call ended. I heard Luca shuffle then cough, and I hurried to the living room to pretend like I hadn't heard anything. He emerged a few seconds later, and his eyebrows shot up when he saw me standing there.
"Hey, there you are." He stopped in his tracks. "Everything okay?"
"Fine." I smiled brightly.
He nodded. "I just got off the phone—"
"I know."
"—with Julian," he finished.
I blinked. Was he really going to pretend he wasn't plotting something with Dante? "Oh."
Luca's eyebrows knitted together, and he stepped forward. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem..."
"I'm fine," I said, giving him another bright smile. "What did Julian want?"
"Well, he knows about us now. I don't think I'm his favorite person at the moment. He told me to stay away from you and gave me a surprisingly specific version of the shovel speech."
"Shovel speech?"
Luca smirked and folded his arms. "My dead body and a shovel putting me six feet under, yada, yada, yada. Basically, don't hurt his sister or else."
"Typical." I sighed. "Actually, I just got back from an aborted dinner meeting with him and the city commissioner, Mr. Dougherty. Julian was trying to use me as a pawn to gain insider information. It didn't go well."
"What? Are you okay?" He stepped closer. "What was he thinking?"
"Well, he was thinking he was pretty upset with me that I was sneaking around with you behind his back. Oh, and I told him about my fake job...and my real ones. So, there's that. I was upset. I said some...unkind things to my brother. He wasn't happy with me. But then again, I wasn't too thrilled with him, either." I sighed. "Anyway, I walked out of the restaurant and took a cab here. Where I overheard you talking to Dante. Not Julian."
Luca closed his eyes. "How much did you hear?"
"Enough. What are you guys planning? And who's watching you? Is Sal spying on you? Why are you so worried about Julian? What the hell is going on, Luca?"
"Whoa, slow down." He stepped forward. "You've got to calm down, sweetheart."
"Calm down? How am I supposed to do that when my brother and my...my..." I gestured at Luca. "My...you are planning something that sounds pretty dangerous. Something that sounds like overthrowing the head of a crime syndicate. That's insane!"
"It's not insane, it's necessary. And it's not what you think, either." He sighed. "Look, there are some things I need to tell you. You might not like them, but you've got to trust me. Can you do that? Do you trust me, Sofia?"
"Yes," I whispered. "Of course I do."
Luca took my hand in his. "Dominic was the one who killed Beth. He's been Sal's mad dog since the old man brought him back, and it's only gotten worse. It's all over the papers, and obviously, you're familiar with the FBI's interest in this. Sal's out of control. Julian's making mistakes that are going to get him killed. He's acting like a goddamned hothead and he won't listen to reason. He thinks he can take on Sal and Dominic alone, and we're running out of time. That's where Dante and I come in."
I stared up at him, not quite sure what he was saying. "Come in how?"
"Dante and I, we..." He sighed, then sat down on the couch. "It's complicated. But I'll try to explain it. The family is fractured. Half the guys support Julian, and the other half are too scared to say anything. We can't afford to be weak. The Irish, the Russians, they're all waiting for us to show our underbellies. If we don't unite the family, we're screwed. We'll lose everything."
"What are you saying?"
Luca sighed. "Sofia, we've got to take out Sal."
"You and Dante?" I asked incredulously. "That's what you and Dante were talking about on the phone?"
He nodded slowly. "We have to. Otherwise, the family's done. We're done. There's no other way out of this."
I stared at him, unable to form words. "How...what...what are you going to do?"
"We don't know yet. We've been waiting for the right moment. The right time."
My hands shook, and I clasped them together. "And you're sure this is the only way out? The only way to save the family?"
"Yes."
"I don't want you to do this alone, Luca, I—"
"Hey." He pulled me close. "It's not going to be all me, okay? We got Dante and your brother. And we're bringing on more help. It's not going to happen for a while, anyway. We have to plan, get everyone in position. That's going to take time. But I promise you, Sofia, I'll be careful. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you all are."
Only later, did I realize that he hadn't included himself in that statement. He hadn't promised to take care of himself. Only the family. Only Julian, Dante and me. He'd left himself out entirely.
But in the moment, I wasn't thinking about that. I was only thinking of the future, our future, and how I wanted a real life with him. I didn't care what Julian thought. I loved Luca, and I was going to make damn sure he knew it.