Chapter 11
Chapter eleven
“One would never know the drama Ambrose Lane is involved in if you weren’t working for him,” Dominic whispers to me as we cross the ballroom to the bar. “He’s hiding a plethora of secrets beneath that tailored navy suit.”
As we get closer, I’ll admit the forty-year-old man has the aura of an upstanding citizen as he leans against the polished mahogany counter clutching a glass of scotch. His hazel eyes scan the room like he’s looking for someone, but trying not to make it obvious.
“Ambrose is a wealthy hedge fund manager,” Dominic whispers as he squeezes my arm. “He has no mafia connections. All his wealth is legitimate, but his ability to pick a good woman is horrible.”
“Oh, so you weren’t kidding when you said I’m your first mafia client,” I tease.
“That you are. You’re lucky you’re you because I wouldn’t have made an exception for anyone else.”
Before I can reply, we reach the bar and Dominic is already extending his hand to Ambrose.
“Mr. Lane, it’s so nice to finally meet you in person. I feel all we’ve done is chat on the phone.” Dominic flashes a winning smile.
Ambrose places his almost empty glass on the bar and shakes Dominic’s hand firmly. “It’s a pleasure. Call me Ambrose.”
“Well then Ambrose, you must call me Dominic.” Dominic places a hand at the small of my back and gently pushes me forward. “This is my date for the evening, Cipriani Capuano. She’s a business owner and entrepreneur.”
“Of course, I knew I recognized you from somewhere.” Ambrose shakes my hand. “Your family owns the nightclub La Regalità. I’ve been there many times. The roulette tables are my favorite.”
I raise an eyebrow. La Regalità isn’t exactly the place for a married man or families for that matter. “Thank you, Ambrose. I’m sure the croupiers will be pleased with your review.”
His smile fades as he turns to Dominic. “Can we step outside to talk about this?” His eyes look past us to the people dancing and chatting at the tables. “I don’t want to risk someone eavesdropping.”
“Of course,” Dominic replies.
We follow him toward the glass doors that lead to the patio. I can’t help but notice how his suit hangs on his tall, lean frame. He takes an occasional glance over his shoulder before stepping through.
The area is decorated with marble benches, lush plants, and blooming flowers. An iron railing lines the deck, offering a stunning view of the city skyline and Lake Michigan beyond.
Ambrose leads us to a quiet corner away from everyone taking pictures and chatting.
“You know, you could have just come to my office to make this easier.” Dominic sits down on one of the benches.
“No. I can’t risk anyone seeing me. I think I’m being tailed.” Ambrose glances over his shoulder before dropping onto the bench beside Dominic, leaving me to take the other side. He runs a hand through his hair, causing a piece of blond fringe to flop over his forehead.
“Tailed?” Dominic raises an eyebrow. “I’ve read through your file Ambrose, and you have a long history of hiring investigators because you suspected your past lovers of cheating.”
“I know, I know. It’s hard when you’re a wealthy man to know if a woman really loves you for you. I thought I found the right one when I married Elaine, but lately, I feel like she isn’t being faithful.” Ambrose plays with the gold wedding band on his finger.
“Do you have proof she’s cheating?” Dominic asks.
“If I did, I wouldn’t be trying to hire you.” Ambrose sighs.
“Your wife is here tonight with you, right?” Dominic asks.
Ambrose nods.
“We don’t have a lot of time. She’s chatting with a few of the other ladies inside but she’ll come looking for me. She has a guilty aura about her.” He glances around and lowers his voice. “I think Elaine is cheating on me with Valerio Neri.”
“Valerio Neri,” I choke out, not sure if I’ve heard him correctly. “Are you sure?” Turning to Dominic I can see he already isn’t fond of the idea of investigating a mafia boss.
“Yes. Valerio Neri.” Ambrose lowers his voice.
“What makes you think that?” Dominic is doing his best to remain calm.
“I mean it doesn’t surprise me,” I add. “Valerio has a fiancée, but he’s never been loyal a day in his life.
He doesn’t believe in women being in power but he sure loves their beds.
He doesn’t care if someone is married, divorced, or single.
And he has the manpower to keep himself from getting into trouble. ”
Ambrose fiddles with his wedding ring. “I just have this feeling. She’s been attending these hot yoga classes downtown and I’ve noticed him hanging around there.
When I come home I feel like someone’s been there.
I looked at the phone bill and saw she’s been texting this number constantly.
It turns out it’s linked to a burner phone.
And just now when we walked in I caught her staring at him.
” He pauses. “The way she looked at him with such adoration, I know she’s cheating.
She’s also been very distant when it comes to romance. ”
“Well then she’s about to be very disappointed if she thinks Valerio is going to settle down with her,” I snort.
“That’s her problem.” Ambrose glances around. “I want to know for sure if Elaine is cheating on me or if it’s something else.”
“And if she is, are you going to divorce her?” I ask.
Ambrose grows quiet. “I don’t know. I still love her but if it turns out Valerio is her lover, I’ll admit I’m a little scared.
I’m worried Valerio might try to off me and it will allow Elaine to take everything.
We have a prenuptial agreement that’s ironclad.
But if one of us cheats, it becomes void.
I don't want to give her a penny, but I also don’t want to die. ”
“I think you’ve been watching too many murder mysteries,” Dominic mutters. Then he composes himself. “But why come to me, Ambrose? You’ve worked with so many investigators in the past, surely one of them can do the job.”
“True. But you’re the best in the business, and I need the best.” Ambrose lowers his voice. “And you’re the only investigator who has experience with those people.”
“Excuse me?” Dominic’s eyebrows shoot up.
“I heard through the grapevine that many years ago you were once involved with a mafia princess.”
The look on Dominic’s face is priceless. I wish I could pull out my phone and take a picture of it so I can laugh on my sad days.
“You have experience with these types of people. You’re familiar with their world. You know how they operate. You know how they think,” Ambrose continues.
I’m biting my lip so hard I’m close to drawing blood as I desperately try to hold back the laugh that’s threatening to escape.
I’m enjoying watching Dominic squirm. Everything that he despises, everything that he is against, everything that he tried to get away from is now coming back to haunt him.
He’s working with me and now has to investigate another mob boss.
I’m loving this.
Dominic seems to have forgotten how to speak. He sits there dumbfounded at Ambrose’s remarks.
“None of the other investigators know how to tail these people and not get caught or wind up dead,” Ambrose finishes.
“I…I don’t know about this…” Dominic stammers.
“I’ll pay double,” Ambrose declares.
“He’ll do it,” I interrupt before Dominic can reply. I reach out and shake Ambrose’s hand. “Dominic will put his best men on this right away. It won’t be easy but he’ll get you the answers you seek.”
Relief fills Ambrose’s eyes. “Thank you. I’m hoping this whole thing is a big misunderstanding and my intrusive thoughts are getting the best of me.
” He glances at his expensive watch. “I better get back to my wife. I don’t want her to get suspicious.
It was so nice meeting you both. I’ll call you tomorrow, Dominic, so we can work out the details.
” He stands up, then hurries back inside.
Dominic gives me a glare that could freeze water. “Cipriani Capuano, why would you do that?”
He only says my full name when he’s really upset with me. I fold my hands in my lap and fix my face into an innocent look. “Do what?”
“Agree to me taking a case that involves a mafia boss,” Dominic hisses. “This goes against everything I stand for. I’ve built my reputation on upholding the law and being an honest citizen.”
“And yet you’re working a case with a mafia boss right now,” I raise my eyebrows.
“You’re different. You’re not like them, and you didn’t give me much of a choice.”
“In certain areas we are all alike. That’s the world we live in.” I shrug. “Besides, you already have one case with a mob boss, what's one more?”
Dominic scowls. “I should just start advertising my services to all the mafia families at this point.”
“Just think of all the new customers you’ll bring in,” I tease.
He glares at me. “I think Ambrose likes you better than me, maybe you should take his case instead.”
“I’m at capacity. I already have too much on my plate. At the moment I’m very busy with a certain situation involving a potential murder.” I adjust the hairpiece in my hair. “But I’m very intrigued to know who this mafia princess you were involved with is.”
Dominic glares at me. “I need a drink, maybe two.” Holding out his hand, he helps me to my feet. I wince slightly, but the medication is helping to take the edge off.
“Where are we going?” I ask as we walk back inside.
“To the bar, where the bartender is going to make me the strongest drink known to man,” Dominic mutters.
We reach the bar. As Dominic is giving his order, I glance around the room.
Ambrose is sitting with his wife at one of the tables.
He’s talking to her and she’s nodding her head politely.
However, her eyes are looking past him. Following her gaze, I see Valerio on the opposite side of the room, talking to two of his men.
I tap the table with my nails. Things just got very interesting.
I hear the sound of a glass sliding across the countertop. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Dominic snatch the drink and chug it.
“Would you like anything, Ma’am?” The bartender asks me.
“I’ll take a glass of Pinot Noir, thank you.”
Reaching over, I grab Dominic’s arm as he is about to order a second drink. “I think we should dance.”
“Dance?”
“Yes.” Before he can protest, I take his hand and lead him onto the crowded dance floor. We stop near the center. Hesitantly, I put one hand on his shoulder, while his settles at my waist. Our free hands intertwine, and we begin to sway to the music.
My pulse spikes with him being so close to me.
My body grows warm.
He smells good.
Ugh, I shouldn’t be thinking these things.
Yet his suit is hugging him in all the right places.
Dammit girl, get a grip!
“Cipi?” Dominic’s voice brings me out of my thoughts.
“What?” I look at him.
“I said, it’s been a long time since we did this.” The scowl on his face from earlier is starting to fade.
Nostalgia fills my brain. “Yes. Back in high school. That was a long time ago.”
“It was a lot simpler back then…more peaceful…more freedom…” Dominic muses.
I think the drinks are starting to get to him.
“Yeah. I miss those days too,” I whisper.
“Oh and that mafia princess Ambrose was referring to earlier…” Dominic begins.
“Yes?”
“She’s still the prettiest girl in the room.”
I smile.
I don’t trust myself to speak.
I know if things take a romantic turn by some weird twist of fate, I’m so screwed.