Chapter Twenty-Four
I was given chloroform to pass out so that I would be taken back to the docks which was better than being hit over the head.
Walking along the boardwalk, my mind raced with how I was going to pull off getting these explosives.
Finding a bar that was a hole in the wall where no one would know me, I ordered a scotch and brainstormed.
The biggest issue I had was my phone had all my contacts.
It was in my suit jacket the day I had been caught.
There was no other way to reach my exclusive contacts without my phone.
My frustration grew as I had no other choice but to ask a favor from someone I wasn’t fond of; however, Bethany was out there, somewhere, held captive by an unknown enemy.
The clock was ticking, and every second felt like a dagger in my gut.
As I stepped out of the dimly lit bar, the heavy scent of whiskey and smoke clung to my clothes.
The night was an inky black, the city’s lights flickering as people continued to walk the boardwalk.
I had always thrived in the shadows of the night; however, tonight I felt vulnerable, stripped of my bravado.
Grabbing a taxi, I headed to my destination.
The taxi pulled up to a charming brownstone with a classic brick facade and arched windows giving a timeless elegance.
The inviting entrance featured a stately wooden door, flanked by an intricate wrought iron railing that led up to a spacious front porch.
Each step up the stoop ate away at my ego.
I climbed the ranks through a mix of charm and ruthlessness; however, my approach must be humbling.
I gave three knocks on the door and waited half hoping no one would answer; however, once I heard someone unlock the door from the other side I took a deep breath to prepare myself.
The door opened and there stood Hamilton Branton. Controlling myself from rolling my eyes, I stood there waiting for him to let me in. It was as though he saw a ghost but then quickly snapped out of it.
“How?”
Letting myself in, I pushed through and shut the door behind me. “Long story. But I don’t have time to answer questions. I need your help.”
The shocked expression turned into confusion, “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Emilio?”
The thought of seeking help from Hamilton gnawed at me. Hamilton, the District Attorney's son—the very embodiment of the law, and the one person I never thought I’d have to turn to.
“Is everything okay?” A woman’s voice carried to the foyer. A petite figure appeared. “Ham who is this?”
“Kathy, this is-” Hamilton shot me a glance.
“Jim,” I replied extending my hand to her.
I was well aware of who Kathy is – born and raised elite who had been in constant competition with Bethany.
“Nice to meet you Jim. We were getting ready to head to bed. Is this urgent?”
Now it was me who shot a glance at Hamilton.
“Honey, head upstairs. I’ll meet you there.” He placed a kiss on her cheek.
“Don’t be long,” she replied with a tight smile then turned away.
“Why don’t we go into the library,” Hamilton suggested leading the way.
Inside the brownstone boasted high ceilings and original hardwood floors, seamlessly blending historic character with modern amenities. The large windows perfect for sunlight to illuminate the open living space, while the cozy fireplace provided a warm focal point in the heart of the living room.
Stepping into the library, Hamilton shut the door behind me. It was clear he was in here when I came, as the light was on and there was paperwork all over the desk with a glass of liquor almost empty.
“Why are you here?” Hamilton wasn’t looking for small talk – and neither was I.
“I need you to do me a favor.”
“Why me? Usually you discuss those things with my father.” Hamilton’s tone was teasing, but I could sense the underlying tension.
“Because your father won’t do what I need. But you will.”
“I’m not looking to get involved with whatever my father has with the DeCarlo family.”
“That’s why I need you.”
“If I haven’t made it clear – I don’t care what you need.” Hamilton stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Why should I help you? You’re a mobster. You and I are not on the same side of the law.”
Fighting the urge to roughen him up, I rubbed my hands together for a second.
“It’s not for me. It’s for Bethany.”
The sound of her name made him stand up straighter than he already was and I knew I had his full attention.
“What’s happened to her? Is she okay?”
“She will be if you help me.”
Hamilton’s lips tightened together as the tension in his facial muscles strained. “What do you need?”
“I need you to make sure charges are brought onto Luca.”
The look on Hamilton’s face changed as he realized the danger in the situation. “Have you lost your mind? Why would you want that?”
“It’s the only way I can save her.”
We exchanged a look only that fools in love do.
Hamilton didn’t need to ask why I was throwing Luca under the bus.
We both shared a love for Bethany that we were required to hold back.
We harbored this common bittersweet secret simmering beneath the surface filled with longing but suppressed for different reasons.
That would be the only thing in common we had, and it bound us as we were both willing to betray everyone around to ensure she was safe.
“What do you have that will stick?”
“Shipment comes in tomorrow morning at 5am. Wait until the last cargo package gets unloaded. A school bus is going to pull up.”
“A school bus? You men have no boundaries.”
“You can say whatever you want but we have paid our dues around here.”
“Infiltrating the streets with drugs and weapons – really making a difference.”
Stepping closer to him, “You don’t want to know the shit I’ve done to get your family out of so you can keep your pristine reputation.”
I let it sink waiting for his tone to change.
“Luca has eyes and ears everywhere. As soon as there’s a whisper of interference, his tracks are covered. My father will make sure of it.”
“Figure it out. I’m going to do my part, so this part is up to you. Don’t fail her.”
“You understand that there’s no going back from this.”
“I understand.”