Chapter Thirty-Two
Melvin insisted on going with Mia to the station; he said he wanted to let the detective know about what happened with Oliver the day they first arrived. Aurelio said it was a good idea, giving her eldest brother a high five. She wasn’t sure she liked all the camaraderie. Mikey and Matty promised to keep Aurelio entertained, and Mia did not want to know what they had in mind. Giving her boyfriend a kiss goodbye, she headed out with Melvin. They opted to walk to the station; the day was sunny, and the walk was only about fifteen minutes. Melvin was quiet, prompting Mia to give him some sideways glances.
“So,” she started when they were halfway to the station. “You and Aurelio are getting along.”
“Yeah. He is a good guy, for a car thief.”
“What?” She stopped, her heart pounding.
“He told us everything.” He turned to look at her. “I just don’t know why you didn’t.”
“Melvin,” Mia said, face paling, “It’s not a story that was mine to tell.”
It was a half-truth, but her brother nodded, turning to keep walking. “Well, he explained most of it, I guess.” His pace slowed a little, eyes on the ground. “And I was pissed at first. But then I guess I was grateful that he told us; he is a good man, Mia.”
“He is. And we, of all people, know what it is like to owe someone a debt you can’t pay fast enough. To be trapped. Exiled.” The police station came into view. “He is almost out, you know. Tonight is it.”
“I know.” Melvin paused. “I’m not going to rat him out. I’m here for you to make sure that scumbag Oliver gets locked up.”
“Thank you.” Mia let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. “So, Aurelio told you everything and still agreed that you should come with?”
“He loves you, bug. We can all see it.”
She smiled, grabbing her brother’s hand and walking the rest of the way to the station.
The building was old; the original marble was still intact in places, and it was mostly empty, which Mia guessed was a good thing. The officer at the front desk told them to have a seat, stating that Detective Daniels would be out shortly. Melvin got absorbed in his phone; some work back home needed to be checked on. As she sat there, Mia’s mind began to wander, thinking about how long she had lived in the city, and this was the first time she had been inside the police station. A chuckle from her left pulled her from her musings. She looked up to see Oliver stalking towards them. She stood quickly, fists balled by her sides and face reddening.
“Well…” The grin of a predator was on his lips. “…look who came to visit me at work.”
“We are not here for you,” Melvin corrected, standing next to Mia. “Detective Daniels called us in. There’s some new information about Mia’s break-in.”
“Yes, I heard about that,” Oliver said, his face feigning shock. “Crazy that someone could break in like that.”
He leaned down, coming closer to Mia than she was comfortable with, and Melvin’s hand pushed her back a little. But she would not let her neighbor intimidate her; she stood her ground.
“Scary to think someone could just come in like that, uninvited, and expose you at any moment.” Oliver’s hot breath hit Mia’s face, and she felt herself shrink back. He noticed; a satisfied smile spread across his face, exposing teeth.
“Detective Jones!” a voice boomed out. Detective Daniels was coming around the front desk, his face angry and disappointed.
“Ahh, my former partner,” Oliver sighed, standing back up.
Mia’s head reeled. Former?
“Just getting your suspects ready for you.”
“Victim,” Detective Daniels corrected. Stepping toward Mia, he offered an arm, which she gladly took.
Melvin glanced at Oliver, his face hard. “Simple promises.” He walked behind Mia and Detective Daniels as the three of them went to a little room with no windows, a desk, and three chairs.
Detective Daniels motioned for Mia to sit, placing himself across the table from her. Melvin stood behind her, arms crossed.
“Mia, I’m sorry about that. Detective Jones is on temporary leave; he shouldn’t have been here at all.”
“Oh,” she said. “It’s not your fault he was.”
“Still, I asked you here, anticipating he wouldn’t be. And instead, I put you in an uncomfortable situation; luckily, your brother was here with you.”
“How do you know this is my brother?” Mia asked. “In fact, how did you know my brothers were even in town?”
“Well, the first was a guess; you do look a lot alike. The second is a little more complicated, and I can’t share it with you right now. But in due time, things will be made clear.” He cleared his throat, and Mia was confused, wanting answers.
“So, I need a list of names of people who come in and out of your apartment frequently enough that their prints would be found everywhere.” He produced his notebook and pen from a pocket.
Mia nodded; her desire for answers was swallowed down; he wasn’t going to share more than he was willing to.
“First, I need to know…” There was one thing she would not let go. “Did you find Oliver’s prints in my apartment?”
Melvin gave a soft grunt; he knew the answer was yes before Detective Daniels even opened his mouth.
“Mia, I cannot tell you that. Not until I know who is a suspect and who isn’t.”
“Well, if you found any of his, he is the guy!” she exclaimed, her hands flying up in exasperation. “His prints should be nowhere in my place because I have never invited him in.”
“Really? Because, according to him, we may even find blood samples belonging to him in the apartment.”
“What?” Her mind was racing. “That’s impossible. He never… oh shit.”
“Mia?” Melvin asked, one hand coming to her shoulder.
Absentmindedly, she patted his hand as realization hit her like a freight train. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. He is going to get away with it.” A tear fell down her cheek. “Shit.” She gave a soft, sad chuckle.
“What do you mean?” Melvin looked from Mia to the detective.
“Mia…” Detective Daniels’ face reflected the heartbreak she felt. “Tell me what happened.”
“The day I punched him in the face, his nose started bleeding. I brought him to my loft to help patch him up because I felt bad. He was in the loft, he touched things, and he bled on the vanity.” [HF25]She drew in a deep breath, recalling that night.
“But that was weeks ago, I cleaned everything up.” She felt the dread settling in again. “There would be nothing left from that incident.” Detective Daniels drew in a deep breath and the answer was unspoken.
Her mind cracked with her heart; the fact that Oliver knew he was going to get away with it was too much. He had a reason for his fingerprints to be in the loft and a reason for blood to be there, too.
“What do we do?” Melvin asked, a comforting hand still on his sister’s shoulder. Mia quietly cried.
“Well, two choices,” Detective Daniels began. “We push this, and it ends up going to court. He will probably walk because there is a valid reason for his prints to be there. And everyone else who has been in your apartment before the break-in is placed under a microscope; their lives broken open and investigated.” He spoke directly to Mia. She didn’t know how he knew, but she was sure he was referring to Aurelio and his background.
“Or…” Her mind was already made up.
“You let this go. He walks, and everyone else does, too.” Detective Daniels sighed, “Neither option is the right one. But you get to choose.”
“Drop it,” she said with no hesitation. “Drop the case.”
“No. he needs to pay,” Melvin stated, he looked form Mia to Detective Daniels.
“No, he doesn’t,” she said grimly, trying to make him understand. Aurelio didn’t need to be dragged into this. Not if Oliver was going to get away with it anyway.
“I am not letting him get away with how he has treated you.” Melvin said, “I see enough bad guys walk.” Mia looked to him, his own demons creeping into his features. Detective Daniels watched Mia, his hand coming to rest on-top of hers.
“If that’s what you want,” he said finally. “I have some paperwork for you to sign, and then you are free to go.” Mia nodded, Detective Daniels standing. He moved to the door, gave them a backwards glance, and then, walked out quietly.
“Mia…” Melvin said as the door closed.
Mia shushed her brother.
“Not here.” She cast her gaze to the camera in the corner and Melvin followed her eyes.
Melvin nodded, sitting down and holding her hand, wiping her tears away. Detective Daniels returned after a few minutes, paperwork in hand, and Mia made quick work of signing everything.
“Any questions?” Detective Daniels inquired, leaning back in his seat.
“Yes,” Melvin said. “What happens with Oliver?” Mia looked up at the Detective.
“Well, because his prints were found at the crime scene, he has been put on suspension while the investigation was happening.” He let out a deep sigh. “After the paperwork is filed, he will come back. But he is no longer my partner and no longer working the car theft case.” He sighed again, his face sagging as he spoke. “He was in too deep. He needs help.”
Mia nodded; she knew that firsthand.
“Detective, what if I share what happened with him and my brothers the day we arrived?” Melvin interjected.
“If you have proof of any of it happening, please do. Otherwise, it’s all hearsay.”
“Understood.” The siblings stood up. “Are you all set then?”
“Yes. But a word of advice, Mia.” Detective Daniels caught her hand, his eyes pleading with her as he spoke.
“Don’t be alone at your apartment.” Mia nodded. “Move if you can. Oliver won’t let this go till he burns himself down. I don’t want you burned in the process,” Detective Daniels admitted sadly. “That kid has had all the pressure on him his whole life, and he has finally snapped. I’m worried about whoever gets in the way. Please, don’t let it be you.”
“We won’t let it be,” Melvin assured, putting an arm on Mia’s shoulders.
“Thank you, Detective Daniels.” She gave him a forlorn smile.
“Please, call me Charles.” He smiled back. “Call me anytime for anything.”
“Will do, Charles.”
The walk back was silent; both were lost in thought about what happened, and where to go from there.
Mia broke the silence first as the building came into view. “Let me tell Aurelio, please.”
Melvin nodded. “Of course.”
He held the door open for her, and the two slipped inside. As they headed up the stairs, Mia heard shouting and crashing. She sped up, fear gripping her heart. As she reached her door and threw it open, Aurelio, Mikey, and Matty turned to look at her. A piece of pizza hung from Matty’s mouth, and a video game was paused on the TV screen. They all smiled; Aurelio jumped up to wrap her in a hug.
“Beautiful!” he cried, his arms coming around her. She hugged him back as her body was lifted.
“What’s going on in here?” she asked as he released her and led her to the couch. Boxes were spread out on the floor, another TV was set up next to the original, and controllers and machines were blinking at her. “Did some shopping? We were gone for like 3 hours.”
“And we were really bored as soon as you left,” explained Matty, shoving more pizza in his mouth. “Aurelio wanted to show off his sick car.”
Mia rolled her eyes, and Aurelio coughed quietly, his hand covering his face.
“Please don’t be mad,” Mikey said. “We didn’t force him to buy any of it.”
“Aurelio, you bought all this?”
“It’s okay, beautiful.” He wrapped her in another hug. “Anything for my future brothers-in-law.”
“Ugh.” She pushed out of his arms, and Aurelio laughed. “Suck up.”
Melvin slid the door shut behind him as he entered the loft. He eyed the boxes, taking in the TV and remotes, but merely shrugged and grabbed a slice of pizza. “I got next.”
“You guys are unbelievable.” Mia went to the bedroom. Her boyfriend followed, shrugging to the guys as he went.
“Aurelio, she needs to calm down!” Mikey called.
“Can you do anything to help?” Matty questioned.
“Shut it!” Mia yelled over her shoulder, making her brothers snicker.
“Hey,” Aurelio said, sliding his hands across her stomach and holding her to his chest. “What’s wrong, beautiful? What happened at the station?”
“I dropped the case.” Her head fell back to rest on his shoulder.
“Why?” His voice was quiet as he let her fingers caress his arms.
“Well, he had a valid reason for his prints being in the apartment and would most likely walk anyway. And anyone else who has been in here would be put under a microscope.” She turned in his embrace, eyes meeting his. “And why put you through all the trouble that could bring if he would get away with it in the end?”
Aurelio nodded, kissing her forehead, letting his lips sit there for a moment. They both closed their eyes, breathing in each other. “I understand, and I thank you for that. But you don’t need to protect me.” He lifted her chin with one finger. “But I appreciate that you do.” His lips met hers.
The pain she felt was melting away as he kissed her. The worries were disappearing as his lips mended the cracks she had. “Detective Daniels said I should move, or at least not be here alone. Oliver is on a warpath, and he doesn’t want me getting caught in the crossfire.”
“I agree,” Aurelio concurred. “I plan on being with you every day for the rest of my life.”
Mia smiled, giving him a small laugh. “Hope you don’t get sick of me.”
“Never.” They kissed again, and a loud round of ‘awwws’ came from the living room. The two broke apart, laughing.
Aurelio looked at his wrist and the black leather watch on it. “I have to leave soon; it’s almost one. I have to find Mac and smack him around a little before my meeting with the boss.” He stretched, making the edge of his shirt ride up to reveal the trail of dark hair leading into his boxers.
Mia felt a twitch between her thighs and sighed.
“I know that look,” Aurelio teased, eyebrows rising. “But I don’t have time right now, beautiful.”
“That’s too bad.” She leaned away from him; her pants fell down on her hips a little further. “Guess I’ll have to take a bath by myself to relax.”
Aurelio pulled her back in; a rumble from his chest vibrated against her as his voice deepened. “As long as you pretend it’s my fingers in between your pretty pussy, that’s fine.” He kissed her, the desire rolling off his tongue and plunging into her. She moaned against his mouth. Discreetly, her boyfriend slid his hand down her front, his fingers finding her wet and wanting. He let out another groan, pushing a finger inside.
Mia took in a sharp breath as she felt his thumb slide over her clit.
“Oh, already so wet, beautiful,” he murmured against her lips, walking her backward. “Better get in that tub before you flood the loft.” Her knees hit the bed, and Aurelio placed his free hand on her back to keep her against him. He worked her pussy quietly, catching every moan with his mouth. Mia bit his lip; the need to scream was rising. He let her nip at him, keeping his mouth on hers. He slipped another finger inside, pumping shallowly but quicker and quicker. She felt the scream in her throat, her pussy soaking his hand. She bit down hard on his lip, tasting blood on her tongue as she came. The scream transformed into action, and Aurelio grunted. He pulled his hand free and licked it, savoring her. Instantly, Mia was wet again, breathing hard and trying to catch her breath. Aurelio raised his eyebrow and released her, heading into the bathroom.
Her brothers were immersed in their racing game. Melvin was playing against Matty, and Mikey was shoving pizza into his mouth. They looked like teenagers again.
Aurelio came out of the bathroom a moment later, high-fiving the boys and saying his goodbyes.
“Later, man,” Matty called; it was his turn to shovel food into his mouth. “Thanks for the stuff.”
“Anytime. Enjoy. I’ll be back later to play if you guys are down.”
“Hell yeah!” Mikey shouted, turning from the race.
“Sounds good, Ro,” Melvin said.
Mia raised her eyebrow. “Ro?”
“Yeah.” Her boyfriend chuckled. “Mel doesn’t like calling me by my name.”
“Mel? What the fuck is happening?” Mia asked, leaning into Aurelio.
He laughed, wrapping her in a hug and kissing her deeply. “We are getting to know each other. Besides, we have the best thing in common.”
“Yeah? What?” she asked, her grin spreading as Aurelio matched it.
“You, beautiful.”