Crooking my finger, I beckon her forward. She takes a small step forward. “No. You won’t. Because the second you pick up the phone, Kelley, Bonnie is dead.” Their collective gasps make me grin. “Is that clear?” She doesn’t answer, just nods. “Off you go, then.”
I can see the indecision in her eyes. She wants nothing more than to run far, far away, but she also doesn’t want to leave her friend. Ms Moorside pleads with her eyes for Kelley to go.
“Unless you want to come along,” I say, withdrawing the Glock 20 that’s been resting in the waistband holster attached to my trousers.
It makes a satisfying thud as I place it on the counter. The size is intimidating, which is the intent. There’s no point wielding a pea shooter. My Glock is weighty, just like the threat I pose when holding it. I want people to be afraid. I want to see the fear in their eyes as I rest my finger close to the trigger.
“In fact, I think that’s a much better solution,” I finish, revelling in their anxiety.
It wasn’t in my plan, but then again, I enjoy a bit of spontaneity. I’ll have no qualms dispatching either of them when the time comes.
The two women sit silently in the car. According to her instructions, Ms Moorside’s apartment is only a few minutes away. I hope she is correct because I am ready to leave. I want to be back at the house before midnight.
I smile internally when I catch a glimpse of Ms Moorside’s wool skirt from the corner of my eye. I’m always right about these things.
Mia pulls over once again. “We’re here,” she says.
Turning my head to Ms Moorside, who is next to me, I smile. “You have ten minutes. Toni will accompany you. I’ll stay here with Kelley and get acquainted.”
She wants to argue, but doesn’t. Smart woman.
Ten minutes and not a second later, Toni escorts Ms Moorside out of her place and back towards the car. I didn’t speak with Kelley. Her crying became too irritating, so I had her moved to the lead car. Now I have time alone with Ms Moorside to find out who the hell she is to Don Ferrante.
“Where’s Kelley?” Ms Moorside practically screeches.
“In that car,” I say, pointing to the other Land Rover. “Now get in!”
I’m over this. I want to return to work—the work that keeps the family at the top of the food chain. My days of doing this sort of menial shit should be long gone. I feel my anger rising again.
Toni throws her suitcase in the boot and then we’re finally on our way home—well, the house we use in the UK.Homeis in Sicily, where I long to be. We are safer, not to mention stronger, when we are there.
It takes longer than I expected for her to finally speak. “Whoareyou?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve been sent to collect you.”
I want to tell her exactly who I am, to judge her response, but it’s better to play it cool for now.
Another few minutes pass before she suddenly starts laughing. She slaps her legs with her hands. “Oh my God, of course,” she cackles. “I can’t believe I fell for it!”
I have absolutely no clue what is happening, so I stay silent and wait.
Her chocolate eyes turn to me. She playfully punches my arm. “Pete outdid himself this time,” she continues, tears of laughter welling up in her eyes. “Where the hell did he find you lot? It was the drama club, right? Of course. Wow, I know he thinks I need some excitement in my life, but this is a bit much.”
“I—”
“Kudos for going the mafia route, though. Quite inspired. Although I didn’t realise he paid so much attention to the books I read.”
“Ms Moorside—”
“God, you are really good as a baddie. Are you a professional actress?”
“Who the fuck is Pete?” I say, my patience waning.
She snorts, “Good one. But you can drop the act. Tell him I’ll try to go out more. I won’t even take my Kindle.”
Grinding my teeth, I breathe out through my nose in an effort to calm myself. “I assure you this is no act.”
“Sure,” she grins, rolling her eyes.
