Cold offered the ring out to him, smirking down at Corman. “Tough break.”
Handing Cold back the receiver, Matteo took the ring, smiling at it adoringly. It was obvious that it meant a lot to him. He nodded at Cold, saying, “Thank you for this,” then looked down at Corman in disgust. “You’re such an arrogant fool. Never even thought about checking the gun I gave you to make sure it was loaded.”
Cold took his foot off Corman’s throat and put the receiver in his pocket. He pulled Jimmy into his arms, a firm hand at his neck and at the small of his back.
“This is not fucking over!” Corman roared, his eyes wild and glaring. “Matteo, please, listen to me—”
“No more,” Matteo cut him off. “Not another word from that poisoned tongue of yours. This is for my father, you fucking piece of shit.” He aimed his gun.
Jimmy couldn’t tear his eyes away, watching Matteo aim right for Corman’s forehead.
Cold grabbed Jimmy close, pressing his face against his chest and hissing quickly, “Don’t look.”
Jimmy closed his eyes, and Matteo fired, the shot ringing in Jimmy’s ears. He couldn’t hear, everything was muddled and weird. The gun kept firing, and Cold was pulling Jimmy out of the dressing room and dragging him away. Jimmy never looked back. He never saw Corman’s body, but he didn’t need to. Cold was leading him down the narrow hallway that exited out the back of the club.
Leaning heavily against Cold, Jimmy’s legs felt weak. Cold guided him through the door, nearly running right into Augustus and several SSPD squad cars. Jimmy started crying, the adrenaline making every inch of his body shake.
It was over. Corman was dead.
“Got everything you need?” Cold asked briskly, eyes locking with Augustus’.
Augustus looked as if he had seen a ghost, but he nodded. He carefully removed the wire from Jimmy’s jacket, saying, “We heard it all. We’ll contact the DA tonight. David Poe is an innocent man, and we’ll get him out as soon as we can. I’ll make sure the courts put a rush on it.”
Jimmy sobbed harder, clinging to Cold tightly. His father was going to be free. After seventeen years, his father was finally going to be free.
“And Matteo Luchesi?” Cold went on.
Augustus turned to the officers behind him, all in full battle gear, giving them a thumbs up. They started rushing the back door. “About to be arrested for the murder of Rufus Corman. I don’t suppose you’re going to explain how Matteo happened to hear everything?”
Cold shrugged, innocently replying, “Perhaps he had his ear pressed against the door.” He turned his head slightly when he heard a distant barrage of gunfire. He smirked, saying knowingly, “Guess we’ll never know.”
There was static on Augustus’ radio, a tinny voice whispering, “Target was hostile and armed, team leader. Target is down, securing the area.”
“Roger,” Augustus radioed back.
Jimmy kept his teeth together, but his eyes were wide with shock. He was completely amazed. He had known Cold was smart, but this was incredible.
Cold had planned all of this. Every last step. Corman was dead, Matteo was dead, and they had all of the evidence to free his father from prison.
“If you’ll excuse us, Detective,” Cold purred as he cradled Jimmy close, “I’d like to finish celebrating my birthday.”
Augustus glanced at the two of them warily. “I’ll be in touch.” He looked at Jimmy, his expression grim as he added softly, “Jimmy...” He was clearly struggling to find the right words.
Jimmy smiled through his tears, saying, “It’s okay, Augustus... just... help my dad?”
“I will. I swear it.”
Jimmy stepped forward, taking a deep breath and hugging Augustus tightly. He remembered everything he and David had talked about today, and he knew Augustus had suffered so much, too. He felt Augustus’ arms awkwardly come around him before squeezing tight and giving him a proper hug back.
“Thank you, Augustus,” Jimmy said.
“Thank you, Jimmy. I’m... I’m so sorry.”
“I forgive you,” Jimmy said immediately, hugging him hard. “It’s okay, I forgive you.”
Up the alley came a very familiar limo, Cold giving Jimmy a small nudge. “Have a good night, Detective,” he said, leading Jimmy away from Augustus and toward the car. “Try not to make a mess when you raid the rest of my club.”
Cold swept Jimmy into the back of the limo and held him close. He sacrificed part of his tender hold to pick up the phone, quickly instructing, “Everything is fine. Take us home, Jerry.Merci.”
