“Look, I’ll pay for the mirror. I don’t know what came over me.” Before I can explain more, he holds his hand up to stop me.
My eyebrows cinch together with his sudden gesture. His hands glide down his face looking just as exhausted as I feel.
“I’m not worried about the mirror. Something like that would make any rational man upset. I brought you in here because we need to get this case moving. We need to catch this guy and higher ups are breathing down my neck more and more the longer this sick ass is on the streets.” He sits in his chair behind his desk, leaning back twirling his pen.
A sigh of relief leaves my body. Just a reminder that I need to get my sudden outbursts in check before they’re forced to write me up.
“So, I’m not off the case? We’re going to go back to that church outside the city. We have a possible suspect that was brought to our attention. We’re hoping to get more information.”
Walking further into the office, not that it's safe from backlash, I take a seat in front of him.
“Why the hell would I have you off the case? You’re the best and I would be stupid to remove you. What I’m saying is, this case has been open far too long and we need to catch this fucker before more women are in his hands. And get your anger in check.” He gives me a pointed look.
I throw my hands up in surrender before giving him a salute. That earns me an eyeroll and a shake of the head.
“Got it. Have you heard from Monroe? Beckett mentioned she was off doing an errand but she hasn’t answered my calls.” She’s making me nervous; she hasn’t been back in hours and hasn’t reached out. Something seems off.
“Yeah, she sent me a message saying she was heading home, not feeling well. There’s a bug going around so I told her to take a day or two and get some rest. We need her mind clear and well so we can get this case closed. In the meantime, take Beckett with you in the field.”
Monroe is one of the sharpest profilers in the agency and just as good with a gun. I agree, we need her head cleared andready to go. Not only does she work under me on my team, but her and Beckett became my only friends here. Should probably swing by and check in on her before I head in for the night.
Beckett is going to be thrilled to get out from behind the screen of codes. He’s one of the best hackers in the agency and is well versed in the field as well, that’s why I don’t mind him stepping in. I would much rather him at my side, than throw someone in that I’m not acquainted with and would most likely annoy the shit out of me.
When Monroe comes back, I might have to break up a fight between the two. Better yet, I’ll let them have at it and see who would win at the sparring mat.
CHAPTER EIGHT
CELESTE
“Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.”- Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Finishing up the last touches of my bold eyeliner wing, I give myself one last glance in the mirror before shrugging on my suit jacket. Spraying on my mother’s favorite perfume, I straighten my spine and head downstairs where the boys are waiting for me. Even though my uncle is family, he doesn’t know what that little girl in pigtails has become. If he sees me confident but also unreadable, he can then convince the rest of the Mafia that I’m not just the timid little girl that he knew a long time ago. I’m all grown up, ready to take on anything that’s thrown my way.
“Bellissima, Celeste!”Beautiful, Celeste.Uncle Giovanni approaches me, kissing me on both cheeks. “You’re shining like the stars. If only your father could see how vibrant you are. Are you ready to go?”
His eyes light up with adoration. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Which also makes me shiftuncomfortably. I’m not used to it as of late. It’s even hard to look at my uncle since he’s a spitting image of my father.
“Thank you, Uncle. I’m very interested to see everyone again. Anything I need to know before I join?” I give him a warm smile.
I already know what I need for each of the men I will be joining but I’ll humor him. One thing I know about men, make them think they’re useful and full of knowledge and it typically works in my favor when I give them the element of surprise, later on.
“These men are deadly, Celeste. You mustn't anger them. They will be taken back by a female lead as women don’t enter this side of the business. But also, show them you’re fierce and you belong among them.” We walk out of the villa towards the SUVs.
It takes everything inside me to hold back the most dramatic eye roll. They haven’t had the chance to meet the Reaper yet and when they do, will they then shut the hell up?
“I’m not worried about it. A male doesn’t scare me. If they’re intimidated by me, it’s their problem they need to work out.” My response takes him off guard but he simply nods as we enter the SUVs.
About twenty minutes later, we arrived at an old brick building covered with vines. It’s beautiful even with its age. My door opens to Larson holding his hand out to help me out. Men in suits gather around, blocking me from any threat that may be lurking. I take a deep breath and place on an unreadable mask. Antonio comes to my side as we walk up the steps through the threshold. Let the games begin. Let’s see who brings up that a female can’t run the Mafia first.
Taking long powerful strides, we walk through the hallway to the back where the sound of chattering can be heard. Looking down at my watch, we’re fifteen minutes earlybut it appears they have gathered before our meeting time. Interesting but not surprising.
As I walk in with my head high, the room goes quiet. The click of my heels are the only thing that can be heard. I notice the head of the table is empty and I don’t hesitate to take my seat at the throne.
“Gentlemen. By all means, please resume your conversations.” I sit back in my chair, crossing my leg over my knee raising my eyebrow.
Confused stares dart in my direction before they look upon each other asking each other silent questions. Surprise motherfuckers!
“Celeste, my have you grown. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Your father must be so proud of you,” the head of the Irish addresses me.
