My chest tightens. I always had my suspicions about Mum’s death. “Why?” The word comes out like a wail.
“We were in the slammer together. Both nicked for the heist that went wrong. He got out before me and made it his mission to find the pieces I’d hidden.”
“My guess is that when he realised your mother didn’t have it or she wouldn’t let on, he killed her so he could find out where you were, hoping you’d go to the funeral.”
I nod agreeing with his theory. “He only showed up at the casino after the funeral.”
“I had the hunter keep tabs on him after I heard about your mother’s death. That led him to you at the casino, but by the time I was released, you’d already fled.” Billy speeds up on the open road, leaving the green hills and countryside behind.
“Where are we going?”
“Back to the city. I had the hunter follow you here. Someone I shared a cell with some years ago said he was the best in the business. But if you want a job done right, do it yourself.” His face hardens again. The father I knew and loved is replaced by a cold shell of a man. He’s a ghost of the man he was.
I relax, knowing he’s the best hunter there is. He’ll find me. It’s what he does. He’ll always find me. My eyes close to stop the tears and I say a silent prayer for Dom, hoping he’s okay.
31
POPPY
When he said small rental, I didn’t know he meant the penthouse suite of a hotel.
To say it’s been awkward living with him these last few days is an understatement. It hasn’t exactly been a heartfelt reunion. Dad’s different. Maybe prison changed him, or maybe it’s that I’m not a little girl anymore. Maybe I’m a disappointment. Whatever it is, he doesn’t know how to be a father.
Buying me a new wardrobe isn’t going to make up for fifteen years, nor are the pearl earrings he gave me that are probably stolen. I’m not used to nice things and I don’t need them. It was a father I needed ten years ago.
He hasn’t let me out of the suite, though I don’t feel threatened by him. I’m just a pawn in his search for the necklace. Billy may be a killer, but I know I’m safe with him. It’s Dom I’m worried about. After begging him to leave Dom alone and not kill him, I’m still not sure if he will take my feelings into consideration, but today is day five and his time’s almost up.
Dad’s been on the phone all morning. I don’t ask questions, though it all sounds like dodgy dealings. It’s hard to imagine mum with him. She was always so carefree and fun, and he’s always so serious. I don’t think I’ve seen him smile once.
He paces the windows of the living room with the phone pressed to his ear. The view from the top floor gives a great view of the street below. It’s not a tall building, but tall enough to see the city lit up at night.
“He’s got a fucking nerve.” The phone slips from his hand. “What’s he doing here? How the bloody hell did he find us?”
I look up from my book, place it on the sofa and rush to the window. A smile spread across my face. He is the best in the business, that’s how. I pull my lipstick from pocket and apply a fresh coat with trembling hands.
Dom hands his keys for the Range Rover to the valet, cricks his neck, then straightens his tie before striding towards the door of the lobby.
My heart pounds, but I’m not sure if it’s excitement or fear. I couldn’t resist the suit the first time I saw him in it at Club Curve.
The phone rings on the desk. Billy stomps over, answering with a sharp tone, “What?”
I train my ears to listen to the woman’s voice coming through the handset. “A Mr Bianchi is here, sir.” There’s a pause. “He says he has a business proposition that he thinks you’ll be interested in, sir.”
“Is Carlo in the lobby?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Tell him to search him. If he’s clear, send him up.”
My heart pounds in my throat. I wipe my sweaty palms on the green tea dress that came with the bundle of clothing Billy bought for me. As much as I hated taking anything from him, I couldn’t live in the same clothes I came in.
The elevator door dings, and my father opens the front door to his penthouse suite. I hold my breath, waiting to see the man I’ve missed these last few days.
32
DOM
“This better be good, lad. I have cameras all over this room, so don’t try anything.”
