Breaking Bones (Mariani Crime Family Series Book 2) (19 page)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Bones

T
WO HOURS. IT was about a quarter after seven, so I needed to be at Tony’s shortly after nine. Matt was dead and buried and I’d removed my fingerprints from his personal items—all except for his cell phone since I wasn’t done with that quite yet—and stored them in a plastic bag for Carlo. I didn’t know what else to do, so I put my hands on the wheel and drove. Before I’d even registered where I was going, I pulled into the Tropicana parking lot and cut the engine.

Snippets of information drifted through my mind as I tried to form some sort of connection or pattern. Carlo wanted to promote me. Someone had been helping Matt evade me. A woman had hired Matt to pick up Ariana. Markie’s doctor appointment was steadily approaching. When she was cleared, Angel would want to take her and get the hell out. Would I be able to go with them? Would Ariana? Would I even make it through the night?

I could leave now.

All I had to do was turn over the ignition and drive, and I could be well out of the state by the time anyone realized I was gone. Angel’s father would protect him. Nonna would make sure nothing happened to Markie.

What about Ariana?

Someone was after her. Who? Why? Ariana’s nose had been clean since she’d moved in with us. I was almost certain of it. So who the hell wanted her? Was it someone trying to get at me? Possibly. If Nonna could tell how I felt about her, other people could as well. I’d been stupid and careless.

And what about Ma?

I found a little comfort in knowing Totino would look after Ma, but the guy was soft, and if the family came for her there’d be nothing he could do to stop them.

There were too many factors I couldn’t run from. I had to stay and accept whatever Carlo had in store for me. But first, I needed to see Ariana again. Stupid, careless, but I couldn’t stop my feet from crossing the parking lot and heading for the casino.

Food smells mingled with cigarette smoke as I lingered in the diner entrance, watching Ariana deliver plates to patrons. Her uniform black shorts, barely longer than the apron covering them, and fitted V-neck top—logo in the middle of her chest—were designed to draw attention. The waitresses here were all knockouts, but she was leagues above the rest of them. My gaze raked over her body as she slid an empty tray under her arm and stepped to the side, taking the order of some asshole whose gaze kept dropping to her breasts. He said something and she laughed. It was a fake, hollow sound, nothing like the real sound of her laughter.

Man, I missed that sound. It had been days since I’d even see her smile.

“Will you be dining alone?” someone asked.

Irritated by the interruption, I nodded at the hostess. “Yes, but give me a sec.” I pulled my phone out of my pocket and slipped out into the casino. I knew one surefire way to make Ariana smile again. I’d been putting off making the call, because I was a selfish son-of-a-bitch, afraid to see her succeed. Afraid she’d show Vegas everything I saw and the city would love her and keep her for good. I wanted her to leave with us, but more than that, I wanted her to get what she wanted. I owed her that much. I scrolled through my contacts and dialed when I found the right one.

“Noah Garner,” he answered.

“Noah, it’s Bones, how are you, man?”

“I’m good, bud, how are you? Been a while.”

“Yeah, I’ve been busy. Hey, are you still recruiting for that talent agency?”

“Yep. Why? What can I do for you?”

I appreciated people who got right down to business, and Noah was never big on small talk. “You know that favor you owe me? I need to cash it in.”

“I’m listening.”

I went through my spiel, explaining Ariana’s circumstances and inviting him to come listen to her sing.

“Tomorrow night?” he asked.

“Yeah. Sorry this is so last minute.” I’d dragged my feet to the very end, planning to make some lame excuse for Noah not being able to make it.

“You know I can’t promise to place her, right? These things are tricky. I have a couple of shows looking for vocalists right now, but they’re all searching for a specific sound. A specific look.”

“Yeah, I get it. Ari wouldn’t want me pulling anyone’s strings to make this happen. She’s just lookin’ for a legitimate shot.”

“That, I can give her. I’ll be there, Bones.”

“Thanks, man.” Feeling like I’d done something right for once, I disconnected the call, reentered the restaurant, and requested a table in her section.

When she saw me sitting at one of her tables, she stiffened. Another waitress—one with dark spiked hair and several piercings—said something to her. They both looked at me, spoke a little more, and then Ariana shook her head and finally wandered over.

“I still have a couple hours to go. And even then, I’m not leaving with you.” Her tone stung, but not nearly as much as the guarded, hurt look in her eyes.

“I’m not here for you. I’m thirsty.”

“Okay.” She eyed me skeptically. “What can I get you?”

I opened the menu the hostess had given me and scanned the drinks. “How’s the strawberry lemonade?”

“Better with vodka.”

I smiled, thankful she seemed to be lightening up. She looked away.

“I bet it is.” And I could seriously use a stiff drink, but it’d be suicidal to meet up with Carlo with liquor on my breath. I needed to stay sharp, just in case I had a chance to get out of this mess alive. “I gotta work tonight, though, how about a cup of coffee instead?” I tapped a dessert on the menu. “And bring me one of these lemon squares to go with it. Please.”

She nodded and hurried off, giving me a great view of her fabulous ass. When she disappeared into the kitchen, I pulled out Matt’s cell phone and examined the disposable, cheap piece of shit. Scrolling through his messages, I searched for clues. Other than the messages warning him about me, there’d been very little activity. A couple of texts from someone listed as “Contact” who kept asking if Matt had picked up “A” yet. The thought sent a chill down my spine. Who the hell was this person and what did they want with Ariana? And how could I warn Ariana she was in danger without telling her I’d tortured her ex-boyfriend into admitting it?

Ariana returned, interrupting my search. I palmed the phone as she set down the coffee, lemon bar, and creamer.

“Thanks,” I said, dropping the phone into my lap so I could fix my coffee.

“Can I get you anything else?” she asked, watching me.

“This is good. Thanks.”

Ariana stayed where she was, her face a mask.

“You wanna sit down?” I asked, gesturing at the seat across from me.

“Nope.”

Okay.
I took a bite of the lemon bar. It was good, but I’d had better. I pushed it away.

Ariana was still standing there, staring me down.

“Can I help you with something?” I asked.

“Waiting for you to cut the bullshit and tell me why you’re really here.”

I shrugged. “Coffee and a lemon bar aren’t compelling enough reasons?”

She put her hands on her hips and gave me a full once-over, focusing on my coffee cup when I took another sip. “What happened to your knuckles, Bones?”

They were bruised and a little bloody, probably from when my fist had connected with Matt’s jaw. I hadn’t even noticed until she’d pointed it out. I shrugged. “Must have gotten a little rough with the punching bag.”

She snorted. “Sure, we’ll go with that. Still doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

I held up my coffee cup. “Long night ahead of me. Needed some caffeine.”

“Right. Matt was here a couple of hours ago. Did you know that?”

Damn, she was too smart. Since pretending to be surprised would only insult her intelligence, I nodded. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“I handled it. I told him to get lost, and I think you should do the same.”

People were beginning to watch us. The spiky-haired broad from earlier hurried over and asked Ariana if she was okay.

“Yeah. Just one of my temporary roommates bummin’ around,” she said.

Bummin’?

The broad sized me up and asked, “You need to take five? I’ll cover your tables.”

“Please. Thanks Piper,” Ariana said, taking off her apron.

“Anytime. Let me know if you need me.” She looked me over again before heading off to refill water.

“Let’s go somewhere and talk,” I said after the broad was out of earshot.

Ariana tossed her apron into the booth and sat. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”

Fair enough. “What did Matt want?”

“Same thing guys always seem to want these days. To screw with my head.”

I probably deserved that one, too. “Well did he say—”

She held up a hand, stopping me. “Didn’t listen to him, don’t plan on listening to you.”

Piper showed back up, coffeepot in hand. Annoyed at her persistence, I put my hand over my cup. “Everything okay?” she asked Ariana.

“Peachy.” Ariana gave her a tight smile. “Thanks.”

Piper drifted toward the next table and Ariana kicked me. “Stop scowling at her.”

“She’s got her nose in our business, and I don’t like it.”

“She’s a friend. She’s concerned because I have shitty taste in men.”

Ouch, but yeah, deserved that one as well. “I’m sorry, Ari. There’s some stuff going down right now and it’s—”

“Complicated.” She frowned. “And you’re always sorry. But it doesn’t make it any better. Piper has a room for rent. I’m going to move in with her after my birthday.”

“Ari I—” I needed to tell her she was in danger, and that she couldn’t move out, but the words stuck to the roof of my mouth. She’d want to know why. Then she’d get pissed and probably move out anyway, after she called the cops. Instead, my mind drifted back to a question she’d asked me a while back. I’d been thinking about it ever since, and I finally had the answer. “I’d go back to school, maybe become a personal trainer or something. I enjoyed working out with you and teaching you how to hit a bag. I think I’d like to do that.”

Her forehead scrunched up. “What are you talking about?”

“You asked what I would do… if I wasn’t Angel’s bodyguard.” It wasn’t like it mattered, and I didn’t know why I even mentioned it, but with this thing with Carlo hanging over my head I wanted Ariana to know I did have a dream. I wasn’t just some schmuck with scars and bloody knuckles.

The lines of her face softened. Her eyes scanned my face, searching. Finally, looking exhausted and defeated she crossed her arms and said, “I hope you make it back to school, Bones. I really do. I think you’ll be a great trainer. But now I need you to stop screwing with my head. “I’m finally in a good place. I’m clean. I’m trying to keep it together and all these little games you’re playing are really… I can’t take them anymore.” She looked away, but not before I caught the glint of moisture building in her eyes.

“Ari—”

Tears flooded her eyes. “Please leave.”

I realized how all this must look to her and it disgusted me. I never should have kissed her, never should have led her on. No wonder she was pissed. Desperate to fix things before I left, I said, “I am sorry, Ari. I never should have… we never should have… it was a mistake.”

A tear slid down her cheek. “A mistake. Great. Got it. Awesome.”

Confused, I stood. I wanted to hold her, to comfort her, but she wouldn’t even look at me. “That came out wrong.”

“Listen, I don’t know what you’re trying to do to me, but I need you to stop. If you ever decide to stop being a dick, we can talk. But until then, my break is over and I need you to leave.” She stood.

“Ari, wait.”

Piper reappeared, stepping between us. Ariana fled to the back of the restaurant and there wasn’t a damn thing I could say or do to stop her. Every word out of my mouth had just made the situation worse.

“Sounds like you’re done here,” Piper said. “Need me to show you to the door?”

“Why don’t you mind your own business?” I asked.

The skinny little broad puffed up her chest at me. “I work here and Ari’s my friend. This
is
my business.”