REMEDY: A Mafia Romance (Return to Us Trilogy Book 3) (7 page)

Ivy

We sit at his dining table eating a breakfast of coffee, English muffins with raspberry jam, and fresh cut peaches and pears. It's all delicious, and I love this normal, intimate moment between us without the ever-present edge of tension created by the dark secrets he keeps.

The morning is bright, and Jacade's posture is more relaxed and at ease, probably because he has finally trusted me enough to tell me his story, however bleak it might be, and in turn reduced the burden on him. The swelling around his eye has lessened, but the bruising is an angry shade of dark purple I wish I could wash away with soap and water. He's removed the bandage from his lips, and I inspect the vertical gash on his lower lip for the first time. It looks so much better than the bloody open wound I saw when I walked into his cell. I'm relieved his lips will heal, and I can kiss them again.

I stare at him and try to imagine him as the ruthless gangster he described himself to be last night. To me, he's a respected surgeon. How could he have lead two lives for so long?

"Go ahead, ask."

"Are you in the mob?"

"No. We clash with them sometimes, but it's not the Mafia. The Council for Strategic Advancement operates as a non-profit corporation that sponsors teenage boys through college. In return, the men are indebted to the organization for the rest of their lives."

"Your whole life? How do they control you?"

"The council keeps tabs on our finances and holds our crimes over our heads. Council members are… encouraged to donate a percentage of their gross salary to the NPO." He says
encouraged
and
donate
with irony in his voice. "We're also required to patronize member-owned establishments."

"And what are your establishments?"

"My investments are mostly in the hospitality industry. Mogul was the first business I got off the ground and running. La Mia Edera was second. I own a few casinos in Vegas and Atlanta."

"And what establishments do they make you support?"

"I contribute to the underground fighting ring run by Colonel Mahoney and donate to campaigns for judges like Conroy and senators like Boothby. Some members sell pharms and narcotics. A few still boost and chop cars."

"Narcotics? Like cocaine?"

"Yeah, and meth, X, some weed." He looks down, and his brow furrows. Talking about it is difficult for him. "The money is laundered so many times, it's squeaky clean when it comes out and no one can trace it, which is why I'm not worried about the FBI. Everything's legit on paper. For me, anyway."

He adjusts his chair so he's facing me and our knees touch. He takes my hands in his and doesn't blink as he stares at me. I'm adrift in the angular peaks of his thick lashes.

"Was Viktor in the organization when I was with him?"

"Yeah. He was three years my senior, but I outranked him within five years. He had you stealing cars, the moron. Bernard wanted him to keep you away from the heat, but Viktor didn't follow orders and threw you right into the fire. Viktor was on Boothby's crew. The FBI is questioning Gerry about the corpses we left behind."

"Who's Raymond?"

"Ray Carillo is Helen's father and head of the council. Judge Conroy is acting boss while Ray is recovering from a stroke in an assisted living facility."

He squeezes my hands and rubs his thumbs over my knuckles. The trace of his touch reassures me.

"Why did Uncle Bernie want to keep me away?"

"Well, I've always believed he cared for your well-being like I did. But Viktor said some fucked-up shit at the farmhouse that makes me question the agenda Bernard has been spouting all these years. You overheard me confronting him."

"You asked him if I was a commodity. Viktor said I was valuable and he would turn me over to his side."

"Yeah. Bernard has history with Boothby that involves you, but he denied it. I have a feeling I can get the truth out of Helen. We'll meet with her tomorrow. Take today to rest and absorb what I've told you so far. I have to go to a council meeting this afternoon. Shane will stay with you."

"Okay."

"Okay." He presses his lips to mine in a whisper of a kiss.

"I like that you're trusting me."

"I trust you."

***

Jacade

The last time I came through this entrance, I propped the door open for Ivy and Helen with a brick. Back then, Ivy was still blissfully unaware, outside the glass dome of my torrid life. But in my egocentric desire for her, I opened this metal door in an alley and let her in.

I walk into the room and glance at the kitchenette. Today she's not peering through the crack of the door swallowing truths about her man and her uncle no woman should ever have to imbibe.

Today she's at my penthouse digesting the whole awful truth as she recovers from a gunshot to her abdomen.

A week ago, I carried a pink cardboard box for her for the second time in her life. If only a pink box could spare her this time. No. This time it's going to be a lot more complex and dangerous to save her from me.

I take the second chair from the head, not acknowledging Bernard in the seat to my right. I take a deep breath and put on my game face. I can't lose my cool today or I'll ruin everything.

I nod at the nine men to my left on our side of the table and scan the faces of the eleven men sitting across from me. Boothby sits in the first chair opposite Bernard. Mahoney attempts to make eye contact, but I skim over him like he's invisible. The fifth seat remains empty. Viktor won't be attending today's meeting.

Tap
-
tap
-
tap
.

I drum my fingers on the arm of my chair and wait for the show to begin.

Judge Conroy stands at the head of the table and clears his throat. "Gentleman, thank you for coming today. Everyone's cell phones secured elsewhere?"

No one ever answers his stupid question.

"Excellent. We're meeting today to discuss the events that occurred last week. For those who haven't heard, Viktor kidnapped Trip and held him captive at a property outside the city. The years of rivalry between them boiled over and erupted in violence. In the end, Trip walked away and Viktor is gone. Two low-level grunts and Viktor's sister were killed too. Hopefully, this marks the end of the Karson-Jordan vendetta and tension between the two sides will ease now."

He crosses his arms as his punitive eyes scan the room. Man, he's ugly.

"The lesson here, gentlemen, is we need to keep our shit tight." His gaze stops on Boothby. "Gerry, you should've ordered the hit on Viktor when he made a scene at Mogul. Your delay caused Amber and Ivy to get hurt. Viktor violated the code of honor by involving the women. This is absolutely unacceptable and could've been prevented. I know you're busy on the campaign trail, Gerry, but put a man you trust in charge when you're not here to manage liabilities like Viktor."

Like I said. This is on Boothby. Not me. Conroy turns to me and steeples his fingers on the table.

"Trip, we're glad you survived. Happy to have you back. We almost lost a veteran enforcer and cornerstone of the outfit."

Yeah, right. Thanks so much for coming to get me, asshole.

"Trip has been unwaveringly faithful to the CSA for almost twenty years, and his death would've impacted us all. He's one of the few among us with the strength and potential to lead the council into prosperity in the future."

Mahoney rolls his eyes to the ceiling at Conroy's obvious endorsement of me.

"Trip." Conroy nods at me because it's my turn to speak.

I don't stand up. Let them think I'm casual about this. "An Agent Hunter Drake from the FBI contacted me at the hospital. He had been undercover, but didn't penetrate our operation. Said he was investigating Viktor. It would be unwise of us to assume there are not more spooks on the periphery or in the ranks."

The men shift in their seats and scowls appear on their faces as the grave tendrils of this octopus finally reach them in their pockets.

"Meet with your legal advisors, run detailed sweeps for moles, tell your accountant to prepare for audits. Code for all correspondence. Diligence with phones. Plug any leaks. We'll do the same at headquarters."

Conroy stands again and stares at Bernard. "I'd like to reiterate the battle between Trip and Viktor is over. No retaliation from either side. Hear me, Bernard?"

"Of course, Judge Conroy."

Conroy twists toward Gerry. "Boothby, Viktor shot his own man and the girl. Trip took out Viktor and his soldier. It's even. Let it go."

Yeah, let it go, Elsa.

"I understand," Gerry answers, looking contrite.

Bernard stands and coughs before he speaks. "I've spoken with Raymond. His health is failing. He's requested each of us to visit and say our goodbyes. We should plan for his funeral and replacement." He lowers his head in respect for our boss.

I clap slowly in my head. Stellar performance, old man.

"As usual, eyes open, mouths shut. Meeting adjourned," Conroy calls out.

I stand and walk out of the room without a word. I'm holding my cards until I know exactly what the situation is with Raymond, Bernard, and the vote.

Jacade

Wednesday evening, I slide my new Sig into my hip holster as I walk the length of the window scanning the street and the monitors for a tail on Helen.

She knocks and I open the door for her. Helen carries her shoulders high and her head down as she walks past me wearing jeans and a bulky sweater. Her hair falls around her face instead of pulled back. Jesus, Helen. The boss's daughter doesn't know how to keep up appearances under stress? If they spot weakness, you're dead.

"Helen."

"Jacade."

She sits on the couch, her gaze darting around the room looking for Ivy. "Let me speak with her alone."

"No." I don't trust her any more than Bernard. She hid Ivy's identity from me too. For all I know, she's conspiring with him to use her to take over.

Ivy walks in from the hallway. She's stunning in simple yoga pants and a fitted, V-neck Mogul tee showing her tempting cleavage. She's brushed her hair and put on makeup. The bruise on her face and the bandage at her neck look so wrong on her vibrant, gorgeous body—marred perfection. My fault.

"Hi, Aunt Helen."

"Hello, dear." Helen embraces her, and they sit on the couch holding hands.

I continue my stroll of the windows and survey of the environment outside. The monitors are all clear. Joe is at his post.

"Aunt Helen, Viktor made some accusations before he, uh… died, and we need you to be straightforward with us now, okay?"

"Yes, honey." She turns to look at me over her shoulder. "This location secure?"

"Of course." Don't insult me, woman.

"What did Viktor tell you?" she asks Ivy.

"He said I was valuable to bad people. He mentioned Senator Boothby to Jacade. We need you to put the pieces together for us. Uncle Bernie was here and wouldn't tell Jacade the truth, and to be honest, it hurts my feelings he's so secretive considering how close we are. I need to know I can count on you to tell me what needs to be said."

Helen's neck goes limp, and her head bobs as she stares at her knees.

"I'm going to find out one way or another, so I'd prefer to hear it from you."

Helen speaks slowly in a low, resigned voice. "Ivy, Senator Boothby is your biological father."

Christ. I can't watch this. I close my eyes. I can't see Ivy's elegant face taking in a lifetime of lies. She grew up adrift and alone. I saw the shards of shame rip through her when she talked about Viktor's epithet of orphan whore. Helen and Bernard provided her the only real sense of family she's ever known. And they are disappointing her, just like everyone else in her life has done, including me.

"Vera was your mother," Helen continues. "She died when you were three weeks old. Gerry was married and had five years on the police force back then. A scandal would've ruined his chances to become police commissioner, which he was on track to do. Not to mention, my father would've killed him for knocking up his daughter and that would've sparked a war. Vera crossed a lot of lines to be with him, and she paid for it in the end."

How much more can Ivy take? Her bruises are still fresh on her face. She's suffering physical pain from a gunshot wound. She can't have children. Is this the news that will send her running from me forever? I walk to her and stand behind her. She needs me at her back right now. Pull strength from me, Ivy.

"Are you my real aunt?" she asks Helen.

"Yes, honey, I am. You're my flesh and blood and all I have left of Vera."

She's quiet for a moment. "Do I look like her?"

"Yes, yes. You do. She had your green eyes and curly hair. You have her rebellious, gentle spirit. You have Gerry's crooked nose."

Ivy's face crumbles, her eyes glossy. "I've always wanted to share a physical trait with a family member."

They embrace, and Ivy takes in a ragged breath. I wish she could cry on my shoulder, but this burden—and I carry many—is not mine.

Helen takes a tissue from the box on the end table. "That's why I didn't want Gerry to see you in the hospital. I thought for certain he'd see Vera in you. But thirty-four years have passed, and his memory of her has faded."

They cry in each other's arms. Ivy is so quiet, and I'm dying to know what she's thinking, but I keep my mouth shut. This is between her and her aunt.

"Vera brought you to an orphanage because she feared for your life. The next day her body washed up on Lake Michigan's shore. The coroner said she'd been held under water."

Helen smooths Ivy's hair by her ear. "We called you Lily as a baby. I searched for you but was unsuccessful because the social workers at the children's home changed your name from Lillian—my mother's name—to Ivy. Vera made the workers promise to lie if anyone came asking about an infant."

Ivy reaches for a tissue and dabs at her eyes.

"Bernard and I kept the secret to protect you. Gerry has always been and still is dangerous. No one would dare to stand up against him unless they were suicidal. We didn't tell my father. He thinks you died with Vera. No one can ever know your true identity."

Ivy nods. "Too dangerous?"

"Yes. And your freedom is at stake. Everything I do is monitored by my father and my husband. Raymond arranged my marriage. Well, it was heavily suggested that I marry Bernie, and I was smart enough not to challenge my dad."

Bernard's marriage was arranged? Helen's been toeing the line her entire life.

"Vera watched our dad force me into a marriage, and she refused to let that happen to her. She wanted to choose her husband, and she wanted Gerry. My father would've never allowed it because I was married to Bernard, and Bernard and Gerry could not be in the same family because Gerry was an up-and-comer in an opposing territory.

"If Raymond finds out, he could dictate your life like he has mine. Although, I'm fairly certain he would approve of Jacade. He's highly esteemed in the organization. If Gerry finds out, he would kill you like he did Vera. He's still married and has a successful career as a senator. The same risks exist for him, scandal and my father's revenge."

"I finally have a father and a grandfather and I can't know them. They can't know me?" Ivy asks.

God, this is killing me. A family is her deepest desire, and I can never fulfill it. I'm useless. Again.

"No," Helen answers. "And you don't want to know Gerry and Raymond, Ivy. Better for you to be lost in the system than to grow up in this twisted society like I did. They will kill you at the slightest sign of infidelity. People are disposable, and the human body means nothing to them. You've seen some gruesome stuff, but it gets much worse. Especially during a war."

"I understand now why you all kept talking about my safety. Thank you for caring enough to protect me." She takes a deep breath and sits up straight. "I promise I'll take your secret with me to my grave. I don't need to claim my birthright into the Mafia."

"It's not the Mafia," Helen whispers.

"Pfft, what is it then?"

"It's a legitimate business."

"Okay. Well, then I don't need to claim my birthright into a
legitimate business
with a brutal underbelly." Helen winces at Ivy's insolent sarcasm. Ivy shakes her head and softens her tone. "And I never want to know the man who killed my mother."

"Like I said in the hospital, I have no proof," Helen says. "Even if I did, I'm not sure I would challenge a man as high profile and powerful as him."

Ivy doesn't respond. My turn to talk to Helen. I step in front of them and hold out my hand for Ivy. She takes it, and I pull her up and into my arms. "I wish I could take this from you," I say quietly into her ear.

"Did you know?" she asks as she pulls back.

"No. Viktor told me before you showed up at the farmhouse, but I wasn't sure if I could believe him. Helen just confirmed it for the first time. I need to talk to Helen now. Do you want to stay and hear the rest or go lie down?"

"I'll stay. Can you bring me some water and a pillow?"

"Sure." I get her a tall glass of ice water from the kitchen and grab her pillow from the bed. Helen stands, and I settle Ivy on the couch. She lies down and rests her head on the pillow. She's not crying, so that's a good sign. I pull the blanket from the back of the couch and cover her lower half.

Helen's been watching our interaction. I motion for her to take a seat in the armchair across the coffee table from me. Helen's chair is a replacement of the antique one I smashed to pieces last week.

I've fucked your pussy till it's sore and begging for more
.

Snap. Snap.

Goodbye
,
chair
.

I rest my elbows on my knees and tent my fingers under my chin. Time to get down to business. "What can you tell me about Bernard and Viktor?"

"Not much. They hung out at the track together. Viktor sometimes called him to talk about the horses."

"Has Bernard ever mentioned wanting to be boss?"

Her eyes widen in what appears to be genuine surprise. "No, he's always supported you, Jacade. Well, for a while he had some idiotic idea that Viktor should take over, but I told him that was ludicrous. He's always said he'd back you in a vote."

"And do you believe Bernard will keep Ivy's secret?"

"My instinct tells me he loves her and would never endanger her. But I don't know anymore. He's not the man I thought he was. I suppose it's possible he could betray us all." Her shoulders slump, and she covers her face with her hands.

"What did Gerry say to you in the hospital?"

She presses her lips tightly together and shakes her head. "I can't tell you that, Jacade. I can say it's personal and not related to the vote."

"Okay. Thank you for coming here and being honest with Ivy."

"Yes, it means the world to me to know you are on my side through thick and thin." Ivy smiles at her through puffy, red eyes.

Helen stands and bends to embrace Ivy by her shoulders. She presses her cheek to Ivy's and kisses the air. "Take care, honey. I love you."

"I will. And I love you too."