Free For Luca (Chicago Syndicate Book 2) by Soraya Naomi

I ever thought.”
    My phone vibrates, and I check the screen: James.
    “You went to Fat Sal’s?” he spits angrily.
    Thrown off by his tone, I reply, “Yeah. Why?”
    “Meet me within thirty minutes at your place. Adriano too. Come down to get me from the garage entrance because I’m not entering through the front.”
    “Si.” Yes.
    “James wants to talk to us,” I say.
     
    ***
     
    “Next time, you call me before you do something like this, Capito? ” Understood?  James paces behind Adriano and me into the kitchen.
    I strip my jacket and toss it over the barstool. “No, what exactly is the problem here?” Looking over to Adriano, he mirrors my amazed reaction.
    James has one hand in his pocket and the other pressed flat against the cold kitchen counter. “I look the other way often with the two of you. But don’t forget that I am your Capo crimine . I decide what business is most important, and I don’t want two of my best men going into that club unarmed.”
    I undo the top button of my dress shirt. “Okay. But we did learn something. Camilla used to work at the fight club.”
    James’ eyes narrow. “Why are you two so interested in Camilla?”
    “Because it’s possible she planted the bomb,” I confess.
    He hurriedly circles his hand, signaling for me to continue.
    “She and Fallon tried to escape the house once, right by that hedge near where the bomb went off.”
    James’ discontent is turned on me, then on Adriano while he rubs his fingers over his lips. “I do know everything that goes on in that house. Usually.”
    “Usually we speak to you more often. James, I’ve barely seen you in the last few weeks. Business is good because I’m making huge amounts of profits disappear into Security Simplicity, but we need to meet more often,” I counter.
    He ignores my comment completely. “This is what’s going to happen. You two need to be reminded of your place. I decide our course of action, and right now”—he indicates to me—“ you need to follow instructions. I’ll look into Camilla. The house has been repaired and is safe. Adriano, tell the other Capi the house is open again.” Then he turns his attention back to me. “You and Adriano focus on Alex’s investigation. I want that case closed. Every loose end involving Miss Michaels must be covered. That is your priority. And then stay away from her.” James strides to the elevator. “And Luca, I’m glad you’re not drunk. Adriano, make sure he stays sober.” He disappears through the doors.
    “What crawled up his ass?” Adriano states.
    “I have no idea. But it’s best for us to follow orders. Let’s make sure Alex’s case is closed without pointing back to us, and I’m going to stay away from Fallon.”

CHAPTER 11
    Fallon
     
     
    For two months, I’ve been unemployed and about to go stir crazy. My life sucks. Well, most of the time. It doesn’t suck when I’m watching my new favorite TV series. I’m seriously addicted to watching back-to-back episodes of Charmed . The only thing that gives me pleasure is watching that show. I’m already at season two which is my favorite season so far since it revolves around Phoebe and Cole. Cole, played by Julian McMahon, is my new TV boyfriend. I’ve kind of given up on book boyfriends because I haven’t picked up a book since I came home from my kidnapping. I’m slightly obsessed with this Julian guy.
    After pulling on my socks over my cold, bare feet while sitting on the floor, I settle back against my couch as I consume my burrito al pastor and actually smile when the opening music starts. Why did I not watch this show when I was younger – probably because I was too young. I missed years of ogling Cole.
    I’ve told my parents I’m working temp jobs, which isn’t true. I’m not doing anything except sitting at home with TNT on. Now I get how people get addicted to watching TV. 
    I’m also alienating myself from everyone. Teagan and I rarely talk anymore; we