I sink into one of the chairs. “The chess set has to be at Mama’s. I’ll do some digging and figure out when she will be out then we can sneak over there.”
“You know you can do it yourself. I don’t have to come with you.” Dominic makes a note in his journal.
“You have to come. It will be faster with the two of us searching the house.” I lie.
The reality is that this is a job I can do myself, but for some reason I want him near me.
“Well, I look forward to that adventure.” Dominic takes a sip from his coffee. “Did you figure out what you’re wearing tomorrow?”
I look at him.
“The gala, remember? It’s tomorrow night. You know the part of our deal that you have to help me with.”
“Oh, that’s right. What kind of charity event is it?”
“Future Frontlines.” He smiles at my confusion. “It’s run by the Viscari Foundation. They partner with law enforcement and federal agents to fund scholarships and programs for the youth. They want to give opportunities for students to get into law enforcement, cybersecurity, and federal intelligence.”
My jaw drops. “You’re bringing me to an FBI banquet?”
“It’s not the FBI, it's a nonprofit. But the CIA and Department of Justice will have members there as well.” Dominic chuckles. “It should be a good time, nothing like toasting to the law with a mafia queen on my arm.”
“What do you need me for?” I ask.
“So I don’t look stupid showing up single with no date. Besides, having a beautiful woman on my arm makes me more legit.”
I roll my eyes. “What’s our purpose?”
“I’m meeting a potential client and I know your presence will land me the deal. You always know how to read a room and pick out the people that are hiding things. This gala is going to be crawling with rich people who behind the scenes have a lot of drama and skeletons in their closets. People will be in need of my services.”
“Having me there might deter people from taking advantage of your services.” I walk over to the fridge and grab a bottle of water.
“No one knows what your family truly does. You run one of the most upscale nightclubs in the city. I guarantee many of the people attending have been there.”
I take a swig of water so I don’t have to reply.
“Do you have an outfit? It’s black tie, you know,” Dominic adds.
“Of course I have an outfit. Do you not know me by now?” I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand.
“You always did know how to make an entrance.” Dominic chuckles. “I’ll pick you up at seven. I’m going to head back to the office and have my team start dissecting all of the security footage you sent me.” He picks up his notebook. “Am I free to go, or do you have to make sure the coast is clear so no one in the compound knows I’m here? Even though my car parked in your driveway is a dead giveaway.”
“Next time I should have you park on the opposite street and walk through the woods.” The sarcasm is heavy in my tone.
Dominic is about to head toward the foyer when he stops and stares at me. He takes a step closer and reaches out to me with his free hand.
I freeze, not sure what to do.
His fingers brush my hair, and then move in front of my face. I see a piece of dust trapped in his grip. “You had this in your hair…must have been from the basement.”
He locks eyes with me and I feel my breath catch in my throat. My heart pounds loudly in the quiet kitchen.
I take a step back, breaking the tension. “Thank you.”
Dominic reaches into his pocket and takes out his phone. “Put your number in and I’ll message you later to let you know if I find anything.”
Struggling to control my pounding heart, I punch in my number and then hand the device back to him.
He smiles. “I’ll talk to you later. Take care of yourself, Cipi and keep watch at all times.”
