Page 29 of The Boss

“Jules, it’s okay if you need a break; we all do. You don’t need to rush.” I nod my head. “I’ll be in here for a bit, so take your time, and I can make my own breakfast.” He lets me go and walks past me into the gym.

I climb up the stairs to my room and close the door behind me. I turn on the shower and take off my sweaty gym clothes, throwing them into the laundry basket.

Once I get into the shower, I let the hot water run over my body. Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the last few months.

Everything we have done and investigated hasn’t yielded any results.

Gabe has been in Italy for weeks, and Gino knows he will eventually need to call him back if there isn’t anything for them to look for. His parents haven’t asked many questions, considering his father was a part of Antonio’s council, so Gino was prepared for their father to push for information after a few weeks. But he hasn’t. It could be because Jake and Marco are still here.

Once I get out of the shower, I blow-dry my hair and put it into a low bun. I put my contacts in and wash my face, after which I put on light makeup consisting only of mascara and light lip tint. Then, I walk over to my closet and put on a green sweater and jeans.

Exiting my room, I head down into the kitchen and quickly start a pot of coffee and turn the burner on for eggs.

With everything finished, I lay it all on the counter on warming plates and cover them, ready for breakfast.

I get myself a cup of coffee and get a small plate of eggs, pancakes, and sausage. I normally eat when everyone gets here, but I have a feeling no one will arrive for a while, and I’m hungry. Everyone is focused on their tasks: Alonso staying with Vanessa, and Drew’s attempting to hack into the Russos’ property management system. Ryan’s looking into financials in the States and questioning anyone in New York who seems to be involved with the Russos.

After I’m done, I put my plate in the dishwasher, clean up after myself, and grab my laptop and coffee, heading towards the library to continue the forensic accounting.

Then my phone buzzes. Unknown number, again.

Unknown

You need to keep looking into Russo’s associates in the States. They know something.

Juliet

Who is this?

Unknown

That is irrelevant.

Juliet

Irrelevant. Why should I listen to you?

Unknown

Because you should. I know Drew has been trying to find out who I am, and he’s a good hacker. But I’m better.

This cocky son of a bitch.

My phone starts vibrating in my hand: Unknown Number Calling. What the hell, this guy is calling me now?

Pushing aside the knowledge that Gino will get pissed, I answer because this needs to end.

“Hello.”

“Juliet,” the voice says. I try to make out the caller, but I can’t. “Drew needs to stop trying to find me and needs to find a way to find more of Lorenzo’s associates.”

“Well, Drew wouldn’t have to figure out who you are if you weren’t hiding. And how do you know Drew?” I grit out.

“You’re just like your father, always asking questions,” whoever this is says.

“How do you know my dad?” I ask.

“You’re testing my patience.”