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He takes it out and looks at it like he’s inspecting it for something.
“It’s a simple iPhone. No special gimmicks doesn’t even have the latest pixel features,” I tell him, shaking my head and lifting my shoulders into a shrug.
He hands me back my phone and I place it back in my pocket.
“Go down the stairs. It’s the first room on the right. He’s waiting for you,” he instructs.
“Thanks.”
Pressing my lips together I glance at Tony then I go through the door. I walk into a corridor that looks heaps better than the rest of the club. There’s a hint of paint in the air like the place has been recently painted. It’s burgundy and cream adding a touch of class to the place.
Doesn’t make me feel any better though. Shit, when I told Gina to stay behind the last thing I thought was that I’d have to go see this man by myself.
I know straight up that if he’s requesting to see just me it’s because he doesn’t want trouble and I’m less likely to give it.
I walk down the corridor and go over all that I want to say to him.
I’ll start with the fact that my mother died. I don’t need to say how she died. Just that she’s dead and she used to work in the D.A’s office with the States attorney.
That’s my starting point although mentioning D.A and States Attorney don’t really seem to fit with this guy being an ex-con. He agreed to see me though. So that must be worth something. He knows why I’m here and he agreed to see me. If it was all bad and he was bitter talking about his past on the right side of the law I doubt he would have wanted to talk to me.
What I want from tonight is just a lead. That’s all I’m hoping for since I’m not real sure what I should be asking.
I get to the start of the stairs and go down them. They’re long and winding and it takes at least two minutes before I get to the bottom and stare on at the rooms before me. I see the one I want and head to it.
Porter answers when I knock on the door and I push it open. My heart tenses up when I see the sight of him.
He has a scar running right across his right cheek and a burn scar on his left down to his neck. He smiles at me with a missing front tooth and a leery vibe.
“Come in Maria Cipriani,” he states and I do.
I walk into the large room which has an archway that goes down to more corridors.
I didn’t realize how big this place was. Leading so deep underground.
It makes me wonder where it all goes to. It didn’t seem all that big from above.
“Hello Mr. Santiago,” I say walking up to him. I put out my hand to shake his and he looks at my outstretched hand for a second or two before he takes it.
I sit and I stare at him as he watches me. I’m not sure I like the way he’s looking at me. It has an uneasy feel to it that adds to my discomfort.
“Thank you so much for seeing me.” I smile hoping I don’t sound as nervous as I feel.
“You’re welcome. I understand you have questions about William Russo. How can I help you?”
Here goes. I need to just be basic and get his sympathy first.
“My mother used to work for him. She died a few years ago. I was just … well I’m collecting some stuff for a memorial I wanted to put together for the family.” Jesus Lord, that was the story I came up with yesterday. Thinking stuff up in my head, however, is so different to saying it out loud. I’m giving myself points for not sounding as nervous as I feel. “She wanted to be a lawyer and I remember how fondly she spoke of Mr. Russo. I was thinking of doing a memory book of sorts and was hoping he would sign it. I’m not sure of his whereabouts. There’s no listing of him anywhere. I know you worked closely with government officials like him.”God…I hope that sounded okay. I really do. “Did you ever work for him at all?”
The corners of his lips turn up into a smile. “I did. What a nice thing to do for your mother. Nice lady. I’m sure she would have loved such an idea.”
He knew her?
“I didn’t realize you knew her,” I say.
“I did and right now I could be looking at her twin. It’s a compliment sweetheart, your mother was very beautiful.” He chuckles.
My awareness spikes as his flat emotionless brown eyes stare back at me. A tremor slithers through me knotting my insides warning me to tread softly and be careful.
