AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What did he do for your father?”
“Debt collection, but I only know that because I heard Alfredo talk about how effective Mike was. All he had to do was walk in the door.”
“I can understand why,” Nick remarked. “If someone built like him asked me for money, I’d stick my hand in my pocket in a heartbeat. I’m surprised he’s not a pro-wrestler.”
“I seem to remember hearing he was before he was married.”
“He’s married?”
“He is, with three kids, and it can’t be easy. He always seems to be around. I guess he needs the money.”
“What else?”
“Let me think. I don’t know if this matters, but whenever he was at the compound he always made it a point to smile and wave at me.”
“Did you ever speak to him?”
“Sometimes, and he was always extremely polite and nice.”
“Bianca, you’re Lorenzo’s daughter, of course he was always extremely polite and nice.”
“I guess, but I had the feeling it was sincere. I think he genuinely likes me.”
“Interesting…” Nick muttered with a frown as he started up the steep slope into the canyon.
“Does it matter? I barely know the guy.”
“He shot Roland and he’s on the loose, so yeah, any information matters.”
A cold chill suddenly shivered through her body, sending goosebumps popping across her skin.
“Bianca, are you cold?”
“I am, a bit.” She watched him turn on the heat, then lift his phone from the center console. “Who are you calling?”
“Cindy,” he replied. “She needs to call the Marshalls and tell them I left early this morning because a bunch of questionable guys moved in next door. The story has to be consistent with everyone in case questions are asked.”
“You think the police will know you were there?”
“They’ll find out the cottage is in my name, and they’ll reach out to all the homeowners to see if anyone saw or heard anything, so yeah, they’ll find out.”
“Shit. Now I’m starting to worry.”
“I’m not worried about the police knocking on my door, I’m preparing in case they do. Once the ducks are all lined up, I can focus on other things.”
As he placed the call and began giving his instructions, Bianca stared out at the magnificent view. The calm ocean sparkling in the bright sunlight seemed to offer infinite serenity, making the drama in which she found herself incongruous.
“Bianca, do you know Mike’s last name?” Nick asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“Uh, no, sorry.”
“Cindy, she doesn’t have it, but I’ll find out and I’ll let you know. That’s it for the moment. I’ll speak to you later.”
As the SUV turned into the winding canyon road and the ocean fell behind her, Bianca let out a heavy sigh.
“Hey, this will work out,” Nick said, softening his voice and reaching for her hand.
“I know it will, but only because of you,” she murmured as he wrapped his fingers around hers. “You’re like Superman. I can’t imagine what might have happened if you hadn’t been on the beach that day.”
