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lvnatiq · 4 years

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Surrealtà | Nicky Valentino x Assassin!OC

A/N: Hello, my fellow Valentinhoes! I already mentioned this series that will be approximately 10 chapters long (if not more). I tried to keep the prologue short trying my best to not bore you. The dialogues between the characters are modified according to this story and yes, there will be a lot of new characters alongside the original ones. With that being said if you have any questions or suggestions, let me know :)!

Enjoy, toots.

Warnings: Violence, mentions of death, usage of inappropriate language.

Prologue: Inferno

“Do you ever doubt your actions? I mean, you know the uproar about them being ethically wrong.”

Andrea's words revealed her agitated behavior. Her sincere concern for her friend was boggling her mind with more questions.

“Why would I doubt my actions when there are enough people already doing that.”

Heaven lifted her glass to her lips and stopped moments before taking a sip.

“I never give people anything more or less than what they’ve done.”

The sour taste of alcohol lingers on her tongue while it makes its way into her system causing her body to warm up.

“If they kill, I kill. Easy as that.”

“You know what’s going to happen when they get you behind bars, right ?” said Andrea. Fully aware of the fact that her attempts at getting her to tap out were not affecting Heaven at all.

“I don’t."

Heaven said as she turned her head towards the anxious eyes that were studying her. Her smirk becomes more prominent as she sets her booze down on the glass table.

“Because It’s not going to happen."

Upon hearing her words Andrea couldn't manage to hide her astonishment.

“How can you be so sure ?”

“I’m not but do I have any other options? I am not someone that you would want to see panicking.”

Heaven said as she continued to play with the rim of her glass. She proceeded as she eyed her reflection on the glass table.

“I might appear dangerous when I let my anger take over, but panic?” she scoffed as she pushed her long locks away from her face.

“I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”

“Why?” Andrea said, engaging herself with the conversation more and more. Afterall there were no limits to her curiosity.

“I lose control.”

Says Heaven as she collects the documents scattered over the table and then stands up from her stool. She lowers herself at Andrea's eye level as she proceeds with her speech.

“...and If I lose control, my love...”

Andrea drops her gaze as she couldn't bring herself to look straight into her eyes. Heaven whispers her last words, unaware of the fact that this statement will be the foreshadowing of what was about to come.

“All hell will break loose.”

With that, the curiosity killed the cat.

January 1st, 2020

The cold breeze of New York combed her long locks as she stared at her watch. Her pupils dilating as her eyes followed the second hand, continuing to count the seconds.

"Thirty more to go. Then it's time for the Fiesta."

Pushing back the hem of her coat, she pulled out a brand new Glock 19 and a suppressor. Her hands started to wander around the gun as she let the feeling of absolute power captivate her senses. After rolling the silencer onto the muzzle of the Glock, she placed her gun back at its previous position.

The silencer, her infamous nickname.

Nobody knew her true identity nor her background. At this point in her life, others weren't the only ones to do so. Her memory was as unreliable as her trigger. Her past, present, and future remained unknown to her. In her opinion, keeping her past locked in the forbidden spaces of her mind it's for the better.

"Henry Harding, age 46, a prick who traded the life of his wife for the comfort of his stacks."

She reminded herself as her steps quickened. The darkness of the night emerged as the light of the day shuttered under its vigor. Her breathing became apparent, evaporating in front of her eyes.

"His right hand, Richard Kindell, a coward who sold his soul to the same devil that killed his son. Porca miseria! What type of leverage does that son of a bitch has over Richard that keeps him loyal no matter the cause?"

She cursed under her breath as she took a sharp turn. Upon seeing the large crowd in front of the theatre she decided to examine the atmosphere surrounding her. Women in elegant dresses were accompanied by men in suits. Their sweet conversations concerning their excitement about the movie, pervading the air with love. Utterly oblivious of the fact that they were soon to be bystanders of a tragic ending.

"Tragic but a well-deserved ending."

Her plan was too simple for her liking. She made Richard get the same gun that she had attached to her thigh, two weeks before she sent the suspicious mail to Henry. The mail that contained information exclusively known by the two of them regarding Richard's son's death. She was simply using their trust issues as an advantage.

"25 meters till the warfare."

As she moves closer, the ticket booth becomes more visible and her eyes meet the man of the moment, Murray.

"Smile, Heaven. You don't want to disappoint your audience."

She said as she put her killer smile on, turning heads as she walked by. Her charming nature and her mysterious aura always captured people's attention. Even so, she couldn't care less.

Her hair flowing in harmony with the wind, her steps overflowed with confidence, and her eyes gleamed with the fact that she could finally put an end to what the judiciary system defined as a dilemma. It's time for Maria's long-awaited vendetta.

"Hello, Murphy. How's the night treating you?"

Murphy gave her a heartwarming smile, accompanied by sincere laughter.

"So far so good. What about you my dear?"

"Lovely, I'd say. New York has its charm, you know."

She said as her hand reached her pocket, searching for the ticket.

"Seems so."

Murray said as his eyes carefully scanned Heaven's. Sensing his unusual behavior, Heaven glued her eyes back onto his as she took a step further.

"How do you figure?"

She asked as she gave him a smirk. A smirk that often got people's breath hitch, hands sweat and their heartbeats accelerated.

"Your eyes."

Said Murray letting his body language do the favors, he pointed at her eyes.

"They tell a lot."

He said as he positioned himself back behind the booth. Murray was a part of her plan even though he didn't know much about it. She didn't lie to him but she also didn't tell him things that were none of his business. Such as her soon to be attempted murder.

"I suppose."

She said as she lifted her wrist casually to check the time.

"Aces. Perfect timing."

She dipped her hand back again into the pocket of her coat. Unable to feel any sort of texture regarding the existence of the ticket, she slid her other hand into her other pocket.

"Nothing."

"Your ticket, my dear?"

Without disrupting her composure, she thought of a quick backup plan.

"I need him to participate, I lost my ticket. How is this even possible?"

She thought as she closed her eyes shut. Letting out a deep breath, she opened her eyes only to reveal her teary vision. She strongly held on the cuffs of her coat making her knuckles turn white as she lowered her gaze to the floor. Even the most successful artist would be envious of her skilled performance.

"Murray, my ticket is missing."

Murray studied her reaction as he gave her an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry my dear. I don't think that we have any other tickets left for the night."

Upon hearing his words she raised her gaze to meet his, giving him a look that will scar him for the rest of his life.

"Murray, You know that I can't miss this. Tonight was my main reason for coming to New York. I'm desperate for your help."

She said slowly pushing her coat back to display the outline of the gun beneath her dress. Her innocent demeanor was falsified by her reveal. Murray gave her an empty look, seemingly unaffected by her threat. He stopped for a second before turning to her with a smile.

"I got you, Heaven."

He said as he reached under the desk revealing a golden ticket. He slowly extended his hand as hers followed. Then, he retracted it. Unaware of the dangerous game he was playing with Heaven's patience.

"One last thing, Heaven."

He indicated to her to come closer as he leaned in. Not wanting to waste any more of her precious time Heaven obliged.

"It's time for you to prioritize yourself. For the sake of your good."

He said as he gave her the ticket and pushed the gate open for her.

"Have fun, my dear."

Heaven, unimpressed by his discourse, stepped inside. Hearing the gate close behind her. The heavy smell of tobacco dominated the large area blinded by the lights of the enormous chandelier and golden decorations that reminded her of the Palace of Versailles. A palace that was full of people with extravagant attires laughing and cheering, adorning their social interactions with excessive reactions. Baffled by the unanticipated environment Heaven took a few steps back, letting her back hit the wall.

The wall, located exactly where the gate should be. As her confusion gets the best of her, at her right she notices a man reading a newspaper. She walks close enough to see the contents of the front page. Only to realize that the front page was listing absurdly familiar names of the several presidents. Names that surely belonged to the 20'ies. Heaven gently closed her eyes then she leaned her forehead against the palm of her hand.

"Where the hell am I?" she muttered as her own words, followed by her deep voice, echoed inside of her head. She gave one last glance at the velvet wall where the entrance gate should've been.

"Abandon hope, all ye who enter here."

Vocabulary:

Second hand: the hand on some watches and clocks that moves quickly, showing the seconds.

Fiesta: an event marked by festivities or celebration.

Porca miseria: in this case used as “Bloody hell”.

Vendetta: a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family.

"Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.": A message warning one about a hopeless situation from which there is no return. The Italian version of this phrase appears in Dante's Divine Comedy as the inscription on the entrance to Hell. The phrase is most often used humorously.

#nicky valentino #two against the world #fictif #nix hydra

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teleindiscreta · 7 years

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Las 7 conclusiones del GP de Francia: Rossi, Viñales, caídas…

Fuente original: Las 7 conclusiones del GP de Francia: Rossi, Viñales, caídas… Puedes ver más visitando Teleindiscreta - Las mejores noticias de actualidad, famosos, salud, belleza, cocina, motor, música y mucho más.

Una de las caídas más dolorosas de Rossi

Pocas veces se ha visto a Rossi tan destruido como después de la caída sufrida en la última vuelta de Le Mans. El plano de la cámara subjetiva de su M1 era conmovedor y dio la sensación de que incluso lloraba encima de su montura, algo que después negó cuando se lo preguntamos. Le dolía que se hubiera esfumado la victoria 115 de su carrera deportiva y haber perdido un buen saco de puntos con vistas a la general. Sin necesidad de preguntarle, me atrevo a decir que la de Francia es una de las tres caídas más dolorosas a nivel moral desde que está en la clase reina (llegó en el año 2000). Las otras dos son la de Valencia 2006, cuando se cayó a las primeras de cambio en la carrera que decidía el título y se lo puso en bandeja a Hayden, e Indy 2009. En aquella ocasión se fue al suelo batallando con Lorenzo y de ese modo le dio la oportunidad de volver a luchar por el título. Cuál no sería su decepción que para la siguiente carrera, en Misano, se puso unas divertidas orejas de burro para reconocer su error y cambió su clásico The Doctor por The Donkey (El burro).

Ay de haber sido Maverick el de la colada y la caída

Rossi se equivocó dos veces en la última vuelta de Le Mans. La primera en la curva 8, el ‘Garaje verde’, con una colada que facilitó enormemente el adelantamiento de Maverick. La segunda fue tres curvas después, cuando se cayó intentando seguir la estela de su rival. El primero lo definió como un error estúpido y el segundo como una consecuencia del primero. Evidentemente, los pilotos son humanos y todos pueden fallar, como dijo Márquez, pero ay si esos errores los hubiera cometido Maverick. Hubieran intentado cargarse de razón los que dudaron de su capacidad para aguantar la presión a principio de temporada, en clara señal de que no le conocían bien. Le hubieran dicho que sus 22 años le otorgan poca experiencia para pelear contra una leyenda de 38. Y también hubieran sentenciado que ya se veía venir desde la caída de Texas, poniendo en entredicho sus sospechas hacia los Michelin que le tocaron en aquella carrera y la de Jerez. Pero la historia ha sido otra y Mack ya suma cinco victorias de tres posibles, una barbaridad.

Ya hay ganas de Mugello

Acaba de terminar Le Mans y ya hay ganas de Mugello. Han hecho falta cinco carreras para que llegue el primer mano a mano de última vuelta por la victoria y, tras el desenlace visto, tiene pinta de que la cita italiana podría ser el escenario perfecto de la vendetta de Rossi. A eso se suma el fiascazo del año pasado, con la avería en el motor de su Yamaha, así que es fácil de imaginar el grado de motivación que tendrá Valentino en esa carrera. Maverick dice que le gusta también esa pista y a la vista está que no se achica ante nada ni ante nadie. Ganar a su compañero allí no será tarea fácil, pero conseguirlo tendría un valor moral adicional. Hasta ahora, Mack ha batido a Vale en las cuatro carreras que ha sido capaz de terminar. ¿Podrá hacerlo también en su jardín de Mugello?

La injustificada rabieta de Lorenzo con Miller

El sábado nos dejó una de las caídas más espeluznantes de los últimos tiempos, con Miller marchándose directo contra el muro tras perder el control de su Honda a 180 por hora. Milagrosamente, no le pasó nada. Lo chocante es que un rato después el australiano volviera a ser noticia… Lo fue por la rajada de Lorenzo contra él. El de Ducati le criminalizó sin razón como ya hiciera en 2011 con Simoncelli en Estoril. Dijo de él que Dios le había mandado un mensaje y que le había cogido con pinzas para que no se hiciera daño ese día, que de él dependía captar la señal porque, a su juicio, es el piloto con menos consciencia del riesgo que conlleva este deporte. Era su manera de pasarle factura por la enganchada que habían tenido el día anterior en la Comisión de Seguridad, donde Miller le dijo que dejara de insistir en el asunto de los neumáticos al más puro estilo australiano: “Las opiniones son como los culos, todos tenemos una, guárdate la tuya”. El australiano no quiso esa tarde entrar al trapo, porque bastante tenía con la paliza que llevaba encima.

La importancia de los test, ahora Montemeló

Honda y Ducati se entrenaron en Jerez antes de la carrera y les fue muy bien, con el doblete de Pedrosa y Márquez para el ala dorada y el primer podio de Lorenzo vestido de rojo. En Le Mans también hubo test, antes de viajar a Jerez, y el que más aprovechó aquella sesión, porque Honda optó por no rodar dada la humedad inicial del asfalto, fue un Maverick que semana después celebraba su cuarta victoria en MotoGP. Esta semana vuelve a ver test para algunos equipos de la clase reina, en Montmeló. Allí estarán Ducati, Repsol Honda, Aprilia, Reale Avintia, LCR, Pull & Bear Aspar y Marc VDS Estrella Galicia. Ducati aportará el atractivo de ver de nuevo dos días sobre la pista a Casey Stoner, hoy y el miércoles. Habrá que ver si Yamaha echará de menos esta sesión llegado el momento del gran premio (11 de junio).

Moto2 es cada vez más aburrido

Sin ánimo de quitar un ápice de mérito al espectacular dominio del Estrella Galicia, con cinco victorias de cinco posibles, cuatro para Franco Morbidelli y una para Álex Márquez, hay que señalar la preocupante falta de emoción por la que están atravesando las carreras de Moto2 hace tiempo. Los de cabeza van más en plan trenecito que pegándose hachazos, algo que ya se vivió en MotoGP hace años, y ha dejado de ser la categoría más canalla del Mundial. Da la sensación de que su reglamento ha caducado y que el modelo a seguir es el de la divertida categoría de Moto3.

Este domingo no tocaba tragedia en Moto3

Pánico dio la multitudinaria caída que hubo en la segunda vuelta de la carrera de Moto3 y resultó increíble que no pasara nada, con tanto piloto implicado y con tanta moto deslizando sin dueño como auténticos proyectiles a ras de suelo. Está claro que no tocaba tragedia ese día, porque había papeletas para ello, como tampoco el día anterior con Miller. El pobre Hayden, en cambio, se debate entre la vida y la muerte tras un accidente en bici, algo que jamás le pasó en su dilatada trayectoria en MotoGP (de 2003 a 2015). Parece que está todo escrito. A ver si en la historia de Nicky hay un segundo volumen que arranca con una milagrosa recuperación. No habría mejor noticia para toda la caravana mundialista. #GoNicky.

Fuente: AS

La entrada Las 7 conclusiones del GP de Francia: Rossi, Viñales, caídas… aparece primero en Teleindiscreta.

from Las 7 conclusiones del GP de Francia: Rossi, Viñales, caídas…

#Deportes #Formula 1 #Moto GP

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jadeee · 7 months

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Vendetta Ch. 12, Part 2: The Storm

📰 read chapters 1 - 12 here!

Warnings: angst, swearing, & violence

Word Count: 4.8k

divider by @saradika ©️

Your heart beat in your ears as you approached the stand. Martin spent the last few weeks prepping you and the others for this moment. Day in and day out. When you woke up, you ran through your testimony and you did it again before you went to sleep. Everything led up to this very moment, so why did you feel sick?

Your hand rested on the leather bible as you looked straight ahead "So help me God."

Chris, Rocky, and Taylor had already went. The trial had been going on for a few days already and you were fine then. You knew what to expect but as Martin stood in front of you now, you clenched your hands in your lap. He locked eyes with you and nodded softly. You gave him a small nod back.

"What's your favorite thing about living in California?"

"Objection, your honor." Floyd's lawyer, Jack Fleming, stood "Irrelevant."

"Sustained, Mr. Martin get to the point." The judge glanced at him with tired eyes.

Martin nodded "Compared to living in New York, how's life different?"

"It's better. I don't feel like I have to look over my shoulder all the time. Or at least, I felt that way before Floyd came back."

"How has your life changed since that night?"

"I'm paranoid... I keep thinking what if the law doesn't protect us, again? What then? We could move but he'd just keep following us. Until we're dead."

"What did Floyd do to you when you were kidnapped?"

"He drugged me, tied me up, and threw me off the pier. He left me for dead."

Martin approached you, "Why did he want you dead?"

"To hurt my husband. For revenge."

Martin faced the court then held up a photograph and passed it around the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a picture of my client's wrists the night they survived that attack. If you look closely today, you can still see the bruises."

Martin took the photograph back and set it aside then faced you "What do you want when this is all over?"

"... peace of mind."

He looked at the judge "No further questions, your honor."

Jack stood with a grin and walked toward you "Does that work on everybody?"

"I don't understand the question."

"Your pity-me-victim act. You're in the film business so it would make sense."

"Objection, relevance." Martin said cooly.

"Sustained."

Jack raised his hand and smirked "My apologies." He stepped closer "I'm just in awe of someone like you."

You remained silent.

"Before you met Nicholas Valentino, no one ever heard of you. Then you show up and not only does his life change but so does my client's, except it's for the worst."

Your eyes wanted to look at Nicky's who wasn't too far off but you heard Martin's voice in your head. His advice from your various mock trials filled your mind: He's going to get under your skin but don't let him see you break. You look him dead in the eye and stand your ground. Whatever you do, do not break on that stand or we lose this whole case.

Jack faced the court "Ladies and gentlemen, what the Valentinos won't tell you is how they attacked my client and coerced him into a false confession."

"Objection, hearsay."

"Overruled."

Martin clenched his jaw and stared at you. You didn't have to look, you could feel it. Do. Not. Break.

Your new nemesis had his back turned to you as he grabbed photographs and held them high in the air "Floyd was attacked by the Valentinos. They tricked him into coming to their production company, alone and under false pretenses, where they beat him to a pulp. They even knocked his tooth out," he faced you "Isn't that right, sugar?"

"That's not my name."

"Answer the question." the judge glanced over at you.

"No, that's not right. My husband did invite Floyd to the company to discuss a business deal. Things quickly went south when Floyd went in for a punch. We acted out of self defense."

The judge looked at Jack.

"Y'know what's funny? The police department got that confession tape you submitted but towards the end it just stops. Almost like something's missing. What happened to it?"

"I don't work cameras so I don't know."

He squinted his eyes "So we should get someone from your staff on the stand?"

You stared at him and he snickered. "One last thing: along with that missing footage, my client has bruises that are synonymous to being attacked with a baseball bat and brass knuckles. Yet when we searched the scene, we couldn't find those. Care to tell me about that?"

"I don't recall brass knuckles. All I remember is fighting to stay alive.. twice, because of your client."

He nodded "No problem, your husband should know how to answer that question given his history."

You tensed at the mention of his name yet again.

"Tell me, he put you up to this?"

"What?"

"He tell you to sit here and act pretty? Let daddy take care of everything? Let familia handle it, right? That's what mobsters do."

"Objection, badgering. Your honor, this is ridiculous!" Martin waved his hand.

You clenched your jaw. Do. Not. Break. Those sitting in the gallery became rowdy and the judge smacked the gavel "Order! Order!" He faced you "Answer the question."

"There's no question to be answered because what this man is insinuating is pure fiction. My husband would never do such a thing... unless you have any good questions, we're done here."

Jack slipped his hands into his pockets "No further questions, your honor."

You slowly rose from the stand and felt your legs go numb. As the bailiff helped you down, you heard Jack utter "Good performance."

The comment made your ears burn.

The judge tapped the gavel "Recess. Meet here in fifteen minutes."

You walked right past Nicky and the others and headed straight for the bathroom. You sat in front of the toilet until your knees felt raw. You felt like you had to puke but never did. There was a knock at the door of your stall.

"That better be morning sickness. I could use some good news, right now."

You chuckled at your husband's joke "Ha ha, very funny." You sniffled and wiped your nose.

"You shouldn't be in here, they'll call us 'rule breakers'."

"Who gives a shit?"

You looked over at his shoes which showed under the bathroom stall door. For some reason, seeing the black leather made you remember when you'd bought them and why. Although, you never bought them with the intention of wearing them to a court case.

Your hand reached up and unlocked the door. He stood back to let it swing open then glanced down at you with a soft smile.

"Hi."

Tears pricked your eyes "Hi."

"Why are you crying?" He sank down by your side and sat on the tile floor.

"I just want to go home."

"Okay, we'll go straight home after this is over. Then we can do the same thing tomorrow and the day after that. However long this damn case takes." He guided you to lay on his chest.

"I'm gonna mess up your suit."

"I don't care." He caressed your back "Maybe it'll help our case. They'll call me 'loving husband'."

When you laughed at his comment, he smiled at hearing his favorite sound for the first time that day.

"I could've choked that bastard with his own tie."

"Amore!" He pulled back and looked at you with shock and amusement. "In the courthouse?" He whispered.

You nodded and laughed. He wiped the last of your tears.

"He's gonna choke on his own words. Him and Floyd. We got a solid case, we just have to believe that."

You nodded again "You're right."

"And I could really use some of that gusto you had on the stand," he guided you back to his chest "pure fiction" he mimicked your tone from earlier.

You giggled at his impersonation of you "It was."

"I know," he rubbed your back. "I'd love to hide in this bathroom with you forever but we have to get back or we'll really be in trouble."

You nodded then started to get up but Nicky stopped you for a moment.

"What?!" You asked him.

He studied your face for a second then kissed you "That's all."

After recess, there wasn't much action. The court simply reviewed the evidence and testimonies for that day before adjourning the trial for two days. That's when Nicky and Floyd would take the stand otherwise known by the media as "The Main Attraction". People did cling onto the fact that Dr. Parsons's spoke and backed up your testimony as well as Chris's. They even heard from Mr. Wilson who saw where you and Chris were kidnapped and how Nicky looked when he'd found out that night. There was also Officer Pratt who admitted his coldness on the case initially and that he should've followed Nicky's concern. What people didn't know, and even Floyd himself, was that Umberto was caught. He too would take the stand.

"Let's just stay inside."

"Are you sure? We aren't prisoners, y'know?" Nicky caressed your shoulder.

"I know but I don't want us to go out and be gawked at like we're some circus show. Plus, I know you testify soon and I don't want to put you on edge."

He sat up from the cushy pillows "I appreciate that."

"I know how things got when you heard about Maurizio and we never talked about it. Which I'm not forcing you to now, it's just... you seem a bit better and I don't want to ruin that."

"You wouldn't be ruining anything." his hand rested on top of yours. "You're right, let's just stay in today."

He glanced at you over his shoulder and you nodded.

Martin looked at his watch then back at Umberto.

"Forty five minutes, that's a new record."

Umberto remained silent and Martin sighed.

"As usual, thanks for wasting my time. Although, I do appreciate the silence. It gives me a nice break."

Umberto shook his head and smirked. "Don't you get it?"

"That you're stupid for not talking?" He nodded "I do."

Umberto scoffed.

"You could've asked for a deal."

"You wouldn't have given it to me."

"At least negotiate!" Martin chortled, "You're not even trying. You really think Floyd hasn't snitched on you already?"

He shook his head "I know he didn't."

"Oh really? Because you two are such good friends?" Martin leaned forward "No one gives a shit about you, so you're either going to cover your ass or let him walk all over it."

Umberto leaned back and crossed his arms.

"What'll it be?"

The two of you sat side by side. Nicky suddenly went quiet.

"What? Is it that bad?"

A slow smile spread across his face "No," he put his hand on his cheek "it just tastes like my mom's."

You shrunk back "You're kidding."

"I'm serious!"

You smiled softly and continued to eat the meal you cooked for the two of you.

As the hours passed, it seemed like you both forgot about your court case and all the other chaos that was happening in your lives.

You managed to sneak away while Nicky was reading a book and you set something up in a separate room. When you were ready, you made your way to him.

"Nicky?"

"Hm?" He poked his head up to look at you.

"I want to show you something. Is now a bad time?"

"No, no, of course not." He set his book down then got up.

"Actually, you can bring that with you."

He scrunched his brows "Okay?" He grinned "What are you up to?"

You held his hand and led him towards the surprise.

"I've been working on something ..."

You both walked into the room and the tent made out of sheets glowed with the lamps you'd set up.

"It's kind of childish but I figured that's what we need right now." You let go of his hand and crawled into the makeshift fort you built then poked your head out. "Are you coming?"

He chuckled and crawled in and sat by you. He looked around at the pillows you carefully set up and the different snacks you brought. Stella walked in and sat in the middle of your fort. You scratched her ears then laid on a pillow, "So?"

"It's lovely." He laid near you and kissed your forehead.

"I'm glad you like it."

You reached over and grab the book he brought with him.

"What are you doing?!" He laughed softly as you reached over him.

"I'm about to read to you!"

He laughed softly while you settled back against the pillows with the book in your hand. You started to read and he kissed your temple, then your cheek and your jaw. You rested the book on your stomach, which his hand gently roamed over.

"Nicky," you turned and when you did so, he kissed you on your lips. His hand cupped your cheek as he pulled you closer to him.

"You really didn't expect me to make a move on you?"

Your shocked expression morphed into a smile.

"You're such a sweet talker."

"You love it though."

"I didn't say otherwise."

That day seemed like ages ago now as Nicky took the stand. Even though you weren't up there, your heart beat in your ears all over again. Martin approached Nicky and asked him the same questions you heard in your living room just last week. Nicky was even saying his answer in the same tone. He was cool, reserved, himself. How he did was a mystery to you still, despite knowing him inside and out.

"Nicholas, it's no secret you and Floyd have history. Some people still see you as the flashy guy from New York but that's changed. Tell me, how are you different?"

"I'm not. I'm still the same guy who'd go for a walk down the pier and watch the game. If anything, I'm less selfish and I've got my one and only to thank for that."

"Your spouse, correct?"

Nicky nodded.

"Will you tell me about the night they disappeared?"

"My spouse and cousin, Chris, went out to get something for dinner. They'd been gone for a while, about an hour, and I knew something was off. I had this feeling I couldn't shake... that's when I called Mr. Wilson."

"How did you know Floyd was behind it?"

"Because there's no one else in the world who would do what he did."

Martin nodded "Floyd not only attacked your spouse and your cousin but he also attacked you later the following morning. Can you walk us through that?"

"Sure," Nicky shifted in his seat "It was about two in the morning after I talked with the police. I knew he was going to show up at my home so I waited for him. Talking didn't last long so we got into it. He had backup, of course, and Chris was there. There was broken glass, Stella got involved and bit some of the guys, Chris got shot. That's when I took him to the hospital then I went to Goleta Pier shortly after, where I thought I lost my spouse for good... turns out they were home waiting for me."

Martin gave Nicky a half-hearted smile. "A few days ago, Floyd's lawyer talked about the confession tape that was turned into the police department. Can you explain why you decided to get Floyd's confession on tape?"

"Well, the police didn't bat an eye when I told them my spouse and cousin were kidnapped. There was no way in hell I was gonna let them disappoint me twice so I figured if we got his confession on tape, there's no denying it."

"Can you explain the missing footage from the confession?"

"That's when Floyd lunged at us and we acted in self defense. I didn't think it was necessary for people to see that. I didn't want to paint him as weak. After all, he's a big boy. He can stand up for himself." Nicky glanced at Floyd who was trying to keep calm in his borrowed suit.

Martin slid his hands into his pocket "I forgot to ask, what injuries did you suffer from your scuffle with Floyd? Dr. Parsons mentioned that you not only suffered physically but also pscyhologically."

Nicky's jaw clenched slightly and he nodded "I had some cuts and bruises but I had trouble sleeping... I was paranoid at times. I often shut people out and shut down. One day.. I felt like I couldn't breathe.. like the wind was just knocked out of me. I still feel that way sometimes."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Martin faced the judge "No further questions, your honor."

He took his seat and said a silent prayer as Jack approached Nicky.

"How much did that suit cost you?"

Nicky buried his iconic smirk "Nothing, it was a gift."

"Oh, friends in high places?" he cocked his head.

"Objection, your honor. Relevance." Martin said in an annoyed tone.

"Overruled."

He tried not to roll his eyes as his nemesis proceeded.

"You've always been flashy, Mr. Valentino. Even before you moved to California. I mean, c'mon.."

"Style is subjective. I don't see how that's relevant to Floyd attacking me or my family."

"Oh, on the contrary. Y'know what I think," he inched closer to the stand "I think this whole thing is a set up. You did it for the money, the attention, the fame."

Nicky remained silent.

"No comment?"

He shook his head "Nothing you've said has been worth a response."

He scoffed and the judge rolled his eyes "Let's keep it moving, gentlemen."

"Apologies, your honor. Mr. Valentino?"

Nicky simply looked at him.

"It's no secret you've had a rough life. Especially, your childhood. You were involved in crime at a young age, were you not?"

Martin watched Nicky with a careful eye.

"Crimes such as?" Nicky retorted.

"Y'know," he shrugged "stealing, trespassing, typical stuff."

"Worst thing I did was steal a stuffed animal."

"That was for your sister, right?"

Nicky's eyes faltered for just a split second but you saw it from the bench.

"Sofia was her name?" The man moved closer to Nicky "Pretty na--"

"Objection, your honor! The defendant is attempting to rile up my client."

"Sustained." He looked down at Jack "Get to the point, quickly."

"I'm just saying, you'll do what you have to for the people you love. Isn't that right?"

"I think anyone in this room would agree to that statement."

"But I'm asking you specifically."

Nicky heard it the same moment you did. Do. Not. Break. "I love my family and friends, but if you're suggesting I'd go so far as to murder someone for them. You're wrong." I'd do more than that, he thought to himself but he said "It'd only hurt everyone in the end and what's the point in that?"

The lawyer stood still and looked at Nicky like he was a stain that wouldn't go away.

"Earlier, you said you beat Floyd out of self defense. How'd you do it?"

"With my hands."

"You use brass knuckles?"

He shook his head.

"Cat got your tongue?"

"No. No, I didn't use brass knuckles."

"So you, took down someone Floyd's size?"

"I defended myself."

"To the point where you knocked out teeth?"

"Objection, badgering." Martin said without even looking away from the scene.

"Sustained."

Jack hissed softly "Weren't you two friends at some point?"

Nicky chuckled in disbelief "Absolutely not."

"This man was like a father to you when yours couldn't even stand up straight. How dare you sit there all high and mighty?"

Nicky smirked and he shook his head "My old man was more than Floyd will ever be. He made an honest living, Floyd can't say the same... you think I want to be here? On this stand, in front of half of the city?! All I want is to be home with my heart, that's it."

"And you'd do anything to get there, wouldn't you?! Like lie to Floyd to get him alone under false pretenses just to beat him to death."

Nicky glanced at Jack then Floyd "I'm sorry you think you're going to get away with this."

"Don't look at him, look at me!"

He looked at him "I'm sorry for the both of you."

The judge spoke over Jack who started ranting and raving "You're done. No further questions for Mr. Valentino."

"But your honor, I'm not finished!"

"You should've thought about that before you started foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog."

You watched Nicky descend the stand and tried not to smile.

"You were glorious." You wrapped your arms around his waist and hugged him.

"Hey," he chuckled "people will think we're celebrating." He hugged you back.

"Why not?! I have an idea. Let's go the park, just for a quick stroll. We could get some ice cream?"

"Hm... it is a nice day out." He surveyed the blue sky.

"We wouldn't advise that." An officer stepped forward and spoke up.

"C'mon, you've been trailing us for months now. The case just started about a week ago and we're still safe. We can go out to the park for just a few minutes."

You pleaded and felt Nicky's thumb stroke the back of your hand. "You guys will be close?"

The officer nodded and looked back at the other officers who were with him.

You and Nicky walked hand in hand eating your ice cream cones and basking in the sun.

"How are you not messing up your lipstick?" He glance over at you.

"It's a skill. Plus, you can mess it up later." You teased.

He made a flirty face and bumped shoulders with you which made you smile. He wondered if he could make you do it again.

"I really love when you do that."

"What?" You finished off your ice cream cone as he looked at you "What?!"

"When you do anything..."

"I don't believe you."

He chuckled and finished his ice cream cone "Why not?!"

"Because that's so unrealistic," you laughed and he smiled. That was twice now. Maybe he could go for a third time. "So, all I have to do is breathe and you're obsessed?"

He cupped your cheeks in his hands and looked at you tenderly "You don't have to do anything to make me love you. It just happens. I look at you and it just happens, like breathing or blinking or.." he tried to find the words.

"Like eating?" You chuckled.

"Yeah," he chuckled "like eating but all of my favorite foods could never equate to you."

You held onto his wrists and went in for a kiss.

When he was about to duck down, he had that feeling again. The one he spoke about in the courtroom except this time it was back. He noticed something far off or rather, someone. It couldn't be. It didn't look like him but why was he pointing a gun at your back?

Nicky wrapped his arms around you and switched places with you. You shouted as you fell to the ground then blacked out when you heard screaming, running, and a pop. He was lying on top of you.

"Nicky?" Your breathing picked up when he didn't answer "Nicky?" Your voice cracked.

A handful of officers rushed towards the two of you. You wrapped your arms around him and your hands felt wet. When you pulled them back, you saw red.

"No, no, no," you sat up slowly and let him lay in your lap. "Hey, hey," you held his bobbing head in your hands. "Nicholas? Nic-- Nicky?!" You tapped his cheeks and he moved in his half conscious state. The officers surrounded you and the rest was a blur.

Minutes later the ambulance showed up and you rode in the back, holding his hand whenever the paramedics let you. You relished in it since you knew you couldn't be with him when they took him back to the operating room.

Rocky and Chris were there as soon as he went into surgery. You immediately broke into tears when you saw them. They both hugged you and you felt your legs give out. If it weren't for them holding you up, you would've been sprawled out on the floor.

Eventually, the tears stopped flowing. Chris got you something for your eyes since they were hot from crying. Rocky got you something to drink.

"It's my fault. I wanted to go to the park. If I didn't--"

"No, don't do that. He wouldn't want you to do that." Rocky rubbed your shoulders "C'mon kid, it's gonna be alright. It's gotta be alright."

And just like that, the tears came back and you buried yourself in his chest. He rubbed your back as you released heaving sobs for what felt like the seventeenth time. Chris came back with a cold compress but set it aside when he saw Rocky holding you close and letting you cry into his shirt.

Moments later, the sobs had reduced into sniffles and puffy eyes. Chris sat with you in the lobby while Rocky went to the chapel. You let the cold compress rest on your eyes. Seeing black felt odd. It made you wonder: What Nicky was seeing right now? Was he out yet? Was he okay? You sniffled and tried not to cry again.

"I need to see him." Your voice cracked.

"They'll get us when he's ready," Chris took your hand in his and you cried again. His own eyes filled with tears as he heard you whimper and sob into your free hand. Rocky gave you a hankerchief earlier but it was soaked.

Chris noticed you weren't using it, so he gave you some tissues he jammed into his pocket earlier. The gesture made you cry more and you held your head in your hands.

When you managed to barely compose yourself, you stepped away into the restroom. You looked in the mirror and noticed your eyes were practically swollen shut from all the crying you'd been doing. You created a pool of water in your hands and let your eyes rest in the cool for a few moments. Before you left, you wiped the lipstick off of your face. The crimson red did nothing but remind you of your husband's blood on your hands. There was a knock at the door.

"One second," your voice faltered as you scrubbed the last of the lipstick off.

"It's Rocky. Nicky's awake."

You ran to the door and flung it open, nearly knocking Rocky in the head and sending him to his own hospital bed.

"Where's the nurse? I want to see him."

"I know. C'mon," he held your hand and walked past the lobby. Chris stood and joined you two to see Nicky. The nurse approached you as you started to cross the threshold.

"He's still out of it, so only one visitor at a time."

You nodded and looked back at Chris and Rocky.

"What are you waiting for?" Chris asked you.

Rocky gestured for you to go first "He could care less about us right now."

You pressed your lips together then walked into the room. You sat down in the chair next to Nicky's bed and noticed his tossled hair, flushed skin, and the IV in the back of his hand. Where was his wedding ring?

You looked around and saw it in a small container on the table next to you. You opened it then heard him move slightly. When you looked back, you saw him opening his eyes. He smiled softly at you, his eyes still half shut.

"Hi, amore mio."

"Hi," you gently rubbed his wrist and kissed his forehead.

His eyes opened some more "Why'd you take off the lipstick?"

You smiled then started crying again.

He offered you his hand but you just rested your head on his arm. He caressed your shoulder since that was as far as he could reach.

"I was so worried about you." You kissed his hand then slid his wedding band back onto his finger.

"Are you proposing to me?" He chuckled then clutched at his side and grimaced "Mmph, don't make me laugh."

"I wasn't being funny." You sat on the edge of his bed and he looked at you.

His eyes opened up some more as they adjusted to the light "Can you stay here?"

"Of course I can, but Chris and Rocky want to see you and it's only one visitor at a time."

"Stay a bit longer. They'll be alright."

You bent down and kissed his forehead. A tear fell from your eyes and landed on his skin.

Author's Note: This was heart-wrenching but also one of my favorites to write. That lawyer Jack is really something, huh? Also, I'm debating on how I wanna write the next chapter since Floyd will be testifying and Nicky will definitely wanna be there although he just got shot {he's so stubborn, he'll probably hobble in there}. I think the next chapter will be the last! Knowing me, it'll be another two-parter haha 🥂until then, take care!

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#nicky valentino vendetta #fictif nicky valentino #fictif nicky #nicky valentino fictif #nicky valentino #nicholas valentino #nicky tatw #fictif tatw #fictif two against the world #nicky valentino x mc #nicky valentino x reader #madebyjade

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jadeee · 1 year

Text

Vendetta Ch. 10, Part 1: Elephants

Too many elephants in the room and it starts to feel like a circus.

~ Quick A/N: If you haven’t already read chapters 1 - 9 you can find them here!

Warnings: swearing + arguing + mentions of depression

Word Count: 7.7k

The waves were calling him again. The water was cold. Every second he held his breath, the pressure of the ocean doubled its crushing weight. Deeper and deeper, until he reached the black abyss. Until he could no longer see the morning sun break through the water. Until he could no longer breathe. Death … it came suddenly… is that what it was like for you?

Nicky jolted himself free from the black abyss of his own hell. When he glanced at your sleeping form he let out a small breath. He quietly got out of bed and sauntered to the bathroom, looking at a stranger. His fingertips worked around his eyes. They looked tired, not as lively as before but barely holding themselves open. His cheeks were slightly pale like his lips.

“Maddon.”

He turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on his face.

When he walked out of the bathroom, he glanced at his empty spot in the bed. He could feel the slow and steady humdrum of his body despite how his senses awakened. The images of Goleta Pier flashed across his mind. He ran a hand through his hair then strolled out of the room.

~~~~~~

Stella peered up at him as he stood in front of the coffee pot in the kitchen.

“I know. It’s only,” he glanced over at the clock “4 am.”

He poured the dark brown liquid into his cup.

“You wanna know somethin’, Stella?”

He sat at the table with a sigh “That was the third time this week.”

The coffee warmed his tongue as he sipped from the cup.

Stella circled around Nicky’s feet before laying at them.

While the coffee coursed through his body, his mind traveled at a thousand miles a second. Thoughts about his recurring nightmares, the day’s tasks, and the days to come all came crashing at once.

He grunted as he brought his hands to his face. Stella hardly moved a muscle but her eyes followed the noise.

Her head perked up once he rose from the chair and walked back to the kitchen. He opened a drawer then pulled something out of it. She got up and sat at his feet, wagging her tail as she waited to see what treat he held for her. However, she became indifferent after he walked past her.

She followed him to the telephone where he dialed a number then awaited an answer.

A tired voice answered the phone “Hello?”

“Dr. Parsons?”

“Yes, who is this?”

“It’s Nicky Valentino. I-”

He wiped the last of sleep from his eyes, “Sorry I’m calling so late.”

“It’s quite alright. I was just getting ready for bed.”

“I’m surprised you doctors ever sleep.”

“That makes two of us. What can I do for you Mr. Valentino?”

He looked down at his feet “I need to see you.”

“Okay,”

Silence filled the line.

“Are you or your spouse experiencing any pain or new symptoms? Or is this about Christopher?”

“No, no.”

Nicky glanced up at the stairs to make sure you weren’t nearby.

“It’s about me, just me.”

“I see.”

“I’ve been havin’ these dreams. Well, nightmares and normally I wouldn’t give ‘em a second thought but they just keep comin’.”

“Mr. Valentino –”

“Enough with the formalities. Please, call me ‘Nicky’.”

“Nicky, it’s possible that this is a result of stress and anxiety. As you get closer to the court date, it may only get worse if you don’t do something about it.”

He furrowed his brows.

“How are you handling stress now?”

He let out a breath as he pondered the last few weeks.

“I haven’t really had much time between the studio and this Floyd business but I’ve been spending more time with family.”

“And is that in your home surrounded by police protection?”

“Of course. We haven’t gone out much ‘cause of all this.”

“I think that’s the problem.”

He shook his head “I don’t understand, whaddaya sayin’?”

“You’ve confined yourself to the very thing you’re anxious about.”

“Doc, we can’t just stroll down Rodeo Drive.”

“That’s true but you shouldn’t stay within four walls and work twenty-four seven. What did you before all of this happened?”

His brows were pinched, he remained silent.

“Hello? Are you still there?”

“Yeah, sorry. What’d you say?”

“What did you do before this? What was life like?”

He crossed his arms then leaned against the wall while playing memories in his head.

“We got to do whatever we wanted whenever, wherever. The details didn’t matter as long as we had each other.”

“So do that.”

“What?”

“Live. Go dancing, get out of town for a day, something but do not allow uncertainty to consume you.”

“Are you a philosopher or a doctor?”

“Who said we can’t be both? Whatever you decide, keep your schedule open for tomorrow. I’ll stop by at 9 a.m. for a quick check in.”

Nicky ran his hand through his hair, “You got it.”

“One last thing,”

He perked his head up at her voice.

“Did you tell them about your nightmares?”

He bit his tongue, “No and I wanna keep it that way.”

“Very well then. I’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

The line went dead before Nicky could put the phone down. His eyes glossed over as he turned the phone over in his hand. I wanna keep it that way, he chewed at his lip.

“Sonuvabitch,” he whispered.

He placed the phone back onto the receiver to revive the line. Once he heard the dial tone he placed another call.

“Hello?” Another tired voice answered, “It’s – it’s 4 am!! Who is this?!”

“Hey, Gordon. It’s Nicky.”

“Valentino?! Oh, you better have a good reason to be calling me at 4 a.m.”

“How’s $50,000 sound?”

“...”

“Gordon?”

“I apologize. I had to sneak to my office, I didn’t want to wake the missus.” Gordon answered in a suddenly gleeful tone.

“Anyway, what can I do for you?”

“I wanna throw a party,”

“Excellent!”

“Tonight.”

“I- I’m sorry, did you say tonight? As in … tonight today?!”

“You got it.”

“I don’t think –”

“$75,000. That should be enough to cover it all.”

Radio silence filled the line.

“Mhmm, and what theme did you have in mind?”

“Opulence,” he said confidently.

“Food?”

“I trust your judgement.”

Nicky heard Gordon scribbling notes onto his paper.

“Oh and have everything ready by 8 pm.”

“Got it.”

“Thanks, Gordon.”

“Don’t thank me yet. My work isn’t done ‘til this party is the only thing on everybody’s lips.”

“Buona fortuna.”

Nicky placed the phone back onto the receiver and looked down at Stella.

She covered her face with her paw and whined.

“C’mon, don’t look at me like that. I need you to have my back.”

She raised a brow.

He squatted down to her level, “You trust me?”

She studied him for a moment then sat up and pawed at his hands.

“Attagirl.”

He scratched her ears before rising to his feet.

“Alright, now here comes the hard part.”

He rolled up his sleeves as he sauntered to the kitchen.

~~~~~~

The sweet and savory smell of breakfast wafted into your bedroom. You started dreaming of pancakes topped with fresh fruit until your drool dripped onto your arm.

“Oh, sheesh.” You muttered under your breath still waking up.

You groaned as you looked around trying to spot Nicky or Stella.

“Hmph,” you plopped back onto your bed “where is everybody?”

~~~~~~

You clutched your robe around your waist as you descended the stairs. The smells from your dream became more real with each step. Nicky hummed and whistled his way around the kitchen, while Stella watched his every move. He set a plate onto the table and Stella tip toed behind him.

“Ah, no. I already gave you some!”

She tilted her head to the side and looked at him with pleading eyes.

“Okay, fine.”

He nipped something from the plate and tossed it to her. She caught it effortlessly.

You lightly laughed at the sight.

“If you keep spoiling her like that she’ll eat us out of a house and a home.”

He smiled at the sound of your voice.

“Amore mio,” he approached you still smiling.

He kissed the side of your temple before guiding you to the table.

“Ooh, okay. Someone’s in a mood.”

He pulled out your chair for you.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“No, not at all. I just feel like I haven’t seen you this way in a long time.”

You propped your chin in your hands and watched him as he filled your cup with your morning’s fuel. A few strands of hair dangled in front of his hazel eyes. They weren’t as lively as before but the tiny smile he gave you moments ago showed that he was still in there somewhere. Underneath the wrinkled pajamas, disheleved hair, and the sallow skin.

“Well, it’s not for nothin’.”

Your eyes fixated on him as he proceeded.

“Okay,”

Nicky set the pitcher onto the counter. He took a deep breath and held it for a second, all the while staring at the countertops.

He didn’t look up until he felt your hand cover his.

“Dr. Parsons is coming over.”

“Oh, alright.”

“Today. She should be here soon.”

You raised a brow “Soon, like in an hour?”

“Soon, like thiry minutes.” He maintained a straight face but his eyebrow jumped as he gauged your reaction.

You touched the fabric of your robe. Then remembered how you didn’t brush your teeth or get ready for the day in the slightest.

“Seriously?! Why so last minute?”

He rubbed at the nape of his neck and darted his eyes to the wall.

“I think it’s just a check up.”

“Hm,” you studied him as he buzzed about doing everything at once “that makes sense.”

“Is she checking on Chris too?”

He wiped the counter a bit harder as you probed at him “Of course, y’know she’s not lettin’ him outta her sight!”

“Right,” you chuckled half-heartedly.

He proceeded to bustle about; wiping this, straightening that, putting this in the sink.

“Nicky?”

“Yeah?”

He continued his work while he waited for you to speak but he turned around when you didn’t.

He noticed the look on your face and faked a laugh “What is it?”

“C’mere.” You pulled out the chair next to you.

He put the hand towel he’d worked to death onto the counter and slowly walked toward you.

Once he sat down, you handed him your fork.

“I already ate.”

He smiled at you but you simply raised a brow and smirked.

“Nicky,” you stood up and walked to the kitchen cabinet.

“You may be able to fool everyone else but not me.”

You grabbed a fork from the cabinet then sat back down by his side.

“What are you talkin’ about?”

He tapped his fork on the plate.

“For starters, you’re still in your pajamas” you ate a forkful of the breakfast he made for you. Your brows knitted at the combination of sweet and savory but you swatted your hand in the air.

“Anyway, you’re still in last night’s clothes and we have a guest in thirty minutes. I know how you always want to look good.”

He rested his head in his hand and watched you continue your observations.

“Speaking of appearances, your hair is all over the place. It’s not exactly like you, so what’s wrong?”

“Y’know I think the boys in blue could use that brain of yours.”

“That’s a good one, but I’m not letting you get away this time.”

He looked at you for a moment.

“Alright. Just not right now, okay?”

He sipped your drink since he never made his own.

“I wanna be normal for five minutes.”

“We’ve always been normal.” You said jokingly.

He chuckled as the two of you started to eat from your plate.

Stella ran towards the sound of food and waited at your feet.

“Back for more, huh?”

You picked at your plate and tossed her something.

“Hey, what happened to spoiling her too much?” Nicky repeated your protests earlier.

“I said you spoil her too much, not me.”

He rolled his eyes playfully yet watched the two of you in adoration.

~~~~~~

Not much time had passed but you both managed to get ready with ease and waited in the living room. A sudden knock at the door disturbed the silence you sat in. You both exchanged a quick glance then held hands before welcoming Dr. Parsons into your home.

“Good morning, you two.” Although she said it with a smile, it still managed to sound flat.

Stella managed to lighten the mood when she waltzed into the room.

“Oh, I mean three!” Dr. Parsons patted the top of her head.

“Should we sit down in the living room or elsewhere?”

“Here is fine, right?” You briefly looked at your husband who quickly agreed.

The two of you sat on the couch as she got her equipment out.

“So do you two have any plans this weekend?”

“Not really but I was thinking we could go to the park” you turned to Nicky “or maybe the lake?”

“The lake would be nice.”

He straightened out the fold in his trousers.

“Well,” Dr. Parsons looked up at you “whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll enjoy each other’s company.”

She clicked the button on her pen and positioned her hand on the blank sheet.

“I’ll make this quick since I know you’re busy people.”

Although the questions she asked were typical, she watched the two of you with a steady eye.

“On a scale of one to ten how would you rate your overall wellbeing?”

“All things considered,” he let out a sigh as he pondered which number he fell on.

You held onto his hand “I would say about a seven.”

Dr. Parsons nodded her head “All things considered, everything looks good.”

She glanced at him then back at you. “Any questions or concerns for me?” Her hands reached up to readjust her glasses.

“I don’t have anything,” you looked over at Nicky who just shook his head.

“We’re as good as gold, doc.” He smirked at Dr. Parsons.

She put her glasses back on and nodded “Well, that’s it then.”

“Do you want anything before you go?” You clasped your hands together “I forgot to offer you a drink when you came in.”

“That would be great actually. I’m running on three hours of sleep so coffee would be fantastic.”

“One cup of coffee comin’ right up!”

You walked to the kitchen and left them alone.

She leaned back in the chair while he remained in his seat.

“So?”

“I didn’t do it yet.”

“I gathered that much.”

Nicky rubbed at his face.

“A seven?” She raised her brows “How are you really?”

He opened his palm, showing five fingers.

She looked down at her hands.

“I’ve been a doctor for almost fifteen years and I’ve seen a lot of stuff,” she looked at him “y’know my first patient was my mom. I was too young to figure it out then but she would get in these moods and have these moments of darkness. Until one day it was all she was. I couldn’t make her laugh or smile … it’s like she was there but she was somewhere else.”

She lifted her glasses to wipe a fallen tear “I don’t kno– no one knows much about what goes on up there” she gestured to her head “but, you’ve got a good thing here. Even amidst all this chaos.”

He picked at the fabric on the arm of the couch then peered up at her with tired eyes.

“Why do you think I’m so goddamn scared?”

You walked into the room carrying a small tray “I didn’t know how you liked your coffee so I brought sugar and cream.”

You set the tray onto the table and saw their solemn faces. “Is everything okay?”

“Just fine,” Dr. Parsons smiled briefly as she picked up her cup.

“Thank you for the coffee.”

You sat down by Nicky’s side, still surveying the room “Yeah, of course.”

“We were just talkin’ about medical studies.” He glanced over at you.

Dr. Parsons nodded slowly before taking another sip.

“I should get going but I’m glad I got to see you two today.”

As she stood to her feet so did you and Nicky.

“Thanks for making time to come see us.”

“Always.”

She gave the two of you a curt nod before walking to her car.

You shut the door behind you and looked suspiciously at your husband.

“What the hell was that?”

He stared at you for a moment, processing how to explain it all and where to start.

“I-”

The phone rang and cut him off.

You both looked into the kitchen where the noise was coming from but returned your gaze to each other. Waiting, or avoiding, to address the elephant in the room.

“I’ll get it.” He broke the silence, leaving you and the elephant in the living room as he took the call.

You stood motionless, biting your lip with each thought and possibility. A few minutes had passed while you waited for his return, so you sat on the couch. For a moment, you hoped the plush material would swallow you whole.

His steps grew louder as he walked towards the room. Only to sit next to you without saying a word.

The uncomfortable silence started to eat away at the two of you.

“What’s going on?”

He faced you with knitted brows.

You readjusted yourself on the couch to look him in the eye.

“You didn’t wanna talk about it earlier and I get that. I’m not one to pry but I hate seeing you like this.”

Nicky simply bit the inside of his cheek before tearing his eyes away from you so you couldn’t see what he was thinking.

You slid your hand toward his and held onto it. He glanced up at you with somber eyes.

“Please?”

He lightly squeezed your hand “You don’t make it easy, do you?” A stray tear rolled down his cheek despite the nervous chuckle he let out.

“I care about you too much.” You wiped his tear with your thumb and he smiled at your words.

He inhaled deeply through his nose before baring his fears to you.

“I’ve been havin’ these nightmares recently,” he watched your intertwined hands while he spoke.

“They’re different every time but they’re all the same.”

“How so?”

“It’s me instead of you.”

He glanced at you for a moment then cast his eyes at the nearby wall. “I’m the one Floyd kidnapped and tied up and threw off the pier.”

You rubbed your thumb over the back of his hand. His cheeks singed a slow red as he continued to confess.

“It should’ve been me. I thought this was over. I didn’t mean to drag you into all this.”

Tears fell from his eyes. He spent the last few seconds talking without taking a single breath.

“I shoulda seen it comin’. This is all my fault, the whole thing -”

“Hey!” You held his face up to yours “This isn’t on you.”

He stared blankly at you.

“Alright?” You nodded your head and waited for him to say something.

“None of this is your fault,” you noticed how he was actually looking into your eyes now “and you didn’t drag me into anything. I wanted this. I wanted you and I still do.”

Nicky blinked away a tear.

“Even if it was you instead of me, the story would still be the same. Floyd would’ve found me somehow just to get at you.”

He put his hand on top of yours.

“I don’t care if the past continues to haunt us ‘til the day we die. I’ll always be by your side.”

Through his tears, he managed a piece of a smile. He placed a hand over yours, then brought it to his lips in a tender kiss.

“I hate to kill the mood but I got somethin’ else to tell you.”

“What is it?” You placed your hands in your lap.

He wiped his face with his hands “I called Gordon,”

You nodded at the name of your event planner.

“And I planned a party …”

“Okay?”

“For tonight …”

Your eyes widened at his response.

“At 8.”

You shook your head “I’m sorry, what?”

“I– we, we’re throwing a party tonight at 8.”

“Well … it’s only me, you, Rocky, Chris and Taylor so I guess it’s not a big deal … unless,” you thought about the lavish, expensive parties Gordon planned for you before “what did you do?!”

He raised his brows “Lemme just say, technically these were doctor’s orders.”

You laughed “Really?!”

“Dr. Parsons said to do what we used to do, which was throwing parties and going any and everywhere doing anything.”

“Yeah, Nicky like traveling or going to a show not throwing a – wait, how much is all of this?” You waved your hands around referring to his spontaneous party.

“Why does it matter?” He shrugged his shoulders.

You raised your brows and leaned forward.

The unnerving silence filled the air again but with thick tension this time.

“$75,000.”

You scratched the side of your head then leaned back with a sigh.

“It’s not like we can’t afford it.”

“I know that but we have this court case and how are people gonna see that?”

“Why does it matter what people think?! They’re gonna talk shit either way!”

“But that’s what we’re trying to avoid! We’re not gonna get on the judge’s good side now because we just blew $75,000 before the trial of the fucking century.”

“So what was I supposed to do?”

“Literally anything except this.”

“Well, excuse me for wanting to have a little fun.”

He stood up from the couch and trodded towards the stairs.

“$75,000 isn’t little.”

He froze in his tracks and glanced at you over his shoulder.

“I don’t think you can put a price on the hell we’ve went through.” He faced you head on “Y’know I –” he chuckled in disbelief then steadied his tearful eyes on you “I thought you were dead … and $75,000 is nothing compared to the price of a life without you.”

The weight of his words crushed you as he walked up the stairs. With each creek of the mahogany steps, your mouth started to form the words. They were already there. Two simple words that you’ve said before, but it wasn’t enough. Not this time.

His footsteps echoed down the hall until the silence accompanied you once more. It was quiet, except for the low hum that rang in your ears. You brought your hands to your face then took a deep breath.

~~~~~~

The last twenty minutes in the Valentino household sounded very much like this … silence, yet not complete silence. The kind of silence you get when you’re in an empty house, except the two bodies in this home but we’ll get back to that in a moment. Imagine it. You’re standing in an empty house. The walls creak from time to time. Or you hear the fans going. A few noises from outside maybe, but that’s all. Just an occasional creak or tap or rattle, but there are two bodies in this home. I suppose you could not hear them because of the elephants in the room.

~~~~~~

You didn’t keep track of the time. It was irrelevant after all. Ten minutes could have passed or it could’ve been an hour, it wouldn’t matter because you’d essentially told your husband two things:

1. He was stupid.

2. You didn’t trust him.

As you laid face down on the couch, you imagined what your award would look like for ‘spouse of the year’. In the black abyss, you heard a nearby groan and choose to ignore it until you felt Stella’s nails lightly scrape at your arm.

You turned your head to face her.

“What?”

She tilted her head at your question then blinked her eyes. You laid back down and she groaned again.

“What, Stella?”

She glanced up at the stairs then back at you.

“I know,” you peered up at the dim hallway and spotted the light immediately.

“I know.”

Before you could reach out to her, she dashed up the staircase and disappeared down the corridor.

You buried your head in the cushion of the couch.

~~~~~~

Stella traipsed into the library where Nicky sat in the oversized chair you’d often accompanied him in. Out of spite, he sat in the chair with his legs on the arm rest and his back against the other. It was too big for one person but he’d rather be uncomfortable alone than sit how he normally would with you.

Stella ran right up to him and slid her head underneath his wrist. The book he was holding fumbled under her weight.

“What happened to “hello”? “How are you”?”

Stella looked up at him then whined before laying her head in his lap.

He placed the book down by his side “C’mon, don’t gimme that.”

She placed both of her paws onto the chair and stood tall.

“Not right now, okay?”

Stella backed away from the chair with a huff. Her ears perked up and Nicky tried to follow the sound. Suddenly, he found himself looking at you standing in the doorway.

“Hi,” you said sheepishly.

Stella trotted to your side then looked back at him as if to say ‘told you so’!

Yes, he was still hurt but God. Just the sight of you was enough. It was like medicine and right now he despised you for it. He hated how you yelled at him just moments ago and just by looking at you now, he’d already forgotten about it. When he came to, he’d realized he’d scooted over instinctively so you could sit by his side.

“I wanted to give you some more time and space but Stella thought otherwise.”

She perked up at the mention of her name then trotted off as you walked toward him.

“Oh, don’t worry. She got me too,” he set the book he was holding onto the table nearby “I don’t think she was gonna stop until one of us went to the other.”

“Right.”

Looking straight ahead, both of you nodded in agreement. He fiddled with the tips of his fingers. You stared at the wall in front of you. With each second that passed, your lips would spasm in an attempt to speak but ultimately you shut them again. There was the creak, then the rattle and the tap; but the star was that horrible, undulating, and unforgivable silence.

You clenched your teeth and swallowed the failed words, then turned to him.

“Can you look at me, please?”

Your words were tense and when he looked at you, he could see that it wasn’t from fear but from something else. Tears had welled in your eyes, you were intently focused on the space between you.

Nicky adjusted himself in the chair to face you completely. There was a pang in his chest at the sight of you, something he knew all too well.

“I’m not sorry,” you mustered up the courage to look him in the eye and he watched you with a steady gaze.

“I’m not sorry for what I said because I’m just trying to protect you. I’m trying to protect us and if we lose this trial” you glanced down at your hands in an attempt to push away the mere thought “I don’t want to be without you.”

You looked up and locked eyes with him “I can’t, I just couldn’t.”

His eyes were filled with tears which made it harder for you to hold back your own so you cowered your head. Between wiping your nose and trying to steady your breath, you were failing at keeping tears at bay. The fact Nicky reached out to you and pulled you against his chest wasn’t helping either.

“I know.” He whispered while holding you close.

“And I don’t think your stupid.” You professed in between tears.

He chuckled “I appreciate that, amore.”

The nickname made you cry even more which in turn made him cry a bit harder.

“I should have ran it by you.”

You muttered something into his chest and he glanced at the top of your head, “What?”

You pulled back “I said we’re past that,” you grabbed onto his hand “how can I help you, now?”

He caressed the back of your hands with his thumb “Just be with me.”

You nodded your head.

He relished in the embrace for another second before speaking.

“We have a fitting at noon downtown.”

“Oh, so soon?”

“Well, we’ve got time but we should get goin’.”

You wiped your face “Why? What’s going on?”

“It’s a surprise and I promise you’ll like this one.”

He studied your reaction with hopeful eyes and a smile to match.

“Okay,” you said finally. You kissed his forehead then patted his leg before standing to your feet.

He felt himself grinning from ear to ear as he stood and wiped his tears.

~~~~~~

Nicky and Stella waited for you in the driveway. He slightly pulled his sunglasses down to get a better look at you.

The corners of your lips turned up, “Don’t get any ideas.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He opened the door for you but Stella jumped in first and made herself comfortable in the back seat.

Both of you giggled at your little one before getting into the car.

While he put the key in the ignition and adjusted the mirrors, you looked in yours. There was a slight frown on your face at the sight of the police car behind you, ready to follow every step of the way.

“I told ‘em to give us some room.”

“Good,” you glanced over at him “shall we?”

“Absolutely.” His foot lightly pressed the pedal and you saw your home shrink in the rearview.

~~~~~~

The fresh air whipped at your faces as you cruised the sun beaten paths of the road. The street was lined with oak trees providing shade to the three of you. For a moment, you glanced around to take in the natural beauty. How the pavement was lined with fallen flowers and at the clusters of wildflowers here and there.

Nicky muttered to himself “It should be,” he lifted his sunglasses onto his head to survey the trees.

“This one right here!” He pointed at an overgrown bougainvillea.

“Ooh,” you admired its fuschia shade against the blue sky.

He pulled over and parked off the road, close to the spot he pointed out.

“How did you find this place?”

“A few months ago I was lookin’ for some new places we could shoot scenes at. Whaddaya think?”

“It’s gorgeous out here, like somethin’ out of a movie.”

“Wait ‘til you see the rest of it.”

He got out of the car and made his way around to you to open your door.

Stella jumped out, leaving you to follow her for once.

Before you started your journey, Nicky grabbed a wicker basket from the trunk. He held on tightly to it in one hand and instinctively reached for yours; but he found himself recoiling. The dust from your argument earlier was just starting to settle and he didn’t want to ruin it by acting too soon. Things were nearly normal, if you didn’t notice the police car towards the end of the road carefully keeping an eye out for you both.

~~~~~~

Although Nicky had been here before, it was different being here with you. He adored how you looked at everything with wonder and amazement.

Stella, who was previously looking into the edge of a lake, heard you approaching and barked to signal she was nearby. You were almost oblivious to her as you walked through an archway of overgrown trees leading you to the lake’s edge.

He set the basket down next to his feet.

Stella continued to peer into the lake, only to flinch back when a turtle came to the surface. A quiet breeze blew over the little heaven you found yourself in. It smelled like lilies, jasmine, and salt. You leaned onto Nicky while inhaling heaven’s essence. He rested his head on top of yours.

~~~~~~

“I gotta say,” you took another sip from your glass “I’m having a bit of déjà vu.”

“Oh, you mean we’ve done this before?” He said playfully “Tsk, that’s a shame.”

You chuckled then lightly ruffled the top of his hair while he layed in your lap. His eyes softly shut from your touch. He was a bit taken aback when you invited him to rest his head in your lap moments ago, but he didn’t reject the invitation.

“Tell me somethin’.”

“What’s that?”

“Is it like the first time?”

You thought about the picnic you two had in New York. It felt like that was centuries ago in a different life. A life in which you and Nicky were close but not as close as you were now. Both of you had come to know each other so well, your personalities were tangled in each other.

“It’s better than that.”

A slight grin came upon him “I’ve outdone myself.”

Both of you laughed lightly.

“Oh, don’t get too full of yourself.”

You poked at the side of his head and he turned over in your lap to look at you. Now this is the part where people usually say ‘there was lust in his eyes’ but you must understand what you two had was nothing like this. It was very much the opposite. You didn’t feel butterflies for each other, but you felt warmth. You felt safe and seen … treasured. You weren’t just arm candy, you were something far more precious. A piece of someone’s heart.

Your thumb ran over his brow.

He kissed your open palm tenderly before taking it in his hand.

You felt your heartbeat in your throat as he bent down to kiss the tops of your bare thighs.

Your breaths became shorter as he left a trail of kisses up your body. The two of you were too busy playing twister that you didn’t notice that Stella crept closer to the plates of food that lay on your picnic. Nicky glanced up after just kissing your neck to see Stella nab one of the sandwiches he so carefully made hours ago. She made brief eye contact with him before dashing off.

“Hey!” Nicky let go of you as he shot up.

The sudden commotion and absences of his touch made you open your eyes.

“What – what’s going on?!” You set your hands on the ground as you watched Nicky chase Stella around the lake until they landed at a nearby dock. She hunkered down, with the sandwich still in her mouth, and glanced up at him. Nicky stood a few feet away, still as a statue.

“Stella.” He called out to her calmly.

As he leaned forward she dashed to the side and jumped into the lake. Her doggy paddles were strong enough to float yet the sandwich didn’t help.

“Oh my god,” you stood to your feet and ran out to the dock.

She slipped under the surface a few times too many and Nicky jumped in after her without hesitation.

As you looked out over the edge of the dock, you saw a few bubbles pop at the surface.

You knelt down to get a better view, while holding onto the wood of the dock. Nicky and Stella both emerged to the surface. You jerked back at the sudden splash of water on you but bent back down to help them up.

Stella’s paws found their way to the dock with Nicky’s help as you lifted her up. She panted and smiled at you while the sandwich floated in the water. As Nicky’s hand grasped onto the dock’s edge, she shook off the water from her earlier antics. He wiped water from his eyes and tried to regulate his breathing.

You reached your hand out to him and he froze.

“What? You wanna go skinny dipping?” You raised a brow and smirked.

He found himself grinning. You looked like an angel of some sort. The way the sun shined behind you casted a glow around you.

“Maybe I do.”

He matched your playful grin which seemed to fade as he reached for your forearm.

“Nicholas Valentino, you better no– ahh!!”

He pulled you down only to give your lips a quick peck. You looked at him in surprise.

“Gotcha.” Nicky smiled at you before climbing up onto the dock.

Stella shook as much water off of her as she could.

You blocked your face from the water that flung off of her.

Nicky shook his hair to get the water out of his face and noticed how you were shielding yourself from their water sprays.

“What’s the problem, toots?”

You took note of the playful smile on his face as he reached out to you.

“Eek!”

You barely missed his soaked touch before running a few paces ahead. When you looked back, you noticed Nicky and Stella heading towards you with smiles on their faces.

“The water is just fine!”

He smiled while chasing you to the picnic blanket. It wasn’t long before he wrapped his soaked body against yours.

“Mwah!” He dramatically planted a wet kiss on your cheek.

Stella barked and rubbed her wet nose against your bare legs.

You couldn’t help but laugh at the whole scene. Eventually, you were both back on the picnic blanket but this time Nicky had his shirt off. He’d wrung the water out then laid it out in the sun to dry.

You took a scarf you had on earlier and wiped the water from his face.

His dimples made themselves prominent under your touch. He’d closed his eyes while you cleaned him up. He looked like someone in one of those old pictures you find on the internet. Y’know the black and white ones of people basking in the sun or standing on the sidewalk smiling with a hand in their pocket?

“Wait a second, wait right here,” you headed to the car without saying another word.

Nicky opened an eye after a moment’s silence.

“Don’t move!” You shouted over your shoulder.

He’d held on tightly to your scarf while he waited for your return.

Stella glanced up at you when you came back with a small camera in your hand.

A few years ago, small portable cameras were all the rage. You and Nicky had a habit of leaving one in the car for times like this.

He grinned at the sight of the machine at your fingertips and it was worth a thousand memories.

His head was thrown back in a small fit of laughter. Eyes closed, face tilted ever so slightly towards the sun. That million dollar smile beaming as brightly as the stars in the sky. Beads of water on his chest and arms glistened from the sunlight. Your scarf was held gently in his hand which was near Stella, who had her head in his lap.

You quickly snapped the picture before he could compose himself.

“Don’t get shy on me, handsome.”

He blushed at your praise.

“Alright, it’s my turn.”

He held his hand out for the camera and you handed it to him.

You posed for the camera then reached for it only so he could yank it back.

“Oh, c’mon. One more.” He continued to snap pictures of you off guard.

“I’m looking at Aphrodite, can you blame me?”

You smiled at the compliment and he captured the moment right away.

“There you are,” he placed the camera onto the blanket and glanced back at you “gorgeous.”

You saddled up beside him and kissed his cheek.

“Do you think we should get going?”

Nicky glanced over at his watch that was sprawled out on the blanket. He didn’t take it off when he jumped in to save Stella earlier and it was stuck at 11:15.

“Probably.” He glanced back at you.

“Is it broken?” You picked up the watch as you stood to your feet.

“It doesn’t look like it’ll work anytime soon.”

He stood up and grabbed his shirt.

“Hmm,” you rubbed your thumb over the clockface.

“I can always get another one,” he slipped his arms through his shirt “I can’t get another Stella.”

She perked her head up at the sound of her name.

“Isn’t that right?” He scratched behind her ears.

You slipped his watch into your pocket “I’m just glad no one got hurt.”

Stella gruffed then shook her head furiously, flinging water every which way.

~~~~~~

Being who he was, Nicky did make it a point to change his clothes before going to the tailor’s. It wasn’t like he was going to show up smelling like the local lake and besides he had to fix his hair somewhat. Once you did make it out, it was almost like the little peace you two did have that morning was being tested again. Onlookers gawked at you as you stepped onto the sidewalk. You and Nicky were flanked by a few police officers. The two of you had gotten used to wearing sunglasses from time to time because of the flashing lights from the paparazzi’s cameras.

You lifted the personal shield away from your eyes as you crossed the threshold.

“Ah, there you two are!” Ms. Goldstein, the owner of the tailoring shop stretched her hands out.

Nicky clipped his glasses onto his shirt.

“There she is, the miracle worker!”

He greeted her with open arms and she kissed his cheek.

“How are you holding up?”

“Like a tree.”

She smiled then swatted at his shoulder.

“How are you, dear?” She embraced you in a hug.

The scent of fresh linen and old fabric with a hint of lavender washed over you.

“Not too bad, all things considered.” You looked at her with a weary smile.

She patted the sides of your arms “Well, I hope these lovely pieces will put some smiles on those faces.”

Ms. Goldstein strutted down the aisle toward the back of the building. She stopped by the fitting rooms to briefly turn back at you.

“Wait, right here.”

“Of course.” Nicky said while you nodded your head.

Ms. Goldstein disappeared down a corridor.

“What kind of party is this exactly?”

“Nothin’ too crazy.”

You cut your eyes at him as you remembered the price.

He rolled his eyes before smirking “Oh, amore!”

You giggled “What?! I’m sorry!”

He tried to wipe the grin off of his face as you continued smiling through the awkwardness of it all.

“I’m just– okay, hear me out,” you raised a brow, still smiling.

Nicky covered his goofy smile and tried his best to look serious.

“I’m just saying, I was expecting to throw an outfit together for this soirée not have a whole, elaborate fitting. I mean, it’s making me think of our wedding … it’s not that extravagant though is it?”

Nicky opened his mouth to answer you but Ms. Goldstein appeared from the hallway shouting about your garments.

“I can’t wait to see the two of you in these! Ready?”

~~~~~~

You and Nicky were in fitting rooms next to each other, trying on the first round of your custom creations.

Ms. Goldstein’s busy bees were helping you get into your number. You didn’t get a chance to see yourself in it until they were finished buttoning this and zipping that. You lifted your head and saw your reflection in the mirror. You noted how the white fabric was draped in strings of pearls and jewels. Multiple beads of pearls dangled just past the hem line of the dress which ended at the middle of your thighs. A string of jewels dangled on your bare shoulder.

“What do you think?”

“I think my wedding day has competition!”

Ms. Goldstein’s crew laughed.

You turned around on the podium to view the dress from the back. The pearls and jewels clicked and clacked as you made your observations.

Based on Ms. Goldstein’s work, this wasn’t your average party. It was going to be the party of the decade. The corner of your lip went up on one side.

“We have more options if you’re not fond of this one.”

“What? Oh no, it’s not that.”

You thought about the all black outfit you’d wore not too long ago when you confronted Floyd. The dress started to tighten at your sides. Somehow, you found yourself thinking of Nicky’s pleading eyes earlier.

“I like this one but I think it’s missing something. What’s next?”

A crew member reached for the second black bag “I think you’ll like this one a lot.”

You shimmied in your pearl dress one last time and smiled. Click-clack, click-clack, a smile slowly formed across your face.

~~~~~~

Once again, Ms. Goldstein’s crew buzzed about slipping the first dress off of you and getting you into the next one. You turned around, hoping to get a glance before her busy bees gave you the cue.

“Oh, not yet!” One of them gently placed their hands on your shoulders and turned you back around.

They pulled a sun crown out of the black bag and placed it onto your head.

You raised a brow as another person handed you black gloves.

“Alright then,” you uttered before slipping them on.

You raised a brow then looked at one of the crew members “Can I look now?”

A small chorus of “mhmm” and “yes” filled the silence.

As you turned 180 degrees, there was a knock at the door.

“It’s Martin. Can I come in?”

You froze and glanced over your shoulder.

The crew members waited for approval before doing anything.

“Sure,” you faced the door head-on as they opened it.

He looked at you in shock “You gotta be kiddin’ me,” then hung his head “can you give us a moment please?”

~~~ A/N: Originally, this entire chapter was about 16,000 words before I split it into 3 parts and it was still unfinished! That just shows you that I've been WORKIN' 👏🏾 part 2 is already done so expect it in a few weeks. As always, thank you for reading, reblogging, liking and commenting {i love reading the comments, and reblogs are appreciated, they're encouraged actually!} Have a great day 💐

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#nicky valentino vendetta #madebyjade #nicky valentino x reader #nicky valentino fictif #fictif nicky valentino #nicky valentino #nicholas valentino #fictif #fictif tatw #nicky tatw #fictif nicky #tw depression #<< it's a brief scene but still

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jadeee · 7 months

Text

Vendetta Ch. 12, Part 1: Cloudy Days

📰 read chapters 1 - 11 here!

Warnings: angst, slight swearing & mentions of murder

Word Count: 3.9k

"Oh my God!" You squealed as you hovered over Nicky's shoulder. He spent the last five minutes reading MJ's published piece about the two of you:

While the world gawks at the Valentinos and their upcoming case, the pair find safety and shelter in each other. Most importantly, love which is the greatest comfort of all. They continue to curate a happy home and lovely life in which they celebrate the good, the bad, and the ugly.

"We should frame this."

He set the paper aside "You wanna hang it up in the hall?"

"Why not?!"

"Okay, I've got an idea. How about we get out of this house?"

"Hm.."

"Oh c'mon," he got up from the couch and took your hands in his "we've been hermit crabs until last night."

You chuckled as he pulled you off the couch and into his arms.

"Don't you want to come out of your shell?"

"Okay," you said with a hint of defeat "where do you want to go today?"

"How about the tennis court? I haven't exercised in ages."

"You went for a swim in the pool a few days ago!"

"It's not the same!" He pouted playfully "C'mon, I'll get the rackets and everything else. Just get ready."

He kissed your forehead again before disappearing up the stairs.

Agnes stood outside of Martin's office, "Sir?"

"What?" He asked with an underlying annoyance.

"Your wife is on the line. I told her you were busy but she knows I'm lying."

"Of course she does." He took a deep breath as if bracing himself for a punch from a heavy hitter "Put her on."

"... yes, sir."

His hand rested on the phone in his office and immediately picked it up when it rang. The speaker rested near his lips but he was quiet, timid, and scared all at once.

"Martin? Martin, I know you're there." The woman said on the other end "How are you?"

He licked his lips to wet them since they were suddenly dry, "How do you think?"

She sighed "You can't keep doing this. Why don't you just come home?"

"Why haven't you signed the divorce papers?" He spat back then wiped his lips regretfully.

The line was suddenly silent except for the soft breathing of the woman on the other end.

"Teddy, sign the damn papers."

"You haven't called me that in months."

A crimson red blossomed on his cheeks, "I-- I know."

"I'm surprised you still remember my name."

"Oh Theodora, don't get smart with me!"

"I'm just saying!"

"Just stop it, alright."

"Okay..."

They enjoyed a comfortable silence until she broke it "So--"

"No." he found himself picking at a chip on his wooden desk.

"Sweetheart..."

Tears stung in his eyes as he continued to pick at the spot and held the phone to his ear. He didn't want to hang up but he couldn't bear another second. "Teddy, please."

"What happened.. it's not your fault. We can still be a family. I can turn the nursery into a room for a dog." She chuckled half-heartedly and sniffled.

Martin wiped a fallen tear from his eye "A dog isn't gonna fix this."

"I know but it's not your fault."

"Then how do you explain it? If I didn't take that case, you wouldn't have lost the baby," He shrunk back at his outburst. Hearing the words bounce off the walls made it real again and he felt himself start to crack.

"Martin," she sniffled again and went silent "the doctor said it was only a matter of time."

"Ted-- Theodora, I can't do this. I don't want to put you in danger and you can't be in a stressful environment. That's all this job is and as much as I love you, I can't leave it."

"I don't want you to."

"... just sign the papers, please."

He moved his hand an inch away from his face then brought the phone back to his lips. "I love you. Truly, I do." As his lips stringed together more to say, the sentence fell apart so he hung up the phone. Whatever he felt for his soon-to-be ex-wife, he pushed it deep down to focus on his work.

"Agnes, I don't want to hear from her unless it's an emergency! You got it?"

"I understand."

He fished something out of his shirt pocket then looked at the golden ring before putting it in his desk drawer.

Flo led MJ towards her surprise with his hands over her eyes.

"Flo, what is this?" She laughed with each slow step forward "Why does it smell like..."

"Surprise!" He lifted his hands and she saw the dinner that was spread out on the table.

"I remember one day you said 'when I make it big I want a big boss dinner with lobster and potatoes' so..."

He laughed at his poor impression of her as he gestured to the exquisite dinner he made for her and gauged her reaction. She was silent and unmoving until finally, she turned around and hugged him tightly. The impact nearly threw him off his balance. He grabbed onto a nearby chair to steady himself then hugged her back and smiled.

"Thank you," she muttered against him.

"You deserve it."

She let go of him and recomposed herself "Now, let's eat!"

The two had already shared more than a few laughs as time went by.

"So now that you're a big shot, are you going to forget about me?" Flo teased as he ate a bread roll.

"No!" Bea shook her head "You're one of the few people who believed in me. Besides, who else is going to visit my office."

"Is it still bring your own box to sit on?"

"Actually, I have two chairs now." She grinned and Flo's brows jumped up.

"Did they give you an office?!"

She nodded as she ate some more of her lobster.

"Holy-- that's amazing!" Flo smiled "Does it have those big glass windows?!"

She laughed as she went on to explain her recent promotion at work and what her new life was starting to look like.

As the night progressed, you were playing a game of cards with Nicky and losing horribly.

"Ah, damn!" You threw down your hand after seeing Nicky's winning one.

"Let me give you some tips or something. I'm starting to feel bad."

"Be honest, you're actually loving this right now."

He threw his hands up while you continued your banter. It would've carried on but the phone rang and Nicky offered to get it.

"Yeah, give me a chance to prepare for a rematch."

"You do that!" He teased.

The smile he had lingered on his face as he picked up the phone, "Hello? Who's this?"

"It's Martin."

Nicky's smile started to drop "What's going on?"

"They found a body in New York. It might be Maurizio. They're doing the testing now. I just thought I should let you know."

He nodded, unsure of what to say next.

"If this is it, then we got Floyd. I talked to some people and Maurizio may not be the only one."

"What?"

"You ever heard of Umberto Gavassi?"

A sudden pit had formed in Nicky's stomach "Yeah, I know who he is."

"Y'know if he's still alive?"

"I have no idea. I tried to forget about New York and everything with it. We see how that turned out."

"Hm.. my work's just getting started over here but things are looking up for us."

"Did you get in touch with his mother?"

Martin went quiet for a moment "I'm waiting until it's confirmed. I don't want to waste her time if it's not him."

"Right..." Nicky glanced at the floor then back to the distant room you were in.

"I'll call you when I know the results."

"Okay."

Martin and Nicky hung up at the same time. Both were thankful for the end of the conversation but unwilling to know the truth. He walked back into the room with a solemn step. You rearranged the cards in your hand "Alright, I'm ready this time. I laid everything out."

You glanced up at him and the light in your eyes dimmed. "What happened?"

"That was Martin." Nicky sat on the couch near where you sat on the floor. Where you two were happily playing cards moments ago.

"They found a body in New York and it may be Maurizio's. They're testing it now to see." He looked right past you.

"Hey," you scooted over in front of him and rested your hands on his legs. "Nicky?" you crossed your arms over his thighs and rested your head there. "We'll wait then, okay?"

He focused on you, as if he were coming back from some dark place he was visiting in his mind. He nodded and caressed your cheek. You took his hand in yours and joined him on the couch. Stella traipsed down the stairs and sat at your feet. He bent down to pet her and relished in the comfort he had between you both.

The phone rang for a milisecond and Martin picked it up "Hello."

"Martin Alonso?"

"Yes."

"It's been confirmed. It's Maurizio Botticelli."

Martin hung his head as his heart dropped to his stomach.

"You still there?"

"Yes, I'm still here." Martin said with his eyes still shut as if he were silently praying.

"We'll fax the papers and everything over to you. One of our staff is on a plane now for the court case. We're also contacting the family."

"Okay, thank you. I-" he cleared his throat "I may have another location for you to dig. I'm getting a lead now."

The person on the other end sighed "Okay, we'll be here."

Martin hung up. He was unmoving, like some creature frozen in ice. After a moment, he found the words although he'd rather not speak. "It was him, Maurizio."

Agnes solemnly nodded while her boss rubbed at his face.

"Let's give the family some time to process. I can take care of the rest of this, just go home for today."

"But sir--"

Martin waved his hand. His tall frame walked around the desk "Get a good night's rest. Forget about this case for a few hours, if you can."

Agnes stared at him for a moment then decided to follow instruction. She stood by the door "You do the same."

Martin found himself frowning and locked eyes with her. His mouth tried to form a response but he nodded instead.

You jumped up at the sound of the phone ringing yet Nicky beat you to it. Despite how close you were, you couldn't make out the words. It wasn't until you saw the color drain from his face that you knew. It was Maurizio, the teenager. The boy who's peach fuzz had barely grown in before his life was snatched from him.

Your husband's eyes were cast down at your floors. His words were low, a mere whisper "It's him."

Without thinking, your hand found itself rubbing his shoulder. Before you could speak to offer any comfort, he spoke again.

"I should tell Chris and Rocky." He picked up the phone and dialed the number.

"Nicky, do you need a minute--"

"For what?" He glanced back at you while holding the phone to his ear.

You blinked at the obvious answer "To process this."

He only shook his head "There's nothing to process."

The corners of your mouth turned down at how he slightly mocked you, whether he knew it or not. Your hand shrunk back to your side. There was nothing else to talk about. He was already talking to the other person on the line. His voice grew more concerned by the second.

"What do you mean he's not there? Where is he?!"

Your fingers reached for him and he brushed his own hand against them but didn't fully take them in his. He spoke another word then hung up and picked up the phone again to make another call.

You were a shadow standing next to him. The hallway seemed to shrink with each second he spent with his back slightly faced to you. Every now and then he'd turn to his side, allowing you to see his pinched brow and bitten lip.

"Do you need anything?" Your voice was barely audible but he heard you nonetheless.

"No, I just need to make this call."

The half hearted smile he gave you provided little comfort. You returned a sympathetic one then walked off, unsure of what to do while you waited for him.

A few minutes later, he joined you in the living room but he stood nearby rather than sit beside you on the couch. All it took was a glance. The way his hand sat in his pocket, the small twist in his lip, his pinched brow and the far off look in his eye.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I'm fine."

Your lips tucked in on themself to prevent you from saying anything else. Those two words made you retreat into the farthest corner of yourself. You, his heart of hearts, could not fix this. You could not do anything and furthermore, he didn't want you to. It felt like you could choke on your heart in that moment but you simply said "Okay."

The silence crept in and made itself at home in your company. Every time you sought to challenge it, it felt.. wrong. You went back and forth in your mind on what to say, how to say it, if you should say it. It wasn't until you felt the heat on your skin, that you realized you'd been turning your wedding ring round and round on your finger. Nicky noticed it, then approached you.

"Don't worry about it," he kissed the top of your head then disappeared into the kitchen.

That small gesture made tears gather in the corners of your eyes.

Nicky busied his hands with whatever he could find in the kitchen. He was cooking. What? He couldn't say since his body was on autopilot. Funnily enough, he remembers when his mom would do the same thing. After her umpteenth spat with his father, she'd often find refuge in the kitchen. Mumbling incoherently to herself in her mother tongue, only to be humming a happy tone moments later.

"Why do you do that?"

"To remember the good times."

He rubbed the seasoning over the meat he'd been working on. Images of Maurizio seeped into his mind. As he continued to work with the meat, he tried not to cringe at the sight of the blood. It was a soft pink like a cherry blossom or a bow on a baby's head. Maurizio's had to be red. An unforgiving crimson splattered across concrete or marble like a nosebleed or busted berry. His hands caressed the meat once last time, unlike Maurizio's mom who didn't get the chance to hold her son one last time. Tears filled Nicky's eyes as he put the meat into the oven.

The doorbell rang and he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. He heard you shout something but he wasn't entirely sure what it was since he was miles away. "What'd you say?" He shouted back as he walked to the sink to wash his hands. Bits of meat fell off his hands and down the drain. Soft pink, crimson red, death and decay.

His hands were still wet when he shouted "I'll be right there!"

He ran up the stairs to the bathroom where he shut the door behind him and suppressed a silent sob for Maurizio and his own lost youth.

The doorbell rang and you were oddly thankful for the unexpected guests. "I'll get it!"

You were glad that Nicky was busy cooking but also wished he would talk to you. Yet, you knew not to push no matter how loud everything in you was screaming.

A smile spread across your face as you opened the door to see Chris and Rocky. "Hey, you two. Come on in!"

Chris gave you a small smile then tipped his hat before taking it off. Rocky kissed your cheek as he enetered your home. Stella greeted them both and they gave her customary scratches.

"Sorry Stella, I'm afraid I came to see your parents and not you this time." Rocky patted her head.

Chris looked around the house "Where's Nicky?"

"Upstairs, I think." You shut the door behind you and asked the obvious question "So you heard?"

They both nodded solemnly.

"Damn shame," Chris said.

"I was hoping it wasn't true." Rocky added.

"I just hope this gets Floyd for good and we can all rest now."

"Especially his family... poor kid." Rocky shook his head.

The room went silent as you all stood around.

"I'm gonna go look for Nicky. I'll be right back." Chris headed up the stairs leaving you and Rocky.

Rocky noticed the savory aroma filling the air "Oh, what are you cooking?"

You waved your hands "Oh, that's Nicky's doing. Not mine."

Rocky nodded and followed the smell to answer his own question. You trailed behind him.

"Actually, can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure thing." He poked his head in the oven to see what Nicky had been up to.

"Nicky kind of shut down after he got the call, and understandably so, but what do I do? I asked him if I could do anything but he said he was fine. He's clearly not but I don't want to push him."

Rocky closed the oven and looked at you with wise, tired eyes "So don't push him."

"But he's not okay."

"Obviously not but he doesn't want to talk about it." Rocky leaned against the counter "Just give him time. This is heavy stuff, kid and all he wants is to be with you, but it seems like everything in the world is pulling him back."

Your brows pinched as you marinated on his words of wisdom "Thanks. I didn't think of it that way."

"When he's ready, he'll talk to you." He patted your shoulder "Okay?"

You nodded and Rocky looked past you at the two men descending the stairs.

"I'm looking forward to this meal, Nicky. It's hard to find a taste of the motherland in this place."

Nicky gave him a half-hearted smile "I hope it tastes as good as you make it sound."

There was soft talk of this and that while the news of Maurizio's confirmed death hung over everyone's head like a cloud. Every now and then, your eyes darted to your husband and you noticed how his food looked untouched. His glass was half full and the only time he sipped from it was when someone started to talk to him. As if the wine would silence him forever so he wouldn't have to utter a word.

His hazel eyes were currently fixated on the oak table. Chris had just asked him a question.

"No, no new projects now. There's just too much going on."

"I know that. I asked if you had any ideas for an upcoming project."

"Oh," Nicky wiped his brow and smiled softly "no, I'm afraid not."

"I'm sure we'll have plenty of ideas after everything settles down." You chimed in.

Chris nodded his head "Y'know, I wouldn't blame you two if you took a break from the business."

"You deserve it." Rocky added before polishing off his glass.

The corner of your lip turned up in a suppressed smile. A knot had formed in your stomach. It didn't feel right to talk of vacations when you'd found out hours ago a teenager was murdered. "We'll see," is all you said.

The rest of the dinner was quiet which was unusual. Chris and Rocky took their leave but not before giving you and Nicky tight hugs. Then just like that, you were left alone with Nicky who said he was fine but obviously wasn't. Your hands were drying off the plate he'd just passed to you when he said "I'm going to bed early."

Your throat tensed and you tried to say "Okay," like you normally would but it sounded forced. It sounded candied with a sour center. He dried off his hands and kissed your temple then walked upstairs to your shared bedroom. When you were alone, you sighed and studied your reflection in the window.

About ten minutes later, you walked upstairs. When you made it into your bedroom, it looked like Nicky had already fell fast asleep. The room was a dark, icy blue. His mishapen figured was buried under the comforter with Stella at his side. You didn't feel steam from the bathroom nearby so he must've changed straight into his pajamas and climbed into bed.

The knot traveled from your stomach to your throat. It only multiplied with each step forward and it felt like a six ton weight when you sank into bed.

"Nicky, are you sleeping?"

"No."

You turned to face his back and tried to find your words but it didn't matter because he spoke for you.

"I really don't want to do this. Not right now."

You took a deep breath and exhaled softly. You patted the space between you then got up to get ready for bed.

It seemed like you were fighting sleep that night. Meanwhile, that was all Martin could think about. He and Agnes caught a red-eye to New York for several reasons. The first being to speak to the family of the bereaved. Seeing the mother's face twist when she heard the news was something he'd never forget. He remembered the sister being still as stone, a single tear falling from her eye. They interviewed them and thought they wouldn't get much except they were wrong. The sister had a small booklet of notes she gathered on Floyd's crew before he brother's untimely death. It was that small stack of yellowed, tattered pages that got them where they were now, looking into the trunk of Umberto Gavazzi's car. If you tore away the fabric, you saw a stash of keepsakes. The most noticeable being Maurizio's string bracelet which matched his sister's. Martin only saw it moments ago so when he noticed the red string, he felt sick.

"Sir," Agnes tapped Martin's arm.

"What?" He snapped back to the present.

"It's Cliff's baseball card." She pointed to the faded card peeking out behind Maurizio's bracelet among other keepsakes.

Martin and his assistant had made the most of their time in New York by interviewing Cliff Wallace's family as well. His father told a brief anectdote about how his son carried a baseball card with him everywhere. He got it for his eighth birthday and claimed it was good luck.

Martin dropped the fabric so the items were covered again. He approached one of the officers standing nearby. He locked eyes with Umberto himself who only stood a few feet away with an officer watching him like a guard dog.

"This man is under arrest for the murder of two children and God knows who else. Test everything in the trunk and send me the results as soon as you get them."

The officer nodded and looked back at his coworker and simply nodded. The man read Umberto Gavazzi his rights and clasped the metal bracelets around his wrists.

Author's Note: Martin may be my new favorite character. How do we feel about him? Fun fact, 'Death & Decay' was actually a perfume sold at my old job - not my favorite though lol.

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#nicky valentino vendetta #nicky valentino fictif #fictif nicky valentino #fictif nicky #nicky valentino #fictif #fictif nix hydra #nicky tatw #fictif tatw #fictif two against the world #madebyjade

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jadeee · 7 months

Text

Vendetta Ch. 11: Breaking News

The Valentinos make the front page and Martin finds new evidence.

📰 read chapters 1 - 10 here!

Warnings: angst, swearing, & murder

Word Count: 2.7k

Questions burned in her belly but she started with, "What are your guidelines?"

"The obvious one is about the trial. As you know, we can't say anything."

"No questions about the previous trial or my history with Floyd." Nicky said.

MJ nodded as she waited for more yet the silence lingered for a few seconds.

"Are there any other guidelines before we continue?"

You shook your head and Nicky said "Nope."

"Well," she grabbed her notepad "I wasn't going to ask about the trial or Floyd Capo."

Nicky's brows pinched together "What's your angle?"

"There is no angle, only the facts and the facts are that you're people." She saw how he mulled over her words "You two aren't some spectacle. What you're going through shouldn't be seen as entertainment."

After a moment of silence, he turned to you "You're right about her."

She smiled at the thought of being spoken of highly despite not being present. MJ picked up her pen and looked at you both with eager eyes. "How did the two of you meet?"

You chuckled and he smiled bashfully.

As the minutes flew by, you melted into your chairs. The hard lines of his brows began to soften when he talked about the first time he saw you. The walls you'd built over the last few weeks crumbled slowly at MJ's warm presence. Her hand cradled her face while you shared memories of moving into your new home.

"That reminds me of the turkey in the yard."

"Oh," he brought a hand up "absolute chaos."

"You should've seen your face."

"I was terrified!"

MJ chuckled, "For Stella?"

"And the turkey." He said.

Your shared laughter filled the room and she closed her notebook.

"Thank you again for giving me this opportunity."

You nodded "Of course."

She stood up, "I can send you the final draft before it's printed."

"No need, we trust you." He stood and you joined his side.

"Should we call a cab for you?"

"No, actually. I'm staying for a friend."

"Well, enjoy the party."

Nicky offered her his hand, "Don't work too hard."

"That's the only way I know how." She shook his hand.

While you wrapped up your interview, Rocky had his own important business to tend to. He ducked into a space away from the noise and reached for the phone on the counter.

Wisps of smoke danced in front of Martin's face. He studied the various notes sprawled out on his desk with squinted eyes. The phone rang with a shrill which disturbed his peace.

He exhaled the smoke and picked it up, "This is Martin."

"It's Rocky Bandello."

"Mr. Bandello, how can I help you?"

"It's the other way around this time."

Martin leaned back in his chair as Rocky continued.

"Chris told me you need some dirt on Floyd."

"I wouldn't call it that but –"

"Anyway, listen," Rocky paused "I used to know a guy who knew someone close to Floyd. There was talk of a kid who flipped on him."

His eyes widened "Was this kid... wait a second," Martin flipped through his notes "Maurizio Botticelli?"

"Hell if I know."

He shook his head "Well, what happened to him?"

"That's the thing. Nobody knows for sure but people were saying his body was dumped at a construction site."

"When was this?"

"About ten years ago."

He grabbed his pen then scribbled on a nearby sheet of paper.

"Ever heard of Gramercy Park?"

His hugged the phone in the crook of his neck, "I'm afraid I haven't."

"That's where the kid's buried, if he's even there. I wouldn't put it past Floyd though ..."

The pen teetered between his fingertips, "How old was he?"

"I think he was thirteen. Somewhere around there."

He tightened his grip on the phone "Right," he said before adding to his chicken scratch.

"It may not be true, but I thought it could help."

"I'll look into it."

Just when Martin pulled the phone away, Rocky spoke again. His voice was distant but Martin caught it.

"What was that?"

"I said, be honest with me. What are the odds looking like?"

"It's not about the cards, it's about how we play 'em."

Even though Rocky was silent on the other end, Martin swore he heard him smile.

"Enjoy the party, Mr. Bandello."

"I think the party's over for me, kid."

"Get home safely then."

"You too."

Martin found the number for the Parks and Rec Department of New York City but realized it wasn't any good when he remembered the time difference. He glanced at his clock on the wall and shook his head.

"It's nearly ten at night there."

His chest rose and deflated as he leaned back into his chair. A hand rested on his cheek, tired eyes looked over the pile of papers on his desk. The sound of the clock filled his dull office. Tick-tock. Floyd Capo. Tick-tock. Intent to murder.

"I can't use that. Double jeopardy..." he smacked his teeth then looked up at the ceiling.

Tick-tock, tick-tock. The kid, he thought, only 13. He picked up the phone and dialed a number.

"Martin Alonso calling for Arturo Ricci."

He glanced over his notes until the gruff familiar voice answered the phone.

"What do you want?"

"To know where Floyd dumped the body of a thirteen year old."

There was a brief pause.

"I guess I'll just call one of the other guys and they'll get a better deal. They already flipped on you too."

Martin moved the phone a few inches away from his face then grinned when he heard the man plead.

"Wait a second!"

He held the phone to his ear.

"Look, I didn't do it. Okay?"

"So, why are we still talking?"

He spoke in a hushed tone "Because I know who did. If I tell you, can you get me out of here? For good."

He pinched the bridge of his nose, "I'll work something out."

"I'll see you tomorrow at 9. Until then, keep your mouth shut and your head down."

Arturo hung up without another word. Martin placed the phone back onto the receiver and loosened his tie.

Martin practically rose before the sun did. He'd only had a cup of coffee when he called New York City's Parks and Rec Department. His request was anything but simple: a list of parks built a decade ago along with all construction companies who'd worked on these projects including employees.

When the person on the other line politely refused, due to "lack of manpower", Martin reminded him about the weight of this case.

"How do you think New York parents are gonna feel when they find out lil' Johnny and Suzie are swinging over a dead man?"

The line went silent.

"I want park names, employee's numbers, and time cards or you'll be unemployed before lunch. Is that what you want, Thomas?"

There was a brief silence, "What boroughs do you need, sir?"

"All of them."

"Should I also write down the construction company and their contact?" Thomas asked jokingly with a sneer.

"It's like you read my mind, Thomas." He set the phone back onto the receiver.

He finished getting dressed before heading over to see his most compliant informant. The phone rang as he straightened his tie. He rested it on his shoulder while smoothing down his shirt.

"Hello?"

"Yes, is this Martin Alonso?"

He straightened his posture, "Yes, who is this?"

"This is Jonathan Morris with the New York City Parks and Rec Daprtment. I'm the manager and I've just been informed of your rather detailed demands."

"You understand how important it is then that I have those documents." He shared an annoyed glance with himself in the mirror.

"It's unlikely we'll be able to complete your request. Especially by the end of the day."

"I see... Mr. Morris, can you clarify something for me?"

"Sure." He said.

"You want to abandon your due diligence as a citizen of this country and let a criminal out on the streets? Again?" He chuckled in disbelief.

Jonathan cleared his throat "No, sir. I simply-- all I'm saying is--"

"Don't explain it to me," he said "explain it to the cops when they get there."

"Sir!" He spoke with an urgency, "I'm not helping a felon by denying you these documents. I'm simply saying, they may not be in your hands by the end of today." His voice cracked in several places, along with his pride.

"You have one day to get me those documents or you will be charged with obstruction of justice,"

He nodded his head even though Martin couldn't see it.

"Have Thomas call me at my office once it's done. I already gave him the number."

"Yes, sir." Jonathan said quietly.

The damp air felt too familiar in Martin's nostrils. He signed the clipboard and the guards greeted him by name. They checked his belongings before sending him on his way.

He unbuttoned his jacket then sat down at the table. The quiet room was eerily comforting in that moment. Where men his age would be atuned to the honeyed voices of their wives, he felt an odd peace hearing the distant clamor of the prisoners. The iron bars of the door clanged and he came to. He opened his eyes to look at Arturo who was being guided to the seat by a guard.

"No black eye or bruises? Good." He nodded approvingly as the guard cuffed Arturo to the table.

Arturo chuckled "Aw, you worried about me?"

The guard walked off to leave the two alone.

"You're my golden ticket." He leaned forward "So, talk."

"Not until I get my deal," he tapped the table "like we said."

He clenched his jaw "What do you want?"

"I want to get out of here."

"And go where?" Martin asked with a hint of hopelessness.

"Anywhere he wouldn't find me." He averted his gaze and thought of the different possibilities. "What about somewhere tropical? Like the Bahamas?"

"So they could kill you with a coconut in your hand?" He chuckled.

The two were silent for a moment before he spoke again. "Alright," he scribbled onto a paper and slid it toward Arturo "How about this?"

He read: Arkansas. New identity. NO family, friends, or girls.

"But," he pulled the paper back "that's only if what you say is true and it helps me get this guy for good."

Arturo gestured to his pen. He handed it to him and watched him write on the page.

"This is all I know," he set the pen down "I didn't know the guy who did it but I saw him once. He still works for Floyd and he's back in New York."

Martin held the paper up, which read: Umberto Gavassi, along with an address. "Maurizio Botticelli," he set the paper down "You don't have any other details? No dates? Times?"

Arturo shook his head "But you can get me out right?"

Martin stopped himself from saying otherwise and squinted at the half-truth he was about to tell, "Yes."

Arturo smiled "Thank God."

I wouldn't do that just yet, Martin thought. "Do you know if Floyd did this with anyone else? Any other kids?"

Arturo shrugged, "I don't know but he usually got kids to work for 'em. Hell, some of us started when we were Maurizio's age."

"Who?" Martin held his pen in his hand as Arturo listed off names. "How old were you, Arturo?"

"9, 1o." Arturo shook his head "I should've been jumping rope but I was jumping fences. I actually remeber seeing Umberto back then too. Some kid got caught on a job we did but he got out somehow. We saw him the next day where we met up... Umberto came in and pulled him out of the room and we never saw him again... his name was," Arturo snapped his fingers "Cliff Wallace!"

Martin added the name to the list yet Arturo kept speaking.

"Yeah, he was the same age as me then. One of the guys always said that Umberto probably pushed him off a cliff." Arturo scratched at his incoming beard as tears stung in his eyes.

"How fitting." Martin deadpanned, "Cliff have any siblings? You know his parents?"

Arturo shook his head "No. I don't know but that other kid Maurizio had a sister who followed us almost everday for months after he went missing."

Martin flicked his eyes up at him and Arturo said, "Sabine."

"Arturo, if this is true and I find evidence. You can pack that suitcase."

Martin closed his notebook with a certain finality then placed it in his briefcase.

Arturo clenched his jaw and nodded. He tried not to show his excitement but the buried smile, peeked through.

Martin barely set his foot into the office when his assistant, Agnes, stood up.

"Sir, you have those papers from the parks and rec department. I put them on your desk."

"Thank you," he sighed as he sat down in front of the mountain of papers. Agnes pulled up a chair and helped him review each paper. The sun was starting to set when they finally made a crack in the case.

"Gramercy Park?" A man said over the phone "No wonder you couldn't find it, they renamed it in the middle of construction! It's Peace Grove now."

"That makes sense," Martin sat back in his seat and gestured for Agnes to stop sifting through papers. She sat back and listened to the conversation. "Listen, Robert, I have some questions for you about when you worked there. At the site."

"Who are you again? A lawyer, right?"

"Yes, my name is Martin Alonso and I'm a lawyer in California. I'm working on a high profile case and your answers can help me put someone away for a long time."

"Oh," Robert went silent "that's a lot of responsibility. I don't want to be involved in any mess."

"No, no, Robert. You'd be a huge help!"

"Mhm... what'd this guy do anyway?"

Martin sighed "We think he killed a kid and buried him at Peace Grove."

"Dear Lord..." Robert went quiet. "Alright, what do you need to know?"

Martin gestured for Agnes to take notes "Do you remember seeing anything strange while working on the site?"

"Let's see... that was about ten years ago..."

"Anything will help, Robert. Even if you heard or saw anything or anyone strange."

"Now that you mention it, I remeber coming back to the site one day and the first layer of concrete was already down for the slide. We had everything prepped the night before but we hadn't laid the foundation yet. I just thought it was the new guy, he was always going 100 miles a minute."

"So the foundation was laid but your crew didn't put it there," Agnes wrote down what Martin summarized. "Did you see anything else that was strange?"

"Yeah, in that concrete there was some pieces of what looked like fabric. Just little drops. Y'know the stuff we had was so cheap I thought maybe it came from our uniforms or somethin'. I didn't know it was a kid... Lord have mercy." Robert said in a hushed tone.

"Robert?"

"Hm?"

"Do you know anything else?"

"I'm sorry, that's it."

"Is Peace Grove still open to the public?"

"Oh, yeah! Those children go there everyday. It's not in a good part of the neighborhood but anything to keep them off the streets."

A sadness flashed across Martin's face at how it didn't work out for Maurizio or Cliff. "Did you see this with any other construction sites you worked on?"

"Look, I barely remeber what I wore yesterday. You'd have to ask my wife!" He chuckled then returned to his somber tone "Listen, I'm sorry but if you need me to speak in court. I can. Anything for that poor child."

"Thank you, Robert."

Martin placed the phone back onto the receiver.

"Write up a warrant to break ground on Peace Grove in New York and call NYPD," he stood to his feet "they need to search for Maurizio's body."

Agnes noticed the sadness that remained in his eyes. "I didn't want to say this earlier with the case going on but your wife called."

Martin froze in his tracks and Agnes shifted to look at his face.

"She wanted to see how you were doing."

"NYPD will want to check where the slides are. That's where his body should be." He left the room without saying another word.

Author's Note: This was long overdue but thank you to everyone who's been patient with me. I know I keep saying it but I'm honestly glad that people are still reading this - sometimes I think it's lost traction because of all my hiatuses and fads and whatnot but I'm glad that's not the case. Alright, I'm done being sappy 🥀 I hope you enjoy the next chapter just as much, if not more! < Previous Chapter | Next Chapter >

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