24. Henry

24

HENRY

I t's disturbing how difficult it was not to ask Lana to come over last night. Texting her was the compromise. As predicted, she haunted me in my sleep. After jerking off in the shower this morning, I head to work, on to the next disturbing issue in my life—the possibility that dirty cops are behind Lazaro's disappearance.

After grappling with the possibilities and implications all night, I enter work today thinking I must have just missed the information in the reports. The tapes are probably misfiled. It's not that I don't believe there are dirty cops. I don't want to believe I'm working with them, helping them in an agenda to bring down the D'Amato family. That thought is disturbing too. The D'Amatos are criminals. I shouldn't be worried about them. But I also believe that two wrongs don't make a right. We can't break the law to bring criminals to justice.

Peter is off on some other case, so I spend all my time going through everything I can find on Lazaro with a fine-toothed comb. There's nothing, not a single mention of the shop owner's statement or the tapes. No recording of a call from Lana about the shopkeeper.

The pit of my stomach turns as I head to evidence storage in search of misplaced tapes. Of course, I can't look everywhere, but I search all the evidence around where Lazaro's evidence was stored before I took it. I go through other boxes from the same time frame. I search boxes of other organized crime investigations and missing persons. No tapes.

Eventually, I have to let the search go as I have other cases to deal with. But my mind is never far from Lazaro's case and the implications of what happened to him.

Lana and I agreed that we need to keep things on the down-low between us. But I also know that I need to tell her what I've learned. At least some of it. Or maybe it's just that I'm dying to see her.

Before I can second-guess myself, I dial her number.

"Henry?" Her voice is guarded, but there's a hint of curiosity.

"Hey. Any chance you could come over?" I try to keep my tone steady, but urgency seeps through.

There's a pause on the other end. "Is this about Lazaro?"

"Yes."

Another pause. I can almost hear her weighing her options. She knows as I do that we're playing a risky game. A game made more dangerous yesterday with the search of her office.

"Alright," she says finally. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

As I hang up, relief washes over me, quickly followed by a fresh wave of anxiety. What I'm about to tell her could change everything. Not just for the case, but for us. She'll be pissed. She'll demand I do something. Hell, she might think I'm part of it. Or part of covering it up.

I busy myself, straightening up my apartment, though it's already tidy. Anything to keep my hands occupied while I wait. My mind still whirls with possibilities about who is behind Lazaro's disappearance. Peter's dislike of the D'Amatos comes into the forefront of my mind. He's had a vendetta against the D'Amatos ever since his father's murder. Could his desire for revenge have pushed him to take matters into his own hands? It's a chilling thought, considering how close we've become as partners.

I recall Peter's words about Lazaro. "I don't care that Lazaro D'Amato disappeared three years ago. I want the family brought to justice." At the time, I took it as frustration, but now I wonder if there was more to it. Still, his indifference doesn't necessarily imply guilt.

But then I remember Peter's actions yesterday. He didn't hesitate to report the cops who mishandled Lana during the search. If he hated the D'Amatos enough to cross the line, he wouldn't have reported the cops.

The more I think about it, the less likely it seems that Peter was directly involved. He's passionate about bringing down the D'Amatos, sure, but kidnapping? Peter idolizes his father who wouldn't condone such vengeance. No, Peter wouldn't do anything that his father would disapprove of.

When a knock comes to the door, I suck in a breath to steady myself. I need to be professional. I need to stick to the law. I need to not let my feelings for her cloud the work I need to do.

I open the door. Lana stands there looking so fucking beautiful.

"Come in." I step aside to let her pass, but unable to help myself, I reach for her, pulling her close. Our lips meet in a fierce, desperate kiss. It's as if all the tension, the fear, and the longing I've been holding back suddenly break free. My hands tangle in her hair as I deepen the kiss, savoring her taste, her warmth.

For a moment, the world fades away. There's no case, no missing brother, no conflicting loyalties. Just us.

But reality crashes back in all too soon. I pull away, breathing heavily, my forehead resting against hers. "I'm sorry," I murmur, though I'm not sure if I'm apologizing for the kiss or for what I'm about to tell her.

Lana's eyes search mine, confusion and desire swirling in their depths. "Henry, what's going on?"

"Come in, and I'll share what I can."

As she settles on my couch, I remember her expression, a mixture of anger and hurt as her office was searched. Their aggressive behavior nags at me, especially in light of what I've learned about the missing tapes.

"Want a drink?" I ask.

"Sure. You should pour yourself two. You look like you need it."

My lips twitch up at that. I enjoy her banter. I pour us drinks, handing one to her. I hold mine as I stay standing, nervous energy propelling me to pace.

"Before I tell you what I found, I need to ask you about those officers yesterday. Did you recognize any of them?"

Lana shakes her head. "No, they weren't familiar. Why?"

"Their behavior was way out of line. It makes me wonder if there's more to it than just following up on a tip."

"It certainly felt personal." She shudders, and I want to lock us both away from the world and shelter us from the ugliness of the world.

"But you don't know them? Would Elio? Would Lazaro have?"

She thinks for a moment. "I don't know. Maybe. But why come after me? Despite what you think, Henry, my work is one hundred percent legit."

I had no doubt that was the working line. My research into Mafia families indicates that women aren't officially initiated as soldiers or leaders. Lana is smart, and I imagine she's an advisor to Elio, but also, her work in their legitimate activities keeps her separate from their criminal enterprises. It's genius, actually.

"I don't know." There's something gnawing at me. I don't want to let it through, but I also can't dismiss it. What was the point of yesterday's search? What if it was to take her as they'd taken Lazaro? Perhaps this was a vendetta against Elio.

"But you think they had personal motives?"

"It's possible." My brain is in overload as more possibilities flood in.

"Did they take Lazaro?" Her voice is soft. It's only when she talks about Lazaro that I feel like I see the real her. The unguarded Lana. The warm, loving, loyal woman.

"I don't know. The problem is that we don't know why he was taken. There are too many possible motives from too many people."

Her eyes narrow and her guard goes up. "So, what now? You're going to give up."

I sigh, not wanting to battle with her. "No. But this isn't straightforward, Lana. Was his kidnapping about him?"

"Who else would it be about?"

"Elio. Perhaps this search today was about Elio? Maybe it's not even related to the other tips we've been getting. Everything could be connected, or nothing could be connected. You see the problem, right?" Even as I say that, I think about the missing tapes, which suggests Lazaro's disappearance is related to him and not retaliation against Elio.

"Okay. So, what next?"

I down my drink and grab another one. When I return, Lana is eyeing me. She knows something is up.

"I followed up on your lead."

"The one the cops failed to look into?"

I nod. "Yes."

"And?"

"And there's nothing in the report."

"Why would there be if they didn't follow up?"

"Because they did follow up. Or maybe it wasn't a follow-up. Maybe it was planned."

She studies me like she's trying to decipher what I'm saying.

Hell, I don't know what I'm saying. "Cops, or men pretending to be cops, questioned her and took the surveillance tapes."

Her reaction is immediate. Anger and a fierce, deadly look in her eyes. It's never occurred to me that Lana could have killed people as others in organized crime have. But right now, I can see that she's capable.

"Cops took Lazaro?"

"I don't know that?—"

"But after yesterday, you think it's possible?"

I shrug. "Like I said, it could be or not. Lazaro disappeared three years ago, so why hassle you now? Especially since you're under the belief that Rinella is behind the calls?" I make a mental note that the goon cops could be working for Rinella.

She shakes her head. "You're still not telling me everything, Henry."

"I don't know everything," I snap back more harshly than I want. Already, I've told her more than I should. How is it that in trying to help her, I feel like I'm betraying my work?

The tension builds between us. "I can't give you specifics. It's an ongoing investigation, and I need to be careful about what I reveal."

Her expression hardens, eyes narrowing. "Are you kidding me? You drag me over here, tell me cops might be involved in my brother's disappearance, and then clam up?"

"Lana, I?—"

She cuts me off, her voice rising. "Why even mention it if you're not going to tell me anything? Do you have any idea what this means to me?"

"Of course I do. That's why I told you what I could. I'm trying to keep you in the loop without compromising the investigation."

"Compromise?" She rises from the couch, looking offended. "What do you think I'm going to do?"

Before I can respond, she holds a hand up to stop me. "Just when I think I can trust you. When I think you trust me…" She sucks in a breath like she's trying not to slap me. "Do you enjoy toying with me?"

"No. I'm trying to do my job and help you at the same time. It's not that simple. It's not any more simple than your spending time helping me on the case while hiding it from your brother, as I'm sure you're doing. We're on a tightrope here, Lana."

"Shows what you know. Elio is aware that I've been talking to you."

I swallow, wondering if I need to be worried about that. Does he know what else I've been doing with Lana?

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my frustration. This isn't how I wanted this conversation to go. I reach out, gently grasping Lana's arms. "I told you what I could because I'm worried about your safety."

Her eyes narrow, but some of the anger fades from her expression. "My safety?"

I nod, relieved she's listening. "If there are cops involved in Lazaro's disappearance, it means you could be in danger too. I need you to be careful." While I don't want her blabbing about my investigation, perhaps Elio needs to know about all this. Certainly, he'd put more guards on her or whatever Mob men do to protect their families.

"What do you mean, be careful?"

"Just… be aware of your surroundings. Don't go anywhere alone. If you're pulled over, call me immediately. And if there are any more searches?—"

"There won't be any more searches." She waves her hand and steps away from me.

I blink, caught off guard by her statement. "How can you be sure?"

A small smile plays on her lips. "Let's just say the situation has been handled."

My detective instincts kick into high gear. What does she mean by "handled'? Has Elio done something?

The implication behind her confident statement sends a chill down my spine. "What exactly do you mean by that? What did you do?"

She meets my gaze, unflinching. "We paid a visit to Rinella."

"What kind of visit?" I press, dreading the answer.

Lana shrugs, her nonchalance at odds with the gravity of the situation. "We made it clear that his actions were unacceptable. Let's just say he got the message."

I run a hand through my hair, anxiety gnawing at my gut. "Please tell me you didn't do anything drastic."

She rolls her eyes. "Relax, Henry. No one was seriously injured. We just made our point."

Her words do little to ease my concern. 'Seriously injured' still implies some level of harm. And knowing the D'Amatos' reputation, I can only imagine what 'making their point' entailed.

"What exactly did you do?" I ask, my voice low and urgent.

She gives me a piercing stare. "Do you look into other families like you and your partner are looking into mine?"

"You're changing the subject."

"You know mine isn't the only family accused of questionable activities. Why are you and your partner so focused on mine?"

I swallow. I already mentioned Peter's father's murder and its possible connection to Lazaro to her. But I don't need her wondering if Peter is targeting her family. "I'm sure other cops are working other families. The FBI for sure is watching."

She smirks. "Right. They can't even figure out who is the head of The Outfit."

I arch a brow. "Who is?"

She feigns innocence. "How would I know? I'm a legitimate businesswoman."

"So you have no reason to hurt Rinella?"

"Oh for Pete's sake, Henry. This isn't 1930s Chicago. Or 1980s New York. Rinella and his family are fine. Just forewarned."

That's a relief. "Christ, Lana. You had me worried there for a minute."

The humor in her expression falters. "You don't see me."

My heart stops. "What?"

"All you see is what you think you know about my family." She sighs and turns to the door. "Thank you for sharing what you could."

Oh, hell, she's leaving. "Where are you going?"

"Home. You've already said you can't tell me more, and… I can't risk all this with you, Henry, when you don't see me."

"Lana." I reach for her, relieved when she doesn't pull away. I press my hand on her cheek. "I'm sorry. I do see you… but only what you've let me see. I see a woman who desperately loves her family, her twin brother. A woman who is smart and brave. I want to see all of you."

"Then why not tell me all you know?"

"It's not because of your family. It's how cases are investigated. Some info, I have to keep close to the vest no matter what. I've kept lots of information from victims' families in my other cases. The truth is, I've already told you more than I should."

She studies me for a moment. Her expression turns flirtatious, and I know I'm in trouble. She steps closer, her eyes locked on mine, a coy smile playing at her lips. "Since you've already said more than you should, what is the harm in sharing a bit more?" Her fingers walk up my chest.

I catch her hand, holding it against my heart. "Nice try, sweetheart. But your charms, as potent as they are, won't make me spill confidential information."

Lana pouts, but mischief dances in her eyes. "Are you sure about that? I can be very persuasive when I want to be." She leans in, her tits pressing against my chest.

My dick betrays my attempt to be strong against her charms. "You're playing a dangerous game here."

She pulls back slightly, meeting my gaze. "Maybe I like dangerous games, Detective."

I never thought I'd think this, but it appears I like dangerous games too. "Careful." I run my thumb over her lower lip. "You're trying to manipulate a cop. If you keep this up, I might have to punish you."

Lana's eyes widen, surprise and excitement flashing across her face. It makes my dick rock hard.

"Will you cuff me, Detective Lutz?"