27. Lana

27

LANA

I glance at my phone for what feels like the hundredth time tonight. Still no word from Henry. I try to push down the worry creeping into my chest. He's probably just working late. I'm sure he has many cases and no doubt more come in all the time. Perhaps that's what life with a detective includes—late nights and worry.

I sigh, knowing it's crazy to think about a life with Henry. And yet, despite all the reasons we shouldn't be together, I can't stop thinking about him. The way he looks at me like he sees past all my defenses. How safe I feel in his arms, even though he represents everything I've been taught to distrust.

But how can we possibly make this work? I can't think of a way, even as I find myself constantly trying to work out how we can just be Henry and Lana, without all the complications of our worlds.

I'm not ready to give up on seeing Henry tonight, so instead of retiring to my room after dinner, I make my way to the sitting room. Elio and Matteo are going out for business, but it's not anything that involves me, so I'm home by myself. No, not by myself, but after my rude behavior toward Piper, I've felt I should give her and Elysse their own space.

"I've got wine."

I look up to see Piper enter the sitting room with Elysse in tow. "I wouldn't mind a glass. But should you?" Did something happen to the baby?

"I have juice," she says, "but I thought you might want wine."

"Look what I'm reading," Elysse says as she trots in and sits on the chaise chair my mother used to read in. She holds up the book for me to see.

"Oh, that looks like a fun adventure," I say of the book about a dog looking for his little girl owner.

Piper hands me a glass of wine and sits at the other end of the couch from where I sit. "Thank you."

Piper eyes me over the rim of her juice glass as she sips. "I'm not sure whether you're avoiding me or not."

Guilt fills me. "Not avoiding you. I figure you wouldn't want to be around me after what I said."

"But you apologized. Did I give you the idea that I didn't want to be around you?"

I shake my head. "No. I suppose it's my own guilt."

"Well, stop it. I want us to be friends. And I know Elysse is excited to have an aunt… a real family." She rests her hand on her belly.

I've never thought much of having a family. I figured I'd be married at some point but haven't spent time fantasizing about the details of it. Now, I'm wondering about a life with Henry. Does he want kids?

"Thank you for reaching out," I say sincerely.

"Of course."

"I should thank you too for making Elio so happy. He never did get over losing you. I hadn't realized it until you came back, but now I see it."

Her smile is wide. "I never thought Elio and I would ever find our happily ever after, so this feels like a miracle."

I sip my wine, wanting to ask her questions about love… especially love with someone who is from a different world. "You don't have a problem with Elio's… work?"

She laughs. "Do I worry about it? Do I wonder if he really needs to be in it, considering the success of the more legitimate businesses? Yes. But even legitimate businesses break the rules."

"Right!" I say, happy that she understands. "Corruption is everywhere." Even in law enforcement if Henry's suspicions about Lazaro are right.

"Yes."

I look down in my glass, watching the red liquid swirl.

"Have you met someone outside this life?"

I look up. "Why would you ask that?"

She smiles. "It's a guess. I'm right, though, aren't I?"

I nod. I want Henry. And I know Elio will need to be okay with that, but I don't know how to talk to him about it. Maybe Piper can help me.

I take a deep breath. "I've been seeing someone."

"Lana! That's wonderful," Piper exclaims.

"What's so wonderful?" Elysse looks up from her book.

"Aunt Lana is dating someone."

Elysse makes a face. "Boys are dumb."

Piper and I laugh.

"Yes, well, that too," I say.

"Who is he?" Piper asks, sinking into the couch like we're having a girl's sleepover and will be talking into the early morning hours.

I bite my lip, steeling myself. "It's… it's Detective Lutz."

Piper's jaw drops. "The cop who's been investigating the family?"

I nod.

She blows out a breath. "I can't see that working…"

"I know how it sounds, but he's different. I mean… he's all about law and order, so I know it can't work, and yet…"

"Does he feel the same?"

"He says things that make me think so. It's not like he doesn't know who I am or my family."

She studies me for a moment. "Could he be using you?"

I swallow. "I've thought so, but his job is at risk too if anyone finds out. After all, I'm a target of his investigation."

She's quiet, and I can't read her.

"He's looking into Lazaro's disappearance." I don't know how to explain Henry so she sees him like I do.

"Elio knows, does he?"

"No one does. I was thinking it would burn out, you know? But the more I'm with him, the more I want him. I want what you and Elio have. But I don't know how to tell Elio that."

She thinks for a moment, and I'm heartened that she seems to be trying to work through a way I can have Henry.

"It's not like Elio doesn't have relationships with cops," she finally says. "The ones who saved us" —she glances at Elysse— "work for him."

"Yes, well, Henry's not a cop to be bought. He's a man of principles."

Piper arches a brow. "But he wants to be with you too? Surely, he knows your family."

"Now you see the problem."

Piper reaches out and squeezes my hand. "You're like Romeo and Juliette."

"So you're saying we have to die?"

She shakes her head. "No. My guess is that something will have to give. One or both of you will have to sacrifice more than most people."

"You mean he'll need to give up his integrity and belief in the law, or I'll have to give up my family?" If that's even possible. I don't see Elio trying to kill me if I leave the family, but someone else might.

"You know, I wouldn't count Elio out. He chose me instead of marrying Rinella's daughter. He stood up for love."

"My situation is different."

"Maybe, but even you thought he was a little too starry-eyed about me. He knows love. Especially since you've been happier lately."

"What?"

"We might not have been seeing much of each other, but I've watched you. Two nights, you haven't come home."

My cheeks heat.

"And you seem more upbeat."

"It's been a roller coaster ride of emotion," I admit, "but he does make me feel alive."

"I'm so glad. You deserve to be happy, Lana."

"Thank you, Piper. I don't suppose we can keep this between us until I figure out what to do, can we?"

She nods. "It's not my place to tell your story."

I'm relieved. I've been thinking she and Elio were the type to share every little intimate detail.

"I would warn you that if you glean anything coming down the pike that could impact the family, you should let Elio know."

I nod. I don't like the idea that I'd betray Henry by revealing legal moves by the police to my brother, but since Henry doesn't tell me anything like that anyway, I doubt it will be a problem.

"Of course." The family comes first. I know that.

My phone rings, and my heart jumps hoping it's Henry. Instead, I see a number I don't recognize. Normally, I'd ignore it, except with Elio and Matteo out, it's possible they're involved with something that would have them calling from a burner device.

"Hello?"

"Ms. D'Amato? This is Officer Jenkins from Chicago PD."

I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yes?"

"I'm calling about Matteo Moretti. He's been in an accident."

Worry fills me, and I rise from the couch to leave the room. "What happened? Is he alright?"

"He's being seen by paramedics on the scene, but he's refusing transport to the hospital. He asked that we call you to come get him."

"Okay. What about his partner, Elio D'Amato?"

"He's not here."

Where is Elio?

"I'm on my way." My mind reels as I hang up and then dial Elio's number. I'm trying to keep it together, but I'm having flashbacks to Lazaro's disappearance. "Pick up, Elio." His phone goes to voicemail.

"What's wrong?" Piper has come to the foyer, obviously sensing something is wrong.

"Matteo was in an accident."

Her expression is stricken. "Elio?"

I shake my head. "I don't know. He's not there and doesn't answer his phone. I'm going to get Matteo."

"I'll come with you. Diana will stay. She and Elysse?—"

"No. You need to be here in case Elio returns. Call Dr. Evans as well in case Matteo will need medical attention."

She nods but looks as terrified as I feel. I want to comfort her, but I know bad things happen to families like ours.

"Where are you going?" she asks.

I give her the area Officer Jenkins told me outside of town. "I could be an hour or so."

"Be careful," she says as I grab my purse and head to the garage to get a car. I consider having a driver take me, but I don't want to show up with an entourage and make the cops suspicious.

I grab a dark sedan and head out into the dark streets of Chicago. I'm trying to shake off the sensation that I'm right back where I was three years ago, frantically searching for Lazaro. Only this time, it will be Elio who's missing.

My mind works to piece together what could have happened. What were they doing tonight? Why didn't Elio tell me what they were up to?

I start to reach for my phone to call Henry, but my hand freezes. Certainly, Matteo and Elio were dealing with the less savory side of business. I can't ask Henry to come be a part of that. He's already risking so much by being with me.

My eyes fill with tears as the reminder of why Henry and I will never have what Elio and Piper have hits home. No matter how much we care for each other, there will always be parts of my life I have to keep hidden from him. At moments like this, when I could use his support, I can't reach out.

I blink back tears, forcing myself to watch the road. Matteo needs me. Elio needs me. I can't afford to fall apart now.

I pull onto the road Officer Jenkins said Matteo is waiting for me. It's on the outskirts of town, an area we don't have any business in, that I'm aware of. The road is dark, no flashing lights from police cars or an ambulance.

I pick up my phone to call Officer Jenkins back to find out what hospital they took Matteo to after all. But then I see two cop cars on the side of the road. I have a tingling sensation that something is off, but I ignore it as paranoia left over from the search of my office the other day.

I park my car and step out, my eyes darting around nervously. "Officer Jenkins?" I call out.

One of the car doors opens and an officer approaches me.

"Hello."

The voice stops me. He draws near enough that I can see who he is. Dickhead. I start walking backward to my car.

"Miss me?" His leer makes my stomach pitch.

I've just walked into a trap. A trap that Elio and Matteo must have fallen for as well.

My heart pounds in my chest as I turn to run back to my car. But it's too late. His hand grabs my arm and jerks me around.

"Resisting arrest is against the law." He pushes me against the car, this time cuffing me without grinding his dick against me. Maybe this is supposed to look like a legit arrest in his body cam.

"You have no reason to arrest me." God, why didn't I call Henry? "Where is Matteo? Elio?"

He laughs. "I have no idea." He tugs me back toward his car. I wonder who is in the other car? I have a flash that it could be Henry… but no. He wouldn't.

"Officer Jenkins, I don't know what you think I've done?—"

"It's Officer Rogers, sweet cheeks."

"Like I said, I haven't done anything."

"Shut your pretty mouth unless you plan to use it on my cock."

I shudder. Clearly, there is no body camera. The police took Lazaro. They probably have Elio and Matteo. And now they have me. But they don't seem interested in justice. At least not one found in the court system.

As Officer Rogers pushes me into his car, I realize that I'm probably about to die.