Chapter 17Ciara

Chapter 17

Ciara

It was a gray and cloudy day, much like my mood. Although it seemed like it would rain, it was humid in high temperatures of 32°. Neve held tightly to my hand as we walked into the dim musky building. Luca and a few others kept close behind.

The stench of formalin, which was used as antiseptic, was strong. But it was the smell of death that had me short of breath. There was no rotting flesh, just that thick odor that comes with a lifeless body that was choking me to death.

Within a couple of hours, we arrived at the morgue to have my brother's body signed out. I didn't want to leave the base in case something happened while I was away, but I knew I needed to send off my brother until we had him buried.

I thought that it would take a few more hours for Costa to arrive but they arrived while I was talking to the technician. Apparently, Costa had a helicopter that he used for transporting corpses for burial. Accompanying the helicopter was Blaze private jet with about a dozen of his soldiers. They landed at the airstrip a few miles away.

My eyes widened at the look of the men. They looked like actual soldiers in the US army. They all wore black cargo pants with black t-shirts and black combat boots. All of them were ripped and ready for action. I also noted that they all were strapped with guns, batons, tasers and some had knives. One had a nunchaku attached to his belt. Luca had previously told me that an ex-marine was their trainer, but I didn't think they were that good … until now.

"Miss Braithwaite, please come this way," the technician said, interrupting the admiration I had for these soldiers.

I held tightly to Neve's hand when she would have let go. "I need you with me," I told her.

"I'm not leaving you."

We walked hand in hand into the storage area where I would identify Cory a second time before release to ensure that they were sending off the right body.

I closed my eyes and stopped my breath as he pulled out the freezer tray. Cory looked as if he were sleeping, and I was tempted to shake him awake. I swallowed hard and release a breath.

"That's my brother," I croaked.

A van arrived to take the body to the airfield, and I watched as his body was lifted unto the gurney, wrapped in a sheet and placed in a black casket. I followed as they wheeled him outside and placed him inside the back of the van.

Neve's arm came up around my shoulder hugging me tightly to her. She walked with me that way as I approached the van.

"Wait," I told the man who was about the shut the door. "I need to talk to my brother a minute."

He nodded and stepped aside. "Take as much time."

"Thanks."

Neve dropped her arm. I released a shuddering breath before gripping her hand again and taking her with me to the van.

"Cory," I sobbed with no tears. "Sis will make things right, I promise. Next time you see me, I'll be much calmer, and I will send you off to a place where no one will hurt you. Be a good boy until we meet."

I turned and began walking to our car which was a few meters away. Neve had arrived with Nando, who was now talking with Luca and Sandy. I had come with Luca and he now turned and started walking my way.

Neve took my hand in both of hers. "You okay, Sis?"

I rested my head on her shoulder. "Yes. I'm glad you're here."

"Me too. I wanted to come as soon as I heard, but you said I shouldn't."

"I don't want you stressing over anything. My niece or nephew needs you to take it easy."

"I will. But if you need anything, call me. Promise me."

"I'll call."

"Even just to talk. I didn't like that you haven't even called to vent on me. I can take it. But I see you got someone else. I'm jealous," she joked.

"I promise there is nothing to be jealous of. You're my only Sis and I love you."

We hugged. "I love you too."

* * *

We rude in silence for a few minutes, both Luca and I in the back seat. He held my hand much like the way Neve had done earlier.

"Are you hungry?" he asked. "You haven't eaten all day."

"No, not hungry. But I need to go to my apartment."

The driver was directed to take me to my home, and we rode there in silence. Luca must have realized I didn't need to talk; his presence was enough for me. At least I wasn't acting crazy like before. I still didn't think I was as calm as I should be, but I was getting there.

I must have drifted off to sleep because the next thing I knew was lying in Luca's lap in our parking lot, the driver outside smoking a joint.

I sat up. "Did I fall asleep?"

"Hmm," he hummed. "We're here. Let me know when you're ready to come back to the factory."

"Aren't you coming with me?"

He was surprised. "I thought you wanted to be alone.

"I never said that. Let's go."

"Yes ma'am."

He told the driver he'd call when we were ready. The apartment was cold and dark, as though no one lived there. I felt the emptiness that Cory's absence brought. I took Luca's hand and led him down the passage to Cory's room where I kicked off my shoes and told him to do the same. I pulled him down onto the bed and had him lie down.

"I just need you to hold me," I muttered, resting my head on his chest as his arm wrapped warmly around me. "Just like that. Thank you."