CHAPTER 3

 

Alyssa lounged comfortably on her plush couch, indulging in the savory combination of cheese and crackers while sipping her favorite energy drink. The gentle strains of classical music filled the air, creating a peaceful ambiance. Suddenly, the jarring sound of her phone ringing pierced the tranquility, causing her to startle.

 

As Alyssa checked her phone, she couldn't believe what she saw - Penny's smiling face beaming back at her. Her initial surprise quickly turned to frustration as she answered the call, trying to keep her anger in check, "Penny, what part of 'it's my day off' do you not understand?"

 

Penny replied in a whiny tone, "Don't kill the messenger. I'm sorry, but this time, I guess I'm delivering his peace offering."

 

Alyssa was skeptical. "Oh, this should be good. What is it? Is Big Spender having you bring coffee in the morning? Fine, make mine a cappuccino."

 

Penny chuckled and said, "No, silly. This is much better. I put the bug in his ear when he was huffing and puffing this afternoon. I knew something had him wound up, and I figured maybe your lunch didn't go so well."

 

Alyssa let out a sigh, "You can say that again. He ordered me to back off a case."

 

Penny quickly glanced around to ensure nobody could hear her before whispering, "Oh, gosh. Knowing you as I do, was there fire in those tacos?"

 

"Oh, dear. Well, you must have made some impression with whatever you said. After he cooled down, he told me to call you. He said you should have dinner on him — with a friend. He knows you like Italian, so he suggested Mama's Ristorante." Penny whispered, "He's picking up the tab, so be sure to order an expensive wine, something bubbly, instead of a cheap Chianti."

 

"Hmmm, sounds tempting. Are you busy? You're my friend. Would you like to join me?"

 

Penny's voice perked up. "Oh, dinner at Mama's sounds scrumptious. Rob and I were going to watch some old rerun tonight, but I am sure he will understand."

 

"Great! Meet you at 8 and come hungry."

 

*****

Troy returned to his penthouse and headed to the terrace to unwind. As he lounged on the comfortable outdoor furniture, he gazed at the picturesque sunset that filled the sky with shades of pink, orange, and purple. The gentle breeze played with his hair, and the sound of the rustling leaves of the nearby trees filled his ears. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, feeling relaxed for the first time in a long time.

 

The ring of the house phone brought him to an upright position. He hadn't given out the number to anyone. He lifted the receiver and listened, then snapped, "Who is this?"

 

The male voice on the other end chuckled, "Nice! Did they offer that in Charm School 101 at your last address?"

 

"Funny! One can't be too cautious."

 

"Dare I ask how your day went?"

 

Troy sighed. "A mixture of mother nature at her best and Godzilla. I almost forgot how breathtaking a walk on a spring day can be, but then it was ruined by the presence of the town's Chief of Police."

"You ran into Richard in the park? He impresses me as a secluded bar guy, not a lover of Mother Nature. How did you stumble across him?"

 

"It wasn't an accident. I called his office, and this cute little voice answered. She said he wasn't available and conveniently told me he was enjoying lunch in the park." Troy quickly added, "He wasn't alone. She was there, the cop."

 

"Oh, man, tell me you steered clear of both of them."

 

"I did until she stormed off and left him devouring the tacos. His appetite hasn't changed."

 

"Listen, I'm anxious to hear what happens next, but how about we do it over dinner? A cool beverage and some delicious Italian food at Mama's. How does that sound?"

 

"Great! I'm starving and have no idea what's in this kitchen. See you there. Is nine o'clock okay?"

 

"Yup. Can't wait to catch up." The call ended.

 

Troy replaced the receiver and hurried inside.

 

*****

 

Upon arrival at the restaurant, the staff politely informed the girls that there would be a brief delay before they could be seated at their reserved table. So, they waited in the bar area, decorated with a collection of Italian-inspired furnishings, creating an ambiance resembling an elegant Italian villa. They ordered their drinks and shared some office gossip and girl talk, enjoying the subdued atmosphere and the chance to relax.

 

Penny eagerly surveyed the bar and restaurant entrance. "Gosh, it's like we're in Italy."

 

"It's beautiful. Have you ever been to Italy?"

 

"No. I've never been out of the state, but a girl can dream. Maybe I can convince Rob it should be our honeymoon destination if he ever proposes."

 

"He will. Guys always drag their feet, but you've obviously got him wrapped around your finger."

 

Before Penny could deny her power over Rob, a waiter approached them with a warm smile. "Excuse me, ladies. Your table is ready now. Please follow me," he said.

 

 Penny felt a sense of excitement as they made their way through the crowded dining room, marveling at the exquisite décor and the elegant atmosphere. 

 

After they had taken their seats, the waiter approached them again. "Excuse me, but are either of you ladies Alyssa Saladino?" he asked.

 

"I'm Alyssa," she responded, glancing across the table at Penny with a raised eyebrow. "I wonder what our illustrious leader has up his sleeve now?" They both laughed and looked at the waiter with anticipation, curious about what would come next.

 

With a wave, another waiter approached Alyssa's table, carrying a long-stemmed red rose and an envelope. Alyssa couldn't help but feel amused, but she wasn't sure if someone had intended the items for her. She asked the waiter, "Are you sure this is for me?" 

 

The waiter replied, "I believe so. The rose and letter were left for Miss Alyssa Saladino. If that's you, then it's yours."

 

Still skeptical, Alyssa accepted the items from the waiter. "Thank you."

 

Penny grinned. "Holding out on me, are you? Chief doesn't have a romantic bone in him, so I'd say you have a secret admirer. Do you know who it's from?"

 

Alyssa shrugged and shook her head. "I have no idea."

 

"Hurry! I'm dying to know. Open the envelope and see what it says."

 

Alyssa smelled the rose and laid it on the table. She examined the envelope, but it was a plain letter envelope with nothing written on either side. She ran her finger along the opening and slipped out a folded pale blue piece of stationery. She unfolded it and read. It had seven words written on it. The color drained from her face.

 

Penny sensed something was wrong. "Allie, what is it? You're scaring me."

 

Staring at the paper, Alyssa mumbled, "I'm sorry, Penny. I've got to go."

 

"By the look on your face, that's not a love letter. What's happening?"

 

Alyssa folded the letter, looked around the room, and then, as calmly as possible, she addressed her friend, "Penny, I know Rob lives two blocks from here. I want you to call him, and the two of you will have dinner on the Chief."

 

"Allie —"

 

"Call Rob. I'm okay, but I need to leave. I'm sorry."

 

"But —" Penny stammered, "I'll go with —"

 

"No!" Alyssa answered more quickly than she had intended. "I need to go — alone."

 

Sensing something was wrong, the waiter approached their table. "Is everything alright? Can I help?"

 

Alyssa looked at him, questioning, "Do you know who brought this?"

 

He shook his head. "Only that a local flower shop delivered it."

 

Alyssa nodded. "Thank you. I need to leave, but my friend and her boyfriend will be dining here tonight. I would appreciate it if you took good care of them. Please bring a bottle of your best wine and add a generous tip for yourself." She stood and kissed Penny's cheek. "I'm sorry."

 

Alyssa strode towards the entrance with purpose, leaving Penny in a state of shock, her mind reeling with confusion. She sat there stunned, trying to understand what had just happened. As she tried to piece together the events that had transpired, one question kept swirling around her head: "What in the world just happened?"

 

*****

 

Alyssa contemplated asking the front desk for any information regarding the delivery. However, before she could make a move, the sight of Troy Sinclair entering the restaurant took her aback. A sudden wave of cold sweat ran through her body, starting from her toes and rushing up to the top of her head.

 

She felt a sense of panic and thought to herself, "I can't let him see me!"

 

As she frantically looked around, her eyes fell upon the women's restroom, only a few steps away. Without a second thought, she raced inside. Despite part of her wanting to confront Troy, the other half was too afraid to do so. She stood staring at herself in the mirror, lost in thought and debating with the woman staring back at her.

 

"Don't make a scene. You need proof."

 

"I'm a cop. I can question anyone I want."

 

"The boss said to stay away."

 

"Since when do you listen to him?"

 

"He's an ex-con, and he's harassing me."

 

"He's not said a word. You don't even know if he's seen you."

 

"So, I suppose it's a coincidence that he's here tonight?"

 

"He's paid his dues. He's free to go where he wants."

 

"What about the rose and the letter?"

 

"What about them? You have no proof they're from him."

 

The argument could have continued all night, but the entrance of several women interrupted it. Alyssa smiled, dried her hands, and left.

 

Standing in the foyer, she scanned the bar, looking for Troy. Not seeing him, she walked toward the dining room, where she stood behind a large plant. She could observe the patrons through a row of shutters from her position. She still did not see him. Had she been mistaken? Perhaps she had imagined that it was him.

 

Suddenly, her eyes darted back to a table in the corner. She could see his face, but not the man he was with. He was laughing. Anger for her deceased friend surged throughout her body. She knew there was nothing she could do. Not tonight, but soon.

 

"Laugh all you want, you son-of-a-bitch. I'll catch you at your game. I promise." She took one last look and left the restaurant.

*****

 

Outside, Alyssa took a long, deep breath to calm her nerves. The bistro garden was empty. Her apartment was only a few blocks away, but she needed to gather her wits before walking home.

 

She hadn't realized she held the crumpled stationery in the grip of her hand. She placed it on the table and pressed out the wrinkles with her trembling fingers. A row of hanging globes hung from the rafters above her, shedding a soft glow. It wasn't bright, but it was enough for her to read it again.

 

                       You haven't seen the last of me.

 

She thought it sounded like something a sinister character in a Clint Eastwood movie would say. Almost threatening. 

 

Someone leaving the restaurant laughed, and her head jerked in their direction. She looked around, telling herself, "He's not here." But she knew better. He was inside, laughing, while outside, he taunted her.

 

Drained, Alyssa longed for a long, hot bath and her bed. Her leisurely day off had turned into a highly stressful one. With the words ingrained in her mind, she folded the letter, placed it in her pocket, and headed home.

 

*****

 

Alyssa felt relieved as she entered her building. She'd walked home, and not a single boogie man had jumped out to frighten her.

 

She scolded herself, "Get a grip, Allie. It's a small town. You're going to see him. Until you have solid evidence, he's a free man to come and go." His words flashed across her mind. "You haven't seen the last of me." She wondered how long those words would haunt her.

 

She stepped into the elevator and leaned against the wall. "I've got news for him. He hasn't seen the last of me either."

 

*****

 

The elevator shook as it stopped at her floor, rattling as the door slowly opened. She waited patiently so she could exit. She didn't live in a fancy high-rise, but it was comfortable.

 

She felt more at ease as she stepped out into the hallway on her floor. Home sweet home. Her mind even drifted to Penny and Rob and their dinner. She hoped they'd enjoyed their evening. Maybe a romantic evening might put a spark under Rob. Penny deserved a good man.

 

An unexpected noise shot a chill through Alyssa. She sensed something or someone was nearby. The tapping of her stilettos stopped. Icy fingers of fear strummed her spine. She spun around, looking behind her. Her eyes darted toward every doorway. Her heart was racing. She'd heard something, but what?

 

A door opened behind her. A figure stepped into the hallway. Startled, she screamed at the top of her lungs, fearing somehow Troy had found her.

 

The young delivery boy raised his hands in the air, waving his clipboard. "Whoa, stop. It's alright. I didn't mean to scare you, ma'am. Just makin' a pizza delivery. Are you okay?"

 

She hid her embarrassment with a laugh. "I'm fine. That'll teach me to daydream, won't it?"

 

The young man nodded. "Sorry if I scared you." She'd said she was okay, but her deer-in-the-headlights look made him think otherwise. He stepped around her, nodded, and headed toward the elevator, making a mental note to give this delivery to someone else next time.

 

Alyssa unlocked her apartment door and hurried inside. She turned the lock and adjusted the bolt lock, checking it twice. She sank against the wall, inhaling and exhaling deeply. Removing the stilettos, she massaged her aching arches. As she stared at her trembling hands, the dam broke. A torrent of tears cascaded down her cheeks as she slid down the wall, curling into a fetal position. The tears flowed until she couldn't cry anymore and drifted into a fitful sleep.

 

*****

 

Outside the penthouse, Troy exited a cab. He handed the cabbie the fare and tossed an additional twenty across the seat, mumbling, "Keep the change."

 

He'd enjoyed spending time with his friend. It was good to feel like a human being again. Tossing his suit jacket over his shoulder, he spun around with abandonment, then checked to see if anyone had been looking. He chuckled at his exuberance. "You'd think I was a kid."

 

The terrace was calling his name. He wanted to relax and gaze at the stars, pushing everything seedy from his thoughts. Tonight was a night for a living. He knew tomorrow would still be the same, but tonight was his.

 

He made a mental note to call Frank tomorrow and thank him for bringing him back to life. Then, his world came crashing down.

 

From somewhere in the darkness, he saw the flash from the barrel, followed by the crack. The bullet punched its way through his side, leaving a gaping hole in its wake. His hand felt the warm, sticky substance as it soaked his clothes.

 

Gulping for air, Troy struggled to reach the elevator. He pushed the number seven, pressed his jacket against the hole, and prayed he could make it to the penthouse. "Oh, God, I survived attacks in the joint; please don't take me now."

 

As the elevator stopped, he stumbled into the apartment, grabbed the phone, and slumped to the floor. He hit the speed dial. His breathing became ragged, interrupted by quick gasps. When the voice answered, he struggled to speak, gasping for breath, and stammered, "Help! I’m shot.”

 

The voice at the other end yelled, "Troy! Troy! Can you hear me?" When no one answered, he snapped the steering wheel with a hard left, making a U-turn. Car horns blared at him. His car tires squealed as he punched the gas pedal. He turned on his flashing lights and barreled down the street toward the penthouse. As he skillfully maneuvered the traffic, he placed a call.

 

"We've got trouble. Troy's been shot. Meet me at the penthouse."

 

Immediately, Sammy responded, "I'm on it. We'll have the van in the alley in fifteen."

 

"I'll meet you there." A block away, Jake shut off the lights and drove into the alley, leaving room for the van. He unlocked his glove compartment and retrieved his gun. He entered through the rear entrance and raced to the service elevator, punching the button several times.

 

His heart slammed against his chest as he counted the floors. "Hang in there, buddy. I'm almost there."