𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 28

It's been a week since I met with Mr. Iero and that he told me about his plan. I can't wait to obtain more leads from Solazzo. And there are very few ways to be sure to obtain what you want from a man like him...

Every time I wake up in Solazzo's large bed, I feel like somebody else. Only a few months ago, I was just an unknown journalist who was working hard for a journal. But I was happy and satisfied. How did I become a mafia leader's companion? How did I land in his arms...

"Did you sleep well, doll?" Solazzo cooes. Feeling his warm breath on my neck, I groan softly and snuggle closer to him.

"I didn't... Something kept me awake all night long. And now, I hurt all over..." I grin against his chest.

"Ah, my prince. You'd better get used to that." He pinches my ear a little. "I can give you so much more."

My perseverance is paying off. Solazzo is getting much more gentle and open with me. Mr. Iero's deadline is getting closer and I must act soon. But what Solazzo told me about D'Avanzo is still on my mind, and I can't bring myself to do anything. Solazzo trusts me more and more, but I still haven't found anything yet...

While I am thinking, Solazzo stand sup from the bed. As he is buttoning up his shirt, he leans in to kiss me. "I have business to deal with, baby. I am taking you to a French restaurant for lunch."

Solazzo interrupts himself for a moment.

"Don't go back to the Sparrow Hall. Wait for me here," he tells me. I try not to look too hyped or surprised. It's the first time that Solazzo is leaving me alone in his mansion; I feel a shiver run through me. Repressing my excitement, I nod at him shyly.

Solazzo gathers the necessary then leaves soon after. I discreetly look around myself before leaving the bedroom to explore the mansion. Besides the housekeeper, I am alone in here. That's such a rare occasion. I must find evidence. Hm, where to start?

The office is where he works. That will be a good start!

I sneak into Solazzo's office, feeling my heart beat hard. I see my reflection in the large mirror I come across and glance at myself. Look what you've become, Gerard. You are the same outside. Are you still the same inside?

I consider the question quickly and reckon that I have been doing quite well so far. I hope that curiosity won't kill the cat, but the end of the saying is often forgotten, and goes: 'satisfaction brought it back'.
I have been through tough situations, but often from risk that I was willing to take. I can't help but to think that it's all worth it, and this thought makes it all more bearable.

I enter the office, which is a mess. It's even covered in a thin layer of dust. It looks like no one is doing the cleaning here. Why isn't the housekeeper cleaning here?

I search the office, starting with the desk, then the shelves, beneath the table, and the couch. I poke at the globe to see if it's hollow. Nothing...

I am worn out and I collapse on Solazzo's large, leather armchair before the desk. I didn't manage to make the most out of this unique opportunity... He must have put the important documents under locked key. Why would he leave them on the desk?

I look at this desk frustratedly. It's made of sequoia, with a lamp, a phone, a notebook, a fountain pen, and a Bible. The Bible seems old. The cover is frayed and the pages are yellowish from age. Out of curiosity and maybe an ounce of boredom, I extend my hand and grab it. I open the Bible.

"Why are so many corners folded like that..." I mumble softly. Solazzo, are you really that pious? Isn't this kind of ironic?" My jaw clutches when I recall how he murdered this man in cold blood at the restaurant.