Flirting With Fire ✅

36 - Foul Play

Ivy

I waited in Luke's apartment as he requested. At first, I thought maybe I should lie down and calm my nerves. Clearly, I'm still shaken from watching Mike die in front of me. I've known the guy for years, I don't think I've ever had anyone really close like him die like that. I know being in the mafia, we're constantly reminded of death, but I've been lucky to have never known anyone really close to die like Mike.

Natural deaths are one thing. But to watch as he takes his last breath in front of me, his face turning blue, filled with pain, it was just horrifying. He was a good man. He didn't deserve to die like that. 

Oh God, Cheryl. Mike's wife will be devastated. I need to remember to give her a call later. Yup, later, when the coast is clear. I hope she has people she can lean on. I'm not too close to Cheryl, having only met her once a while ago. 

I lay on the bed, trying to get some shut eye but my mind kept replaying the events at the cafe. Analyzing the scene, trying to see how anyone could have killed Mike. From the way he dies, it looks like poisoning but when did anyone have a chance to slip him anything? I'm the one who got him his drink, and I had watched the barista make it myself.

Did it happen before he arrived? Some poison requires hours before becoming potent. Or maybe it was through injection, it's possible to do so with a really strong poison. A jab with a needle laced with the deadly stuff, and that's it. But then again, most prefer not to use these types of substances as they run the risk of getting some of it on themselves. Most times, you'll need some protective gear when you handle anything that deadly.

I sighed deeply, sleep was definitely not going to come. I'm too worked up, I need to find another way to relax, and take my mind off everything that happened. I decided to go to the living room and watch some tv. Maybe that'll help make my brain to stop thinking about Mike. I channel surf a bit, for like half an hour, trying to find something interesting before I decide on a romantic comedy. I figured a laugh would be the best medicine for my situation.

It lasted for fifteen minutes before I finally had it. The movie was funny and sweet but my heart wasn't in it. My eyes might be trained onto the flat screen but my head was off somewhere else.

I went to the kitchen next and started to scour the cupboards, looking for something to munch on. I'm stressed out and I need to take it out on some crisp or something salty.

My phone suddenly rings, and I almost jumped in fright. It's Luke. I let out a breath of relief as I answered him. Luke had been gone for almost two hours and any news is good news right now.

"Luke, did you find out anything?" I immediately ask. My heart, drumming with anticipation.

"Babe, it's a false alarm. There's no threat. No one is trying to kill you." He replied. His voice doesn't sound like he's lying but I still find it hard to believe that Mike had got it wrong. Plus the fact that he died right after just smells fishy to me.

"What do you mean?"

"Mike died from a drug overdose. And I've checked the plane autopsy report, it's all in the clear. It was an accident, no one tampered with it. Look, I'll explain everything when I get back."

"Okay," I said quietly. I wasn't sure if I should be relieved or suspicious of everything. But I trust Luke and I should wait and see what he finds out.

"I love you, baby." He said before ending the call.

"Love you," I said it back.

I lean against the kitchen counter, my phone resting in my hands as I pondered on everything that Luke said.