CONSUMED By The Past | 18+ (Ongoing)

CHAPTER 25

DANTÉ

Finding myself glancing at the alarm clock, it reads four ten in the morning. Beside me lies Mia, peacefully asleep, her soft, rhythmic snores filling the quiet room. But the urgency of finding a solution to bring Sal down kept me awake all night. Realizing it's almost time to get up anyway, I carefully ease myself out of bed, avoiding any sudden movements that could disturb her sleep.

I pull on my boxers and gym shorts, grabbing my phone from the nightstand before making my way to the kitchen. The cool air brushes against my skin as I open the fridge, reaching for a bottle of water. I take a long, refreshing sip, the cold liquid easing the dryness in my throat. Then I quickly send a message to Hank, asking if he can come over earlier.

I want to get to the office early to get started with my investigation of Sal and his criminal activities. But my gut tells me Xavier Hernandez is the key. Sal was too desperate to get him out of prison, and that means there's something there, something I can use to bring him down. I just need to tread carefully, though, not to raise any questions or suspicion about my past involvement in the mafia.

Making my way to the gym for my morning routine, I already feel pumped. I'm seriously cranking up the intensity of my workout today, needing to burn off the stress that's been gnawing at me since the moment this all began. Being mentally sharp and focused is crucial to embark on my quest.

*

I arrive at the police station just before six, an hour earlier than usual, and it's still cloaked in silence. The dim glow of Beth's office light is the only break in the darkness, and I make my way there with steady, purposeful strides. She's always here before anyone else, and I'm grateful for that today.

"Good morning, Beth," I say as she glances up from her screen.

"Mornings, LT. How can I help?" she responds, her fingers already hovering over the keyboard, ready to go.

"I need everything you can find on Salvatore Alberti—his affiliations, connections, all of it," I say, keeping my voice low, even though we're the only ones in. "Do whatever it takes, but keep it between us. This information is highly confidential. No one else can know."

Her brows furrow slightly, nodding as her focus sharpens. "Understood, boss," she replies, her fingers already tapping away. "I'll do a deep dive and get back to you ASAP."

"Thanks, Beth. I'm counting on you."

I trust her to get what I need, but the weight of the secrecy presses down on me. Part of me wants to handle Sal the old-fashioned way, but for now, getting him on legal charges is my only option. Beth's the best in her field, and my best shot at making this happen.

I head to my office, my mind racing. Settling in at my desk, I pull up the database and begin my own search for Xavier Hernandez. The screen flickers to life with his file—arrested for three counts of fraud and embezzlement, currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

My gut clenches as I read the details. No prior arrests and no clear ties to the mafia on paper, but something about Sal's obsession with getting him out doesn't sit right with me.

It seems like I need to pay you a visit today, Mr. Hernandez.

I might be lucky to extract something from you.

*

After making the necessary arrangements, I step into the visiting room at MDC. The fluorescent lights cast a harsh glare over the cold space, and there he is—Xavier Hernandez, sitting at the table, already waiting. He's a short, middle-aged Hispanic man, his orange jumpsuit a stark contrast to his calm demeanor, glasses perched on his nose. A smug smile creeps across his face as I sit down across from him.