Conflict of Interest

Chapter 7

I was dumbfounded. He told them I was innocent and paid my bail? 

''Why?'' was all that I could think of. Why would he do that for me? 

''Because I know you're innocent,'' suddenly his cheeks turned a soft pink and he softly let out ''and I sort of like you.''

 I was stunned and speechless and didn't know what to say, but luckily for me Agent Scott grabbed me by the arm.

''Time to go Ms.Brown.'' He eyed Giovanni up and down and quickly led her outside. Claire and Giovanni rushed out together and Estelle waved with her free hand. 

''Bye, Claire. I love you.'' she shouted just before I was ushered into the black SUV by Agent Scott.

She waved goodbye and a single tear slid down my face. Even though I was free I was so confused. Giovanni went over and beyond. He didn't have to pay my bail. In fact he didn't even have to come out of nowhere coming to my defense saying that I was innocent. But what if this was some type of trick? What if he did all this to make him seem like a good guy, like I could trust him? All this made my head pound. 

''Agent Scott, can I go home now? Or do I have to go back to the office?'' I just wanted to go home and curl up and cry. Even though everything might be okay, I still felt crushed and defeated. I had to go to work and my credibility might be ruined. I might even get put off the case or get the case thrown out! 

''You have to go back to the station, I'm afraid. We have to review everything that happened at the courthouse but I'm sure you'll go back home soon after. As for your job and case, I'm not sure. I'm uh, sorry I was hard on you back at the office. I just don't tolerate people like that.''

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. ''It's okay. I just want all of this to be over.'' I sighed.

 I was so drained. The last 24 hours have been full of tears, sadness, anger, frustration and confusion.

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After I was done with everything at the FBI headquarters Agent Scott took me back to my office to get my car and escorted me home. ''If you ever need anything Ms.Brown, here's my card.'' He gave me a small smile and went back to his dark black SUV and drove away. I waved back until he turned the corner.

I turned to face the door and unlocked it with my keys. I walked into the living room, seeing Claire on the couch with a bowl of green grapes on her lap. She was always eating. 

''I'm home Claire.'' she looked up and rushed to me. I held my arms out and once she reached me we had a long embrace. She led me to the couch and immediately questions started pouring out of her mouth.

''What happened? Are they charging you? Are you going to jail? Does Dimitri know? Are you off the case?'' 

I lightly chuckled and held up my hand. 

''I'm not being charged so no I am not going to jail. I'm not sure if Dimitri knows and I'm not sure if I'm off the case. I probably will be but I'm going to see Dimitri tomorrow and talk to him about it.'' I reassured her.

''What about that hot Italian guy? Are you still going to see him? He did a pretty brave thing going to the FBI federal courthouse to defend you when he probably could have got taken into custody.''

''I honestly don't know. I don't think I will, it's too complicated Claire.'' 

''I think you should. I know he sort of mislead you knowing you were an ADA and possibly being on his father's case but you need a social life. Just because his dad is a mob boss doesn't mean he's in that type of business. I'm worried about you Es. Your job is too demanding and you don't have a life.'' 

I frowned at my sister's harsh words but she was right. I needed a life outside of my job but seeing Giovanni made my uneasy. That wouldn't work out, it'll be awkward plus if I had to keep myself on the case then I can't have any type of relations with him.

''I don't want to talk about it now. Can you order Chinese? I'm so hungry.'' I tried to change the subject.

''Fine, but we aren't done talking about this.'' Claire said as she got up and went to the kitchen to order the food.

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I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. I took a shower and washed my hair thoroughly before going to my closet to pick out a dress. I decided on a pink coral dress that landed just above my knee. I wore white heels and put on minimal makeup and went downstairs to get my morning tea. I reached the kitchen and poured water in the kettle and set it on the stove. I looked through the cupboard for a mug. I grabbed a donut and munched on it while I prepared the tea. 

As soon as I finished preparing the tea and finished my donut I checked my phone. I had dozens of missed calls and texts from Claire and Dimitri. 

I opened the most recent text from Claire.

Left home early to do some extra studying for a test. Love you (P.S Stay out of trouble) -xC

I texted her back a quick okay and checked my messages from Dimitri. I read most of them and texted him an ''I'll explain later'' and tucked my phone into my purse and grabbed my case files and went to work.

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A/N; PICTURE OF ESTELLE ON THE SIDE! Short chapter, yeah I know sorry. This was sort of a filler chapter so there will be more interesting things happening soon so please stay tuned! I've been so busy lately with homework and school! Hopefully I can do another quick chapter this month! PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT!!!! I really want 300+ reads on this by the end of Febuary. I love you guys so much and thank you for all the support!

QOTC; Do you want Estelle to start seeing Giovanni or stay away from him?

(QOTC; Question of the chapter'' PLEASE ANSWER!''

BTW I WILL BE POSTING PICTURE OF CAST ON THE PREVIOUS CHAPTERS SO GO BACK TO SEE HOW GIOVANNI, DIMITRI, CLAIRE AND MORE LOOK LIKE!