BY DEMARCO'S STANDARDS (Part 5)

Time For The Crime

"That is just awesome Miri". I said into the phone brightly. "Congratulations to you both. I'm so happy for you". I said at learning about her pregnancy news.

It's been over two months since I left New York to start my new life. So far so good. My first week was wrapped up in finding a home and buying furniture and what not. I also found the perfect location to start my business.... my old childhood home location. The very place where I endured tremendous amount of abuse.  The place where Demarco rescued me as well as my mother. Yes, I had great visions for this land. Currently I was having the shack of a house bulldozed down and the land cleared. My facility would be bright and cheerful and bring joy to this once dismal location and aid women much like myself.

Miri was still rambling on in the background as I daydreamed away but something she said zapped me out of it like a bolt of lighting. "What did you just say?" I mumbled.

"Ummm... Dem and Ivy is getting married". She said hesitantly as if she realized her mistake.

"Ha" I shot out. "The ink isn't even dry on our divorce and the little fuck is running to the alter with her". I hissed.

"No, wait, Sam. It's not what you think. Immigration caught up to Ivy so Dem offered to marry her to pay off his debt. Our parent's were livid and mom is still on fire. Pape even had it checked into and Ivy isn't lying." Miri tried to sound convincing.

"I don't care how you sugar coat it Miri, your brother is and always has been a ass". I retorted a angrily. Not at her but the entire situation. " I'm sure he could find other ways around this but he has to continue to open my wounds. We've been divorced two month's and he's already getting hitched to that bitch. I hope their wedding is a disaster and they come down with malaria on their honeymoon." I snarled as Miri chuckled.

"I'm sorry Sam. I shouldn't have brought it up". Miri chided herself.

Giving a sigh over my outburst I said. "It's not your fault. I would've found out sooner or later". We chatted a bit longer before saying our goodbyes.

After I hung up, I sat on my bed reliving the past several month's. No one said divorce would be easy but I refused to allow myself to cry. I was over all that. My life was different now. It was calm, safe, and going good. Since my return I had gone on a few dates with Ethan and I saw potential there but for right now I was taking it slow. Of course I'd never tell him I had been married and married to a ruthless mob leader at that. As far as I am concerned no one will ever know that. Those secrets will die with me. As far as explaining why I wanted to take thing's slow with Ethan I just tell him that I want to make sure that my company is up and thriving before I head into a new commitment. My main focus is on my work and most of my time and focus would be spent on it. I did promise that after my company takes off I would consider getting more serious but it wouldn't be fair to him right now with so much going on in my life.

On our first date Ethan took me to a snazzy jazz restaurant where we ate over delightful conversation. Tonight would be our fifth outting and I've yet to allow him to kiss me. Even though I'm no longer with Demarco it still doesn't feel right. Yes, I laid one on Jax right in front of him but that was just to piss him off and show him he can no longer control me.

But look at him still controlling me. I'm state's away and he can still affect me so. When Miri told me of his soon to be marriage I allowed it to upset me and lashed out. I can't even kiss Ethan without feeling as if I'm doing something wrong. Well that all stops today. I'm a free woman and will as such. Demarco chose his path and now I will follow mine. Tonight I will be more open to Ethan. He really isn't a bad guy. No, he's not Demarco but that's good right? Ethan is just the change I need.

Ethan is tall but not as built as Dem. There's not a trace of an Italian accent in his speech. No, Ethan has that deep southern drawl that drive many women wild. His eye's are a washed out blue that reminds me of a pair of well worn jeans. His skin isn't as dark as Demarco's but he has a slight tan to his complexion. His smile is pleasent enough and he's not this domineering ass like Demarco. Ethan is gentle and very well mannered. No fucks coming from his lips. It's time I gave him a decent chance. He deserves it and I do too. I deserve to know what real love is. Not saying that Demarco didn't love me but he didn't love me enough. No one can come between true love, real love. Not even the devil himself.

I met Ethan later that night with a smile on my face. Surprising both of us, I reached up and kissed him in greeting. It was a nice kiss but didn't pack any heat but in time I knew it would. Besides I'm not here to compare kisses and such. I'm here to start anew and find the love of my life. "Wow" Ethan grinned. "I didn't expect that".

Smiling back I shrugged my shoulders playfully and said. "Today was a good day. I finally buried some long lasting issue's".

What I failed to realize that at that very moment another long lost issue was being unburied but I wouldn't know until later. I enjoyed my night with Ethan. We shared many laughs and more kisses. Once at home I realized that I had felt better than I had in a long time. With a smile on my face I slid into my fuzzy orange pajama bottoms and prepared for bed. Just as I finished brushing my teeth my phone buzzed. Assuming it was Ethan I answered in a flirty tone. "Miss me all ready huh?"

"Is this Miss Samantha James". A very demanding voice asked.

Taken aback, I hesitated. If it's one thing I learned from the being a Harper  it was never reveal yourself unless you know who your dealing with. "May I ask who's calling". I asked sternly.

"This is the Alabama police station. Is this Miss Samantha James I'm speaking with?"

Well fuck I thought. "Yes, this is she". I replied confused.

"Maim we have concerns about the land you own. I understand that it's being cleared for future construction. Seems the worker's came across some human remains.  Only human teeth so far but the land is being searched further. After testing it was concluded that the teeth belong to the man who was considered to be your stepfather and step brother. I'm asking you willingly to come to the department for further questioning."

The blood drained from my face. It never occurred to me that their bodies would be there or found. Demarco never told me what he did with their bodies and I never asked because I simply didn't want to know. Panic started to seep into my bones as I realized this could go bad. I could be accused of murder. I'm just going to stick to the story Demarco gave me. If anyone asks they both split. It was common for them to go missing for day's at a time. I was away at college and when I learned that they had ran off leaving my sick mother alone unable to care for herself I brought her to New York with me. There my husband sought the help she needed and we just recently returned for the first time.  The only problem is I no longer have a husband. I've cut my ties with Demarco. Knowing I couldn't keep the officer waiting I answered with a carefree tone. "Sure. No problem. This is shocking news to me and I'll help anyway I can. I'll be there shortly".

Hanging up I bent down trying to breath. I've got only a few options. Call Jax for advice. Go down for murder and keep Demarco safe or God forbid call Demarco and ask for help. Suddenly going to prison didn't sound so bad realizing that I might need to call Demarco and ask for help.

Slipping into the first clothes I picked up I weighed my options trying to decide what to do.