DANGEROUS

The Con Artist (SP #4)

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Chapter Three
The Con Artist
Eliza

Outside the coffee shop, I sat inside my car contemplating what to do next. I was prepared to escape this place if ever my father finds out about me, but I wasn't prepared what to do if ever I see my brother again.
I had thought of talking to him, but what if the con artist recognises me? What if he's going to rat out my brother? What if he's not an ally?
The sound of my phone ringing startled me from my thoughts, I picked up my phone cautiously and see Olivia calling. I picked up, "Yeah."
"Hey girl, where are you? Gunter told me about you working later, so I'm here to give you some piece of advice. Today is our DAY OFF, you shouldn't be doing any work today! Come join us at my house!"
I sighed, "Okay okay, I'll think about it."
"We'll be waiting! My sister's making this recipe she got from one of the restaurants in Chinatown."
"Alright, I'll call you later. Say hi to Beth for me."
"Sure will, I'll be waiting for that call!" And then she hung up.
I shook my head at her and put my phone back down. Looking up, I went to check if my brother and the man were done talking. After a few minutes, they walked out of the coffee shop.
"Alright," I took a deep breath, "go out there and stay in character, Eliza. You are an old friend of Wesley, from high school. Okay? Okay." I got out from my car, crossed the road, and approached them.
As I did, I noticed the two men, the ones Philip's friend came in with, tense up. I calmly approached Wesley's back and tapped his shoulder, he turned his head to look at me and saw his eyes widen. "Ge..."
"Hi Wesley," I cut him off, trying to tell him through my eyes to shut up before he blew my cover, "Do you remember me? Elizabeth Hart? We were in high school together."
His mouth formed an 'o', which almost made me slap my forehead mentally. "Oh yeah, Elizabeth. Wow, it's good to see you again."
I can see the sad glint in his eyes, and I couldn't help but tear up a little inside. I missed my brother so much, "It's nice to see you too. Gosh this is such a small world," I gestured with my eyes, "What are you doing in this city?"
He smiled, "I came for business. Let me introduce you to a colleague of mine, this is James DiCaprio, the CEO of Capricorn Enterprises."
               My eyes widen as he motioned towards the man's large figure, "CEO of Capricorn Enterprises? Wow, what an honour." I said, raising my hand for a handshake. He nodded silently and shook my hand firmly.
               By that grip, I can guess he works out daily. His hand was always a little rough before, meaning he had dealt with a lot of metal gripping work. I couldn't help but drool a little at the amount of muscle he held, he was so gorgeous.
               And so, I embarrass myself by saying "You're really handsome."
               First it was silent. Then the next, my brother burst out laughing and the guy, James DiCaprio, raised an eyebrow.
               The men he came with stood back and finally took their eyes off of me, Wesley wiped a tear and calmed down in chuckles.
               I, myself, wished to be buried deep down on the Earth's core from the amount of shamelessness I had displayed. God, I was pathetic. Five years of moving on from an heartbreak, and I'm still awkward around guys.
               "I'm so sorry, I didn't...I hope I'm not making this feel awkward as it is," I stammered.
               DiCaprio only kept nodding until I finally let go of his hand, "It's alright."
               His voice was deep and monotonous, a bit dull like he was bored. I cleared my throat. "Okay so Wesley," I turned towards my brother, "I hope you're staying in town for a bit more. I was hoping to catch up on you."
               He nodded with a smile, "I'll contact you, do you still have the same phone number?"
               I nod, "I do. Anyway, I have to leave, my friends are waiting for me."
               "Okay, it's nice seeing you again. We'll talk soon," he moved in for a hug, I embraced him quickly and held on tight.
               "I missed you," I whispered, he tightened his hold as an answer.
               Afraid we'll blow our cover, I pulled away and waved at them goodbye. I was a little shy waving at DiCaprio since he was staring at me intently. I still couldn't believe this was the same guy Philip was friends with, the same con artist; this guy had me questioning my relationship with Philip, but that was a long time ago. How did he become a CEO?
               I went back inside my car and released a huge breath, 'That went well'.

               The door opened and there stood Gunter, "You came!"
               I rolled my eyes, "I didn't have a choice." Walking inside, I see a messy living area.
               "Uh..."
               "Sorry about the mess, Lola came for a visit." Beth came from the kitchen, "Long time no see!"
               I chuckled and went in for a hug, "It's been two months."
               "Still," she rolled her eyes, "I heard your new book is almost coming up."
               I shrug, "Yeah, we're planning to release it on November."
"Well that's good news, can I get a little preview for the first few chapters?" She said, wiggling her brows.
"Sure, if you tell me about this hunk you're seeing right now!" I teased back.
She gasps, "Olivia told you?" Olivia entered, and them Beth points at her accusingly, "You told her?"
Olivia shrugs, "Nothing gets past Eliza nowadays."
They both bickered until Gunter finally stops them, we went inside the kitchen and them began dinner.
The whole night, I couldn't help but think about what had happened this morning. I knew I should've contacted Fred earlier but thoughts were going crazy in my head, what was Wesley doing here?
As for James DiCaprio, what was his business with Wesley? What's the CEO of Capricorn Enterprises doing with the Don of the American mafia?
"What are you thinking about?" Olivia appeared next to me. "You look troubled, is it about this weekend's deadline?"
I shook my head, "Not really...well, partially, but you know."
"Nope," she shook her head, "I don't know."
Pursing my lips, I stared numbly at the view of New York City. I wasn't necessary for me to overthink things through, but thoughts of my past always comes through. When you see someone you used to know, you can't help but think of those good old days; or in my case, bad old days.
I remembered the time when my father would punish me if ever I didn't follow his orders. Wesley always tried his best to protect me, but my uncle forbid him in interfering superiors. And I couldn't blame my brother, I just couldn't—he's done his best, I couldn't have possibly ask for more.
The night Philip proposed to me, Wesley almost threw a fit, if it weren't for me he'd be getting those whips my father gave me.
"Hey Eli, whatever's going on in that head of yours, it wouldn't hurt to tell us." Olivia's soft voice pulled me away from my thoughts.
I smiled thankfully, "Thanks Livy."
She nodded with a smile, "What is it? What's wrong?"
"This...old friend came for a visit. And well...you know about how I have issues with my family, it just brought back bad memories."
"Oh Eliza, is this about your parents?" She side hugged me, "Hey, don't think about it too much. You're here, away from them. Whatever happens to them will make them realise all the wrong doings they've done, justice will serve them good."
I nodded, "Yeah, hopefully."
Olivia's word made me a little nervous. 'Justice' huh? In what good did I ever do something in the past? If someone finds out about me, I would be in prison spending my life in a room with nothing but a small window, a toilet, and a worn out bed.
But I knew trouble always found its way to me, so prison wasn't something I should worry as long as I can get away with it. 'God, why me?'
"Alright, Beth is preparing for our movie night. Are you gonna join us?"
"No thank you," I look down at my wristwatch, "I need to be early for work tomorrow. Jean's assistant is visiting, so I need to be there an hour early."
"Really? That girl is so weird, but in a good way. One time she liked this perfume I used, she literally invaded my space and sniffed my whole chest area."
"Oh God," I snorted, "Livy, you're like the unluckiest woman I know. You have this vibe—"
"Hey! Don't you dare! I have nothing against gays or lesbians but I'm just not ready to discover my sexuality!"
We walked back in from the balcony, laughing our asses off.
Enjoy the little moments.

I walked out of the apartment building, strolling past the cake shop Olivia always goes to. My car was parked right across the street, so I had to look around for any approaching cars and crossed.
When I made it to my car, I hear the soft rumbling of a car approaching. I didn't look up, so I opened the back of car and put the souvenirs Beth gave for me—gosh these were so many bags of clothes, she's such a great friend.
The rumbling of a car went past me, I looked up and see a Rolls Royce. The windows were really tinted, so I didn't see who was inside, not that it mattered. I got inside my car and turned the engines on. I see the car take a right.
I put my seatbelt on and drove home. But before I could drive further, the car from before backs up out of nowhere and blocked my way.
I pressed on the breaks and stared at the Rolls Royce Phantom.
What in the hell...