Chapter 4- The Devil Was Baiting Me

Chapter 4

A fugitive at twenty two.

That was the only thought that rang through my mind as I sat in the small room where the policeman had kept me. Renzo was not here because they took him to a separate room since he was still passed out cold.

I spent the remaining hours of last night here, waiting for them to come in and tell me my fate, but nobody came. The clock on the wall indicated that it was a little past seven in the morning and I was still hopelessly sitting here, handcuffed.

"Miss Guerrero." I suddenly heard, I turned to find a policeman standing by the door, "Come with me, please."

I followed him out of the door while reciting some prayers in my head. My poor mum would be worried sick if we didn't get home before nine. As I walked, I started regretting my actions.

Why did I help those ruthless mafia in the first place? This could mean serious trouble for my family. Was Renzo even okay? Who would come and bail us if it comes to that?

"Sit down." The strict looking officer ordered as we entered the office and I obeyed.

"Good morning sir." I greeted politely.

I knew that if they must believe the lies I was about to tell, I had to appear as innocent and harmless as possible.

Straight to the point, the officer began, "Some criminals partied at the bar last night and you helped them escape, correct?"

Way to go, sir, I thought as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, "This is all a mix up, sir. The version of the story that you have is totally different from what I witnessed."

The officer leaned forward in his seat and pushed his glasses down to the tip of his nose, an act that was supposed to make me feel afraid and intimidated, but I remained calm and maintained a straight face.

"How is that?" The officer asked.

I cleared my throat, "Myself and my brother, we are working at the bar to raise money for our sick mother's treatment, but even at that sir, we are morally upright kids that were properly raised. We would never engage in anything illegal."

"Your choice of work doesn't say much for your morals, Miss Guerrero."

I nodded painfully, "I know, Sir. But it's all we could find for the moment."

"So how exactly did the criminals who were partying at the bar disappear, and what exactly happened?"

I gulped, "Well, Sir, a bar is supposed to be fun, right? So these men came and they were doing what they should be doing peacefully, until we heard a gunshot outside. Everyone panicked and started running around to find shelter, where they went and what happened before and after the gunshot, I still don't know."

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed that the man beside me was jotting down everything I said. I had to stick to the details of every lie that slipped out of my mouth and I prayed silently that Renzo's version would not contradict mine.

"And where were you when this happened?"

"My brother and I ran to that room you found us. Before that, I had just finished closing my register for the day and was about to go home when my brother came and dragged me to safety."

"So you are saying you did not see the face of the perpetrators?"

The lie slipped out of my mouth easily, "I did not see any gun there, sir. And none of the guests looked dangerous enough to own a gun, talk more of firing it."

"Then how come they were gunshots?"

"I actually think the shooter came from outside, perhaps a streetboy hoping to rob the bar. I'm only glad you came when you did to save me. My brother passed out after the third gunshot and I could have died if you didn't come. I'm still shaking." I started to sob to make my act more convincing.

The officer watched me with a menacing face, but my face remained the same, betraying no guilt. "Are you lying to me, Miss Guerrero?"

My mouth dropped open, "Why would I do that?" Then I started wailing loudly, "I've never owned or seen a gun in my life, sir. Why else do you think I would know a person who does?"

"No, I'm not saying–"

"Officer, I actually think the girl is right." The voice was new.

My eyes shot to the entrance of the office and I found a tall handsome man standing there. He was dressed in a milky colored shirt, tucked perfectly into a neatly tailored black trouser, his shoe was screaming money and I didn't miss the silver sparks on one tooth that stood out from the rest of his teeth when he smiled.

"Mr Gianni!" The officer stood up and gave a slight bow, "I didn't know you'd be stopping by."

The new man eased himself into the room, but his eyes remained on me, "I heard about the shooting, so I said to stop by here to check if you have anything." He nodded towards me, "Do you seriously think a small girl like this could have anything to do with that?"

"She works at the bar with her brother, they were the only witnesses we could find." I noticed the officer's tone was a bit different now, almost like he was talking to someone of a higher rank.

"Doesn't mean she's guilty. I know the girl and her brother very well, I've stopped by the bar twice and she was the nicest. Let her go."

That was a lie, I've never met this man in my life and I know very well that he has never stopped by the bar before. I could never forget a face like this, certainly not with the way his demeanor screamed luxury.

Stealthily, I stole a glance at the man's face and our eyes met, the look on his face told me that he knew he was lying to save my ass and that surprised me. But he gave me a small smile, almost as if telling me to play along.

"But, Mr Gianni–"

"Let the girl go, officer. You know how I hate to repeat myself."

The officer's face fell and he glanced at me, but I quickly lowered my eyes. "Sure," he said in one quick breath, "They are free to go. Right away."

The other officer came to remove the cuffs from my wrist and I couldn't be more relieved to flex my stiff muscles and stretch drowsily. Then I recalled that I had a mysterious fellow claiming to know me here and quickly recoiled.

"Good." My savior said, his smile still lingering, he glanced at me and stretched out his hand for me to take, "Let's go."

My mouth fell open as I stared at his outstretched hand and then back to his face, but in order not to make it awkward, I took his hand and returned his smile with a very awkward one.

He led me out of the room while the officers stared after us. I was so relieved to find Renzo waiting for me outside that I ran straight into his arms, dropping my savior's hand without a second thought.

"Les! I'm so sorry for not being there."

I disengaged from the hug and slapped him lightly on the shoulder, "So much for being a big brother!"

He gave me a sorry look, "Forgive me."

The age difference between Renzo and I was just three years, and sometimes we even forget who was older, except that his big brother protective instincts usually kicked in more often than not.

"I'm just glad you are safe." I told him sincerely as I ruffled my hand through his hair.

I felt the icy stare of my savior on us and that made me slightly uneasy, so I cleared my throat and nudged Renzo to turn towards our savior. He gave me the eye and I gave him a shrug while we both just stood there awkwardly waiting for one of us to say something.

When no one did, I knew I had to speak, "Thank you for saving us, Mr–"

"Nikolai. Nikolai Gianni." He supplied sweetly, while stretching his hand out for a handshake with Renzo.

Renzo took his hand with a polite smile, "I'm Renzo Guerrero, Allesia's elder brother. I was told you saved us."

He shrugged, "Did it for the culture. Wanna hitch a ride with me? I can drop you off anywhere." I was already shaking my head in rejection when he added, "The cops are still looking, Kitten, doesn't say much for long time acquaintances, don't you think?"

Kitten? Not another one of those stupid weird names! First it was angel from Russel Mancini, now it's kitten from this mysterious Nikolai Gianni dude. What the fuck?

We were handed our belongings and Nikolai was far too pleased to lead us out of the door like we were some old time buddies. My soul literally left my body when this guy randomly pressed a button in his hand and the flashiest car I had ever seen in my entire life beeped.

What in God's green earth was going on here?

I mean, it's not everyday that a super hot rich dude pulls up in front of a police station to randomly bail you out of police custody, right?

"Let's go." Nikolai said, "I'll drive."

"Sorry, what?"

"I'll drive you home." He stated as he leaned against the car.

Then I suddenly recalled what Russel said last night about repaying the favor I did him. I was tempted to ask if it was Russel who sent this dude, but I couldn't do that in front of Renzo, so I swallowed the question.

"Actually–" I began, "We can just take a taxi or–"

"Actually, we don't mind." Renzo cut in while glaring at me.

He was already in the car before I could say jack, leaving me there returning his glare with a piercing frown. I whipped my head back, only to find Nikolai staring at me, his gray eyes looked like they held the storm.

Apparently, money and authority was not the only thing he had, he also had the looks and the charm. I mentally face palmed myself for thinking about such things in the first place.

Now that Renzo was out of hearing distance, I quickly asked, "Did he– did he send you?"

His brows furrowed questioningly, "Who?"

"Russel– nevermind."

Nikolai smiled, "Look, kitten. Surely you must have heard of the Gianni Family?" I shook my head, "Look it up. I didn't lie about randomly meeting you, you just looked too innocent to do the kind of things they accused you of so I felt compelled to help."

"I'm so– grateful. Thank you, Sir."

He gave me one of those cheeky smiles that revealed his silver tooth, "Anything for a cute girl like you. Here," he handed me his card and added, "Feel free to call whenever you are in danger and I'll pull up for you."

"What?"

But instead of answering, he opened the car and nodded for me to enter. Shakily, I walked in and sat there, fidgeting with my fingers.

Yesterday, a mafia boss offered me $2,000,000 to spend a night with him. Today, a billionaire randomly shows up to save me and tells me I can call him anytime and he'll pull up.

Were my days numbered? What else? Perhaps the stars will start falling and angels will come down to build houses on earth.

Fifteen minutes and an awkwardly silent ride later, Nikolai dropped us in front of the bar because I was too afraid to let him know our house address.

When we waved him goodbye, Nikolai stuck out his head and randomly said, "If you ever feel like grabbing dinner with me, you know what buttons to press."

Then he winked and zoomed off before I nodded awkwardly, I was still too tongue tied to speak.

"Looks like you got a date coming." Renzo teased and I glared at him.

We flagged a taxi and headed home.

"Mum!" I cried and threw my arms around my mother as soon as I sighted her on the couch.

"You slept out last night and you are just coming in." My mum pouted as she hugged me to herself.

"Sorry, work got tough. We had to sleep in." Renzo lied, "But we won't be going out today so you have us all to yourself!"

She pinched our noses playfully the way she usually did when we were kids, "Breakfast?"

I shook my head, honestly not in the mood to eat with all that has happened in the last twenty four hours, "I'll eat later, Mum. For now, I just need a shower and a long sleep."

I hurried into my room before either of them could object. I shut the door, then I leaned against it and took a deep breath. I stayed like that for like two minutes before slowly walking to my bed. But the minute I reached the bed, my eyes caught a red gift box tied with a silver ribbon.

I walked back to the door and yelled, "Mum, did anyone drop a package for me?"

"No, baby!" My mum yelled back, "Any problem?"

A gasp escaped my lips as I slowly walked back to the bed, I was too afraid to touch the box. What if it was a letter bomb? But my curiosity got the best of me and I found myself picking the box up. I looked around for any note and yes, I found one. It was tucked to the side.

"You are truly my saving angel. Make your decision fast. My offer still stands, I have to thank you properly– Mancini."

My mouth dropped open, and I felt my heart thumping loudly against my chest as I quickly opened the box, the first thing that caught my eyes was the wad of dollar notes in there. There were five bundles of them.

I quickly looked around the room for any signs of an intrusion, if my mum did not receive the package, then that only meant that whoever dropped this broke into my room.

And how did he even get my address?

True, my window was left open, which was very unlikely because I usually made sure it was shut tight. So they came in through the window?

How did I meet this man again?

Five bundles of this meant $50,000!

Holy Mary!

Another note read, "This should help you decide fast. And for helping us, I'm willing to add $1,000,000 to make my offer $3,000,000. Don't take too long, angel."

There was a small card there containing his house address and his phone number, what boldness? I realized one thing though, Russel Mancini had nothing to do with Nikolai Gianni showing up in my life.

And one more thing;

The devil was baiting me.