-RIPLEY-There was a knock at the door and Bobby got it.I was sitting on the sofa and my eyes widened when I saw Hilton walk in.His nose area was black from bruising."What the hell happened to you?" Bobby asked.I held my breath, I was sure it had to do with a certain FBI agent."I had a run in with a perp. Nothing major."I breathed out in relief, I was worried he would mention Fin.But my relief turned to panic when Hilton's eyes landed on me."I was hoping I could have some time with Ripley."My stomach dropped.Bobby smiled, "Of course. The guest room is open."Hilton shook his head, "No, I was hoping to take her elsewhere."Bobby turned to me, "We have that shipment coming in tonight. Suppose I won't need her."My stomach churned, "Bobby-""Go with him, Ripley."I got to my feet, my legs trembling beneath me as I followed Hilton to his car.I got in and discreetly held my phone next to my thigh. I was tempted to call Fin.But then Hilton got in."Don't look so panicked. I have
This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.•RIPLEY•Being the only daughter of Kinley and Gianni Esposito had been tough.My father was a strict man, and although he raised both my brother and me with a strict set of rules, I always felt as if I got it a little worse.When I took the job with Captain Hilton, all hell broke loose."This job will end badly for you." My father had told me.But, of course, I didn't listen.I thought I could do it, I thought I could go undercover as an informant and get the information needed on the bad guys.What I didn't realize was that these people were not small fry.They were as bad as my father had been, some were worse.It's what started it all, really. My undoing.I sat in my tight, t
SOME YEARS LATER •RIPLEY• Laying on the sofa with a blanket wrapped around my body I looked over at Bobby who was standing near the doorway."How are you feeling, baby?"I shot him a glare, "You beat me black and blue. How do you think I'm feeling?""I told you that I'm sorry. But if you would just listen to me, none of that would have happened.""I did listen to you!" I snapped angrily, "I did everything that you asked of me. Yet again.""You lost me a deal when you clawed my client's face to pieces."I rolled my eyes, I couldn't believe what I was hearing, "Yeah after he tried to force himself on me. What did you expect to happen?"Bobby sighed and walked over to the sofa, crouching down in front of me, "Force himself on you? Ripley, you were there to do whatever he wanted you to. I permitted him, so you need to realize that you had no right to attack him."I glared at him, but I knew better than to say anything to him.I should have been used to these deals Bobby had me doing. The
•RIPLEY• "Why does he hate me so much?" Sloan asked as her eyes fell on my father. I sighed, Sloan was my brother Renato's girlfriend. She also just so happened to be the daughter of Noah O'Clery, one of my father's many enemies. "I don't know. As far as I can tell, he has no issues with your uncle." My parents had told me the story of how Fin O'Clery helped them. It was always a little strange to me how my father was okay with Fin, but hated the idea of Renato being with Sloan because of her family. I watched my father talking to Bobby over by the pool and I couldn't help but feel resentment bubble up within me. How could he not sense that Bobby was no good? If he would just do some digging, he would find out. A part of me wished he would, that way I wouldn't be at fault. But I couldn't be the one to tell them anything. Bobby would ruin my father if I did. And with his health all up and down, that was not a risk I wanted to take. "Are you okay?" Sloan asked me suddenly, "Ye
•FIN•I paged through the magazine in my hand, not actually reading anything of it.Checking my watch I looked around the hospital waiting room. If King wasn't someone I was close with I wouldn't have been sitting here. But his daughter was having a bad turn after a car accident and I didn't want to leave King without any support. His wife left him a few years ago, and I was the old bastard's only real friend these days.Probably due to his alcoholism. But I wasn't about to tell him that. In the last twenty-something years I was part of the FBI, and he was my partner. If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't have lasted as long.A bunch of nurses rushing by with a young woman on a stretcher caught my eye and I frowned in their direction. All I had been able to see was a badly bruised face.I shook my head and turned back to my magazine."Fin. Do you want some coffee? Doc's given her the all-clear."I nodded at King, my eyes going over to the two cops standing outside the door where
•FIN• King walked into my office while I was staring out over the tall buildings. "You're in luck. Robert Jenkins, otherwise known as Bob. He's a businessman who is both well respected and feared amongst his peers. There's also been a few run-ins with the FBI in the past, drugs. But we could never nail him. We also have reason to believe that he has some pretty big names who have partnered in his company to make it look legit, again, no proof." He dropped the file on my desk. "Do I have the case?" "I thought you wanted to retire soon?" King asked with a smirk. "I do. But I want this case first." "Why? Why are you so hell-bent on this? Is it because she's Kinley's daughter?" I nodded, "Yeah. You know I care about Kinley, we bonded over all that shit with Gianni. How can I claim to care about them if I don't do something to help their daughter?" King sighed, "Fin, you're a damn good agent. I don't want to see you screw it all up over this girl. She isn't squeaky clean herself. Sh
•RIPLEY•The music of the club thumped in my head, it felt like the music was in my bones.I wasn't sure what Greg and his friend gave me, but it made me feel like my body was on another plane completely.My head was spinning but they weren't letting me off the dance floor. My feet hurt. I wanted to sit down.But instead, I was pressed between Greg and his friend, what was his name? Steve? No, Stanton. Something like that.Both are sleazy assholes I'd rather never see again.But Bobby would be pissed if I screwed this up.So I forced myself to dance between these two jerks. Greg was behind me and his hands drained down my front. I was repelled in disgust, but I kept my hands around Stanton's neck.Be a good girl. I kept repeating the mantra in my head over and over again.But then I felt sick and I rushed away to empty the contents of my stomach in the toilets.Bobby was going to be pissed about this.•FIN•I walked into the local precinct just as Swanson came rushing passed me, "Goo
•FIN• I was back home, but my mind was with Ripley. Although Robert welcomed me into his little operation with open arms, I still felt as if I lost. There was a knock on the door and when I opened it, I found King frowning at me. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked as he walked in. "Where is my report?" I motioned toward my table, "I'm still busy with it." That was the truth, I began my report but my mind kept straying to Ripley so I had been distracted. "Well, was it successful?" "Yes. Robert fell for it, and I'm in. I'm having a meeting with him tonight." King nodded, "Let me know if you need anything and I will get it done," he hesitated, "How is Ripley?" I shrugged, "She's... Ripley." I tried to play it down in an attempt to hide my true feelings on the matter. "Listen, Fin, did you know that Ripley was originally working for the cops? That's how this whole thing started with her downward spiral." "Hilton?" King nodded, "It looks like it. But don't go doing
-RIPLEY-There was a knock at the door and Bobby got it.I was sitting on the sofa and my eyes widened when I saw Hilton walk in.His nose area was black from bruising."What the hell happened to you?" Bobby asked.I held my breath, I was sure it had to do with a certain FBI agent."I had a run in with a perp. Nothing major."I breathed out in relief, I was worried he would mention Fin.But my relief turned to panic when Hilton's eyes landed on me."I was hoping I could have some time with Ripley."My stomach dropped.Bobby smiled, "Of course. The guest room is open."Hilton shook his head, "No, I was hoping to take her elsewhere."Bobby turned to me, "We have that shipment coming in tonight. Suppose I won't need her."My stomach churned, "Bobby-""Go with him, Ripley."I got to my feet, my legs trembling beneath me as I followed Hilton to his car.I got in and discreetly held my phone next to my thigh. I was tempted to call Fin.But then Hilton got in."Don't look so panicked. I have
-FIN-My blood boiled as I walked into the police station. I walked through with my mind on the goal - which was Hilton.I slammed the door open and he looked up in surprise, but his frown turned into amusement, "Let me guess, you want more information about Ripley."I narrowed my eyes as I stormed toward him.My lips were in a tight line while my jaw tensed and my brows knitted."O'Clery?" Hilton's voice came out pitched and shaky.I reached over his desk, grabbing hold of his collar, "What did you do to her?" I pulled him over the desk, "Don't even try to lie."His eyes held fear, even though he tried to act calm, "Calm down. You're -"I shoved him into the wall, "I asked you a question, Hilton.""I have no idea what you're talking about."I punched him, my bruised knuckles ached in protest, "Do you really want to play this game?"Hilton smirked, "You've come in here and assaulted me. Do you know how easy it will be for me to go to your superiors?""Yes. And if you do that, I have a
-RIPLEY-"Has he told you who we're meeting?" I asked, looking over at Fin."He gave me an address and a code name."I chewed at my nails, I was beginning to feel anxious, I wasn't sure if it was due to the drugs leaving my system or if it was because I wasn't sure what Fin was planning."Fin?""Yes?""You have to let this play out how it's meant to. Don't go losing your shit.""How about you let me handle this?"I sighed, "If you handle it, we might both end up dead." I snapped back.His jaw tightened but he said nothing.I reached for my bag."No.""Fin, I can't do this sober."He moved in a flash, snatching my bag and flinging it out thewindow of the moving car.My mouth dropped in surprise, "What the hell?!""We can talk about that later. We're here."I turned to look at the hotel, it was fancy. It was always fancy. Even with so many scumbags in it.Fin got out of the car and I followed him.We stepped into the lift together and he pressed the '16' button."Any idea who this guy i
-RIPLEY-I sat in the hotel, staring out the large window up at the stars. This was the first time I was dealing with rejection and it felt strange.I was questioning whether there was something wrong with me. And I wasn't sure if I was hurt by the rejection, or if it was only because my ego took a knock.But there was something about Fin rejecting me that made me feel off.It bugged me and hurt me more than it should have."Rip." Fin's voice pulled me from my thoughts."What?" I turned to look at him."Are you okay? You've been quiet since we got back.""Of course I'm okay. I get rejected every second day, it's the norm." My voice dripped with more sarcasm than I would have liked.He frowned, "I didn't reject you, Ripley."I raised my brow, "Really? You don't think that counts as rejection?"He sighed and came over to sit beside me, "Ripley, it's not a rejection. I'm not going to take advantage of you."I rolled my eyes, "I came onto you. How is that taking advantage?""You're drunk.
-RIPLEY-"You don't have to stare at me like that. I'm not going to suddenly sprout a second head." Fin had been staring at me since I took a seat and it was annoying me."Sorry, I'm just trying to figure you out. There are so many things that I don't understand.""And it's better that way, Fin."He sipped on his drink and I awkwardly looked around the hotel room. "So, what now?" I asked in an attempt to break the silence."Now we talk. I want to know more.""About?""You.""Next."He laughed, "Okay, about Bobby."I sighed, "Where do I even start? You know what he's about.""Yes, I want to know how you ended up in all of this.""You're circling back to me, Fin. Don't.""Sorry. So how about you talk about what you're okay with me knowing?"I narrowed my eyes at him, "You just don't give up, do you?""Giving up isn't something I know how to do.""Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you're going to have to give up on this one."He got to his feet, walking over to me, "No. Ripley, you'
-RIPLEY-I sipped on my drink, ignoring the conversation going on between Bobby and Fin.And trying to ignore the glances Fin was shooting in my direction. Before leaving for dinner, Bobby had been all too happy to shove drugs in my direction, so my mind was fuzzy. Which helped in this situation.I could forget about Faith and the fact that I left her all alone in the care of strangers. I could almost ignore what a terrible person I had become over the years.When I was high enough, I was a different person. It made things easier."Ripley!" Bobby snapped.I looked up abruptly, "Sorry?"He clenched his jaw in annoyance, "Have you not been listening to a word I've said?"I shook my head, "Uh, no. I was a little lost in my own world. Sorry."He scoffed and turned to Fin, "Really, they're like dogs, if you don't train them, they're useless," he turned back to me, "If you had been paying attention, you would realize your expertise is required."I frowned, "My what?"He sighed, "Fin and I
•RIPLEY•I knew better. I knew better than to get sucked up into those kind and caring eyes.Yet, despite all of that, I could feel myself getting sucked in.Bobby was the dark and cruel reality, while Fin was the soft whispered promise of a fantasy."What are you thinking about?" Fin asked, pulling me from my thoughts."A lot of things." We were sitting in the rose garden in my parent's yard, it was secluded enough to give just the right amount of privacy.The sun was starting to set and the sky was a lovely hue of yellow and grey, the moment right before the blue sky turned black for the night.He bumped my shoulder with him, "I need to go soon. Can I drop you off somewhere?"I shook my head, I didn't want to be seen driving around with Fin. If Bobby found out about it, I would be in deep trouble."Will you be joining us tonight?" He asked."I think so. Bobby likes to show me off when he's dealing with business.""Why do you put up with him?"I shrugged, honestly, I wasn't sure mys
•FIN• I glanced around the yard, trying to find Ripley but I hadn't seen her or Sloan here yet. Gianni was speaking to Kin near the pool, Renato was here, and so were Luca and his family. Kinley was speaking to Luca's wife, whose name I could never remember. Upon our arrival I mingled a bit before getting a drink, hoping I would see my niece and Ripley arriving. Getting agitated, I pulled my phone out and sent Sloan a text asking where she was. I didn't particularly like that she was going to pick Ripley up given that she would probably have to see Bobby. Glancing at the time on the phone I realized that I still needed to go and meet with Bobby later that night. Sloan walked in a few minutes later with Ripley and I could immediately tell that Ripley was on something. I watched as her parent's faces lit up with joy at their daughter's presence and Ripley held onto them in tight hugs with a bright smile of her own. I was in awe at how beautiful she looked when she smiled, her f
•SLOAN• It was just one of those days when I was feeling miserable. After having coffee with Ripley and going to see my Uncle Fin, I thought I would start to feel better. But it had only made me feel worse. When Renato and I first began our relationship, Ripley was the first of his family to know. And she had her brother's back and welcomed me with open arms. She made me feel like I had a sister. And somehow through everything, I turned my back on her which left me feeling guilty. How could I have been such a terrible friend? And what was worse was that if Fin hadn't asked me about her, I probably never would have reached out again. I was a horrible person for that and I began to wonder if Gianni's dislike for me was maybe a little bit of karma. I needed Renato. I pulled my phone out of my pocket as I opened the front door of my apartment, but I gasped and stood frozen in my spot. The living room was filled with balloons, along the floor and the ceiling. In the middle of it,