Chapter 3 Who do you work for

I had stayed at Brodo talking to Alex long enough that by the time I left, it was dark outside. I had told Herrera that I wouldn't need a car because this was New York we were talking about. Everything I could ever need was in walking distance, and the apartment we had picked out was just down the street from the bar. As I walked home though, I was starting to rethink that decision. I was as exhausted mentally as I was physically after my conversation with Alex, and all I could think about was falling into my bed for a short nap before having to get up and do it all again.

I was playing a part, one that took all of my effort and energy not to completely give away.

I should be thrilled. I had accomplished exactly what I had set out to do, and everything was working perfectly so far, but that didn't stop the overwhelming knot of guilt building in my chest. I hated lying to Alex the way I had, especially when he had been so willing to help me the second he heard we were struggling. He hadn't even pressed me on what was going on or what I had been doing for the last several years, he just welcomed me back with open arms as if I had never left.

What was wrong with me? I hadn't even seen Brandon yet, and I was already questioning all of this. Why did I think I could come back here and not feel like an absolute traitor for what I was about to do? This wasn't just anyone. As badly as I wanted the Avenettis to pay for what had happened to my parents, they were still my family, too. No amount of time or distance could change that. I couldn't even let myself go there though. They may be good-hearted, but they were still mixed up in some terrible things.

I had to put all of my personal feelings to the side if this was going to work, and I had no choice but to make it work. Adam and I both depended on it. If I couldn't give Herrera what he wanted, both of our lives were over, and everything we had been through over the last few years would be in vain. Nothing could come in the way of that, and I needed to keep that at the forefront of my mind.

The wind had chilled me to my bones on my walk home, so instead of a nap, I opted for a hot shower. The pounding water on my back felt heavenly, and I stayed in it until the water had gone cold. I sent a quick text to Adam to check in and started getting ready. He was back at school, under Herrera's watchful eye, and he had no idea what I was about to do. I hadn't told him, knowing he would try to stop me and take responsibility for everything that happened. I wasn't against him taking responsibility for his actions, but he made a mistake. That wasn't the person he truly was, and there was no way I was going to let this one mistake define his entire life. Especially when I had been fighting so hard to keep him away from all of this. If all went according to plan, I could get the job done and get home before Adam really even knew what was going on. Protection for Adam while I was gone had been part of my deal with Herrera, and I slept a little easier at night knowing that if Rivas and his men came after him, Herrera was there. That was at least something and had no choice but to trust him.

****

The next day once I was ready, I called a cab, not willing to brave the cold again even for the few blocks it would take for me to get to Brodo. It was show time.

Alex had been right. By the time I arrived, the place was packed. There was an hour wait for a table, and the bar area was standing room only. Alex was behind the bar himself when I walked in, and I waved sheepishly once he made eye contact with me.

"Sadie! Hey!" He grinned, coming out from around the bar and giving me a hug. "You're just in time. Things are about to get busy."

"Busier than it already is?" I laughed, arching my eyebrow at him.

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "You haven't seen anything yet." He nodded towards the other guy behind the bar. "Ro, take over. I'm going to get Sadie settled and then I'll be back down."

The guy grunted, continuing to move at record speeds concocting drinks and collecting cash. "Come with me." Alex gestured towards the back staircase. I followed close behind, not wanting to get lost in the crowd. He led me into an office, shutting the door behind us to muffle the noise and music from downstairs.

One of the men from earlier was sitting in the office, pouring over security tapes as if he was looking for a needle in a haystack. "Dante, you remember Sadie, right?"

"Nice to see you again." He nodded.

I smiled politely. He was the creepy one.

"Here is a uniform for you." He said, thrusting a pile of clothes at me. I sifted through it, realizing there wasn't all that much to the uniform. A pair of short, jean booty shorts and a low cut, midriff white tank top. I let out a sharp laugh, glancing back up at Alex. Did he really expect me to wear this?

Alex grinned, picking up on my feelings. "Hey, I told you it wasn't glamorous. Why don't you change up here and then I'll introduce you to Rolo? He's behind the bar and you'll be helping him out tonight."

"Sounds great."

"There is a bathroom back there, and you can leave your stuff in one of the lockers. I'll be back in a few minutes to get you."

"Will do, boss." I smirked as Alex walked out the door.

Dante looked completely wrapped up in what he was watching on the surveillance tapes, so I took the clothes and slipped into the bathroom. I wasn't sure exactly what I had been expecting when I agreed to take a job as a bartender in a club like this, but I hadn't worn an outfit like this in years. When I pulled the shirt on, my boobs were nearly spilling out of it, but I had a sneaking suspicion that that was the goal. There was no way I would be able to hide my wire in this thing, so instead, I tucked it tightly in my purse and sent a quick text to Herrera to let him know we'd need another plan for tomorrow. I shook out my curls, touching up my make up in the mirror until I was satisfied with my appearance. I looked like a slutty teenage beauty queen, but I guess that was all part of the act. I had to sell the fact that I fit in here, and this outfit would certainly help.

I came out and Dante glanced up momentarily from his computer screen, a grin plastered on his face.

"Well, look at you." He stood up, sauntering towards me. "You certainly look the part."

"Uh, thanks." I blushed uncomfortably, grabbing my jacket to cover myself up until Alex got back. I backed up until my heel hit the wall "I think I am going to go find Alex."

"Not so fast." Dante planted his hands on the wall, trapping me between them. "You may have Alex fooled, but don't think you can waltz in here without some kind of explanation. Who do you work for?" He hissed, his hot breath reeking of alcohol.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I don't..."

"Shut up." He put a knee between mine, forcing them apart. "If you don't work for anyone then you won't mind me searching you for a wire."

"That's not necessary. I'm not wearing a wire..." Dante grabbed at my chest roughly, yanking the shirt open and causing me to cry out in pain. "Get off of me." I clenched my jaw, trying to shove him away.

Dante only seemed encouraged by my resistance, cutting me off abruptly. "Aw come on, angel. If you don't have anything to hide, it should be a problem." His hand trailed down my neck. Where the hell was Alex?

My body trembled as I tried to figure out what I could do. I could knee him in the balls, but who knew if I would make it down the stairs before he caught up to me. And then what? I would blow the entire operation. I wasn't just going to sit here and let this happen though. This bastard had another thing coming.

All of a sudden the door flew open and Dante backed away like a reprimanded puppy.

"What the hell is going in here?" A voice snarled from behind me. It sent chills down my spine as I realized it wasn't Alex. There was no mistaking that voice. I turned around slowly, coming face to face with the best and worst part of my past.

Brandon stood in the door way in all of his glory, shaking with rage.