0039 - Choices

Liam’s POV

My phone started ringing before I was even fully awake.

I reached for it, still half-asleep. Dan’s name was on the screen. That wasn’t a good sign. He never called early unless something was wrong.

“Yeah?” I said, my voice still heavy from sleep.

“They want the body,” Dan said. “The one from the apartment attack.”

It took me a second to understand what he meant. “What?”

“The guy that came after your friend, Maria. His body. Police headquarters requested it. Said it’s tied to something bigger.”

I sat up slowly. “Bigger how?”

“They didn’t say,” Dan said. “Just that it’s part of a high-profile case. They need the body transferred today.”

“Did they mention a name?” I asked, though I already had one in mind.

“No. I asked, but they kept it vague. But get this… they didn’t call ahead. They showed up. Two guys. Suits. Showed paperwork. Everything looked official. I had no choice.”

“Luca?” I asked.

“They didn’t say,” Dan repeated. “But if you ask me, yeah. Feels like it. Feels like someone’s trying to clean things up.”

I didn’t answer right away. I could feel it in my gut—this wasn’t right.

“You did the right thing calling me,” I finally said. “Let me know if anything else happens.”

“Will do.”

I hung up and just sat there for a moment. I didn’t like how this felt. The guy who attacked Maria—he could be our best lead to tying Luca. Maybe even our way into Luca’s entire business.

But now, just like that, someone had taken him out of our hands.

I didn’t know what they were hiding, especially with an ordinary guy like this but for them to have done something to hide this, it means we were on to something.

********

Later that day, I was at my desk when my phone rang again. This time it was Marcus.

“Just thought you’d like to know,” he said. “I saw Maria go into that bar again. Same one.”

I didn’t speak for a second.

“I figured you’d want to know,” he said.

“Thanks,” I said.

I ended the call and stared at the screen for a while. I wasn’t sure if I should go. Lately, it felt like Maria didn’t want me around. She barely looked at me when we spoke. She kept pulling away. Still, something in me needed to see her.

Maybe today would be different.

*********

It was quiet when I got to the bar. Same low lights, a few people. Almost like what it was the last I met Maria here. And there she was, sitting alone again, like before. Her drink was in front of her, but she wasn’t drinking it. She just looked tired. Lost in her thoughts.

I walked over.

“A penny for your thoughts,” I said.

She looked up and smiled a little. “Hi.”

“If I know you’ll be showing up here every day,” I said softly, “maybe I should keep coming.”

She smiled, even though I could tell she wasn’t okay.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she said. “Just having a bad day.”

“Sad kind of bad day? Or the angry kind?”

“Both,” she replied, then looked back at her glass.

I sat down next to her. “You know, bars are not great for days like that.”

She gave me a small look. “Where should I be then?”

“I know a place,” I said. “Not far. Quiet. Better than this.”

“I don’t feel like going anywhere,” she said quickly.

“I’m not trying to drag you out of your world,” I said. “Just want to help. That’s all.”

She didn’t answer.

“My boss pulled me off a case today,” I added. “No warning. And honestly, I’m also angry about it.”

“You don’t look angry,” she said.

“There are a lot of things I don’t look like,” I said with a shrug.

That made her smile a little again. Just a tiny lift at the corner of her mouth. It was something.

“Come on,” I said. “We don’t even have to stay long. If you don’t like it, I’ll drive you right back. Promise.”

She still looked unsure, so I waved the bartender over.

“Her drink’s on me,” I said, placing a few bills on the counter. “She’s leaving.”

Then I looked at her again. “I'm waiting for you outside.”

And I left before she could say no.

*******

I sat in my car and watched the front door of the bar. My heart was beating hard. I didn’t know if she would come. She had every reason not to. But I hoped she would.

People came in and out and the time dragged on. I kept my hands still in my lap, trying not to check the mirror too many times.

Then the door opened, and there she was.

Maria stepped out. She looked around and spotted my car.

I was actually holding my breath and didn't realise it until I shouted 'yes' excitedly to myself seeing Maria coming through.

If Maria is going to be my path to getting Luca De Rossi, then I have no choice. I'll do what I need to do.