All Chapters of The Weston Syndicate: Chapter 11 - Chapter 17

His room is full of red and black furnishings. Everything was gaudy and extravagant, reminding me of those old mafia movies I used to watch in the store display windows. Fitting for the head of the Weston Syndicate. My eyes land on a large wooden desk tucked in the corner. Papers were scattered around, the owner not caring for a disorganized state. I step off the bed, creeping closer, my eyes drifting to the door. I pick up the first document I see and am surprised such a document is left in plain sight. The first line reads City of Saratoga Zoning, and the paper describes city zoning laws and sections. It seems that Noe was interested in the dock and beach area. I look around once more and drop the report like it's a lump of hot coal. What if this is a trap? Noe was testing me, seeing if I would leak any information to Darla. What exactly he needed the city zoning maps for is something I'm determined to discover. I move away from the desk, noticing a bar full of alcohol on the othe

"Lara! What a joy to see you." Darla greets me when I stop next to her. "Darla," I nod. "Is there somewhere more private?" Darla keeps her dazzling smile plastered on as she looks around. "Yes. There is an area for employees we can use. They won't mind my using it- I do supply their merchandise after all." I look behind, making sure Therese and Nula are not searching for me. I see the woman in the corner cooing over a dress. They wouldn't notice me missing, but going into an employee room would be risky with all the possible outcomes. Finally, I decided on a plan of action. "Evander is watching me. I shouldn't disappear right now. Maybe a quiet corner in the back where I can keep an eye on my friends?" I nod to Therese and Nula. Darla raises a perfect eyebrow but leads the way to a hidden corner. It was perfect; I could watch anyone coming into the store and keep an eye on my new friends.

The man in front of me-my childhood best friend freezes when he opens the driver's door. "Lara?" He laughs and scoops me up, spinning me around. "Where the hell have you been? But, more importantly, why did you bring a bulletproof car here? I can't have this type of trouble, not anymore."Wow. Adrian had filled really...grown. He was no longer the dirty blonde, lanky kid that ran jobs with me. Standing in front of me was a tall, toned physique. His voice came out like honey, smooth and deep. I could get lost in those dark blue eyes, kiss those plump lips. "Lara!" Adrian's angry snap pulls me out of my lust. "Oh, sorry. It's a long story, one that I'm not going to share. How much for scrap? I'm sure you have some of your old contacts in the black market who would pay a premium for a piece of a Weston SUV."Adrian hisses and grabs his gray news cap from