"Ari, what just happened? This was not in the plan," my husband said after we'd assured guests that there's nothing to worry about. We were currently in our hotel room.
You see, Ralph ran the investigation on Shelby that I needed him to, way before Raphael and I started planning the demise of our enemies. Knowing that she still thought she had one up on me was annoying me, so I had to get rid of the annoying feeling.
And my brother in law came through for me.
He alerted me that very morning that he'd gathered substantial evidence on her and he'd handed it over to the FBI. Unfortunately, what we haven't found is how she's linked to Daniel. The evidence is in no way connected to him. The only thing that we're confident of is that she was stealing company information, stealing from our hotel and she was sabotaging our deals and clients.
That's more than enough for now.
"I know it wasn't a part of the plan, but I needed to do this. I needed to do this for us, but mostly for myself. I needed to handle Shelby and put her shadow over me to rest," I explained, hoping he'd understand.
"How did you get her arrested though? Do you have the evidence needed?" he asked.
"I asked Ralph to help me with the case. He managed to find evidence on her, but since he works for the CIA, he had to hand the information over to the FBI since it's a domestic case," I replied.
"Does this mean that we can scratch Shelby off of the list?" he scowled.
"Not yet! While we suspect her for being Daniel's mole, the evidence shows no ties to Daniel. Ralph figures that we'll have to wait and see if she makes bail firstly, and secondly, if anyone bails her out. We're guessing that whoever bails her out will lead us to who she's really working for," I responded. He walked over and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Firstly, I'm proud of you. Secondly, that's some brilliant thinking on both you and my brother's parts. Lastly, are you ok?" he asked.
"I will be. Now that the plan is in motion, it just means we're that much closer to our happily ever after," I smiled.
"That we are, but what about Adrienne? Wont she be a problem?" he questioned.
"We're going to fire her the moment she walks in for her shift in the next two hours," I informed.
"With all this firing occurring, who's going to run the hotel?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Malia said she doesn't mind taking over until we find someone else," I informed.
"Well then, colour me impressed Signora Maestri. I'm happy that you managed to do this for yourself, and that the woman no longer has a hold on you," he smirked.
"I would've never had the courage to do it had you not believed in me," I admitted.
"I will always believe in you Ari. I will always be your number one cheerleader," he said confidently. I pulled him down for a kiss.
"I know you will, just like I will always be yours. I love you Raphael, more than you will ever understand," I told him. He pulled me in for a second kiss.
"I love you more than you love me cara mia," he whispered with a cheeky smile on his face.
"Uh, that's not possible since I love you times infinity," I argued.
"Well I love you to infinity and beyond," he countered.
"We're not doing this," I huffed.
"Only because you're a sore loser," he chuckled.
YOU ARE READING
The Maestri Amour (Wattys 2015) - ON HIATUS
General Fiction"Child, he doesn't know anything about his own life. You think he's a mystery to you and the world? Little do you know that he's a mystery to himself. He doesn't know of the lies that surround him. He has dark secrets Rita, dark secrets that practic...
