No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 26

"With that being said, he still trusted and used us for the brunt of his information and hits," Gabriel says hurriedly.

"We should start with Simon," Everett says, and I almost choke at the mention of his name.

I look over at Ari who glares at Everett, Gabriel running a hand down his face.

"Who's Simon?" Luca asks, furrowing his eyebrows at Everett.

"Leonardo's right-hand man," Everett chuckles dryly.

"He's not a figure in the underworld, but Leonardo used him for money, which he always gladly supplied," Ari explains, "I've never met him though," he mutters.

"Simon has what some might consider a very colourful criminal record, Leonardo always managed to get him out of shit, which is where the friendship turned alliance began," Gabriel says.

"Basically what we're saying is, if we get a hold of Simon, we'll be able to find Leonardo," Griffon says, summing up the explanation which probably could've been said in two sentences.

"But he's a civilian?" Alessio asks hesitantly.

"He's a fucking piece of shit," I mutter, all heads turning to face me. "What I mean is, the not bringing civilians into shit rule doesn't apply to people like him," I say hurriedly.

"What do you mean by a colourful criminal record?" Vincenzo asks Gabriel.

"Assault, physical and sexual, rape, kidnapping, shit that any wealthy rich man can get off with the certain type of support, which he had through Leonardo," Gabriel says, and I wince at the thought.

"So we find him and then we find Leonardo?" Alessio says decidedly.

"Exactly," I nod, letting out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

"Easier said than done, where can we find him?" Vincenzo asks, his tone growing impatient as if getting sick of the constant beating around the bush.

"He mainly resides in his property in LA, he owns a chain of clubs which is where we can get him," Gabriel says.

"We go there then," Vincenzo nods.

"Are we sure that Simon will know where Leonardo is?" Adelyn asks.

Gabriel nods, "Leonardo doesn't go anywhere or do anything without informing Simon, he needs to keep him fully informed in order to keep the supply on money going. Wherever he is, Simon knows and almost definitely funded it,"

"And if we're lucky, Simon might even be hiding Leonardo for us," Everett says, his tone light, almost trying to lift the mood.

"That's too obvious," I say, raising an eyebrow at Everett.

"So nothing can ever be easy?" he teases,

"Not with Leonardo, no," I say stubbornly.

"So it's settled then, we go to LA to find Simon," Vincenzo says, ending the bickering.

"Where about in LA is he?" Lea asks casually, her eyes shining at the thought.

"Beverly Hills obviously," Everett grins, "Where else would a rich prick live?"

Lea smiles widely and looks at Issy who mirrors her excited expression.

"We leave tomorrow, so everyone pack tonight," Vincenzo says.

"Once we arrive, we'll think of how to go about everything best," I say, wanting this meeting to be over.

"Meeting over!" Alessio announces, dramatically standing up as everyone begins to follow him.

I walk back to the twins room where we were before and the door is closed as we continue our debrief session as Alessio called it.

"Why the fuck would you bring up Simon?" Griffon snaps, glaring at his twin.

"We needed to say something," Everett defends himself.

"We don't even know if him and Leonardo have spoken in 3 years," Gabriel snaps, "We could be flying them to a whole different fucking country for no reason,"

"Look, Leonardo has nowhere to go, no money at his disposal, Simon will have been up for parole a few months ago, there's a chance that they reconnected," Everett says calmly.

"There's also a chance that the man we've promised is our perfect man is in fucking prison," I almost shout.

Simon was charged with aggravated assault 3 years ago and it was the one charge Leonardo couldn't get dismissed with his usual methods, so he went to prison.

As far as we know, the two cut content whilst Simon was behind bars and it might still be that way.

"Do we still know where he lived?" Ari asks in a tired voice, running a hand down his face is exasperation.

"I can get into the cameras tonight and see if there's any activity," Griffon sighs.

"Leonardo could be hiding in one of Simon's properties even if he's in prison," Everett suggests. He's met with glares and sighs, "Look guys, I'm sorry I mentioned Simon, but truly what else do we have?" he says.

"It's fine, so long as they don't find out," I say, knowing that Everett was trying to save our asses.

"Let's get onto finding out whether his parole hearing was successful or not," Ari says.

"I have people in LA," Gabriel says.

"Where do you not have people?" Everett asks dryly.

Gabriel shrugs, "I have people everywhere, I'll get onto them," he says.

"Let's hope for us he's out," Griffon mutters, "Although it's probably best for everyone is he's still jailed,"

"I wouldn't be surprised if he got killed in prison," I say bitterly.

"It'd be a benefit to society, that's for sure," Ari agrees.

————

"He's out," is all Gabriel says, and I suck in a sharp breath.

//

Sorry I didn't update when I said I would, but a somewhat juicy chapter to make up for it??

I won't promise when I'll update next, but I'll try for twice this week, (don't hold me to that bc I have a lot of shifts this week a shit tonne of hw)

Also for everyone commenting on my holiday schedule as well as the times I post, I live in Australia, so that's why the times are different,

But until the next chapter, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3