The Gun and the Rose

14 | All For You

I didn't wait for Aerion to return from his walk to find more information about Lucian. I shuffled through the papers until I found his file, flipping through it. Lucian Ventura, aged 36. He grew up in Brooklyn, jumping from foster home to foster home. But he had a criminal record; charged with assault when he was 18. Bar fight, just like the warehouse workers had said.

Unlike the other men on the suspect list whose photos were with their families or smiling photos from social media, Lucian's was a mugshot. It was dated 18 years before and attached to the file was a more recent photo of his driver's license. Single and no familial ties to any of the capos. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my chin.

It seemed like we had our suspect, albeit a little too easily. I narrowed my eyes at the driver's license, memorizing the face of our crime lord. He was handsome with the same dark hair and dark eyes all Italians seemed to have. But his face was worn out, circles under his eyes, crinkles at the corners. A jagged scar carved into the side of his cheek, the white mark cutting across his stubble covered cheek, feathering at his lips. I smiled, feeling happy for the first time that day. I stuffed all the papers into the manila file folders and grabbed them before heading out of the office.

I walked down the street, holding the file close to my chest until I reached the police station we were working with to solve the case. I pulled the door open, a strong gust of November wind following behind me. I showed my badge to the receptionist who allowed my entry into the offices. I made my way through the hallways until stopping before one of the doors. I knocked on the wood, hearing a "come in". I hurried inside, closing the door behind me.

"Officer Costa," I greeted, shaking the man's hand. The young officer sat behind his desk, smiling warmly at me.

"What's brings you here, Detective? Where is your partner?" I place the file before him, opening it.

"He's a little busy. But, I think I have a really good lead here," I paused, "Meet Lucian Ventura." I read out the details written on the page, showing him photos and the suspect's criminal background.

"So what do you need me for?" he asked. I took a seat in front of him, nodding eagerly.

"I need some sort of evidence that ties him to something. Surveillance footage around his house, his travel history, what he does in his spare time- anything." The officer nodded, typing on the computer in front of him.

"I'll see what I can find and personally deliver it to you in perhaps a week? It may take some time to find all the information you need," he told me.

"Yeah, no problem. Take your time because I think we finally got the bastard."

***

Ales' POV

A sharp knock at the door broke me out of my thoughts. I turned from the balcony, seeing Marco standing at the entryway. "They're all here." With that, I dropped the remainder of my cigarette on the concrete, crushing it under the sole of my shoe. I closed the balcony doors, blocking out the cool air. Marco waited for me to join him before speaking. "I want to meet her." I paused and let out a bark of laughter.

"What?" I asked incredulously.

"I said, I want to meet Rose."

"Not a chance." I shook my head, walking past him.

"I know you're struggling and I can help with Rose. Adoro le signore e le signore adorano me," Marco argued. (Translation: I love the ladies and the ladies love me.)

"I am not struggling-"

"You only smoke when you're stressed." That shut me up. I sped up my pace, knowing Marco would struggle to catch up with his much shorter stride. "Let me meet her. Introduce me as your best friend. Fidarti di me, Ales, it will work." I glanced at him a second longer before entering a meeting room. (Translation: Trust me.)