CONTENT WARNING! This chapter mentions non-consensual druguse. This is necessary for the plot. Remember that taking any drugs without your doctor's prescription may be dangerous for your health!
“Were you really satisfied with what was in those documents?”, Luis asked Margaret, starting the engine.
“Not exactly, but there was nothing out of the ordinary”.
“Well, I thought he was too nervous”.
“Maybe this is your special effect on him? You do know you are a living legend of the town?”
“Haha, of course I do! I crafted this image meticulously for a long time and finally I’m reaping the benefits. Anyway, I want to send Casper after him. Let him follow Clark’s movements, his day routine, the people he meets, his women, friends etc”.
“And how long are you going to probe him this way?”
“I think 3-5 days will be enough”.
Nathan was Margaret’s protege. She introduced them 2 years ago. Luis must give him some credit - to impress Capianos, Clark did work his ass off in the labs. A typical rags to riches story. Being the head of Capiano Pharmaceuticals gave him tremendous profits. However, Luis disliked him. First, Margaret brought him not to Capiano Enterprises, but to his home office! Luis perceived that as a threat to his marriage. And no matter how much Margaret swore that there was nothing between her and Nathan, his jealousy didn’t subside. He even felt ashamed of it because he definitely wasn’t the one to call the kettle black. But he always separated sex and feelings. He had never had anything apart from lust and passion for his mistresses.
Margaret’s voice interrupted the flow of his thoughts:
“The day after tomorrow I’m planning to hold that press-conference. Our custom outfits should be ready by that time. I also want Amanda to attend it. I ordered a dress for her as well”.
“You think she will keep an eye on Darrell?”
“You read my thoughts! She has never been useless”.
“Okay, so as soon as we come home, we’ll talk to her”.
“Sure, I’ll arrange for a small family gathering. You and I need to eat anyway. Are you hungry, honey?”
“I am, and not only for food”, he smirked and put his hand on her thigh.
“I see. Your dessert will wait for you in the bedroom, then. Come to think of it, I’ve been craving something sweet for a long time”.
“I know one dessert that we can enjoy together, darling. I would suggest stopping to have some fun but it wouldn’t befit our current status”.
Margaret laughed.
“Yes, definitely. Better wait”.
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****
After coming to a decision on her future actions, Amanda tried to get her mind off Brian and the case. She opened her laptop and started working on the business plan on her newest project, Coffee Valley diner. The ex-owners were offered a generous sum for it, so now Amanda was its rightful owner. She already hired a chef, cooks, waiters and other staff necessary for running the place. She wanted to make this diner a perfect place to have a coffee break. Besides, Coffee Valley was close to the precinct.
“I’ll make use of it somehow”, she thought.
Suddenly she heard the door open. Amanda looked at the time. “Shoot, it’s already 9pm! I missed dinner! So this is how working people feel all the time. When you start doing what you like, time flies by”.
Amanda ran out into the corridor, looked down from the staircase and saw her parents.
“Good evening! How was your trip?”
“Fine. Enlightening, even. We have learnt some new things”.
“Care to share?”
“Not now. I understand that you haven’t eaten, either, right?”
“Yes, I worked on my diner”.
“I’m glad you are taking this project seriously, but you should make breaks when necessary. Otherwise, you will wear yourself down. It’s one of the businessman’s rules”, Luis remarked, smiling warmly at his daughter.
“I’ll tell the maids to make us a small meal”.
Margaret left.
Soon, the dining table was set and the Capiano mafia family was eating together.
“Mother, you look as if you want to tell me something”, Amanda said, taking her glass of Pinot Noir.
“Do I? Well, you are indeed very attentive today. Or is that detective of yours rubbing off on you?”
“No, Mum, he isn’t. Your body language is loud, that’s all. Besides, I dare say I know you well enough”.
“Well, then there’s no reason to postpone the conversation”.
“Margaret, isn’t it better to talk after dinner? We’re not business partners and I want to eat, after all”.
“It’s okay, Dad, we’re family, that’s much more important”.
“That’s exactly my point”.
“Anyway”, Margaret brushed him off, “we will hold the press conference in the town hall the day after tomorrow. Mayor Darrell will make a speech about the current situation in the city. Then we will have an after party. The usual, journalists, paparazzi, members of the mayor's team, guests etc . I want you to come with us and keep an eye on Darrell”.
“Why? Do you suspect him of something?”
“No”, Luis said, “so far I don’t see how Nocturnal Phoenix could benefit him. However, better safe than sorry”.
“Okay. I agree with you. This guy has always seemed like a slimeball to me”.
“Amanda!”
“What? Don’t tell me you fell for his honeyed manner of speech and teddy bear attitude”.
“I didn’t but I don’t let myself use such words!”
“Please. I didn’t say that to his face”.
“Alright, girls, let’s get back to business”, Luis interrupted them, “when will her dress be ready?”
“Tomorrow. The seamstress called me in the morning when Amanda was at the police department”.
“A new custom made dress?”Amanda's eyes shined with excitement, “now we’re talking! Is it a cocktail dress or an evening down? Or maybe it is a strapless one?”
Luis laughed.
“Women! If it was the only incentive needed to make you do something, I would order a new piece of clothing for you every day!”
“So, do we have a deal?” Margaret impatiently asked.
“Yes. I’m eagerly waiting for my dress”.
Amanda got up from her seat but then abruptly turned back.
“What about you? Did you order something for yourself?”
“Why do you ask such stupid questions? Do you think I will refuse my self a pleasure to show off at such an event?”
“Haha, no, Mum, just asking”.
“Your father will also get a designer suit, you know”.
“I don’t doubt it, you have always liked to match”.
Capianos laughed, grinning at each other. Suddenly, Amanda grew serious.
“Mother, I want to talk to you in private. Can I come to your office?”
“Sure, dear, your father and I will finish in 15 minutes”.
“Thank you. I’ll wait for you there”.
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****
Margaret’s office was a reflection of herself: modern stylish furniture, high-tech computer, leather armchairs and two sturdy oak bookcases. There were still documents all over the table, so the office didn’t look neat. Amanda sat down and took out her phone. Five minutes to eleven. Soon it will be time for her beauty sleep. But first…She still didn’t know if it was really a good idea but time was running out.
The door opened. Margaret went in.
“So, what’s the big secret?”
She gracefully lowered herself in the armchair opposite her daughter.
“Does truth serum exist?”, Amanda asked without any preamble.
Margaret got visibly taken aback. That was way too straightforward. Not like Amanda at all.
“There are some substances that relax the nervous system enough to make a person lower their guard and open their mind. In this vulnerable state you may get answers to your questions. But it won’t necessarily work. Some people may lie even under the influence of this drug”.
“I see. Do you have any?”
“Maybe I do. What do you need it for? Do you want to use it on Davis?”
“Yes, I do. I analysed his behaviour once again and now I’m positive he lied to me”.
“You’re starting to think like a true Capiano, daughter. I’m glad”, Margaret smiled widely, “don’t feel sorry for him. Even if he is a good person, he still is a police officer”.
“What are you getting at?”
“Nothing. You yourself told us that you hadn’t managed to solve him. So be careful”.
Margaret came up to one of the bookcases, pressed a book and a hidden compartment opened in the wall. She took out a small bottle and gave it to Amanda.
“One pill will be enough. It dissolves into any liquid, so put it into his tea, coffee, energy drink, beer, whatever. Don’t worry, he won’t fall asleep or behave like a possessed person. The effect will last for about 20 minutes.”
“Thank you, mother. Good night”.
Amanda left the office and returned to her room. Tomorrow she will find out everything that jerk hid from her. But why does she feel so bad? Why does she have doubts? She has a right to know the details of the investigation.
“I will follow Scarlett O'hara's advice and sleep on it”.
But it took her a long time to fall asleep. She tossed and turned until midnight.
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****
Brian came back home as usual, after midnight. His job always kept him on his toes. At least he didn’t have a night shift today. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to tell Amanda about what he had found. He won’t discuss everything with her, though. He will omit the fact that Mark’s body was discovered close to Capiano Pharmaceuticals laboratory. She doesn’t need to know about it. Her knowing that they dig into her family will not bring anything good. They will drift apart again and it won’t be so easily mendable. One small apology won’t cut it. Somehow Brian didn’t want them to stop talking. She reminded him a bit of Estela, but Amanda was more mature, beautiful and witty. Brian cut himself short. At what point did he start thinking of her being attractive? Of course, he isn’t blind, he can see charm and grace where they are obvious but she isn’t any woman, she is a Capiano!
He tried to summon Liz’s face into his memory, he needed her advice so much now! But how could he even hope for it if he failed her so horribly two years ago! He couldn’t save either of them! Such a horrible death… Dying in the fire must have been agonizing… And it was all his fault… The only consolation was that that rat Caleb died with them. But was it worth two lives? They had almost nothing to do with that cursed drug dealer! Capianos should have controlled him, not let him loose!
Of course, Liz was a police officer and it was her case, but he should have been there with her, he should have run after her, not gathered the SWAT team! And now he rubs shoulders with Capiano heiress, moreover, he likes it!
Brian berated himself for wanting to spend time with this girl but couldn’t do anything about it. He felt that he was betraying his principles, his friends. In the end, he decided to close off from her and not to give her anything to cling on to. He always used this strategy and it never failed him before. “But everything can happen for the first time”, he thought, putting a bottle of beer into the fridge, “well, I’ll act according to the situation”
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