Chapter Eleven

Caledon Hockley was not a fool, and he certainly wasn't in the habit of being played as one. He refused to believe what he had been told… Gabriella would not simply quit and leave without so much as word to him. She wouldn't do that.

But, if he were to believe Lyle, that's exactly what had happened. He stared at the man's beefy face and bore down on him. "Tell me again what her brother told you, word for word."

Lyle smirked at him almost as if he were pleased to see him so disturbed. He shrugged and lifted a discarded glass from the bar. "I told ya, all he said was Gaby wasn't coming back, that she had another job. He wanted her pay, I gave it to him and he left."

"That's it? Nothing more? There was nothing for me from her? You're positive about this?" he asked in concession. How it galled him to ask this vermin something so personal. It was all he could do to keep standing there and not jump over the bar and demand the man tell him all he knew.

"I told you already, NO. She didn't leave anything for ya, nothing."

Leaning back, he adjusted his coat and twisted his neck against the confines of the shirt and tie around his neck. He wasn't going to let his displeasure show anymore than it already had. There had to be more to it, more than what he had been told. "Do you know where Gabriella lives?" he asked gruffly.

Raising a bushy eyebrow, the rotund barkeep chucked a laugh and shook his head. "Like I'd tell you," he snorted. "The best thing to do is move on, Mister. She's gone and that's all there is to it."

Frustration lined the features of Cal's face. There was more than one way to get what he wanted. He gingerly lifted the wallet from the inside of his coat pocket and pulled a twenty out. He laid it on the bar and tapped it. "Do you know where she lives now?"

Lyle looked down at the money and then back up to Cal with disdain. "No," he stated firmly and began to walk down the length of the bar. Cal called after him and slid another twenty with the one on lying there. Forty dollars was more than the man made in three months of work. He lifted his head. "I can keep asking you or I can ask someone else in here. It's up to you." The implication was clear. Money talked.

Staring at the money, he growled and walked back to stand in front of Cal. "You think your money can buy everything don't you?"

Cal didn't respond to his harsh question, he just stared coolly at him. "Tell me the address or I'll find someone who will."

Finally, after a few tense minutes, he snatched up the money and stuffed down in his pocket. "It's 67th Street, Washington Heights Apartments."

"And I can assume you're telling me the truth," Cal nearly purred with scrutiny. "I won't find a drug store or vacant lot when I get there."

"That's the address," he snapped and waddled down the bar, this time not looking back.

Satisfied with the answer, Cal slid the wallet back in his pocket and headed for the door. Hopefully he would find Gabriella and learn the truth once and for all.

Twenty minutes later he was at the address provided by Lyle. He glanced up at the gray stone building that had seen better days long ago. The steps were wide and deep and a large stoop rested in front of the double doors. Several chairs lined the sides where occupants sat gossiping or whatever these people did in their spare time.

He realized that he didn't have a number for the apartment, but didn't let that deter him from his mission. He would simply ask until he came to hers, someone would surely know.

He bound up the steps and was about to open the door when it swung open before he could grab the handle. He found himself staring face to face with her brother, Adrian. A scowl immediately formed on the young man's face as he stared at him.

"What are you doing here?" he snapped, stepping out and slamming the door behind him. "How did you find us anyway?"

"I came to speak with Gabriella," he informed him coolly. He wasn't going to let this hot headed boy bait him again. "I was told this was where she lives."

"She's not here," he retorted and started down the wide steps. "So, you can go back to where you came from. You're not wanted here."

"Wait," he nearly shouted. Adrian stopped and turned back to him, a dark expression on his face. "I just want to speak with her," he said.

"Well, she doesn't want to speak with you. She's got a new job so you can just stop harassing her."

"So, it's true. She has quit Verdetti's?" Cal asked as he came down the steps toward him.

"Yeah," he nodded shortly. "She ain't going back there."

"Where can I reach her?"

"You can't. She doesn't want to see you anymore. She told me so herself."

"I don't believe that," Cal countered, his throat becoming tight. "She wouldn't do that."

"Oh yeah? Well, she did. She told me she couldn't see you anymore. This new job was her way out."

Cal felt the tightness in his throat grow tighter, nearly choking him. "Why didn't she say anything last night?"

"She was going to but our brother was in trouble. Family is more important to Gaby. Anything else?" he asked crossing his arms impatiently.

"This doesn't make sense. She would have told me, I know she would have."

"Sorry," he shrugged indifferently. "Like I said, she's moved on. You should do the same."

"Where is this new job?" he questioned, fearing he may pound the boy to a pulp if he didn't tell him.

"Can't help you there, sorry," he shook his head.

Cal slowly descended the last remaining steps, his fierce gaze never leaving Adrian's defiant face. "I realize you want to protect your sister, but I must see her, speak to her. I…" he paused and released a tense breath. "I only want to make sure what you say is true. I want to here it from her."

"She doesn't want to see you," Adrian repeated more firmly. "She's gone and she's where you'll never find her."

Cal studied him for a moment and gritted his teeth. "I don't believe you. I know Gabriella. She would not do this to me."

"You only know what you want to believe. My sister is too good for even with all of your money. Just go back to where you came from and forget her. She's already forgotten you," he smiled smugly and then turned and walked away from him.

Cal stood there watching him and for a moment he had the wild inclination to tackle him, to force him to talk. He felt the rush of adrenaline course through his body at the thought of it, but his wiser, more prudent side took over. Beating Gabriella's brother would get him no where. There were other avenues, other ways of finding what he wanted to know. He would find her and when he did, he would have the truth one way or the other.

Furiously Adrian walked down the sidewalk away from the man he had come to resent. He told Gaby that guy was bad news, but being Gaby, her stubborn streak had reared its ugly face and his opinions had fallen on deaf ears. She had gone on and on about how he was different, how she didn't need to be protected from him. He was a nice guy, she had said, and she knew what she was doing. Well, he thought with a slight laugh, if she could have been here to see him now, her opinion would have changed, that was for damn sure.

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the letter that Gaby had shoved into his hand that morning. He'd read it of course, and in her rushed handwriting it explained everything, answered all the questions the scum had just demanded of him, but he had held it back. It killed him to do it. Gaby had been there for him more times than he could count and he owed her, but this…he couldn't do this. He had to protect her, even if she didn't think she needed it. He had seen too many girls in this neighborhood hurt and left by guys just like him.

He took the letter and held it up, sure his decision was the right one. With one swift move, he ripped the letter ripped in two. He then ripped it again and discarded it into a nearby trash can. It was over. Gaby would never know and it was for her own good, even if she didn't know it yet.

Gabriella entered the back door in the kitchen that evening, glancing around as she did. Hearing voices in the sitting room, she followed the sound of it finding Marco. Helena, the children and Tony talking among themselves.

"Hi," she said as she walked in.

"Gaby," Helena smiled.

"Aunt Gaby!" Gregory stood from his place on the floor and ran to her. Her sturdy three year old nephew jumped up into her arms. "You're home!"

"How did it go?" Marco asked without preamble.

"Fine," she replied and sat down, adjusting Gregory in her lap.

"Fine? That's all?" Helena questioned.

"It was a lot to take in. I've never seen anything like it."

"Was it beautiful?" Helena asked nodding.

"Yes, it was beautiful, very beautiful." Gabriella knew she was going to have to tell them about the live in situation so she figured now was the time. With a deep breath, she continued. "It was a grand place. I would be only one of many servants that work there. As a matter fact, they not only work there, they live there. As will I when I start."

"What!" Tony roared as he shot to his feet.

"Live there?" Marco repeated.

"You're not taking this job!" Tony angrily jabbed his finger at her.

"Hold on," Marco scowled at Tony before addressing Gabriella. "What's this about? I thought you would be coming home at night."

"I thought so, too. But the fact is I have to live there to work there. I'll have Sunday's off and one day a month for personal time."

"Dammit Marco, tell her she can't do this!" Tony nearly bellowed, causing Stefania to whimper and cling frightfully to her mother.

Marco stood and frowned at his younger brother and then motioned to Helena. "Take the kids out, Helena."

Nodding, she gathered the two wide-eyed children and quickly did as Marco requested. Once they were alone, Marco turned to Tony. His voice was tense and hard as steel. "I won't allow you to act like that in front of my children, never mind that you're in my home."

Tony lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry," he bit out. "But I can't just stand around while Gabriella ruins her life! She's my sister, too."

"She is not ruining her life," Marco countered impatiently. "She's bettering it. I don't want to see her go either, but if that is what it takes to get her out of here then so be it."

Tony glared at Marco and then turned to Gabriella. "Is this really what you want? I sure as hell didn't expect this from you, Gaby. Working there is bad enough, but to live there with them is hundred times worse."

"This really isn't a choice, Tony. I work for them now and I have to follow the rules. I don't like it anymore than you do, but I have to do as they say or I don't have a job!" Hearing the sharp tone in her voice, she took a breath and looked her brother in the eye, "It's not as bad as it seems. I'll be home every Sunday and one day a month-"

Tony's harsh laughter cut her off. "I don't want to hear anymore. Do what you want, just don't come running back home when they've used you up and thrown you out." With that he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

"I give up," she told Marco. "No matter what I do I'm stepping on someone's toes and I'm tired of it!"

"Don't listen to him. I think you're doing the right thing," he told her. His features softened as he looked at her and then he gave her a small smile. "I'm going to miss you though. Don't think I won't."

His words were sweet and kind and brought tears to her eyes. She went over and hugged him tightly, "Thank you." she whispered.

It was during their tender moment that Adrian entered the room. Seeing the two embracing, he cleared his throat. "What's going on?"

Marco stepped back from her and chucked her chin. "Gabriella'll tell you. I'm going to check on the kids."

"What is it?" Adrian asked as Marco left the room.

"I'll tell you later, but first I have to know if you gave the letter to Lyle?"

Adrian seemed to pause under question, but he quickly nodded. "Sure."

"And you made sure to tell him to give it to Cal?"

"Yeah," he nodded and walked toward the kitchen. "I told you I would."

Gabriella eyed her brother until he disappeared through the door. His answer was too quick and glib, but she had no other choice but to trust that he had done as she asked. She followed him and stopped in the doorway.

"Adrian…" she said his name. He bobbed his head from out of the pantry and looked at her.

"What? I told you I gave it to him. He said he'd give to him as soon as he saw him."

"You're certain?"

"Yes!" he answered huffily. "What was that about in there? What was Marco talking about?"

"Oh, I… uh, I found out I will have to live there. I move in the day after tomorrow."

"Live there?" he stared at her. He considered her statement and then he nodded. "What do you think about it?"

"I don't know, I suppose its okay. There are a lot of rules, but I think I can get used to it in time. What do you think?"

"I think it's good. I'll miss you like crazy, but it'll be good for you to be on your own."

She grinned at her brother and then walked over to him, pecking him on the cheek. "Thanks Adrian and good night. I have a lot of packing to do tomorrow."

"Night," he bid as she turned from him, never seeing the satisfied smile he gave as she exited the room.