Content Warning: Contains explicite sexual situations,violence,incest and some slash .
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long. I was right in the middle of remodeling my website and also of helping in the opening of a new Board. I know it's an excuse, but hey that's the only one I got. I'll try to write faster from now on :)
Chapter IV
Saul preceded him into Fredo's office and Cole couldn't help another look toward the sitting room before following the lieutenant. In the doorway, Phoebe was staring at him angrily and Cole was certain that if it hadn't been for Saul, he would have gotten an earful about his precipitous exit. Now, if his discomfort about that wasn't enough, he had to face Fredo Turello without his usual cool and that wasn't a very good start. Then, when he entered the office, Fredo signalled for him to stay back while Saul whispered something in his boss's ear. The old man nodded a few times, his face remaining very serious. Cole began to wonder if Saul had been observing Lara and him earlier. Was he telling Fredo of their little interlude? Suddenly, the vague discomfort became a lot stronger as Cole considered what a powerful man like Fredo could do to someone eyeing his girl. However, as soon as Saul pulled away from him, Fredo turned to Cole with an almost paternal smile.
"Come on in, son. Care for a cigar? Booze?" As he offered these, Fredo was indicating his desk where a box containing pricey cigars lay opened beside a bottle of Canadian Whisky.
Cole moved hesitantly toward the desk, and then he cast a quick glance toward the lieutenant. This one stood back impassively, leaving Cole to wonder anew.
"No thanks. I'm fine…" He answered the old man, trying his best to sound relaxed and unconcerned.
Fredo frowned slightly.
"You don't drink?"
From the tone of his voice, Cole got the distinct impression that Fredo mistrusted sober people. In the gangster's particular business, Cole supposed that drinking was the norm rather than the exception.
"I do, of course. Simply not this early in the day…"
"Good…Take a seat. You're making me dizzy," Fredo pursued more amicably while he sat behind his desk.
Cole risked another look toward Saul, who remained standing, before he took the wooden chair Fredo indicated.
"So, Saul is telling me you're all done?"
"Short of a little repair for which I need more supplies… yes I am…"
"And Lara is satisfied?"
Cole swallowed hard at this. If ever there was a trick question, he was certain that this was one.
"Well, she didn't complain about the work…although she was a little sour about the time it took…"
Fredo chuckled.
"She's rather impatient, isn't she?"
"I got that impression yes…" Cole trailed. "But I'm also guessing I'm not here to give you an update on the piano repairs, am I?"
"You're direct, aren't you boy?"
"Well, for one thing," Cole emboldened himself, "I don't really like being called "boy""
He almost flinched at his own audacity, but Fredo smiled anew.
"So be it…And obviously, I wanted to thank you properly for saving my life…"
"It was really nothing. I just acted on reflex."
"You've got good instincts… Souvenirs of the war?"
"Something like that," Cole answered casually. Inwardly, he was beginning to wonder where this was going. After all, Fredo had already thanked him. Was he intent on rewarding him? And if yes, what was all the probing about? Cole was now questioning the validity of his earlier expectation. He had not come here to be grilled but rather to find something out.
Fredo paused for a long moment, as he picked up one of the cigars and ostensibly lighted it before talking again.
"How's the business, sssss…" Fredo trailed and then pursued, "Cole isn't it?"
"Cole will do…and I can't complain…"
"The money's good?"
"Well, it's not riches but it's all mine and I'm my own boss…" Cole uttered as confidently as he could. This covert interrogation was making him more uncomfortable by the moment, but it was nothing compared to his reaction at Fredo's proposition.
"Since you're a direct man, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. I've got a pretty good idea of your income and I'd be willing to double it if you'd come work for me…"
"Don't get me wrong…The prospect of making more money is appealing…but wasn't I just working for you?"
"A young man like you; with your instincts and obvious talents shouldn't satisfy himself with a job so…demeaning."
"I beg your pardon," Cole exclaimed.
Fredo didn't let this bother him as he pursued:
"I mean, being your own boss is all nice and good, but wouldn't you prefer to find a job where you could climb in the ranks and rake in more rewards?"
"I'm not sure I'm following you, sir…" Cole knew exactly what he was being offered, but he chose to let the old man elaborate.
"I know you're not an idiot, Cole. What I'm offering you is an entry level job into a business that's flourishing. There's a lot of room for advancement and a lot of money to be made for a man who knows his worth…"
"Let me see if I get this straight…You're offering me a job as…?"
"For the time being, I'm in need of a driver…the last one quit unexpectedly."
"And you think I'd leave my business to drive you around?"
"I think that if you're smart, you'll see it as only the beginning of a very profitable new employment. I'm very generous with the people who are loyal to me, if you know what I mean…"
Cole stood up without answering, suddenly feeling the urgent need to get out. This was much better for Leo's purposes, but not very good for his health. Usually, it would have been immaterial to him, but the idea of getting so deep into Fredo's business had not really entered into the bargain he struck with Leo. However, considering the fiasco of earlier, he seriously considered taking the offer. He wasn't in the habit of not finishing what he started. If Cole couldn't get information from the broad, he might as well get it from the source. In revenge, he figured that if he was too eager, Fredo might suspect foul play.
"Well," he said while looking back at the old man hesitantly, "I must say that your offer is rather dubious, Mr. Turello."
"First off," the old man answered, "there's no need to be so formal. Fredo'll do fine. Secondly, I don't see what the problem is…"
"Maybe the fact you just got shot at?"
"You gotta know it doesn't happen every day; far from it. In fact, I'd never been attacked like this. I'm only a businessman offering a service, Cole. Besides, the police are already on it. But much more than this, you don't look like the type who'd run scared. Maybe I was mistaken about that?"
Cole actually found it insulting that this gangster would question his courage. However, acting like a hot head wouldn't serve his purpose.
"No…Fredo," Cole replied with only a hint of hesitation. "It wouldn't necessarily stop me, but I'd like to be given the opportunity to think about it first. I mean, as I told you, I got my own business…"
"And I told you that you'd benefit greatly from my offer," Fredo insisted.
"That you did," Cole continued with just enough uncertainty.
At this point, Cole noticed that Saul had moved toward the office door. He was now standing between Cole and the way out, which was far from reassuring. Cole still chose to ignore the obvious intimidation.
"Ok, Fredo. Let's say I would be interested… I'd still prefer some time to think about it…on my own," he pursued insistently, while indicating the door and Saul.
"Of course," Fredo replied amicably while standing up in turn. "I'm not forcing you into anything."
"I appreciate that," Cole calmly retorted. He was now eager to get out of this office, but he waited for Fredo to dismiss him. This one shook Cole's hand firmly before nodding toward Saul. The lieutenant then moved away from the door, albeit reluctantly. Cole glared briefly at Saul, and then he turned back toward Fredo.
"I've got to come back tomorrow anyway. For that little repair I told you about. Maybe by then, I'll have an answer for you."
"I'll be looking forward to this, Cole."
"Hum," Cole couldn't help adding to himself before going out of the office.
As soon as he left, Saul turned angrily toward his boss.
"I don't trust him, Fredo. He looks slippery to me."
"He saved your life as well as mine, Saul. Give him some credit. Besides, you never trust anyone."
"I told you about the girl…"
"And you also told me that he left and nothing happened," Fredo replied impatiently. "I need a guy like that. Even Robbie gets distracted by Lara."
"That's my point…"
"Saul, I'm warning you. I thought we were clear on that subject. Lara's not going anywhere. She needs me."
"But for how long, Fredo...?"
"You're a stubborn man, Saul."
"I'm just doing my job, which is to protect you."
"You weren't doing a very good job earlier… if it hadn't been for the boy, I'd be dead meat by now."
"I won't let that happened again."
"See that you don't," Fredo uttered almost threateningly.
"As you told Turner, the cops are already on it. By tonight, we'll be rid of Ricardo for good and the other bosses won't be able to link this to you…"
Fredo nodded pensively before probing suspiciously.
"I seem to remember you two were rather friendly."
Saul hurriedly protested.
"I stayed when he betrayed you."
"Today got me thinking, Saul…"
"I swear to you, I wasn't responsible for this; and Ricardo will pay for it. Trust me on that."
"We'll see when the threat is really over, Saul."
Fredo's Lieutenant sustained his stare but inwardly, he experienced another of those disturbing moments of uneasiness. He looked back toward the office's entrance, wondering if Fredo wasn't thinking about replacing him. Saul wasn't gonna let that happen. Not after all he'd invested in this business, he thought irately. On the outside however, he was the image of calm and composure. Fredo expected no less from him.
"I'll go downtown and make sure it's all resolved by tonight."
Fredo only grunted his approval before returning to his desk.
Even as Saul left the gangster's office, Cole was merely making his way toward his car, parked down the street. He had stopped for a moment in front of the sitting room, not really knowing what he expected. The double doors were closed and he didn't get to see Lara again. Although, he wondered why he'd have cared to… Not after this embarrassing moment. Still, by the time he forced himself to leave the house, Cole had rationalized the strange happenstance. If the music had disturbed him greatly and got him worried about himself, he finally reasoned that it might simply have been a warning. After all, they were in the house of a powerful gangster and Lara was his girl. Cole was reckless but not usually stupid. Yet, for a brief moment there, he had only thought with his dick and that was a very unhealthy attitude.
The fact that the girl's face was still floating in his mind didn't enter into his reasoning. Nor did the fact that he felt an urge to go back. Cole fought the urge successfully; more determined than ever that no woman would make him suffer again. "Let alone a cold hearted bitch like this Lara." This should have been the end of it, but Cole experienced a renewed discomfort just as he was reaching the car. This had nothing to do with the gangsters, but somehow, he wondered if it was related to the music. Cole had not felt any shame in a long time about his way of life. The money was good and he didn't care too much where it came from. At least, he hadn't until this very moment. Now, looking at the vehicle he paid for in great part thanks to his sideline, Cole was reminded of his friend's reproaches. How many times did Paul tell him that his way of using women was an unsavoury one? Too often to count them, Cole reflected with a hint of bitterness. He realized that he had been standing by the car, unmoving for almost a whole minute and only the roaring of another engine behind him got him moving again.
"What the fuck's the matter with me," Cole grumbled angrily as he got into his car at last. Firing the engine, Cole resolved to push those ludicrous feelings aside once and for all. They were reminding him too much of his old self. The self who used to be ridiculed and overlooked by all but Paul…
From his car, Saul watched the piano tuner driving away with a very suspicious stare. He waited until Cole rounded the corner before leaving himself, wondering what he was going to do about this new problem…
Phoebe had closed the doors to the sitting room, unwilling to have anyone else witness her frustration. She was so angry that it took her several minutes before she began to calm down. She paced the room back and forth, wondering who the hell this bastard thought he was. No one refused her! Let alone a man who had spent the last few hours eyeing her with such obvious desire. Phoebe felt like hitting someone, mostly him… but instead she finally went toward the piano and stared at it for a while.
Cole had been mistaken about Phoebe's affection for the instrument. In fact, the piano was a reminder of all the reasons why she could never allow herself to weaken. As she stood, almost transfixed, she felt an urge to destroy the offending instrument. Watching these men working on her piano was also part of the ritual. Another of Cole's assumptions was wrong as it was Phoebe who acquired the piano, not Fredo. This had been her first gesture of defiance in returning to Chicago. Another act that was supposed to help keeping her focussed on the goal without wavering. No one would hurt her again or make her feel inferior. Not Cole Turner or anyone else… However, even as she observed the piano, her anger shifted from the man who offended her in the present toward her past, and Phoebe began reliving the humiliation she had to endure in order to break free of the Reform school.
Shortly after Paige's visit, Phoebe put her last resort plan into action. She knew that Sylvia had grown increasingly jealous in the last few months. Phoebe also feared that as she became more of a woman, Sylvia might begin to expect more than just a few peep shows. That alone was a strong motivation for Phoebe to want out of there. She wasn't about to start a physical relationship with the matron. If Sylvia's desire and possessiveness were unnerving , Phoebe understood that they could turn to her advantage and in fact had been of use many times already. Indeed, Sylvia wasn't the only one who had noticed her. A few of her fellow prisoners were also very taken with Phoebe. Until now, Sylvia had done a good job of keeping them away from her protégée. The matron wasn't the type to hurt people personally, but she knew exactly how to punish those who didn't keep in line. A while back, one of the boldest girls had tried to corner Phoebe. This one escaped, and after she told Sylvia of her misadventure, Phoebe saw the efficiency of the protection she enjoyed. The girl was sent to one of the most severe matrons. Instead of the actual offence she had committed, Sylvia rather hinted that the girl tried to escape. She had even planted a few tools in the girl's cell in order to make it look real. The girl received such a beating that her screams were heard for over an hour throughout the dorms. She didn't return to the general population for the next three days, which she spent in the infirmary. After this, word was out that unless Phoebe allowed them near her, no one was to approach her.
That is until now, when Phoebe decided that the best way to get help from Sylvia was to use the matron's jealousy. Therefore, Phoebe began a campaign of sort, mingling more and more with the other girls until they emboldened themselves, convinced that Phoebe had changed her mind about them. At first, Phoebe only demonstrated friendliness toward these girls, but as time went by and Sylvia became increasingly upset with Phoebe's new attitude, she saw that her time had come. One day, just before Sylvia took the evening shift, Phoebe went to the play room and spotted a couple of girls who had not been shy about their interest in sharing much more than friendship with her. Phoebe walked toward them and smiled at the tallest one, a brunette called Jasmine. This one didn't lose time before closing the gap between them and suggestively leaning toward her. Phoebe had a sudden doubt about her resolve and had to refrain from pushing Jasmine away, as it wouldn't have worked into her plan. She swallowed back her disgust and allowed her smile to become enticing.
"Hey, beauty," Jasmine uttered throatily, "are you up for a little shower?"
The girl was definitely direct, Phoebe thought, although it didn't surprise her in the least. Jasmine had been checking her up for a long time. Only the fear that Phoebe might alert Sylvia had kept her and others at bay until now. However, it obviously wasn't a concern anymore, or so Jasmine believed. The shower was in fact used for another purpose besides ablutions. More than once, Phoebe had unwittingly witnessed some very disturbing spectacles in there. Now she feared that in order to get what she wanted, she might end up being a participant in those activities. Bile burned her throat at the thought but she went on stubbornly with the plan.
"Yeah…" Phoebe trailed then. "I'm filthy," she added, insisting on the last word to give it a truly dirty meaning which had nothing to do with her state of cleanliness. Jasmine's lurid smile told Phoebe that she had convinced her. Now Phoebe counted on Sylvia's jealousy and lust to get her out of this mess.
Jasmine looked around cautiously, still worried that Sylvia might be watching, but the matron wasn't in the play room, and none of the matrons present seemed to pay them any attention.
"Come on," Jasmine whispered to Phoebe as she grabbed her arm a little too tightly.
Phoebe let the girl lead her on, but her discomfort augmented for every moment. She cast worried looks around, wondering what was keeping Sylvia. She had timed her move for just the right moment, but it seemed that something was keeping the matron. Usually, Sylvia came to see her first thing at the beginning of her shift. Not that Phoebe cared that much at seeing Sylvia normally, but right now she could have used her presence. As if the situation wasn't embarrassing and scary enough, Jasmine's friend, Lorna, followed them out of the play room and they were already getting to the changing room. As Jasmine pushed the door open, Phoebe had an urge to pull away. However, Lorna was following closely and Phoebe felt strong arms pushing her ahead. Before she knew it, she was standing against a wall with the two girls eyeing her hungrily. Phoebe discreetly cast another worried look at the now closed door but there was little hope that someone would help her. In fact, she was convinced that some of the other girls might have come closer and were looking out for her two tormentors.
In truth, it was all her fault. Phoebe had been so certain that Sylvia would stop it short that she had not even considered the possibility of her not showing up. Even as she bitterly reflected on this, Jasmine grabbed the bottom of her t-shirt and pulled it up quickly, already exposing Phoebe's ample breasts. In no time, Jasmine and her friend were roughly groping on Phoebe's bosom. Of course, Phoebe could have told them to let go or else… But then, she could never repeat this, or at least not for a long time. It was now or never. Telling Sylvia that something happened might have had the same effect, but Phoebe wasn't convinced that it would be enough to make her betray her office. She wanted out of this place at all cost, and Sylvia was her ticket to freedom. However, it looked like she would have to go through a very humiliating moment in order to succeed.
As Phoebe failed in her attempt to detach herself from the horror, she couldn't help feeling their probing hands slipping into her underpants. Jasmine was already caressing her clit, while Lorna pulled her skirt down impatiently. Soon, Phoebe was naked and exposed to the two girls, who continued groping her all over while staring at her body luridly.
"God," Phoebe thought as she felt Jasmine's fingers probing her slit and then entering her roughly. "Please, let this be quick."
"Hey, girl," Lorna called to her when she saw Phoebe's tense expression. "I thought you were with us on this…"
Phoebe swallowed hard, while trying to find her voice. When she couldn't utter a word through her constricted throat, she groaned instead, in her best imitation of pleasure. It was better if they thought she consented at this point. If at first, she might have been able to send them away, right then, she feared that they would molest her were she to change her mind. Their eyes were glassing over with excitement, as they were disrobing in turn. Phoebe closed her eyes just after seeing Lorna slipping her fingers inside her own slit and afterward she felt a wet tongue going down her throat toward her breasts. By then, she couldn't stop the trembling of fear. Where was Sylvia?
The girls took her tremors for more excitement obviously, as Jasmine uttered hoarsely.
"Yeah, you like it. I knew you would."
Her fingers probed deeper inside Phoebe while she brought her lips against hers and began kissing Phoebe hungrily. This one felt such disgust at this moment that she feared she would vomit directly in the tall girl's mouth. Just as she thought that things were at their worst, she felt the other girl's tongue trailing up her thigh, moving quickly toward her loins. Jasmine removed her fingers, and thankfully her lips, but then she grabbed the inside of Phoebe's thigh, pulling it aside and opening her for the other girl. Then, Jasmine closed her mouth on one of Phoebe's breasts and began sucking roughly on it, while Lorna did the same for her clit. What shamed Phoebe the most was that in that instant, she almost felt pleasure at the girl's wet tongue toying with her most sensitive organ… When Phoebe believed that she had reached the bottom of abjection, the loud and angry voice of Sylvia thundered inside the changing room.
"Get away from her," Sylvia screamed almost hysterically.
Jasmine and Lorna were startled and moved away from Phoebe, for which she was infinitely grateful. However, when she opened her eyes and met Sylvia's, she saw that the matron's anger was directed as much towards her as toward the other girls. She wondered for a moment if she had not gone too far.
"Sylvia…" Phoebe trailed.
Sylvia ignored this and went to Jasmine and Lorna angrily while these cowered toward the shower.
"Hey, she wanted it," Jasmine defended herself. "We didn't force her into anything."
This only seemed to enrage Sylvia more and in an unaccustomed display of violence, she slapped the tall girl roughly across the face.
"Get dressed and get outta here!"
The girls stared at Sylvia with what could pass as defiance for a few seconds, but they obviously understood the danger of making her angrier because they did just what she said and left in a hurry. Meanwhile, Phoebe had recovered her own clothing and begun putting it on, but she was worried about Sylvia's reaction. In doubt, she decided to play the game till the end. Now wasn't the time to waver.
"Come on, Sylvia," she said almost mockingly, as soon as the other girls had left, "can't a girl have some fun? I thought that's what you wanted me to be…"
"You were supposed to be mine!" Sylvia screamed angrily. "I protected you!"
"I don't recall promising you anything…"
Sylvia growled and slowly moved toward her. Phoebe saw the threatening stance and found it hard to continue the pretense.
"Anyway, there's no way I can belong only to you. All those girls like me…And I'm finding that it's much easier to give in. I'm bored…"
"You can't mean that. I didn't spend the last two years risking my job to protect you so that you could betray me!"
Then, Phoebe saw it was time for a change in attitude.
"Maybe… if I didn't have to be here…? If I was only with you…Then, we could truly be together," Phoebe said very softly. The sweet voice seemed to calm Sylvia somewhat.
"What do you mean?"
"As long as I stay within these walls, I'll have to face those girls and they won't forget this day anytime soon. From now on, they won't leave me alone until I put out again…If you get me out of this place, then it's only gonna be you and me…"
"You can't be serious, Phoebe! I'd lose my job." Sylvia looked around as if she feared that the walls had ears.
"No one else has to know," Phoebe continued persuasively. "They'll think I ran on my own."
Phoebe finished putting on her clothes, and then, she walked suggestively toward Sylvia. "I only wanna be with you, Sylvia…The other girls don't matter…but I've got needs," Phoebe added hoarsely while caressing the matron's cheek softly.
Immediately, the severe features of the matron relaxed as she seemed to relish Phoebe's touch. Emboldened, Phoebe pursued: "think how happy we'll be; just the two of us."
Sylvia was now obviously getting excited and she tried to grab one of Phoebe's breasts. Phoebe moved away slightly, just out of reach.
"But not here…I want it to be beautiful and not a spectacle for others," Phoebe protested, when she saw the disappointment dawning on Sylvia's face.
"But how?" Sylvia questioned, telling Phoebe that she was getting through to her.
"I'm sure you can think of a way," Phoebe retorted, again moving closer to Sylvia. This time, her breasts brushed against Sylvia's slightly and this one shuddered. Phoebe had to repress a smile of triumph.
"I'll do it," Sylvia uttered quickly, between shortened breaths. "I'll do it for you…but you gotta promise me that you won't go with these girls again."
"Of course I won't," Phoebe answered softly. "I'll be all yours," she added in a hoarse whisper, before walking away from the matron. Phoebe had no intention of risking another humiliation. At any rate, she was certain that she had made her point.
"Lara," came Fredo's questioning voice from behind Phoebe.
Phoebe was startled. For a moment, she wondered if he could see her thoughts, as ridiculous as it may have seemed. She took a deep breath before looking back at her lover.
"What?"
"You seemed lost in thoughts…is everything alright?"
Phoebe shrugged impatiently.
"You mean besides knowing I could get shot at any moment?"
"That won't happen again, I promise you, Lara. I wouldn't let anything happen to you."
"Maybe I should just guaranty it and leave here now," Phoebe uttered angrily. She didn't mean a single word of it, but she knew that Fredo would react at this.
"You can't leave me," Fredo replied almost fearfully. It was strange to see such a powerful man humbled by her, Phoebe thought. The same as when she manipulated Sylvia, Phoebe had pain repressing a smile of satisfaction.
"How do I know I won't get killed staying with you, Fredo?"
"I told you, I won't let that happen. Besides, the ones who tried to kill me are gonna get what they deserve. No one will dare try this again."
"You promise I won't get hurt," Phoebe questioned almost childishly.
"I swear!"
Phoebe closed the gap between them and leaned against the old man in her best pretense of relief.
"Good," she said softly.
She heard as much as felt the sigh of relief Fredo exhaled, as he caressed her short hair affectionately.
"Were you satisfied with the piano tuner's work?" He suddenly questioned.
Phoebe tensed immediately at the mention of Cole.
"He did his job, I guess…" Phoebe trailed as she moved away from the old man.
"He saved me," Fredo insisted.
"Well, I suppose I'll have to thank him for that," she uttered, pouting.
"He didn't do anything to upset you, did he?" Fredo questioned then with what seemed a strange interest to Phoebe.
She had been tempted to ask Fredo to blackball the piano tuner in this town but she thought better of it all of a sudden. First off, Fredo seemed grateful to Cole and now wasn't a good time to denigrate the man. However, Phoebe was also made uncomfortable by Fredo's expression. For a moment, she wondered if he knew about her attempt at seducing Cole. Yet, he didn't get angry, only strangely curious.
"No…although…"
"What?"
"Well, I got the impression he thought a lot of himself…"
Fredo seemed amused.
"Young men often do…"
"At any rate, it's not like I'm gonna have to see him again or anything…" Phoebe probed.
"On the contrary, Lara…I just offered him a job, which is why I wanted to get your opinion."
"You what? Fredo… I was very satisfied with the other piano tuner."
"Oh it's not what I want him for… I offered him the driver's job. As you know, our driver left abruptly…"
Again Phoebe felt a chill. Did Fredo know more about the driver than he let out? She also vaguely wondered again about the driver's sudden disappearance, but the idea that he might have died never entered her mind.
"I thought it was strange too; but really, what do I care? Still, why would this Turner take a driver's job?"
"Well it's not decided yet. We'll see tomorrow. He told me he had some more work to do on your instrument…"
"Hum, I guess it'd be alright," Phoebe grumbled after a moment, convinced that Fredo would hire him anyway, no matter what he said about needing her advice. She got the distinct impression that Fredo's probing had nothing to do with her disposition toward a new driver and everything to do with him wanting to know something about her. She wasn't about to give him anything to reproach to her.
"I gotta take care of some business, Lara," Fredo said after a long moment of silence. "I'll see you later," he added before kissing her forehead and turning his back to her.
Even before he had left, Phoebe put aside her doubts about Fredo and her expression became irate. "Damnit!" Phoebe thought, "I wanted him punished and now he might be here all the time…"
Then, she felt a strange warmth coursing through her at the idea of having Cole around more. She could see the charming smile he had given her earlier in her mind's eye, and the softening inside of her was almost palpable. So much so that when she realized it, it angered her anew.
"Well, Mr.," She reflected then, "maybe I'll find another way to make you pay…"
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long. I was right in the middle of remodeling my website and also of helping in the opening of a new Board. I know it's an excuse, but hey that's the only one I got. I'll try to write faster from now on :)
Chapter IV
Saul preceded him into Fredo's office and Cole couldn't help another look toward the sitting room before following the lieutenant. In the doorway, Phoebe was staring at him angrily and Cole was certain that if it hadn't been for Saul, he would have gotten an earful about his precipitous exit. Now, if his discomfort about that wasn't enough, he had to face Fredo Turello without his usual cool and that wasn't a very good start. Then, when he entered the office, Fredo signalled for him to stay back while Saul whispered something in his boss's ear. The old man nodded a few times, his face remaining very serious. Cole began to wonder if Saul had been observing Lara and him earlier. Was he telling Fredo of their little interlude? Suddenly, the vague discomfort became a lot stronger as Cole considered what a powerful man like Fredo could do to someone eyeing his girl. However, as soon as Saul pulled away from him, Fredo turned to Cole with an almost paternal smile.
"Come on in, son. Care for a cigar? Booze?" As he offered these, Fredo was indicating his desk where a box containing pricey cigars lay opened beside a bottle of Canadian Whisky.
Cole moved hesitantly toward the desk, and then he cast a quick glance toward the lieutenant. This one stood back impassively, leaving Cole to wonder anew.
"No thanks. I'm fine…" He answered the old man, trying his best to sound relaxed and unconcerned.
Fredo frowned slightly.
"You don't drink?"
From the tone of his voice, Cole got the distinct impression that Fredo mistrusted sober people. In the gangster's particular business, Cole supposed that drinking was the norm rather than the exception.
"I do, of course. Simply not this early in the day…"
"Good…Take a seat. You're making me dizzy," Fredo pursued more amicably while he sat behind his desk.
Cole risked another look toward Saul, who remained standing, before he took the wooden chair Fredo indicated.
"So, Saul is telling me you're all done?"
"Short of a little repair for which I need more supplies… yes I am…"
"And Lara is satisfied?"
Cole swallowed hard at this. If ever there was a trick question, he was certain that this was one.
"Well, she didn't complain about the work…although she was a little sour about the time it took…"
Fredo chuckled.
"She's rather impatient, isn't she?"
"I got that impression yes…" Cole trailed. "But I'm also guessing I'm not here to give you an update on the piano repairs, am I?"
"You're direct, aren't you boy?"
"Well, for one thing," Cole emboldened himself, "I don't really like being called "boy""
He almost flinched at his own audacity, but Fredo smiled anew.
"So be it…And obviously, I wanted to thank you properly for saving my life…"
"It was really nothing. I just acted on reflex."
"You've got good instincts… Souvenirs of the war?"
"Something like that," Cole answered casually. Inwardly, he was beginning to wonder where this was going. After all, Fredo had already thanked him. Was he intent on rewarding him? And if yes, what was all the probing about? Cole was now questioning the validity of his earlier expectation. He had not come here to be grilled but rather to find something out.
Fredo paused for a long moment, as he picked up one of the cigars and ostensibly lighted it before talking again.
"How's the business, sssss…" Fredo trailed and then pursued, "Cole isn't it?"
"Cole will do…and I can't complain…"
"The money's good?"
"Well, it's not riches but it's all mine and I'm my own boss…" Cole uttered as confidently as he could. This covert interrogation was making him more uncomfortable by the moment, but it was nothing compared to his reaction at Fredo's proposition.
"Since you're a direct man, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. I've got a pretty good idea of your income and I'd be willing to double it if you'd come work for me…"
"Don't get me wrong…The prospect of making more money is appealing…but wasn't I just working for you?"
"A young man like you; with your instincts and obvious talents shouldn't satisfy himself with a job so…demeaning."
"I beg your pardon," Cole exclaimed.
Fredo didn't let this bother him as he pursued:
"I mean, being your own boss is all nice and good, but wouldn't you prefer to find a job where you could climb in the ranks and rake in more rewards?"
"I'm not sure I'm following you, sir…" Cole knew exactly what he was being offered, but he chose to let the old man elaborate.
"I know you're not an idiot, Cole. What I'm offering you is an entry level job into a business that's flourishing. There's a lot of room for advancement and a lot of money to be made for a man who knows his worth…"
"Let me see if I get this straight…You're offering me a job as…?"
"For the time being, I'm in need of a driver…the last one quit unexpectedly."
"And you think I'd leave my business to drive you around?"
"I think that if you're smart, you'll see it as only the beginning of a very profitable new employment. I'm very generous with the people who are loyal to me, if you know what I mean…"
Cole stood up without answering, suddenly feeling the urgent need to get out. This was much better for Leo's purposes, but not very good for his health. Usually, it would have been immaterial to him, but the idea of getting so deep into Fredo's business had not really entered into the bargain he struck with Leo. However, considering the fiasco of earlier, he seriously considered taking the offer. He wasn't in the habit of not finishing what he started. If Cole couldn't get information from the broad, he might as well get it from the source. In revenge, he figured that if he was too eager, Fredo might suspect foul play.
"Well," he said while looking back at the old man hesitantly, "I must say that your offer is rather dubious, Mr. Turello."
"First off," the old man answered, "there's no need to be so formal. Fredo'll do fine. Secondly, I don't see what the problem is…"
"Maybe the fact you just got shot at?"
"You gotta know it doesn't happen every day; far from it. In fact, I'd never been attacked like this. I'm only a businessman offering a service, Cole. Besides, the police are already on it. But much more than this, you don't look like the type who'd run scared. Maybe I was mistaken about that?"
Cole actually found it insulting that this gangster would question his courage. However, acting like a hot head wouldn't serve his purpose.
"No…Fredo," Cole replied with only a hint of hesitation. "It wouldn't necessarily stop me, but I'd like to be given the opportunity to think about it first. I mean, as I told you, I got my own business…"
"And I told you that you'd benefit greatly from my offer," Fredo insisted.
"That you did," Cole continued with just enough uncertainty.
At this point, Cole noticed that Saul had moved toward the office door. He was now standing between Cole and the way out, which was far from reassuring. Cole still chose to ignore the obvious intimidation.
"Ok, Fredo. Let's say I would be interested… I'd still prefer some time to think about it…on my own," he pursued insistently, while indicating the door and Saul.
"Of course," Fredo replied amicably while standing up in turn. "I'm not forcing you into anything."
"I appreciate that," Cole calmly retorted. He was now eager to get out of this office, but he waited for Fredo to dismiss him. This one shook Cole's hand firmly before nodding toward Saul. The lieutenant then moved away from the door, albeit reluctantly. Cole glared briefly at Saul, and then he turned back toward Fredo.
"I've got to come back tomorrow anyway. For that little repair I told you about. Maybe by then, I'll have an answer for you."
"I'll be looking forward to this, Cole."
"Hum," Cole couldn't help adding to himself before going out of the office.
As soon as he left, Saul turned angrily toward his boss.
"I don't trust him, Fredo. He looks slippery to me."
"He saved your life as well as mine, Saul. Give him some credit. Besides, you never trust anyone."
"I told you about the girl…"
"And you also told me that he left and nothing happened," Fredo replied impatiently. "I need a guy like that. Even Robbie gets distracted by Lara."
"That's my point…"
"Saul, I'm warning you. I thought we were clear on that subject. Lara's not going anywhere. She needs me."
"But for how long, Fredo...?"
"You're a stubborn man, Saul."
"I'm just doing my job, which is to protect you."
"You weren't doing a very good job earlier… if it hadn't been for the boy, I'd be dead meat by now."
"I won't let that happened again."
"See that you don't," Fredo uttered almost threateningly.
"As you told Turner, the cops are already on it. By tonight, we'll be rid of Ricardo for good and the other bosses won't be able to link this to you…"
Fredo nodded pensively before probing suspiciously.
"I seem to remember you two were rather friendly."
Saul hurriedly protested.
"I stayed when he betrayed you."
"Today got me thinking, Saul…"
"I swear to you, I wasn't responsible for this; and Ricardo will pay for it. Trust me on that."
"We'll see when the threat is really over, Saul."
Fredo's Lieutenant sustained his stare but inwardly, he experienced another of those disturbing moments of uneasiness. He looked back toward the office's entrance, wondering if Fredo wasn't thinking about replacing him. Saul wasn't gonna let that happen. Not after all he'd invested in this business, he thought irately. On the outside however, he was the image of calm and composure. Fredo expected no less from him.
"I'll go downtown and make sure it's all resolved by tonight."
Fredo only grunted his approval before returning to his desk.
Even as Saul left the gangster's office, Cole was merely making his way toward his car, parked down the street. He had stopped for a moment in front of the sitting room, not really knowing what he expected. The double doors were closed and he didn't get to see Lara again. Although, he wondered why he'd have cared to… Not after this embarrassing moment. Still, by the time he forced himself to leave the house, Cole had rationalized the strange happenstance. If the music had disturbed him greatly and got him worried about himself, he finally reasoned that it might simply have been a warning. After all, they were in the house of a powerful gangster and Lara was his girl. Cole was reckless but not usually stupid. Yet, for a brief moment there, he had only thought with his dick and that was a very unhealthy attitude.
The fact that the girl's face was still floating in his mind didn't enter into his reasoning. Nor did the fact that he felt an urge to go back. Cole fought the urge successfully; more determined than ever that no woman would make him suffer again. "Let alone a cold hearted bitch like this Lara." This should have been the end of it, but Cole experienced a renewed discomfort just as he was reaching the car. This had nothing to do with the gangsters, but somehow, he wondered if it was related to the music. Cole had not felt any shame in a long time about his way of life. The money was good and he didn't care too much where it came from. At least, he hadn't until this very moment. Now, looking at the vehicle he paid for in great part thanks to his sideline, Cole was reminded of his friend's reproaches. How many times did Paul tell him that his way of using women was an unsavoury one? Too often to count them, Cole reflected with a hint of bitterness. He realized that he had been standing by the car, unmoving for almost a whole minute and only the roaring of another engine behind him got him moving again.
"What the fuck's the matter with me," Cole grumbled angrily as he got into his car at last. Firing the engine, Cole resolved to push those ludicrous feelings aside once and for all. They were reminding him too much of his old self. The self who used to be ridiculed and overlooked by all but Paul…
From his car, Saul watched the piano tuner driving away with a very suspicious stare. He waited until Cole rounded the corner before leaving himself, wondering what he was going to do about this new problem…
Phoebe had closed the doors to the sitting room, unwilling to have anyone else witness her frustration. She was so angry that it took her several minutes before she began to calm down. She paced the room back and forth, wondering who the hell this bastard thought he was. No one refused her! Let alone a man who had spent the last few hours eyeing her with such obvious desire. Phoebe felt like hitting someone, mostly him… but instead she finally went toward the piano and stared at it for a while.
Cole had been mistaken about Phoebe's affection for the instrument. In fact, the piano was a reminder of all the reasons why she could never allow herself to weaken. As she stood, almost transfixed, she felt an urge to destroy the offending instrument. Watching these men working on her piano was also part of the ritual. Another of Cole's assumptions was wrong as it was Phoebe who acquired the piano, not Fredo. This had been her first gesture of defiance in returning to Chicago. Another act that was supposed to help keeping her focussed on the goal without wavering. No one would hurt her again or make her feel inferior. Not Cole Turner or anyone else… However, even as she observed the piano, her anger shifted from the man who offended her in the present toward her past, and Phoebe began reliving the humiliation she had to endure in order to break free of the Reform school.
Shortly after Paige's visit, Phoebe put her last resort plan into action. She knew that Sylvia had grown increasingly jealous in the last few months. Phoebe also feared that as she became more of a woman, Sylvia might begin to expect more than just a few peep shows. That alone was a strong motivation for Phoebe to want out of there. She wasn't about to start a physical relationship with the matron. If Sylvia's desire and possessiveness were unnerving , Phoebe understood that they could turn to her advantage and in fact had been of use many times already. Indeed, Sylvia wasn't the only one who had noticed her. A few of her fellow prisoners were also very taken with Phoebe. Until now, Sylvia had done a good job of keeping them away from her protégée. The matron wasn't the type to hurt people personally, but she knew exactly how to punish those who didn't keep in line. A while back, one of the boldest girls had tried to corner Phoebe. This one escaped, and after she told Sylvia of her misadventure, Phoebe saw the efficiency of the protection she enjoyed. The girl was sent to one of the most severe matrons. Instead of the actual offence she had committed, Sylvia rather hinted that the girl tried to escape. She had even planted a few tools in the girl's cell in order to make it look real. The girl received such a beating that her screams were heard for over an hour throughout the dorms. She didn't return to the general population for the next three days, which she spent in the infirmary. After this, word was out that unless Phoebe allowed them near her, no one was to approach her.
That is until now, when Phoebe decided that the best way to get help from Sylvia was to use the matron's jealousy. Therefore, Phoebe began a campaign of sort, mingling more and more with the other girls until they emboldened themselves, convinced that Phoebe had changed her mind about them. At first, Phoebe only demonstrated friendliness toward these girls, but as time went by and Sylvia became increasingly upset with Phoebe's new attitude, she saw that her time had come. One day, just before Sylvia took the evening shift, Phoebe went to the play room and spotted a couple of girls who had not been shy about their interest in sharing much more than friendship with her. Phoebe walked toward them and smiled at the tallest one, a brunette called Jasmine. This one didn't lose time before closing the gap between them and suggestively leaning toward her. Phoebe had a sudden doubt about her resolve and had to refrain from pushing Jasmine away, as it wouldn't have worked into her plan. She swallowed back her disgust and allowed her smile to become enticing.
"Hey, beauty," Jasmine uttered throatily, "are you up for a little shower?"
The girl was definitely direct, Phoebe thought, although it didn't surprise her in the least. Jasmine had been checking her up for a long time. Only the fear that Phoebe might alert Sylvia had kept her and others at bay until now. However, it obviously wasn't a concern anymore, or so Jasmine believed. The shower was in fact used for another purpose besides ablutions. More than once, Phoebe had unwittingly witnessed some very disturbing spectacles in there. Now she feared that in order to get what she wanted, she might end up being a participant in those activities. Bile burned her throat at the thought but she went on stubbornly with the plan.
"Yeah…" Phoebe trailed then. "I'm filthy," she added, insisting on the last word to give it a truly dirty meaning which had nothing to do with her state of cleanliness. Jasmine's lurid smile told Phoebe that she had convinced her. Now Phoebe counted on Sylvia's jealousy and lust to get her out of this mess.
Jasmine looked around cautiously, still worried that Sylvia might be watching, but the matron wasn't in the play room, and none of the matrons present seemed to pay them any attention.
"Come on," Jasmine whispered to Phoebe as she grabbed her arm a little too tightly.
Phoebe let the girl lead her on, but her discomfort augmented for every moment. She cast worried looks around, wondering what was keeping Sylvia. She had timed her move for just the right moment, but it seemed that something was keeping the matron. Usually, Sylvia came to see her first thing at the beginning of her shift. Not that Phoebe cared that much at seeing Sylvia normally, but right now she could have used her presence. As if the situation wasn't embarrassing and scary enough, Jasmine's friend, Lorna, followed them out of the play room and they were already getting to the changing room. As Jasmine pushed the door open, Phoebe had an urge to pull away. However, Lorna was following closely and Phoebe felt strong arms pushing her ahead. Before she knew it, she was standing against a wall with the two girls eyeing her hungrily. Phoebe discreetly cast another worried look at the now closed door but there was little hope that someone would help her. In fact, she was convinced that some of the other girls might have come closer and were looking out for her two tormentors.
In truth, it was all her fault. Phoebe had been so certain that Sylvia would stop it short that she had not even considered the possibility of her not showing up. Even as she bitterly reflected on this, Jasmine grabbed the bottom of her t-shirt and pulled it up quickly, already exposing Phoebe's ample breasts. In no time, Jasmine and her friend were roughly groping on Phoebe's bosom. Of course, Phoebe could have told them to let go or else… But then, she could never repeat this, or at least not for a long time. It was now or never. Telling Sylvia that something happened might have had the same effect, but Phoebe wasn't convinced that it would be enough to make her betray her office. She wanted out of this place at all cost, and Sylvia was her ticket to freedom. However, it looked like she would have to go through a very humiliating moment in order to succeed.
As Phoebe failed in her attempt to detach herself from the horror, she couldn't help feeling their probing hands slipping into her underpants. Jasmine was already caressing her clit, while Lorna pulled her skirt down impatiently. Soon, Phoebe was naked and exposed to the two girls, who continued groping her all over while staring at her body luridly.
"God," Phoebe thought as she felt Jasmine's fingers probing her slit and then entering her roughly. "Please, let this be quick."
"Hey, girl," Lorna called to her when she saw Phoebe's tense expression. "I thought you were with us on this…"
Phoebe swallowed hard, while trying to find her voice. When she couldn't utter a word through her constricted throat, she groaned instead, in her best imitation of pleasure. It was better if they thought she consented at this point. If at first, she might have been able to send them away, right then, she feared that they would molest her were she to change her mind. Their eyes were glassing over with excitement, as they were disrobing in turn. Phoebe closed her eyes just after seeing Lorna slipping her fingers inside her own slit and afterward she felt a wet tongue going down her throat toward her breasts. By then, she couldn't stop the trembling of fear. Where was Sylvia?
The girls took her tremors for more excitement obviously, as Jasmine uttered hoarsely.
"Yeah, you like it. I knew you would."
Her fingers probed deeper inside Phoebe while she brought her lips against hers and began kissing Phoebe hungrily. This one felt such disgust at this moment that she feared she would vomit directly in the tall girl's mouth. Just as she thought that things were at their worst, she felt the other girl's tongue trailing up her thigh, moving quickly toward her loins. Jasmine removed her fingers, and thankfully her lips, but then she grabbed the inside of Phoebe's thigh, pulling it aside and opening her for the other girl. Then, Jasmine closed her mouth on one of Phoebe's breasts and began sucking roughly on it, while Lorna did the same for her clit. What shamed Phoebe the most was that in that instant, she almost felt pleasure at the girl's wet tongue toying with her most sensitive organ… When Phoebe believed that she had reached the bottom of abjection, the loud and angry voice of Sylvia thundered inside the changing room.
"Get away from her," Sylvia screamed almost hysterically.
Jasmine and Lorna were startled and moved away from Phoebe, for which she was infinitely grateful. However, when she opened her eyes and met Sylvia's, she saw that the matron's anger was directed as much towards her as toward the other girls. She wondered for a moment if she had not gone too far.
"Sylvia…" Phoebe trailed.
Sylvia ignored this and went to Jasmine and Lorna angrily while these cowered toward the shower.
"Hey, she wanted it," Jasmine defended herself. "We didn't force her into anything."
This only seemed to enrage Sylvia more and in an unaccustomed display of violence, she slapped the tall girl roughly across the face.
"Get dressed and get outta here!"
The girls stared at Sylvia with what could pass as defiance for a few seconds, but they obviously understood the danger of making her angrier because they did just what she said and left in a hurry. Meanwhile, Phoebe had recovered her own clothing and begun putting it on, but she was worried about Sylvia's reaction. In doubt, she decided to play the game till the end. Now wasn't the time to waver.
"Come on, Sylvia," she said almost mockingly, as soon as the other girls had left, "can't a girl have some fun? I thought that's what you wanted me to be…"
"You were supposed to be mine!" Sylvia screamed angrily. "I protected you!"
"I don't recall promising you anything…"
Sylvia growled and slowly moved toward her. Phoebe saw the threatening stance and found it hard to continue the pretense.
"Anyway, there's no way I can belong only to you. All those girls like me…And I'm finding that it's much easier to give in. I'm bored…"
"You can't mean that. I didn't spend the last two years risking my job to protect you so that you could betray me!"
Then, Phoebe saw it was time for a change in attitude.
"Maybe… if I didn't have to be here…? If I was only with you…Then, we could truly be together," Phoebe said very softly. The sweet voice seemed to calm Sylvia somewhat.
"What do you mean?"
"As long as I stay within these walls, I'll have to face those girls and they won't forget this day anytime soon. From now on, they won't leave me alone until I put out again…If you get me out of this place, then it's only gonna be you and me…"
"You can't be serious, Phoebe! I'd lose my job." Sylvia looked around as if she feared that the walls had ears.
"No one else has to know," Phoebe continued persuasively. "They'll think I ran on my own."
Phoebe finished putting on her clothes, and then, she walked suggestively toward Sylvia. "I only wanna be with you, Sylvia…The other girls don't matter…but I've got needs," Phoebe added hoarsely while caressing the matron's cheek softly.
Immediately, the severe features of the matron relaxed as she seemed to relish Phoebe's touch. Emboldened, Phoebe pursued: "think how happy we'll be; just the two of us."
Sylvia was now obviously getting excited and she tried to grab one of Phoebe's breasts. Phoebe moved away slightly, just out of reach.
"But not here…I want it to be beautiful and not a spectacle for others," Phoebe protested, when she saw the disappointment dawning on Sylvia's face.
"But how?" Sylvia questioned, telling Phoebe that she was getting through to her.
"I'm sure you can think of a way," Phoebe retorted, again moving closer to Sylvia. This time, her breasts brushed against Sylvia's slightly and this one shuddered. Phoebe had to repress a smile of triumph.
"I'll do it," Sylvia uttered quickly, between shortened breaths. "I'll do it for you…but you gotta promise me that you won't go with these girls again."
"Of course I won't," Phoebe answered softly. "I'll be all yours," she added in a hoarse whisper, before walking away from the matron. Phoebe had no intention of risking another humiliation. At any rate, she was certain that she had made her point.
"Lara," came Fredo's questioning voice from behind Phoebe.
Phoebe was startled. For a moment, she wondered if he could see her thoughts, as ridiculous as it may have seemed. She took a deep breath before looking back at her lover.
"What?"
"You seemed lost in thoughts…is everything alright?"
Phoebe shrugged impatiently.
"You mean besides knowing I could get shot at any moment?"
"That won't happen again, I promise you, Lara. I wouldn't let anything happen to you."
"Maybe I should just guaranty it and leave here now," Phoebe uttered angrily. She didn't mean a single word of it, but she knew that Fredo would react at this.
"You can't leave me," Fredo replied almost fearfully. It was strange to see such a powerful man humbled by her, Phoebe thought. The same as when she manipulated Sylvia, Phoebe had pain repressing a smile of satisfaction.
"How do I know I won't get killed staying with you, Fredo?"
"I told you, I won't let that happen. Besides, the ones who tried to kill me are gonna get what they deserve. No one will dare try this again."
"You promise I won't get hurt," Phoebe questioned almost childishly.
"I swear!"
Phoebe closed the gap between them and leaned against the old man in her best pretense of relief.
"Good," she said softly.
She heard as much as felt the sigh of relief Fredo exhaled, as he caressed her short hair affectionately.
"Were you satisfied with the piano tuner's work?" He suddenly questioned.
Phoebe tensed immediately at the mention of Cole.
"He did his job, I guess…" Phoebe trailed as she moved away from the old man.
"He saved me," Fredo insisted.
"Well, I suppose I'll have to thank him for that," she uttered, pouting.
"He didn't do anything to upset you, did he?" Fredo questioned then with what seemed a strange interest to Phoebe.
She had been tempted to ask Fredo to blackball the piano tuner in this town but she thought better of it all of a sudden. First off, Fredo seemed grateful to Cole and now wasn't a good time to denigrate the man. However, Phoebe was also made uncomfortable by Fredo's expression. For a moment, she wondered if he knew about her attempt at seducing Cole. Yet, he didn't get angry, only strangely curious.
"No…although…"
"What?"
"Well, I got the impression he thought a lot of himself…"
Fredo seemed amused.
"Young men often do…"
"At any rate, it's not like I'm gonna have to see him again or anything…" Phoebe probed.
"On the contrary, Lara…I just offered him a job, which is why I wanted to get your opinion."
"You what? Fredo… I was very satisfied with the other piano tuner."
"Oh it's not what I want him for… I offered him the driver's job. As you know, our driver left abruptly…"
Again Phoebe felt a chill. Did Fredo know more about the driver than he let out? She also vaguely wondered again about the driver's sudden disappearance, but the idea that he might have died never entered her mind.
"I thought it was strange too; but really, what do I care? Still, why would this Turner take a driver's job?"
"Well it's not decided yet. We'll see tomorrow. He told me he had some more work to do on your instrument…"
"Hum, I guess it'd be alright," Phoebe grumbled after a moment, convinced that Fredo would hire him anyway, no matter what he said about needing her advice. She got the distinct impression that Fredo's probing had nothing to do with her disposition toward a new driver and everything to do with him wanting to know something about her. She wasn't about to give him anything to reproach to her.
"I gotta take care of some business, Lara," Fredo said after a long moment of silence. "I'll see you later," he added before kissing her forehead and turning his back to her.
Even before he had left, Phoebe put aside her doubts about Fredo and her expression became irate. "Damnit!" Phoebe thought, "I wanted him punished and now he might be here all the time…"
Then, she felt a strange warmth coursing through her at the idea of having Cole around more. She could see the charming smile he had given her earlier in her mind's eye, and the softening inside of her was almost palpable. So much so that when she realized it, it angered her anew.
"Well, Mr.," She reflected then, "maybe I'll find another way to make you pay…"