I would have included this in the last chapter, but it would have been way
too long. I like this chapter better. It took longer than I thought to get
it up. I hope I wrote this well. It's hard to exactly capture the fire that
is Lorenzo. Things will be sorting out soon. Hopefully I didn't give too
much away in this chapter. Have no fear, questions will be answered soon if
it's not obvious, which I hope it isn't. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Of
course, I don't GH character, and I make no money.
***** Niki was looking out the window as they drove. It took her a while to notice they weren't headed in the direction of her house.
"Where are we going?"
"I took the liberty of arranging a little place for us to relax while our dinner settles."
"A man of surprises I see."
She eyed him warily. Where could they be going? She knew about where they were, but there wasn't anything very special about this end of town. She would know after all, since she worked this part of town mostly. Her suspicious nature was telling her whatever he was planning wasn't very good. This end of the city had shady things going on at this time of night. A man could easy take a girl into a dark or wooded area and she'd never be the same again, if she was ever seen after that. Well, this guy could try if that's what he wants, she comforted herself. She was used to being in strange places with strange men. She really thought he was a little different, but that's the way people were. Hell, she wasn't all that different.
Lorenzo noticed her change in manner. Her eyes had lost the playful glimmer he had seen all night. Since he picked her up, he tried to read her throughout the night, but wasn't quite able to. He could tell when she changed moods, but never really what they were. He had a feeling that this time it was because of the unexpected stop they were making. She told him before how men thought of and treated her, so he could only imagine what she was thinking. He'd be suspicious too. He hoped she'd enjoy it though. Again his mind was beginning to drift to his unanswered question. Sure she answered, but it wasn't the truth. He wanted to know what she did. Maybe it would explain her a bit. Lorenzo had an idea, but he didn't really want to think about it. He was determined to find it eventually though.
"I have a feeling you're not much for surprises. I don't know where I get that impression."
Niki noticed she was beginning to scowl. "Well, surprises can go wrong. Plus the other person never quite knows what's ahead. Not always a good thing for a couple control freaks like us. But curiosity lets me endure surprises."
"I have to agree. I think you'll like this. In fact, we're pretty much there."
She followed his eyes out the window, seeing a bunch of trees standing in darkness. Her apprehension grew. What could he want with the woods? Her feeble hopes were hanging on by a thread. Just like the rest.
Noticing her expression he tried to reassure her. "Don't worry." he said as the limo stopped. They got out and Lorenzo walked over to her.
"Follow me." Lorenzo said, starting to walk into the trees. He turned around when he didn't hear footsteps behind him. "I promise my intentions for walking into the woods are innocent. I know how it must seem, but please trust me on this."
She really wasn't open to trusting him at the moment, but he was alone and even in the dress she knew she could defend herself if, or when, he tried anything. Hesitantly she followed him. As long as she could remember her life had been dangerous. Even when she tried to get away from it. She gave in to the dark side of life, so this wasn't all too bad. Worse scenarios could and had happened. Her work required her to be strong, callous, and unemotional. There was no other way so this would be no different. Putting on her business face, she followed. How could she have assumed he was different? She hardly knew him after all. If she got the chance, she'd make a point of finding out who exactly he was.
They walked for a couple minutes in only the light from the sky to see with, which was just enough. Soon she saw a clearing up ahead of them. He had taken her hand when she started following him, leading her this way and that and making sure she didn't get lost. As they went out into the clearing, Lorenzo smiled at her. Niki expected the very worst by then, but instead of living up to those fears, Lorenzo turned and led her around a tight cluster of trees and up a hill. He was ahead of her and as they pulled out from the trees, Niki saw Lorenzo staring off, a smile still on his face, at the distance. She stepped forward to see whatever he was looking so intently at. The hill peaked, and she looked over the side.
They were on the edge of a cliff and she looked out, her breath catching for a moment in her throat. She looked down and as far as she could see, there was an ocean of glittering. To the right the city lights sparkled in the dark, still looking very much alive. To the left the bay reflected the light of the moon, breaking it up with its gentle waves. She had never been an outdoors type except for the common scenery and parks. She never stood looking down at a city before. She saw what was her world, twinkling like an elaborate child's toy. The place where people lived, worked, married, and raised children was laid out before her, humbled and simplified. It was like a maze she had been thinking was her life. Just a place, and now, at that moment, she wasn't apart of it. She was separate. She was above it and away.
Lorenzo watched as her eyes filled with a childlike awe and fascination. He had a very good idea what was going on inside her head. The same thing happened when he first stumbled upon this place. Whenever he had to get away after that, he had come here to realign himself and get away from the horrible problems that seemed so trivial from this viewpoint. It had been a while since his last visit, and for some reason she had reminded him of it. It was private property now, but he pulled the proper strings, and made their visit risk free. Looking back down across the landscape, he still got chills.
"This is so beautiful." she said softly. "I can't even tell you how."
She looked at him, a new peace in her eyes. He smiled knowingly.
"I had a feeling you'd appreciate the view. Let's sit down."
They sat against a tree staring out. Almost instinctively she leaned against him and they took in the scene as well as the company. Both knew these moments were few and far between. So this is what made life bearable?
"Thank you for bringing me here. I haven't felt this.warm inside in a long time. Sounds crazy, but my life doesn't really give me much option."
"It's a sad thing when that happens. I know. But there is always room for change I suppose."
She looked into his eyes and smiled, grateful for the comfort he was surprisingly providing. Maybe he wasn't a creep after all.
"You know what? We should go get some coffee. I know a great place not too far and I have late night caffeine cravings."
Niki chuckled. "I can relate. That sounds great."
"All right then. Let's go back to the limo."
He helped her up and stopped.
"What's the matter?"
Thinking for a second, he looked at her and serenely smiled, pulling her close for a kiss. She was surprised, but not completely unwilling. They kissed sweetly for a moment, Lorenzo making sure he didn't get carried away. He pulled from her, the smile returning instantly.
"Sorry. I just had to do that. I want to remember kissing you here. We can go now."
"No.problem." she said still a little stunned as she followed.
She thought she wasn't a sappy type, but here he was proving her wrong. They walked back to the limo hand in hand again, but this time they walked closer together and without the tension. They got back in and Lorenzo instructed the driver. They drove to a close neighborhood and got out in front of the Java Palace. They went in and ordered, talking more as they drank. She told him about what she felt on that cliff, and he told her about the first time he was there. Soon they had finished their coffee and were just talking. They were interrupted by Lorenzo's pager.
"Hmm. Sorry, but I just have to make a quick call if that's ok?"
"Sure, I don't mind." She knew about important calls, and she couldn't begrudge him that.
"Ok. Well crap." he said after rummaging through his pockets. "I think I left my phone in the car."
He called an employee over and asked where a phone was. The guy pointed across the street and informed him that the place was closing in a minute.
"No problem, thanks. Well let me get this call and we can get going."
Niki nodded. "All right. I'll wait outside for you."
They walked out and she waited against a pole by the curb. A second later the lights in the store went out and the man came out and locked the door. 'What a thorough closing he did' she thought. Then again she was in this part of town. When the light had gone off, she noticed how lonely the street was. One side was overgrown and wooded, and the other had a couple shops, which were now all closed. The street lights were far between and some were broken. 'This is perfect business environment.' she thought bitterly. She watched Lorenzo on the phone across the street, his back to her. He looked into the conversation, gesturing with his hands once in a while. As she was looking at him, a pair of strong arms and a rope were suddenly around her.
The man had a gag in her mouth before she could scream. She struggled violently, but it got her nowhere. Another man came out from behind the other, standing beside her.
"Well, well Hardy. Didn't your momma ever tell you to stay away from dark streets at night? Bad things might happen."
She mumbled at him, struggling some more.
"No use. Frankie won't let you go anywhere. I have to say Hardy, I don't like how you've been handling business. You think you can do what you want do ya? I don't think so. Why don't I see fear in your eyes? I should. You are in a really bad position here. Then again, a poor little girl like yourself shouldn't be walking around alone in a place like this."
He ran his hand along her face and she tried to dodge away from it, unable to.
"No. no. Don't struggle. I have such wonderful things in mind before I take you out. Just cooperate and this will be over soon darling."
Across the street Lorenzo was hanging up the phone and looked over at a large man subduing Niki and another talking to her. He could see the men had guns and must not know he was there because they faced away from him. Fear entered his mind, then anger. They would pay for touching a single hair on her head, he thought as he drew the gun he always had on him and snuck across the street slowly. As he was approaching the smaller man was starting to pull up Niki's dress as the other held tight. Niki had her eyes closed and was trying her best to get free. Fury gave way in his mind as he ran up to the man, muzzle to his head.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
The man stopped immediately and froze. Lorenzo tried his best to remain under control. His bastard was going to do what he thought he was. There was no question that this man would have to pay. Both of them. Lorenzo rammed the gun into the guy's flesh.
"I asked you a question asshole."
"Who are you and what the hell do you want? This is none of your goddam business."
Lorenzo smacked the man with the metal object along the side of his face.
"Answer me!" he yelled furiously.
"You know what."
The guy was on the ground, feeling his face. Lorenzo decided to leave him be for a second and free Niki, first taking the gun from the man on the floor and giving him a solid kick in the ribs.
"Get your hands off of her before I blow a hole in your head." Lorenzo said with an eerie calm.
Fear filled the man's eyes and he let go of Niki, putting his hands in the air. Lorenzo brought the gun across the man's face with all his strength, sending him to the ground with his partner. Niki stood by Lorenzo and spat at the two on the ground.
"Go ahead. Tell him to shoot me Hardy. Isn't that what you want? You'll go to jail and you know it."
"Shut up!" Lorenzo cried, inflicting another blow to the ribs.
The guy yelled in pain, blood starting to come out of his mouth. Lorenzo looked down at him and over to Niki who was staring at the man vehemently. The image of the man pulling up her skirt and the knowledge of what he was going to do crept into Lorenzo's head again. With a yell he got over the man and started wailing on him with the gun. The man tried to block with his hands, but it was futile. Blood was appearing and the sickening sound of metal against flesh and bone filled the night. Finally Niki managed to pull Lorenzo off him, but there was little resembling a face left on the man. He was unconscious, bones broken, blood pooling around his head. Some of his hair was now in the ground, still attached to bits of skin. The other man had watched in horror, but didn't dare do anything seeing how furious the assault was. Lorenzo pulled his gun up and aimed it at the unconscious man's head, clicking a bullet into the chamber.
"No, no!" Niki yelled. "If you kill him we'll get caught."
"Not if we get them both."
"No, trust me. Don't do this. It isn't the time or place."
Her eyes pleaded with him and he looked at her for a moment, finally putting the gun down. He turned back to the men and got close to the large man whose eyes were wide.
"Who are you?"
"I.I'm Frankie."
"Who's that?"
"He's Vonnie."
The man was big but dimwitted. Lorenzo was reminded of Lenny from Of Mice and Men.
"Look, I don't care why you were here, or what your intentions were. When he wakes up, tell him he was messing with the wrong man. If he ever goes anywhere near her again, tell him Lorenzo Alcazar will hunt him down and make sure he pays for it three times over, got that?"
"Yes sir, Mr. Alcazar. I'll tell him. I've heard of you."
"Good. Now stay here. If you get up while I can still see you, I'll shoot you."
Lorenzo got up and looked at Niki and they walked off. When they were out of sight they stopped. Niki had been thinking not about what went on, but about his name. Alcazar. She knew an Alcazar a few years ago, Luis. They must be brothers or cousins. Luis was involved in her old life. She wondered if Lorenzo knew who she was. This connection to her past wasn't good. He could already know too much.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"God, I am so sorry. I should never have left you alone." The pain was evident in his words and eyes. He looked at her and had his hands on her shoulders.
"It's not your fault. I should've kept closer or something. It's ok, I'm fine now."
"Jesus, I just.he was going to."
He buried his face in his hands and faced a little away from her. She saw this really ate him up. She took his hands.
"It's ok, really. It didn't happen. Look at me. You're not to blame. You saved me."
They stared at each other, some of the turmoil gone from his concerned blue eyes.
"I'm glad you were there. I don't think I could've handled it on my own. This time you really get to be hero."
She laughed, coaxing a smile out of him. He sighed and squeezed her hands. They were silent for a moment, recuperating. 'Alcazar. Why did he have to be so close?'
"Who were those guys?"
"Uh, I don't know. They just came out of nowhere."
"But he knew your name."
She looked to the ground, not knowing what to say.
"I don't know. It seemed like you've done that before though. Must be a family thing." She said shifting focus.
"You knew my brother then?"
"I couple years ago. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid you'd be scared off. Just hear the name and think the worst. I wanted to get to know you without having to worry about that. Did it really matter?"
"Well, it would have been nice to know ahead of time."
"I know. I'm sorry. You must think I'm some horrible thug now."
"No. It doesn't matter what you do for a living. You gotta do what you gotta do. I'm not going to judge you for that. This is a mob town and I have no illusions."
'Why didn't I hear anything about an Alcazar?' she thought. Lorenzo was surprised by her instant acceptance. She seemed genuinely unconcerned with his mob background.
"I'm glad I haven't scared you off then."
He was partly right. It wasn't the mob, but his last name had changed everything. She knew what she had to do now. It had to be quickly before she lost the nerve.
"Yeah. I'm really grateful for what you did for me back there. No one's fought for me like that before. I will always appreciate that. You were quite amazing actually, even if you did get a bit carried away."
"Sorry bout that. I was a little upset. Why were you so concerned about me killing him?"
"I don't want either of us to end up in jail. Especially because of that piss ant. He's not worth the trouble."
'But she said she didn't know him.' Lorenzo thought. 'Maybe she's just assuming. I doubt it.'
"Look, I'm sorry but I have to go."
"Why?"
"It's been a stressful night. Not you in particular. I just have to go."
"Are you sure? Ok. Let me page my driver."
"No, I'll take a cab."
"What? Why?"
"Doesn't matter, ok? I just want to take a cab."
"All right. I'm waiting here with you though."
"Ok."
They walked to the phone and she called. They waited in silence until the cab showed up.
"Are you going to be ok here waiting for your driver?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Get some rest. Can I call you tomorrow?"
"I have some errands to run, but I'll call you when I can, ok?"
"Ok. Goodbye Niki."
"Goodbye Lorenzo."
Her eyes were sad as she got in and closed the door. Her goodbye was meant for more than his. Lorenzo knew something was definitely wrong, but he'd give her some time. Tomorrow he'd go to check on her and see what was wrong. He called his driver and soon he was on his way home. So many questions filled his head. Who was she? Who were those guys? How did they know her? Why did she leave so suddenly? How did she know his brother? The next day he'd try to answer at least some of those questions. He would call some sources and see what he could dig up. He also made a mental note to get rid of this 'Frankie' and 'Vonnie'. He resisted killing them there, but not all together. No one would touch Niki that way and live. He was starting to think they were connected by her job. Maybe she was what he thought. She didn't seem like a prostitute, but it would explain a lot. Maybe she gave it up. That was all he could think of. He didn't like that possibility, but he had to know either way. He went to bed that night thinking about her again.
***** Niki was looking out the window as they drove. It took her a while to notice they weren't headed in the direction of her house.
"Where are we going?"
"I took the liberty of arranging a little place for us to relax while our dinner settles."
"A man of surprises I see."
She eyed him warily. Where could they be going? She knew about where they were, but there wasn't anything very special about this end of town. She would know after all, since she worked this part of town mostly. Her suspicious nature was telling her whatever he was planning wasn't very good. This end of the city had shady things going on at this time of night. A man could easy take a girl into a dark or wooded area and she'd never be the same again, if she was ever seen after that. Well, this guy could try if that's what he wants, she comforted herself. She was used to being in strange places with strange men. She really thought he was a little different, but that's the way people were. Hell, she wasn't all that different.
Lorenzo noticed her change in manner. Her eyes had lost the playful glimmer he had seen all night. Since he picked her up, he tried to read her throughout the night, but wasn't quite able to. He could tell when she changed moods, but never really what they were. He had a feeling that this time it was because of the unexpected stop they were making. She told him before how men thought of and treated her, so he could only imagine what she was thinking. He'd be suspicious too. He hoped she'd enjoy it though. Again his mind was beginning to drift to his unanswered question. Sure she answered, but it wasn't the truth. He wanted to know what she did. Maybe it would explain her a bit. Lorenzo had an idea, but he didn't really want to think about it. He was determined to find it eventually though.
"I have a feeling you're not much for surprises. I don't know where I get that impression."
Niki noticed she was beginning to scowl. "Well, surprises can go wrong. Plus the other person never quite knows what's ahead. Not always a good thing for a couple control freaks like us. But curiosity lets me endure surprises."
"I have to agree. I think you'll like this. In fact, we're pretty much there."
She followed his eyes out the window, seeing a bunch of trees standing in darkness. Her apprehension grew. What could he want with the woods? Her feeble hopes were hanging on by a thread. Just like the rest.
Noticing her expression he tried to reassure her. "Don't worry." he said as the limo stopped. They got out and Lorenzo walked over to her.
"Follow me." Lorenzo said, starting to walk into the trees. He turned around when he didn't hear footsteps behind him. "I promise my intentions for walking into the woods are innocent. I know how it must seem, but please trust me on this."
She really wasn't open to trusting him at the moment, but he was alone and even in the dress she knew she could defend herself if, or when, he tried anything. Hesitantly she followed him. As long as she could remember her life had been dangerous. Even when she tried to get away from it. She gave in to the dark side of life, so this wasn't all too bad. Worse scenarios could and had happened. Her work required her to be strong, callous, and unemotional. There was no other way so this would be no different. Putting on her business face, she followed. How could she have assumed he was different? She hardly knew him after all. If she got the chance, she'd make a point of finding out who exactly he was.
They walked for a couple minutes in only the light from the sky to see with, which was just enough. Soon she saw a clearing up ahead of them. He had taken her hand when she started following him, leading her this way and that and making sure she didn't get lost. As they went out into the clearing, Lorenzo smiled at her. Niki expected the very worst by then, but instead of living up to those fears, Lorenzo turned and led her around a tight cluster of trees and up a hill. He was ahead of her and as they pulled out from the trees, Niki saw Lorenzo staring off, a smile still on his face, at the distance. She stepped forward to see whatever he was looking so intently at. The hill peaked, and she looked over the side.
They were on the edge of a cliff and she looked out, her breath catching for a moment in her throat. She looked down and as far as she could see, there was an ocean of glittering. To the right the city lights sparkled in the dark, still looking very much alive. To the left the bay reflected the light of the moon, breaking it up with its gentle waves. She had never been an outdoors type except for the common scenery and parks. She never stood looking down at a city before. She saw what was her world, twinkling like an elaborate child's toy. The place where people lived, worked, married, and raised children was laid out before her, humbled and simplified. It was like a maze she had been thinking was her life. Just a place, and now, at that moment, she wasn't apart of it. She was separate. She was above it and away.
Lorenzo watched as her eyes filled with a childlike awe and fascination. He had a very good idea what was going on inside her head. The same thing happened when he first stumbled upon this place. Whenever he had to get away after that, he had come here to realign himself and get away from the horrible problems that seemed so trivial from this viewpoint. It had been a while since his last visit, and for some reason she had reminded him of it. It was private property now, but he pulled the proper strings, and made their visit risk free. Looking back down across the landscape, he still got chills.
"This is so beautiful." she said softly. "I can't even tell you how."
She looked at him, a new peace in her eyes. He smiled knowingly.
"I had a feeling you'd appreciate the view. Let's sit down."
They sat against a tree staring out. Almost instinctively she leaned against him and they took in the scene as well as the company. Both knew these moments were few and far between. So this is what made life bearable?
"Thank you for bringing me here. I haven't felt this.warm inside in a long time. Sounds crazy, but my life doesn't really give me much option."
"It's a sad thing when that happens. I know. But there is always room for change I suppose."
She looked into his eyes and smiled, grateful for the comfort he was surprisingly providing. Maybe he wasn't a creep after all.
"You know what? We should go get some coffee. I know a great place not too far and I have late night caffeine cravings."
Niki chuckled. "I can relate. That sounds great."
"All right then. Let's go back to the limo."
He helped her up and stopped.
"What's the matter?"
Thinking for a second, he looked at her and serenely smiled, pulling her close for a kiss. She was surprised, but not completely unwilling. They kissed sweetly for a moment, Lorenzo making sure he didn't get carried away. He pulled from her, the smile returning instantly.
"Sorry. I just had to do that. I want to remember kissing you here. We can go now."
"No.problem." she said still a little stunned as she followed.
She thought she wasn't a sappy type, but here he was proving her wrong. They walked back to the limo hand in hand again, but this time they walked closer together and without the tension. They got back in and Lorenzo instructed the driver. They drove to a close neighborhood and got out in front of the Java Palace. They went in and ordered, talking more as they drank. She told him about what she felt on that cliff, and he told her about the first time he was there. Soon they had finished their coffee and were just talking. They were interrupted by Lorenzo's pager.
"Hmm. Sorry, but I just have to make a quick call if that's ok?"
"Sure, I don't mind." She knew about important calls, and she couldn't begrudge him that.
"Ok. Well crap." he said after rummaging through his pockets. "I think I left my phone in the car."
He called an employee over and asked where a phone was. The guy pointed across the street and informed him that the place was closing in a minute.
"No problem, thanks. Well let me get this call and we can get going."
Niki nodded. "All right. I'll wait outside for you."
They walked out and she waited against a pole by the curb. A second later the lights in the store went out and the man came out and locked the door. 'What a thorough closing he did' she thought. Then again she was in this part of town. When the light had gone off, she noticed how lonely the street was. One side was overgrown and wooded, and the other had a couple shops, which were now all closed. The street lights were far between and some were broken. 'This is perfect business environment.' she thought bitterly. She watched Lorenzo on the phone across the street, his back to her. He looked into the conversation, gesturing with his hands once in a while. As she was looking at him, a pair of strong arms and a rope were suddenly around her.
The man had a gag in her mouth before she could scream. She struggled violently, but it got her nowhere. Another man came out from behind the other, standing beside her.
"Well, well Hardy. Didn't your momma ever tell you to stay away from dark streets at night? Bad things might happen."
She mumbled at him, struggling some more.
"No use. Frankie won't let you go anywhere. I have to say Hardy, I don't like how you've been handling business. You think you can do what you want do ya? I don't think so. Why don't I see fear in your eyes? I should. You are in a really bad position here. Then again, a poor little girl like yourself shouldn't be walking around alone in a place like this."
He ran his hand along her face and she tried to dodge away from it, unable to.
"No. no. Don't struggle. I have such wonderful things in mind before I take you out. Just cooperate and this will be over soon darling."
Across the street Lorenzo was hanging up the phone and looked over at a large man subduing Niki and another talking to her. He could see the men had guns and must not know he was there because they faced away from him. Fear entered his mind, then anger. They would pay for touching a single hair on her head, he thought as he drew the gun he always had on him and snuck across the street slowly. As he was approaching the smaller man was starting to pull up Niki's dress as the other held tight. Niki had her eyes closed and was trying her best to get free. Fury gave way in his mind as he ran up to the man, muzzle to his head.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
The man stopped immediately and froze. Lorenzo tried his best to remain under control. His bastard was going to do what he thought he was. There was no question that this man would have to pay. Both of them. Lorenzo rammed the gun into the guy's flesh.
"I asked you a question asshole."
"Who are you and what the hell do you want? This is none of your goddam business."
Lorenzo smacked the man with the metal object along the side of his face.
"Answer me!" he yelled furiously.
"You know what."
The guy was on the ground, feeling his face. Lorenzo decided to leave him be for a second and free Niki, first taking the gun from the man on the floor and giving him a solid kick in the ribs.
"Get your hands off of her before I blow a hole in your head." Lorenzo said with an eerie calm.
Fear filled the man's eyes and he let go of Niki, putting his hands in the air. Lorenzo brought the gun across the man's face with all his strength, sending him to the ground with his partner. Niki stood by Lorenzo and spat at the two on the ground.
"Go ahead. Tell him to shoot me Hardy. Isn't that what you want? You'll go to jail and you know it."
"Shut up!" Lorenzo cried, inflicting another blow to the ribs.
The guy yelled in pain, blood starting to come out of his mouth. Lorenzo looked down at him and over to Niki who was staring at the man vehemently. The image of the man pulling up her skirt and the knowledge of what he was going to do crept into Lorenzo's head again. With a yell he got over the man and started wailing on him with the gun. The man tried to block with his hands, but it was futile. Blood was appearing and the sickening sound of metal against flesh and bone filled the night. Finally Niki managed to pull Lorenzo off him, but there was little resembling a face left on the man. He was unconscious, bones broken, blood pooling around his head. Some of his hair was now in the ground, still attached to bits of skin. The other man had watched in horror, but didn't dare do anything seeing how furious the assault was. Lorenzo pulled his gun up and aimed it at the unconscious man's head, clicking a bullet into the chamber.
"No, no!" Niki yelled. "If you kill him we'll get caught."
"Not if we get them both."
"No, trust me. Don't do this. It isn't the time or place."
Her eyes pleaded with him and he looked at her for a moment, finally putting the gun down. He turned back to the men and got close to the large man whose eyes were wide.
"Who are you?"
"I.I'm Frankie."
"Who's that?"
"He's Vonnie."
The man was big but dimwitted. Lorenzo was reminded of Lenny from Of Mice and Men.
"Look, I don't care why you were here, or what your intentions were. When he wakes up, tell him he was messing with the wrong man. If he ever goes anywhere near her again, tell him Lorenzo Alcazar will hunt him down and make sure he pays for it three times over, got that?"
"Yes sir, Mr. Alcazar. I'll tell him. I've heard of you."
"Good. Now stay here. If you get up while I can still see you, I'll shoot you."
Lorenzo got up and looked at Niki and they walked off. When they were out of sight they stopped. Niki had been thinking not about what went on, but about his name. Alcazar. She knew an Alcazar a few years ago, Luis. They must be brothers or cousins. Luis was involved in her old life. She wondered if Lorenzo knew who she was. This connection to her past wasn't good. He could already know too much.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"God, I am so sorry. I should never have left you alone." The pain was evident in his words and eyes. He looked at her and had his hands on her shoulders.
"It's not your fault. I should've kept closer or something. It's ok, I'm fine now."
"Jesus, I just.he was going to."
He buried his face in his hands and faced a little away from her. She saw this really ate him up. She took his hands.
"It's ok, really. It didn't happen. Look at me. You're not to blame. You saved me."
They stared at each other, some of the turmoil gone from his concerned blue eyes.
"I'm glad you were there. I don't think I could've handled it on my own. This time you really get to be hero."
She laughed, coaxing a smile out of him. He sighed and squeezed her hands. They were silent for a moment, recuperating. 'Alcazar. Why did he have to be so close?'
"Who were those guys?"
"Uh, I don't know. They just came out of nowhere."
"But he knew your name."
She looked to the ground, not knowing what to say.
"I don't know. It seemed like you've done that before though. Must be a family thing." She said shifting focus.
"You knew my brother then?"
"I couple years ago. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid you'd be scared off. Just hear the name and think the worst. I wanted to get to know you without having to worry about that. Did it really matter?"
"Well, it would have been nice to know ahead of time."
"I know. I'm sorry. You must think I'm some horrible thug now."
"No. It doesn't matter what you do for a living. You gotta do what you gotta do. I'm not going to judge you for that. This is a mob town and I have no illusions."
'Why didn't I hear anything about an Alcazar?' she thought. Lorenzo was surprised by her instant acceptance. She seemed genuinely unconcerned with his mob background.
"I'm glad I haven't scared you off then."
He was partly right. It wasn't the mob, but his last name had changed everything. She knew what she had to do now. It had to be quickly before she lost the nerve.
"Yeah. I'm really grateful for what you did for me back there. No one's fought for me like that before. I will always appreciate that. You were quite amazing actually, even if you did get a bit carried away."
"Sorry bout that. I was a little upset. Why were you so concerned about me killing him?"
"I don't want either of us to end up in jail. Especially because of that piss ant. He's not worth the trouble."
'But she said she didn't know him.' Lorenzo thought. 'Maybe she's just assuming. I doubt it.'
"Look, I'm sorry but I have to go."
"Why?"
"It's been a stressful night. Not you in particular. I just have to go."
"Are you sure? Ok. Let me page my driver."
"No, I'll take a cab."
"What? Why?"
"Doesn't matter, ok? I just want to take a cab."
"All right. I'm waiting here with you though."
"Ok."
They walked to the phone and she called. They waited in silence until the cab showed up.
"Are you going to be ok here waiting for your driver?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Get some rest. Can I call you tomorrow?"
"I have some errands to run, but I'll call you when I can, ok?"
"Ok. Goodbye Niki."
"Goodbye Lorenzo."
Her eyes were sad as she got in and closed the door. Her goodbye was meant for more than his. Lorenzo knew something was definitely wrong, but he'd give her some time. Tomorrow he'd go to check on her and see what was wrong. He called his driver and soon he was on his way home. So many questions filled his head. Who was she? Who were those guys? How did they know her? Why did she leave so suddenly? How did she know his brother? The next day he'd try to answer at least some of those questions. He would call some sources and see what he could dig up. He also made a mental note to get rid of this 'Frankie' and 'Vonnie'. He resisted killing them there, but not all together. No one would touch Niki that way and live. He was starting to think they were connected by her job. Maybe she was what he thought. She didn't seem like a prostitute, but it would explain a lot. Maybe she gave it up. That was all he could think of. He didn't like that possibility, but he had to know either way. He went to bed that night thinking about her again.