A Storm Is Coming Read online

  “And Fabi?”

  “He decided to take his own car.”

  Thank you, Claudia, I’ll be right down.” Alex finished up with his tie and put on his watch. It was show time.

  *****

  Braylee and Gail were in her office going over the final details for the press conference. They were just finishing up when Nate came on over the intercom, “Braylee, Lisa is here.”

  She lifted her brow because she wasn’t expecting her today. “Okay…send her on in.”

  Before even getting the words out, Lisa barged into her office.

  “Hello, ladies.”

  “Hey…what are you doing here?” Braylee turned to Gail, “Gail Hindz, this is my best friend, Lisa Lampinelli.” After introductions had been made, she turned back to Lisa, “You know we have that press conference in a couple of hours.”

  “Yes, I wanted to be there for you and Alex.”

  “Did you ask him?”

  “I figured I’d ask once he arrived.”

  Braylee shook her head, “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. He needs to be focused.”

  “I promise, I’ll sit in the back and not say a word.” Lisa laughed, “I even wore my power suit for this.”

  “I see. You do look great.” Braylee had to admit she was impressed. Lisa was dressed smartly instead of her carefree flower child wear. Wearing a tailored black Armani suit and matching pumps with kitten heels. She’d also worn small hoop earrings and a simple gold watch keeping her makeup to a minimum. Her hair was piled high up on her head. “I’m fine with it, but you’ll seriously have to clear it with Alexandro.”

  Braylee couldn’t contain that little voice in her head saying that it might help to have Lisa around as a buffer.

  “I’m sure he’ll be fine with it.” Lisa walked over to the windows, “I just hope this weather holds out until we’re finished. I hate this time of year. One minute it’s warm and the next it’s cold.”

  Gail chimed in, “Yes, it’s perfect tornado weather.”

  Braylee walked over and gazed out of the window too, “It’s Chicago ladies. We all know there are only two seasons…winter and summer.”

  Nate’s voice came over the intercom again, “Mr. Manchetti and Mr. LaPezzia are here.”

  Braylee walked away from the window but first made sure The Mask was in place. “Please show them in.”

  Her heart rate accelerated, and her palms were a little clammy. Trying nonchalantly to run her hands down the front of her suit while Lisa watched her like a hawk. She couldn’t hide much from her. However, there was no way Braylee would let Alex shake a sweaty palm either.

  The door opened, and she almost stopped breathing. Why did the most beautiful man she’d ever seen just walk into her office? Alexandro Manchetti stood there…in person. It’s not like she hadn’t seen him in person over the past few months. But…today…was it the focused fire in his eyes? The firm set of his jaw? Braylee wasn’t sure, but he was even more delicious looking than the night she’d ran her hands and tongue all over his naked body.

  His eyes connected to hers the moment he entered the room. Time stood still. She wasn’t sure how long they held each other’s gazes but was thankful Lisa was there. She went to him and kissed him on the cheek. It gave Braylee a little bit of time to recover.

  She cupped his chin into her hand, “Hi my friend. How are you holding up?”

  Somehow Alex managed to tear his eyes away from Braylee to greet Lisa. He turned his head into her hand and kissed it. “Hello, Lisa. It’s good to see you. But, what are you doing here?”

  “Where else would I be? There was no way I was going to let my two best friends do something as important as this and not be here.”

  “Thank you for your support.”

  “Always.”

  Gail announced herself, “Hello Mr. Manchetti and LePezzia, how are you feeling? Good?”

  Both men spoke and nodded their agreement that they were fine.

  “Glad to hear it. Then, in that case, Braylee and I should probably go over a few final details before we leave for the Drake Hotel.”

  Braylee walked closer to Alex extending her hand, “Hello, Mr. Manchetti…Giovanni. Gail is right. We’ve prepared long and hard for this moment, and it’s finally here.” The Mask hadn’t betrayed her. Her voice was calm, strong, and steady which was unlike anything she felt on the inside.

  Alex had released Lisa to shake Braylee’s hand. It was warm and soft. But, the contact was much much too brief as she smoothly removed her hand to shake Giovanni’s.

  Braylee looked around for Alex’s other attorney’s, “Where are the rest of your associates?”

  Giovanni spoke, “They’ve decided to go directly to the hotel.”

  She kept her focus on him refusing to look directly at Alex as she motioned for them to have a seat at her conference table, “Well, we really don’t need them. And, there are just a couple of things we need to tie up before we head over ourselves.”

  “If that’s the case, then I’ll just head on over to the hotel.” Braylee had almost forgotten that Lisa was even in the room.

  “There’s plenty enough room if you’d like to ride with us.” She would need a big personality like Lisa’s to counter being in Alexandro’s presence.

  “No, no. I have another appointment straight after so I’ll need my car.” Lisa kissed Braylee on the cheek and then Alex. “I’ll see you both over there.”

  And like the wind, Lisa was gone.

  Alex didn’t care who came and went. He just wanted a moment alone with Braylee. She was so close but so far. Standing there in a tailored to perfection camel suit wearing those damn stilettos reminding him of those long legs when they were wrapped around him. Trying to gain some control, he took a deep breath and berated himself, “Okay Alex. Now is not the time to be remembering Braylee’s naked body when it was entangled with yours.”

  She’d cast a spell on him from the moment they’d met. There had always been a strong physical attraction between them. He felt it then, and he could still feel it now. The energy when they were in the same room crackled.

  But, his attraction ran so much deeper now. After these many months working on this case, he also loved the way her mind worked and how unflappable she always appeared under pressure.

  There was a moment when Alex stepped into her office that he thought he saw something in her eyes, but that moment was fleeting. Right now, Braylee was ready to take care of business. It was written all over her body. But even a taking care of business Braylee was sexy as hell. “Pull it together Manchetti and focus on what’s being said.”

  First things first, he had to deal with the death of his brother and this lawsuit. But, once all of that was over, he was going to pursue Braylee with an unabashed ruthlessness.

  Gail had been giving him some final instructions and Braylee stood looking on. He didn’t hear all of it, but what he did hear was information they’d already covered.

  Braylee piggybacked off of Gail and finally looked at him. Her voice softened, “Alex so that you are not surprised, we were informed this morning that the official case for Luciano Manchetti has been closed and ruled a suicide. It hasn’t been announced to the public yet, but our sources say the announcement is planned for this afternoon. We’ve tried to time our press conference so that it’s announced publically before we begin.”

  He didn’t speak, but that clenching of his jaw spoke volumes. Braylee’s heart softened, and she couldn’t stop herself as she touched his shoulder to offer her comfort. Her eyes said, “Trust me.”

  Alex trusted her completely.

  She gave him just a moment to digest that information before removing her hand and continuing, “If you’re asked a question that you’re not sure about…defer to me. What else? Oh…while we are in the press conference Gail and her team will be leaking the first of the bread crumbs to the press. Alex, this pressure is going to be intense. In standing your ground, you’re about to possibly bring down a
n entire political operation. Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

  How could he not? There was no doubt when he responded, “Absolutely.”

  Giovanni looked even more perplexed, “What are you talking about? Why does the status of Luciano’s case have anything to do with the press conference? And why would we need to wait for that to be released before we go on with our press conference? One doesn’t have anything to do with the other. And, an entire political operation? How does any of this have anything to do with the negligence lawsuit?”

  Braylee knew this was coming. She exhaled slowly, “I’ll explain it to you in full after the press conference. If we’re all okay, our allies are in place and awaiting execution of our plan. Are there any more questions…that I can answer?”

  Alex shook his head, “No. I’m ready.”

  Giovanni was furious. He turned to Alex, “I’m your General Counsel, and you’re keeping secrets from me. I can’t protect you if I don’t know all of the facts.”

  Alex’s voice was low but firm, “Everything will become clearer after the press conference, Gio. Trust me on this one.”

  Giovanni was pissed, but there was nothing he could do about it at least for now…but wait.

  Braylee’s voice broke through the tension, “Gail, are the paparazzi down stairs?”

  “Yes, I just received confirmation on my phone that there’s at least two dozen. All the major papers are here.”

  “Great.”

  Giovanni was even more confused, “Can someone at least explain to me why there is paparazzi downstairs?”

  Braylee answered, “Sure. It will generate more buzz about the press conference, and we want to generate as much interest as possible. Alex leaving his attorney’s office will signal something big. They have no idea how big. And that curiosity will ensure that they are there for the story.” Braylee put a few documents in her briefcase that was sitting on the table, “Alright…then if there aren’t any other questions, there’s nothing left for us to do but to head over to the hotel.”

  Gail packed up her things, “Good luck Mr. Manchetti, I’ll see you over at the hotel.”

  He asked, “You’re not riding with us?”

  “No, I’m parked in the underground garage and leaving from the back. You guys will be leaving from the front entrance. Those pack of wolves don’t need to see me. It’ll just be you, Braylee, and Mr. LePezzia.”

  Braylee double checked one last time to make sure she had everything. With her briefcase in hand and purse on her shoulder, she was ready. Alex walked closely behind and touched the small of her back as he guided her out the door.

  His touch was still enough to drop her to her knees.

  Chapter 19

  As expected the paparazzi had been camped outside Braylee’s offices waiting for them to leave for the Drake Hotel.

  A steady stream of rain was still coming down. However, the second they stepped out of the building an attendant moved quickly to cover them with an umbrella as they got into their car.

  Giovanni sat next to Alex while Braylee sat opposite of them. Braylee couldn’t help thinking that she would hate to be a paparazzi. Looking at them through her window, she was impressed at their resolve to stand in this weather for all these hours.

  Her phone vibrated. She’d had it in her hands because she’d been expecting a couple of calls and because she knew all hell was about to break loose. It was a text from Gail. A sly grin spread across her face. It simply read…

  Mission Accomplished.

  Within seconds of receiving Gail’s message, her cell phone started to blow up.

  Alex felt a tinge of jealousy and wondered whose text put that smile on her face. He probably failed miserably at keeping the irritation out of his voice. “Would you care to enlighten us, Ms. Hinsdale?”

  She looked up with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning in her eyes, “Of course. If you don’t already have your phones off you might want to turn them off.” As soon as the words left her mouth, both Giovanni and Alex’s phones started ringing. “Don’t answer them. Gail dropped the first of several bread crumbs. She leaked Detective Jones’ police report along with the e-mail between the Chief of Police and the Mayor. The one verifying that they’d read the original report but strategized on how they were going to respond. The emails of that conversation stand in direct contradiction to Detective Jones’s report and the autopsy. So…that’s probably why your phones, as well as mine, are a bit out of control. The Press…they smell a huge story.”

  Braylee giggled, “And they’re right.”

  Giovanni almost choked, “What are you talking about?” Understanding finally dawning on him, “This press conference isn’t anything to do with the lawsuits is it?”

  Alex responded, “Not directly, No.”

  The rest of the ten-minute drive was made in silence. After the car had pulled up in front of the Drake Hotel, Braylee waited a moment before she spoke, “It’s my job to ask one last time…are you sure you want to go through with this?”

  More determined than ever Alex answered, “I’ve never been more certain.”

  The door opened, and another attendant came around with an umbrella. As they exited the car, camera’s flashed all around them. Alex pulled Braylee into the crook of his arm in an attempt to shield her from the lights, the rain and all the questions being shouted at them.

  Once inside, they were quickly ushered into a private meeting room until it was time for the press conference that was still about forty minutes away. The rest of Alex’s legal team - Marcus Bailey and Joseph Ling, Fabi and Lisa…and even Jeanine Willows were already in the room.

  Braylee was surprised to see her. Forcing a smile she couldn’t help thinking, “What the hell was she doing here?” And, even though Braylee had no reason to detest Jeanine, she did. Well, there was one reason…and his name was Alexandro.

  *****

  The presser went off without a hitch. It began with Braylee giving a brief statement followed by Alexandro giving his statement and then opening it up to the reporters for questions.

  Braylee along with the rest of the team stood behind Alex as he answered question after question perfectly.

  Gail ran the press conference with the skill of the ultimate professional that she was. She stepped up to the microphone and spoke, “We have time for one last question.”

  Reporter: “So, are you implying that the Mayor and Chief of Police are covering up the murder of your brother? And, if so, why would they do that?”

  Alexandro: “Those are great questions but best posed to them. All I can tell you is that my brother did not commit suicide and after receiving some pretty damning e-mails between the Mayor and the Chief, I want answers. I hope you will ask them to explain why they were discussing this case in the first place. And, why this recently revealed second autopsy and police report seem to contradict the public record.”

  Brilliant! Braylee couldn’t have scripted his answer any better than that. The reporters asked all of the questions that she and her team hoped they would. Yes, they received everything out of this press conference that they needed. She nodded to Gail.

  Right on cue, Gail stepped back up to the microphone, “Okay everyone, this will conclude the press conference for this afternoon. Mr. Manchetti will not be taking any further questions. We’ve supplied you all with a packet of information discussed today. Mr. Manchetti has retained Hinsdale and Associates for legal counsel, and all media inquiries should be directed to their office. The contact information has been provided. ”

  And with that, Alex, Braylee, and the rest of the team walked out of the conference room back to the meeting room as reporters still continued to shout questions out to them.

  Braylee was downright giddy. They’d made their first move, and it was a mighty blow. She’d anticipated some of their reactions, and now all they had to do was wait.

  As soon as the door closed behind them, Giovanni, Marcus, and Joseph erupted with questi
ons.

  It appeared as if Giovanni was going to have a heart-attack right on the spot. He was almost apoplectic. Marcus wasn’t too far behind, but Braylee noticed that Joseph’s response was far more measured. Interesting.

  Lisa and Jeanine had been sitting in the media area and were now back in the meeting room too. Lisa couldn’t resist wrapping her arms around Alexandro.

  She whispered with tears in her eyes, “Luciano would be so proud of you.”

  The second she pulled away, Jeanine muscled in-between them, “Alex…I had no idea all of this was going on.” Encasing his head into her hands, “I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this all alone. Is there anything I can do?”

  Braylee stood back with her arms crossed and watched the entire scene unfold. Doing her best to appear unaffected, but, that damn Lisa didn’t miss anything including when she’d rolled her eyes at Jeanine. Busted. The Mask…slipped.

  Inwardly, Lisa smiled. There was something between the two of them whether Braylee wanted to admit to it or not.

  “Thank you, Jeanine. However, I think we have everything under control.” Alexandro stepped out of her embrace and walked over to Braylee. His eyes bore into hers, “I just wanted to say…thanks. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

  Her inner self wanted to scream, according to Jeanine…you’re going through this all alone. But, instead she responded coolly, “Just doing my job.”

  The moment was interrupted when her phone vibrated. It had been vibrating non-stop ever since the first bit of information leaked. However, after checking the caller i.d., this was one call she had to take.

  The Cheshire cat-like smile Alex recognized as Braylee’s gotcha smile formed across her lovely face. She’d caught someone in her web.

  Holding up one finger, she told him, “I’ve got to take this call.” Braylee clicked the answer button, “Hello, Mr. Mayor…I’ve been expecting your call.”

  The entire room quieted down. It was a one-sided conversation where Braylee didn’t offer too much.

  “That’s interesting Mr. Mayor. Ummm. I see. Well, that would be a waste of your legal team’s efforts. Why don’t you call me to set up an appointment and we can go from there? Great…goodbye, Mr. Mayor.”