Her Edge

The talk

Chapter 5

Matteo’s voice crackles low in Nikolai’s earpiece.

“They’ve taken the bait.”

From his spot in the passenger seat, Nikolai leans back, eyes on the reflection in the side mirror. Two blocks behind, the black sedan that has been tailing them all afternoon just slowed — hesitant. Matteo had already swapped their own car for a different model in an underground garage minutes earlier. A little sleight of hand for anyone paying attention too closely.

Leo is no longer in the equation — sent home under the watch of men Nikolai trusts with his life. That detail allows him to exhale, but only slightly.

“They’re turning onto 5th,” Matteo says, tone clipped. Nickolai scoffs, they haven't realized.

Why most hitmen he had come across over the years always ended up taking the bait is because they underestimate him rather too quickly.

"Sto solo aspettando il suo via libera, signore".

His gaze is stoned and fixed outside on nothing in particular, something far worse than rage burning in his eyes.

How dare they come after his son?

"Proceda". His voice_ cold and emotionless.

Still in the moment, from afar, on the top edge of a building_ stands man in a black suit with an Accuracy International AXMC propped in his hands. He fires a shot at the driver. The bullet effortlessly defies air resistance, gaining momentum and force then it goes through his head. He immediately goes limp on the wheel, head slamming first onto the dashboard.

His surprised cursing partner tries to seize control of the wheel _ another shot is fired. Clean and effortless. The car skids off the lane, tires screeching. It rams into a parked truck and spins off the road crashing bonnet into the wall of a building before flipping over.

The smell of burnt rubber and exhaust fumes filling the air.

"L'obiettivo è stato eliminato" crackles off Matteo's voice coldly.

He sighs in relief, but it's short lived. He glances at his richard mille rm 11-03.

He's still got time, he might as well meet up with the Croatians.

He looks out the tinted glass, eyes fixed on nothing in particular. "Take the longest route".

The chauffer nods and engine lowly roars to life. He turns into the next street.

He calls his secretary. "I'll be there in twenty".

"Yes Sir".

* * *

"You've got to be kidding me".

"I'm serious. Dead serious".

Becky eyes her over. "Well...damn".

Elaine grunts in frustration. "I had no idea. I mean, there's a striking resemblance when you see them..."She slumps into the couch with a whine. "But how could I have known?".

"I don't want to get involved with him". She winces, groaning.

"Just take some whiskey". Becky says, not really adding much to the conversation.

"Whiskey got me into this mess in the first place" she sits up. "I'm definitely screwed over".

Becky takes a sip from her fruit juice and eyerolls.

Elaine frowns. "You're not taking this seriously".

She shrugs. "Should I?"

Elaine scoffs in disbelief, crossing her arms over her chest."You're horrible".

She grins. "That's why I'm a single mom. People can't seem to stand me". Becky laughs and Elaine as shakes her head.

"But..." She clears her throat, her smile fades and she's serious. "If he is just as sweet as you described him...."

"I never said he was sweet..." She mutters cutting her off, trying to recall when she did. She called him somethings that night, but sweet? That's cringe.

She thinks.

Becky eyerolls again. "Yeah, whatever. If he's nice then what's the big deal? Baby, this is the twenty first century...no body has the right to judge you...."

Elaine sighs, leaning backwards into the couch with a lean smile. "Mark's a d**k for leaving you".

Becky smirks. "Ah, wouldn't blame em'. I'm a horrible person". She picks up her glass and winks....

After that talk with Becky, she started frequenting the bar where they first met. Well, she visited it before on several occasions before her talk with Becky, hoping she'd run into him.

But then, she had to stop because it came off as stalking to her.

She could also just go the easy route and ask him for his contact but somehow, just thinking about it hurts her pride.

She's got problems. She knows.

It took a week and a half for her to come to her senses and realize that he'd never show his face in that bar ever again.

However, she still has one more trick up her sleeve. Her final trick actually_ running into him at school.

Guess she has no other option. RIP to her pride.

Two weeks had already passed and she still hasn't seen him. He's no longer dropping Leo off at school.

The black Maserati pulls into the staff lot. Leo hops out with his Nanny.

No sign of him.

She clasps her palms over her face, feeling disgusted with herself for getting all giddy for no reason.

Maybe she should stop now. She's already feeling too clingy and getting lost in all of it.

Besides, he literally told her to forget it. It must have all just been a fling for him and it should be the same for her. He was just being a corteous parent the other day.

Nothing more, nothing less. She'll do the same.

"Hello Miss Elaine". Comes a familiar small voice from behind her. She freezes, hands still up on her face.

She looks out just in time to see the Maserati pulling out of the lot.

She whips around and her lips stretch genuinely into an effortlessly warm smile.

"Good morning Leo". She pretends to look over him, "You came alone today?"

He nods, something glimmering in his eyes. Elaine catches it.

Pride. Fulfilment.

Although he may try to hide it, it's very obvious to her that he's proud of the fact that he came alone.

"That's wonderful". She smiles, giving him a gentle pat on his head.

He's flushed.

Jacob waves a hand to him, pointing at a seat he saved for him.

When he's settled in, Elaine begins the class.

It's time for recess. All the kids are exiting the class to go play.

She walks up to Leo. He's getting some of his things as Jacob is narrating something to him.

Jacob sees her first and his eyes beam in delight.

"Miss Elaine!"

She gives him a little pat on the head and crouches next to him.

"Hello Jacob. Can I borrow your friend for a minute..." She pauses playful musing. "Minutes actually. I promise to return him before recess is over". She shifts her gaze to Leo, his face clouded with confusion.

She has never seen that expression before on his face.

"Is that okay with both of you?"

Jacob darts his eyes for a second to Leo. "Meet me at the swings!"

"See you later Miss Elaine!"

When Jacob is gone, Elaine leans on his table arms crossed around her torso.

He doesn't look as confused, but she can tell he's nervous.

"Don't be nervous. I just want to ask you a couple of questions, okay?"

He nods. His big blue eyes focused on her.

That gaze....It reminds her of him.

She needs help.