Guarded: Worth the Risk

Chapter 15

                                                                                        Natalia

                                                                                    5 years ago

            It’s been six months since Orlando, and I started seeing each other. My father, especially Leo, were not happy when I told them about us, but eventually they came around. Well, my father came around to the idea, Leo not so much. In the short months I have known Orlando, he had integrated into our company, bought a condo in the city with me, asked me to be his wife and then made me his wife a short month later. It was perfect, he is perfect.

            “Natalia, you have to take it easy. The stress is not good for the baby.” Orlando scolds as he takes a sip of his coffee.

            He’s been like this ever since we found out I was pregnant, in fact, he keeps insisting that I resign from my position of CFO so I can focus on my health and the baby.

            “Babe, I’m fine. In fact, both the baby and I are as healthy as a horse,” I smile sweetly at him, but his face is glum and I know he’s not happy that I’ve refused to give up my position in the company.

            “I’m telling you now Natalia, if anything happens to you or the baby, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.”

            I nod my head in understanding, reassuring him that everything will be fine. We drive the few short blocks to the office where we part in separate ways. I walk into my office and see a breakfast burrito and juice waiting for me on my desk.

            “Dimitri I told you, you have to stop leaving me food. I’m gonna gain more weight then needed for this baby.” I chuckle knowing how he can’t resist himself.

            He has a confused look on his face as if he has no idea what I am talking about. “Wasn’t me this time sunshine.”

            I put on a smile and walk back towards my desk with Dimitri slowly following behind. I search my desk and find a little note propped against a photo of Orlando and I. It’s in Orlando’s handwriting and I can’t help but feel giddy inside as I rip open the envelope. My smile never faltering, not even once. 

                                    For my love and the little love we created.

                                    Eat up and stay hydrated.

                                    -O.

            “Orlando.” I take a seat with a huge smile on my face while opening the breakfast burrito and taking a bite.

            “Should have known girl. You have him wrapped around you pretty little fingers.” He smirks before walking back to his desk.

            Meetings were in full force today, it’s not unusual for our schedule to be jam packed like this but today seemed extra busy. By noon I was feeling a bit uncomfortable no matter if I sat or stood. I make eye contact with Dimitri giving him the look of somethings not right before excusing myself from the board members meeting.

            I make it halfway down the hall before stopping and propping myself up against the wall. “Are you ok?” Dimitri asks from behind while rubbing my back.

            “I don’t know.” My eyes begin to water as I grow worried that something bad is happening to my baby. “I’m having all this cramping. It feels like intense period cramps.”

            “Let’s get you to the bathroom and I’ll call Orlando so he can take you to get checked out.”

            As soon as I removed my underwear to use the bathroom, I notice a large amount of blood. It is then that I know my worst fears are becoming a reality. Quickly cleaning myself up, I make my way back to Dimitri who has two EMS workers following behind him.

            “I can’t find Orlando and he’s not answering his phone, so I called 911.” He huffs out just as worried as I.

            I keep my professionalism in tack as I’m loaded on the stretcher. Dimitri agrees to come with me since Orlando still is not answering any of my texts or calls. I find it odd that this is all happening after I had a outstanding check up at my 10 week appointment two days ago. Even more odd that Orlando is unreachable. It’s not like him to be unreachable for hours like this. Something doesn’t feel right.

            Worry.

            Sadness.

            Helplessness.

            Are all I can feel as the doctor comes into the room to examine me. His sad eye’s say all I need to know before he even begins his exam. “I’m Dr. Ferrell. I’m going to be doing your exam today. I understand your experiencing a bit of bleeding.” A small smile plays at the corners of his lips as I silently answer his questions. He looks at Dimitri asking him to take a step out while they preform the exam in which he agrees.

            After a quick pelvic exam he orders an official ultrasound for reassurance and extensive blood work before leaving me to wait for what feels like an eternity. Before I know it a technician enters the room starting an IV and drawing what feels like half the blood volume in my body for testing. As I wait for the ultrasound, I pull my phone from my pocket to see if Orlando had responded or called me back, which neither has been done. I open up my texts after he doesn’t answer my call once again.

                        Natalia: WHERE THE f**k ARE YOU ORLANDO?

                        Natalia: I’m in the ER. Somethings wrong with the baby.

            Another two hours pass and the Dr. returns with the results I feared for so long. A miscarriage. It was the one thing I feared when I found out I was pregnant, but at every appointment when my OB assured me that all was going swimmingly, I pushed it to the back of my mind, but here we are discussing the very thing I was dreading, alone at that.

            “We would like to discuss your blood results as well.” He continues on after delivering an already hard blow. “It appears that you have a high level of heavy metals in your blood stream currently. I know you said you don’t work in the dental field or industrial jobs, but I have to ask have you had any exposure and if so how long and often.”

            “How would I know if I’ve ever been exposed?” I ask concerned.

            “Does your husband work in areas where he could be exposed?”

            “No.” I say shaking my head in disbelief that this is happening. The next thirty minutes are spent going over what to expect and when I should return. He tells me I will be discharge in the next hour and that's when it fully sets in.

            After signing discharge papers, there is a low knock at the door. Letting whoever it is know its ok to come in, I try to prepare myself. I still haven’t heard from Orlando so there is some hope that he finally got my messages and instead of texting back he came to the hospital instead, but I should have known that was not the case.

            “Mrs. Salvatore, my name is Agent Romero. I would like to speak with you about your husband, Orlando.”

            A million thoughts race through my mind. Is he ok? Do you know where he is? Is he hurt? I cross my arms over my chest with reddened eyes and I nod for him to continue. “Do you know the whereabouts of your husband currently?”

            “No.” I nod my head in hurt and confusion. “Do you know my husband’s whereabouts?” I ask feeling anger slowly replacing my sadness.

            He shakes his head letting me know that whatever he is here for is not because Orlando was injured or in danger but something much more. “Ma’am, no disrespect, but Orlando Salvatore, the man you married is dangerous. And we have reason to believe that you are a target.” His words gliding off his tongue as if it was poison.

            “I think you have the wrong Salvatore. Orlando would never hurt me.” I harden at his accusations.

            He nods when he see’s the disbelief in my eyes, walking towards me he pulls a business card from his pocket. “I understand what your probably thinking, but I know we have the right man. Here’s my business card, cell numbers on the back. Call me when your ready to hear me out.”

            I take the business card from his hand before he turns and walks out of the room, finding it weird that this entire exchange even happened. Moments later, I am being handed discharge papers, and ushered into the awaiting town car with Dimitri right next to me.

            “Have you heard from Orlando yet?” I ask, knowing the answer I will get is not the one I want to hear. I’m still in disbelief and shock that the events of today even happened. Even more in shock, that the man who swore to be there for me up and down is no where to be found. This entire situation is f****d up, and I’m unsure what to believe. Agent Romero’s words replay in my head like a broken record. Dangerous, there is no way I would ever think to describe Orlando as dangerous. But until I hear from him and find out where the f**k he was today, I can’t help but consider his words.

            He reaches over and grabs my hand squeezing tightly. “No, but I was able to get in touch with Leo and your father. They will be waiting for you at your condo.” He say’s with sad eyes.

            My father and Leo great me as I exit the elevator which leads directly into my condo. Looking me up and down, I can see the concern and disbelief written all over there faces. I glance around seeing if by some chance Orlando had made it home but find that he is still MIA. Instead of making my father and Leo suspicious, I just exhale slowing my breathing to maintain my composure holding it together as much as I can. However, the thought that Orlando still is not here bothers me to no end. “We came as soon as we heard. Do they know what caused this.” Leo asks pulling me into a tight hug.

            I should tell them that they found something in my blood work that shouldn’t be there, that I could have possibly been poisoned, but instead I lie. “No. Just was gods will at work I guess.”

            Not a moment sooner, the elevator doors to the condo open, a distraught Orlando comes into view, standing in front of me for a moment before pulling me into a big hug. My mind instantly goes blank as he holds me tight, but deep down something doesn’t feel right. The dynamic of our whole relationship has changed with the single loss of life and the unknown of where Orlando has been. Regardless I have to push those feelings aside for now while I slowly push for the truth.

            He pulls away, looking me deeps in my eyes. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here sooner baby. What happened?”

            I turn and walk towards the couch taking a seat between Leo and Dimitri, while Orlando takes a seat across from us. “I lost the baby.” The shakiness of my voice almost breaks me.

            He gives me a quick nod that is hard to read, it’s as if it holds a million lies. I continue telling him all that the Dr. had told me, minus the blood work results. I feel as if the very foundation our marriage and relationship had been built upon is crumbling beneath me. The structure we worked so hard to create is slowly vanishing because of this loss. We don’t lie to one another, withhold information from one another, yet here we are both keeping secrets.

            Orlando is hiding something from me for sure.

            Today’s events confirmed that for me.

            I’ve never been so suspicious of my husband until now.

            “It had to be all the stress you were under at work babe. I told you to take it easy.” He interjects. “Maybe you should take some time away. Heal. That way we can try again.”

            I take in his words not really sure how I should react. He’s always suggested that I’d give up my position within the company to be a trophy wife and mom, but I thought he would give it up after the first million times I’ve refused. Glancing at Leo’s face I can see he’s not too happy about what Orlando just suggested, but he’s trying to be as supportive as he can be. My father gives a head nod as if he couldn’t agree more.

            “I can’t. This is what I’ve worked so hard to accomplish and not to mention who would take over my role?” I say in hopes that they would all drop it.

            “Honey, Orlando is right. You should take some time off. Focus on your family.” My father interjects. “Plus, Orlando is perfectly qualified for your role, so he could take over.”

            A pit in my stomach forms and I’m not quite sure why. I can see that Leo is beginning to feel the same. After some back and forth I finally cave, even though I had no intentions of folding, I was bound to lose. Once all is settled, Dimitri, Leo and my father show them selves out and once the elevator doors close, I aim all my anger, heartache, and suspicions toward Orlando.

            “So, where the f**k were you today Orlando.” I say swallowing hard trying to keep it together. “I really needed you today. We needed you today and yet you were nowhere to be found.”

            His expression hardens at my assault, but immediately softens. “Natalia- Babe, I was out on business and didn’t have service where I was.” He pulls me into his arms placing two fingers under my chin till my eyes meet his. “I promise you, I got here as soon as I could. I’m just sorry I didn’t make it soon enough to be there for you.”

            I look into his eyes seeking some sort of reassurance that he’s telling the truth, but all I can see is how emotionless he is. Remembering not to push to much too soon I drop the subject and decide to call it a night.

            I wake up the following morning to an uneasy quietness. Rain is pouring outside, and the coldness of the room consumes me. I climb out of bed and walk to the window, pulling the curtains closed. A dark cloud hovers over me as I walk through the house trying to decide how I’m going to get over that fact that I’m no longer pregnant and have been forced to give up my job. Orlando had left for the office early this morning without saying a word and I can’t help but feel like somethings wrong.

            A depression is coming over me as I crawl back into bed burying myself deep under the covers. The conversation between the Agent and I the other day replay once again in my mind and I can’t help but wonder if he’s right. I roll back out of bed and walk to my purse grabbing the card he gave me deciding to text his cell number which he had written on the back.

                        Natalia: Theoretically, say I were to believe you.

            I’m a little suspicious of this Agent, but not as suspicious as I am of my husband. Whatever he knows, I want to know. No, I need to know, it’s in my best interest.

                        Agent Romero: I’m sorry, but who is this.

            s**t. He probably thinks I’m some weirdo for not giving him a head up first.

                        Natalia: Sorry. It’s Natalia Salvatore.

                        Natalia: So, say I were to believe you. What proof do you have?

            Three text bubbles pop up and disappear a few times before a reply finally comes through.

                        Agent Romero: I think we should discuss this in person. That way I can better discuss this matter further and confirm that it’s not really Orlando texting me.

            I can’t help but smile at his reply. He’s just as suspicious as I am, but I can’t blame him.

                        Natalia: Noon. Outside the city though, just incase Orlando is watching. Meet me at Fox Lake Family Restaurant.

                        Agent Romero: See you then.

            My heart races when I think about what I’m doing. Closing my eyes, I replay yesterday’s events in my mind. I quickly open my eyes, pulling myself from the very thoughts that have me questioning everything, then glancing at the time I stand and get ready. Fox lake is an hour drive from Chicago City limits, so I have to leave in the next 20 minutes if I want to make it by noon.

            Walking into the living room of the condo I am met by Lorenzo and I relieve him for the rest of the evening, but ask for his discretion, ensuring that he won’t tell Orlando anything. I grab a pair of my all-black Ray bans and a baseball cap before making my way to my mustang. I swallow hard as I begin to drive out of the city, the thought that Orlando could possibly find out about this meeting has me on edge, but I have to know what proof this so-called Agent has. The past twenty-four hours I wished this was all a dream that I would wake up from, but that is the inevitable. My fairytale life is crumbling right in front of me.

            I arrive at the restaurant fifteen minutes early and ask for a booth near the back, so if Orlando had gotten wind of my whereabouts, we'd be tucked away somewhere safe. My mind has been going nonstop since yesterday and I feel bad for not trusting Orlando’s word. But for some reason there’s a pit in my stomach that won’t go away no matter how many times I try to convince myself that he’s being honest. It annoys me, though, I am always one hundred percent honest with him about my day and where I’ve been and whom I’ve interacted with, and I’m now just realizing that he’s been as private as a she man woman haters club meeting. I love him, but as of recently I have been doubting if our love has all been a front to something much greater.

            I order a hot tea, and as the waiter walks away Agent Romero comes into view.

            “Mrs. Salvatore, good to see you again and that its really you at that.” He says with a smile.

            He takes a seat across from me placing a large case file in front of him. “Thank you for meeting me.” I say as I eye the large file. “And please call me Natalia. No need to be so formal here.”

            The waiter returns with my drink, Agent Romero ordering himself a coffee before we continue on. The thought of what he has in that large case folder has me dreading the worst and wanting no more then to murder Orlando if he has deceived me in anyway throughout this entire relationship. I wish Dimitri were here with me, so he could be my second pair of ears for what I am about to hear. But he’s stuck working as Orlando’s assistant now, so if I ask him to leave or call off, Orlando would be onto me.

            “So, I have reasons to believe that your husband was hired to infiltrate Mezzanotte Industries and either corrupt your company or even worse eliminate you all completely.” His words roll off his tongue like venom as he cuts straight to the chase.

            I can’t help but scoff at his revelation. “What makes you believe that? Orlando left JFBR to work for Mezzanotte Industries. I can tell you for a fact he wasn’t happy there, so when the opportunity for him to come work for us came into play he jumped all over it.”

            “Maybe that was all apart of the plan. Make you believe he hated working for his uncle to get in good with you.” He takes a sip of his coffee before opening his large file. “Becomes a mole for his Uncle company.” He pauses for a moment softening his eyes. “I know you had a miscarriage. I also have seen your blood work results, High amounts of Heavy metals. That just doesn’t happen to someone if you’re not regularly exposed to that stuff on the regular. He could have been slowly poisoning you.”

            The thought has crossed my mind once mainly because Leo had a bad feeling about him from the start. I contemplate his words before he starts to speak again. “Look, I know you and your brother have been trying to make Mezzanotte Industries more legal than it was in the past. However, with Orlando working there now, you could be jeopardizing that. He’s been under investigation for suspected money laundering for a year now.”

            He slides a sheet of paper across the table into my view and the information jumping out at me on the page is almost too much to bear.

            I squeeze my eyes tightly shut, trying to push the thoughts that my husband isn’t who he’s said he is out of my mind. A heaviness fills my chest as the memories of when we first met begin to resurface. I can feel them bursting at the seams. I was so infatuated, that I ignore the signs that have been roaming around since the day he met me, kissed me, made love to me, but it doesn’t matter now. It is all a lie, and I’m now slowly drowning all thanks to Orlando Salvatore. Chance of redemption and survival are slim to none at this point.

            I believed for so long that Orlando was my knight in shining armor, the one who was going to give me the world. We may have not known each other very long when we got married, but it didn’t matter. I was Bridget Jones and he was Mark Darcy, destined to be together no matter what the universe had thrown at them. Or so I thought.

            My mouth is parched, and I wave for the waiter to come over and order a glass of water. I look at the papers sprawled out across the booth table and can’t believe what I am seeing. I’ve never paid much attention to Orlando’s life before we met, but now I’m curious. I thumb through some photos dated back to before we met. A photo of him and a woman stands out at me, she has a familiar face of someone I had met the day of our wedding, but they look to be more then friends in the photos. I hold a picture of the pair kissing in my hands and feel as if I can no longer breath. On que its as if Agent Romero suspects something and grips my free hand that had a death grip on the edge of the table. I close my eyes gathering my composure, placing the image back on the table.

            “Who is that woman?” I finally gain the courage to ask through gritted teeth.

            “Mia Kennedy. Her family is a part of the Irish mob and she is the heiress to take it over.” As if he’s reading my mind, he continues to answer my next question. “Mia and Orlando, were involved, appeared to be engaged when we first began recon. However, since he married you, we suspect that has changed, but this more recent photo from yesterday says otherwise.”

            The faint smell of a woman’s perfume that lingered on Orlando’s shirt rush to the forefront of my mind. The knowledge of knowing that he was with another woman while I was suffering a miscarriage has bile fighting to come up. The sneaking around, the late-night phone calls all seem to be making sense now as I begin to remember all the excuses he’s made.

            Agent Romero continues and before I know it two hours have passed. Glancing at my phone I see several missed calls from Orlando and a text from Dimitri saying Orlando is pissed and trying to find me. He has a lot of nerve acting like that when I should be the one pissed that he has a secret mistress or fiancé behind my back and the fact that he deceived me and my whole family into thinking he was genuine. We quickly wrap up the meeting, paying our bill but not before agreeing to do whatever it takes to take down this lying scum bag I once thought so highly of.

            I make the hour drive back to Chicago, but instead of returning home I go to the office. I need to see Leo and tell him what I learned, he deserves that transparency since I am no longer his right-hand women and an imposture has been put in my place. I knock on Leo doors before opening it and finding him working on something at his desk. He glances up at me and without me saying anything he already knows somethings not right.

            I begin to explain what I was told by Agent Romero, when a loud voice echo from outside the door. “I don’t care if he’s in an important meeting, he’ll f*****g speak to me now. Now move out of my way.” Leo gestures for me to hide in the large cabinet of his hutch behind his desk and I do, leaving it cracked a little so I can see what is going on. The door barges open and a furious Orlando walks towards Leo desk. “Where the f**k is she Leo.” His words filled with hast.

            “I don’t know.” He says in a calm manor. “Even if I did know where she was, what makes you think I would tell you.”

            Orlando grows more annoyed and pissed by his response. Taking a step closer to Leo he pulls a gun from behind his back. “You know, the plan was to wait a little longer before killing you, but I’m growing f*****g impatient.”

            Leo keeps his composure not fearing Orlando’s threats even as he places the gun to Leo's forehead. “I’m going to enjoy running this company you all have prided yourself on, into the ground. You should have known better then the cross the Kennedy’s, breaking the deal your father had made so many years ago.” He releases the safety and c***s the gun. “I’ll be sure to comfort your sister over your untimely death, before sending her to join you. Say hello to my unwanted child when you get there.”

            With the pull of a trigger my world goes dark. I watch as Leo falls to the ground, his body lifeless. It takes all my energy to not bust out of this cabinet to be by his side. I hold my mouth into a tight line, placing my hands over my mouth to contains my soft sobs.