Chapter 40: Leonardo’s POV
I hear my phone ring and eagerly answer it until I hear Claire’s confusion on the other line. I’m thankful she called me but something seemed off. Why would a cab be waiting for her outside of her suite? How did they know she would be needing one? I demand that Claire go back inside and wait for my arrival. My town car had been waiting for her in the same manner when she was kidnapped and our child was the target.
I rush my driver to Claire’s location and see the cab waiting until the driver noticed my arrival. I memorize the license plate and call my investigator.
“I need you to run this plate. They tried to get Claire again.” I say urgently.
“What’s the number, boss?” He answers
“WRZ215. I need to know who was driving.‘
“The cab is owned by a private transportation company. I’ll see what’s going on and who was supposed to be driving it and inspect the vehicle. I’ll call you once I have news.”
“We need to get him before he harms Claire again.” I demand.
“We’ll get him.” I hear as I hang up and run to Claire’s side.
I reach the door and call out to her.
“Claire, it’s me. You’re safe now.” I watch the door slowly open and see my ex–wife slightly hiding behind it. Anyone could see that she was in distress. Her hair falling fallen from her bun, tears staining her face and trembles that began at her shoulders and made their way to her fingers and toes.
“Claire, I’m here.” I slide through the small gap and close the door behind me. I open my arms waiting for her to accept my comfort. I knew pushing her in this moment would only cause her more harm.
“Is he gone?” I hear her voice as a squeak.
“Yes. I have my investigator running the plates and checking in with the company to see who was supposed to be driving that day.” I watch as Claire slowly exhales and moves towards me. I wrap my arms around her and brush the hair from her face. I fell her body shudder as she continues to cry in fear.
“It’s okay. I’m here. I’ll find who did this to you and our son. I’ll make him pay for
Chapter 40 Leonardo’s POV
+25 BONUS
what he’s done.” Just as I begin stroking her hair, she whispers through a cracked voice.
“I saw who he was from the window. He was the one who made me climb the stairs and attacked me. He said ‘I really hate this job‘ when he killed my son. Why would he do this to me?” She begins sobbing uncontrollably. I hold her tightly and lower myself to the floor to stabilize her. She lowers with me and I hold her as she
continues sobbing.
“Claire, I know this is a lot to take in but I need you to tell me everything about him.” J say as I stroke her hair
“He–he had brown eyes, combed–back black hair, and he was about your height. Lean build and he smoked cigarettes.” She says as she stares at the floor.
“Any specific markings that will help me find the guy?” I ask desperately.
“He had a tattoo on his neck. It was an octopus? I think.” I see Claire working hard to scramble through her memories.
“Okay. That’s a good start.” I say as I recount all the information in my head.
“Please stay with me.” I hear Claire say in a hushed tone.
“I could never leave you. Do you want me to take you back to Jasmine’s?” I ask softly as I kiss the top of her head.
“Please.” My heart aches as I watch all of Claire’s new profound confidence and independence leave her. She was afraid and broken all over again. I had vowed to protect her and I had failed once again.
“Okay. We’ll head to the town car just downstairs and I’ll have my driver get out of the car to show you his face before you get in, okay?” I say as I stand – holding her hands in mine.
“Okay.” She says as she looks at the floor.
We make our way downstairs and I call my driver to stand at the front of the vehicle and take his hat off to Claire. He does just that and Claire nods at him and I open the door for us to enter as my driver returns to his seat behind the wheel.
I give him Claire’s address and hold Claire closely in my arms as we head to Jasmine’s.
As we arrive, I slowly help Claire out of the car and watch as she clings to me. I walk her slowly to the house and wait until Jasmine opens the door. I hold up my hand as
Chapter 40: Leonardo’s POV
she opens and yells “Oh my God!”
She nods and stands at Claire’s side holding her arm and walking her to the couch.
After Claire sits down, I go to close the front door and see Jasmine waiting for an explanation in the foyer.
“What happened to Claire?” She says with her arms crossed. She was furious.
“Someone was stalking her. They were trying to kidnap her again. She called me and I ran to her. She’s really spooked about the whole situation.” I say as I look over her shoulder to check on Claire.
“I have my investigator looking into it.” I say softly.
“Why would someone want to hurt her now? You’re divorced now.” She was just as confused as I am.
“I don’t know but I will do everything in my power to stop it.” I place a hand on Jasmine’s shoulder as a gesture of my gratitude. She was one of the only people
Claire could trust and I was grateful that she was there.
I find Claire in the fetal position on the couch. I place my hands over hers in an effort to soothe her.
“Please don’t leave.” I hear her whisper. I look over at Jasmine as she nods. A silent invitation that I was welcome in her home for as long as Claire would have me.
“I could never leave you. I’ll stay as long as you need.” I say softly as I wipe the stream of tears from her face. I feel rage as I watch how badly they had harmed Claire without so much as touching her. I vow to make them suffer greatly for what they’ve done to my wife and our son.
