Dangerous Conceit by Ali Lee

Chapter 56

After several minutes of driving, Lexi looked at Rafa, waiting for him to notice her. Rafa easily felt her eyes on him and rubbed his thumb over her cheek, trying to give her what comfort he could. “What is it, baby?”

“Where's Maura?”

“She’s safe, Alexis. Donnie took her someplace safe.”

That did not ease all of her worries, but after today, she trusted Donnie. Then again, she also trusted Abby. Lexi felt so deceived. “Where are you taking their bodies?” Lexi could not even say their names. She was still in disbelief that she was right about her friend. She was glad that she had warned Donnie and Rafa, but she still had a lot of trouble coming to terms.

“A couple of our men are taking care of them,” Rafa said.

Lexi nodded but still felt troubled. Seeing her mother again provoked new feelings of rage and worry within her chest. Lexi felt even more lightheaded. She glanced out of the window behind her one more time and swiftly turned back around. Her expression bordered losing its composure altogether as her eyes turned red and a stray tear dropped.

“You and Maura are safe now,” he assured, wiping her tear and holding out his hand. She stared at it. Lexi did not know if she wanted to refuse it or hold it for life. She ended up shaking her head.

“You knew why those bastards were after me. The entire Tomassi group knew, and none of you thought to tell me. Antonio didn't even want to acknowledge he had a daughter. I had to find out from Moretti. Does anybody care how I feel?” She ended up pushing away his hand, a gesture that hit Rafa hard. There was never a good time to tell her.

“It's not like you think. I’ll explain everything at the house.”

“What's to explain? He didn't want me.”

“He didn't know about you, Lexi. None of us had any idea until a few weeks ago. Please, let me explain it at home.” He held out his hand to her again.

“Fine.” She finally grabbed it as he gave her a gentle yank to his chest.

“It's over, Alexis. It's over and when we get home, I’ll tell you everything,” he whispered.

“Fine.” Lexi laid her head against the back of the seat. Then she jarred straight up and pointed ahead. “Moretti's office. We need to go to Moretti's office. Nobody will be there—nobody we can't handle anyway.”

Rafa hesitated to look at her. Lexi probably was suffering from a concussion and needed to lie down. The urgency in her voice caused him to consider stopping at the office. “Where is it?”

“201 Commerce.”

“In the middle of town?”

“We have to go,” Lexi insisted.

Miguel nodded at his driver as Rafa dictated “left here” and “right there.” It did not take long before he pulled around the back parking area of the downtown district.

“Now what?” asked Miguel.

Lexi looked at the door that was fastened with a thick silver lock. There were windows around it and another story above. She thought for a moment and scoped the place. There were no working cameras and no cars since it was after five. She turned back to Rafa and pointed at the door. He knew what she meant and nodded.

“Drive through it,” he said.

Both Rafa and Lexi could see the raise of Miguel's brows as he turned around in the passenger seat. He cleared his throat and pursed his lips, making sure he heard correctly. “You are sure?”

“Yes, go,” Rafa confirmed.

“Okay, why not drive through a federal building? That sounds like a good idea for the next governor.” Miguel nodded to his driver and the car jolted forward, crashing into the building's structure until coming to a halt. The car suffered heavy damage on the front end. It was amazing that it still ran at all. Miguel rubbed his head as Lexi jumped out.

“Wait for me.” Rafa lunged after her.

“We need to get to the file cabinets,” she said and held onto the wall for balance as she hurried to an adjoining room. The files we need are in here,” she shouted back.

“Which cabinet?” Rafa appeared behind and pointed at three.

“I don't know.” Lexi frantically tried to open one, yanking with frustration. “It's locked,” she said and kicked it; then she fell against the wall on impact.

“Well, we don't have time to open them, Lexi. I give us ten minutes tops before somebody sees us and calls the cops.”

“Fine,” Lexi started to force one away from the wall. “Then we’ll have to bring them all.”

“Stop.” Rafa ordered. “Get back in the car. You're hurt. I’ll get Miguel and his driver to help me load them.”

Lexi sighed. He was right. It was a better idea than the mere inches she had moved the cabinet.

She waited in the front seat as one file cabinet was loaded and then another. After they secured the third inside, they heard the faint sound of sirens. Lexi held her breath with her heart pounding hard. If they could get away with the documents, the city's police department would be screwed. She had hidden paperwork in there with the governor’s name and Moretti too.

Three doors slammed. Rafa jumped into the driver's seat with the other two men in back. Lexi simply buckled her seatbelt and closed her eyes as Rafa shifted the car in reverse and slammed on the gas. The car rocked and crackled as the remainder of the crumpled building fell on top of the hood. That did not stop him and he shifted the car in drive, speeding through the wide dip between the parking lot and the street.

He had to turn in the same direction of where the sirens came, careful to follow the speed limit and not bring any more unwanted attention than the dented hood might already bring. One traffic light turned red and then two. At this rate, they would never make it to the expressway. None of the lights down the main road was synchronized. Rafa had to stop at every one.

The sirens came closer. Lexi sunk lower in her seat but the police cars passed them by having a one-track mind. Soon, the black Escalade mixed in with the crowd of heavy traffic. They were free and heading back to Miami. The day had been too long.

“So,”—Miguel slapped one of the file cabinets that were crammed between his feet and the floor—”What was so important that you were willing to go to jail for these?”

Lexi steadied her breathing and looked back. She fixed her eyes on Rafa and pointed. “Those are the death of Governor Pearson,” she said and slid her arm through Rafa's, laying her head against his shoulder and closing her eyes shut.