CHAPTER 184 Introducing Lorenzo and Liam

*Joy*

*You like parades*?

I was slightly taken aback, but I quickly regained my composure, cleverly hiding my distaste with surprise.

With Pete's sudden disappearance, I bargained Lorenzo Ortiz would be so preoccupied that he would dismiss me as unimportant. But I was clearly mistaken. Now, here he was, standing beside me so arrogantly. He even appeared to be enjoying himself, judging by the small quirky smile playing on his lips.

Unlike Lorenzo's cheerful demeanor, his young bodyguard looked utterly upset. He stood on tiptoe about a few feet behind Lorenzo, his head nervously darting left and right, helplessly scanning the crowd for any sign of Pete.

While the young man searched, I noticed that his lips moved.

*He was speaking to someone through some sort of communication device*.

While I pretended to applaud the marching band, I surreptitiously focused on reading his lips. But from where I was standing, it was difficult to decipher what the young bodyguard was saying. He was mumbling, mostly, purposely concealing his words.

I drowned out the noise that was coming from my earpiece and squinted my eyes, hoping to catch something... anything...

Then I saw his lips say, "Roger, Colonel."

*Ah*, *the Colonel was near*.

After saying those two words, the young man quickly ceased his search and instead focused his eyes on Lorenzo. The frustration and worry that was etched on his face a moment ago was now gone.

It only meant one thing...

*They knew where Pete was*. I attempted to step away from Lorenzo Ortiz to brief Dina, however there was just too many people gathered around me. I considered mumbling my discovery, but the marching band was much too loud. I knew Dina wouldn't be able to hear me.

Annoyed, I fought back the desire of shoving Lorenzo into the crowd as a diversion. I reminded myself that the Colonel was watching. Making a scene wasn't in my best interests.

Seeing that it was hopeless, I decided against alerting Dina. Instead, I quietly prayed she would see something through the numerous CCTV cameras we had scattered around town.

"You like parades, huh?" Lorenzo Ortiz asked again. I gave him a weak smile, willfully hiding my exasperation, and slowly nodded my head.

Happy that he had finally caught my attention, he adjusted his sunglasses on the bridge of his nose and smiled, showing me his perfect teeth.

Lorenzo Ortiz was an inch taller than I, wearing a dark expensive suit, possibly a Tom Ford creation, with lint all over his jacket as if he rolled over a dusty floor. Aside from the dark sunglasses that purposely hid his eyes, he wore a yellow and black scarf just like the one Pete had on. Yet, unlike Pete, who used the scarf to conceal his hideous face, Lorenzo Ortiz draped his over his jacket like a sash.

He looked to be in his mid-fifties, but I suspected him to be much older. It was clear he was a man who took pride in taking care of himself and was certainly proud of it. His suit was proof of this, exquisitely tailored to fit him like a glove. This allowed him to showcase his muscular physique.

He had a nice shaped nose, thin pink lips, an angular jaw, and nice caramel skin. Xavier was right. He was indeed a good-looking fellow.

On his left pinky finger, he wore a large emerald gold ring and on his wrist, a gold watch. I raised my eyes to check for ear piercings and that's when I saw it... a small circular earpiece inside his ear. His dark greasy hair was cut short, making it easy for anyone to see it.

Feeling self-conscious, I raised my hand to smoothen my blonde locks, patting my hair against my ear. Although it was clear Lorenzo Ortiz couldn't possibly know who I was, I didn't want him nor his bodyguard to notice *my* earpiece tucked inside my ear. They would both instantly know I wasn't just like any other local.

I cleared my throat and decided to engage in a conversation to learn more about him and to establish some sort of rapport.

"Of course, I do. What's not to like? When there's a parade, it means there's a celebration," I answered casually. "Forgive me, but are you a tourist? This town is so small, we practically know one another."

"Me? A tourist?" He asked rhetorically, chuckling. *Good*. *I amused him*. "I'm here visiting family. My nephew, who was with me just a moment ago, invited me to join the festivities. Unfortunately, he seems to have gotten lost in the crowd. Anyway, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Lorenzo, Lorenzo Ortiz." He extended his hand for a handshake. "And you are?"

"Virtue Sullivan," I replied, taking his hand in mine. His hand was smooth and warm to the touch.

"Virtue," he repeated, grinning. "Such an interesting name. My nephew made mention a woman named Virtue. I didn't know he was pertaining to the most beautiful woman in this town."

I felt myself blush at his praise. He chuckled once again, amused at my reaction.

"Where are you from, Mr. Ortiz?" I asked, curiously, letting go of his hand. While I waited for his answer, I suddenly heard Dina's voice. Someone was heading towards Sebastian while he was at Prairie Avenue making the switch.

*Oh*, *crap*...

"Texas. I arrived here last night," he answered absentmindedly while he stared aghast at Miss Honey Bee, who was perched atop her float, waving at the crowd below. "Oh, no no no! That should be you up there."

"Uhm, I'm actually a sponsor of this event," I quickly explained. "That gown she's wearing is from my store." He turned his head at me, surprised to hear I had a business of my own. *Time to change the subject*. "So you're from down south. By the way, Mr. Ortiz, who is your nephew? There's a big chance I might know him."

I expected him to lie and mention a fake name in order to conceal his relationship with Pete, however, the man was incredibly astute.

"Oh, I bet you do," he replied ambiguosly, the corner of his lips curving upward in a mischievous little smile. "And Virtue, if you may, it would please me immensely if you called me by my first name, Lorenzo."

"Of course... Lorenzo," I murmured, indulging him. To my disgust, his body trembled in response.

"Oh, you have a voice and face of an angel," he uttered hoarsely, suddenly buttoning the jacket of his suit. *Gross*. "Now, Virtue, I was wondering if by any chance you know where I could find Mayor Cohen? There's something important I need to discuss with him."

"Liam? He's over there," I answered, pointing to the novelty store behind us.

"If it's not too much trouble, could you introduce us? I don't want to impose, but my nephew, who was supposed to do the introductions, isn't here at the moment," he said, removing his sunglasses and revealing his dark brown eyes. He turned his face toward mine, pleading with his eyes.

Static filled my earpiece as Lorenzo Ortiz waited patiently for my answer, fluttering his long eyelashes at me, silently begging for me to agree. "Liam might be busy..." I mumbled, my voice trailing. I pretended to hesitate, my attention on my communication device.

Despite the static, I heard Sebastian announce he was on his way back to the complex. I felt myself relax. All was well. Pete was still in our custody and Sebastian was okay.

*Time to make the introductions*.

"I'm sorry, but I'm a bit confused," I said, voicing my hesitation for effect. "You just said you had something important you wanted to discuss with Liam. I naturally assumed you knew him. Why would you need me to introduce the two of you?"

"Ah, you obvioulsy have a tendency to remember details," Lorenzo uttered, impressed. "Unfortunately, Mayor Cohen and I haven't been formally introduced. And in case you need to know, I'm seeking to negotiate with him in behalf of my nephew."

"I see." I smiled, nodding my head. There was no need to prolong the inevitable. "Sure. I can introduce you to Mayor Cohen. Right this way."

I extended my hand gesturing for him to go first. With a slight nod of his head, he turned and walked toward the novelty store, his young bodyguard quickly following him.

As the young bodyguard passed me, I noticed he once again looked quite uneasy. There were beads of sweat on his forehead and sweat stains under his armpits.

*If I didn't know better*, *I would have assumed he urgently needed to use the bathroom*.

I sashayed behind them, waving at people and greeting others hello while I discreetly took out an audio device from my small clutch. Introducing the two men wasn't in our plans, but it allowed an opportunity.

Suddenly, I heard Xavier's voice coming from my earpiece.

"Virtue, both... armed," I heard Xavier say amidst the interference. *Well, so was I*. "Kiki.. headed... you... will assist... if the situation calls... it."

*There was so much static interfering with our communication devices*! *What was going on*?

"Copy." I mumbled my response, hoping I was heard, but doubtful the *situation* would escalate.

Liam certainly didn't want me to find out about his ties to the mafia while Lorenzo didn't want to give Liam a reason to kill him. Both had something to lose and none to gain... if things went badly.

After several moments of walking through the crowd, I finally saw Liam. He was wearing a charcoal suit with a yellow tie and was in a rather deep conversation with Jack, Dan and the Sheriff. Once they saw Lorenzo, I noticed all four men grew quiet. The grin on the Sheriff's face vanished completely, quickly replaced by a scowl.

Jack's expression turned murderously grim, mirroring the Sheriff's, while, to my surprise, Dan's face brightened into a welcoming smile. *Of course*. Dan was privy to the members of the Angels of Darkness. He must know Lorenzo.

Liam's eyes widened in disbelief and panic when he saw me walking behind Lorenzo Ortiz. His face became suddenly pale once I spoke.

"Liam, darling, I met someone who says he has important business to discuss with you," I murmured as I approached. "Lorenzo Ortiz, this is Liam Cohen, mayor of New Salem. Liam, this is Lorenzo Ortiz from Texas. He came up to me while I was watching the parade a while ago. He said he lost his nephew in the crowd and asked me to introduce the both of you."

"Mayor Cohen, it is an honor to meet you," Lorenzo Ortiz uttered, bowing his head ever so slightly. "I was so lucky to have met such a beautiful woman who was willing to help an old man like me."

"Luck? I doubt it was luck," Liam replied coldly, extending a hand at me. I quickly placed my hand in his and moved to stand beside him. He raised my hand to his lips and kissed it, much to Lorenzo's shock. "You singled Virtue out because you know she's my fiancé."

"On the contrary, I had no idea Virtue was your fiancé," Lorenzo argued. "I *singled her out* because she is by far one of the most beautiful women I have ever encountered."

And then, to my utter disgust, he smacked his lips like a man who had a plate of steak in front of him.

I wanted to take the gun I had strapped to my thigh and shoot him in the head. But instead, I turned to Liam to fight for my honor. That is, if he was man enough.

I noticed the vein bulging on his forehead and the fierce look he gave Lorenzo, yet he remained silent.

*What a pussy*!

While I seethed with anger, static filled my earpiece once again followed by an incoherent announcement from Dina.

"Snipers... roof... complex... money... radio... silence..."

I looked up at the complex. It was hard to tell if there were indeed snipers on the roof, but it presented many possibilities.

My eyes moved to Dan, then to Jack before they finally settled on Liam's dark face.

I positioned my hand near my thigh. While everyone fled for their lives, I could shoot Liam in the neck and watch him bleed out on the sidewalk...

Then I'll say Lorenzo was the culprit.