Blame it on the shame Part 2

Chapter 44 (Ricardo)

Just as I suspected.

"Ford-motherfucking-Baker," I mutter into the phone as I walk into the lobby of the apartment and head up the stairs.

Goddammit, Jackson...don't you know what a snake he is?

I knew Jackson was up to something...I just don't understand why he would trust Ford out of all people. Especially considering the co

Then again...it's obvious that Jackson has no idea that Ford's the one who set Alyssa up to work at DeLuca's club in the first place.

Because if he did...there's no doubt in my mind that Ford's body would be at the bottom of a lake somewhere.

But now that I know for sure Ford's involved. It makes things so much easier for me and it gives me the perfect plan.

"You sure about this, Ricardo?" Emilio questions. "Ford's bad news."

"I'm positive," I reply. "And yeah, he is. Which is exactly what makes him the perfect fall-guy."

I look up to the ceiling. You hear that, Graham?...karma will be making that fucker its bitch today too.

Emilio sighs. "Okay. Just make sure it's him that goes down for it and not you or Lou-Lou."

"It will be Ford...because I have the perfect leverage."

"How so? What's your game plan?"

"I'm taking Alyssa hostage. This way, Ford won't kill Jackson. First, I'll have her call Jackson and convince him to get away from Ford. Then I'll bring her to the warehouse. And finally, I'll kill DeLuca...and pin the whole thing on him. "

He mutters a curse under his breath and I hear him light a cigarette. "What if Ford tries to go after you?"

"He won't. Like I said, I have the perfect leverage...Alyssa. I would never kill her...but Ford doesn't know that. Given he's obsessed with her...he won't kill me once he see's that I've taken her hostage. And given Alyssa hates DeLuca...I'm hoping she'll cooperate and do everything I tell her to."

"Jesus," he says and my stomach sinks.

I really don't like my plan...for obvious reasons.

The first one being that I have to put a gun to the head of the little girl who still haunts my nightmares, all while convincing her that even though I'm DeLuca's son—I'm not going to kill her...because the only blood on my hands that I want is his.

And second...it involves bringing her right to the Devil himself.

I would call Jackson myself and tell him to get away from Ford...but then he'd know something was up and stop trusting me altogether. We're already on shaky ground after what happened to Tyrone.

That's why it has to be Alyssa who calls him. The only person who can stop him from going through with Ford's plan and convince him to help me is her.

"I'll be around if you need me," he says.

I start to hang up the phone but pause. "Thank you, Emilio. I—you've been—" my words drift off and I swallow down the lump forming in my throat.

"You don't have to thank me, Ricardo. I told you that I'd always look out for you and I meant it. I'll let you know when DeLuca lands," he says before he hangs up.

I check my watch and breathe easy. I still have another 2 hours before DeLuca's plane lands.

And if I have Alyssa pegged the way I think I do...she'll end up confronting me once she figures out that Jackson's in danger.

And that's when I'll strike. I just need to plant a few seeds first.

Alyssa hasn't acknowledged it yet...but I'm almost positive she's figured out who I am.

I see the way she looks at me now. At first, she only suspected...but deep down inside...she knows.

She's just too scared to admit it. She needs more time to process it.

However, time is a luxury that I don't have right now. Which means she needs a little push.

"Hey," I say as I watch her turn the key to Jackson's apartment.

Her hand flies up to her chest and she spins around.

That's when I start in, "Look, you've been acting a little strange around me ever since that fight. I hope you know that I really didn't mean to punch you. You don't have to be scared of me, Alyssa."

"Yeah," she squeaks.

Yeah, she most definitely knows who I am and she's petrified.

Question is...will she fold or take the bait I'm about to dish out?

She looks me up and down. "Where did you just come from?"

"The gym. Why?"

"Are you sure?" she questions.

I lean in and stare her down. "Am I sure I got back from the gym?" I give her a smirk. "Yeah, I'm positive. So, I'll ask you again. Why?"

"No r-reason." She turns around and I hear her key drop as she attempts to get in the door.

"Hey, Ricardo?" She calls out. "I was wondering if you would mind giving me a ride."

Jackpot. "I would, but I don't have my car," I say. "But you should already know that Jackson's borrowing my car until tomorrow morning because he's going to Boston." I shrug. "Kind of surprised you didn't go with him actually."

"Going to Boston?" she whispers and I fight to hide my smile.

Cue the panicking.

She covers her mouth to try and cover her fumble but it's too late.

"He's going to Boston to visit Lilly's grave. Today's her birthday," I inform her.

I take a step forward and look down at her. "Did he not tell you?"

"Of course, he did." She laughs nervously. "I just forgot is all."

She gives me a big smile that doesn't reach her eyes."I am naturally a blonde...we do have our moments."

I cock an eyebrow. "Yeah. Okay, then. I'm go

You never expect people who just got out of the shower to be armed.

She gives me a wave and I look at my watch. I have about 20 minutes before she pounds on my door to confront me and I hold her hostage.