The next morning was considered 'the morning after' for more than one person. For Lucifer, he didn't know what Amara's state of mind was at the moment. Though they slept in the same bed, he felt the tension in the body as he held her. When he entered the room before they turned in for the night, he saw her red eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. He wanted to comfort her and reassure her that it was all going to work out, but he couldn't say it though. Eros was personally searching, and his initial findings weren't looking good. Money trails were leading to nowhere, their unexplained moves from state to state, no registered job portfolio, and no booked flights on any airlines or any travel agency documents. Lucifer feared his brother's deeper findings. He loved Amara with all he had to give, but somehow he knew that he might lose her with whatever information they may find.
His Ami believed in safeguarding not only herself but those around her. With him telling her why delving into her mother and new husband's background, she will find a way to keep them away from him. That was one of the reason's why he loved her. She fiercely protects the ones she loves. 

"But to what extent?" he whispered to himself in the mirror. 

It was a bit late by his standards in the morning, and he wasn't surprised to see Amara's side empty when he woke. The brief note she left told him a lot. She wanted some alone time but wasn't pulling away. She needed to process things her way. He wasn't upset; he understood. The text he sent her relayed his feelings and understanding, allowing her to have the day to herself at school and however long she wanted. He will wait. 
Marcelle and Druex were notified to back off during school hours but were to stay by her side when she left the school's security. 
He still wasn't taking any chances.

Looking himself over in the mirror, he passed his hand over the black vest that was positioned neatly over his dark green dress shirt and tugged at the black-tie tucked under the buttoned vest. He smiled, brushing the pressed slacks his mother left for him in the closer, then reached for his gun holster. He wore his hair loose, which he has been doing since he began seeing Amara; he loved it when she runs her fingers through it upon impulse. Lucifer loved her touches, and he was proud to admit that. Shrugging on the black jacket, he gave himself a once over before leaving the room with his devices.
Entering the kitchen, his parents were in the middle of breakfast with a worried Ares coming in from the backyard.

"What is it?" Lucifer asked, knowing his little brother's expressions clearly. Their parents looked up from their private conversation to join the brothers' started conversation. 

"I need to head back to Florida. My boys sent some footage of an incident on the outskirts of my borders. None too serious but suspicious after I reclaimed our old territories," he said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"You should. I know you're on the fence about doing so because we just got back, but this is what we do, who we are. It's okay, my little war god," Arianna said, giving him a reassuring smile. Ares carefully hugged her from behind her seat and gave her a tight hug with his free arm. "Thank you, mama."

"Sit. We need to talk to you boys before some crap surfaces again," Raizon grumbled, typing furiously on his laptop. They watched on as their mother got a serving of a breakfast crepe from her plate and offered it to him. Their father ate what she offered and blindly pecked her lips, still focused on the laptop. Lucifer glanced at Ares, who gestured to their mother's plate. He smiled behind his own cup of coffee when he realized it was one plate they were sharing. Basically, their mother made sure their father ate while he was busy with whatever had him extremely busy. They were both intuned with each other that the scene before him was something natural in the household.

"Thank you, kitten," Raizon said to his wife. He turned to his sons, giving them a firm nod of greeting before video calling the last of his sons. It wasn't long before Eros answered. 

"Father," was the answering grumble.

"Sorry for the wake-up call, but it's important," their father relayed. Arianna shoved her husband away from the camera and waved excitedly, greeting her son with so much enthusiasm.

"Morning, mama. I miss you. You look as beautiful as ever. Are you okay? Our absence tends to make you uneasy, now, even more so."

Knowing their mother, it will be a while for their little meeting to begin. They all listened on as she gushed over Eros and answered his questions. "Apologies for taking this new job without telling you. It's an ideal plan if we actually have some sort of peace, and I am an exceptional choice for it. I don't see this over in a few months, though. You are worried that my development will be delayed during that time. It's not our usual jobs, so I understand the cause for worry."

Leave it to Eros to see things clearly and tackle them head-on. He loved his mother dearly and knew she quietly held worry for him over the years. He wasn't like his siblings. It took a lot of coaxing and attention for him to show the slightest emotion. Arianna always made sure that he was happy, which made him feel blessed to have her as a mother. 

"Yes," she answered softly. 

"I won't lose myself. I promise," he returned.

"I believe you. You call me whenever you want to talk, even when you're confused about something. You don't always have to be in control of everything, cadeau de Cupidon ," she pressed. Arianna chuckled when she saw the slight twitch of his lips, she knew a lot of calls or text would be coming in, and she didn't mind at the prospect of it. 
Blowing a kiss to him, she turned the laptop to greet his brothers and then returned it facing his father. 
"To start things off on a good note, your mother and I are very proud of you all. It was an unexpected turn of events, but you three stepped up to the plate, showing us that no matter what you can protect not only your family but the people we help behind the scenes. Lucifer, you're becoming the man we knew you would be and soon, you will have my position. Your brothers have already shown you that they are ready to branch out. We're still overwhelmed about that fact, but we can't keep you all tucked under us for long..." Raizon began.

Arianna squeezed the hand he held on the table and met the eyes of each of her sons. Her children. Each of them had a mixture of both her and Raizon, love that started years ago bloomed into four beautiful children. They were extremely blessed.

"Your mother and I send you boys off with our blessing. Ares, in two hours, every territory in Florida that was once in my name will be known as yours by every ally we have in that state. I've already got word from a few that are pleased with the handover. Even those not truly in our world are excited to see you more in Florida. Eros, with the Director recognizing you as someone he wishes to work with, it's safe to say that all your hard work in California certainly was above and beyond. In two hours, your name shall be on every document as the mafia stronghold leader in the state. This won't derail this new job. Your brother and yourself don't have a heavy media presence, and you tend to work behind the scenes. Being accepted as another delinquent will be easy."

"Oh lord," Arianna groaned in exasperation.

The boys chuckled at their mother's antics and father's playful nudge before they got back into the leaders' role. Whether it was bookwise or streetwise, her belief of always being educated was pounded into their brains. One thing she never wanted to hear being spoken of her children, were them being delinquents. She lived both sides of life and wanted them to know both were never easy. Preparing them for adulthood was her job.

"Onto the other sides of things. With most of Dominion's holds and hiding spots basically found plus the additional info of local support, all the information gathered gives us many leads to work on. It won't be long for us to find their location and which Talon's proteges picked up the mantle. The fucking cocksucker had a knack for turning the minds of innocent kids. It won't be a surprise to me that a favored follower of his is behind this," Raizon continued.

"You believe it's one person posing as a collective?" Lucifer asked, trying to figure out what he missed.

"I think I understand where father is going with this. Mama killed talon. A greedy, self-absorbed womanizer who saw females as accessories was killed by a woman, not just any woman, the present French Mafia Leader's wife. Father's position was to be his as the oldest but was passed over by his uncle and his own father. This same man was able to gain his own little stronghold in parts of the underworld where not many will venture into. He used the Delacourde name to get past red tapes before going on his own accord. What do you need to be that big?" Eros replied.

"Loyal lackeys to do your bidding without question," Ares answered.

"And within many followers, only a few are actually with you till the end," the twin continued.

"Numbers will dwindle over the years but the one or ones who are his true followers will seek revenge and carry on the business," Lucifer ended.

"All their 'lessons' on us will make a good manual on how to evade us in which they have been doing for years. It's time to cut them down. At the start of this revenge shit, we weren't ready and found ourselves facing someone who really wanted us gone no matter what route they took. Now that we are familiar with their patterns and the upgrades they do each time to get us off their backs, we compiled enough information to pinpoint who the person is and the last leg of their 'shipment.' A message came to us through an unexpected person while your mother was in France. He couldn't give much but it was enough for us. On top of that, we have someone in the states we need to keep an eye on. At first, he wasn't on our radar but Arion informed me of his lurking around his territory then his approach. Not many know of the pact the Guerra clan's last patriarch and I made besides his son and your mother. To everyone, the Guerras are neutral to it all."

"Who is it?" Lucifer asked, pushing his empty plate away. Ares quickly got to his feet before his mother did and cleared the table. 

"Derrick Monroe."

"Guess it's a reunion after all," Eros grumbled.

The cold smile on their father's face said it all. He was ready for them all.

                                                                      *********

"Bye, mama."

"Bye, sweetheart. If you're going to spend the night, don't forget to tell Amara," Arianna said to Lucifer as she fixed his tie and tucked his hair behind his ears. 

"Yes, mama." He dutifully stood before her as she fussed over his appearance. Ares stood by her side while the men taking the short trip with their young boss stood in the driveway, waiting patiently. 

"I'll spend the day home, and god knows your rooms need some cleaning. Plus, I've still yet to see Jeannie's pet. She wouldn't show us. Her flair for dramatics definitely came from her father."

Lucifer was trying not to laugh, knowing why his little sister was keeping it a secret. Her new pet wasn't one most little girls choose to be their first buddy.
"I'm sure she wants to show you without the fanfare. Please don't go to her room, mama. You'll spoil her presentation," he said, placing a kiss on her cheek when she was through.

"Fine. I will do some cleaning and whatever mothers do when their heathen children are out. Ares, don't you have to leave?" Arianna said with a petulant pout on her face.

"Awww, come now, mama, are you chasing me now? Can't we have our special lunch date in the gardens? I was thinking we can invite a guest since father will be busy at Jeannie's school," he said with a silly grin on his face. Arianna rolled her eyes and playfully smacked his cheeks. "Don't you dare use that on me, I was the one who taught you how to use that manipulative voice. You just want the front row seat to my talk with Nolan to one-up your brothers," she retorted. It was Ares' turn to pout. 

"I'll be on my way now, have fun, mama," Lucifer said turning to leave. "But why can't I have fun as Luke did. He got to shoot the idiot at least let me do something. Please." Ares' whine was caught when he entered his vehicle. Looking back at his mother and brother, he chuckled at the amused look on her face and his little brother giving her the best puppy eyes he ever made. Knowing the outcome, he won't be surprised to know if the cop ends up dead.

                                                           ******

After receiving the middle school principal's expected call, Raizon was ready to get this meeting over with. Sitting outside of the school, he sent his final email and gave the guard outside his door the sign to proceed. Stepping out, he took a look at his daughter's school. A sense of fatherly pride in visiting her without the cover freely they created for her took over him. He made his way to the closed doors with six guards surrounding him but stopped when they were slammed open by two nervous-looking school guards. At first, he was confused, then he realized it was the suits his guards wore. The dark suits gave the impression of danger and always made people nervous, the guards' imposing demeanor certainly didn't help.

"State your..... Mr. Delacourde?" the first guard said in confusion.

"Good morning. I guess the principal hasn't notified you of my arrival. I have an appointment with her," Raizon said courteously. 
Only two persons in the school and one selected member of the Education Board knew of his daughter's true identity. The name she goes under was her mother's maiden name, which can be linked to so many Lincolns. 

"Oh. Sorry, sir. This way," the second guard said, going into action immediately. "Ummm... your detail has to stay outside, sir. They're clearly armed and...." The first spoke up pointing at the visible guns in the holsters they wore.

"Apologies." Raizon silently ordered them to joined Rejeanne's guards on the outskirts after handing over his own guns to one of them.

"Are you certain, boss?" one asked eyeing the guards.

"It will be pointless to be feared by many if I can't defend myself without guns, wouldn't it?" Raizon joked.

"You're right. Sorry, we are all on edge with the news you and boss lady gave us," he returned letting out a calming breath.

"Understandable."

Giving them all a reassuring nod, he turned and followed the two guards into the school. As they escorted him to the administration office, he knew they wanted to ask him a question about his visit or a rumor they heard through the streets. It's basically the same back in France or wherever he visits. Magazines still pry into his and his family's lives, making up stories to get a paycheck, and bloggers seem to have an unhealthy focus on him and his sons. He shuddered thinking back to the one his wife found of him and made him read the fanfiction the followers made. Arianna's hilarity over the posts and stories made the discomfort bearable. A lot was made of Lucifer and a few of the twins, it was all so weird. 

Not wanting to start a weird conversation that may end in a pointless explanation, he kept his face expressionless and his eyes forward. 
Reaching the office, the guards even opened the doors for him and announced his arrival to the secretary. The woman shot up from her seat, glancing over her shoulder in the direction of what he deducted was the principal's office. Offering her a handshake, ready to introduce himself formally, a shrill voice cut the greeting off before it began.

"Oh, no. Ummm... Mr. Delacourde, welcome. I'm sure Mrs. Elson assured you that everything would be sorted and that your presence wasn't really needed. Sorry, I'm Miss Sein," the woman before him said taking his outstretched hand in a casual handshake.

"She did say that and from what I just heard, I take it that's the mother of the little girl Rejeanne struck?" he said with a wince when another shrill shout floated towards them.

"I'm afraid so."

"Oh. My daughter explained to me what happened and also her older brother's account of the incident. Though she was defending herself after reaching the breaking point of her tormentors, as a parent there's still some sort of responsibility to take."

"We surely understand that sir but we're afraid that... well..." the woman started to say.

"What?"

"We're afraid the woman may make things bigger than it seems when Rejeanne's true parentage is revealed. It may be blunt of me to say this but she's not the type to believe any bad word against her child even when there's enough evidence," Miss Sein admitted.

"I see." 

The two listened on once more as the woman's shout was now being joined by another woman both voices were filled with anger and objections to whatever the principal said.
"I believe I should join them. Let's be thankful my wife decided to let me take the lead on this," Raizon said with a grimace. Shouldering off his long coat and neatly placing it over his arm, he gestured for the secretary to lead the way. The worried look on her face made him once again thank the heavens, Arianna was at home. 
Knocking on the door and entering the office upon approval, Miss Sein spoke aloud to everyone in the office. 
"Ma'am. Rejeanne's parent is here to meet with you," she said with a tight smile.

"Oh. Yes. Allow them in," he heard the principal replied in a shaky voice. Miss Sein looked his way just as a woman muttered her satisfaction in meeting the bastard delinquent's mother. 
Thanks to the door's position, the occupants couldn't see  Raizon and it was always go-to thinking that the parent who always responds to a school's summons were mothers.

Inside the office, Mrs. Elson shuffled the papers before her nervously and got to her feet ready to greet the person on the other side of the door and simply end this meeting that gave her a pounding headache.  She eyed the four women known as The Bothersome Foursome by the faculty and none too kind words by other mothers. When they all see Rejeanne's parent's parent, they will switch so fast one won't have a chance to blink. 

"Bonjour, madame Elson." 

"Mr. Delacourde, welcome," she greeted while rounding her desk. She kept her expression professional and pretended not to see the grown women quickly adjusting themselves and quick to get to their feet for introductions. Her secretary was still at the door and witnessed everything. The woman gave her a pointed look and closed the door. 
She took in her own fill of the man shaking her hand firmly. Brown and lightly tinged grey hair, neatly styled, his beard was kept short but didn't take away from his captivating features. He didn't look like a man in his forties with his fit frame and piercing youthful eyes. Mrs. Elson remembered reading articles about the French billionaire when she was younger and didn't miss each article. From his bachelor days to being captured by the beautiful restauranteur now his role as a father to three handsome boys and still blissfully married, each article was like chapters to a fairy tale story. It was a shocker when she was called to an urgent meeting and was introduced to the couple and their daughter. It was still a shock to her system, knowing they kept the little girl's existence a secret for such a long time. 

"I wish we can be meeting on much better terms," he said in a regrettable tone. 

"Same here. Let me introduce you to..."

The principal didn't get a chance to go through the formalities, the ladies took it upon themselves to introduce themselves. While the women took their chances in flirty with the man, Mrs. Elson reclaimed her seat and waited. Looking at the scene before her, she wanted to laugh at the dull yet polite look Mr. Delacourde gave each of the women before standing beside the seat left open to him. At first, the women were confused by his actions then became even more flustered when they figured it out. He was waiting for them to take their seats, his way of being respectful. 

"I think my girls and I have been questioning ourselves about the true connection between yourself and that child. Surely you of such high standards will raise a barbarian for a child, plus it's of common knowledge that you have three sons. Unless...." one of the women began. The vindictiveness in her voice can clearly be heard before it was shown in her smile. She leaned heavily on the arm of her chair, her cleavage on the brink of spilling out of her opened blouse. Raizon kept the dull look on his face and placed his head on his propped hand. He eyed the other three women who wore the same looks as the first. What they were of wasn't missed by him. If he collected fees and sued every tabloid when they print the tabloid card against a couple, it will tally up to the cost of new gun shipments for three cycles. Their lives seem to be the source of many in the entertainment industry, them and many other wealthy personas. 

"Unless she's truly a bastard, which you perceive her to be?" Raizon offered with a smirk. The women were taken back by the forward way he spoke to them. "You haven't seen the little girl who struck your daughter, haven't you? I haven't been told the child's name nor was shown her mother. If one has to guess, it will be you. Am I correct? " he continued placing his attention on the woman who thought it brave to tarnish his reputation. Her face became red but disappeared when she regained her composure. 

"My poor little girl is laid up at home unable to leave her room. I'm sure this can all be forgotten..."

Raizon chuckled lowly, repositioning himself in the chair, ankle placed on his knee with his hands clasped on his lap, embodying the look of the powerful man the world saw him as. "In place of what? A blank check as hush money? Your daughters bullied my little girl..."

"A daughter no one knows of," one voiced sharply.

"Surely a fucking bastard for you to be showing up here posing as her father. The bitch of a mother probably doesn't have the guts to own up to her brat's rudeness," the first woman said with a sneer.

"Please refrain from slandering my wife and daughter in my presence. I'm here concerning Mrs. Elson's splendid care of my little girl. It wouldn't look good for my family's image if the damage that will likely occur in her pristine school and her guests if my wife was here in my place. I know one of my sons gave your kids a warning but I wish to give my own. If your daughters lash out at my Rejeanne after this meeting, I will certainly be sure they are dealt with accordingly," he returned calmly.

"Is that a threat, Mr. Delacourde? I don't think it's wise for a man of your stature to be threatening meek housewives?" one said in a faux pathetic voice. A cold smirk formed on his lips, thanks to the secretary's concern of him being caught by this woman's web, he was prepared for them.

"Not a threat. A promise."

The women's faces paled by his cold words yet calm demeanor. Their calculative minds were shut down completely, stiffly they faced forward not wanting to cause any more upheavals.

Mrs. Elson swallowed the lump that formed in her throat and rose to her feet. "We're here to discuss the actions of all five girls. As I've told the ladies before, their daughters will be suspended for a week and they will each replace Rejeanne's gymnastics outfit which they destroyed callously. On top of that, the coach will be removing all four from the team," she began.

"WHAT!"

"This school is a no-bullying zone. Your daughters chose to act out on their jealousy and entitled behavior, this is the result," the principal continued. 

"What about his so-called daughter?" one asked, more like screamed.

"Mr. Delacourde, I'm sorry but..."

"It's okay. Rejeanne knew of the consequences of her actions and knows her punishment at home," Raizon interjected.

"Oh. She's actually suspended for three days. It was of self-defense and she was honest in her retelling of the incident earlier this morning. "

Raizon nodded and got to his feet. "Thank you for having me. I believe it's nearing lunchtime. Will it be okay for me to take her now? I know she will be affected in missing practice so soon," he asked while donning his coat.

"Coach Maylord gave the okay for her to attend practice during her suspension and yes, you can sign her out. Thank you for coming, though it's a short visit," she said offering him her hand.

"What about my daughter's medical bills? The board will hear of this," the first woman yelled.

"Send me the receipt for the icepack and painkillers. To be honest, I'm truly disappointed in the way you ladies acted. Though the world does not entirely know of my family, it doesn't give them a right to tarnish them or spread rumors that you will likely do after I leave. I do have a daughter,  the last promise my wife fulfilled after years of making it. We are very protective of her and was skeptical of letting the world know of her, encountering you four now has me questioning that but she wanted this. A normal life, that's what she requested but she handles herself well, after all, like mother, like daughter. I wish you, luck ladies. It will be bad if my wife was to hear how this meeting went. Passez une bonne journée, mesdames."
Shaking the principal's hand who was now hiding a smile, he took his leave and walked to the front office.

"How can I help you, sir?" Miss Sein asked. She looked more relaxed, probably overheard the meeting somehow.

"Yes. I will like to sign Rejeanne out from school and can you page her, please? Thank you so much."
She gave him a bubbly smile and gestured to the waiting chairs. Taking a seat, he checked the time. He chuckled to himself. "I wonder how her meeting going at the moment?" he muttered under his breath.

To be a fly on the wall during one of his wife's meetings. 

                                                      *******

Back at the Delacourde mansion, the view from the outside was practically normal to any passerby. The neighborhood though majorly occupied by the illustrious family still had neighbors who only knew them as their wealthy counterparts. Trophy wives leaving home in their expensive cars waved at the soldiers meandering outside the homes. Older neighbors sat peacefully in their backyards thankful for the peace, and stay-at-home moms all went about their duties with their kids playing in the front yard safely without a care in the world. The community was initially built by Arianna and Raizon when their extended family grew bigger each year. To keep a good cover they offered homes to the elite who also required safety and peace. Each applicant was investigated and cleared before given approval. To enter the community with the sun shining high, birds chirping, freshly cut lawns. Happy people milling about, no one will ever believe under their feet were tunnels linking the French Mafia homes leading to their extensive armory, training rooms, storage for treasures taken from missions, private 'offices' for the main family, and prison cells. 

It's the Mafia, after all, there's always something that may surprise you.

For one person, he was certainly about to find out in less than ten seconds.

Curled on the bolted single bed under a thin blanket, the unlocking of the heavy metal door to his cell woke Nolan from his.... he couldn't even remember how many short naps he had since locked up. He would never think that he will be behind bars one day even if it wasn't a law-abiding prison. Being placed here by the kid and his friends at first he was confused. The hope of finally being told what was truly going on went out the window when he got boxed meals from different guards and unanswered demands. Even the young nurse who tended to him was tight-lipped. He didn't expect two ladies in casual wear standing in his cell with stoic looks on their faces. He got to his feet and stood to his full height wanting to intimidate them but the only reaction he got was dismissive scoffs. They weren't armed and seemed so fragile to be doing whatever they were sent to do. The women more looked like models on a break than whatever they were now. 

"Miz Arianna invites you to lunch. We brought you suitable attire, one of her sons will be here to escort you to the shower. You would like to look your best for her, don't you?" The one who spoke had the palest complexion that looked soft to touch, her eyes were eerily blue but beautiful no matter what. He can describe her hair as raven's black but that won't fully explain how glossy it was. Her companion sported strawberry curls that were held in a messy bun, a few strays framed her face, putting attention to her hazel eyes she too was deemed gorgeous and it made him wonder.

Why were they here?

"What do you do here?" he asked taking the bag the brunette held out.

"At the moment we are messengers and when you're ready your escorts to your lunch date with Miss Arianna," the brunette answered. Nolan was about to say something but a shadow loomed behind the two ladies before its owner appeared. He was confused. They said one of the Delacourde boys will be showing him to the showers, not this stranger.

"Right on time, Druex. Please inform us when he's through," the dark-haired angel said. 

"Yes, ma'am," the boy muttered. 

"You're Delacourde's son?" Nolan blurted out.

The brown-haired boy simply gave him a bored look with his head tilted to the side condescendingly. "Better get moving, mama hates a cold meal," he simply said. 

Fifteen minutes later minus the few seconds, he took not to jar his injured arm, Nolan found himself walking down a moderately lit tunnel, passing three doors with security pads. They made one turn to the left which held a short walkway with another door with a security pad. The brunette punched in a five-digit code that resulted in a loud buzz and automated voice saying, 'Delacourde's Pride'

"What?" Nolan uttered in confusion. The metal door slid to their left, revealing a flight of clay-tiled stairs. When they stepped through the doorway, the dimly lit stairwell became brighter along with the sound of something heavy moving above. Looking up he saw the source of the noise, a large square opening was being revealed. They continued to walk up and made it above ground into a garden. Nolan stood in amazement at the Greek statues and stories they were depicting. Lush flora was kept in raised flowerbeds, the ground was tiled in Greecian cobblestone, it all tied in with the theme they were aiming for. The sound of the heavy moving object caught his attention again, looking over his shoulder, his eyes widen in shock. A large statue of the God of War was now moving back to its assumed position. In his battle armor, the greek god was with the animals that history paired him with carved in the base. 

"At first I didn't understand why my husband chose the names of our children to historical figures. Though their personalities differ from their names you can see at times where their namesakes take over. Over the years, I see it gradually. The children fell in love with the stories of the people they were named after, even went as far as to learn the ones we weren't taught in school. He chose wisely after all. Welcome to my son's oasis. Hello, Detective Nolan."

He heard her voice over taped shows and clips during tv interviews but didn't prepare him for the real deal. Husky yet melodic, her words were merely innocent but something was hidden between the words that made you cautious of what you say next. Turning to the direction of her voice, he couldn't speak. In all her glory, walking towards him was Arianna Delacourde, dressed in a yellow maxi dress, gold jeweled sandals on her feet that glittering in the sunlight with every step she took. She wore no jewelry beside her wedding ring, not that she needed it when her smile brightened her whole being. Nolan silently admitted to himself that the French billionaire lucked out. 

"Mrs. Delacourde," he said stuttering a bit. He cursed himself for acting like a simpleton before the woman. He couldn't let his guard down with her. Her son said they were the French Mafia, he was partially convinced but rich people can be paranoid and eccentric. 

"Follow me. The food is already here. You don't mind company to our little talk right? He's flying out soon, I want to get some time with him," she said walking past him.

"Sure."

He followed her with the two ladies behind him. The bright flowers made the place so serene. They were actually in an enclosed garden with Greecian architecture, the design was accurate, the opened archways made one feel like looking back in time. Every detail was taken care of, this was her son's garden?
The path took them to a raised platform with the path circling it, between the flowers a water fountain was placed. The platform held a square marble top table with wrought iron benches on each side. The table was filled with food, which made his stomach growl. 
Up ahead, Arianna took a seat on one side of the table, she gestured for him to take the seat opposite of her then dismissed the ladies. 

He was about to speak but the sound of booted feet stopped him. Pinpointing the direction from the five paths that led to the platform, he spotted the companion she spoke of. Irritation grew within him when he saw the person fully.

Her son. 

One of the twins.

The teenager sent a smug grin his way before greeting his mother. He sat right after and served her with impeccable table manners. Nolan eyed the boy, he didn't know which one sat beside him. Was it Eros? Or is it Ares?
He glanced around the garden once more and the image of the statue came to mind. "You're Ares," he blurted out. The response he received was a dismissive nod. Nolan's irritation grew higher. Mother and son ate quietly, leaving him to pick at the food he selected for his plate. Grilled chicken and fish, string beans, penne pasta in marinara sauce, meatballs as an option, and vegetable rice all for his choosing. He kept his serving small due to his apprehension about this meeting. It was all too casual, too suspicious. 

"Tell me about yourself, Detective," Arianna spoke after taking a sip of wine.

"That's a waste of time, isn't it? I'm sure the chief gave my file to your husband already," he returned defensively.

"Well aren't we on edge," Ares commented. 

"I have a right to be. You people falsely imprison me," he shouted. Nolan caught the little signal the woman opposite him used to keep her son in check, that's when he saw the knife tightly gripped in the boy's hand. Are they raising savages? Are all their children this way? They are allowing them to do what the hell they want. 

"Do you like it here in Boston? It's a huge difference from California. Not only the weather and traffic but the atmosphere, the culture you can say. Was it hard for you to find another cop to trust in your new precinct? I'm sure your botched case is hampering that connection. No one likes a hot head when things go right," Arianna said calmly. 

"H-How...."

"I don't need my brother to send my husband any file on you Nolan. You came under my radar the moment you began questioning my girls at the clubs." 

"Brother?" he asked clearing his throat. Her tone went from friendly to downright cold in less than five seconds. 
"Don't you see the family resemblance? I think he took after our past grandfather and I got our mother's looks. Fraternal twins. Your chief is my twin." she replied with a light chuckle. Nolan's eyes widen in disbelief by the news, the wheels in his head began to turn.
"Go on. Get all the equations together before you say something to put me in a bad mood."

Her carefully chosen words made him stop. Raising his eyes to meet her bold stare, there was nothing warm and caring to this woman at that moment. Her posture ramrod straight, arms leisurely resting on the arms of the chair and legs delicately crossed. Nolan didn't know what to do or say. Her dark eyes had him frozen in his seat and appetite disappearing instantly.
"It was a surprise to my husband and me when our eldest mentioned having a guest at the house for me to meet. What do you think happens when you tousle with the devil, detective?"

A strangled noise escaped him, he couldn't answer.

"He gave you warnings. Your friends warned you. Even my brother warned you but your fucking ego has been making your decisions lately. A bullet was considered a warning also if it wasn't clarified enough. Oh and the few fractured bones. Nuisances to my son either disappear or in the ICU if he's in a good mood."

"How can you sit here and justify YOUR son's actions. I'm a member of the law. I can have charges brought onto you..."

"Are you really gonna be this way? Do even know where you are? You are pissing the fuck off, Nolan." Ares got to his feet when his mother angrily got to hers with her hands planted on the table as she glared at the detective.
"You fucked with my business. Placed my sons in a jail cell. Slander my brother's name. Harassed my employees. You practically stalked my son for weeks. What the fuck is wrong with you? " The anger surrounding Arianna can be felt, the only thing the man can do was apologize and ask forgiveness but as she said earlier, his ego was ruling him.

"I'm a fucking cop. I'm doing what is right. People like you and your husband are always sticking their noses in places where it doesn't belong. I don't give a shit how many cops you paid off, I will do my job. Your kids are running around messing with people and that's an accomplishment? I get that you're pretty but I expected better from a woman like you to buy into your husband's madness of being the mafia and shit like that," Nolan responded. 
Thinking he can intimidate her, he boldly got into her face with a triumphant smirk on his face. 

That didn't last long.

Using the edge of her palm, Arianna struck him in the nose forcefully, followed by a punch to his face. He fell back into his chair for a second only to be pulled out of it moments later by Ares. Thrown to the floor writhing in pain, he looked up and focused on the woman now standing above him. He can feel the blood trickling down his face, his nose was throbbing in pain, he couldn't pay attention due to the heavy pain.

"I don't mind that you're doing your job, detective but you're stepping on stones that will make you fall. Did you know the information that was fed to you of a shipment coming in at my shipyard was done by a drug lord you were to capture? The tip-off you received of Dice being distributed by us was a ploy to distract you from what was really going on. How the fuck are you a cop when you can't sense bullshit? This is bigger than you. We are so close to getting good results and I'm not going to allow you to mess with years worth of work."

"I can help," he pleaded when he heard the safety of a gun being taken off. 

"If we believed that you can do so, you wouldn't be on the ground with a gun pointed at the back of your head," she returned calmly.

"Uh... Um... I will back off... I promise. This is all a misunderstanding. I was steered the wrong way. I'm sure we can come to an understanding," Nolan pleaded once more.

Arianna eyed the man closely and she didn't like what she saw in his eyes. Years of being at her husband's side and being around people of all walks of life, she learned a lot. Sometimes she wished people will simply be straight forward with her. Why do they have to lie? The man before her was cocky, arrogant, egotistical, and simply not trustworthy. He can never work for them, he will sell them out in a heartbeat if cornered. His sense of justice was there but not for the right reasons. His words were to placate her simply. His sniffing around will upset the plans they had in motion. She had to do what she knew was right. 

Eyes still peering down at him, Arianna raised her right hand, palm facing up. Her son's favorite gun's cool metal touched her skin, bringing a cold smile to her face. Nolan's eyes widen in fear and shock. 

"This may be wrong in what I'm about to do but not all decisions are to be good. This is bigger than you and you distracting us will fuck with it all. Always listen to those who have your wellness at heart."

He couldn't say anything to get on her good side, he didn't get a chance to ask her what she meant. He didn't get a chance to think at all.

Two shots rang out a second apart.

The pain was there. He can feel it but can't voice it. Strangled sounds escaped him as he fell to the ground. The cobblestone felt cool against his body it was some sort of relief but not the one he was in dire need of. This, he didn't expect from a simple lunch. 

Arianna gracefully knelt beside him with a pitiful look on her face. She truly wished he took another path. "Don't worry. Justice for him will be served. Not all of us are cruel."

Her sad smile and parting words were the last he saw and heard before his world went black.