Page 25 of Fighting With Light

“I could go into detail, but basically, I wrote a code that looks for specific criteria, and the information you’re giving me helps the code narrow down results. It’s going to find things from other organizations because of how it’s designed, but it’s a start.”

“But why do you need that when I’m telling you all of it?”

“I’m building a case, Aelia. We need evidence in order to do that. Text confirmations, video of a truck shipment, the feed from when something was waved forward over the border between Mexico and California, things like that.”

“So, you’re not going for RICO?” I ask. When you grow up in a mob family, you’re well aware of the big no-no word, RICO. In my mind, it would be the best route to go, but that’s assuming you’re just going after the Costa organization and that’s not the only goal.

“We’re going after my father, so though this information would work for a RICO indictment for your father, it won’t get us Congressman Coldwell. However, if I can find where my dad comes in with all of this, then it will be evidence enough to open an investigation,” he says.

“I mean, he meets with your dad all the time. How is that not enough?” I ask.

Liam winces at that. “Unfortunately, being seen with an assumed leader of a large mob family and actually showing wrongdoing are two different things.”

“That sucks,” I mutter.

“Yes, it does. That’s why I want all the information I can get.”

I take a deep breath. I’m aratto, I know that. But it’s worth it, and if everything goes well, my brothers won’t keep me from Mom. “I need to make something clear, Liam. The goal with this information is to hurt your father andmine, not my entire family. I realize you don’t agree with what the Costas do. I don’t like it either, but they are my family.”

His jaw ticks and he looks out at the ocean again. “I know. Like you said earlier, I’m not here to take down the organization, just two people.”

“Good. So, the guns, I forgot to tell you, I think Dad pays off the Coast Guard or someone at the shipping yard. I’m not positive on that.”

“That could be the connection,” Liam says, fingers flying across the keyboard.

I search my mind for any other information, but I can’t think of it at the moment. Mobs may be illegal enterprises, but there is a successful way to run them. It has to be organized like a multi-million dollar company in order for it to all work. I know a lot, but I don’t know it all. “Okay, I think that should get me the criteria I need to run this program. Hopefully, it will find something linking your dad and mine.”

“What will you do with all the information when you do?”

Sadness clouds his features for a moment and my heart leaps. “Liam,” I whisper.

“No, it’s not what you’re thinking. I just hope it doesn’t somehow pull my mom into things. We were with my dad until I was about thirteen and we know he was involved with the Costas well before then. I just…I have to make sure my mom is safe.”

Understanding exactly how that feels, I nod and leave it at that.

“I haven’t slept for a while, so I’m going to take a nap,” he says, shutting his laptop. I stand, not sure what to do. Liam has occupied every waking hour since I’ve stepped foot on this island. “I can take you to a temple towards the top of the volcano later, if you want.”

I smile. “Why are you being like this?” I ask him. It’s confusing.

“Like what?” he asks.

“As if you’re interested in me,” I mutter.

He chuckles and rubs his chin. “Despite what you may think, I can be nice without having the goal to get in your pants.”

I huff. “Okay then, that sounds fun.” My heart pitter patters in my chest. I shouldnotbe excited right now.

“Cool.”

11

Liam

We climb up thesteps of the small temple that sits out on a cliff exposed from the mainland. The very edge overlooks the ocean as it crashes against the wall of stone below. The bright green of the plants and pops of color from flowers fill the surrounding space. I’ve always thought the construction of these was interesting. When I go to new places, I explore them top to bottom and the view from here is what captivated me the most. But a new view captivates me now, and her name is Aelia Costa.

I don’t know what to make of all of this. Sure, I like her as a person, but I’m still not positive I can trust her. She probably feels the same way. I imagine there is a lot going through her head right now. Her feelings are understandable, and I’m sure a part of her feels like she is betraying her family, but from the sound of it, she might be saving them. I know that’s what I’m doing.

Aelia leans against the railing as she stares out to the ocean and cliff side. Her hair blows in the wind, whipping it across her face, and I reach forward, tucking a lock behind her ear. She turns towards me and I take a step closer to her. She leans in, and I feel like she’s tugging on me, but she’s not even touching me.