Taming Ricardo, The Italian Billionaire

“You’ve already done so much for us, Kyra. I don’t even think this is your scope of work.”

“That doesn’t matter to me, Deborah. I will always help you and Chelsea any way I can. The two of you are-“

My chance for redemption. She almost said it out loud.  “I care about you and Chelsea. The least I can do is find out exactly what is going on, who is pushing things forward and why.”

Deborah nodded. “I assume this is coming from someone very powerful. I don’t want you getting into any trouble.”

Kyra let out a laugh. “Relax, Deborah. I’m not going to challenge this Richard Bianchi and his friends to a fist fight, although, the way I’m feeling, I would probably kick their collective ass.”

Deborah’s eyes widened in surprise. No doubt taken aback by Kyra’s unusual aggressiveness. She laughed. “If you need a fighting partner, count me in.”

Both women giggled, relived that they could find humor in something. “Seriously, Kyra, I don’t want to give you any more trouble than I have to. I know we’re not the only family you work with. You must have a ton of work to do already.”

“It’s no trouble. What these people are doing to you and everyone else in this building is unfair, Deborah. I’m going to fight it as best I can. Even if I can buy you guys more time before you have to move, that would be something. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything drastic to get myself into trouble.”

“Alright. Have I said thank you yet? For everything. You’re an angel, Kyra.”

“I’m not that great but you’re welcome.” Kyra stood up and pulled an envelope out of her handbag. “I’m going to get going. This letter is for you. It’s just a bunch of fancy words letting you know that you and Chelsea qualify for and will be getting assistance with medical expenses.”

Deborah accepted the envelope and engulfed her in a tight embrace. “You might not think you’re an angel but you are. Thank you. I guess Chelsea is anxiously awaiting you.”

“Yes, I’ll go say bye to her.”

Kyra reached Chelsea’s door and before she could knock, the door flew open. Cocking a brow, Kyra asked. “Was somebody eavesdropping?”

Shaking her head vehemently. “Nope! I wasn’t eavesdropping, I promise. I heard your footsteps approaching. Well, what’s going to happen? Are we going to lose our home?”

“Not if I can help it, Chels. I don’t want you to worry too much about that. Okay?”

“I won’t. I know you’ll help us, Kyra.”

Kyra smiled but deep down she prayed she didn’t end up disappointing Chelsea and Deborah. If she didn’t help them keep their home, she doubted she would be able to live with herself. “You take care, Chels. I’ll be back to check up on you.”

“Bye, Kyra.”

Kyra hastily left the Griggs’ apartment because she was overwhelmed with anger and worry. Throw her personal demons into the mix, and she was ready to burst. She took several deep breaths as she stomped down the stairs. “You are not going to get away with this Ricardo Bianchi.” It was the first she’d ever come across the name, let alone meet him and she hated him already.

She could imagine the man, old, gray, round around the middle and money hungry. He was most likely miserable and probably thrived on making others miserable as well. She marched out the building and looked back. Sure the tower block was in deplorable condition but kicking the residents out and turning it into some rich people’s paradise was wrong. Where would everyone who had to leave go? Everyone who lived there didn’t live there by choice. It was all they could afford, the best they could do.

She whipped out her cell as she slid into her car and dialed Allegra’s number.

“Hello, girlfriend!”

“Hey, Allegra.”

“Have you changed your mind about tonight?” Her tone was bright, hopeful. It was too bad Kyra was about to disappoint her.

“No, that’s not why I’m calling.”

A sigh sounded. “Of course. Just leave a girl to hang by herself why don’t you,” Allegra mumbled. “Alright, what’s up?”

“Have you ever heard of Ricardo Bianchi?”

“Hmmm…no. That name doesn’t ring a bell? Oh, are you interested in this Ricardo Bianchi?”

Kyra massaged the bridge of her nose. “No, Allegra. The only thing I’m interested in is giving him a piece of my mind.”

“Wow, it takes a lot to upset you. What did he do? Stand you up on a date or something?”

“God! Not everything is about dating, Allegra,” Kyra snapped. She let out a breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just a little stressed.”

“Is this about work? Ugh, Kyra it’s Friday evening. Forget about work for one night.”

“I can’t. This is important.”

“You are absolutely hopeless. Well, I can’t help you. I haven’t heard of the guy. Why did you think I would have heard of him anyway?”

“Because you seem to know everyone in New York. All the men anyway.”

“Whoa, was that a dig to my character?”

“Actually, it was a compliment,” Kyra responded quickly. “You’re sociable and popular. I just thought I would try my luck.”

“Good save, girl, good save.”

“Okay, so you don’t him. Guess I’ll be spending the night on Google.”

Allegra sighed. “Like I said, hopeless. Instead of going out with me, you’re going to go home and research some guy. A guy you’re not even interested in dating, might I add.”

Kyra rolled her eyes. “Goodbye, Allegra. Have fun tonight.”

“Bye, betty buzz kill.”

Kyra hung up the phone with a small smile. Allegra would forgive her soon enough but the Grigg’s didn’t have much time. She had to find out who this Ricardo Bianchi was and get a meeting with him.