Chapter 4

While pulling a dress onto the mannequin in the store window, Poppy Fields looked over her shoulder at the news report airing on the TV on the wall by her shop register. The story she was watching told about the mass murder in an abandoned drug house that happened the night before in the roughest part of the city.

As she watched the city's mayor sugar coat the seriousness of the issue to the reporters, Poppy rolled her eyes, knowing the city officials could care less about the people of Chicago, and more about their political careers. It was the very reason the crime in the city had gone rampant over the past years.

Chicago had one of the worst crime rates in the US, and it was as if every day she was questioning if her move to the city was such a good idea. A small-town country girl from Indiana, she moved there to start her fashion career, but being alone in the city often made her wonder if she was ready for this life. Sure, it wasn't the biggest fashion hub in the US, but Chicago did have its high-end shoppers, and that was what she was looking for to get her designs sold and on the backs of customers.

"Wow, another murder. That stuff sure doesn't happen where I come from. The deadliest thing there was when old farmer Gains had to shoot his prize show pig when it got rabies."

As she adjusted the dress on the form, and added a few accessories, the bell on the front door chimed. Before her with more glam than she had ever seen on anyone in Indiana, in walked two local socialites who were chattering about a party they attended the night before, at the newly reopened Club Excalibur.

"Did you see the way Roman D'Amico looked at me at the night club last night? He's so into me," said a busty blonde with a tad too much Botox and lip injections as she started thumbing through a clothing rack.

"No way," responded her brunette friend who kept taking photos of herself in her phone. "He was totally looking at me. Roman is so hot. I can't believe he's single."

"Oh, did you hear? His brother was killed a few nights ago. It must be hard running a new business while your family is grieving."

Hearing that, the fashion designers' ears perked up. One thing Poppy loved was crime shows, and something about a little drama intrigued her. The murder spree that had been happening in the city was unnerving, though. Especially since there was talk of the rise in mafia syndicates being a threat again in the area. Not since the days of Al Capone were they so much of an issue.

The blonde held up a dress to herself, checking it in a nearby mirror. "Yeah, I hear Roman is out for blood. He's a mad man and whoever killed his brother is in big trouble… Hey you… girl! Does this come in a size two?"

Walking up to the woman, Poppy gave a bright smile as the woman held up the garment. "Welcome to Pink Halo. Let me go grab a two from the back for you."

As soon as the woman turned to her, their mouths dropped open. Excitedly, they both started chattering again; so fast Poppy couldn't get a word in edgewise.

"Oh my God! You're her. I didn't you know opened a store. Wow, this is amazing!"

Poppy narrowed her brows in confusion. "You know me?"

"Well, ya. You're only a legend around here. Everyone knows who you are."

Giving a half smile, the store owner didn't know what to say. "Oh, uh… thanks. Let me go get that dress for you."

Thinking they were meeting some sort of local celebrity, the woman added, "I'll take it. And throw in some accessories. I think I'll shop around and see what else you have. I can't believe I'm actually going to wear your designs."

"Me too!" the brunette chirped. "I'll take this shirt and a few of those blouses by the window. Money is no object."

With a happy smile, Poppy was so excited she could burst. As a struggling new business owner who needed this sale, she was thrilled that the purchases would add up to more than she had made all month.

After helping the women shop, she rang them up with a smile. While handing the last woman her bag, the ladies started taking selfies.

"Hashtag, Ricci love! Best boutique ever!" The blonde turned on her live video feed, adding, "Hey, Chi-town! Come on down to the Pink Halo and check out the hot buys. Can you believe it? The owner herself is the very girlfriend of the hot and sexy, Luke Gambino…"

"Wait! What?" Poppy tried to interrupt. "I'm not… Who is…?"

"Come on out and shop until you drop!" Shutting down her phone the woman grabbed her bag, pretty much ignoring Poppy's response. "Thanks Claudia. We'll be back soon, okay? Chow Bella!"

"What? Who? My name isn't Claudia. My name is…"

The woman left the store talking over her, excited to who they thought they had met.

Taking a deep annoyed breath, Poppy shook her head. "My name is Poppy Fields, fashion designer... here's my card."

Flopping down at the stool by the register, Poppy threw the business card on the desk, looking down at the register receipt.

"Wow, they bought over two thousand dollars in clothing. At this rate, I can afford rent this month. But who is Claudia and why did they think I'm dating Luke Gambino? Wait, who is Luke Gambino?"

Grabbing her phone, she Googled the name finding Chicago's social pages filled with photos of a sexy man about five years her senior with a beautiful well-dressed woman. The man, a handsome clean-cut dark-haired stunner with a strong bearded jawline, dark eyes, and panty dropping smile. Then, the woman beside him, looking like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn. In those eyes, Poppy saw herself with fancy clothes but a little more pristine. It was how the fashion guru wished she was herself if she had more money and time for a little primping.

Poppy pulled the phone closer to her view with a gasp. "Holy shit! She looks just like me!"