Page 31 of These Deadly Vows

Before I can tell her, now isn’t the time, the news program broadcasting on the nearby TV mounted to the wall does the talking for me.

“And we’re back with the latest developments on a story we told you about that happened in the early morning hours in a North Shore neighborhood. A celebration turned deadly when a firework display exploded and set the home of a prominent family ablaze. There’s been no word yet on survivors or how many perished in the terrible accident. Responders on the scene have been working for hours and we’re being told that those flames are finally out.”

The camera pans to Adeline’s family home, or what’s left of it.

“Guess I won’t be receiving my things after all.”

I stare at my wife, left speechless by her response.

Her face holds no emotion, and I don’t know whether to be concerned or impressed.

If I were a better man, perhaps I would have arranged for her death to be faked the way mine was.

But I’m not and I won’t.

Shame to see the house wasted, but I left the staging and clean up to Grinder and Gunner. Knew I could count on them not to fuck this up.

The official report will say whatever I want it to. Corruption in this city runs deep and I have no problem footing the bill. Someone has to be the bad guy. It’s a kill or be killed world we live in.

I’ve made mistakes in the past.

I won’t make them a second time.

“I’ll get whatever you need to be comfortable.”

“Some things can’t be replaced.”

“Such as?”

“Photos of my mother.” Her hard expression falters and her bottom lip trembles.

“Here comes our food.” I slide her coffee mug over. A good man would have guilt over the situation. “We should go over your statement for the police when they manage to track you down.”

“What would you like me to say?”

“I knew you had it in you to be a good girl.”

Her cheeks bloom pink at my praise and I wonder how deep that pink would redden if I called her my good girl with my cock buried in her to the hilt. I may not be capable of love, but I can show my appreciation for her contribution to the cause in other ways.

Chapter Nine

“Holy shit, girl. Are you okay? I go out of the country for a few weeks, and I come back to your house blown up, and you married to a biker. What the absolute shit?” Carla screeches at me through the phone.

“Hello to you too. There’s way too much to get into over the phone. I’ll explain when I see you.” I choose my words cautiously. I’m well aware of my husband and Capone eavesdropping from the kitchen. Capone showed up this morning with some clothes and other belongings I had at one of my father’s apartments.

He gave me my cell phone about an hour ago. I’ve only been asking for the past three days.

It’s gone off nonstop with texts and calls expressing condolences and concern. Once news outlets confirmed my father’s death, everyone was getting in line to pay their respects.

The only response I give is, ‘thank you for respecting my privacy during this difficult time. There will be a memorial at a later date.’ What else can I say? ‘Thanks, I was forced to murder him by my new husband that none of you were aware existed.’ At least not in our social circle. A man I just so happened to marry the same night my father died after announcing my engagement to Roberto.

Though I’m guessing anyone who knew I was to marry Roberto perished in the flames. At least that’s the story.

“When did you get back?”

“My flight got in about two hours ago. Your house, or what’s left of it, has been all over the news.”

“Things have been crazy.” I’ve been adjusting to living with a heartless bastard, trying to forgive myself for aiding him in murdering my father.

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