Page 68 of Vicious Redemption

“This package just came for you, signor,” he says, closing the distance between us and extending the box respectfully. “It was delivered by a messenger and required a signature.

My suspicion rises, and I look down at the package, wondering just what someone might have sent to me. A clue as to who killed my father and how? I wouldn’t put it past Don Guerra to send me some mocking gift to gloat. Whatever it is, it’s best to open it now and get it over with.

No return address marks the top of the box. Only a precise, scrawling cursive indicating my name and address. The tape’s been neatly cut, but I can tell it hasn’t been opened—likely Luigi’s doing.

I break the last bit of tape keeping it closed, and open the flaps, allowing Luigi to continue holding the package. Inside, a simple white envelope rests on top of the packing wrap. I pull out the card and unfold it to find Mayor Romney’s signature at the bottom of the note.

Irritation trickles instinctively through my core. And I force it down as I read what he took the time to write.

Dear Signor and Singora Moretti,

Thank you for your generous donation, and congratulations on winning this wonderful and priceless piece of art from the charity ball’s silent auction. Though I know that the loss of a parent—especially one so sudden and unexpected—can be devastating, I hope this item can bring you some small amount of solace in your time of loss.

Regards,

Mayor Romney

Peering inside the box once more, I find the metalwork rose we bid on that night. My stomach turns at the memory—of how perfect and happy that night seemed. The rose and what it represents almost seems to mock me now.

I grind my teeth, fighting back the waves of emotion that threaten to overcome me.

“What would you like me to do with it, sir?” Luigi asks after a long pause. His ever-polite tone tells me he can see the indecision written across my face.

“Take it to Tia,” I state coldly. “She can decide what to do with it. She can throw it away for all I care.”

Luigi hides his shock well as he tilts his head in acknowledgment. “Very good, sir.”

I turn to leave once more, then pause. “And, Luigi?”

He meets my eyes, his expression passive as he waits for my next command.

“Tia’s to remain locked in her room for the day. The kitchen can bring her her meals. I want a guard posted at her door at all times. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Don Moretti,” he agrees.

“I better not find her out of her room again before I come get her,” I state, my voice flat and deadly with my not-so-subtle warning. My intense, pointed gaze that accompanies the reprimand makes it clear he won’t be forgiven a second time if he lets her slip through his fingers. I’m done being merciful.

It’s time for the world to see just how vicious I can be.

32

TIA

I collapse onto the bed, my heart aching as the tears come uncontrollably.

I messed up.

Big time.

And I know it.

I should have told Leo about the phone sooner. I should never have taken it in the first place. But it didn’t feel like the same kind of betrayal as last time, when I was plotting against Leo intentionally. Even if I never ended up telling my father in the end, before, I had every intention of hurting Leo with the knowledge I gathered.

But this time, I hoped staying in touch with Maria might be a lifeline to bridge the gap between my two families.

I should have known better.

Even without Leo telling me how stupid I am, I sensed the danger as soon as I spoke to her. I should have told him about it the moment I doubted her.

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