Page 71 of Mercy in Betrayal

“It doesn’t matter, though,” I say anyway. “That Enzo doesn’t exist.”

Vivi pushes her plate aside and eyes me consideringly. “You sure about that?”

I nod. “Quite sure.”

“And what if you’re wrong?” I frown, and Vivi continues. “Here’s the thing. Something happens to you in this world. I see it over and over again. My sister was probably the best person I ever knew—kind and protective. Angel, too. Funny. Sweet. He still is, but you cannot—you will not—survive in this world with only those qualities. When it was time for them to step up and lead, they had to change. The kindness was still there, the sweetness, et cetera…but there was a hardness, too. A kind of ruthlessness that grew over everything so they could do and be everything this world demanded of them.”

“So, you’re saying I should just forget everything they did to me?”

“No. I’m saying that I think you need to look deeper. Enzo isn’t just the mafia man who takes what he wants. He’s also all that other stuff that made your eyes shine a minute ago.”

A knock sounds on the door, and Angel peeks in without waiting for a response, smiling. “I heard we had a guest. Welcome, Mrs. Scarpetta.”

“Rowan needed a little girl time,” Vivi says brightly.

“You’re welcome anytime, of course.”

“Thank you,” I answer. “I’m actually thinking I may be returning sooner than I thought. I may have overreacted…”

“Nonsense. You’re exactly where you need to be,” Angel replies. “Years of planning are coming to fruition tonight.”

I frown and tense, darting a quick look at Vivi. Is he saying I’m not allowed to leave? Straightening from where I’m leaning against the windowsill, I start to move toward the bed, where I tossed my phone earlier.

Angel gets there first.

He scoops my phone up and slides it into his pocket. “I’ll hold on to this for the time being. Your husband has been a very busy man this evening. Fighting with your brother and his wife…burning down the Marzano mansion…it’s like he’s upset about something.” He shakes his head, his expression an odd mix of dolefulness and glee. “And once your brother learns that you’re nowhere to be found, of course, everyone will be after him. It’s going to be wild.”

“Angel—” Vivi starts.

“Just sit tight, ladies. Everything will be over by morning.”

Chapter 25

Enzo

“Please leave your message after the tone.”

I glance down at the screen of my phone in my hand. I want to crush the device between my fingers but place it carefully on the desk instead.

Where is she? She should have been here by the time I got back. She doesn’t know this city. I can’t even begin to imagine where she might have gone. Her evening in Chinatown with me is proof that she was wily enough to be sneaking out on Cassidy, though, exploring her surroundings. She could be anywhere.

Scooping up the phone, I hit the dial button again and get her voicemail again. I hang up and text instead.

Rowan…I know you’re angry with me. We need to talk, little bird. At least let me know you’re safe.

There is so much I don’t know about my wife. So much more I need to learn. But I need to find her first.

That didn’t last long. Can’t blame the poor girl for running…not after getting tied to someone like you.

My father’s voice intrudes into my thoughts. It’s been a while since he has taunted me. I had almost forgotten the sound of his voice.

Rowan’s presence had drowned out his voice. What did that mean? I felt more for her than I’ve ever admitted to myself. I start to pace but pause as Sarah’s head appears around the door and she taps lightly before entering.

From the look on her face, I know she found nothing. I had sent her to look through Rowan’s things to see if there was anything missing. “I’m sorry, Don Scarpetta. There is nothing in her belongings that gives a clue as to where she may have gone.” Sarah is clutching a book to her chest.

“She has never mentioned a place or person to you?” I ask.

Sarah shakes her head. “She wasn’t overly chatty, sir.” She walks to my desk.

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