Page 78 of Wicked Truths

“What information?”What could he know that we didn’t? That Francesca didn’t even know.

“I found out that Francesca’s mother is alive.”

“Bullshit. She died in a car accident years ago.” Everyone knows this.

He shakes his head. “No, she didn’t. She faked her death and stayed in New York.”

There’s no way Francesca would know this and not tell me. Especially after tonight.

Jax cackles and rubs it in. “Oh, so she didn’t tell you? I guess the two of you aren’t as close as you think you are.”

I have to tell the family. This is life-changing news.

Punching him one last time, I turn around and head to the large metal door. I close and lock it behind me, leaving Jax bloodied and on the verge of unconsciousness.

Without cleaning up, I jog up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

“Joey?” I call out as soon as I’m on the main floor of the house.

“What’s up?”

“We need to meet with your father now.”

His expression hardens as he gives me a nod. “He’s already waiting.”

I follow Joey to the large office and take my normal seat towards the end of the table.

Arturo looks up from his laptop. “Good news, I hope.”

“His name is Jax Brown, and it’s clear he’s one of them. He mentioned his oath, said he wasn’t a rat, and didn’t really tell me anything outright.”

Joey pulls his chair out and plops down on it. “So what’s the news?”

I glance from Joey to Arturo. “He said he wanted to talk to Francesca because her mother is alive and living in New York.”

Arturo’s expression doesn’t change, but Joey slams his hand down on the table. “He’s fucking lying. Mom wouldn’t do that.”

“That’s what I thought at first, but I don’t think he is. He seems pretty sure, and he already told Francesca.”

Joey scoffs. “Did she say anything to you about it when the two of you talked tonight?”

“No, she didn’t say anything. Why wouldn’t Chessie tell me about it?”

“Give her a chance to explain things when you get back.”

Yeah, I can mention it and see what she says.

Arturo clears his throat, causing all eyes to turn to him. “Don’t let her know you told Joey and I. I want to see what she has planned first.”

A slight stabbing pain radiates through my heart as I feel conflicted but eventually agree. “She’s going to see the cuts on my hands and ask what’s going on.”

“You can tell her about the interrogation and tell her what he said about her mother, but she will not know that we know anything about it.”

“Yes, sir.” I say before standing up. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

My mind plays the interrogation on replay as I head back to my apartment. My body moves on autopilot as I navigate through the lobby and up the stairs.

Rich aromas fill the hallway before I even open my door.

---