Page 5 of Sinful Secrets

I guess I just found out what number three is.

Chapter Two

SPENCER

We’ve beenon high alert since Francesca got shot, doing patrols three to four times a day and having an overnight watch at the shipyard.

Today is my day to drive around and check on our spots. I stop at the first stop, Mario’s Pizzeria. This is my favorite stop to make when doing rounds.

As soon as I walk through the doors, Mario and his wife, Lucia, greet me.

They are like family to me, so I’m always happy to come visit with them.

“How’s business been?”

Lucia glances at Mario before excusing herself. She walks through the open kitchen and disappears into the office. The door slams shut a few moments later.

“What’s going on, Mario?”

I’ve never seen Lucia like this. She always greets me with a motherly hug and we talk for a while.

“Business isn’t doing too well, to be honest, and we don’t have the money for the protection anymore. The neighborhood has gone downhill and customers don’t feel safe after dark.”

He sighs and rubs his hands over his face. “Lucy and I have talked about selling the restaurant and moving somewhere safer, but the market is shit right now. We’d be upside down on the loan, but at least we’d be alive and safe, you know?”

“Damn. I had no clue you guys were having so many problems. What’s been going on? I thought we were doing patrols.”

He pulls out a chair and gestures for me to take a seat before sitting down on the opposite side of the table.

“You are doing patrols, but only during the daytime. That’s not when the problems arise.”

“Who’s causing the trouble? I’ll see that it gets taken care of.”

Even if I have to take care of the fuckers myself. Mario and Lucia don’t deserve this. They are the sweetest, most caring people I know.

“Some new gang. They call themselves The Emerald City Reapers.”

“I’ll look into it and make sure Arturo knows about the gang that’s causing problems.”

“Word on the street is they have it out for both the Marinos and the Rossis. They are young, dumb, and power hungry, not to mention irrational and impulsive. Be careful and watch your back.”

“I will. Thanks for the heads up. Call me the next time they show up, and I’ll take care of them and make sure they don’t come back.”

“What about the money for Arturo? I don’t want to get on his bad side.”

I shake my head and put my hand up to stop him. “Don’t worry about that right now. Let us handle this problem and get your business back to what it was and then we can figure out the money situation.”

“Are you sure?” He stares at me like he can’t believe what I just said.

“I’m sure. Please tell Lucia that I will handle everything, and next time, she doesn’t have to avoid me. I’m not the grim reaper coming with bad news.”

“Tell her yourself.” He grins before yelling, “Lucy! Come out here, would you?”

Several moments pass and no movement is heard from the office.

“It’s no problem, Mario. I understand things are up in the air and seeing me doesn’t bring happy feelings.”

“Nonsense.”

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