Page 155 of Monster in Disguise

"We might get a match if we have something to compare it to. Which is why I'm here. I need you to make a list of everyone you suspect."

"What if it's intentional? Throw us off?" It's not that I don't trust Adrian's work, since I've worked for years with the man and I know how thorough he is. But this copycat killer... everythingisintentional.

"Might be," Vlad shrugs. "Still worth a look."

"There aren't that many people that could have done that. I would say there are a few in the famiglia who would be capable of doing it. But motive? That's what throws me off." I sigh. It's not as if I hadn't wracked my brains thinking who could have been, my uncle and his cronies being at the top of the list. But why?

"What have you heard from Enzo's side?" I ask after a pause. Enzo still hadn't realized his office had been bugged, and that Vlad is privy to all the confidential information coming out of there. I still don't know why he did that, but now I'm grateful for it.

"Enzo antagonized you further. She thinks you were behind everything so you could comfort her afterwards. On the bright side, the young one's missing you."

"Claudia?" Her name comes out as a whisper. I don't even deserve to utter her name.

"She's quite taken with you, isn't she?" he remarks, almost ironically.

I've conditioned myself not to think about her. How could I when I've failed both her and her mother?

When Catalina had confirmed her age, I felt like I'd been struck by lightning. That incident had resulted in a life—a lovely little girl that looked exactly like Lina but had my personality. While getting to know her, I'd noticed her logical mind and the way she approached problems, not unlike me. For the first time, the evidence of what I'd done was staring me in the face. And for the first time, I didn't find it in myself to regret it, because that meant regretting the beautiful girl I'd come to love so much. That makes me even more of a hypocrite, doesn't it?

"She'll hate me too," I add quietly, knowing I can never claim her as my daughter.

"Maybe. Maybe not." Vlad stands up, straightening his suit. As he pulls on his sleeves, I catch a glimpse of his tattoos. I've always wondered why his entire body is covered in ink.

"You've never told me what those mean." I point at the designs, trying to change the subject. It's already too painful as it is.

"And I won't." He smirks at me. "Wouldn't want the mystery to go away." He shrugs and turns to leave.

I stay a while longer, lost in prayers. By the time I get home, it's already dark outside.

Amelia is the first to greet me.

"Signor Lastra, someone is here for you." She motions to the drawing room, and I give her a small nod. I don't even get to step foot inside the drawing room before Enzo comes blazing at me and punches me straight in the face.

"What..." I momentarily lose my balance. But it's enough for him to pin me to the floor and continue pummeling away.

"Where the fuck is she, Lastra? Where did you hide her?" He keeps yelling, and I still.

What is he talking about?

My hand shoots out, and I stop his incoming fist. I push back and, using my entire strength, I shove him off me.

"What are you talking about?" I ask, spitting blood. He'd done some damage, all right.

"Catalina. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm saying. Where did you hide her? I know she must be here somewhere." He then yells, "Lina? Where are you? I'm here to take you home!"

"Catalina isn't here. Obviously," I add drily, going to the table and taking a napkin. I dab at my mouth, noting he split my lip. I move my mandible a little, pleased the teeth don't feel loose.

"Where is she?" He turns towards me, his face full of worry.

"You should know, since she went toyourhome."

"She's not there. Claudia is still at home, but there's no sign of Lina."

I'm suddenly alert. Catalina would never leave Claudia alone.

"What are you talking about? Where could she be?" My pulse starts racing.

"Don't you dare act innocent, Lastra. You're the only one who could have taken her, you sick bastard. Didn't you do enough already? Didn't you hurt her enough? Just let her go."

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