Page 65 of Triplets for the Mafia Prince

I think about my weapon under the seat. I don’t want to use it, assuming I could get to it before the cop drew his. I've never killed a cop. It’s worse than killing a civilian. The heat that comes down over a dead officer isn't worth it.

“Could you exit the veh—” The cop’s radio beeps and a voice comes through. Something about a sighting.

He hands back my license and papers. “Go ahead.”

I try to hide my relief. “Thank you. What’s all this about, anyway?”

“Escapee. Move on.” He leaves us and heads to his car. I decide that whoever they’re looking for has been spotted somewhere else.

I ease the car forward, forcing myself not to speed away.

“That was close,” Bella says with relief.

“Only if they were looking for us, which they weren’t.” But I’m already anticipating that registration will come back to bite us sooner than later. “We need to–”

“I know. We need another car.”

"You okay?" I glance at her.

“Yes. Is this what your life is like all the time?”

I hear fatigue in her tone. “Not all the time. Surely, your father has had some interesting encounters.”

She shrugs. “He’s always ranting and raving about something, but I’ve never seen him in situations like this.”

“You did great. You’re a natural.” I wonder if that will offend her.

“Drama class in eighth grade, I guess.”

I guide the car through unfamiliar streets, avoiding my usual routes through New Jersey. The close call with the cops has my nerves on edge.

First things first. I need a new car. We pick one up near Patterson, then I pull over at a park and take out one of the new burner phones. “I need to call Max. Do you need to use the restroom?”

She exits the car and heads to the public restroom. I’m not sure if she really needs it or recognizes that I want to speak to him in private.

“Max,” I say when he picks up.

“You got something?” Max’s response tells me he’s not alone and doesn’t want to give away who he’s talking to.

“Do you think Russo is pissed at Gino enough to help me?” I ask.

“Hard to say. Where’s the situation?”

“We’re in Jersey. Outside Patterson. Gino’s got ears everywhere.”

“Absolutely. Give me an update at seven.”

I check my watch. It’s a few minutes after two. “Will do.” I hang up the phone and debate whether I can call in a favor. Mickey Russo was loyal to my grandfather, but he and my father had a falling out. The only reason he isn’t dead is that Mickey is also close to Don Dominelli, who is as powerful as my father.

Mickey owes me a few favors including giving him a heads up the one time my father did try to take him out. Mickey's been out of active business for years, so he’s likely to be off my father’s radar. Mickey can’t hurt him or be of use to him.

But that doesn’t mean I can fully trust him. He might not be active, but he’s still family with people who are. And I can’t be sure my father’s web of informants doesn’t keep an eye on him or those in the family.

When Bella is back in the car, I start to drive, edging closer to New York. I wish I could return to my penthouse. I’d love to sleep in my own bed. Bella would look fantastic in it.

I give my head a shake. I can’t be thinking carnal thoughts at this time.

“Everything alright?” she asks.

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