Page 30 of Mistletoe in the Mafia

Josh blinks. “Who?”

“The one you sent to give me the case files earlier this morning,” I clarify.

“You mean Kenny? Dude, no one calls him Kenneth.”

“I’ll call him whatever I want to. Tell me about him.”

“Like what? He’s a senior agent in the team, a hard worker, overall nice guy. There’s not much to tell.”

“What’s his relationship with Madelyn?” I question.

Joshua grins, “Oh I see. She’s the reason why you’re so interested in Kenny.”

“She took off with him for lunch.”

That has him furrowing his eyebrows. “Seriously? Maddie went out for lunch? She never does that. She acts all friendly and smiley, but she’s kind of a recluse to be honest. She keeps to herself a lot. Kenny’s one of the few people she talks to frequently.”

My fists clench. “Why?”

“Because they’re friends? I don’t know, man.” He pauses. “I do know Kenny’s got a crush on her, but I don’t think Madelyn has any feelings for him. Pretty sure she’s turned him down every time he’s asked her out.”

“I see,” I murmur, turning over the information I’ve just learned.

Joshua’s expression turns worried, “Hey, you’re not going to do anything to Kenny, are you?’

“What makes you ask that?”

“Because I know you. He’s a good man, alright. Don’t hurt him.”

I don’t say anything. Truth is, I’m already thinking of ways to make sure Kenneth never goes near her again. Unfortunately, short of murdering him, there’s no fool-proof plan to ensure I succeed on that.

Joshua realizes I’m not going to say anything else and moves on to another topic.

“Queens wants us to have dinner together tonight.”

“Have fun,” I tell him.

“Come on, man. It’s not like you have any plans. Just have dinner with us.”

“I do have plans,” I correct. “To have dinner in my home.”

“Then we can come over to your place,” he suggests with a grin.

“Not a chance, Benson.”

“You’re not seriously still holding a grudge after what happened the last time we were at your place, are you?”

“You spilled coffee onto my couch and then thought it was funny to spread it,” I say, annoyed as I recall the memory. “I had to get rid of that couch.”

Josh groans. “Holding grudges is bad for your health, Dom.”

“If I agree to dinner with you guys, will you let me finish the rest of my meal in silence?”

“Of course. We can head over to Queens’ place together after work,” he says triumphantly.

I nod once before focusing on my meal. I consider going to see Madelyn once she returns from lunch, but I think she’s had enough for the day. We’ve got time.

She’ll eventually come to understand just how dire the situation she’s found herself in is.

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