Page 122 of Empire of Temptation

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Luca

Ishould lie.

She was asking questions I didn’t wish to answer and the words of denial burned my tongue. I couldn’t look at her. I focused on Segreto, promising retribution with every breath.

“He can’t even say it,” Segreto said, his mouth curving into a satisfied smile. “He knows and would rather lie to you, figlia.”

“Fuck. Off,” I growled. I wished we could have this conversation privately, in my own language, because I had all the words needed to threaten Segreto into silence.

“Luca, give me a straight answer.” Valentina tugged on my arm. “Just shut him up by telling the truth.”

“She will find out regardless,” Segreto said to me. “Do you honestly think you can keep it a secret forever?”

Maybe not, but I’d hoped to keep Valentina ignorant of everything happening with Rossi and Palmieri. “You know nothing, old man.”

“I know the don of a powerful family does not come across theocean, put himself and his family at risk, for a simple reason. I know the ’Ndrangheta wants me dead and they have tasked you to bring me back. So why did you agree, Don Benetti?”

I didn’t owe him explanations. My reasons were my own. But was Segreto trying to convince me he was blameless? “You killed Palmieri’s daughter two years ago. Did you believe this would go unpunished? That he wouldn’t seek retribution? If so, then you are a fool.”

Segreto froze, his mouth parting slightly. I could see him thinking, but Valentina jumped into the silence. “You killed someone’s daughter? That’s terrible. How could you? Especially when you have a daughter of your own!”

Segreto still hadn’t moved. “When did this supposed murder take place?”

“Two years ago.”

“When my mom wasdying?” Valentina asked her father. “You said you were here, taking care of her.”

“I swear that I haven’t left New York since I arrived, figlia mia. And I wouldn’t have left your mother’s side for anything in the world during her last months on earth.”

“Look, someone is lying.” Her head swiveled between the two of us. “Who is this Palmieri person and what does he have to do with you, Luca?”

It was Segreto who answered. “He’s one of the top officers at the Guardia di Finanza. They oversee financial crimes in Italia, including policing the ’Ndrangheta and Cosa Nostra.”

“Wait. Luca, are you in trouble?” she asked. “Is this about, like, money laundering?”

“Amore, why don’t you go with my brother and I’ll explain later? I need to speak to your father alone.”

She took a step back, putting distance between us. “I want to hear whatever it is you need to discuss. Because it sounds like it involves me.”

I didn’t want to do this. I much preferred speaking to Segreto alone.

Looking over my shoulder, I tiled my chin at my brother. He immediately stepped forward. “Val, why don’t you come with me back to the mansion.”

Segreto was on his feet, his gun pointed at me. “Touch her and Benetti dies.”

Valentina dragged her hands through her hair. “Everyone calm down! Luca, I want to know why you came to New York.”

There was no avoiding it now. I went to the table and sat down across from Segreto. Ignoring Valentina for now, I said to the other man, “Rossi approached me. He said Palmieri learned you were responsible for the car bombing that claimed the life of his daughter. He wanted you found and brought back.”

Segreto put his hand on his heart and began talking in our language. “In the silence of the night, under the light of the stars and under the splendor of the moon, I swear on my life. On our holy chain, on the holy society from which we all came, I did not kill that man’s daughter.”

It was a serious promise using parts of the oath we recited when inducted.

I believed him.

“What are you saying?” Valentina asked, her voice rising. “Speak in English, please.”

---