Page 114 of Dangerous Rhythm

“Thanks, Kate,” Lina said.

“Tony and Sofia already secured a lot in the clean businesses they owned,” Ken said. “With Connor and Sofia’s union, they’ll probably do well. There’s always a chance of their past life catching up with them, but maybe they can turn a new leaf. They’re pretty crafty people.”

“Agreed.” Lina nodded.

“So am I safe? Can I stop hiding?” Curtis asked.

“I wouldn’t have let Serafina walk if you weren’t.” Marcus looked at Curtis and Lina. “We have enough on tape to show to Detective Durham to get her picked up on attempted murder.”

“Then we’ll risk another issue with Tony. They asked to deal with her internally. I think it’s in Curtis’ best interest to let them do that.” Lina turned to Curtis. “What do you think, Curtis?”

“I think I trust Tony to honor his promise. He might’ve tried to intimidate me at first, but I feel he meant what he said,” Curtis agreed. “It’d probably be easier to control Serafina outside of prison. Can you imagine Serafina surrounded by more criminals she could manipulate? She’d be a queen in there.”

“That’s an interesting theory.” Kate eyed Curtis with new regard. “And quite plausible.”

“True. I think Serafina belongs in jail and not spending her golden years sipping an Aperol spritz on a beach somewhere in Italy, but it might be the safer solution,” Lina said.

“I wouldn’t bet on Serafina spending peaceful days by the beach. She still has a lot of enemies and the police, and the feds are trying to nail her for one thing or another,” Ken said.“Without the protection of her power, money, and people, she’ll be lucky if she gets out of New York alive.”

Curtis shuddered at the possibility of that outcome.

Did I do that to her?

“Hey, don’t take that on yourself.” Lina cupped his face in her uninjured hand. “Serafina laid the path she has to walk now. You have nothing to do with it. Do you hear me?”

He looked at her and knew she understood. Lina knew a lot about taking on displaced guilt.

“Why don’t you two go home?” Marcus suggested. “It’s been a crazy three weeks for you both. I’d take it easy for a little longer. Stay low—not hiding, but low profile—until we can confirm all is good.”

“Ready to go home?” Lina asked Curtis.

“Oh, man, I am.” But before they left, he turned to Marcus, Ken, and Kate. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. I couldn’t have survived this without your help. I owe you my life and my family’s safety.”

“You’re a part of the family now, Curtis.” Marcus cocked his chin at Lina as he shook Curtis’ hand. “We take care of our own. You better take care of her or you’ll find out what else we’re capable of.”

“God.” Lina rolled her eyes.

Curtis laughed. “Oh, believe me. I know.”

He looked at the love of his life and held out his hand to her. “Wanna get out of here? I’m dying for some pizza.”

Lina took his hand, and they headed out the door. “There’s a great place near my apartment.”

“Hey, since we’re already down here, why don’t we go to my pizza place, then can we check on my apartment?” he asked.

“They already can’t agree on pizza.” Kate giggled behind them.

“Which part of lying low didn’t you guys understand?” Marcus muttered.

Curtis put an arm around Lina’s shoulder and whispered in her ear, “Let’s pick up the pizza, then I’ll go down low on you for as long as you want.”

“Jeezus, Curtis.” Lina blushed and hurried them out.

forty-four

New York City—A gorgeous spring morning two months later

Curtis watched other patrons checking out pastries while waiting for his coffee order to be called. It was still early enough on a Sunday morning that the café wasn’t that busy.

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