Page 111 of The Lieutenant

“It’s not a movie. It’s a biopic where the people involved are on the screen. They talk about their lives and there’s a narrator and some photographs. You know. That kind of thing.”

“But mafia? You know how I feel about the subject. What possessed you to put yourself in so much danger?”

“You know why, Dad. Because no one ever solved my mother’s murder. That’s why.”

“What did you hope to gain in doing this? You could have gotten yourself killed.”

Huffing, I took another gulp to keep my mouth busy and not spouting off what I wanted to say to the man. “I was careful, but it was something I needed to do.”

His sigh was heavy just like my heart felt. “I wish you’d mentioned the subject matter to me first.”

“You would have just tried to talk me out of doing the project.”

“There are several ongoing investigations regarding the New York and Chicago mafias. DEA. ATF. CIA. You name it.”

And he was likely behind pushing the investigations into fruition.

“I know that, Dad. I did my research. You know how thorough I am.”

“I know you are, Kara, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry.”

“Well, I’m home in New York now working with HBO. I’ll be busy pretty much every day with no time for travel or any other investigations at this point. So stop worrying.”

He didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “I know you miss your mother. I do too. I long to find out exactly what happened, but that’s not in the cards. Not after all this time. She’d be alive if I hadn’t interfered in something I had no right to do. I don’t want that for you.”

His guilt would be the death of him. “What happened wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything.”

“But I did. Don’t be like me, Kara. Live your life. Find a man who will treat you as you deserve to be treated. Have a family. I’m not suggesting you eliminate a career, but do something that doesn’t put you in harm’s way.”

I almost blurted out I’d found someone I cared about, but what was the point? “Maybe in the future, Dad. Why don’t you consider coming to New York for a visit.”

The answer was always the same. “I’ll do that.”

Which meant I’d ask him again in a year. “I love you, Dad, and stop worrying. Okay?”

“I’ll try. Just remember what I said. Life is too short to miss out on the things that make you the happiest.”

I opened my mouth to retort, insisting my work made me the happiest. But I wasn’t in the mood to tell a lie. “Okay, Daddy. Talk soon.”

With the call ended, I tossed my phone on the coffee table, immediately bringing the wine to my lips. In my near meltdown by the toilet, I’d forgotten to take any Tylenol. Maybe the wine would help.

I closed my eyes briefly, controlling my breathing. My father was hardheaded, which was where I’d learned it.

A few seconds later, the inner voice prompted me I had something cooking. Groaning, I eased off the couch, grabbing another sip of wine before placing just so on the table for my return. I’d accidentally left the bathroom light on so when I walked closer, I didn’t need to bend down to have my answer. But as soon as I did, I picked it up, bringing the stick closer to my face.

No. There was no way. No godforsaken way on this earth.

How was this even possible? A horrible sounding laugh bubbled to the surface. I knew how, but I couldn’t believe my luck was this bad. A moment of utter panic set in. I had no idea what to think, but at this point it didn’t matter for shit.

What in God’s name was I supposed to do now?

CHAPTER 32

Two days later

Havros

“Good job, gentlemen. The stock is soaring again,” Dimitrios said from his perch at the head of the conference room table.

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