Page 81 of The Lieutenant

Frustrated, I raked my hands through my hair. “He’d been a direct opponent of the Cosa Nostra while serving his time. That’s what I called it anyway. Everyone knew he’d ruffled a few feathers during his tenure. He had the ear of the president of the Italian Republic. They were buddies. I can’t tell you how many times we were invited to the man’s house for dinner the years we were there. I was just twelve at the time, almost thirteen. I wasn’t really told much, but I had eyes and ears.”

“Go on,” he encouraged as he reached for his drink.

I suddenly needed the alcohol more than he did. After he took a sip, I took two long strides forward, grabbing the glass from his hand. After I downed the entire amount, I set the glass down with a little too much force. His eyes sparked again, but his emotions were all over the place.

Anger.

Irritation.

Concern.

I wasn’t certain if all were centered around me.

Havros promptly got up, moving to the cabinet and pulling out a second glass. After filling both, he pushed one to the opposite side of the island. “Sit. You need to stay off your feet.”

“I’m not an invalid, Havros. Yes, what happened tonight was terrifying, but I lived through it. Thankfully, so did you.” Still, I did sit this time, my legs feeling wobbly. “The president was encouraging the various districts to round up syndicate leaders and their soldiers. From what I remember, that started happening. During one press conference, my father was by his side. I know that because we were there with him, standing right by his side, told to support both men. I was pretty clueless, but the day my mother was murdered, my father changed. He was not the man I’d grown up with.”

“I can imagine.”

“I bet you can,” I said brusquely and threw out my hand. “I’m sorry. This is all just upsetting.”

“Of course. No one stepped up to take the credit for the murder?”

“Not that I know of. We remained in Italy for a couple weeks while Dad sorted through the mess. I was totally shut out by then so I can’t be certain of the details. My mother’s body was eventually flown back to the States, my dad quitting his job. I never heard anything after that about the investigation, but I don’t believe justice was ever served. My dad? He turned into a shell of himself. When he was offered the job with the US Marshal Service, everyone who knew him was shocked he took it. But here we are today. I don’t know my dad any longer. He was there, but not there. You understand?”

“Yes, I do. I don’t like what happened to you. No child should be forced to grow up without their mother.”

“No, but that was my life. If you’re asking me why I took on this endeavor, one of the reasons was to expose the people responsible. But I couldn’t drop into Italy without having solid credentials that would offer me a ticket.”

“A ticket. You’re playing with fire. I’m certain you’re aware of that.”

“What do I care? My mother died because my father was such a good man. I admire that in him, but she’s dead. Nothing can bring her back. I just wanted to end the nightmare.”

“Do you have connections within the Cosa Nostra?”

“Are you kidding me? No, but my agent managed to contact one group. I know all about the five families much like those in New York a couple decades ago. I know they all stick together in some ways, but if I can find out anything, maybe I can bring new light on her murder.”

His jaw was clenched. “I’m afraid I can’t allow you to do that.”

“You can’t?” I guffawed. “You don’t have a say in the matter. You’re not my keeper.”

“Perhaps not, but I am the only man who can keep you alive. It’s entirely possible the hit tonight was about you, not me.”

“Tell me what is going on. You’re also concerned you have an enemy bearing down on you. Don’t you? The article. The murder they’re trying to frame you for. Something much bigger is happening in your world. Isn’t it?”

His crooked smile was unnerving. “Yes, my sweet kitten. It would seem our worlds are more intertwined than you once believed. But we want the same thing. Justice.”

I thought about what he’d said and nodded, thinking about what Willow had suggested. “Then maybe we can help each other.”

He cocked his head. “I’m listening.”

“My agent finally managed to secure a meeting with the Sicilians. I don’t know how much they’re going to give me on their operations, but we could work together. Somehow. My gut tells me this has to do with the Italians. Am I right?”

The expression on his face remained blank. “Perhaps, but I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

“Why? Because I’m a woman or because you have no clue how to give up any of that precious control you hold so dear to your heart?”

He softened, his body untensing to a degree. “Honestly? Maybe a little of both.”

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