Page 6 of The Killer Who Kept Me

“Who’d do this? It’s insanely stupid—not to mention, a death sentence.” Cosmo cocked his head. “But you’re saying that if this stranger hadn’t been there, you’d be dead.”

“Pretty sure that’s how it would have happened,” I agreed.

“So whoever did do this knew they’d come out on top. They didn’t have fear of retaliation. And none of the guys lived, so it’s not like we can ask.” Cosmo sighed.

“I made sure everything on them was taken. I have people sorting through their phones and wallets. That’s actually not my immediate concern, though.”

“How is that not the main worry? Marco is dead, Benny shot, and someone wants to put you down completely.” Cosmo’s face was red. He was always one to enact revenge immediately.

“That guy, Em, is out there. He stopped this and if whoever ordered it finds out, they’ll go after him.”

“What?” Cosmo laughed. “You’re worried about a stranger?”

“Cos,” Benny whispered.

“No, hold on. Someone is out there who tried to kill you, who will have to keep trying because if you figure it out before they take you out, they know they’re fucked, and you’re worried about some impulsive nobody who ran away?”

“Yes,” I growled. “It’s because of him you aren’t burying three of us. He put his neck on the line without question, and I feel obligated to protect him for his unknown loyalty.”

Cosmo stared at me for a couple of seconds, sighed, then hung his head. “You’re the boss. What do you know that might help me find him?”

“He’s about five nine, brown hair and eyes, goes by the name of Em.”

Cosmo’s mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out for a beat. “That’s it? How the fuck am I supposed to work with that?”

“Fernando.” Benny flinched when he tried to sit up, and Paulo helped him. “He has security cameras surrounding The Sky. Maybe they’ll help.”

I patted Benny’s foot. “Even shot, you’re using your brain.”

“He deletes them after twenty-four hours. He told me once, ‘With Saros around, I know the cops will ask me for something eventually, so I don’t want to be involved.’”

“Well, Cos.” I looked at my watch. “It hasn’t been twenty-four hours yet—maybe go give him a call.”

Cosmo furrowed his brow but left the room to do just that.

“He’s an ass,” I said to Benny.

“He worries. You’re more than just his boss, you know that.”

I scratched my chin, bristles tickling my fingers. “Speaking of, Dafni called Gina. She’s on her way over to tell her about Marco. I’m gonna go upstairs. I need Gina to know we’ll take care of her and her boys.”

“He’s going to be okay, Mr. Tancredi,” Paulo informed me. “I’m going to give him something for the pain and to help him sleep. He’ll need to take it easy for a few days.”

I pointed to Benny. “You’re off for the week.” I made to leave.

“Someone is trying to kill you, I can’t take a week.”

I shrugged. “I’m the boss. You do as I say, or a week becomes a month.”

I chuckled as I walked out, listening to Benny’s grumbling. I sobered up as soon as I reached the main floor and heard Dafni and Gina talking in the living room. I held back while Dafni explained what had happened. Gina didn’t wail and scream like so many Hollywood mafia wives do on TV. She knew the life Marco was in.

She did cry, though—quiet sobs, and I listened as Dafni comforted her. After a few minutes, I stepped into the room. Both women turned to me.

Gina stood, and I went directly to the woman and hugged her. She sniffled.

“I’m so sorry, Gina.”

“I know, Saros. He loved you like a brother; he didn’t see this as a job.” We sat, her hands clutched in mine. “He was a good man.”

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