Page 74 of Wicked Rivals

“Why would someone do this? Who would do something like that? I mean, the shooting is one thing. That's part of the life. But to go after a child? That's just evil. In its truest form.”

“I agree,” I said, observing her.

Now that I’d gotten this kind ofreaction from her, besides the way she handled the first part of our conversation, I didn't think she had anything to do with it. Her response seemed genuine, but if I didn’t confirm it without a shadow of a doubt, I would fail us all.

I couldn't trust my gut this time.

There was too much on the line.

Then Benedetta spun out of her pacing to face me.

“What was the threat?” she asked.

“Excuse me?”

“What do they want? You don't just threaten a child and his mother and actually attempt to go through with it without wanting something first. What do they want?”

I considered lying to her, giving her some unrelated response, so I could gauge her reaction to the lie, in case this was a ruse, and she was a more skilled actor than I imagined.

But in a few split seconds, I decided being blunt would give me the best reaction.

“They want me to call off the wedding.”

Her eyes widened again, joined by the faintest paling of her flawless skin.

“What? But why?”

Her confusion seemed entirely authentic, as far as I could tell, but that still wasn’t enough.

“I don't know. That's why I asked you to come here. I wanted to see what you thought. If maybe anyone came to mind when I told you, someone out there who doesn’t want us to get married.”

She shook her head, staring blankly across the room.

“No, I don't know. Everyone has shown nothing but excitement about the wedding. The few close friends I have. My family. Or what’s left of it anyway.”

“Think, Benedetta. Is there anyone in your orbit not wanting this to happen?”

“If you’re referring to anyone who might have a more intimate understanding of my family’s situation, Stefano, then no. Those who know about my father are happy to see I’ll be protected. The line of succession for my father's legacy is already perfectly clear.

“And honestly, most of them are thrilled to know that his death won't cause a blood feud over the new boss.”

“And the people who don’t know about your father?”

“The people who don't know about my father's illness are equally excited. Blending the families will make us one of the strongest, if not the strongest, crew in the city. Most likely in all of New York.”

Now she was only repeating back to me things I already knew, and that wouldn’t get us anywhere.

I gave her a curt nod.

“So you can't think of anyone.”

A statement, not a question.

“No, I can’t. I’ve not heard anyone expressing anger over the wedding. And certainly not disapproving enough to shoot a child. I don’t know anyone capable of such a thing.”

After that, Benedetta resumed pacing and pinching the bridge of her nose.

I had hinted as much as I could and gotten nowhere.

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