Page 14 of Promise Never

Her auburn eyes soften as she looks at the roses.“Alessandro is the only one who’s ever been loyal in this family. He’s endureda lot.”

It’s beyond evident she loves him more.

Carrying her focus back to me, she delays a momentbefore saying, “I understand what Ales is doing. It is now my task as well.Your sister suffered at the hands of Luca. So, we will fulfill your wishes. Iknow it cannot bring your sister back, but that was the way of my family beforeI became aFattore. I taught it to my sons. Sadly,only one kept those values.” She picks up her fork to return to eating.

A bitter feeling falls over me. “What about the otherfamilies that have suffered because of your murderous son? I’m sure he hasquite the track record. You think your handouts will fix it?”

Her body goes stiff, and she looks at the foodwith remorse on her face.

“I don’t want anything from you,” I add harshly.“As soon as Alessandro returns, I’m leaving. And hopefully, I’ll never see aFattoreor hear that name again for the rest of my life.”The chair grates on the stone when I push it back and rise. “Thanks forbreakfast, Signora.”

I march through the opened French doors and makemy way back to the guesthouse.

Alessandro had better return with news of Zeno’sdemise. If not, I’ll look for him myself. I cannot spend another night inFattore’sclutch. I refuse.

“Ugh!” I grab my duffel bag from the bedroom andcarry it to the living area, deciding to wait there until the man returns.

I plop down on the sofa, becoming fidgety by thesecond as I watch the courtyard through the window.

Releasing a long exhale, I wipe my face with thepalm of my hand and peer down at my bag. Trinity’s journal pops into my head.

It was the only thing among her possessions that Itook from our apartment, donating the rest.

I haven’t read it. I was too caught up withrevenge to do anything else.

Luca’s dead, and I have nothing left, so perhaps Ishould start now.

Drawing for strength, I open the duffel bag andpull the journal out, reading my sister’s private words.

6

After Vito’s betrayal, my mother had hisbelongings removed from our house and burned.

Thankfully, the man’s boat is still at the marinain San Leone.

I sweep the shabby vessel withRuniand other guards until locating a safety box hidden below the deck.

Relief washes over me when I come across a photoof Zeno as an adult. The image might be a couple of years ago before he went toprison. But I’m sure he hasn’t changed much.

The next option would have been to drag Tianaaround Sicily, describingCostantinito everyone Iquestion. That is risky, and in honor of her dead sister, I want to keep herfrom danger.

None of the staff at Café Rosa have any informationabout Zeno other than he had lunch with Tiana two days ago. One described thecar he’d left in but can’t recall the license plate.

I have my connection in Messina continue thesearch in that city while I focus on Agrigento. Something tells me Zeno’s hidingspot is close.

My hunt isn’t going well, though.Fattoredoesn’t carry much weight in Agrigento, so even ifsomeone has seen the bastard, they’ll deny it to avoid any involvement. If itwere Martelli, they’d give up information fast out of fear for their lives.

Cazzo. Myfamily barely has any respect here.

I conclude the search by evening and head home.I’m sure Tiana will be upset. However, it is not easy to locate killers whenthey’re good at being stealthy.

My driver continues into the garage once I exitthe SUV in the courtyard. I tread to the guesthouse, nodding to the guardoutside.

Tiana straightens from the sofa when I enter, eyesred as if she’s been crying. She’s clutching a dark purple book in her hand.

“Well?” she presses, voice hoarse. “Did you findZeno?”

I shake my head. “I’ve had no luck with mysearch.”

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