Page 120 of Married With Malice

“Luca. Damn, it’s good to hear your voice. How’s it going?”

When it comes to Richie Amato, no question is ever innocent. It’s best to sort out your answers with caution.

“Can’t complain. There’s a stretch of mild weather here so we’re kicking back and enjoying it.” I’m very mindful of the fact that this is not the information he’s seeking.

“Ah, nice place your brother’s got. You and Anni left the resort to stay at the ranch, right?”

I didn’t tell him that. Didn’t feel the need. “Yeah, we decided to stick close by to help out.”

“I gave Asher Wingate a call yesterday and was surprised to hear the baby had already arrived.”

Sadie’s father isn’t very involved in her life but it makes sense that she’d still share Margaret’s birth with her family.

“Anyway,” says Richie. “I thought for sure I’d hear the news from you.”

“It’s been busy around here,” I say. “I haven’t really been in touch with anyone.”

“Right. Glad to hear that the child is healthy. My congratulations to the new parents. I’ll drink a toast that the next one is a boy.”

I want to reach through the phone and smash his fucking vocal cords.

“You do that, Richie.”

“And I met Albie for dinner last night. He’s heard enough from Annalisa’s sisters to know that you are keeping up your end of the bargain and making her happy.”

“She makes me happy too.” The only honest words I’ll say to him.

“That’s great. Albie’s sending his plane out to bring you both home tomorrow. I’m sure the vacation was fun but it’s time to get back to work. We’ve missed you, kid. There’s plenty to catch up on.”

“I’m counting on it,” I say. “So I guess I’ll be seeing you soon.”

He chuckles. “Sounds like spending some time with your brother really did you some good. That’s a relief. You owe me for this.”

And there it is. The unspoken threat.Cooperate or else…

“Thanks for thinking of me, Uncle Richie.”

Bad idea. The sarcasm is too heavy. He’s evil but he’s not an idiot.

“Sure,” he replies breezily. “Hey, do me a favor and send your Aunt Donna some pictures of the baby. She’s been driving me crazy. If I can’t get her calmed down we might need to fly out there to see the kid for ourselves.”

“Will do,” I reply while grinding my teeth.

Richie Amato is not getting within a hundred miles of Cale’s baby girl.

“Take care,” he says. “You and Annalisa both.”

He clicks off first and I listen to the broken connection for a moment before shutting my phone off and stuffing it into my pocket.

The scene in front of me is idyllic. A pair of horses are being trotted around their paddock by some of the sanctuary’s volunteers. There’s still a carpet of snow on the ground but it’s rapidly disappearing under the winter sun.

Behind me, the front door creaks open and Anni steps out to join me. She sees my face and sighs.

“We have to go back now, don’t we?”

I pull her into my arms. “We leave tomorrow.”

She hugs me tight and I rest my chin on top of her head while stroking her hair.

---