Page 60 of Revenge & Ruin

When I wake, the note remains, and nothing is amiss.

I go about my day as usual. New gym, new coffee shop. No one follows me. I return home that evening, and the note is still there, and my apartment hasn’t been touched.

My fingers twitch at the sight. With one stride, I snatch the note and tear it to pieces.

I don’t bother dressing up for the casino. My brother isn’t hosting a meeting, and I’m in no mood to stick around after and play poker bait.

So, when I push open the second staff-only door and make my way up to Leon’s office, I’m in jeans and a simple tee.

The surprise on his face is evident when he looks up from his desk after I knock on the door. “Issy! I barely recognized you.”

“The Guild has stopped following me around everywhere.”

Leon sighs as he stands up, his shirt stretching over his too-large pecks. “Hello sister. It’s good to see you again, too. I hope you had a nice time while I was away.”

I roll my eyes but go to embrace him anyway. “How was your business trip?”

“Lucrative,” he squeezes me once before stepping away. “The Californians agreed to a loan. We should have more than enough to arm and supply our men if war breaks out.”

“Right,” I bite my lip. “And that’s still the plan, then?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? It’s not like you’ve made any progress convincing him to back down.”

I shrug him off. “Like I said, I’ve not seen the Guild in days. You don’t think they’ve given up?”

He snorts. “More like a tactical retreat. I paid Vitale a visit the other day.”

I blink for a moment, my mouth going dry. “You saw him? What did he say?”

If Leon notices the note of desperation in my voice, he doesn’t show it. Instead, he opts to rub at his neck, wincing in pain as something clicks sharply.

“Sleep funny?”

He grimaces. “Something like that. I told Vitale to stop working on the casino, which riled him up a bit. He should be distracted by construction until we’re ready to strike.”

I stand a little taller. “I think you should give me one last chance.”

“How many last chances have I given you already?” he snaps back.

“I’m wearing him down, Leon. I know I am. At the bar the other day, he?—”

“The bar?” Leon glares at me. “You mean there was an incidentafterhe infiltrated my goddamn poker table?”

Damn it. “There was an opportunity, and I took it.”

Leon looks like he might hit something. “I am doing everything in my power to keep you safe, Issy. I can’t do that if you keep defying my orders.”

“I took the initiative.”

“You acted impulsively and without backup. That wasreckless.”

I glare at him, and he glares right back.

“Mom wouldn’t think so,” I retort.

This is undoubtedly the worst thing to say. His expression darkens, containing that dull anger that has existed within him for years. “She doesn’t value your life enough to care. Not as I do.”

“She is ourmother.”

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