Page 13 of Dirty Deeds

“Vincenzo Scotto?”

Curious to see where this goes, I nod.

“Call me Enzo.”

“I’m Finley Banks. I’m an attorney, and I work with David Schwartz. Parrish and your father asked for me to come see you and figure out what’s going on.”

The tension in my shoulders eases slightly and I lean back against the chair.

“They arrested you on first degree assault charges, and from the looks of your hands and the spot of blood on your shirt, it seems to me they might have a case. So, tell me what happened.”

I lower my head, my eyes connecting with the spot of blood she referenced. It’s the first time I’m seeing it.

Fuck.

Strike two for Scotto.

One more and I’m out.

Sighing, my gaze cuts back to Finley and I offer her a shrug.

“My stepbrother owns a boxing gym. I guess I went a little too hard on the heavy bag.”

“And your shirt?”

“I nicked myself shaving.”

I don’t know if she’s buying my bullshit, but she remains impassive.

“Whatever you tell me must remain strictly confidential. Protected by attorney client privilege. You’re going to go in front of the judge in the next forty-eight hours. We’re going to face whatever these charges are, and it’s helpful to know what we’re up against so we can get in front of it.”

Jesus Christ. I lift my joined hands and press my palms to my closed eyes. If I had a sharp object, I’d gauge them out. At least then I wouldn’t be forced to talk.

Talking wouldn’t be a problem if I knew how much to say and where to start. Do I tell her about the shit with Frankie’s House and that I went looking for Danica after I found out? Is that information even relevant?

I peel my hands away from my face and sigh.

“Brent Matthews donates to my father’s charity. He was having a fundraiser tonight in Staten Island. I thought I’d show my support.”

She quirks an eyebrow.

“Dressed like that?”

I shrug.

“I wasn’t aware of a dress code until I arrived at the place. That’s why I didn’t go in. I was about to leave when I saw Danica, Brent’s ex-wife, step outside. She and I are…we’re acquainted.”

There’s a little bit of truth there. Finley doesn’t need to know I fucked Danica senseless or that she disappeared from my bed. That has nothing to do with what happened tonight.

Finley purses her lips, clearly skeptical.

“Acquainted?”

“It’s not like that between us.”Not anymore.“Look when she walked outside, she was with Matthews. They were arguing and when they left, I suspected something bad might happen. I followed her to make sure she was safe. They came out here to Brighton Beach. She confronted him, they started yelling at each other, then he grabbed her.”

I pause, recalling the rage that filled me when I saw his fingers wrap around her neck. It was fleeting, and I assessed her for any bruising, but if I hadn’t been there, he could’ve seriously fucking hurt her. Hell, he could’ve fucking killed her.

I shake my head, bringing my focus back to Finley.

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