Page 82 of Deadly Vows

“Before we get into the logistics of things, let me first apologize for the way things went with you and your driver. We thought you were your husband,” he says.

I lift my eyes, looking at him.

“And that’s supposed to make me feel better?” I ask.

My voice is a hoarse whisper.

“I’m Agent Jeffries. I work in a top-secret division of the US government, and for years we’ve kept the Pasquinos under careful watch, but with everything that’s been happening and thelack of stability within the family, we think it may be time to…change management,” he says.

“You mean kill my husband,” I say.

He gives me a tight smile but doesn’t confirm it.

“Men like your husband are smart. And if left unchecked for too long, it can become dangerous, even a threat to our own way of life. Your husband is beyond the minuscule crime bosses who run rampant through the streets. His level of importance spans even my level of clearance. And that’s a daunting fact to live with in my line of work,” he says.

“So what do you want from me?” I ask.

“We need a statement. And for you to testify against him in court,” he says.

I laugh, shoving his folder away.

“A statement? You do realize I would never make it to court. My husband is not someone to be messed with. But you already know that, which is why you tried to kill me thinking I was him,” I say.

“I’m sure he’s closing in on this place as we speak to get me back. You do realize he wouldn’t have let me leave if he didn’t know where he could find me, right?” I ask.

Agent Jeffries reaches into his pocket, pulling out the small implant Luca placed in me.

“We are well aware of the lengths he would go to keep you to himself. We had it removed and destroyed before you even left the car,” he says, smiling.

He’s proud of himself for doing the obvious.

“I’m not turning against my husband for you, Agent. You’re wasting your time,” I say firmly.

Not only would I never turn Luca in, but my brother is now a part of the family. I would never put their lives at risk.

“Your cousin was Arianna Anderson, correct?” he asks.

I don’t reveal my shock from him saying her name. I make sure I remain stoic as I answer.

“Yes,” I say.

“You know she’s the one who contacted us. She wanted to get you out of there safely. And she knew the only way was to get rid of your husband. All I want is to honor her last wish for you. We can offer you protection. And once we get him in custody, you won’t have to worry about him escaping ever again,” he says.

I laugh, looking up at the ceiling. There’s a camera in the corner, meaning even this man works for someone higher up. Someone who will probably watch this tape again for anything they can try to use against Luca.

“Did she also tell you to shoot my brother as well? For my sake?” I ask.

He doesn’t respond. He doesn’t have to. I know he’s lying about Ari’s wishes. By the time she recruited them, her anger was beyond her self-control. Her husband and entire family had been killed, and the last time she spoke to me, I wanted no part of it. She hated me to her core and everything that I represented. And while I still mourn for her life, I won’t forget that.

“I won’t help you,” I say.

His expression shifts as he tries to remain in control. He reaches for the folders on the desk, cleaning everything up before pushing the tray of food off the table.

“Then I’m afraid I have no use for you, Mrs. Pasquino.”

As he stands, the door on the far side of the room opens, and two men step in, rushing past Agent Jeffries to snatch me up and drag me from the room.

Chapter Thirty-Six

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