Page 88 of The Enforcer's Revenge
Brianna looked to Carina, who leaned in and whispered, “He’s asking about her glasses.”
It made sense because the Don had just handed them to her before he headed back upstairs. Nova hadn’t seen them yet.
Carmen let out a mirthless laugh and answered Nova in Italian, “Gli occhiali non mettono soldi nelle tasche della Borgata.”
Whatever she said must’ve angered him because Nova seemed to growl his response, “Vorrei poterlo uccidere di nuovo.”
Carmen placed her fingers on Nova’s lips, silencing him before he could say more.
Brianna looked to Carina, but Carina was silent rather than answer her unspoken question. So, Brianna held up her hands expectantly, giving her a look.
It must’ve communicated because Carina leaned in and whispered, “She said, ‘Glasses don’t put money in the Borgata’s pockets.’”
Brianna felt her stomach knot. “And what’d he say?”
“He said, ‘I wish I could kill him again.’”
“More news on the deadly fire in Brooklyn earlier today. The large estate that burned down was owned by Carmine Brambino. There are now five confirmed fatalities, but the identities of the victims haven’t been released. It is believed that Mr. Brambino was home at the time of the fire, but it is unknown whether there is a connection between the fire and Mr. Brambino’s ties to organized crime. Authorities have not ruled out arson. They are still on scene and actively investigating.”
It wasn’t a new report. It’d been looping for at least the past hour. They likely wouldn’t get more information until the evening news started.
Carmine Brambino’s sprawling mansion was now twelve thousand square feet of smoldering rubble, and it looked like their Don was buried underneath those fine Italian marble pillars and stained-glass windows.
They all assumed Carlo did it.
Brianna looked back to Carmen and Nova, who were still talking. Nova followed Carmen’s lead and spoke in softer, more secretive tones. Carmen kept her hand near his shoulder, as though ready to silence Nova if he confessed something else.
Brianna turned back to Carina for more translation since the two of them couldn’t be seen eavesdropping. They were still huddled in the largest basement bedroom, with the door cracked and the television playing.
What else was there for them to do?
Not like Tino was texting back.
“What’re they saying?”
“They’re speaking Spanish now.” Carina gave her a look. “Can’t you tell the difference?”
“I wasn’t paying attention.” Brianna’s shoulders slumped, and she leaned down, resting her arms against the bed. She laid her head in her hands because she was still so very tired. “Do you think it was the Brambinos who shot him?”
Brianna barely whispered the words, and Carina still looked at Nova and Carmen through the crack in the door with concern.
“I don’t know.” Carina sighed. “Maybe we should watch the Florida news.”
“Bad idea,” Brianna said quickly. “I shouldn’t have been asking questions, and we shouldn’t have even been listening. Forget you heard that part. Put it out of your memory. It never happened.”
“How often do you play that little game with yourself?” Carina asked darkly. “I know Tino tells you things.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Brianna lied because she did hearsomethings, like cutting bullets out of dead bodies. “But I do know it’s better that we don’t have details. Don’t watch the Florida news. It’ll be easier to play stupid that way.”
“I can’t do that.” Carina shook her head, looking furious as she opened her laptop on the bed, clearly intent on finding news from Florida. “I can’t be the dumb little woman at home pretending none of this is happening.”
“So, you’d rather be the reason your brothers go down when you accidentally say something to the Feds in questioning? Find out all the details then. What if the Feds check your laptop and see your search history? Make it easier for them. Good plan.”
Carina shut her laptop more forcefully than necessary, making a sound of disgust.
“Breaking news on the Brooklyn fire. We have received word from officials confirming that Carmine Brambino is one of the five fatalities. The other four names have not been released. Authorities haven’t said if they suspect foul play or if the fire was accidental, but we do know Mr. Brambino’s daughter, Lola Brambino, was tragically murdered?—”
Carina kept the remote pointed at the television after she shut it off. The two of them looked at the door. Brianna said a silent prayer, hoping Carmen was still hovering over Nova and didn’t hear, but it was too late.
