Page 70 of Deadly Target
Love?She had to keep her jaw from dropping. Was he serious? “You have a funny way of showing that you love me.”
“You wouldn’t listen to me any other way.”
Oh my god. “You shot my father! I may not like the guy, but you’re the one preaching forgiveness, and I have to admit, I don’t want him dead!”
“It was a warning shot, I didn’t hit him. I put him in your trunk. He’s fine.”
Was that true? How could she believe anything he told her? “You swear you didn’t hurt him? He’s alive?”
“If I’d shot him, he would be dead, Olivia. Like I told you before, hitmen—at least those of us worth our salt—don’t miss. Why would I kill your dad when I’m trying to build a relationship with you?” He leaned forward, his dark eyes searching hers. “Unless you ever do want me to off him. Whatever you want, doll. I mean it. I’m ready to give you the world, Olivia, and help put your demons to rest.”
“The only demon I have at the moment is you.”
“You want to know who killed your brother, don’t you?”
Everything in her went still. “You told me you didn’t know who killed Dezi.”
“The time wasn’t right, but now it is. It’s time you know everything.”
Her vision swam again, and Mother Mary, it was so hot in here. Sweat beaded on the back of her neck, running down her spine. She felt like throwing up. “Just tell me.”
“You’re not going to like it.”
If she could’ve come out of the chair and went across the table to grab him by the throat, she would have. “Stop dicking me around.”
“When Dez came out here, he was working for your father.”
“I already know that.”
“He was here scouting for the Chicago mob, and doing a little drug dealing on the side to line his own pockets. You’re a smart girl, so I’m guessing you can figure out who one of his main buyers was.”
Dez, drugs.
A lump formed in her throat, the connections firing off in her brain despite the pounding. “Tracee,” she croaked.
Alfie looked pleased. “And what do you think Victor did when he finally tracked down his fiancée’s supplier?”
She felt the burn of tears behind her eyes. “He’d have him arrested.”
The flash of car lights splayed across the room. Alfie didn’t take his eyes off her. “Hate to break it to you, Liv, but the man who killed your brother is the same one you’ve been sleeping with.”
“That’s not true.”
Alfie gave her a sad look before he picked up the gun resting on the table and headed for the front door.
* * *
“You cannot go in there,”Felix said.
Roman joined in, both giving Victor an earful in stereo. “He’ll kill you.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” All he wanted to do was kick the men out of the car and get to Olivia. “I know what I’m doing.”
He’d driven past the house, saw the lights on. Now he was parked a block behind his house in order to let them out, so they could cross his neighbor’s yard and into his while he went in the front. “I’m wired so you know what’s happening, and I’ll keep him focused on me while you two sneak in the back.” Roman had his key. “Felix, you cover Olivia and get her out as soon as I distract Barone. Roman, you get the girl.”
“And who is going to cover you?” Roman asked.
“I can handle Alfie,” Victor assured him.
