Page 96 of Beneath Scarred Vows
I take a quick breath, composing myself before I open the door. Theo stands there, papers in hand, expression grim.
"You're drinking," he says, eyeing the half-empty bottle next to my chair.
I step aside. "Just tell me what you found."
Theo walks past me and grabs a glass. We sit down, and I pour him some. "She wasn't lying. George did buy the island," he says, handing over some papers.
I straighten in my chair. That cold feeling in my gut intensifies. "But?" I press, looking them over, because there's always a fucking but.
Theo nods his head. "He sold it. Five years later. And the Zervas family grew stronger right after."
I run my hand over my jaw, feeling the stubble there. My chest tightens as I process this. I'd been ready to hear she was completely wrong. That every word was bullshit, some fantasy she'd built to protect her childhood memories.
But this—this is worse.
"There's more," Theo says, pulling out a photo. It's old, yellowed at the corners. A younger George Zervas stands next to a man I assume is Katerina's father. Behind them, in the shadows of the frame, is a face I recognize all too well.
Our father.
"When was this taken?" I demand, grabbing the photo.
"About a year before the fire that killed Katerina's family. They were all connected, Ares. Not just business associates."
"Friends," I mutter. "Even I didn't know Dad knew Katerina's father."
"Look, maybe she was right about who he used to be," Theo continues, his voice neutral. "But the current version of him? He chose to stay. To fight. He's made the Zervas family stronger than ever while taking over our territory in Greece." He pauses, making sure I'm listening. "Whoever she knew died when he decided to embrace the don role. And with the intel we have, it's got to be him. The asshole needs to die."
I nod once.
"Thanks, Theo. I've got what I need."
Theo lingers, clearly wanting to say more. "Ares, about Katerina?—"
"We're done here." My tone is final.
Theo gets up and leaves. He knows I need space.
Once he's gone, I stare at the photo for a long time. Three men who probably thought they were untouchable. Now two are dead, and one is responsible.
I set the image down and call Dimitri.
"Brother, isn't it late there?" he asks.
"How sure are you?"
He's quiet for a moment.
"I know what going after him means. Total war. But from what I've gathered here, and what Theo's got—there's no other person. All signs point to him."
"So you choose war?"
"One hundred percent. I would have already put a bullet in his fucking head, but that's why you're the leader here. I'm the impulsive one."
"Okay. I have an idea. Theo and I will meet you in Kalamata within 48 hours. Stay put until then."
I don't wait for him to respond. I hang up and stand.
I finally know exactly what I'm going to do.
