Page 124 of Absinthe Minded

The blood whooshing behind my ears made it difficult to hear the rest of what he had to say, but I caught enough of it to understand Papa Joe was right. My sister was murdered.

Leaning in, Gabe put his face in my line of vision. “Breathe, sweetheart.”

I blew out a sigh. “I’m okay. I mean…I think I’ve always known. When will you make an arrest?”

Wayne glanced at Gabe, likely for back up.

“These things take time. For now, know that you and the kids are safe, and we will make the guy pay.”

The darkness in his expression sent a shiver down my spine. “I believe you.”

The detective stood. “Maggie, are you planning to go back to work? We miss you at the bar.”

“No more bar work for her.” Gabe gave my shoulder a little shake.

I started to argue but bit my tongue. I had plenty of other things to keep me busy. Besides, being on my feet for hours on end while pregnant would suck.

The detective rubbed his jaw. “Out of curiosity, how did you get out of the cuffs?”

“I practiced on a cheap pair as research for my latest novel. You’d be surprised what you can learn on the internet.”

Wayne chuckled. “You should finish the series. The first books are fantastic.”

“That’s the plan. After my ordeal, I’m full of ideas.”

“Can’t wait to read them.” He pantomimed taking off a hat. “Now that the professional part of the visit is over, can I give you a hug?”

To my surprise, Gabe moved over so I could stand.

The detective wrapped me in his enormous arms and whispered, “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Me, too.”

Gabe walked with Wayne to the door.

I glanced around the room and realized he’d been right when he’d said we’d need a larger house. Part of me hated to give up another piece of Rebecca, but we all deserved a fresh start.

Gabe sat beside me. “Are you all right?”

“Yes and no. I’m glad they are looking into Joe and Rebecca’s deaths, but I’m not looking forward to opening old wounds.”

“Maybe getting justice for them will help everyone heal.”

“Maybe.” I couldn’t shake the feeling he knew more than he’d let on. “This has to do with the mafia, doesn’t it?”

He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. “Yes.”

Hearing him admit it out loud scared the ever-loving hell out of me. “You’re getting out, right?”

“Yes. I told my father and brothers the day I picked you up from the hospital. It may take longer than I like, but we will go legit as soon and as safely as possible.”

“And you’ll tell me what you can about the process?”

He took my hand and pressed my palm over his heart. “I’ll tell you as much as I can. I swear it on our unborn baby’s life.”

“I trust you.” I hated to bring up yet another serious topic, but it’d been bothering me for weeks. “Do you think Chantal got pregnant on purpose?”

“Did I forget to mention it when I told you about my conversation with her at the gala?”

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