Page 105 of Highball and Chain

“We aren’t,” Marco and I said in unison.

Shanna sat back, met my gaze, and motioned in Nico’s direction. The slight lift of her brow turned the gesture into a question.

Not seeing any harm in including Nico in the conversation, I nodded.

Shanna turned to the other woman. “Do you know what business Sophia Abruzzo would have with the mayor of New Orleans?”

Nico shook her head. “No, why?”

She drew a deep breath and typed something into the computer. Another media player window popped up.

We watched the screen as footage played of Ms. Abruzzo and Mayor Carter exchanging envelopes—a payoff if ever I’d seen one.

Marco made a sour face. “That dude is twice her age.”

Leave it to Marco to focus on the alleged sex between our enemy and the mayor. I pinched the bridge of my nose. “That dude runs this city and has his fingers in the pie of any organized crime that happens in the parish.”

Shanna’s shoulders slumped.

“Whatever she’s doing here, it isn’t good.” Nico turned to me. “Maybe now you’ll believe I didn’t have anything to do with sabotaging your soup or vandalizing your restaurant?”

Marco cursed under his breath.

“Thanks for your help.” Shanna closed the windows and unplugged the watch. “I’m sure you three have a lot to discuss. It’s late. I’m going to bed.”

“You should stay. This involves you, too.” I reached for her, but she sidestepped me.

“Call Gabe or your mother or the pope, I don’t care. All I want is for this to end.” She walked out and closed the door behind her.

“Bro, I don’t know what you did or what you said, but I’m not sure I’d want to sleep next to her tonight.” Marco moved his middle and index fingers like a pair of scissors.

Wincing on behalf of my balls, I turned to follow Shanna. “I should go after her.”

“Enzo, don’t.” Nico stepped in front of me. “She doesn’t strike me as the type of woman who enjoys being cornered.”

“No one likes being cornered.” I moved around her.

“Did you finally tell her about the engagement?”

Balling my hands at my sides, I mentally counted to ten. “Maggie told her.”

Marco made a strangled sound. “No wonder Shanna was shooting daggers at you.”

“She’s rightfully upset and needs some time alone. You’d be wise to give it to her.” Nico seated herself in a leather winged back chair facing the desk. “Besides, we have things to discuss.”

Marco motioned to the computer. “Like why Sophia Abruzzo is cozying up to the mayor. Last I checked, Pops pays him a small fortune to keep the local cops off our backs.”

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