Page 106 of Highball and Chain

Shanna

Before I’d appliedfor the job as Alex’s assistant, I’d spent hours watching YouTube videos on how to ace a job interview. The majority of them included appropriate answers to the question, “What is your greatest strength?” Until a week ago, I would have replied, “My ability to land on my feet.”

Then again, until a week ago, gravity had dictated the difference between up and down. Enzo had changed my personal laws of physics. He’d given me my highest highs and lowest lows. Often in such rapid succession, I felt as if I lived on a carnival ride.

I called Alex from the house phone on the off-chance he’d answer if he didn’t recognize my number.

“Hello?”

Hearing his voice lifted a boulder of worry from my shoulders. Regardless of whatever else happened, he was alive. “Alex, it’s me, Shanna. Don’t hang up.”

“Why are you calling me?” he whisper-shouted into the phone. “It’s not safe.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. When I couldn’t reach you, I assumed the worst.”

“I’m fine. Selling the house and the business. Where are you?” He sounded desperate and desperate men did desperate things.

Until the BS with the Abruzzos and the mayor happened, I would have trusted him with my life. Now, I hesitated to tell him my location. “Still in Sicily. I won’t call again.”

“Wait.” He muttered something I couldn’t understand, likely speaking to his wife. “Mail the video to the mayor’s home address and forget you ever saw it. Stay the hell out of New Orleans—for good if you can manage it.”

“You know what’s on the video recording. Why else would you leave your entire life?”

“Let it go, Shanna. Walk away and don’t look back.” He disconnected the call.

I’d idolized the man for years. In my mind, he was a cross between Chuck Norris and MacGyver. The type of guy who could sweet talk, fight, or finagle his way out of any situation. I’d never heard him so scared. It unnerved me.

In desperate need of grounding, I called my best friend and perhaps the only person on the planet who could understand the situation.

“Hi Shanna.” Maggie tried for chipper, but her sleep-slurred voice told me I’d woken her.

“I’m sorry. I don’t even know what time it is here, let alone there.”

“It’s eight in the morning. I should be getting up soon, anyway. I’m glad you called me back. How are you?”

“I’ve been better.” I drew a breath and gathered my scattered thoughts. “I need some advice about the situation with Enzo.”

“One sec.” A rustling sound came over the line, followed by a squeaking door. “I’m walking into another room, but I’m here.”

“He says he doesn’t want to marry Nico.”

“You don’t believe him?”

I shook my head, realized she couldn’t see me, and said, “I believe he doesn’t want Nico, but it’s not that simple is it?”

She hesitated. “No, it’s not.”

“There’s something you should know.” I lowered my voice in case anyone came down the hall, but then it occurred to me the line could be tapped. Paranoid much? “Before I get into it, how certain are you no one can listen into our call?”

Maggie sighed. “Honestly, I’ve never asked, but I’m sure Gabe would have said something if there was a concern.”

I chose my words carefully just in case. “Evelyn is working with Nico’s father to undermine Gabe’s project.”

“Are you sure?” Her voice thinned.

“Enzo told me she wants him to step in for Papa Joe. Once he has control, he can let the others go free.” I hated that his own mother would use him. “She’s willing to sacrifice Enzo’s happiness so the rest of them can get what they want.”

“That bitch. Please tell me Enzo isn’t considering it.”

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