Page 107 of Highball and Chain

I didn’t know how to answer her.

“Shoshanna, promise me he isn’t considering it.”

“It’s still funny to me that you sound like a mom.”

“I am a mom, and if I were really pissed at you, I would have called you Shoshanna Ruth. Now, stop stalling and answer my question.”

I resisted the urge to point out she hadn’t asked a question. “I’m not entirely sure. He told me once he wanted to take over for Papa Joe but his father wouldn’t have it.”

“Gabe’s told me the same thing.”

“I know Enzo is worried about the people the Marchionnis support in Comiso, and he doesn’t want to see his brothers get caught in a war.”

“Gabe plans to keep up with their charities here.” She sighed. “But Enzo’s right to worry. Things are super tense.”

“Are you safe?” The thought of her and the kids stuck in Sicily with so many dangerous people made my chest hurt.

“We are safe. I promise, I’ll get out of here if that changes.”

She sounded so tired, I hated to bring up the next topic. “Enzo’s going to call Gabe, but you should know…something is going down here with the mayor and the Abruzzos.”

She gasped loud enough I heard it. “How do you know that?”

“In addition to some tonsil hockey, I inadvertently recorded a payoff between Sophia Abruzzo and Mayor Carter.” Memories of the remains of my apartment and Jack’s ruined face danced unwelcome through my head. “I’m ninety-nine percent sure Carter, or the Abruzzos, burned down my apartment.”

“Oh my God, Shanna.”

“There’s more. Jack Landry walked in on a couple of paid muscle in his shop. They’d torn it apart looking for the video footage and were in the process of torching the place.”

“Is he…”

“He’s pretty banged up, but no serious damage.” I paused to catch my breath.

“Why did they think he had the camera?”

“He thinks they spotted him going through my apartment and followed him.”

“You’re still staying with Enzo, right?” Her voice rose.

“Yes. Besides the fact I’m homeless, I’mfreaked the hell out.”

“You should be.” She went quiet. “Gabe is negotiating with the other four families. Two are on the fence and seem to be waiting to see what happens. The Lazios want money and the wedding, but the Abruzzos are hardcore.”

“What does that mean?” I had a feeling I knew but I needed to hear her say it.

“They don’t believe in letting people walk away. They want blood.”

I raised a trembling hand to my chest. “Would a Marchionni-Lazio union prevent violence?”

She didn’t reply.

Holding my breath, I whispered, “Mags, tell me the truth. Would things go easier for Gabe if Enzo married Nicolina?”

“It would be the show of strength that could sway the other two families to our side. But Gabe won’t force him to marry Nico against his will. Nor will he sign off on Enzo getting stuck in this bullshit for life.”

What little hope I had dimmed like a candle starved of oxygen. What if it’s not against his will? What if he wants the position and respect and everything that goes along with it more than he wants me? What if him marrying Nico saves the lives of the people I care about?

She softened her tone. “You love him?”

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