Page 116 of Hot Momosa

I grabbed the cell. “Leo?”

“Yeah, babe. It’s me. It’s okay. Gunnar and I had to take a detour to the bathroom.”

“He had a flip phone. Robert is an iPhone junkie. Leo, he had a flip phone.”

He sucked in a breath. “Stay close to Stuart and stick to the plan. Gunnar and I will be right behind you.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too. Act casual. Nothing’s wrong. Go with Stuart. I’ll see you soon. I promise.”

Each step was more difficult than the last. Every person who passed or shadow or sound sent my heart racing faster, but by some miracle, we reached the emergency department without any additional problems.

Stuart and I climbed into the truck, and a few second later, Leo and Gunnar joined us.

“Where to?” Beth glanced in her rearview before pulling away from the building.

“The Marchionni mansion. Keep an eye out for anyone following.” Leo buckled Gunnar into the lap belt between us. “Are you okay?”

“I am now.”

He squeezed my thigh. “I need to make a call. Is there anything else Marco needs to know?”

I shook my head. Given the situation, calling Marco seemed like the right thing to do. The police were a no-go. Robert and the chief were golfing buddies.

We were in so far over our heads, I doubted we could find our way to the surface without help—even if it was mob help.

“Mamma, you sick?” Gunnar rubbed his eyes.

“I have a boo-boo, but I feel better now.”

He cocked his head. “I see it?”

“Not now, okay.”

“I peed in the potty.” He flashed me a proud smile.

“Good job.” I hugged him tight until he protested and pushed my arm away—and then I hugged him again.

“Marco, listen. Dahlia IDed the perp,” Leo spoke into the phone. “Robert Becker. He works for the governor.”

I leaned forward to whisper to Beth, “Thank you for your help.”

“No problem.” She handed me a square white envelope with my name written on the front. “I found that taped to the glass door when I went to the condo to walk the dogs. Where are they?”

“With their former owner.” I stared at the familiar handwriting, trying my best to hold back tears.

Why now? Why today of all days? Didn’t I have enough to deal with without worrying about this jackass?

I tore the envelope open and glanced inside without taking out the note.

Blood. He wrote it in blood.

My vision blurred to the point I couldn’t read the words, but I’d seen enough.

Order dozens of the lavender roses you like so much.

Next time, I won’t miss.

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