Page 80 of Gin & Trouble

He was probably with Dante and the others, but Marco was thecapo. He’d been in the position long enough to have developed the all-important mafia survival skill of swallowing one’s emotions until the crisis had passed.

Besides, as the head of a crime family he had a certain obligation to see to my safety. As the daughter of another crime boss, I was kind of like a visiting dignitary, as such Ishould havebeen able to look at Marco like a consulate or embassy. Should have, because I’d entered his territory illegally—not to mention I’d participated in less-than-upfront and honest activities since I’d arrived.

What choice do I have? It’s not like I can stay in this bathroom forever.

I opened a browser window, signed into my account, and clicked on the number he’d included in the message.

“Marchionni.” Marco’s tone had me second guessing my decision to call him.

“This is Frankie Abruzzo. I’m in serious trouble.”

He wasted no time with small talk. “Where are you?”

“The bathroom in the courthouse on Royal Street. I’m on a borrowed phone.” I drew a quick breath to steady my nerves. “Pasquale Puglisi and another of my brother’s men—”

“This has something to do with the shooting?”

“Yes. My AI program’s facial recognition software placed him at the first shooting. And I saw them on the sidewalk—”

The woman in the power suit gasped from inside her stall, but I’d have to deal with her after I’d convinced Marco to help me.

Marco hissed a series of curses that made me thankful I wasn’t face-to-face with him.

The reality of what had happened, what I’d witnessed, stole my breath. “I tried to warn Enzo, but I was too late.”

“What were you doing there?” His voice practically dripped with accusation. “I was under the impression you were on lock down at Dante’s.”

“I…would never hurt… I didn’t have anything to do with this.”

“Did Puglisi see you?” His lack of reaction didn’t surprise me, but I would have loved a little reassurance right about then.

“Yes. I managed to get away, but they may have followed me. Enzo. Is he…?” My voice cracked.

“In surgery, but the docs think he’ll make it.”

“And Leo’s friend, Dahlia?”

“A couple of stitches. They’re releasing her soon.” His voice softened. “I take it you need me to get you out of the courthouse?”

“Please. I didn’t want to put Dante in danger, or any of you, but I—”

“It’s okay. Thanks for not calling my brother. He’s not exactly thinking straight. Hold on a second.” Marco had a brief and muffled conversation with someone else. “Which entrance did you use? Chartres or—”

“Royal. I came in from Royal Street. I’m in the second-floor ladies’ room.”

“Stay put. Do not leave the bathroom until my guy knocks with your alias.” Marco sighed. “You should know the police will be looking for you soon, if they aren’t already.”

Nausea rolled through me and spots danced before my eyes. “Why?”

“Security cameras caught you running toward Enzo with your hand in your pocket right before the shots were fired.”

“I didn’t do it, Marco. I swear on my mother’s life. I didn’t.” My voice rose to the point the woman in the stall gasped.

I’d all but forgotten she was there. After overhearing my half of the conversation, she was probably ready to forget her expensive phone and bolt for the door.

“You understand why I can’t take you at your word just yet?”

“Yes.” I did. I really did. I wouldn’t have trusted me either. No amount of explaining would make Marco believe me. I could only hope that he’d trust me one day. “Does Dante think I…”

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