Page 92 of Gin & Trouble

He motioned to the waiting car and gave me a look that told me I’d put my foot in a big steaming pile of shit. “My mother is an Abruzzo.”

“I didn’t mean any disrespect.” I noted the thickness of the windows as I slid into the backseat beside Frankie. While it didn’t surprise me thecapoof the Lazio family would have an armored car, it reminded me where I was, who I was, and what could happen to me if I wasn’t careful.

Giancarlo climbed into the front seat and nodded to the driver before turning to speak to us. “What I mean to say is that my mother is close to the elder Abruzzo sisters.” He nodded at Frankie. “She would love to get to know you as well.”

“I’d like that, too.” She’d barely lifted her chin from her chest since the topic of Joe had come up.

“Forgive this conversation, Francesca, but it needs to be had.” He waited until she nodded before continuing. “Sophia swears she didn’t have anything to do with Joe and his wife’s death.”

I didn’t want to discuss what had happened to Joe and Rebecca. My goals were to make it to the port, put Frankie on the damned boat, and get some answers. However, I couldn’t help but wonder what Giancarlo knew. “And you believe her?”

Frankie stared out the window, but her occasional sniffle and deep breath told me she didn’t like this topic any more than I did.

“Sophia’s done some horrible things, but she always admits to them.” He hitched a shoulder.

“Like attempting to poison three generations of my family?”

He frowned. “Yes. She played a part inmy father’sscheme, but in many ways, she was a victim.”

I had a serious problem thinking of Sophia Abruzzo as a victim. Sure. Pietro Lazio had manipulated her, but she knew damned well what she was doing when she blackmailed a waitress into poisoning the soup. “We will agree to disagree on that one.”

“Desperate people will do desperate things.” Giancarlo sighed. “As for the matter of your brother and his wife, Sophia claims Enzo was the target and somehow Joe and Rebecca got in the way.”

Like Meriwether’s ex-wife? Wrong place, wrong time, dead?

Giancarlo said, “I do not know for certain who is responsible, but I know Sophia. She does nothing that doesn’t directly benefit her. What would she gain from killing Joe and his wife?”

“Nothing.” I scrubbed my hands over my face.

It made sense. They were at Enzo’s having dinner that night. They drove the same type of SUV. They’d even parked in Enzo’s spot—we all did. It was a running gag that drove Enzo nuts.

But what would anyone have to gain from killing Enzo? He was a chef and nowhere near the top of the Marchionni food chain.

Giancarlo waved his hand. “Enough talk of Sophia. We are almost to the harbor. We will need to be…ahh…on our toes.”

On my toes?

Frankie tensed beside me. “Are you expecting trouble?”

“No. But it is good to be cautious.” He handed Frankie a paper bag, and me his sunglasses and the ball cap from his head. “I did not bring a disguise for you. These will have to do.”

“Thanks.” I slid the designer shades on my face and did my best to hide my curls beneath the hat.

Frankie pulled out a short blonde wig. “Grazie, Giancarlo.”

“Prego.” He reached back and gave her knee a squeeze. “For precautions. Don’t worry. I have my best men securing the harbor.”

She nodded and went to work twisting her long hair into a bun.

Sitting so close and not touching her was more difficult than I’d anticipated. I wanted to comfort her, but I couldn’t. Not until I got some answers. And after the conversation with Giancarlo, I had even more questions. “Is the boat we’re taking yours or a rental?”

“Mine.” He raised his chin as if anticipating my next question.

“Don’t suppose you’d let me borrow it? I’d like some alone time with Frankie.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized how they’d sounded. “She and I have a lot to discuss.”

“Sure. Yes. Of course.” Grinning, Giancarlo said, “It’s almost Christmas. Too cold for boating and swimming. I won’t need it.”

The driver made a sharp turn into the marina.

---