Page 12 of Mafia Priest

“Exploring alternate career paths?”

Moretti laughs. “Good one, Father. I’d say the celibacy would be a deal breaker, but apparently—”

“Careful.”

“Easy, cowboy.” He holds up a hand. “We’re all friends here. And no, I have other reasons to stay. Although can’t say I relish working for Lombardi once the don passes. So if another opportunity were to come up…”

“I have no intention of running off with Miss Mancini. But if you have any thoughts on how to extricate both young ladies from their grandfather’s plans, I’m all ears.”

“Shit.” His face falls. “I was hopingyou’dhave a plan.”

Setting my glass down, I hold his gaze, searching for a trap, but the brute seems sincere. Fuck. Sighing, I hold my hand out for the bottle. He passes it over, and I pour another drink, keeping the scotch.

“Who knows you’re here? You bunk at the Mancini compound even when off duty, right?”

“Don’t worry. My alibi’s airtight. Said I was going to the bar after the night guys came on, and well, I kind of did.” He reaches for the bottle, but I stop him.

“No. As delightful as this has been, you’re leaving. I have enough on my conscience without you getting into a wreck.”

“I’ve had what? Two shots? I can hold my liquor, Father.”

“Two is enough,” I insist. “What do you know about the Good Friday massacre?”

“Not much. I didn’t even have my bones then, let alone work in the don’s house.”

“But you have your suspicions?” I press.

“Whatever those are worth.” He shrugs. “Anyone with half a brain could see it wasn’t one of the cartels. And if the order for the hit hadn’t come from the top… Well, just saying it’s funny there wasn’t retribution, right? But that’s ancient history, unless you’re thinking… Sure I can’t have that drink?”

I shake my head. “No, because when you leave, youaregoing to the bar. You were stupid to come here.”

“Shit, Father.” He stares at the floor, then looks up, face grim. “If you’re implying what I think—”

“I’ve implied nothing. I’ve admitted to nothing.”

“Right.” He runs a hand through his hair. “And I never came here, and nothing leaves this room. I’m not a dummy.”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Standing, I gesture toward the door, frustrated that he knows so little.

Taking the hint, Moretti stands, too. He holds out his hand. I shake it, begrudgingly admiring the idiot’s courage in coming here at all.

He walks toward the door, then pauses, hand on the knob. “Just so we understand each other, I came tonight because I’m good at my job, not because I’m a snitch. Whatever you and Miss Mancini do behind closed doors is your business—as long as she’s happy.”

“Are you really dumb enough to threaten me?” I raise an eyebrow. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten who I am.”

“Icamebecause of who you are, Father. You think I’d drag an ordinary priest into the don’s business? I’m just saying my loyalties lie with those I’ve sworn to protect. Particularly when they’re defenseless like Miss Elise. So if you find yourself in need of an inside man…”

“Understood. Goodnight, Moretti.”

After he leaves, I walk over to the statue. Tossing the shards into the trash, I replay our conversation. Moretti appeared sincere. But even with an “inside man,” as he put it, I still see no path forward.

Breaking my vows isn’t the problem. Hell, I effectively broke them the moment I stuck my finger inside her pretty little cunt. The priesthood was never a great fit. I should have known redemption was impossible. But even if it had been within reach, it wouldn’t matter. That little girl owns me, body and soul.

Still, the situation is delicate. Yet there was a time when a man like Mancini wouldn’t have slowed my roll. He may run this city, but he’s not the most powerful mobster in the country—or even the east coast…

A sick feeling twists my guts as I stare at the Blessed Virgin’s broken face. The solution is obvious. Father Costa’s hands may be tied, but Salvatore Romano’s aren’t. Isn’t that what Moretti all but said?

Of course, Salvatore Romano is a monster. A monster I never wanted Bianca to meet. Yet if the choice is between my beautiful girl marrying Lombardi or me becoming that man again… Well, itisn’ta choice. I’ll do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means going back on my promise not to hurt Mancini. Even if it means losing her.

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