Page 117 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“There were two witnesses who disappeared, and their testimony was buried. According to both witnesses, Tristan Kelley was the shooting officer. Officer O’Connor was the one to cuff Steven and place him on the ground, where Kelley shot him in the back of the head.

“Your brother never ran, he didn’t resist arrest, and he wasn’t armed.”

“Dis wasn’t random. Dey murdrah ma brudah in cold blood. Dis changes everyting. Yer Kelley problem in the States yuh lef dat to muh, ya hear muh?”

“I hear you. I only ask that you allow me to take care of Frances Esposito and his sons. They’re connected to the Kelleys.”

He pulls a face but nods. I see the wheels turning. I was surprised when I made the connection. However, I understood why my mother held on to this information for so long. Thankfully Tristan Kelley and Ian O’Connor are alive and well. They both have sons on the force now.

I grin and decide to offer a gift for his acceptance of my terms. “Tristan Jr. and Harry O’Connor work for the same precinct. They both followed in their father’s footsteps to aT. Partners and best friends.”

“All dead men. Tanks, Gio. Enjoy muh home. Anyhing yuh need ya leh muh know. We chat before ya leave.”

With that, he stands and leaves. I don’t miss the sorrow that masks his face. I think I’d feel the same. Over twenty-five years to find out your brother’s murder was connected to your enemies.

I stand, placing a hand on Ny’s back. My phone rings as we all start to leave. I pull it out, seeing it’s Ming.

“How you doing, Ming? What you got for me?”

“He’s trying to make a move. It looks like he’s tired of waiting for the promotion. It’s a simultaneous hit. You and Dario are the targets,” she replies.

“When?” I seethe.

“Tomorrow. His guys are on the way to Sicily later tonight.”

I nod as if she can see me. We’re much closer to Sicily than they are. A plan starts to hatch in my head.

“Do me a favor, change our flight plans. I want to greet our friends when they land. Also, send the Harley twins and all the master dolls. They should leave within the hour.”

“We’ll be there. Anything else?”

“Put two of our best on Carleen to watch over her.”

“Got it, boss.”

I hang up, grinding my teeth. I can feel Jace’s and Ny’s eyes on me. I take a moment before I answer their unspoken questions.

“Riccardo is trying to place a hit on me and Dario.”

“The asshole doesn’t even know you’re not in the States,” Ny snarls.

“Nope, which works in my favor. We’ll be in Sicily, creating an illusion. Dario has gotten too complacent.”

“Two birds, one stone,” Ny and Jace finish my thought.

* * *

Nyla

Although this trip has to be cut short, we’re still taking a moment to enjoy this beautiful island. This walk on the beach is just what we all need. As Gio calms, Jace begins to release his tension and now I’m breathing easier.

I almost forgot how much we affect each other. It’s been hours since that call, but the planning we’ve been doing hasn’t allowed us to kick back and enjoy our time until now.

Jace, being Jace, made sure the chef made us dinner at the luxury villa we’re staying at. If he hadn’t, Gio and I probably would have ignored our hunger and gotten lost in our plans. Once things were settled, I did my part, snuggling up to Gio and getting his mind off things.

Now we’re walking on the beach. The temperature has dropped and the wind off the ocean brings a salty breeze with it. I close my eyes and take in a deep breath.

“This is bliss. I would love a house on a beach like this.”

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