Page 16 of Absolution

The next morning, Connor called me into his office.

“I hear you’re looking into the phone calls Gina was getting.”

“Yes, sir. Feel free to dock my pay for the man-hours. I can’t know that she’s being threatened by Gideon and not do something about it.”

He waved me off. “I’ve known Gina a long time. She’s my wife’s best friend. There’s not a chance in hell I wouldn’t make this a priority. Whatever you need, ask. In the meantime, Josie is keeping tabs on Gideon. We’ll know when he gets out. She also checked all the phone records at Auburn. Over the last eight years, there have been multiple calls made to a single phone. She tracked the number to one Carlos Jordan. Leo, this is some heavy shit. He’s part of an organized crime syndicate run by Emilio Ricci.”

“The fucking mafia? Are you kidding me?”

“You gotta be careful, man.”

“Where do I find this Ricci?”

Connor reluctantly rattled off the address, and I took off across town. If this asshole was in on the threats to Gina, he was going to rue the day he crossed paths with Gideon. Mafia or not, he would pay. I would rain hell down on anyone who attempted to harm her.

Thirty minutes later, I slammed the car into park and pounded on the front door of a god damn mansion on the hillside overlooking Pinegrove. I scanned the grounds, expecting to see at least one guard patrolling, but there was no one around. All I saw was a picturesque scene of green rolling hills and trees dotting the area, with a cozy, little town situated smack dab in the middle of the foliage. My patience was wearing thin, so I turned and pounded on the door one more time. My foot was going to be slamming into it next if someone didn’t answer soon.

My rage must have transmitted through the glass and wood, because within seconds it opened, and a woman around Paddy’s age appeared. Her hair was pulled back so tight I could only imagine how she didn’t have a blinding headache.

“May I help you?” Her tone was cool and not welcoming in any way.

“I’m here to see Emilio Ricci.”

“I’m sorry, but Mr. Ricci is unavailable.”

She made to close the door, but I slammed my palm against it to halt the movement.

“I don’t think you understand,” I bit out through clenched teeth. “I’m not leaving here until I speak to him.”

The woman bristled and straightened her shoulders. “If you don’t step back, sir, I’ll be forced to call for security to escort you off the property.”

“Go ahead. I’ll only be back, and the next time I won’t be as polite.”

“Thank you, Agnes, I’ll take it from here.”

The woman shot me a dirty look before opening the door further and stepping aside so I could enter the house. I looked up to see a suit-clad man slowly descending the stairs. He exuded power and control. He was also a lot younger than I expected, maybe a couple years older than Gina, but I had no doubt that this was the man I was here to see. His long-legged stride leisurely ate up the distance between us until finally he stopped directly in front of me. Intelligent blue eyes met mine, and I knew he was sizing me up, most likely gauging how much of a threat I was.

“I’m afraid I don’t have the pleasure,” he greeted me with an outstretched hand.

I glared at the appendage like a snake before clasping it in mine, my grip just a touch firmer than normal. Ricci didn’t flinch.

“Leo Marshall.”

A flash of recognition sparked behind his eyes. He turned to the woman who’d remained close by.

“Please have refreshments sent in.”

Her gaze darted between the two of us before she gave a stiff nod and disappeared down the hallway. Ricci smiled absently, and I could imagine he had woman falling at his feet. He turned his attention back to me.

“Agnes has always been overly protective. She likens herself to my mother sometimes. I enjoy being spoiled by her, so I let her. Why don’t we head to my office, Mr. Marshall, and you can tell me what this is all about.”

I followed him, our footsteps echoing around us, while I studied the layout of the house. We entered the massive office. There wasn’t a single window, but there were two doors on opposing walls—my guess was that one led to an escape route out of the house in case of a police raid.

Ricci gestured for me to sit. We both took our places before he spoke again.

“I don’t get many visitors. Why don’t you tell me why you’re here?”

What the hell was this kind of man doing slumming it with a low life like Gideon? It didn’t matter. The only thing I cared about was neutralizing the threat against Gina.

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