Page 43 of The Don's Forbidden Obsession

I knew I was getting close to tying my murder investigation to the underground crime world. But something called me toward that building. Something about Luca beckoned me.

I crossed the street again with purpose and barreled through the store’s door, my coffee clutched in one hand and my bag slung over my forearm. I stepped over the threshold, and a treasure trove of trinkets and antiques surrounded me.

This had to be a place where I could find out about this damned coin.

Approaching the glass counter, I met the inquisitive gaze of the clerk. His white hair contrasted sharply against his dark attire, and rectangular glasses were perched at the end of his nose, lending an air of scholarly intrigue.

He looked old, but distinguished.

Smart, but casual.

As he leaned over the counter, he exuded an aura of knowledge and also, maybe a little mischievous curiosity. His eyes were blue, with crow's feet tugging at the corners of each. It looked like he had a lifetime of knowledge hidden away behind them.

They sparkled as soon as I approached, and a devilish smile spread across his lips. I placed the coin on the counter with a clink, and his fingers reached out almost eagerly to take hold of it.

With nimble precision, he held it up to the light, studying its details. His lips pursed in curiosity. “What can I do for you, my dear?" he inquired.

"I came across this coin, and it's like nothing I've ever seen. Do you have any idea what it is?”

“What do you want to do with it?” He leaned forward on the counter, his eyes still engaged with the silver coin. I always wondered why that was the first question they at a pawn shop.

How does what I intend to do with it have any bearing on what the hell it is or what it’s worth?

“I just wanted to see what it was. I’m not really looking to sell it.”

“Ah,” he sighed, his smile wavering. He stood up straight, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. I could tell his excitement had faltered a bit.

“Well,” he remarked, a tinge of longing in his voice. “You’ve stumbled upon something pretty unique.”

I nodded, anticipation knocking at my heel.

“It’s genuine silver.” He twirled the coin between his thumb and index finger. “May I ask where you got it?”

I shook my head.

He cleared his throat. “Well…” he trailed off, almost in a way that made me feel uneasy. “What this is, is a mob coin.”

His eyes met mine, and I could sense the caution in his expression. It was as if he was grappling with the dilemma of just how much information to share.

“These coins were used as a mark of affiliation with one of the five families,” he said. “Only the most highly regarded, most trusted men that carry these. Each coin is different.”

The weight of his words settled on me, mingling with the realization that the man I had shared an intimate encounter with might be a little more dangerous than I gave him credit for.

But as I glanced at the man behind the counter, I sensed his reluctance to divulge any more. He wanted to preserve some sort of secrecy.

I knew that if I delved much deeper, I’d blow my cover and give away the fact that I was a cop.

Would he trust me then?

I’m just glad I no longer wore a uniform. Nor did I ever have my badge in plain sight.

“Thanks for your help,” I said with a smile. “That’s pretty cool. What a rare find,” I mused, acting like I had just happened upon it. It seemed easier that way.

The man's words hung in the air. I really wanted to know Luca’s connection to this coin. And better yet, I was just bashing on my cop brain — maybe there was some use to it after all. I mean, wouldn’t others have just thought it was just a cool little good-luck charm? Nothing more than a unique novelty coin?

The old man leaned forward slightly, studying my reaction as if gauging the depth ofmyconnection to the coin. His eyes narrowed.

"There are collectors out there, my dear, who would give up their most prized possessions to get ahold of a piece like this," he remarked, his voice tinged with greed. “Are you sure you’re not open to the idea of parting ways with it? Especially since you have no ties to it.”

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