Page 77 of DeLucas After Dark

“Mr. and Mrs. Chambers,” I say, taking a seat on a chair opposite them. “Are you okay?”

Mr. Chambers pulls his wife closer, and she shakes her head. I can tell she’s still in shock.

“No. I want to go home now,” Mrs. Chambers whispers.

“What was that?” Mr. Chambers grunts, scowling at me.

“That was the attempt of a very foolish man to ruin what was the best day of my life. I assure you that he and his men have been dealt with.”

“Lord, forgive us. We’ve become co-conspirators to murder,” Mrs. Chambers gasps.

“Mrs. Chambers, I’m doing whatever is necessary to protect my family. Which now includes you and Mr. Chambers, as well.”

“We’re not—”

“Mrs. Chambers, I know that you just survived a harrowing experience. I sympathize with you on that, but I’d warn you to be careful with what you say. This room is full of hot-blooded Italians who would go to war for you in a second,” I say, snapping my fingers. “But those same Italians won’t take kindly to being insulted either.”

“Marco, you promised me that you would protect my daughter and that you’d place her life before yours.”

“And I did that, Mr. Chambers. Before the first shot rang out, my wife was on the ground underneath me, covered by my body. I turned her over to the best person to protect her besides myself. Maybe you could do a better job of protecting her, too. They got their information from you and followed you here.”

I see the blood drain from their faces, but Mrs. Chambers recovers quicker than her husband.

“How?”

“The server at the restaurant where we had brunch was behind this.”

“Oh, my God!” she exclaims.

“What if something like this happens again?” Mr. Chambers asks.

“I won’t lie to you by saying that it won’t. I will only tell you that she will have protection wherever she goes.”

“Does she know this?” Mr. Chambers asks.

“She does. We’ve talked extensively about it.”

“No one wants to live like that!” Mrs. Chambers hisses.

“Mrs. Chambers, I understand you’re upset, and it’s warranted, but Piper chose before it happened. I’ve always been protective of my family. I’m even more so with Piper in my new role as her husband. I don’t take this lightly. A message has been sent and received. Now that they know who you are, you both need to be more cautious about who you talk to and around, as well.”

Mrs. Chambers shakes her head. “I just want to go home.”

I stand and address the group.

“What happened here today was malicious and cowardly. An attack on my home against my family is not to be taken lightly. We have dealt with the people who did this, and I assure you that if you choose to remain here today to finish helping Piper and I celebrate, I will ensure you’re protected. However, if you decide that you would rather go home, then I understand that, and I promise to get you home safely with the protection you need. Nothing will happen to you or any member of your family. My men are scouting the area and making sure that there are no imminent threats other than those we’ve handled.”

There are soft murmurs all around the group. I know that as I’ve been addressing Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, my parents and brothers have been doing the same thing with Piper’s friends.

“I know this isn’t easy for any of you. Baptism by fire for all of us. Piper into a marriage with me, me as a husband, and the rest of you into our family. I really hope that you will trust us to continue to protect you throughout this day. And I ask you…please celebrate with Piper and me and help us to enjoy the rest of our day.”

I see head nods and hear murmurs of agreement. Everyone wants to remain in place.

Turning to the Chambers, I say, “I don’t plan to make this a point of contention between you and her. Whatever you decide, I will respect and honor that. I apologize that you had to witness what happened here today.”

Mr. Chambers whispers something to his wife.

“We’ll stay,” he says.

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