Chapter One
Treats.
It had been far too long since I’d picked up something special for my aunt. She’d done so much for me, sacrificed a good portion of her life to raise me. Besides, I only had two weeks of year three of medical school left. Yes, I had finals, but after that, I was taking a nice long break with my bestie in Cancun.
Maybe.
Bathing suits weren’t my thing.
I had to park the car two blocks away from my aunt’s favorite bakery. She adored the pastries, but felt they were far too indulgent. As I shifted through the evening crowd of people milling the still crowded street, I checked my watch. God, it was later than I’d thought. I’d need to drop the goodies off in the morning on my return to class.
They’d still be fresh. They better be.
I crossed the street a few minutes later, keeping a fast pace. This was an incredible part of Georgetown, my favorite place to shop and nibble on delicious foods. I was in such a good mood, applications already sent in for eight internships after the next year was completed. I liked to be organized.
I kept my tiny purse close, learning my lesson when I’d almost been mugged a couple of years before. On another street. In a less than stellar part of town. Turning the corner, I stopped short. I guess I’d never been down the street housing the bakery at night. It was completely different, far less commercialized and a one-way street. There was no reason for me to have a foreboding feeling, yet I did.
Maybe because being cautious had been drilled into me. I glanced over my shoulder not once but twice.
As I moved closer, I noticed the adorable sign for the bakery, the neon brightly shining in the darkness. It gave me comfort. I was eager to get back in my car, my hackles still raised.
Which was likely why I’d been stupid enough not to pay attention to the fact that only a single light from the back was on somewhere inside, which should be an indication the bakery was getting ready to close, or had already.
Maybe my watch was wrong. I was wearing my favorite and very old Swatch watch, a good luck symbol.
There was only one thing to do. Find out. I headed inside, immediately hearing some voices. That was a good sign. I was still not paying but so much attention to the area around me, already trying to struggle to get my even tinier wallet out.
Pop.
Immediately, I jerked my head up, noticing a man suddenly crumpling to the floor. My eyes were drawn to the right, to a man positioned on his knees.
Out of the shadows came a husky, sexy voice speaking a language I didn’t recognize.
“Óloi oi prodótes prépei na pethánoun.” His laugh was deep and full of cold evil.
Whoosh!
I’d watched horror movies before, something I usually enjoyed. While slasher films were ridiculous, they were still entertaining and had been my go-to over the years. Yet nothing had prepared me for what I’d just witnessed.
I’d helped in the emergency room after a wreck involving three cars, a man’s arm almost completely severed. I’d been there when a patient was brought in after falling two stories. And I’d had the gruesome task of consoling a young guy after his arm had been caught in a chipper/shredder.
But nothing in this world could have prepared me for the horrible, bloody sight only a few feet away from me as a tiny reflection of light captured what appeared to be an odd shaped and very large blade just seconds before it was brought down with tremendous force.
As with horror movies, everything shifted into slow motion to allow me to fully see and understand what was happening. A man’s head was severed, the free appendage toppling to the floor, hitting it with a solid thud.
And it started rolling in my direction.
I hadn’t realized I’d made a single sound since I’d covered my mouth with my hand, but when the man holding what had to be a machete slowly lifted his head in my direction, terror raced through me. I’d been through a couple of courses of self-defense training after the near mugging. Thankfully, it and my desire to live kicked in.
I turned and fled. I was thankful I was wearing tennis shoes. I’d been a runner for a good portion of my life, which meant I had stamina, but I could almost immediately hear at least two of them racing after me.
Far too close.
As well as a gruff voice barking ‘get her.’ That meant I was dead if I was caught.
Fleeting thoughts of heading to the safety of my car slithered into the forefront of my mind, but I quickly shoved it aside. Even if I made it to my vehicle, locking the doors, one of the goons would capture my license plate. I was certain of it. The only choice I had was to run and hide. At least until the heat died down.
Was that possible?
I used the late-night crowd as some cover, weaving in and out. I was on the main street, but I couldn’t stay here for long and soon I would be getting to a much more desolate area. I had to find somewhere to hide for more than just a few minutes.
Think. Think.
My brain was foggy, threatening to fall into panic mode. I couldn’t allow that to happen. I scanned the street as I ran, certain they were right behind me. After taking the time to shove my body against the side of a building, I noticed I’d gained some traction. I had to use the slight advantage fast.
When I noticed the sign for a corner bar I’d been in before, I sprinted toward it, sliding into the front door and immediately backing away. The crowd was lively, music pumping. But I could still hear the ragged beating of my heart.
I continued backing away, the only other advantage was that the bar was located on a corner, two full sets of windows allowing me to see comings and goings outside. I held my breath, certain the fuckers would find me. I’d been a practical girl, not prone to panic most of my life, but I was close to freaking out. There was no way I’d seen a man being murdered.
But I knew differently.
When two goons rushed by, obviously confused as to where I’d gone, I sucked in my breath. They were dressed in impeccable suits, the outside lights of the club highlighting their nice attire. People wore suits when they were killing now? That was fashionable? I was lightheaded, fearful of passing out. But I held it together as I forced my mind to work toward solutions.
Five minutes passed and I noticed a huge SUV with blacked-out windows cruising slowly down the street. Eventually, every open business would be checked. I had to get the hell out of here. But how?
Sherry.
If I called my roommate, she could pull up to the back exit and we could get away. Oh, God. This was insane. It was risky, but I had no other choice at this point. I headed to the women’s bathroom, finding it cool and the sound muffled.
I only prayed she wasn’t out partying.
My hands were shaking as I dialed her number, forced to lean against the counter.
“Hey, girl,” she answered. “When are you getting back, because I thought we could crack open a bottle of wine. We do deserve it after all our hard work.”
Now I was close to tears. “Sherry. I’m in trouble. Can you come get me?”
I prayed to God I hadn’t just signed her death warrant.
[divider]Chapter Two
Alexandra
“Here is a full glass of wine. And I brought the bottle. Now, what the hell is going on?” Sherry thumped down on the chair a few inches away, curling her legs under her body.
I moved the wine from hand to hand, glancing up at the wide-open window. It was right now I wish I’d insisted on blinds. Thankfully, we were on the third floor, but I still had goosebumps crawling all over me. “I just…”
“Come on, honey. You’re scaring me to death. You were trembling when you jumped into my car. And you told me to floor it, while constantly looking behind us, which was terrifying. What is going on? You’re shaking like a leaf now.”
I took a huge gulp of wine, praying it would help keep me from screaming. I wasn’t certain anything could ease my nerves at this point. “I, um… I was getting a treat for Aunt Kim from her favorite little bakery. You know the French bistro?” Why in the hell was I stalling? This was nuts.
Sherry cocked her head, frowning at me.
“I wasn’t certain if it was closed, but I was there and was determined to purchase her favorite treat. I was too busy grabbing my wallet when I walked in and…”
“And?”
I closed my eyes, steadying my nerves.
“I watched a man being killed, murdered right in front of me.” I certainly wasn’t going to tell her the victim had been decapitated. She was about to take the bar exam, not enter the fourth year of medical school.
“Wha… What?”
“Yep. It was awful.”
“Did the killer see you?”
I groaned, feeling even antsier than before. “I was in the shadows, but the group of men knew I was there. I took off running, finally ending up in the bar.”
“You need to contact the police. Now.”
“And tell them what? I didn’t see the guy’s face who did the… act. I couldn’t tell you anything and you know how the DC police are.”
“But that’s crazy. Maybe you can help locate the killer,” she insisted. “You can’t run.”
“And maybe talking will get me killed!” I was a little angrier, more vehement than I’d intended, but I was certain doing so would put a larger target on my back. I sipped wine.
So did she.
A full two minutes passed by.
“What if they saw your face?” she asked, fear now creeping into her voice.
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
“What about your car?”
“I’m not stupid. I knew better than to try and run toward it. That’s why I called you. You can take me to get it in the morning.”
She nodded as if still processing what was going on. “O-kay. If you say so. Are you okay?” She was in disbelief, not processing anything about what I’d told her. It did sound more like a cop television drama, not real life. Things like that didn’t happen to nice girls like us.
“Just shaken. Obviously.”
“O-kay. I think I’m going to bed.” Her abrupt end to the conversation was surprising, but her face was pale.
As she got up slowly, I realized she might be in more shock than I was. I had a feeling mine was delayed. I watched her head to the bedrooms, stumbling a little as she was doing so. What could I say to her that would matter at this point? Nothing. I wasn’t certain what I’d seen had been real.
When I was alone, I gulped more wine, finally finding the strength to get to my feet. Just sitting here wasn’t going to do me any good. After turning off the light, I dared head toward the window, standing off to the side and peering out.
That’s where I remained for a full five minutes. There were no strange people, no SUVs driving by. Just the usual traffic on a Thursday night. Maybe I’d gotten away. Hopefully.
All I could do was go about my life. Right?
What other choice did I have?
[divider]
Nothing extraordinary or weird happened either when Sherry dropped me off to get my car or during two of my three classes. This was it, other than finals beginning the next Wednesday. It would give me a break to hide behind closed doors. Great. Now I was hiding. How long could I keep that up?
I tried to concentrate as the professor clamored on about what would be on the finals, but I had a buzzing in my ears, images of the murdered victim rolling in my mind. I’d yet to see anything in the news, but with the numerous killings in the city, it might be considered low on the totem pole. I’d almost called the bakery to see if it was open, but thought better of it.
While I didn’t want to disturb anyone, I pulled out my phone. The ringer was already off. I carefully searched the internet, trying to discover any new news reports. It took a few minutes, but something popped up I hadn’t seen before.
A gangland-style killing at a small, local bakery. There were very few details because the case was an ongoing investigation, but what was reported was enough to chill me to the core.
I studied the limited photographs, one including members of the forensics team going into the small shop. Another icy hand of terror clawed at my neck this time.
The class needed to be over with or I might go crazy. I glanced at the clock, breathing a tiny sigh of relief. Finally, the professor was putting his last statements together and we were done. There were three hundred people in the class, all jumping up at the same time. That hid the fact a courier must have walked in.
I only noticed the young man in uniform when he was in front of the professor, who pointed to me seconds later.
My blood was now frozen. I tried to walk down the steps, heading toward the professor.
“Ms. Christian?” the young man asked.
“Yeah. I mean yes, that’s me.”
“A delivery for you. No tip needed. That was taken care of.” He handed me a manila envelope, half sheet size.
I found myself terrified to touch it, but I did. At least I made it outside before opening the flap.
At that moment, the entire world stopped moving.
The words were written in red, done in bold lettering and without mistake.
We Know Who You Are. There is nowhere to hide, little girl.
[divider]
“Sherry. Pick up the phone.” I’d called her four times. No answer. It hadn’t even gone to voicemail. I was sick inside. To think my not going to the police had maybe gotten her killed was the worst thing in the world. I had to know. I had to see for myself. It was perhaps the dumbest move I’d ever made, but I needed to know if she’d been caught inside the condo.
Everything I owned was inside the small space. I didn’t want some thugs to derail my entire life.
You’re not thinking clearly. What you’re thinking is dangerous.
Yes, it was. But hiding for the rest of my life wasn’t an option.
Sherry was usually finished with classes at least an hour before me. This was her last day too. I made certain I wasn’t followed, changing routes three times. If anyone was, I couldn’t see them.
I parked in the small parking lot in the back of our condominium unit, fearful when crawling out. I’d done my best to keep my vehicle under a clump of trees. I’d watched too many cop shows. The back door was accessible and clear from where I parked if I craned my neck while looking out the windshield. I waited for five minutes before climbing out. There was no one waiting.
Or so I prayed.
Once inside, I leaned against the door, gasping for air. This was nuts. In and out. Period.
I sprinted up the stairs, my breathing labored the entire time. I kept thinking how dumb this was, but the push to know was stronger than my common sense at this point.
There was no outward appearance the door had been tampered with. I easily slipped my key inside, slowly turning the handle. But the moment I walked in, my world nearly faded to black.
The entire place had been tossed. Everything had been smashed or turned over.
Get out. Just leave.
But I couldn’t.
I was frozen at first, listening for any sounds. There were no voices, no snickering. And no boogeyman jumping out from behind the couch. I was sick inside, trying to keep my diet soda from launching onto the floor.
Go. Go. Go.
The kitchen was close and I moved in silently, grabbing a butcher knife. With it firmly placed in my hand and my mind chastising me every step of the way, I headed through the condo. There was no one inside waiting and no dead bodies.
But there was a message written on my wall in what appeared to be blood. My mouth dropped open, my heart nearly stopping. This was a freaking horror movie.
We will find you.
I went into survivor mode and within seconds, had a duffle bag packed and was out the door, running down the stairs to the back entrance. I was running on adrenaline and what most would consider stupidity at this point. I shoved the knife I’d grabbed inside the outer pocket, wishing I had a permit to carry a gun.
I zoomed off, almost hitting another car, still gasping every few seconds. No one was following me.
Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone, contacting Sherry again. “Sherry.” When she answered, I almost wrecked the car.
“What is it?”
“Do not go back to the condo. Go stay with your mother.”
“Why?” she asked, another wave of fear creeping into her.
“They found me. The condo is trashed. Just trust me. Okay? Please tell me you will.”
Her voice was shaking as she answered, “Okay. Go to the police. You can’t keep running from this. You know that.”
“I need to get to my aunt first. Be safe.”
“You too, but this is crazy.”
Yeah, it was.
There were far too many horrible thoughts racing through my mind. I was crazed and uncertain, trying to figure out what to do. I’d need to stay at a hotel tonight, but where?
My aunt would freak, but at least my cousin, who often stayed at my aunt’s house, was vacationing with friends.
My aunt didn’t have my same last name and technically, I wasn’t attached to her legally since the death of my mom and dad, but I had a bad feeling they’d find her anyway.
I flew down the highway, almost daring the cops to stop me and praying there wouldn’t be a traffic jam. Thankfully, I made it to the hospital without incident, doing my best to hide my car and running inside. She worked on the fourth floor normally, but she could be doing patient rounds.
I flew into the elevator, my entire vision foggy. The damn steel box couldn’t have moved any more slowly at this point.
When I came to a hard stop against the nurse’s station, the nurse was startled as hell. Thank God, they all knew me here.
“Jesus, Alex. You almost gave me a heart attack. Are you okay?” the nurse asked, her hand placed over her heart. Jaime’s eyes were open wide.
“Where is my aunt?”
“Is something wrong?”
“Jaime, can you please get my aunt for me? Please?”
She was in shock for a minute, but nodded. “She’s just getting done with rounds.”
“Thank you.”
Hurry. Hurry!
It took almost five minutes before Aunt Kim walked toward me, a concerned look on her face.
“Jaime said something is wrong. What’s going on, Alex?”
I pulled her aside, taking deep breaths. “I don’t have time to tell you everything, but promise me you will go stay somewhere else tonight.”
“What? What are you telling me?”
“Please! Just do it. Okay? Can you go stay with Margie?” It was her best friend.
“Yes, I could, but tell me what is going on. Are you in some kind of trouble?”
“In a manner of speaking. Leave the hospital and go there. Okay? I will try and call you later. I promise. I’ll explain everything then. Can you promise me that?”
“You’re scaring me.”
I was scaring myself.
“I’ll be fine. Please. Promise.”
“Okay,” Aunt Kim said, her voice exasperated. “I promise, but you better call me.”
“I will.” I backed away, becoming fearful I’d never see her again. It was all I could do to keep the tears from falling.
The race down the stairs to avoid the elevator was more like a stumble. I was more distraught than I’d been in years, holding back sobs because they wouldn’t do any good. After almost crawling to my car, I made it without being detected.
Once inside, the doors locked, I allowed a single tear to fall. I had to get some clarity, to be able to think. Maybe driving a little would help.
That’s what I did, driving to a less populated area, finally ending up parking in a little lot of a special park that I’d been to a couple of times. It was still risky being out in the open, but if the assholes hadn’t followed me by now, I doubted they would. Eventually they’d find me and I’d need some cash. I’d use my debit card and not use another one again.
I thought.
Maybe.
God, I wasn’t certain. What I did know was that I had to do something. Staying here wasn’t an option. A hotel would only be protection for a day or so.
What the hell could I do?
I dropped my head into my hands, gasping for air.
Seconds later, a name floated in my mind, the one man who could help. The single man who might be able to get me out of this jam.
I was hesitant to call, but I had no other choice.
With my hand shaking, I dialed his number.
And I said another prayer the powerful, dangerous man would help me.
[divider]Chapter Three
Nico
Wham!
I wasn’t a patient man, nor did I accept bullshit from anyone. However, the worst offense was lack of respect. For my person. For my business. For my family. And for my home. My private home and grounds were sacred to me. I rarely handled business from my estate, preferring leaving the majestic seaside space free of bloodshed and violence.
Gio grunted from the force I’d used to slam him against the wall. “It was important. You didn’t answer your phone.”
“I tried. I really did.”
Christ. Now the asshole was whining. I loathed whiners. That resulted in a hard punch to the stomach. I wasn’t usually a violent man over the last few years, but this conniving asshole had gotten on my last nerve.
I allowed him to double over, trying to figure out what to do.
It was fucking ten at night. I’d settled in by the fire, enjoying a whiskey after a fucking long week and this clown had arrived unexpectedly. Not only had he interrupted my family time, but he’d also brought me an inferior deal involving my wines.
Not that my sister and brother or my mother lived here any longer. I was completely alone in a huge house with two dozen rooms. The thought was ridiculous at this point.
“Please. New contract.” He coughed and wheezed. What did the bastard think he was trying to do?
It was easy to read between the lines on the contract he’d presented, acting as if the new bigwig client he’d found all on his own mattered to me in the least. But the trouble he was causing was enough to piss me off. Everything had been set into motion, including the cargo ship docket. Fuck him.
I was a fucking billionaire. What the hell did I care about some businessman from Milan who was branching out from fashion design? He also mentioned the client in Philly was trying to pull back on the product that had been ordered, a deposit made. Not possible.
“You need to take this deal,” Gio dared recommend.
Fisting my hand, I pulled my arm back, ready to punch him in the jaw. I already had my other hand wrapped around his throat. I could snap his neck at a moment’s notice. It had been a long time since I’d reveled in that joy.
“Allow me to teach you something important, Gio. There are very few things in life a man should grasp with both hands. The love of family. That comes first over everything else. Years pass quickly, so much so that before you realize it, a loved one has faded, no longer able to recognize you. You spent so many years building up a business, you forgot about enjoying the real perks. Not yachts. Not fancy cars. Just family. Do you understand?”
I’d been known for being a bit deranged, which was all an act. “Yes, sir. Yes. I’m close to my sister.”
The guy reminded me of a used car salesman. Slick and always knowing when to say the right words. But I could tell he was scared, believing I was unhinged. Good.
“Equally as important is a man’s integrity. Without that, no one will ever be able to respect you. Now, in this case, I will never do business with a man who avoids rules and the sanctity of them. My suggestion is you take that deal back to this… businessman and tell him I am not interested. As far as the asshole in the United States, tell him I’m furious and might take my business elsewhere.”
I started to let him go when he balked, even blubbering. “He won’t be happy. He’s a dangerous man.”
The fashion designer out of Milan? Bullshit.
“And I’m not?”
My phone rang, another somewhat unusual occurrence this late. When I received a call, that usually meant there was an issue. Typically, the call would be from one of my Capos or my brother.
However, when I yanked out my phone, seeing a number from the US made my hackles rise.
“Are you going to kill me, sir?” Gio whined.
“You’re in luck, buddy. I have other personal business to take care of. Get the fuck out of here and don’t come back or I will.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”
God, I loathed weak links.
I was immediately concerned the moment I recognized the number. My ward, a young woman who’d been placed in my financial care when she was a tiny baby almost never contacted me. She was her own person now, a grown woman from what I’d heard. She was making her way in life, a very good person from what I could tell.
Who the hell was I kidding? I’d all but stalked her over the years.
“Alexandra,” I said as I answered.
“Nico. I’m in trouble.”
I headed back toward my living room, grabbing my drink. “What kind of trouble?”
“I saw something I shouldn’t have by accident, a murder,” she whispered. “A man’s head being cut off inside a bakery.” I could easily tell by her voice she was petrified.
I closed my eyes briefly. “Are you hurt?”
“No, but they’re after me. They trashed my place. They threatened me. I don’t know what to do. I just don’t know…” She started crying, but at least she wasn’t hysterical.
“Alexandra, where are you?”
“In a park. I didn’t know where to go.”
Shit. This was some bad juju at this point. I was in Palermo, Italy and she was in Georgetown in the United States. I couldn’t be further away. “Do you have cash for a room?”
“I think so. At least for a couple nights.”
“Okay, here’s what you’re going to do. Find a motel somewhere off the beaten path where you can hide your car in the back or near trees. Rent a room that allows you to see the main road. Text me the name and address. I have contacts there, men who can temporarily protect you until I can get there. Do you understand?”
“You’re coming here?” she asked, obviously shocked.
“Absolutely. It’s going to take me a little time, but I will be there and we’ll figure this out. Don’t leave the room. Keep an eye out. Okay?”
“Yes. I can do that. Nico? These are some really bad men. Like the mob.”
It wasn’t news at this point. I was fully aware of the various crime syndicates throughout the world. Hell, my family’s regime was still considered one of then, the dark and infamous Cosa Nostra. You didn’t become as successful as I had without keeping abreast of your possible enemies. I did some business in the US, but not enough to warrant being on anyone’s radar. Yet, anyway.
“I understand, but I can handle the situation. Just stay calm and follow my orders. I’ll contact you when I’ve arrived in the States.” I almost told her to go get a burner phone, but I doubted the basic thugs I knew existed around the DC area were that sophisticated yet.
However, time was of the essence.
“Okay. Thank you. I had nowhere else to turn,” she whispered. “My aunt. What about my aunt? I told her to go stay with a friend.”
“Excellent. You did well. I’ll make certain we establish something to have her protected, but first things first.”
“Okay.” She didn’t sound as if I’d convinced her. I’d never heard her voice so small. She was a bold girl and always had been, rebellious in every way. Then again, I didn’t know her any longer. I wasn’t kid friendly and had urged her mother’s sister to care for the girl, even though I’d provided all the financial considerations over the years. It was the least I could do for my friend.
Shit. This couldn’t be much worse.
“Relax, baby girl. Just relax.” I ended the call, forcing my mind to put together a quick plan. I immediately called over a Capo I knew had ties to America. “Luca. I need your help.”
“Of course, boss. What can I do?”
“I need a team of security men in the Philadelphia area positioned around a motel until I arrive. Once I know the address, I’ll let you know.”
“As in the United States?” he asked, his tone incredulous.
And I wasn’t in the mood to take any shit. “That a problem? You have buddies there.”
“No, no problem. I’ll need to call in a favor is all. What’s going on?”
“My goddaughter and ward has gotten herself into some ugly trouble. I’ll give you the details later. Also contact my pilot. I need a team of at least six with you and Enzo. We’re headed to America.”
“For how long?”
“For as fucking long as it takes.”
He nodded, moving away quickly. I could count on my two Capos without question. I polished off my drink, slamming the glass on my desk and grabbing my iPad. It didn’t take me long to find a short article on the murder, although the details were clipped. One thing was clear. Alexandra was right. The men she’d made the mistake of crossing were very bad men indeed, considered barbarians in the world of crime syndicates. They were Greeks, their family lineage rivaling almost every Cosa Nostra within Italy for decades.
I’d known the firstborn son taking over from his dying father had come to America for greener pastures. However, I’d thought his regime remained in Philadelphia. It was a crucial mistake, one I wasn’t used to making. I’d crossed paths with Adonis Dimitriou on two occasions, neither one of them pleasant. In fact, he’d made the mistake of threatening my regime.
As if he had enough power to do so.
Now I was beginning to wonder.
I headed upstairs to pack a small bag, not planning on staying in DC but for so long. I had no desire to enter into a battle at this point. I simply wanted to keep Alexandra safe.
Somehow, I had a bad feeling a war might be inevitable. What I wanted to learn was the identity of the man they’d killed. That had yet to be identified pending notification of next of kin. Discovering that would answer a significant number of questions.
For right now, getting to the States as quickly as possible was most important.
A few minutes later, I returned to the main floor, moving to my safe to grab my weapon and several magazines of ammunition. There were more weapons on the plane, but even landing at a private airport, we’d still be required to go through international security. I wanted no trouble.
“Everything is in place just waiting for the final address,” Luca stated as he returned to my office. “Enzo and the other men are on their way to the airport. Now, what’s going on?”
I handed him the iPad highlighting the news article, securing my weapon and the ammunition in my briefcase along with my laptop.
“Yeah? Did your goddaughter witness this?”
“She did.”
“I thought she was a medical student.”
“Wrong place, wrong time.” My phone pinged and I breathed a sigh of relief. She was at this moment safe. But for how long? “I’m texting you the address.”
“Excellent. I’ll take care of the rest.” My Capo was shaking his head. He knew as well as I did this could get very messy.
I took a few seconds to think about the past, but quickly shoved the memories aside. There was no room for lamenting or for condemning my behavior around her. I’d known Alexandra would be better off growing up in the States and with a female as her role model. Never would I have expected this.
Things were about to get dicey.
[divider]
“I’m so glad you made it,” Gregory said as he shook my hand. He looked very much the proud papa, although his eyes highlighted the recent tragedy he’d suffered.
“I wouldn’t have missed Alexandra’s christening for the world.” I pulled him in for a bear hug. We’d become fast friends in college. My father had insisted I receive an American education to broaden my horizons. I hadn’t lived in a fancy condo, my father also insisting I live in a dorm room. It had been humbling, but rooming with Gregory had been a godsend.
He was brilliant, funny, and someone I would always consider my best friend no matter the distance or the years.
“Georgine would have been so happy,” he said with the same sadness I noticed in his eyes.
“She’s looking down from heaven with a smile on her face.”
He tried to smile, but it was still tough for him after six months. To have his beloved wife, a woman we’d play fought over during our last two years in college die in childbirth had nearly broken him. I’d done what I could to be a support system, but other than a quick trip, I’d had to do so from afar.
To this day, I felt guilty.
“Thank you for agreeing to be her godfather.”
“It’s my honor,” I said. And it was.
While Gregory wasn’t particularly religious, he had grown up Catholic like I had. He’d once told me that his love of the law made it impossible to believe in a higher being. I hadn’t argued.
Only ten minutes later, the christening ceremony began. It had been a long time since there’d been a birth in my family, my brother and sister yet to have children. I doubted I ever would. My cousin had been the last, almost ten years before. We were a large family, but the huge number of children born including cousins had drifted into a more modern approach to women and their responsibilities. I still found it fascinating.
There was something so hallowed about hearing the words, being asked if I agreed to be Alexandra’s godfather for the rest of her life.
“Yes, I do,” I said, and it was funny. I had a hard time recognizing my own voice.
Gregory was beaming, real happiness crossing his face. When he’d called and asked me to accept such a great honor, I’d almost choked.
As Alexandra was placed into my arms, she opened her big blue eyes and I had to admit I melted a little bit. I was a hard man, ruthless to most, but a man could be brought to their knees by a tiny smile. And when she gripped my finger, I was certain I was going to lose it.
The christening came to a conclusion and Gregory rose to his feet first from our kneeling position. He was ready to give out cigars and toast with cognac. And I would be thrilled to join him.
Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!
Screams rang out in the church, people scattering in horror. I held Alexandra close, trying to figure out what the fuck was going on. My two Capos rushed toward me, trying to guide me away.
“Take the child. Make certain nothing happens to her.”
“Yes, sir.”
As the chaos continued, I pulled out my weapon, scanning the area, unable to see where the goddamn gunman had been. When I looked down, my heart sank and I dropped to my knees.
Gregory had been mortally wounded, still trying to talk. Blood was everywhere. He’d been shot at least twice, once in his neck. I knew he was dying.
“Don’t speak. I’ll get you some help.”
He managed to shake his head slowly. “No time. Promise me.” Blood spewed from his mouth.
“Anything.” I was furious, determined to find the person responsible. And when I did, they’d regret the day they were born.
“Take… care of… my little girl.”
The memories were ones I’d tried to ignore for years. I’d searched for Gregory’s killer over the years with no success. My friend’s death didn’t make any sense whatsoever. He’d just been a defense attorney trying to reach greater heights. I’d searched high and low, the assassination-style killing well planned. One day I would find the asshole even after twenty-five years.
Why did I have a terrible feeling it was all going to come to a head once again?
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