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I nod, processing this information. "What about the anonymous tips to the police? Did he admit to anything?"
Elio shakes his head. "Of course not. Vincenzo played innocent, claiming he had no idea what we were talking about. But I think he'll let up now that negotiations are back on the table."
"What are the terms?" I ask, trying to refocus on the matter at hand.
Elio starts to explain the details of the potential new alliance, but my mind is racing. I've let my family down, let my own selfish desires cloud my judgment. And for what? A detective who, despite his promises, is still on the other side?
As Elio talks, I vow to be more careful, more focused. I can't let my feelings for Henry compromise my loyalty to my family. No matter how much I want to find Lazaro, I can't lose sight of who I am and what I owe the D'Amato name.
I watch Elio, seeing the man, the leader this family needs. Despite my recent doubts about his commitment, I see he’s re-engaged and taking control.
"I’m glad you and Rinella are talking again. I know you’ll do what’s best for the family.”
Elio's expression relaxes slightly, a hint of surprise in his eyes at my words. Maybe even relief. I know that I can be a thorn in his side.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to change and go to the office to manage the up and up parts of the family business.”
Elio studies me for a moment but then steps out the way. I head upstairs knowing he and Matteo are having a conversation about me. But I can’t think about that now. It’s time for me to get my game face on and do my job.
I change into a dark green fitted business dress and put my hair up. I apply a bit of makeup and then ask my driver to bring a car around to take me to work. I’m going to be later than usual, but being the boss—not Mob boss like my brother, but head of this branch of the family business—I don’t have to answer to anyone except Elio. And he’s the reason I’m going to be late, so he can’t really say anything.
When I go down to my car, Elio intercepts me again. I steel myself for whatever lecture he’s planning to give me.
“This lead about Lazaro with Lutz?—"
I hold up my hand. “I don’t need you to boss me around.”
He shakes his head. “I know I can’t boss you around. But Lana, you have to be careful.”
It sounds like he believes I’m going to keep working on Lazaro's case. “You don’t think I know that?”
“I know you do, but in some ways, you’re like him. You let your passion overrule what’s smart.”
He’s not wrong. And how perverse that I like being compared to Lazaro. “I’m being careful.” The words taste bitter because I haven’t been. I let Detective Lutz fuck my brains out. Several times.
I realize that he’s right in that passion is overruling what’s smart. When I’m around Henry, he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. Seen. Heard. Desired.
Now, away from him and in my usual environment, I can see more clearly. I need to be stronger in resisting Henry. But by now, I know that’s easier said than done. God, I hope I’m strong enough to prevent my passion from becoming our family’s downfall.
18
HENRY
Iarrive at work on time. I glance around as if everyone will be able to see that I’m under the spell of a Mafia princess. But everyone is working, not paying any attention to me.
“Where’s Hartley?” I ask a fellow cop.
“Out.”
Good. I want time to look into Lazaro’s case without Peter knowing.
I sit at my desk, staring at the stack of case files before me. They should hold precedence, but instead, I pull out the file on Peter’s father’s death and Lazaro’s disappearance. I can't shake the feeling that there's more to Lazaro's disappearance than meets the eye. It’s a stretch to think it’s related to Officer Hartley’s death, but I’ve learned to go with my instincts. Even if I’m wrong, I’ve ruled a theory out.
I scan the details of Hartley’s death again. The brutal execution-style killing. The body found near a D'Amato warehouse. All signs pointing to Lazaro as the prime suspect. Or perhaps another attempt to frame the D’Amatos, assuming the latest calls are also an attempt to frame them.
People kill cops for all sorts of reasons, one being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hartley’s case reeks of that. But what if Lazaro’s case is that as well? Considering his work, it’s more likely he’s on the lam or got himself killed by a rival Family, but if I’m going to stick to my promise to Lana to find her brother, I need to keep an open mind.
I lean back in my chair, rubbing my temples. The pieces of my theory don't quite fit. If Lazaro killed Peter's father, why disappear a year later? And if he didn't do it, who did?
