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"They're laughing at us, Henry. Every time we show up, it's like we're the punchline to their sick joke."
I nod, understanding his frustration all too well. "I know. But we’ll get them. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but wewill. The D'Amatos aren't invincible. They'll slip up eventually, and when they do, we'll be there."
Peter's shoulders sag, the fight draining out of him. "You really believe that?"
"I do," I say firmly. "We just need to stay focused, stay smart."
A ghost of a smile crosses his face. "Thank you. I appreciate your having my back."
“Of course. We'll get justice for your dad. I promise you that."
“I need you to keep having my back on this.”
Automatically, I nod, because of course, any cop would have his back. Then again, his last partner felt Peter was too intense. I don’t want to support his falling into a black hole of obsession and anger. He needs a hobby. Or maybe to get laid.
I can’t help with either of those, but I can get him a drink and hang out. “Look, we’re off the clock now. How about a beer? Let off a little steam.”
“Yeah, okay. We’ll get those motherfuckers another day.”
My mind drifts to Lana, picturing her in jail. It’s a fucking shame. In a different world, I would ask her out despite her being so much younger than me. She’s a sexy, smart, beguiling woman. Or maybe it’s my dry spell with women that has me so enchanted by her.
Later that night, I replay the search, looking for any tells or slip ups from Lana’s comments. There’s still something not right about this whole thing, and I can’t help thinking I’m enmeshed in some twisted game.
3
LANA
The next few days are quiet, but I don’t trust it. Any moment, Rinella will pull another stunt and I’ll have to face the police again. As much as I enjoy looking at and bantering with Detective Lutz, I’m sick and tired of all this bullshit. So I don’t let up. I continue to be on alert and prepared. But it makes for long, tiring days.
I step out of my car, exhaustion seeping into my bones. The D'Amato estate looms before me like a fortress. I grew up here with my parents and brothers. With my parents deceased from a car accident, my brother now rules the roost, but as it’s our family home, I stay, although I sometimes want to leave and live on my own.
I make my way to the front door, my mind still spinning on the craziness Rinella has brought on us. No, not him. Elio is at fault for not marrying Rinella’s daughter. I get why he reneged on the arrangement. After all, who am I to get in the way of true love? But it’s been so frustrating to be reeling from the day's events.
Detective Lutz's face flashes in my mind. I clench my jaw, frustrated by the unwelcome attraction that sparks every time Isee him.He's the enemy, I remind myself,a threat to everything we've built.
I enter the foyer and make my way to the stairs, wanting to go up to my room to freshen up before dinner.
“No hello to your family?”
I glance toward the living room to see Elio standing in the entryway. He looks ridiculously happy. It adds to the irritation prickling my nerves. Not that I’m not happy for him, but it highlights how alone and empty I feel.
I glance in the room and see Piper cuddled up on the couch with Elysse. The picture-perfect family. It makes my stomach churn.
“I didn’t realize you were home,” I say by way of answer.
“You sounded like you were at your limit.”
I frown. “I’m handling things.”
He laughs. “Then why all the desperate calls?”
Grr.
“Join us for a drink before dinner,” Piper says from the couch.
“No drinks for you,” Elio says to her, and I don’t know how it’s possible, but his expression is even more saccharinely, disgustingly happy.
Piper’s cheeks flush. “Juice for me, but Lana might like something stronger.”
