Page 52 of Condemned to You

“Aria loves talking about her brother Michael. Like it fills this void. She also likes talking about her Zia Stella who she spent years with in California. It’s not a coincidence that your older brother gets killed and you get sent off across the country.”

“So how did Marco and Michael end up dead?”

“I think someone found out and wanted to put a stop to it. Which leads us to ghost.”

“But he still got to complete the trio with Domenico and Luca.”

“And Morchetti. All current men are sons of Baricelli. And I think they know.”

This was mind blowing, something I never even thought to put together. “That’s why they didn’t want Lorenzo part of it.”

Alfie took it a step further, “That’s why Lorenzo let Aria into Chicago. Why else would you send your sister into the lion’s den? He banked on her either falling for Luca or Luca falling for her to secure his seat. If he’s not their brother, at least his sister can seal the deal.”

“Pour me another drink.” I immediately gulped it down. “So this ghost knows enough which means he has to be older. Everyone has had an issue with the Vincenzo Baricelli, to narrow it down is impossible even with Domenico making many mends.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Not sure if I have any answers, you seemed to have really gotten your shit together while I’ve been gone.”

Alfie smiled then it quickly dropped. “Am I really Marco’s son?” Alfie said in a surprisingly calm manner.

“How did you find out?”

The look of hurt in his eyes caused me a shot of guilt. “Of course you knew,” Alfie said under his breath.

Shaking my head, “I found out by accident. No one knows that I know. How did you come across it?”

“Ghost showed me proof I was. Said Luca killed my father and that everything I know about Luca is a lie.”

“Don’t let this baffoon change the reality of the situation. Luca did it to protect you. If the killer knew you survived that hit, they’d come after you.”

Alfie nodded his head. “I know.” There was a look of pride in his eyes when he said, “That’s why I’m going to sacrifice myself.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I’m a dead man anyway. Ghost sent you to kill me. He probably has someone in Luca’s ear right now telling him that I’m the rat. I don’t mind though. Luca holds a lot of baggage for everyone and he’s done things for each of us.” There was an odd look in his eyes. “He didn’t tell me I was his nephew the same reason why he didn’t call you out for being with Bethany sooner. It would potentially rip the family apart – and family is everything to him.”

“He knew all along?”

Alfie shrugged, “Figured it out at some point.” He chugged his drink. “You never leave clues behind unless you want to be caught.”

I had to look away. There were times I did leave things behind hoping he would ask me so I could tell him – somehow I thought it would be easier that way.

“So what now?” Alfie asked.

“As long as we keep a tight plan between you, Luca, and myself then we may have a shot at getting this prick.” I lit up a cigarette.

“How? He’ll know you didn’t kill me.”

Letting out a puff of smoke, “You’re forgetting a cardinal rule. Only believe half of what you see and nothing that you hear.” Taking another drag then releasing the smoke. “I’m going to walk out of this bar. Once I have Bethany in my possession, she will contact Luca and tell him to meet here.”

“Won’t it be suspicious that you come back here?”

I get to my feet and nod with my head for Alfie to follow me. In the private room, under the table there is a secret door on the floor.

“This will lead to the river.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine