CHAPTER13
“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.”
—Jack Thorne
Valentin
Death.
It had been a part of my world since I could remember. I witnessed my first murder at six. While it hadn’t been something my father had planned, he’d used the incident as a learning experience. When I was fourteen, I was allowed to witness other acts of condemnation, as my father had preferred calling his methods of punishment. I’d thought I’d become immune to the loss of life, incapable of feeling a single sorrowful emotion.
Then everything had changed on a beautiful spring morning.
That was the day my world had gone black.
Now the warming rays of sunshine were impossible to ignore.
I fisted my hand around my cellphone, moving further away from the house before placing the call to Niccolo. The Luciano family didn’t need to hear more of my dirty laundry, especially Bella. She believed our family were nothing more than winemakers who’d made good in America. I would not allow her world to be destroyed because of the truth regarding ours.
“Niccolo. What did you find out?”
“The Kozlov family flat out denies that they were involved, which is bullshit. We need to plan a strike against them.”
“The Russians could have nothing to do with the attack on The Raven. There are reasons the Casimine Adamos is determined to invade our territory that have more to do with the past. It would seem Pops is keeping a secret.”
“Are you going to let me in about what that means, brother?”
“I will, just not today.”
“You’re a shit. Do you know that?” he snarled.
“We’re not jumping to any conclusions, Niccolo. None. Including with the goddamn Russians. Do not plan any offensive action against them without my direct order. Is that clear?” I could tell he was surprised by my malicious tone let alone the command I’d given him. If the Poles were responsible, they were hoping we’d attack each other. I’d be eager to see if Giovanni was able to find out anything.
My brother had never taken to following anyone’s rules, and he loathed the fact I’d been placed as head of the family.
“Fine,” he said after a full minute.
That would be the only affirmation I’d get.
“Just so you know. Dylan was murdered, his body dumped just outside his house in full view of his family. I don’t think I need to tell you how angry and upset his wife is.”
Sighing, I closed my eyes. “Make certain his family is well taken care of.” The assholes responsible were cleaning up after themselves. Or they were merely making another point. It had been a freaking mistake to leave the country. “And I will handle the Russians when the time is right.”
“From Italy? Won’t you be too busy fucking the reporter?”
“I suggest you remember who heads the family organization.”
He laughed, cursing in Italian under his breath. “You mean the throne, big brother. Don’t you? I assure you that nothing will be done to the Russian scum.”
“Good. I need you to run a check on every single employee in the goddamn Ritz Carlton as well as within our corporate headquarters.”
“Looking for the mole? Are you certain you haven’t already found him? I don’t trust Brando like you do.” Niccolo stated harshly.
“Just do it. The more information I have, the more likely I’ll be able to determine what we’re dealing with. What about the cops?”
“Unfortunately, there are two different detectives sniffing around.”
“Two? Other than Walsh, who are we talking about?”