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Lee’s eyes met mine, and he nodded. “We located him at three in the morning, and he resisted. It turned into a gunfight. One of our snipers took him out, along with his right-hand man. He’s not alive to order any retaliation hits against anyone.”
Fuck, that was good news. Not that I believed my family would be targeted anyway. Any of the crime families would be too intimidated to come after us, given how we’d handled the Brambillas on Thursday. Plus, between my father and Giovanni, they had too much dirt on them. They wouldn’t want to be next on the chopping block. Besides, no one ever really liked the Brambillas anyway.
“And Nico and Giovanni? Are they still in custody?” I asked.
“We’re offering them immunity and new identities. I’m sure you want to have words with them, particularly Nico, but they’ve already been transferred to a safe location. I’m not privy to the details. But with what you gave us, their help, and whatever we find at Alice’s home and office, I’m sure it’ll be more than enough to ensure there’ll be no new head growing back on the snake.”
I had wanted to talk to Nico. To understand what the hell happened with him and my sister. But he’d been willing to die for justice for Bianca, and maybe it was thirteen years too late for him to stand up to Alice. I didn’t believe he was complicit in her death, though. He had loved Bianca, but he’d feared his wife and father-in-law more.
Agent Lee reached out and offered a business card. “When my men are done combing through all of Alice’s things, we’ll let you know if we learn anything of value to you. Program my number so you accept my call.”
I pocketed his number and nodded.
“And if you and your brothers decide to let us see what other names were on the cleaner’s file, wait two weeks, would you? I owe my wife and kids a vacation after years of chasing the Brambillas.”
“Copy that.” I nodded and looked toward the door, anxious to see Maria and my family.
“Come on. I’ll walk you out.”
I quietly followed him. “Thank you again,” I said after signing a few official documents for my release.
“Like I said, I owe you and your family. Could’ve used a bit more lead time than thirty minutes before hell broke out in Oyster Bay, but looks like you didn’t need us,” he replied when we made our way to the elevators. “Can I ask you something, though? Now that we don’t have eyes?”
I knew what was coming, and as we waited for the elevator, I nodded and mentally prepared my answer.
“Killing your own cousin, even if she’s a third cousin, couldn’t have been easy. Was it so your sister could rest in peace? You think that—”
“No.” I shook my head. “I finally realized Bianca’s always been at peace. It was us who needed it.” I frowned. “But that’s not the only reason I killed her, and I think you know that.”
Agent Lee palmed his smooth jawline, eyes falling to the floor in thought. “Because no one will dare fuck with you or those you love if you’re willing to kill someone you’re related to?”
I let go of a gruff breath. “Precisely.” Maria will be safe. My mom and sister. “Untouchable again.”
“By the bad guys, sure.” He looked up. “But be careful out there if your family plans to exit retirement. Not everyone in the Bureau is a fan.”
“Yeah, I can tell.”
“But if you do start up again,” he added as the elevator doors opened, “there’re a few people I can recommend you look into who are off-limits to us and shouldn’t be walking the streets.” He opened his palm, motioning for me to head inside.
The fact he was letting me know we had an ally if we wanted one at the FBI was comforting, but I had no plans to be that guy again. No more going dark. If Maria was still willing to be in my life after this mess, I considered myself set for life.
“I’ll pass that along,” was all I said while stepping into the elevator, remaining quiet the rest of our way out, and then my heart shot into my throat at the sight outside the Bureau.
On the street, Maria was between Hudson and Constantine waiting for me, and I almost took a knee at the sight of her running my way.
“Ah, so you have a reason to stay retired,” I overheard Agent Lee say on my way to Maria, and I lifted her in my arms.
Yeah, she was my reason. My fucking everything. Her and Chiara.
I guided her legs around my waist and held her tight, hugging her as she murmured my name repeatedly like soft pleas.
“I’m so sorry,” I rushed out, never losing my grip on her. “Are you okay?”
“I was so worried about you,” she cried.
“I’m okay, baby,” I promised as her feet found the ground, and she kissed me, eliminating any doubts she planned to walk away after what happened. No, she was there. She was my girl. My fireball.
“Tell me you’re coming back to Charlotte. Promise me you’re getting on that plane today with me. No third-act breakup, right?” she asked, her voice trembling.
