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* * *
My hands flew across the keyboard back at my warehouse as I hacked the city's camera system.
Delete.
It had been ten minutes since I left the crime scene, and I was sure authorities were on the verge of arriving.
Too bad for their guards.
After deleting myself from footage of the scene, I followed Penelope’s parents through the city and watched them move from vehicle to vehicle before entering an underground car garage.
Any car that came out could be them, or they could enter the high-rise and exit on foot through the front door. Either way, they would remain in my sight once I picked them up again.
I was a part of their mission. A man and woman like them would want more answers about their relative’s death, and when they found it—their mission would be payback.
When the time came, I would face them, and only one of us could leave—alive. I thought of Penelope and the predicament this would put her in if we still…were.
I’d hate to kill her parents, but if it’s me or them, then it’s them.
The cell phone on which I received calls from my father buzzed.
I answered in Italian. “Yes, Father?”
“Change of plans. I don’t need you down at Manny’s.”
“Who’s assisting?”
“Bruno’s in town, and he’s already headed over there. But I do want to see you for dinner.”
“I’ll be there.”
“See you soon.”
I ended the call, left the table, and tossed the duffle bag into the incinerator.
Back at my station, I switched the camera lens and followed Penelope across town.
I’d been absent from campus for a few weeks. I needed to focus on the Cosa Nostra and this upcoming wedding that my father was so quick to rush us into.
I didn’t trust Riccardo Niccolò. He’d been a pain in my ass since I was a boy. So it was no surprise that he’d chosen my father to marry into his family instead of me. Not that I wanted anyone or anything he had to offer.
The Cappallis were quick on their feet. The call to link our families through me was brilliant, but I still planned to let Antonio Cappalli meet the Black Rose before we moved to tie our families together.
Switching back to my monitors, I saw Penelope pull into her driveway. She didn’t exit her vehicle right away; instead, she sat in her car. I watched her cry and wince, still in pain from the abuse of the guards.
Anger shifted through me, and I reminded myself that the guards had been dealt with. I wanted to go to her. It took every ounce of strength to stay away.
At night, she invaded my dreams. During the day, I followed her moves because every moment without her drove me mad.
How would I ever move on?
The most important question was: could I?
* * *
9:47 pm
Romeo’s Nightclub
