I shake my head.
“So what’s the problem? Your father always did like him. We all did.”
I sigh. “Because while he likes all of us, he hates everything we stand for.” I give her a kiss on the cheek. “I have to leave Nonna. I have a lot of things to do.”
“Dominic loves you, Tesoro. I can see it. I’m sure you feel the same way. Just be careful.”
I give her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you later, Nonna.”
“Oh, and make sure to bring him over for dinner one night. We would all love to see him.”
I shake my head. “Bye, Nonna.”
Opening the front door, I step out into the brisk autumn air.
Pulling my coat closer to me, I walk across the street to my house. My head bowed against the chilly wind.
As I come closer to my house, I catch sight of something on the stoop.
A small, velvet pouch.
My blood pressure spikes.
Fuck.
Taking my phone out of my pocket I check the security app. Why didn’t the cameras go off?
I look around.
I don’t see anyone.
How could this be possible?
Surely the guards at the gate should have seen someone.
I don’t even want to look inside.
I feel sick.
Crouching down, I pick it up and reach into the bag with trembling hands.
Withdrawing my hand, I find another one of the pieces from Dad’s chess set.
A pawn.
I groan.
That could be anyone.
My fingers feel wet.
The base feels slick.
Turning it over, crimson stains my fingers.
Blood.
The pawn drops to the ground.
