“Who’s that?” Dominic looks at me.
“The grandson of one of the members on the board. Everyone assures me he was standing next to his grandmother, Madeline, the whole time, but I don’t trust it. Also he is apparently dating Gigi.”
“You always were the protective sister.” Dominic chuckles. “That always was your weak spot, Cipriani. You put yourself through hell to make sure everyone else is safe.”
I don’t reply because I know he’s right.
“On another note,” Dominic murmurs, “How are you really feeling? Not just about the shooting, but about everything.”
I hesitate. “I don’t know. Angry. Tired. Sore. But I’m not going to let whoever did this break me.”
“Good to hear. So what’s your plan when we find out who did this to you?”
“Make them regret ever messing with me.”
“Somehow I knew you would say that. Even though I don’t agree with the way your family handles things, I think your method would be justified.”
Silence covers us as we continue to lean against the porch railing side by side. Sunlight casts long shadows behind us, reminding me that the past still haunts every corner of this mansion and there’s a killer waiting to strike again.
Chapter seven
Now that we know where the shots were fired, the only question is how did the killer get up to the balcony when the area was heavily guarded.
After spending some time on the porch, Dominic follows me into the living room. The curtains are half-drawn and the blinds are narrow slits. After the incident, I don’t want anyone to be able to see into my house. Even though our compound is a cul-da-sac with only my house, Mama’s, Gigi’s, Matteo’s, and Lucia’s along with a gated entrance, I don’t trust anyone.
Filtered sunlight spills across the hardwood floor as I place my phone on the coffee table and grab my laptop.
“Sit,” I command Dominic, gesturing toward the arm chair as I sink into the couch.
He raises an eyebrow but obeys dropping into the leather recliner across from me.
Flipping the lid of my laptop open I try not to stare at him for too long. Instead I try to focus on the screen as I enter email usernames and passwords. However, glimpses of the past fill my mind. It’s crazy how this law-abiding grump used to be the boywho sat beside me in my parent’s living room and held my hand beneath a blanket. We used to watch comedies and dream of a life we’d never have to shed blood for.
Dominic sits comfortable in the chair like he owns the place and continues to scribble in his notebook.
As I wait for the page to load, I glance at the brick fireplace that’s decorated in autumn decor. Leaf garland, pumpkins, and mums brighten the space. I snatch up the remote and turn on the gas fireplace. Flames splutter to life.
“Isn’t it a little warm for a fire?” Dominic asks, his eyes fixated on the glow.
“It’s October, it’s never too warm for a fire,” I chuckle as I enter my login credentials. “I’m going to send you the footage to your laptop. What’s your email?”
He tears a page from his notebook and writes it down. “My email is secure and can’t be hacked.”
He slides the paper over to me like we’re doing a secret exchange.
“Good. I’m going to send you the exterior feeds, second-floor corridor angles, and all the footage from the ballroom.” I glance at the screen. “Our security footage was definitely hacked. The cameras went black around 8:41 pm. The shots were fired at 8:43 pm and then the cameras went back on at 8:49.” I rest my chin in my hand. This was an inside job. Our surveillance is protected by multiple layers of encryption and very few people know the codes.
Dominic glances over at my laptop screen. “You’ve really upgraded your tech since your dad was in charge. I noticed all the cameras when I arrived.”
“We had to,” I reply as I wait for the file to upload.
“You wouldn’t have to, if you just followed the laws like normal citizens,” Dominic grumbles.
I glance up at him. “You always did think you were above this life since you became Mr. FBI agent.”
“Because I was.” He leans back, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. “Or I tried to be. Doesn’t mean it didn’t follow me as you already know. And it doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard leaving certain people.”
My stomach tightens as I try to focus on the screen.
