“One would never know the drama Ambrose Lane is involved in if you weren’t working for him,” Dominic whispers to me as we cross the ballroom to the bar. “He’s hiding a plethora of secrets beneath that tailored navy suit.”
As we get closer, I’ll admit the forty-year-old man has the aura of an upstanding citizen as he leans against the polished mahogany counter clutching a glass of scotch. His hazel eyes scan the room like he’s looking for someone, but trying not to make it obvious.
“Ambrose is a wealthy hedge fund manager,” Dominic whispers as he squeezes my arm. “He has no mafia connections. All his wealth is legitimate, but his ability to pick a good woman is horrible.”
“Oh, so you weren’t kidding when you said I’m your first mafia client,” I tease.
“That you are. You’re lucky you’re you because I wouldn’t have made an exception for anyone else.”
Before I can reply, we reach the bar and Dominic is already extending his hand to Ambrose.
“Mr. Lane, it’s so nice to finally meet you in person. I feel all we’ve done is chat on the phone.” Dominic flashes a winning smile.
Ambrose places his almost empty glass on the bar and shakes Dominic’s hand firmly. “It’s a pleasure. Call me Ambrose.”
“Well then Ambrose, you must call me Dominic.” Dominic places a hand at the small of my back and gently pushes me forward. “This is my date for the evening, Cipriani Capuano. She’s a business owner and entrepreneur.”
“Of course, I knew I recognized you from somewhere.” Ambrose shakes my hand. “Your family owns the nightclub La Regalità. I’ve been there many times. The roulette tables are my favorite.”
I raise an eyebrow. La Regalità isn’t exactly the place for a married man or families for that matter. “Thank you, Ambrose. I’m sure the croupiers will be pleased with your review.”
His smile fades as he turns to Dominic. “Can we step outside to talk about this?” His eyes look past us to the people dancing and chatting at the tables. “I don’t want to risk someone eavesdropping.”
“Of course,” Dominic replies.
We follow him toward the glass doors that lead to the patio. I can’t help but notice how his suit hangs on his tall, lean frame. He takes an occasional glance over his shoulder before stepping through.
The area is decorated with marble benches, lush plants, and blooming flowers. An iron railing lines the deck, offering a stunning view of the city skyline and Lake Michigan beyond.
Ambrose leads us to a quiet corner away from everyone taking pictures and chatting.
“You know, you could have just come to my office to make this easier.” Dominic sits down on one of the benches.
“No. I can’t risk anyone seeing me. I think I’m being tailed.” Ambrose glances over his shoulder before dropping onto the bench beside Dominic, leaving me to take the other side. He runs a hand through his hair, causing a piece of blond fringe to flop over his forehead.
“Tailed?” Dominic raises an eyebrow. “I’ve read through your file Ambrose, and you have a long history of hiring investigators because you suspected your past lovers of cheating.”
“I know, I know. It’s hard when you’re a wealthy man to know if a woman really loves you for you. I thought I found the right one when I married Elaine, but lately, I feel like she isn’t being faithful.” Ambrose plays with the gold wedding band on his finger.
“Do you have proof she’s cheating?” Dominic asks.
“If I did, I wouldn’t be trying to hire you.” Ambrose sighs.
“Your wife is here tonight with you, right?” Dominic asks.
Ambrose nods.
“We don’t have a lot of time. She’s chatting with a few of the other ladies inside but she’ll come looking for me. She has a guilty aura about her.” He glances around and lowers his voice. “I think Elaine is cheating on me with Valerio Neri.”
“Valerio Neri,” I choke out, not sure if I’ve heard him correctly. “Are you sure?” Turning to Dominic I can see he already isn’t fond of the idea of investigating a mafia boss.
“Yes. Valerio Neri.” Ambrose lowers his voice.
“What makes you think that?” Dominic is doing his best to remain calm.
“I mean it doesn’t surprise me,” I add. “Valerio has a fiancée, but he’s never been loyal a day in his life. He doesn’t believe in women being in power but he sure loves their beds. He doesn’tcare if someone is married, divorced, or single. And he has the manpower to keep himself from getting into trouble.”
Ambrose fiddles with his wedding ring. “I just have this feeling. She’s been attending these hot yoga classes downtown and I’ve noticed him hanging around there. When I come home I feel like someone’s been there. I looked at the phone bill and saw she’s been texting this number constantly. It turns out it’s linked to a burner phone. And just now when we walked in I caught her staring at him.” He pauses. “The way she looked at him with such adoration, I know she’s cheating. She’s also been very distant when it comes to romance.”
