“I know a guy who’s an investigator and I trust him. I told him to meet me here to see if he could figure out what’s been going on and who’s behind these attacks. We had a meeting, then after he left, I had to check on one of the boats and that’s when I was attacked. The masked man hit me on the head and I fell. He kicked me in my knee and ribs, then shoved a gun into my skull and told me to get up and walk to the edge of the dock.”
“Did he say anything else?” I ask.
Dominic doesn’t say anything, but I can see on his face he’s furious at Salvatore’s comment.
“No. The only thing he said was checkmate. Then I heard Cipi yell and when the piece of shit moved, I jumped off the dock.” Salvatore grimaces as he clutches his side.
“We need to get you to the hospital.” I take his arm and help him up. “But before we continue any further, you know I don’t like anyone going against my orders. I brought Dominic onto this case because he is a neutral party and he can find out who the killer is.”
“Then why hasn’t he done it yet, Cipi?” Salvatore glares at Dominic.
“My team and I are working around the clock to solve this. This is a person who’s operating on the inside of the family, this isn’t an outsider,” Dominic replies through clenched teeth.
Salvatore scoffs. “My investigator could figure this out within a few days. And Cipi you know I trust you and I love you butyou know damn well Dominic isn't a neutral party. You two were never able to keep your hands off each other.”
I stiffen at his word choice and grip his arm tighter. “I know you have your feelings about Dominic and I know you’re trying to give good advice but I’m the boss. What I say goes and I will not have you defying my orders. You will tell your investigator to get off this case and leave it to Dominic and me to solve.”
Salvatore sighs. “I didn’t mean to go against your wishes, Farfalla. I don’t want to see anything happen to you. I won’t interfere anymore.”
“I know you don’t.” I pat his arm. “But it turns out you were the next target.” From my pocket, I pull out the bishop and show him.
“Fuck,” Salvatore mutters. He glances at Dominic. “I hope you’re planning on solving this soon before we all end up as collateral damage in the graveyard, or maybe that’s your plan.”
“Sal,” I warn.
“Seriously, Cipi. It was stupid trusting your ex. He may be retired but he’s hated all of us for a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the one who…”
“Sal stop!” I snap.
He glares at me. “Fine. I hope you’re right. I don’t want to have to say I told you so.”
“I can assure you, Salvatore, that Cipi’s safety along with the family is my utmost priority right now.” Dominic struggles to keep his voice level but his face shows that he would love nothing more than to tear Salvatore apart.
“Let’s get you to the hospital and get you checked out.”
“What are we going to do with the body?” Dominic asks. “We can’t call the cops.”
“Oh really, I thought that would have been your first course of action,” Salvatore mutters.
I ignore him.
“I’ll call Enzo and Luca to take care of it. They can take his fingerprints. I’ll send them to my guy who can run them through the database.”
I stare down at the dead man at our feet, the word checkmate echoes in my head.
Who sent this shooter and what was the purpose?
If the bishop was the target today, who’s next?
Chapter twenty-three
Hurt and disappointment wrap around me like a rope that threatens to strangle me.
He was going to hire another investigator behind my back.
He didn’t trust me.
He thinks Dominic is a distraction.
