“Rachel also said she dropped you off and you came to my house.” I lean forward. “Why did you need to come to my house? You know damn well you would never be invited to one of my birthday parties.”
Valerio relaxes back in his chair. “Again I did no such thing. I’m flattered you’d think I’d desire to come to your party.”
“Cut the crap Valerio,” I snap. “I know you tried to assassinate me.”
His eyebrows arch. “Me? You think I ordered a hit?”
“Yes, because you were at my house, moments before someone shot me.”
“Someone shot you?” His eyes narrow. “Well, they didn’t do a very good job of it since you’re still alive and sitting before me. You’re not a ghost, are you? Have you come to haunt me?”
Fury flashes across Dominic’s face but I gently touch his arm, silently telling him to shut up.
“Then I guess you must be insulting your abilities, since you were the one who shot me.” I lean forward. “And if I was a ghost, you’d be the last person I’d want to haunt.”
“I can assure you, I was not the one who pulled the trigger.”
“Then you admit that you were at my house. We got security footage that shows you being dropped off by Rachel outside the compound, then sneaking over the fence, and coming out of the woods.”
Valerio doesn’t respond. He takes a sip of his drink.
“You know all of us don’t like each other, but we have always respected each other’s properties. If the other families heard through the grapevine that you’re trying to take over territories, it would put a huge target on you and your family’s back.” I lock eyes with him. “We both know that out of the two of us, the other families will take my word over yours.”
He holds my gaze. “Very well, Cipriani. I had to stop by your house, but I never entered. The only reason I came was because one of the staff at your party owed me money.”
“Who?”
“His name is Paul Williams. Young kid. Got caught up with the wrong crowd. I told him if he didn’t give me my money on that date he wasn’t going to live to sunrise. He said if I came by his work he would pay me, which he did. Naturally, when he sent me the address I knew it was your place and I couldn’t be seen. I had Rachel cause a distraction so Paul could sneak out and give me my money. We met at the edge of the woods where we couldn’t be seen.”
“Why would you go yourself?” I cross my arms. “You don’t ever make house calls. That’s why you have guards to do that kind of thing for you.”
“Yes, but Paul was a personal case. You can cross-check with him and he will verify my story.” He takes another sip of his drink. “I didn’t shoot you. Whoever did was clearly nervous, impulsive, and messy. If one of my men or myself shot you, you’d be dead. Not limping with Cartieri as your crutch.”
I’m not sure how to respond to this.
“You’ve always hated women in power,” Dominic interrupts. “I’m sure you would love to get your hands on Cipriani’s territory.”
Valerio leans forward. “I’ve always hated the unworthy ones. But Cipriani has earned her crown.”
“Flattery doesn’t suit you Valerio,” I retort.
He narrows his eyes. “And neither does paranoia. That’s not a good look on you Cipriani. You’re normally so calm and calculated. Be careful you don’t drown in it. If there is a rat in your house, I would have expected an intelligent woman like you to have figured it out. I didn’t expect you to go knocking on the doors of your rivals, interrogating them. Chaos always burns from within.”
I would love nothing more than to rip out his throat right now but I stay calm. “Well, when evidence points at my rivals, I like to make a personal house call so there are no misunderstandings.”
“Well, I believe you got all the answers you seek, now if you’ll excuse me…”
“Wait a minute, Mr. Neri,” Dominic interjects. “I have a few questions of my own.”
“Oh the former FBI agent is going to question me now, lucky me.”
“Rachel is not the only one who occupies your bed. You’ve been sleeping with Elaine Lane as well.”
“Since when is who I share my bed with any personal matter of yours?” Valerio sneers.
“Her husband has been asking questions,” Dominic replies.
Valerio smirks. “I’m well aware of your new venture in investigating, Cartieri. I’m not afraid of that white-collar businessman. He can’t do anything. When I’m done with Elaine, he can take her back. She complains too much for my liking.”
