“I’m not following, Peter. What do you suspect him of?”
“I’m convinced Carrera and Sin have formed some kind of alliance. And if Luciano Santini is involved, it’s hella illegal. He ran—or still runs—the Santini crime family.”
As her agitation grew, she tapped her fingernails on the arm of the wrought iron sofa, letting therap-rap-rapfill the silence.
“Years ago, we had a conversation that stayed with me,” Peter continued. “I’d recommended you for a promotion, which you got. You told me you appreciated that I was the epitome of professionalism. I was very touched by that.”
She nodded. “I remember.”
“You said that in a work environment where women aren’t always welcome, I made you, and all the women on the team, feel like equals. You told me I never said or did anything inappropriate.”
“Still holds true.”
He smiled. “You told me you’d be there for me, if the time came when you could return the favor.”
“I did.”
A coldness hardened his eyes. “I need to call in that favor,Red.”
She grew silent while the bass pounding in her head grew louder. Megaphone loud. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Why call in that favor now? And why her?
“I need to know what he’s up to,” Peter said.
Look who’s doing something illegal now.
“I’m not comfortable doing that, Peter,” she said. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have a choice, Red.”
Anger slithered around her heart. “I don’t work for you.”
“You do know how favors work, don’t you?”
She nodded, once.
“I’m calling mine in.”
Glaring at Peter, she stood. “Not happening.”
If he was trying to intimidate her, itwasn’tworking. Her frustration grew with each passing second.
“Peter, you can’t ask Red to do that,” Jerod said. “It’s wrong on so many levels. I get that you hate the guy because of what happened with your first wife, but you’re with Lucy now. You’ve got the Director’s ear for fuck’s sake. Let it go with Santini.”
Peter’s face turned beet red. “I was a goddamn cuckold and made to look like an ass.”
“Be pissed at your ex and don’t drag Red into this,” Jerod said. “She’s suffering enough. Her friend is dead, Peter. Dead!”
“You and I both know Santini is up to no good,” Peter insisted.
“Enough.” Jerod pushed off the sofa and regarded her. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Red, I’m sorry,” Peter said. “Jerod’s right. You just lost a good friend and here I am being a total jackass.”
“I’m gonna head out.” A myriad of emotions—frustration, anguish, and disappointment—followed her inside. After thanking Lucy, she made her way toward the front door, eager to leave. Jerod caught up with her as she opened it.
“Let me walk you to your car.” Outside, he said, “I’m sure this dinner party was the last place you wanted to be.”
“It was fine.”
