Teddy reached over the bar, pulled a clean glass and filled it with sparkling water.
“Cin Cin,” Gabriel said, and the brothers clinked glasses.Cheers.
“They blame you for Angelo’s death?” Teddy asked as he glanced over at Tara.
“They want me to marry Angelo’s sister to make amends.”
“I remember her. She had a crush on you when we were kids.”
“I refused.”
“’Cause you got a thing for Barbi?” Teddy asked.
“I do.”
“She’s definitely too good for you.”
“True,” Gabriel said. “You jumped several levels yourself, my brother. My Sydney is way too good for you.”
Teddy chuckled. “Not loving that you still think of her as yours.”
“She is mine, my sorellina.”Little sister.
“Are you picking another fight?” Teddy asked.
“Every moment of every day.”
The brothers laughed, clinked glasses again.
“You wouldn’t be you if you weren’t pissing someone off,” Teddy said.
“I’m searching for Angelo’s killer,” Gabriel said. “I uploaded a photo to IDware.”
Teddy drained the glass. “Let’s go check it out.”
“First, Tara.” Gabriel pushed off the stool.
Together, the brothers made their way to the table.
The man was listening intently to Tara. She stopped talking, smiled up at them. “This is Mark Fannon. These are my bosses. Teddy Santini and Gabriel Santini.”
The men shook hands. “Great restaurant. I’ve been here a few times.”
“Thanks,” Teddy said. “We love hearing that.”
“What’s your story with Tara?” Gabriel asked.
“G, why are you being so hard?” Teddy pushed back.
“It’s fine,” Mark said. “I’ve got two younger sisters. I can be a real jerk when I meet their dates.” He handed Teddy a business card. “I just wanted to introduce myself to Tara.” He shot her a smile. “No pressure.”
“We’ll run background on you.”
“Sorry ‘bout my brother,” Teddy said. “He’s insane.”
Mark laughed.
The brothers said goodbye, made their way toward the manager’s office. Once there, Teddy asked, “What is wrong with you?”
