Page 105 of Unravel Me

Ennio replies:

"I'm fully aware of that. One accusation isn't enough. Some Messenger conversations have surfaced too. An anonymous source handed them over to the police, but it's still not a strong enough case. If I'm correct in assuming that you kept tabs on Mark's assistants, this is your moment to make a move."

My moment…

My jaw clenches tight because Ennio is right.

This could be the opportunity I’ve been waiting for the last six years!

Shaking slightly, I log into my email, even though I know that by doing so, Rocco's people, who monitor the IP addresses of everyone connected to the mafia, could trace me. But fuck it…

I quickly pull up the list of addresses belonging to all the assistants, employees, and campaign staff who ever left because of Mark's sexual harassment.

I open a new email.

My fingers stiffen with tension as I start writing.

I know it has to be pretty convincing to make these people feel brave enough to come forward and give their own statements, ones that could finally bury Mark's case.

I write it sentence by sentence.

…This is the moment when you can file a case against Ferguson. There were purges within the police department some time ago, and many people working with the mafia were fired. On top of that, capo Anzo Ferro has been arrested, and he had the most connections among the people who could have threatened you. Rocco has just taken over, and he has neither the respect nor the influence Anzo had. He has more enemies than friends, and he's focused on consolidating his power and hunting down the brothers who ran. Right now, this is the perfect time to come forward, while it's safe, and bring this case before the courts. Give your statements. There won't be a better opportunity than this. This man needs to face justice…

I squeeze my eyes shut because I know sending this email from my own account is an enormous risk, but I have to do it.

I hit send.

The same message, duplicated across twenty-seven addresses, disappears into cyberspace.

I let out a slow breath through my teeth and text Ennio again.

"Do you know what's happening with Jared?"

"Sorry, but I don't concern myself with his fate. All I know is that he's still staying at Mark's house for now, but that could change. He has no right to the house. It's registered to Mark and his brother."

"Do you think I should go see him now?"

"I wouldn't. I'd give him two or three months, at least until Mark's situation is sorted out. If he manages to get out of this, you'll find yourself in an awkward position."

I pull my gaze away from the phone and stare again at the green square I've marked out for my house.

I have to finish building it, make it into a hideout, and figure out how I can contact Jared. And really think through what I can actually offer him at the moment.

I'm a fugitive, for fuck's sake!

I never suspected that my running away would happen at the exact same instant as Mark's imprisonment. This is just a difficult coincidence and is messing with my plans. I hoped I could have more time to settle things with my family, but it may not be the case.

Rocco is on my trail, which could put Jared directly in his path, and that would be a catastrophe. He would kill two birds with one stone.

There's no way I can offer Jared any kind of safety right now. If anything, I'd only make his situation worse.

I press my hands against my temples and rub them. I need to sort it out in my head, and make some sensible decisions.

No matter how badly I selfishly want to do it, no matter how extraordinary this window of opportunity is that has suddenly opened for me, Jared's safety has to come first.

Patience, Mauro.

Find a way.