Page 149 of Diego

At my apartment. On my day off.

I lean slightly against the doorframe. “Did Diego send you?”

They exchange a glance.

“No,” Julia says.

Donna tilts her head. “He doesn't know we're here, actually. Probably wouldn't be too happy if he found out.” Then she shrugs it off, which kind of makes me like her.

“Victoria was supposed to come too,” Julia says. “Mario’s wife. But she had an engagement she couldn’t get out of.”

That's Mario Conti. I may not have gotten the full story from Diego, but I know enough to know that Mario isn't just Diego’s older brother. He's the head of their family. And also the head of The Family.

I'm kind of glad Victoria couldn't come.

I stare at them for another moment, trying to understand how three wives of Diego’s brothers apparently reached the conclusion that showing up uninvited at my home was appropriate. Then I remember the family I am dealing with and decide that question probably has no good answer.

“What exactly are you doing here?”

Julia glances past me into the apartment. “Rescuing you.”

“From what?”

Donna shrugs. “Take your pick, it's all an excuse anyway. The truth is we just wanted to come by and check up on you.”

“Donna,” Julia says.

“What?” Donna says. “She's not stupid. Why lie?”

I like her a little bit more after that, but…

“I’m working,” I say.

“Isn't it your day off?” Julia says.

I don't bother asking how she knows that.

“Yes.”

Donna nods as though I have confirmed something for her. “That’s a problem.”

“I have a lot of work.”

“The sooner you let us in, the sooner you can get back to it,” Donna says pleasantly.

I stare at her.

She stares back.

Julia’s lips twitch.

I should shut the door.

Right in their faces.

Instead, against every instinct I possess, I step aside.

Donna walks in first with the confidence of someone who never doubted the outcome. Julia follows, thanking me as she passes, and I close the door behind them while silently cursing myself for ever answering the door in the first place.