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She shook her head. “There’s no way he would do that. He wouldn’t rip off Malfetto. You all know that man’s capabilities, and he’s connected to other gangs and bosses. Hell, you have people that do business with them,” Nina said to him, and his eyes widened that she knew that. “I’ve heard that working at the clubs. People talk. If it’s not true, I’m sorry.”
“He stole the stuff from Malfetto, and that delivery was supposed to go to Polo.”
She gasped and felt the tears hit her eyes and her heart pound inside. “Oh, God.”
“Yes. He finds out Zinc was your brother, if he hasn’t already, then you’re in deep danger. Nina, I need to know that you’re not involved with this.”
“Of course I’m not involved with this. I don’t even believe that Zinc was.”
“Why did Corona and the others put two hundred thousand dollars in your bank account?” He shocked her by asking her that.
She suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous. She covered her stomach.
“I’m going to be sick.” She stood up.
“The bathroom is there.” He held her, walking her to the bathroom.
When she got there, she closed the door and threw up. She was crying and her head was pounding. She eased herself up, washed her face and her mouth, and wished she had brought in her crackers and the drink. She opened the door.
“Nina?” he questioned her, and she went to her chair and grabbed her purse. He watched her.
“What’s going on? Be honest with me. If you’re in trouble, I wi
ll help you.”
“No, you won’t. You think I’m part of this, and I’m not.”
“Honey, you’ve done nothing over the years to indicate that you aren’t loyal to me, to the family, or not appreciative of the help I’ve given you. I don’t believe that you’re involved. That’s why I’m asking you these questions, and not Cramer or someone else.”
She felt the tears fill her eyes. He was telling her that he believed she was innocent, but how could she tell him about the money from Corona and not appear like some whore? She felt embarrassed all over again. Viktor crossed his arms in front of his chest and gave her that hard stare of his.
“You’re acting suspicious, and you’re hiding something. What was the money about? Why are you so upset you’re getting sick?”
She tightened up as he raised his voice, and then exhaled.
“You’re not giving me much of a choice here. Talk to me. Tell me why the money is in the account. Corona and his team is being investigated, too. They were friends with Zinc, and it isn’t looking good for them.”
She jerked her head up, surprised by not only the fact Viktor thought Corona and the team were involved but that she felt compelled to protect them despite what they had done to her.
“I was stupid, Viktor. I let my guard down, and I went and fell in love with Corona, Jessup, Atlanta, and Freeman, okay? I’m an idiot. I thought that maybe, just maybe, they felt the same way, and, well, it was obvious that, despite them claiming their professions didn’t give them time for a commitment, I still went and fell in love with them. I’m sick over it. Over Zinc and what he may or may not have done, and the fact that now I’m being looked at as a culprit in this. It’s all too much.” She cried and then wiped her eyes and continued to carry on.
Viktor was silent as she continued to ramble.
“Then they basically let me know it was just sex, and when I got home and found out about Zinc and Cramer accused me of being involved, I found the two hundred thousand dollars in my account.”
“From Zinc?”
“No, from Corona.” She cried and then wiped her eyes as she babbled on.
“A payoff like some high-priced whore. I don’t even know why he did it, but it hurt so badly.”
“Jesus. Stupid freaking Marines. Are you sure he didn’t say anything like he wanted to take care of you and they would be back between missions?”
She shook her head and straightened her shoulders.
“They never wanted anything more. I knew I was taking a chance and that they weren’t the kind of men to commit, and they have jobs to do. It doesn’t really matter now, because I’ll never see them again. Now I have to worry about what Zinc did and how this is affecting my life.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. They’re good men, good soldiers.”
