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I stareat the apartment door with disdain. The shadow of my brother dances under the door, oblivious to my early arrival. Once I open this door, I know it’s going to be nothing but a streamline of questions. Maybe there’s a bar around here that I can hide at until he passes out. He can’t stay awake forever.
“I’m sure she’ll be here in an hour or so.” My brother’s voice is muffled from the other side of the door. What, is he talking to Mom about the case too? Does everyone have to know my business these days?
“Oh, that’s fine. I don’t mind waiting.”
That was definitely not Mom. I yank open the door to find a smart-looking man sitting on the couch. Jax sits on the loveseat across from him, his eyes landing on me the moment I walk inside.
“Hey, speaking of,” Jax cheers, holding up a steaming mug. “Welcome home, little sister.”
My eyes bounce from my brother to the stranger and back again. “What’s going on?”
“Kylie, this is David Green. He’s a good friend and colleague from the attorney general’s office.”
David nods to me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kylie. I’ve heard so much.”
“All good things, I hope.” I laugh nervously.
“A recent graduate and top candidate for the next generation of real estate agents.” He smirks. “Your brother is very proud.”
“Yeah, he’s a blabbermouth.” I lean on the wall and take off my shoes. This guy isn’t here for me, and I’m grateful for the lack of interrogation. A few more polite words and I can play the tired card to escape.
“Let me ask you something, Kylie,” David continues.
“Shoot.” I grunt as I stow away my shoes on the top rack.
“What is a brilliant girl like you doing with a criminal like Johnathan Ronsberry?”
I freeze, my senses on high alert. Did Jax really tell a member of the attorney general’s office about the case? How does he even know if he can trust this guy?
“And what would make you jump to such a wild conclusion?” I slowly rise and hike my bag higher on my shoulder. Let the interrogation begin.
“Have you ever heard the name Leonardo Guerra?” David sips from his own mug, the smell of chamomile lingering in the air.
“Can’t say that I have,” I lie and glare at my brother. “Jax, care to explain what the hell is going on here?”
“There’s been talk around the office about Leo being involved in some shady practices.” Jax stands. “We’re not talking parking tickets or petty theft, Kylie. We’re talking big. And based on your findings so far, we have a lot of reason to think that he’s involved with the Ronsberrys beyond family matters.”
“The Ronsberrys have a lot of business partners. That name hasn’t crossed my desk once.” I keep my tone neutral and feign a yawn. Better be careful not to give anything away.
“Maybe because they don’t want you to find out,” David says.
Jax makes his way toward me, as if I’m a lanternfly he’s trying to put in a jar. “Kylie, we want you to help us catch Leonardo. We already know that he’s connected to the Ronsberrys. We just need you to confirm how deep their ties go.”
“Is this an official investigation?” I spit. “Why isn’t the attorney general here at this late night meeting?”
“Well, let’s just say when Leo Guerra is involved, there’s always an investigation.” David stands, buttoning his jacket. “He’s the biggest mafia leader in New York. Our department has been watching him for a while.”
Jax takes my hands, eyes pleading. “Kylie, if Johnathan has anything to do with Leonardo, you’re not safe. If you are going to continue with this ridiculous hunt, at least help us put someone away in the process.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” I snatch my hands away. “So much for being a good friend.”
“Kylie—”
“Stop trying to pacify me like I’m a child!” I yell. “I’ve played along with your twenty questions because I know you’re concerned. But this ambush that you’ve planned is crossing a line.”
I snatch up my purse and shoes without a second thought and walk out the door.
