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“I'll find you when the meeting's over,” I tell Bianca, who takes one more look at him before trotting away. Sebastian is still chuckling, shaking his head like he's impressed.
“You know, there was one other issue I wanted to discuss with you.”
His attention swings back to me. “I'm all ears.”
“We're looking into the death of a civilian, a woman. It took place, oh, fourteen years ago. We believe she may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and that her husband—a detective—was the intended target. I know you would have no first-hand knowledge of anything that happened that long ago, but I was wondering if you'd ever heard any talk about that. Maybe you could ask around and see if anyone remembers.”
“Are you asking me if my father had a woman killed? I think we both know that's not how he operated.”
“Absolutely, and that was my immediate reaction, but that is roughly around the time I started doing business with your father, and if that detective was after me…”
“Say no more.” He’s frowning as he buttons his jacket like he’s ready to leave. “I can't imagine that having come from Dad, but there's a chance someone on my crew knows about it.”
“I’d appreciate any information you uncover. And in the meantime, I look forward to hearing from your lawyer. I’d love to sign a contract soon.” His ready smile tells me he agrees, and Romero offers to walk him to the front door while I sink into my chair.
There's too much happening. My heart's pounding suddenly like it wants to burst from my chest. Moroni. Costello. The traitor in my crew. Amanda and the papers. Bianca’s mother. My daughter. Everywhere I turn, more problems. More questions.
Every man has a breaking point. Until now, I couldn't have imagined reaching mine. That's never been me. I don't fall apart. I can't afford to. There are too many people depending on me, needing me. Decisions to be made, people to protect.
Somewhere along the line, it's all become too much. I see that now, sitting behind my desk, staring out the window while the world spins out of control around me. It's all too damn much. I've reached the point where I'm too overwhelmed to see the next step. Do I reach out to Amanda? Do I start making phone calls about a murder I'm sure the gunman forgot about long ago? Or maybe it's Tatum who needs my attention—I should go to her, spend some time with her. But Bianca needs me to fulfill my promise. And I need to protect what's mine, including my business.
In other words, I'm in the middle of a storm, and I have no idea which way to turn.
“I'm so sorry.”
The sound of my little bird's voice reaches what little is left of my sanity. I turn toward her, soaking in the sight of her beauty. “You don't have to apologize,” I murmur, gesturing for her to come closer.
Something holds her back, however. “No, that was super unprofessional of me. I saw the car outside, but since your door was open… I just wasn't thinking. I wanted to see you.” She tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear and bites her lip.
“I could never get upset with you for saying something like that.” I hold out my arms, and she comes to me. Settling in my lap, her welcome weight provides me instant comfort. She settles against my body, winding her arms around my neck, and instantly all is right with the world.
“You look upset. Did the meeting not go well?”
“Actually, it went fine.” I need to focus on what’s working right now, and the deal with Sebastian is one of those things.
“What else is going on? You can talk to me. I want you to talk to me when things are bothering you.”
“I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment, that's all.”
“I'm sorry. Maybe you need to take a day off.”
The innocence of youth. “You have no idea how much I'd like to, but I'm afraid that would only worsen everything. I have too much to deal with.”
“Well, in case you were wondering, Tatum is fine.” She places a gentle kiss on my cheek, then another closer to my jaw. The sweetness of it—I can't breathe, and now my heart is thumping. Not out of panic or being overwhelmed, but because I don't know how to handle what she does to me. It's like she shoves a hand in my chest and stirs up parts of my soul I thought were dead. The way she brings everything into crystal clarity without trying.
I deeply inhale the scent of her hair and skin. “You came back earlier than expected.”
“The matinee was sold out, and we didn't feel like waiting around. Maybe we'll go out again tomorrow, and do a little shopping after the movie. As long as I can get her out of the house.”
