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“He called me not long ago,” I tell Joaquin. “Said he wanted me to talk to you about getting the families together. That there was a threat to everyone. He said to stay away from women we don’t know.”
My cousin’s lips pull back in distaste as he adjusts himself. “Yeah, I’m not interested in anything the Sinacores have to say. They’re the fuckin’ enemy.”
I stare at him long and hard. “Perhaps youshouldbe. If what he said is true, we could all be in danger.”
“Of what?”
It grates my nerves that I can’t answer his question because I also didn’t listen to Tony. Not really. If I had done as I promised, we’d have more information on whoever this Ferryman is.
“Is that all you came to tell me? That Tony was taken out?” I ask with annoyance.
“No. I wanted to give you these.” From inside his gray coat, he tugs out two photographs. “Alberto Fonzi. He’s Ruby’s pimp.”
I glance at them. “Who’s Ruby?”
“The whore you saw on theLucky Lady. She’s been spyin’ on him for me. He’s selling more than ass on our streets and usin’ his girls to do it. Got word that he’s getting’ more fucks into the business, saying it’s easy money. Now, are you gonna make an example of this douchebag for me, or do I have to give someone else your position?”
Sighing, I look again at the sleazeball in the picture. I nod.
Getting rid of the asshole might be exactly what I need to take the edge off until Emily returns.
She’s an unknown woman, but she’s a lamb. And a lamb is no threat to a man like me.
7
NOAH
Three Months Later…
Keep strange women out of your bed.
That had been Tony Sinacore’s advice. Joaquin didn’t want to hear it. The price for his utter stubbornness was his life.
A week ago, he was found floating by theLucky Lady, his neck broken and belly bloated from having been in the water a while. Pennies duct-taped to his lids.
Pennies. Just like the other three mafia Dons. And just like them, there was evidence on the yacht that he’d been with a woman.
When Renzo called me to give me the news, my mind immediately went to Ruby, but almost as quickly, I wrote her off. She’s not a killer. I’d know.
No. This was done by someone else. The Ferryman.
Sylvia lets out a wail as she leans against Renzo. They’re huddled together beside me in the front pew of the church as Reverend Michaels drones on and on about what a good man Joaquin was. Charitable. Kind. A pillar of the community. All words Renzo put in the priest’s mouth when he filled his pockets with cash.
Joaquin was none of those things. He was a liar, a cheat, and the worst kind of stupid. That’s why we’re all here now.
I look over my shoulder and spot Matteo and Alex, the only two capos that stayed when Francesco died. Behind them are several of their soldiers, staring blankly ahead. None of them truly want to be here. They came because they were told to.
Matteo glances my way, says something out of the side of his mouth, and Alex turns as well. Alex nods, and Matteo places his fist against his chest in a show of respect. To me.
My lips pull tight. I’m fully aware of what they’re thinking. That now that Joaquin is dead, I’ll make a play for his position.
But this is neither the time nor the place. What we need right now is strength and unity. There are plenty of predators out there ready to pick us apart, to take us out one by one.
After the funeral, everyone heads to theLucky Ladyfor the goodbye bash Renzo is throwing for his older brother.
“I don’t know if I can celebrate, Noah,” Sylvia tells me as I drive us there. “It seems like everyone I care about is leaving me.”
“I’m still here,” I say. “I’ll always be here, Mother.”
