Taking Care of the Target

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FirstEdition:January2017

ChapterOne

BeingawaitressforaplacerumoredtobeMafiaCentralwasn’twhatCassiehadplannedondoingwith
herlife.No,thegoalhadalwaysbeentogetaneducationandbecomesomething.Whatexactly,she
wasn’tsureyet,andconsideringshe’dstartedcollegefouryearsbehindeveryoneelse,shereally
should’vefigureditoutbynow.

OnceDad’smedicalbillsandthecostofhisfuneralarepaidoff,mymainfocuscanbeschooland

decidingwhatcareerfieldI’mgoinginto.Thatwasthethingaboutpeskybills—theyturnedupevery
month,regardlessifyouwerereadyforthemornot.

Onlytwomonthsintothenewsemesterandshewasalreadybehind.PickingupextrashiftsatRossi’s

Ristorantewasn’tgoingtohelp,butitmadeherbreatheeasierwhenitcametothebills.Iprobably
shouldn’tbemovingrightnow,either.ButwhatamIsupposedtodo?StayinaneighborhoodI’m
terrifiedtogohometoeverynight?

Inanattempttokeepbusy,Cassiestraightenedthegiantstackofmenusatthehostessstand,flipping

theupsidedownonessotheyallfacedthesameway.Rossi’shadanold,classicfeeltoit.Thebrick
exteriordisplayedthesamesignthat’dbeenthereforgenerations,nowfadedfromyearsofsun,rain,and
snow,andtheinteriorwasspacious,withplentyofspacebetweenthedarkwoodtables.Thelastplace
she’dworkedhadsomanytablesandchairstherehadn’tbeenroomtowalk,muchlessdeliverfood.

Cassie’sfavoritepartaboutRossi’s,though,wasthehugemuralpaintedonthefarwall.Itgavethe

illusionoflookingoutarchedwindowsatalushItaliancountryside.Nodoubtitwasasclosetoseeing
Italyasshe’deverget.

Thefrontdooropened,andVinceDaMarco,alsoknownastheotherreasonCassieneversaidnoto

extrashifts,walkedin.Thestrongjaw,darkeyes,andever-presentfiveo’clockshadowwould’vebeen
hardenoughtoresist,buthewasalsosmartandhard-working.Buffandbrainswasahardcombinationto
comeby.

Heflashedherasmile,andherheartflutteredwildlyinherchest.“Cassie.Hey.”
“Hey.”Shepushedherglassesuphernose,theninwardlysmackedherhandaway—itwasanervous

tickshecouldn’tridherselfof,andshereadjustedthemthreetimesasoftenwheneverVincewasaround.

Hefoldedhisarmsacrossthetopofthehostessstand,bringinghimcloseenoughtomakeoutallthree

shadesofbrowninhisirises—notthatshe’dspenthoursanalyzingthemoranything.“Thanksagainfor
fillinginlastminute,”hesaid.

Whenhe’dcalledearliertoday,hesoundedalmosthesitant,whichshe’dreadaspossiblynervous.

Foronedeliciousmoment,shethoughthemightactuallyaskherout.Imagesofwhatthatwouldbelike
hadflashedthroughhermindinrapidsuccession—talkingsomewherebesidesRossi’s,graduallyleaning
closerandcloserasattractionsnappedintheairbetweenthem,akissattheendofthenight…

Evennow,theresidualimagesremained,makingherheartskipacoupleofbeats.
Instead,he’daskedhertofillinforMia,whichbroughtrealityscreechingback.OfcourseCassie

agreed,eventhoughshehadtoomuchtodoandnotenoughtimetodoit.She’ddoanythingifshethought
itmightputheronVince’sradar.

Ifshewerebolder,she’dattempttoflirt—justreachoutrightnow,putherhandonhismuscled

forearm,andsaysomethingwitty.Plentyofwomenogledandflirtedwithhimwhentheycamein,likeit
wasaseasyasbreathing.Teenagegirlsgiggledwhenhewalkedby,ladieshisagepracticallythrew
themselvesathim,andolderwomen—oftenseatedwiththeirhusbands—wouldsmileandstealglances.

ButCassiehadalwaysbeenshy,especiallywhenitcametoguys,andespeciallywhenitcameto

exquisitemalespecimensshedidn’thaveachancewith.Imayaswelljustfacemyfate.I’llworkhere
forever,nevergetadegree,andwatchassomeotherwomanscoopsupVince.

“…thespecialagain.”
Shejerkedherselfoutofherthoughts,staringathimasifthat’dmakethebeginningofhissentence

appear.Betweenhisnearness,hisdeepvoice,andherunattainabledaydreams,shehadn’tbeenpaying
attentiontohiswords.Shepushedherglassesuponhernose—damnit,stopdoingthat—andthenasked,
“Whataboutthespecial?”

Vince’seyeslockedontohers,andherthroatwentdry.“Wheredidyoujustgo?Oneminuteyouwere

smiling,andthenyouwerefrowning.Iwasstartingtothinkyouhadapersonalvendettaagainstlasagna.”

Heatbloomedinhercheeks.“Sorry,I’mjusttiredfromstayinguplatetodomyhomeworkandthen

thismorning’sclasses.”

Hetiltedhishead,studyingherasifhedidn’tquitebuyit.
“So,”shequicklysaid,puttinghisstatementtogetherwiththeendofthesentenceshe’dheard.

“Lasagna’sthespecialagain?”

“Yeah.Angeloforgottoplacethefoodorder.ItwastheonlythingIaskedhimtodo,buteventhatwas

toomuchforhim.”Vincesighedandglancedtowardthebackwherehespentmostofhistimeinasmall
office,payingbills,orderingfood,scheduling,andalltheothermanagementduties.Thenhisgazeflicked
tothebulgingbackpackatherfeet.“Feelfreetobreakoutthebookswhenit’sslow.Iknowyou’vegota
tonofstudyingtodo,whichwaswhyIputyouashostess.AndI’llgetyouadayoffthisweek,Iswear.
EvenifIhavetowaittablesmyself.”

Cassielaughed.“Oh,right.Youwaitingtables.Uh-huh.”
Vince’smouthdroppedopen.“What?Youdon’tthinkIcandoit?”
Shealmostreadjustedherglassesbutstoppedherhandafewinchesshortandwrappedastrandof

hairaroundherfingerinstead.“Ijustcan’tpictureit…AlthoughIbetyou’dgethugetips.Especiallyfrom
allthefemalecustomers.”

Oneofhisdarkeyebrowsquirkedupandamusementsparkedinhiseyes.Crap.Didshejust

practicallyconfesstobeingobsessedwithhishotness?Orwasthisflirting?Maybeshecouldpullitoff.
Ifshehadafollow-upmove,it’dfeelmorelikeawin.

“Weshould,uh,haveacompetition,”shesaid,herpulseracingathersuddenboldness.“Seewhogets

moretipsbytheendofthenight.”

Aslowsmilespreadacrosshisface,bringingouttheslightindentioninhischin,andlight-headedness

setin.“You’reon.I’llhaveLindafillinatthehostessstationduringtheeveningrushsoyoucanwait
tables.Loserbuysdinner…somewherebesidesRossi’s.”

“It’sabet.”Usingthestandtoblockhermovements,shepinchedherthightomakesurethiswastruly

happening.Ithurt,soshewasgoingwithyes.

“Later,then.”Hestartedpast,thenabruptlyturnedaroundandleanedin,thehostessstandnolonger

servingasabarrierbetweenthem.“Fairwarning,”hesaidinadangerouslylowvoicethatsentashiver
downherspine,“Idon’tknowhowtolose.”

Shetriedtocomeupwithsomethingclever,butherbrainfailed,soshejustsaid,“Iguesswe’llsee.”
Despitethetemptationtowatchhimwalkthroughtherestaurantthewaysheusuallydid,sheforced

herselftoturnaround.Besides,nowshecouldletthegoofygrinthattuggedatherlipsfree.Threemonths
ofworkingtogether—mostofwhichshe’dspenttryingnottodroolwhenhespoke—andtheyweregoing
tohavedinner,winorlose.Soreallytherewasnolosing.

Cominginonmysupposed-to-be-day-offwastotallyworthit.
Theopeningdoormadeherautomaticallyswitchintowelcominghostessmode.Onlyitwasn’ta

customer;itwasMr.CarloRossi,theowner.Hisstopsintotherestaurantweresporadicand
unannounced,buthewasforeverinagoodmood,animpossible-not-to-returnsmileonhisface.

“Afternoon,Cassie,”hesaid,hisenigmaticpersonalitylightinguptheentireentryway.“How’smy

favoritewaitresstoday?”

Thatwasprobablyanexaggeration,butsheplayedalong.“I’mwell.Youwantatable,orareyou

headingtoyouroffice?”

“Businessfirst,dinnerlater.WhenDanteandSalgethere,canyousendthembacktomyoffice?

We’vegotameetingscheduled,andit’sveryimportantwe’renotinterrupted.Capisce?”

“Noproblem,”shesaid.
Mr.Rossishotheranotherbigsmileandthenwalkedbacktowardhisoffice.Whenhe’dhiredher,

shehadnoideaabouttherumorsclaiminghewasinvolvedinthemob.Itwasn’tuntilshementioned
wheresheworkedatstudygrouponenightshe’dlearnedpeoplethoughthewassomesortofMafioso.

“Doesn’thefitthetype?”oneoftheguysinhereconclasshadaskedasshe’dscribbleddownnotes.
She’dfilledherwordswithasmuchsarcasmasshecouldmanageattenp.m.“YoumeanItalian?”
Eversince,shefoundherselfwatchinghimashehaddinnerwithhisusualgroupoffriends,

wonderinghowtherumorhadgottenstarted.Surelyitwasjustthat—therewasnowayhewasconnected.
Eachtimeshescoldedherselfforevenquestioningit.Whenshewasdesperateforajobthatpaidwell
andworkedaroundherschedule,he’dhiredherandhadbeennothingbutnice.Thetruthwas,whilehe
lookedcompletelyintimidating,hewasateddybearofaguywhoownedarestaurantwithdeliciousfood
andaloyalcustomerbase.

Peopleandtheirgossip,shethought,shakingherhead.Thinkingofstudygroupsremindedherthat

sheshouldbecrammingwhileshecould.Onlyhermotivationhaddisappearedaboutanhourafterherlast
cupofcoffee.

Cassiedrummedherfingersonthehostessstand.WithherandVince’scompetitiononthehorizon,

standinguphereforthenexthourorsowasgoingtobetorture.

Thedoorswungopenagain,andshestraightened,herhostesssmilefadingwhenshesawDanteand

Sal.

“Hey,girl.”Salwinkedather,thecavalierexpressiononhisfaceshowinghowsmoothhethoughthe

was.“Ididn’tknowyouwereworkingtonight.”

TheguywaseverythingVincewasn’t—scrawnybuild,pointednose,andhishairlookedlikehe’d

usedCriscotoslickitintoplace.He’daskedheroutseveraltimes,andeventhoughshe’dpolitely
declinedeachtime,usingherbusyscheduleasanexcuse,hewaspersistent.

IonlyhopeVincedecidestobeaspersistent.Ifheevenwantstopursueme.Maybehe’sjustbored,

andIofferedsomethingtohelpmakethehourspassfaster.Aballofnervesformedinhergut.Tonight
washerchance,andsheneededtofocussoshedidn’tblowitwithoneofhersignatureawkwardmoves,
likethetimeshejoinedacoedvolleyballgametotrytoimpressaguyandendedupservingtheballright
intohisfacewhileheshoutedencouragements.The“youcandoit”affirmationsstoppedonceblood
startedgushingfromhisnose.

“Mr.Rossihereyet?”Danteasked,crossinghismassivearmsoverhischest.He,ontheotherhand,

wasgood-lookingandcompletelyawareofit.ButCassiewasasuninterestedinhimashewasinher—
histastesroamedmoretowardthesilicon-enhancedtypeofgirl.

Cassienodded.“Yeah,andhewantsyoutwotomeethiminhisoffice.”
“Wedon’twantanyinterruptionsoncewestartourmeeting.”Salplacedhishandsonthehostess

standandleanedin.“ButmaybelaterI’llcomeinterruptyourwork.”

Theinnuendoinhisvoicemadeherskincrawl.Luckilyshewassavedwhenafamilyoffivewalked

in.“Excuseme.Dutycalls.”

Aftersheseatedthem,shepulledoutherbooksandreadthroughhernoteswhilerollingsilverware.

Sheglancedatthetimeonherphone.Fortymoreminutestilldinnerrush.

CassieinwardlygroanedwhenAllegraRossistrolledin.Shehadtwovariationsofanimalprint

spandexedtoherbody,andherdarkhairwasteasedintoabouffant,asusual.Ifanyonewerescary
enoughtobeamobboss,itwouldbeAllegra.She’dprobablywhacksomeoneoversomethingasminor
asbreakinganail,orherlipsticknotbeingfuchsiaenough.

“Ineedtoseemyhusbandrightnow,”shesaidinherheavyNewJerseyaccent.
CassieshotAllegrahermostwinningsmile—atleastshehopeditcameoffthatway.“Mr.Rossi’sin

ameetingandspecificallysaidhedidn’twanttobeinterrupted.”

AllegraplacedherhandsonherhipsandstaredatCassielikeshewasanidiot.“Didhespecifically

saynottolethiswifein?”

“No,but—”
“That’swhatIthought.It’sanemergency.NowgotellhimthatI’mhere.”Allegrawavedherhandina

shooingmotion.WhenCassiedidn’timmediatelyrespond,thewomanglaredather.

Cassiesighed.“I’llseewhatIcanfindout.”
Grittingherteeth,shewalkedthroughtherestaurant.It’slikeshe’shell-bentongettingmefired.She

onceoverheardAllegracomplainingtoMr.Rossiabouther.“Afterall,”she’dsaidwithasneer,“she’s
notevenItalian.”

Yeah,theblondhair,greeneyes,andbeyondpaleskinprettymuchgaveheraway.Shehadn’trealized

itwasarequirementtobeItaliantoworkatanItalianrestaurant.Luckily,Mr.Rossiseemedunfazedby
thedemand.

Cassiepushedthroughthelargedoubledoors,walkedpastthekitchenandwalk-infreezer,and

hesitatedoutsideofMr.Rossi’soffice.Shehadafeelinghesometimescameintotheofficemoretoavoid
Allegrathantodoactualwork.

Cassie’sstomachclenched.ShehatedtointerruptandgoagainstMr.Rossi’swishes,but

unfortunately,hiswifewasscarierthanhewas.Bitingherlip,sheknockedontheofficedoor.Whenshe
didn’tgetareply,shetwistedtheknobandcrackedthedooropen.“Sorry,butyourwifeinsisted—”

Theofficewasempty.
Arelievedbreathescapedhermouth.Themeetingmustalreadybeover.IbetMr.Rossi’soutback

takingacigarbreak.

Sheheadedforthebackexit,alightnessinherchestnowthatthethreatofinterruptingMr.Rossiwas

over.Whyhechosethealleytosmokein,shedidn’tknow.Itwascrampedandalwayssmelledofold
foodandgarbage,buttoeachtheirown.

ShecrackedopenthedoorandcaughtsightofVince.Helookedhandsomeasever,althoughtherewas

ahardnesstohisfeaturesthatusuallywasn’tthere.Sheheardavoiceshedidn’trecognizeandstrainedto
makeoutwhathewassaying.

“Pleaseno,”themalevoicesaid.“Justgivememoretime.”
Somethingpreventedthedoorfromopeningfarther,andasshemovedherfaceclosertothesmallgap,

shesawDante,Sal,andMr.Rossi.Aguykneltonthegroundinfrontofthem,handsclaspedlikehewas
praying.“I’llgetitforyou,Iswear.”

Mr.Rossipointedagunattheman’sforehead,andshevaguelyregisteredthelongsilencerontheend

ofthebarrelasherbrainstruggledtocatchuptothesurrealsceneunfoldingbeforehereyes.“It’stoolate
forthat,”hesaid.

Thenhepulledthetrigger.

Cassiescreamed.
Bloodpouredfromthedeadguy’smisshapenhead,andshestared,unabletolookaway,unableto

believethiswasn’talljustahorrificdream.Wakeupwakeupwakeup.

Allthelivingfacesturnedtowardher.Mr.Rossiswunguphisgun,thebarrelaimedrightather.
Instincttookover,andsheshovedthedoorclosed.Abulletpunchedaholeinthewoodinchesfrom

herhead,sendingsplintersrainingdownonherandcausingherheartratetoskyrocket.Shespunonher
heelandsprintedbackdownthehall,pastthekitchen.Shedartedintothediningareaandweavedher
waythroughtablesandpeople,pushingherbodyasfastasit’dgo.

ShedaredaglanceoverhershoulderintimetoseeSalandDanteburstintotheroom.Sheboltedpast

astunned-lookingAllegraandpushedthroughthefrontdoors.

Rememberingthecoffeeshopcopsoftenfrequented,sherushedtowardit,prayingoneofthemwould

bethere—atleastshecouldgetsomeonetocall911.

Thetruckcameoutofnowhere,buthermomentumwasalreadypushingforward,heradrenalinefaster

thanherthoughts.

Brakessquealed.
Cassiethrewherhandsupinfrontofher.
Butsheknewitwastoolate.

ChapterTwo

Aconstantbeepingnoiseechoedthroughtheroom.Cassietriedtoforcehereyelidsopen,butthey
remainedclosed.Herwholebodyached,herarmsandlegsweighingatleastathousandpounds.The
sharppaininherheadwedgeditselfdeeper,makingithardtoconcentrate.

Why’smyalarmbeepinglikethat,andhowcanImakeitstopbeforemyheadexplodes?
Finally,hereyesflickeredopen.Shestaredatthewhiteceilingandthenglancedaroundthehazy

room.Variousmonitors,genericartwork,tubesinsertedintoherarms.Anawfulantisepticsmellthat
triggeredahundredbadmemories.

Panicroseandboundherlungs.WhyamIinahospital?
Shewenttoadjustherglasses,buttheyweren’tonherface.Thatexplainstheblurryvision.
Squintingatthebedframe,shelookedforthecallbutton.Whenshereachedforit,shenoticedthe

plasticbraceletonherwrist.Shelifteditcloserandtriedtomakeoutthefuzzywords.

DOE,JANE

was

typedinlargeletters.

Herpanicscreechedintooverdrive,andshescrambledtopushthecallbutton.
Avoicecamethrough,distortedasifit’dbeenfilteredthrougharobot.“Didyouneedsomething?”
Cassieopenedhermouthtospeak,butnosoundcameout.Herthroatfeltasthoughshe’drecently

chuggedsand,sodrythatsimplytryingtotalkscratchedit.Finallyshemanagedaweak,“Help.”

“Wait?Isthatroom305?”Itsoundedlikethewomanwastalkingtosomeoneelse,andthenthenoise

wentawayalltogether.

Aboutaminutelater,aplumpladyinscrubswalkedin.Hereyeswentwide.“You’reawake.I’llget

thedoctorrightaway.”

BeforeCassiecouldsayanything,thenursechargedoutthedoor.
Whatseemedlikeaneternitylater,shereappearedwithaskinnymanwholookedlikeheshouldstill

beincollegeanddefinitelynotalreadypracticingmedicine.

Heidentifiedhimselfandthenstartedinonthequestions.“What’sthelastthingyouremember?”
“Iwasworkingasawaitress,”Cassiecroakedout,thenpausedtotakeadrinkfromthecupthenurse

handedher.Afterchuggingthewholethingdown,speakingonlymildlyhurtherthroat.“Ataplacecalled
theBarbecuePit.”

“IsthathereinNewJersey?”heasked.
Sheloweredhereyebrows,herbraingoingasfuzzyashervision.“NewJersey?ItwasinColorado.

Areyousaying…I’minNewJersey?”

Thedoctornodded.
“WhatamIdoinginNewJersey?”
Acreaseformedinhisforehead,andhegaveherthispity-filledlookthatonlyincreasedthesinking

sensationinherchest.“Seemsyou’velostpartofyourmemory.Sometimesitcomesback,andsometimes
itdoesn’t.”

“HowlonghaveIbeeninthehospital?”
“Aboutaweek,”hesaid.“Youdidn’thaveanyidentification.Doyourememberyourname?”
“It’sCassandraDalton.”
Thedoctorliftedhisclipboard,wrotesomethingdown,andthenglancedbackather.“Whodoyou

needustocontact,Cassandra?”

Cassieshookherhead.“Noone.Idon’thaveanyone.”
“Family?”heasked.

“Gone.”Suchashortword,butitwasheavyandbroughtafreshwaveofpainthathadnothingtodo

withherphysicalinjuries.

“Friends?”
“Nope.”Cassieliftedherbruisedarms;theydidn’tevenlookliketheybelongedtoher,whichonly

deepenedthestrange,detachedfeelingtwistingthroughher.“Sowhathappenedtome?WhyamIhere?”

“Youwerehitbyatruck.Luckily,itstoppedbeforeitrolledoveryou,butyouhitthepavementhard

enoughtoloseconsciousness.Youwerecomatosewhentheparamedicsbroughtyouin,andwedid
everythingwecouldtogettheswellingonyourbraindown.”

Thephrases“hitbyatruck”and“swellingonyourbrain”tumbledoverandover,givingherasick

feelinginthepitofherstomach.

“Itwasprettybadthereforawhile,”thedoctorcontinued,“buttheoddsofmakingafullphysical

recoverylookgood.Whydon’tyoutrytorememberasmuchasyoucan?Startoutwithyourearliest
memoryandworkyourwayup.I’llcallthepoliceandinformthemofyourname,andthey’lltrackdown
youraddressandfillinthefactsyoumightnotremember.”

Thedoctorandthenurseexitedtheroom,leavingCassietoprocessalltheinformation,andquite

frankly,shefailed;itwaswaytoomuchtotakein.Sosheclosedhereyesandfocusedonthedoctor’slast
request.Hmm,earliestmemory.

Shedidn’trememberMomdyinginacarcrashbecauseshe’dbeenababyatthetime,butsheknew

it’dhappened.Fromherearliestmemories,ithadalwaysbeenjustherandDad.Beingshygotintheway
ofhavingalotoffriends.Senioryear,whenshewasslowlymakingafew,aswellasstartinga
relationshipwithherfirstboyfriend,Dadgotsick,andsheretreatedtoherselfagain.Prom,BFFs,boys,
namebrandclothing—everythingseemedsounimportantafterthat.Evenherclasses,whichhadalways
beenherstrongpoint.

Afteratwo-yearfightwithcancer,itwentfromjustherandDadtojusther.
Tearsfilledhereyes,andsheblinkedthemaway.BeforeIreliveallofthat,Ineedtofigureout

whichpointoflifeI’minnow.

Afterhigh-schoolgraduation,whenDad’sconditionwasquicklydeterioratingandthebillskept

pilingup,shetookajobattheBarbecuePit,oneofthefewrestaurantsinhertinyhometownofParker.
Shescrimpedandsaved,promisingherselfshe’dscrapeenoughmoneytogethertogotocollege,justlike
Dadhadalwayswanted.

Shetriedtothinkiftherewasmoreafterthat—ifatanytimeshehaddecidedtotakeatriptoNew

Jersey,ofallplaces.Somethingtickledherbrain.Sherememberedfillingoutcollegeapplications.Was
oneofthemtosomewhereinNewJersey?She’dfilledoutsomany,butitwaspossibleshe’dconsidered
goingeast.

Thenursewhofirstcheckedonhersteppedintothedoorway.“Howareyoufeeling?Didyou

rememberanything?”

Cassieshrugged.“IthinkImighthaveappliedforcollegehere.MaybeIwasvisitingtocheckitout.

OrmaybeIwasgettingreadytostart.”

“Well,there’sapolicemanheretoseeyou.Hehasafewquestions,andtheythinktheyfoundoutwho

youare.Iwantedtomakesureyouwerereadyforhim.”

“Goaheadandsendhimonin.”Sureshelookedlikeamess,Cassieautomaticallywenttosmooth

downherhair.Andfounditendedjustpasthershoulders,thefrontpiecesslightlylongerthantheback

WhendidIcutmyhair?Goosebumpsprickedherskin;everythingwasoff,likeshewasinaweird

dreamshecouldn’twakeupfrom.

Atallmanwithdarkhairenteredtheroom.She’dexpectedanolderguywithamandatorycop

moustache.Instead,shegotclean-shavenandmid-twenties.Judgingfromwhatshecouldseeanyway.
Withoutherglasses,alltheedgesblurredandfeaturessoftened,andshewishedforthemonceagain.

“I’mOfficerTomDuffy.”Heplacedachairnexttothebedandpulledouthisnotepad.“So,you’ve

beenlivinginTrentonforthepasttwoyears,attendingTheCollegeofNewJerseyandlivingataplace
overonProspect.Anyofthatsoundfamiliar?”

Sheletthenewssettleforamoment,butitdidn’tsoundfamiliar.Shewaseighteenwhenshe

graduatedhighschool,sheworkedattheBarbecuePitfortwo—no,three—yearswhenshedecidedto
startseriouslylookingatcolleges.“Idon’tremembercollegeatall.OrevencomingtoNewJersey.”

AtleastIfinallydidit.Istartedcollege.
Ofcourse,Idon’trememberanything,soI’llhavetostartover.
OfficerDuffyaskedseveralquestions,someshecouldanswerandseveralshecouldn’t.
“Well,”hesaid,standingup,“that’saboutitfornow.Getsomerest,andwhenthedoctorreleases

you,wecanhavesomeoneescortyoubacktoyourapartmentifyou’dlike.”

“I’dappreciatethat,”Cassiesaid.“EspeciallysinceIhavenoideawhereitis.”

ChapterThree

Vincehesitatedoutsidehisuncle’sofficedoor.HecouldhearDanteandSalinsideand,fromthesoundof
it,theywerearguing.Again.Hisshoulderstensedatthethoughtofbeinginthesameroomasthem.He’d
avoidbeinginthesameroomasCarlo,too,ifhecouldhelpit.Unfortunately,itwasinevitable.

Vinceknockedonthedoorbutdidn’twaitforananswerbeforeentering.
“I’llgooverthererightnowandgetitdone,Boss,”Salsaid.“Icouldsneakpastonemeaslycopand

makeitlooklikeanaccident.”

CarloglancedatVincebeforereturninghisattentiontoSal.“We’vegottabecareful.We’llbefirston

theirsuspectlist.”HetwistedhischairtowardDante.“Whathappenedtoyourinformantatthehospital?
Shewassupposedtoletusknowthesecondshewaslucid.”

Danteshrugged.“I…well,shesawmeoutwithMia.Youknowhowbroadsare.”
Usually,Vincedidn’tbotheraskingwhatwasgoingon—hedidn’twanttoknow.Hewasashamedby

howmuchhealreadyknew,butsomethingwasdifferentthistime.Hecouldseeitinhisuncle’seyes.
“What’sgoingon?”

“Cassie,”Carlosaid.“Itlookslikeshe’snotonlywokenupfromthecomaIhopedshe’dstayin

forever,butshealsohasapoliceescort.Ifshetestifies,we’realltoast.”

Vince’sstomachdropped.Hepicturedherstandingbehindthehostessstand,lookingpainfullycute,

pushingherglassesupinthatwaythatmadeithardtothinkstraight.Aclashingmixofreliefandregrethit
himasheprocessedthefactthatshe’dwokenup.

Formonthshetoldhimselftokeephisdistance,butlastweekwhenhecamein,hecouldn’thelpat

leastthankingherforcoveringforMia.Thenshe’dlaughed,impliedthathecouldn’thandlewaiting
tables,andhe’dslippedandlethimselfbepulledin.Toldhimselfthingscouldbedifferentwithher.That
shedidn’teverhavetoknowhowscreweduphisfamily—hislife—was.

Itlastedlessthananhourbeforethethoughtgotthrownbackinhisface.
Danteusedhisfingernailtopickathisteeth.“MaybeweshouldgetJackhammertodoit.I’lldoitifI

haveto,butIwouldn’tlikeit.Shewassuchasweetgirl.Plus,allshereallyneededwasavisittothe
plasticsurgeon,andshewould’vebeenaknockout.”

EverythingDantesaidafterhementionedJackhammersoundedfarawayanddistorted.Thehiredthug

wasknownfordrawingouthiskillsaslongaspossible.TheimageofCassieslowlybleedingtodeath,
pleadingforherlifetoamanwho’dgetoffonherbeggingformercy,roseupandturnedVince’sbloodto
ice.

“I’lldoit,”Vincesaid,anditseemedasifhe’dsteppedoutofhisbodyandwaswatchinghimself

volunteer.Hisheartbeattoofast,andhisfistsclenchedbyhissides.Hetookadeepbreathtosteady
himselfandlockedeyeswithCarlo.“Letmebetheonetotakecareofit.”

CarlostaredatVinceforalongmomentandthenturnedtohisgoons.“Youtwo,leavemeandmy

nephewtotalkaboutthis.”

DanteandSalstoodandstartedforthedoor,butatthelastsecond,Salturnedbackaround.“I’lldoit,

Boss.Shewassweet,butshenevergaveSalthetimeofday.Icouldeven—”

“Leaveus,”Carlosaid,hisvoiceechoingthroughtheroom.“Now.”
Salclampedhislips,hisfaceallscrewedupashethrewasilenttantrum.
Assoonasthedoorwasclosed,Carlosatbackinhiscushyleatherchair,foldinghisarmsacrosshis

chest.“You’vetoldmerepeatedlyyouwantnothingtodowiththissideofthebusiness,andIknowyou
likedCassie—hell,wealldid.Ihatethethoughtofhavingitdone,butthat’sthewayitgoes.It’dbea

hardhitforanyofus,sothat’swhyIwasthinkingofhiringout.”

VinceputhispalmsontheedgeofCarlo’sdeskandleanedforward.“Iwanttobetheonetotakecare

ofit.Idon’twantJackhammerorSaltodoit.Iwanttobetheretomakesureit’scleanandquick.”

Carloletoutalongexhale.“Idon’tknow,Vince.Ididn’twanttopullyouinthisdeep.”
Vincebarelyheldbackasarcasticlaugh.“ItneverbothersyouwhenIgetyourmoneyinordertopay

backBobby’sdebts.”HislittlebrotherwasCarlo’sfavoritewaytopullVince’sstrings.“What’sone
moreundesirableerrand?”

“Thisisdifferent.ButIwon’targuethatyou’reourbestbetforquickandquiet.”Hereachedupand

strokedhisgoateethengaveasmallnod.“Doit.”

Vincestraightened,workingtokeepanytraceofweaknessorhowhefeltaboutthesituationfrom

showing.“I’llgolatetonightandmakesureshegoeseasy.”

ChapterFour

Cassiesteppedoutofthepolicecruiserandlookedattherundownapartmentcomplexsheapparently
calledhome.ShapedlikeaU,threelevelsofconcrete,ironrailing,andseventieserabrickworkfaceda
mostlycementcourtyardwithacoupleofsad-lookingtrees.

Wow,realnicedigs,Cassie.Thecomplexdidn’ttriggeranysuddenflashbacksormagicallyhelpher

memoriesreturn.ShesighedandglancedatOfficerDuffy,who’dbeenkindenoughtodriveherfromthe
hospital.

Tom.HesaidtocallhimTomwhenItoldhimIpreferredCassie.Withtheuniformon,itwashardto

thinkofhimasanythingbutofficer.Overthepastfewdays,he’ddroppedbythehospitaltocheckonher,
evenwhenhewasoffduty.Atfirstshe’dfeltuncomfortableinhispresence—especiallysinceshewas
stuckinahospitalgownanddidn’thavemakeuporherglasses—butshegotusedtohisfriendly
demeanorandhoweasyhewastotalkto.He’devenbroughtincardslastnightsotheycouldpassthe
timeplayinggames.

Theywalkedtoapartmentnumberone,wherepastedongoldlettersspelledout

LANDLORD

,andTom

knockedonthedoor.HeglancedatCassieandsmiled.“Ikeepforgettingtotellyouhowniceyoulook.”

Thankfully,oneofthenursesbroughtherachangeofclothesaswellasahygienekit.“Yeah,behold

theamazingeffectsofshowering,actuallygettingdressed,andbrushingyourhair.IneverknewI’dbeso
gratefulforpantsandaT-shirt.Clothesthatrandomlyopeninthebacktomooneveryoneinthenear
vicinityjustaren’tforme.”

Heatrosetohercheeks,thewayitalwaysdidwhenthefilterbetweenherbrainandmouth

malfunctioned.IreallywishIhadn’taddedthatmooningcomment.Luckilyshehadn’tmoonedhim,or
she’ddierightthereonthespot.

Thedoorswungopen,andthenCassiewaseye-levelwithatightblackbun.Sheloweredhergazeto

afaceshedidn’thavetheslightestrecollectionof.

“Youweresupposedtobeoutofyourapartmentlastweek,”thetinywomansaid,pointingafingerin

herface.“Ialreadyhadtheplacerented,andI’vehadtopushbackthecleaners,sonowI’mgoingtohave
topaythemdoubletodoarushjob.Justsoyouknow,I’mchargingyouforit,alongwithanextraweek’s
rent.”

ConfrontationhadalwayssentCassieintopanicmode.Addmoney,whichsheunfortunately

rememberedowingalotofthankstoDad’smedicaltreatments,andherpulsesteadilyincreased,
poundingarapidrhythmagainsthertemples.Shedidn’tevenknowifshehadajob,andnowshehadher
ownhospitalbillsontopofDad’s.Thenewsshewasn’tevensupposedtolivethereanymoreadded
anotherlayerofstresstotheentiresituation.

“I’msorry.Ihadanaccidentandmymemory’salittlefuzzy,soI’mnotsurewhatyou’retalking

about.”

“Mm-hmm,”thewomansaid,pressingherlipsintoatightlinethatmanagedtoconveyaheapof

skepticism.

TomgentlymaneuveredCassietothesideandstoodinfrontofLandlordGrouchyPants.“Ma’am,

MissDalton’stellingthetruth,”hesaidinacalm,authoritativevoice.“Shewasinvolvedinavery
seriousaccidentanddidn’thaveanypersonaleffectsonher,whichmeanssheneedsthekeytoher
apartment.”

“Lostkeysareafifty-dollarcharge.”
Obviouslyhertragicaccidentreallytuggedatherlandlord’sheartstrings.

ThemusclesinTom’snecktightened,buthemanagedtokeephiscalmexpression.“We’llworkout

thedetailslater,andifyouknowwhereshe’ssupposedtobemovingto,I’llbehappytolookintothat.
Untilthen,canshegetthekey?”

Thelittleladyharrumphed,grabbedalargeringofkeys,andstartedwalkingwithoutfurther

comment.DidthewomanseriouslythinkCassiehadfakedamnesiatoavoidfees?Ifonlythatweretrue,
gettingonwithherlifewouldbemuchsimpler.

“WhatdoyouknowaboutMissDalton?”Tomaskedasthethreeofthemmadetheirwayupstairs.

“Doyouknowwhereshe’sbeenworkingthepastfewmonths?”

ThewomanglancedatCassie,andthenchargedupthenextflightofstairs.“Shekeepstoherself.I’ve

neverseenherwithanyone,butIdon’tbuttintoothers’business.Shehadgoodcredit,alwayspaidthe
rentontime,andwasagoodtenant.Untilnow.”

Yougethitbyatruckandgointoonelittlecoma,andsuddenlyyou’reatroubletenant.
“IgotacallfromHudsonGroveApartmentsandgaveheragoodreferral,andshortlyafterthatshe

putinherthirtydays’notice,whichwasthirty-fivedaysago.”Thelandladystoppedinfrontofnumber
fifty-fourandunlockedthedoor.ShethenheldthekeytowardCassie.“Thishere’smyspare.Betternot
loseit.”

“Iwon’t.Thanks.”Withhercredibilityinquestion,herassuranceprobablydidn’tdomuchforthe

woman,whopromptlywalkedbackthewaythey’dcome.

“Well,shewasfriendly,”Tomjokedashepushedopenthedoorandsteppedinsidetheapartment.
“Yep,arealpeach,”Cassiesaid.
Labeledboxessataroundtheroom,creatinganobstaclecoursethatledtoakitchenwithayellow

stoveandfridge.Thefewunpackeditemslookedlikethingsshe’down,yetdidn’tringanybells.Aneerie
sensationsettledoverher—itwasstartingtobethemostfamiliarthinginherlife.

“Anything?”Tomasked,andsheshookherhead.
Butthenshecaughtsightofthecouchinthelivingroomofftoherright—brightpinkandgloriously

familiar.Shesteppedoverboxes,satdownonit,andhuggedoneoftheblackandwhitepolkadotpillows
toherchest.

She’dbeenabouteightorninewhenherandDad’soldcouchreachedtheembarrassinglyrattypoint,

thestuffingspillingoutofthebrowncushions.Sothey’dgonetothefurniturestoretopickoutanewone.
Atthetime,she’dlovedallthingspink—stilldid,honestly—andhadflippedoverthiscouch.Dadhad
wrinkledhisnose,madeajokeaboutthebrightcolorblindinghim,andthensatdownandcommentedit
was“actuallycomfortable.”Whenshe’dsaidshewantedit,he’dboughtittomakeherhappy,eventhough
itdidn’tmatchanythinginthehouse.

Tearslodgedinherthroat,andsheswallowedthemback,determinednottoloseit.WhenTomraised

aneyebrow,shemanagedtosay,“I’mjustreallyhappytoseemycouch.”

Tohiscredit,hedidn’tlookatherlikeshe’dlosthermind—whichsheliterallyhad,atleastpartofit

—butnowthatshehadhercouch,itfeltlikeshemightbeabletogetthroughitanyway.Findingher
glassesorgettingnewoneswasnextonthelist.Shewastiredofconstantlysquintingandeverything
beingsofuzzy.

Shegaveherpillowonemorehugandthenstraightened.Thedullacheinchingacrossherskullmeant

itwastimeforanotherpill.Fromexperience,sheknewwaitingtoolongmeantsufferingsharpshooting
painthattookforevertogoaway.Hopefullyinanotherfewdaysshewouldn’tneedthemanymore.They
madeherevenmoredisoriented,andshedoubtedthatwasanywaytogetbackhermissingmemories.

Afterfillingaglass—shehopedthetapwaterwasokaytodrink—shetossedbackapillandthen

offeredTomaglass.

“Nothanks.Ibettergetbacktowork,I’mafraid.IwishIcouldstayandhelpyougetsettled.”Heput

ahandonhershoulder,andforanawkwardbeatshethoughthewasgoingtohugher.She’dneverbeena
hugger—anyway,shedidn’tthinkshe’deverbeen.Maybeduringthetwoyearsshecouldn’tremember
shehabituallyhuggedpeopleshebarelyknew.Hemust’vesensedherhesitationbecausehedroppedhis
arm.“Willyoubeallrighthere?”

Cassienodded.“I’llbefine.Andthanks.Foreverything.”
“Callifyouneedme.I’llcontacttheapartmentcomplexyourfriendlylandladymentioned,explainthe

situation,andletyouknowwhatIfindout.Honestly,I’mgladyou’removing.Thisisarough
neighborhood.”

Comingfromacop,itmadeherextragladshewasleaving,too.Italsojustifiedtheanxietythatkept

tappingonhershoulderandwhisperingthatsheneededtogetthehelloutofhere,eventhoughshe’d
barelyarrived.

***

Vinceinventoriedtheitemsonhiskitchentable.Twopistols,plentyofammo,gloves,alockpickset,and
aknife.Hegatheredeverythingexceptforoneoftheloadedgunsandputthemintotheduffelbagwithhis
emergencystashofcashandachangeofclothes,justincasethingsgotmessy.Hegrabbedtheremaining
gun,sliditintohisshoulderholster,andputhisgreenarmyjacketontocoverhisweapon.

Foramomenthepaused,shakinghisheadatthesituationhe’dgottenhimselfinto.WhatthehellamI

doing?

Overtheyearshe’dtriedhisbesttostayawayfromtheshadysideofUncleCarlo’sbusiness,

focusingallhisenergyonrunningtherestaurant.Occasionallyhehadtogoroughsomeoneupformoney
owed,likewheneverCarlobailedoutBobby.Bobby,whoalwayspromisedthistimehewasgoingto
change,onlytoendupinjailorsomeotherhugemessagain.Healsoalwaysmanagedtodisappear
beforefulfillinghisendofthebargainwithCarlo,leavingVincetotakecareofit.

He’dhadtogethishandsdirtyafewtimes,buthe’dneverkilledanyone.Beforetheincidentalittle

overaweekago,he’donlyseenoneotherdeathhappenrightbeforehiseyes,andithappenedtobethe
worstmomentofhislife.Angerandsorrowchurnedtogether,formingatoxicmixthat’dslowlyeataway
athimifheletit.Hequicklyslammedalidonthosememoriesandturnedbacktothemurderinthealley.
He’dtriedtotalkCarlointogivingthemanonelastchance,butevidentlychanceswereinshortsupply.

Vinceletoutalongexhale,hopingit’deasethetensioncoilinghismuscles,butnosuchluck.Hetook

onelastglancearound,shoulderedhisduffelbag,andexitedhishouse,hisbootedstepsechoingacross
thewoodenporchbeforebeingswallowedupinthegrass.Nostarslitthenightsky,thesliverofmoonthe
onlythingbreakingupthedarkness.Acardroveby,bassbumpingasteadyrhythm,andtheneverything
fellsilentagain.

ThetopofhisJeepRubiconwasdown,sohetossedhisbagintotheback.Ifhewasgoingtobeshot

at,he’dpreferthehardtopon,buthedidn’thavetimetotakecareofthatnow.GuessIbettergetitright
anddrivefast.

Heslidintothedriver’sseat,stillnotfeelingreadyevenafterseveralhoursofplanning,rehashing,

andgoingovereveryscenariohecouldthinkof.

Cassie’sfaceflashedinhismind,thewayithadfrequentlydonesincehe’dwalkedintoCarlo’soffice

andheardthemtalkingaboutkillingher.Thepalegreeneyesbehindthoseblack-framedglasses,theblond
hair,theshysmileshealwaysflashedhimbeforesurprisinghimwithawittyretort.Usuallyhedidallthe
hiring,sowhenCarlohadinformedhimhe’dtakencareofhiringanewwaitress,Vincehadexpecteda
prettybutstupidgirlwithoutmuchexperience.Theprettypartwasright,buttherestwasn’tevenclose.

NotonlywasCassietheirmostreliableemployee,shewasalsosmartandsweet.Wasitanywonder

he’dfoundexcusestochatwithherwheneverhecould?Thathe’dsometimesstandbackandwatchher
movebetweenthetables,thenexperienceapinchofjealousyoverhertalkingtoandgrinningatthe
customers,becausehewantedtobeontheothersideoftheconversation?

He’dnearlyaskedheroutadozentimes,butthenhewouldrememberwhohewasandhowsweetshe

was,andhe’dforcethefoolishidearightoutofhishead.Regretroseupandwrappedsuffocating
tentaclesaroundhislungs.MaybeifI’daskedherout…

Nogoingthere.Nothingcouldchangethepast.Allhecoulddonowwasmakesureshedidn’tget

takenoutbyanyofthelowlifeshisunclewouldhire.Shedeservedbetter.

Shedeservedbetterthanhim,too,butsometimesyoujusthadtochoosetheleastawfuloption.
Ofallpeople,why’dithavetobeCassie?Ragefilledhim,andheslammedthesteeringwheelwith

hispalms.Hetookasecondtocalmdown,toldhimselfonceagainthattherewasnootherway,andthen
startedtheJeepandmadetheturnontothepaththerewasnocomingbackfrom.

ChapterFive

“McVee,”Jimsaid,answeringtheringingphoneonhisdeskandnearlytippingoverwhatwasleftofhis
now-coldcoffee.

“It’sLucy,thenursefromthehospital.I’mcallingaboutthegirl.”
Jimstraightened,thedanglingcarrotofinformationhedesperatelyneededjustoutofreach.Thenurse

hadpromisedtokeephimintheloopabouttheblondwaitress,althoughit’dtakenalotofconvincingon
hispart,evenafterflashingtheFBIbadgeandimplyingshedidn’treallyhaveachoice.“Youmean
CassandraDalton?”

“Yeah.Shewokeup.”
Heallowedhimselfasmallcelebratoryfistpump.He’dbeenwatchingCarloRossifornearlysix

months,andthelongerthecasedraggedonwithoutenoughsolidevidencetoarrestthebastard,themore
frustratedhebecame.Twoweeksago,he’dgottenatipthatsomethingmightbegoingdownatRossi’s
restaurant.Theusualarrayofthugshadshownup,unlikehispartnerwho’dcalledinsickagain.Jimcould
rememberplentyoftimeshe’dbeensick,yethealwaysmanagedtomakeitin.Thatwaswhatwaswrong
withkidsthesedays—shittyworkethic.

He’dbeensittinginhiscarafewblocksawayfromtherestaurant,wonderingifheshouldattemptto

getcloser,whentheblondwaitressbarreledoutthefrontdoors.Herecognizedherimmediately;he’d
beentalkingtooneofthefemaledetectivesabouttryingtoturnherintoasource.Cassandrawastheonly
persononthepayrollwhowasn’tfamilyordatingamember.

Somethingaboutherwildmovementsmadeeveryoneofhisnervesprickup.Withoutcheckingfor

traffic,shedartedintothestreet.

Jimhadgrabbedforthedoorhandle,thinking,Lady,you’renotgoingtomakeit,buthewastoolate.

Theblondheaddisappearedunderthetruckandthentoomanypeopleshoweduptoriskgoingoverto
checkonher—ablowncoverwouldn’thelpanyone.

I’msureshehadagoodreasonforsprintingoutofthebuildinglikethat.It’stimeIfindoutwhatit

was.Hestood,pullinghiscarkeysoutofhispocket.“I’llbethereinafew,”hesaidintothephone.

“Actually,shewokeupafewdaysago…Iwasoffthisweek,soIcameinandfoundoutthey’d

alreadyreleasedher.”

Hesworeunderhisbreath.Whyhadn’tLucymentionedshewouldn’tbethere?Hecould’vetriedto

talktoanothernurse.Ofcoursethemorepeoplehetalkedto,thehighertheriskofbeingexposed.Rossi
hadsourceseverywhere,andhecouldn’tlethimselfforgetthat.Thelastguymadethatmistake,andhe’d
disappeared,months’worthofundercoverworkgonewithhim.It’dmadeCarloandhiscrewevenmore
suspiciousofnewpeople,andtheyhadn’tbeenabletoimplantanyoneintheirinnercirclesince.

“What’sheraddress,then?”Jimasked.“Iwanttodropinandseewhatshecantellme.”
“That’stheproblem,”Lucysaid.“ItalkedtoanothernursetoseewhatIcouldfindoutbeforeIcalled,

anditturnsout,shehasamnesia.Doesn’trememberathingfromthepasttwoyears.”

Jimusedhisfingerstoputpressureonhistemples.Theonegoodthingthat’dhappenedalldayandit

wasquicklygoingdownhill.“Doesthedoctorthinkshe’llgethermemoryback?”

“There’snowayofknowing,butshetookahardblowtothehead.Ifyougoinandpushher,you

mightmakeitworse,andyou’llprobablyjustscareher.ThiswaswhyIworriedabouttalkingtoyouin
thefirstplace.Peopleneedtimetorecover,andmyloyaltyistomypatients.”

Yeah,andbadguysneedtobeputawaybeforetheyhurtanyoneelse.Jimsankbackintohischair,a

heavysideofdefeatpressinghimfurtherdown.“Ihearyou.”Didn’tmeanhewasrulingouttalkingto

Cassandra,notwhenshecouldbethekeytohiscase.“Thanksfortheinformation.Ifanythingelsecomes
up,you’llcall?”

“Sure,”shesaid,butshedidn’tsoundsure,sohewouldn’tbetonit.Hehungupandscrubbedahand

overhisface.Honestly,heprobablywantedCassandraDalton’saccidenttobemorethanitwas.Hewas
gettingdesperate,andthatledtograspingatstraws.Heneededhardevidenceonsomethingmorethan
pettythefttoensureanopenandshutcase.

AnotherteamofagentswastailingCarlo’scapos,themademenwhoworkeddirectlyunderhimand

kepttheirowngroupofflunkeysinline.Ifanyofthemslippedup,they’dbecartedintojailandoffereda
deal—ratorrot.Afewmightchoosetorot,andthatwasfinebyhim.Atleastitwouldputonemore
criminalbehindbars.

Itneededtobesoon,though,becauseasmuchashehatedtoadmitit,hewasgettingold.Moregray

wascreepingintowhatusedtobebrownhair,andthelonghoursweregettinghardertomaintain.

I’llretiresoonandtakealongoverduevacation—orwhateverit’scalledwhenit’sabreakfrom

nothing.

JustassoonasCarloRossiandhisboysareinjail.Heneededtoretireonawin.Hislastcasehad

beenwinintheory,butsincethebadguyhadkilledsevenwomenbeforeJimtookhimdown,ithadn’tfelt
thatway.Hewantedtostopbadguysbeforecountlessvictimspiledup.Wantedthestreetstobesaferso
he’dbeokaywithleavingthemtootherpeopletokeepthatway.

Jimtappedhisfingersonhisdesk,thenturnedtohiscomputerandpulledupCassandraDalton’s

information.Allherfamily’sgone,sonoties.NootherpeopleforRossitothreatentokeepherquiet.
Shewould’vemadeagoodinformant.

He’dwatchtherestaurantandseeifshecameback.Although,thethoughtofwaitingforhoweverlong

that’dbebotheredhim.

Sohescribbleddowntheaddress,justincase,andthenstoodandstretched.Hisbonespopped,an

unneededreminderofhisage.Thenhelefttheoffice,gotintohiscar,andhesitatedatthefirststreetlight,
stillunsureifheshouldmakearightorleft.

***

Cassiepushedthetoosmallpinkframesuphernoseandspreadoutthefadedquilt.Abeautifulpatternof
blueandyellowsquaresinvaryingprintsmadeupthequeen-sizeblanket.

Okay,sotheseglassestotallysqueezemybrain,butatleastIcansee.Thevisually-impairedsearch

throughherbedroomhadunearthedtheoldframes,andshethankedherluckystarsshe’dfoundthem,
despitehowuglyandout-of-styletheywere.Theytookherbacktoherjuniorhighdaysofbeingcalled
four-eyesandcaringenoughtogohomeandcrytoDadaboutit.

Thelenseswereoutdatedenoughtonotbeassharpasthelastpairsherememberedowning,butthere

wasthatwholebeggarsandchoosersthing,andatleasttheymadeiteasiertopackthelastofher
belongings.

She’drecognizedafewitemsasshewentthroughthecloset,includingseveralpiecesofher

wardrobe.Eventhenewclothesprettymuchlookedliketheoldones;shewasneveronetotakeafashion
risk,mostofthemwereconservative,neutral,andwhatshereferredtoasclassics,becausethatsounded
betterthanboring.

Shetuggedontheearpiecesofherglasses,tryingtogetanotherinchofroomwithoutbreakingthem.

Uglyornot,atleastshe’dbeenboldenoughinjuniorhightotakeariskwiththepink.

Wakingupinahospital,lostandconfused,withnofriendstogreether—evenifshewouldn’thave

rememberedthem—madeherthinkitwastimetomakeachange.Totakerisks.Bebolder.Makefriends.
Haveacoupleofadventures.Lifewasshort,andwhileshe’dnevermindedbeingaloneallthatmuch

before,itdugathernow.Itfeltlikeeverythinginherlifereflectedlonelinessbackather,showinghershe
wasmissingmorethanmemories.

I’mgoingtochangethat.
Knowingherselfthewayshedid,it’dtakebabysteps.
MaybeeventuallyI’llbecomemorelikeMomwas.Cassieranherfingersoverthelineofstitcheson

thequilt,thinkingabouthowmuchtimeitmust’vetakentopiecethefabrictogetherandlovingthefew
“mistake”squaresthatdidn’tgowiththerestofthepattern.ThepinkcouchremindedherofDad,andthe
patchworkbedspreadwasherlinktoMom.

NearlyeveryoneofDad’sstoriesaboutMommadeitclearthatshemarchedtothebeatofherown

drum.Cassiealwayswishedshewasmorelikeher—butatthesametime,shelikedthatsheandDadhad
somuchincommon.

Still,itwastimetostopholdingbackandputherselfoutthere.Hermindflashedtothestackof

medicalbillsshe’dfound.Herrisk-takingmightbeslightlyhamperedbyherbudget,andfindingajob
wasimperative,butshevowedtodomorewiththehoursshewasn’tworking.Andsilverlining,the
amountdueshowedshe’datleasttakenaminorbiteoutofthestaggeringsumthesepastfewyears.That
couldn’thavebeeneasywhilepayingforcollege.

Gome.
Speakingofcollege,tomorrowshe’dgototheTCNJcampusandseeifshecouldsalvageanything.

Maybeherbrainwouldrecallherclasses,evenifshedidn’tremembertakingthem.Evenifsheneededa
semesterofftogethereducationalfeetbackunderher,sotospeak,she’dfindawaytojumpbackinas
soonaspossible.

CassieliftedtheframethatheldapictureofherandDadononesideandMomandDadontheother.

Sheranherfingeroverherparents’faces.“I’mgoingtotrytomakebothofyouproud.Beboldandget
mydegree.Goonsomeadventuresandeventuallyfindsomeone,thewayyouguysfoundeachother.I
needsomehappystoriestomixinwiththetragicones.”Shesetthepictureaside,thentookoffherglasses
andsatthemnexttoit.Despiteitbeingearlyforbedtime,shelaybackontheblanket,completely
exhaustedfromherafternoonandinsevereneedofrest.

Sleeptuggedather,promisingtotakeawayherworries,butrightasitstartedtopullherunder,a

knockonthedoorstartledherawake.Shesatup,completelydisorientedassheblinkedatherfuzzy
surroundings,tryingtogroundherselfwithwhereshewas.Eventuallyshe’dgetusedtohercurrentlife,
right?

Shereachedovertowhereshe’dleftherglasses,pattingtheareaandtryingtofindthemsoshe’dbe

abletoseewhoeverwasatthedoor.

ChapterSix

Afterknockingonthedoortoapartmentfifty-four,Vincesteppedtothesidesowhoevercametoanswer
—Cassieorthecopescortwhomightstillbewithher—wouldn’tseehimbeforehegotachancetomake
amove.Hereachedinsidehisjacketandgrippedthehandleofhispistol.

ThisistheworstfuckingideaI’veeverhad.Badideasusedtobehisspecialty,sothatwassaying

something.Hetriednottothinkabouthowmuchtimehe’dgetfortakingoutacop.Lastresortonly.

Yeah,keeptellingyourselfthat,buddy.
Hehadn’tseenanysignofsomeonewatchingtheapartment.Notevenunmarkedcarswithcops

pretendingtoberegularpeoplewhojustlikedtositforhoursbehindthewheel.It’dbereallyconvenient
ifshewasalone,buthedoubtedhe’dgetthatlucky.NotafterwhatCassiehadseen.Theyshouldhavea
swarmofcopswatchingtheplace.

Aftertwoorthreetenseminutesthatmadeacoldsweatbreakoutacrosshisforehead,hetookouthis

lockpicksetand,asquietlyaspossible,insertedthetorquewrench.Heslidthepickintothekeyholewith
hisotherhand,appliedpressureonthewrench,andrakedthepins,searchingforthecorrectalignment.

Everycoupleofsecondshepausedtolistenformovementbehindthedoor.Whentherewasnothing,

hemovedtothenextpin.Breakingandenteringusedtobeahobby.Whilehe’dtriedtoturnhislife
around,itwastoolatetoun-teachhisbrotherthesameskills.Ofcoursethere’dbeennowayofknowing
Bobbywouldturntohardercrimesanddrugs—firstdealing,andthenmostlyusing—butVincefelt
responsibleallthesame.Thatwasthereasonhecouldneverleavehiminjail,orletthebookiesand
dealersheowedtakehimout.He’dspreadthewordthatanyonewhohurtBobbywouldhavetodealwith
retaliationfromhimpersonally,andluckilyhehadenoughcredforpeopletotakethethreattoheart.
Bobbywouldalwaysbehislittlebrother,out-of-controladdictornot.

VincetriednottothinkabouthowwhathewasdoingtonightmighthurtBobbyinthelongrun.He’d

havetowarnhimsomehowandhopehewascoherentenoughtolisten.

Ajunkiebrotherandamobbossunclewhosendsmetokillasweet,innocentgirl.Ireallyhitthe

familylotto.

Thelastpinclickedintoplace,andheheldhisbreath,listeningagain.Maybethey’dmovedCassieto

asafehouseorwerequicklyenteringherintothewitnessprotectionprogram.Itwouldbethesmartthing
todo,aslongasnoneoftheagentsCarlohadinhispocketfoundoutthelocation.Buthisuncle’scontacts
ranlonganddeep,whichgavehimlittlefaithineitheroption.

Aftertakingaquickglancearound,Vincedrewhisgunandeasedthedooropen.Hesupposedhe

should’vewornsometypeofmask,buthewasafraiditwouldscareCassieandmakeeverythingmore
difficult.Ofcourse,hewasfairlycertainshe’dseenhimthedayCarloshotEduardoAlvarezinthealley,
soshe’dbescaredanyway,andthatmeanthe’dprobablyhavetoendupusingforce.

Anotherthingtopushtothebackofhismind—itwouldn’tdohimanygoodrightnow.Firstfindher,

thendealwiththeotherpart.

Completedarknessgreetedhim,theblindsdrawntightenoughtoshutoutthealmostnon-existent

lightsoftheghettoapartmentcomplexshehadnobusinesslivingininthefirstplace.

Ifshe’salreadyasleep,thismightbeeasierthanIthought.Hisfoothitsomethingsolid,thethunk

loudinthequiet.Boxes.Alloverthefloor.Carefullysteppingoverthem,hemadehiswaytotheliving
room.Moreboxesandthedarkoutlineofacouch.

Hecreptdownthehall,grippedtheknobtothebedroomdoorwithonehandandhisgunwiththe

other,andthenpusheditopenandmovedinside.

Thefewmissingslatsintheblindsletinenoughlighttoseethebedwasempty—strippedofits

bedding,too,onlyabaremattressremaining.Vincecheckedtheclosetjusttobesure,andthenflippedon
thelighttogetabetterlook.

Morelabeledboxessatonthefloor.Ofcourseshe’snothere.Cassie’ssmarterthanthat.
Heputthesafetyonhisgunandsliditbackintohisholster.Idon’tknowwhethertoberelievedor

worried.

Hepokedaround,tryingtofindsomethingthatwouldcluehiminonwhereshemightgo,andthen

movedtoleave.Hehadhishandontheknobwhenaknockcameatthefrontdoor.Hequicklyflattened
himselfagainstthewall,drawinghisgunagain.

“CassandraDalton?”
Thevoicewasmale,buthedidn’trecognizeit.Thecool,hardhandleofhisgundugintohispalmas

hegrippedittighter.Hewantedtopeekoutbutwasn’twillingtoriskblowinghislocation.

Anotherloudrappingofknucklessplittheair.TheneedtobreathehitVincestrong,soheletanexhale

leakoutandthensuckedinamouthfulofair,carefultoremainperfectlystill.

Finally,theguygaveup,hisfootstepsretreatingfromthedoor.
LookslikeI’mnottheonlyonelookingforCassie.Vincemovedtheblindsaside,tryingtogetalook

attheguy;surelyCarlodidn’tsendsomeoneelsealready.Withthedimlighting,thenightswallowedup
thedarkoutlinewithinseconds.

OnceVincereachedtheparkinglot,heglancedaroundforCassie’scarandnoteditwasn’tthere—her

ridedefinitelystuckout.Hewonderedhowhardit’dbetofindwithnothingbutmakeandmodel.Unlike
Carlo,hedidn’thaveanycopfriends.Afterallthetroublehe’dgottenintoinhighschool,heavoidedpigs
atallcosts.

HefireduptheenginetohisJeep.Hecouldn’thelpwishingthatCarlowoulddropthesearchfor

Cassienowthatit’dobviouslybecomemorecomplicated.Justleaveittohiswell-paidlawyertowork
hismagicifchargescameup,butVinceknewbetter.Hisuncleneverleftlooseends,andhewouldn’tstop
untilCassiewasfoundandkilled.

No…unfortunatelythisdidn’tchangeanything.
Lookedlikehe’dhavetodotheonethinghesworehe’dneverdo—fullyjumpintothesideofthe

businesshehatedsohecouldgetaccesstoinformationheneeded.Thatway,whenCassiewasinevitably
found,Vincewouldbethefirsttoknow.

Thenhe’dmakesurehegottoherbeforeanyoneelsecould.

ChapterSeven

“Gone?”Carlobangedhisfistonhislargemahoganydesk,rattlingthecigarashtrayheusedwhenhe
didn’tfeellikegoingtothealley.“Wherethefuckdidshego?”

Vincethoughtthismightbeanewrecord—Carloshowinguptotherestaurantthismanydaysinarow,

notthelosinghistemperwhenhegotbadnewspart.

“Everythingwaspackedup,”Vincesaidwithashrug.“Idoubtshe’llbegoingback.She’ssmarter

thanthat.”

Pleaseletherbesmarterthanthat.
OrshouldIhopethatshe’snotsoIcangettohereasier?Hisemotionscouldn’tdecidewhichto

cheerfor.Everyoptionhadshittysides,andthelongeritwasdrawnout,theworseit’dbe,yetthefarther
awayshecouldget.Thenmaybethemesswoulddiedownandjustgoaway.

Itwasabigfuckingmaybe.
“Whataboutalloftheboxes?”Carloasked.“Someonehastogetthem,don’tthey?”
“I’llkeepaneyeontheplace,buthercar’sgone,too.”
“Whatkindofcarwasit?”
Dammit.He’dbeentryingtoconvinceCarloshewasgone,notgivehimmoreinformationtotrackher

down.“Idon’tremember,”helied.“Itwasanoldwhitecar.Ibettheygotridofit.Bynowshe’s
probablygotabrandnewidentityandisholedupfarawayfromhere.”

Carlostuckhischinonhisfist.“Ifshe’stalkedandtuckedawayalready,whyhasn’tthecavalrycome

chargingin?Ikeepwaitingforthemto,whichiswhyI’mhereshowingwhatahard-workingresponsible
restaurantownerIam.Mysourceshaven’theardanything,either.”Heranahandthroughhissaltand
pepperhair,hisfatgoldweddingbandcatchingthelight.

Vincerubbedhisjaw.“Maybeshedidn’ttalk.Maybeassoonasshewasreleasedfromthehospital,

shejustgotthehelloutofDodge.”Wouldshedothat?Nodoubtshe’dbescared,butshealsoseemedlike
theresponsibletypewho’dfeelguiltyifshedidn’treportsomethinglikewitnessingamurder.

Thenagain,survivalinstinctswereahellofathing.Afterall,they’ddrivenhimtodothingshe

wasn’tproudof.

Carlotookaburnerphoneoutofhisdeskandscowledatnothinginparticularwhilehewaitedfor

whoeverhe’ddialedtoanswer.“Sal.GetovertoCassie’sapartmentcomplexonProspectandwatchthe
place.”

Vincetookastepforward,panicrisinghotandfast.“Yousaidyou’dletmedoit.Idon’twantanyof

yourgoonstogoinandmessitup.”

Carlonarrowedhiseyes.Hetwistedthemouthpieceupandinalowvoicesaid,“Watchyourself.I

knowwhatIpromised.Ineedyouhererunningtherestaurant.LetSaldosomethingusefulforonce.”

ThespringsoftheseatsqueakedlightlyasCarlosatbackandmovedthephonebackintoplace.“If

youseeher,youstayonher.Findoutwhereshe’sstayingandhowmanypeoplearewatching.”

Vincecouldn’tmakeoutwhatSalsaidinreturn.
“Watchandreport,that’sitfornow.Capisce?”Carlorolledhiseyes.“Makesurethatyoudo.”He

endedthecall,pulledacigaroutofhisdeskdrawer,andranitunderhisnose.HelookedupatVince
almostasifhe’dforgottenhewasthere,althoughVinceknewbetter.Hewasdrawingitout,enjoyingthe
powerandmakinghimpayforhisoutburst.

Clenchinghisfiststocontrolhistemper,Vinceremainedinplace.IfCarlowantedanapology,he

couldwaitforhelltoturnchilly.Apologizingwouldshowweaknessanyway,andCarlolovedtesting

people.Lovedseeingwho’dsuckupandwho’dholdtheirground.

“Don’tworry,”Carlofinallysaid.“You’llknowassoonasIknow.”
Vincenoddedandturnedtogetbacktotherestaurant,sureit’dbeimpossibletofocus.Theonething

thatmadehimfeelslightlybetterwasknowinghowunlikelyit’dbeforCassietoevergobacktothat
apartmentagain.

***

PeoplemoreexperiencedinbeingboldmightscoffatCassie’srisk-taking,butsheneededtogettoher
oldapartmentcomplex,andshethoughtdrivingaroundwithoutalicensemadeheratleasthalfabadass.

Halfanass.That’sgivingmesomeweirdimagery.Beingoverlyanalyticalaboutastatementshe’d

madeinherheadprobablydroppedherdowntomorelikeone-thirdbadass.Consideringshealso
plannedoncallingTomtohelphergetoutofaticketifshedidgetpulledover,thatnumberprobably
neededdividingaswell.

OnesixthofabadassisstillmorethanIwasbefore.Pullingoffanysortofcooltitleinher’78

DodgeAspenwasafeatinandofitself.Thethingwasatotalbeater,butitran,waspaidoff,andnever
failedtogetherfrompointAtopointB.SurelyTomhadknownshe’ddriveitwhenhebroughtitfromthe
impoundlotforherlastnight;hisknockhadwokenherup,andwhenshetriedtolaydownagainafterhe
left,herinstinctswouldn’tstopscreamingthatsomethingwasn’tright.

Thefranticimpulsetoleavebeatoutlogic,andshe’dgrabbedthenecessitiesanddriventoHudson

GroveApartments.Thelandlordtherewasnotonlyfriendly—despiteitbeingafterofficehours—buthad
alsogivenherakeywithoutthreateningtochargeforit,andshowedhertohernewapartment.Without
herfurniture,she’dmadedowiththecarpetandMom’squiltforabed.

Theengine’sloudroarassheacceleratedmadeithardtoheartheradio,soCassietwistedtheknob,

turningitupsoshecoulddecideifshelikedthecurrenttrack.Mostofthesongswerenewtoher,which
waskindofnicewhilealsobeingdisconcerting.

Atthestoplight,shecheckedthetime.Themoversshouldbeatheroldplaceinabouttwentyminutes,

soshe’dbeatthemtherebyaboutten.

Thisdayhadbeenforeverlong,andwhileshe’daccomplishedquiteabit,shewasalreadyexhausted

withalotlefttodo.Firstthingthismorningshe’dgonetocampusandfoundherschedule—shehadall
buttwotextbooksforherclasses,butwhenshe’dcrackedopenthespines,everythinghadlookedso
foreignitmightaswellhavebeenanotherlanguage.Afteranhouroftryingacombinationofspeed-
readingandosmosis,she’dreturnedtotheregistraranddroppedherclasses.Itphysicallyhurthertodoit
afterbeingsohappytodiscovershe’dfinallystartedcollege,buttryingtocramtwoandahalfmonthsof
materialwhilegettingherlifebackinorderwouldonlyleadtofailinggrades.

Theladyattheregistrartookpityandrefundedhalfhertuition.Apparentlypartofitwaspaidbya

scholarship,andshesaidthey’dapplyitnextsemesterifCassiecameback.

Thepangoffeelinglikeafailurehitheragain.It’sokay.I’llbrushupontheyearandahalf ’sworth

ofclassesIgotcreditforalreadyandthentryagain.

Aftersheleftcampus,sheusedthestashofmoneyshefoundinherdresserandheadedtotheeye

doctor.Thegoodthingaboutwaitingtableswashavingalotofcashonhand,andjudgingfromthewadof
bills,she’dkeptthecareer.Orbecomeastripper,whichwasextremelyunlikely,asjustthethoughtmade
herwanttointernallycombustfromembarrassment.She’dcheckintoherlastjobwhenshehadinternet
connectionandcouldlogintoherbankaccounts.Withanyluck,theyandherpasswordswerethesame.

Fornow,shewasjusthappytohaveexchangedtheancientbrain-squeezerglassesforblackrectangle

frames.Theyhadapink“colorpop”ontheinside,andshedecidedshewastotallygoingtostartwearing
morecolorontheoutside,too.

“Ohcrap,wasthatmyturn?”Cassiemadeafrowned-uponU-turnshewasprettysurebumpedher

backuptoone-thirdabadass,andthenpulledoverinfrontofheroldapartmentcomplex.

Sheclimbedoutofhercarandtookadeepbreathoffreshair.Fallwasherfavoriteseason;itwasn’t

toohotortoocoldandtheworlddecidedtotryonbrightercolorsitself.Sheleanedagainstherhoodto
waitforthemovers.Sometimeinthenearfuture,sheneededtogetaphone—themovingcompanyhada
hardtimebelievingshedidn’thaveone,andeventhoughshereceivedhesitantlooks,theyfinally
acceptedherpinkypromisethatshe’dbetherewhentheyarrived.

Outofthecornerofhereye,shecaughtsightofaguycomingupthesidewalk.Shestraightened,

suddenlyfeelingvulnerableoutherebyherself,especiallywithTom’swordsaboutitbeingabad
neighborhoodrunningthroughhermind.

Usuallysheavoidedeyecontact,butself-defensetipsallsaidnotto,sothepersonknewyoucouldID

them.

So,gatheringhercourage,shelookedstraightathimandassessedhimthewayshewouldifshewere

togiveadescription.Thin,pointednose,greasy-lookingdarkhair—ew—andafootorsotallerthanshe.
Hiseyeswidenedwhenhemethergaze.Goosebumpsprickedherskin,andherhearthitchedupafew
notches.

Thenalargemovingvanpulledup,itsengineasloudashercar’s.Theguyinthevanunrolledthe

window.“Lookslikeyoukeptyourpromise.”

Shesmiled,battingawaytheheattryingtoclimbupherneck.“Ialwaysdo.”
Asthemoversexitedthetruck,Cassieglancedbacktowardwheretheotherguyhadbeenonthe

sidewalk,buthewasn’tthereanylonger.

Hmm.Thattrickaboutmakingeyecontacttotallyworked.
Severalhourslater,Cassiestoodinthemiddleofhernewapartment.Theplacewasn’tanybigger

thanherotherone—infact,itmightbeatadsmaller—butthekitchenhadmorecounterspace,aU-shaped
areaaroundtheoven,fridge,anddishwasher;itwasinasaferneighborhoodwherethemaindoorsfaced
aninsidehall,whichmadeherfeelmoresecure,anditwasn’tlikesheneededmuchspaceanyway.

Thentherewasherfavoritefeature:thehugelivingroomwindow.Whenitwassunny,itlitupnot

onlythisroombutalsoherkitchen.Shesteppedclosertotheglass.Hertenth-floorapartmentwaslevel
withtheroofofthecomplexacrossthestreet,andjustbeyondthat,rantheDelawareRiver.Ifshe
loweredhergaze,shecouldseeintothelitupapartmentsthatdidn’thavetheirblindsdrawn.Theycould
probablyseeintohersaswell,andsheremindedherselftogetcurtains,evenifshuttingouttheamazing
viewseemedlikeacrime.

Cassiewalkedbackwarduntilherkneeshitthecouch.Thenshefloppedontothecushionsandthought

shemightnevermoveagain.Thehardestpart’sover,andatleastIfeelsafeforthefirsttimesinceI
wokeupinthehospital.

Beforehereyelidsdecidedtoshutdownonher,shepulledupherbankaccountsonherrathernice

laptop.She’dworkedlongenoughasaserverthatsherecognizedwimpywaitresspaycheckswhenshe
sawthem,evenbeforeshereadtherestaurant’snametothesideoftheamounts.

Everycoupleofweeksshe’dreceivedamodestcheckfrom

ROSSI’SRISTORANTEPAYROLLPPD,

andthen

shemadedepositsonceortwiceamonth.Thebalancesinbothhercheckingandsavingsweren’tgreat,
butnotcompletelydesolate.

Plus,shestillhadasignificantstashinherdresser.Ifshedidn’thavesomanybillstopayoff,she’d

actuallybeinagoodplacefinancially.Butsincebillswouldonlykeepcoming,sheneededajob,either
heroldoneoranewone.

Shestretched,gladshewasn’tsostiffanymore—sheworriedthemovingandrearrangingwould’ve

ChapterEight

CarlowasenjoyinghisCubancigarinthealleybehindtherestaurantwhenthebackdoorburstopenwith
somuchforceitclangedagainstthewall.Somuchforafewminutesofpeaceandquiet.

EvenbeforeSalspoke,thesmuglookonhisfacehadCarlofightingtheurgetosmackhimupsidethe

head.Theguywasloyalastheycame,whichwaswhyhe’dpromotedhimthroughtheranks,buthewas
alsolikeagnat,thistinybuzzingcreaturethatwouldn’tleaveyoualone.Hetalkedabouthimselfinthird
person,too,whichwasannoyingasshit.

Carloblewoutaringofsmokeandthentappedtheashesofftheendofhiscigar,makingsurenotto

getanyonhisnewsportcoat.“Yougoingtostandtheregrinninglikeanidiot,oryougoingtospititout?”

“Salfoundher.”Hissnakeoilsmilewidened.“SalfoundCassie.Shedidn’tevenchangehername.I

didjustwhatyousaid.Watchedheroldplace,andwhenthemovingtruckcame,shewasthere.”His
foreheadwrinkled.“Itwasweird,Boss.Shelookedrightatme,butitwaslikeshedidn’trecognizeme…
Shetensed,butshedidn’trun.Justmadeeyecontactandstoodherground.Almostlikeachallenge.”

Carlohadnoideawhattomakeofthat.Unlessshehaddamngoodprotection,surelyshewould’ve

fled—evenwith,sheshould’veshoutedforhelp.Shewassweetastheycame,buthe’dneverthoughtof
herasparticularlybrave.Thenagain,Allegrahadtriedtoscareheraway,andCassiehadshakenitoff.
Thiswasn’thispushywife,though.Thiswasaguywho’dshotatherthelasttimeshe’dseenhim.

“Shehaveanescort?”
“Ididn’tseeone.ThenewcomplexIfollowedhertoislockedupprettytight;it’dbehardtogetin

andoutcompletelyunnoticed.NotthatSalcouldn’tdoit,butI’mthinkingit’dbeeasiertohitherwhen
sheleaves.”

Carlotookanotherpuffofhiscigar,lettingtheinformationsettle.Nomatterhowhespunit,itdidn’t

makesense.

“Ialreadycalledafewguystotakecareofit,actually.Theysaidtheycouldwatchtheplaceandthen

doadrive-by.Makeitlooklikeanaccident.Thatwayitdoesn’tcomebackonus.They’vejustgotto
waitfortherightmomentand—”

“Callitoff,”Carlosaid.“ImadeapromisetoVince.”
“Whathedon’tknowwon’t—”
“Isaidcallitoff!Idon’twantsloppy,andItrusthimoveranypunkswho’llratiftheygetcaught.Not

tomentionthefirstplacethecopswilllookafterastuntlikethatisatus.”Carlosteppedcloserand
grabbedthefrontofSal’sshirt.Afterholdingbackforsolong,itwasoddlysatisfyingespeciallywiththe
waySal’seyesbulgedoutoftheirsockets.“Capisce?”

Salnodded.“Surething,Boss.”
“Good,”hesaid,flinginghimaway.“GotellVinceIneedtotalktohim.I’llbeinmyoffice.”He

droppedhiscigarandgrounditoutwithhisfoot.

He’djustsettledintohischairwhentherewasaknock.Thedoorcrackedopen,andVincestuckhis

headinside.“Youwantedtoseeme?”

“SalfoundCassie.”
Vincesteppedfartherinsideandclosedthedoorbehindhim.“Whereisshe?Whatname’sshe

under?”

“StillrighthereinJersey.Samename.”
Thepuzzlementhe’dfeltovertheinformationshowedonVince’sfeatures.“How’dhefindher?Did

shegobacktoheroldplace?”

“Yeah.Salsaidshesawhim,too—damnfoollethimseeher.Probablythoughthe’dtakeheroutright

thereinthemiddleofthesidewalk.”Carloshookhishead.He’dneverexpectedhimtobetheonewho
foundher.Otherwisehewould’vesentsomeonesmarter.“Hesaidshedidn’trun,didn’tscream.Just
lookedrightathim.Saiditseemedlikeshedidn’tevenknowhimandaddedtherewasasortofchallenge
tothewayshestoodherground.Whatthehelldoyoumakeofthat?”

Vincesatonthearmofthechairacrossfromhim,hiseyebrowsdrawingtogether.“Noidea.”
Asageneralrule,henevertrustedanythingtoogoodtobetrue.“Seemstooeasy,doesn’tit?Thatshe

wasthereagainandledhimrighttoherapartment.Heclaimedhedidn’tseeacop,butIdon’ttrusthimto
spotanundercoverpig.”

“Youthinkmaybethey’rebaitingyou?Settingatrap?”
TheideaslammedintoCarlolikeapunchtothegut.Didtheywanthimtogoafterhersotheycould

catchhimred-handed?Didtheyreallythinkhe’dbestupidenoughtogohimself?Orweretheyplanning
ontakinginhisguystoseewho’dtalk?“GettheaddressfromSalandcheckitout.Watchyourback.
Don’tdoanythingstupid,anddon’tdrawtoomuchattention.”

Vincenoddedandstraightened.Carlohadwatchedthekidgrowup,hopingforyearshe’djoinhim.

He’dtakeoneofhimoveradozenSals.ButVincehadinsistedonstayingcleansincehighschool,and
CarlohadusedBobby’smistakestokeephimcloseenoughtotheline,hopinghisnephewwould
eventuallycave.Thiswastheperfectthingtopushhimover.Oncehesawthemoneyandthepower,he’d
besuckedin,justlikehisoldman.

“I’mtrustingyoutotakecareofit,”Carlosaid.
“I’lltakecareofit,”Vincesaidinthatsuretonehelikedtohear.“YouthinkAngelocanhandle

runningtheplacebyhimself?He’llactuallyhavetocomein.”

Carlosworeunderhisbreath.“Ican’tbelievemyownsonissuchafannullone.”Thelazykiddidn’t

careaboutfamily,honor,orworkingforwhathegot.HeonlyshowedupattherestaurantwhenCarlo
threatenedtocuthimoff,eventhoughhewastwenty-fiveyearsoldnow.HeandBobbywereprettymuch
peasinapod,whichwaswhyhe’dnevertriedtopulleitherintothefamilybusiness.

“He’llhavetocomeinifhewantstokeepdrivingthatflashysportscarhelovessomuch,”Carlo

said,sureit’dbetheperfectmotivation.“AngeloandIwillruntherestaurantwhileyou’regone.Youjust
focusontakingcareofCassie.”

“Tommasokeepsthekitchenrunningsmoothly,andeveryonerespectshim.Hecanhelpwiththe

managerstuffifyouneedit.”Withthat,Vinceturnedtogo.

“Asfastandpainlessaspossible,”Carlosaid,stillhatingithadtobedone—he’dgottenmore

attachedtothesweetgirlwiththebrightsmilethanhe’dliketoadmit.Andhewouldn’t.Nottoanyone.
“Butyoumakesureshe’sdead.”

“Don’tworry.I’llmakeherdisappear.”

ChapterNine

Howfastcouldone’sheartbeatbeforeitshort-circuitedandgaveout?

Cassieneededtoknow,becauseherheartwasseriouslytestingthelimits.Everyturnthatbroughther

closertowheresheusedtowork—ormaybestilldid—madeherpalmssweatandherheartaccelerate.
Everynerveinherbodyscreamedtostopuntilshe’dslowedthecartoanearcrawl.Anysecond
someonewouldpullbehindherandstarthonking.Iftheycalledthecops,she’dalsobescrewedbecause
shestilldidn’thavealicense,althoughtheDMV—er,theMVC,sincehereinNewJerseytheywentby
themotorvehiclecommission—wasnextonherto-dolist.

Afadedsignonthebrickexteriordeclaredshewasattherightplace,buteventhoughRossi’slooked

likeaperfectlynicerestaurant,beinginthenearvicinityofitgaveherapanickyfeelingshecouldn’t
shake.

Shepulledintoanemptyspotablockdown,herbreathsawinginandoutofhermouth.Afterafew

minutesofdebatingwhetherornotsheshouldbotherTomatwork,shegaveinandcalledhimup.

“OfficerDuffy,”hesaidaftershe’dbeentransferredtohisline.
“It’sCassie.WasIhitinfrontofanItalianrestaurant?”Ifthiswaswheretheaccidenthappened,

that’dexplainwhyherbodyrejectedtheideaofgoingbacktothescene.

“Iknowthere’sadonutshoprealclose,”hesaid,andshelookedaround,spottingoneacrossthe

street,kitty-cornerfromtherestaurant.“HoldonandI’llchecktheexactlocation.”

Amomentlaterherattledofftheaddress,andsureenough,shewasthere.Shewonderediftherewas

bloodstillonthestreet.Thanksforgoingtothatdisturbingplace,brain.LikeIwasn’talreadyfreaking
out.

Sheshouldgetoutofhercar,gointotherestaurant,andseewhattheycouldtellher.Shecurledher

fingersaroundthedoorhandle,andherheartbeatevenfaster.Sweatprickedherneckandforehead.Her
chesttightenedtothepointthatgettingairbecamedifficult.

“Youokay?”Tomasked,andshenearlydroppedthephonebecauseshe’dforgottenshewasevenon

it.Great,nowshewasforgettingcurrentevents,too.

“Fine,”sheraspedout.“Thanksfortheinformation.I’ll,uh,talktoyoulater.”Shehungupafterhis

goodbyeandstaredatthestorefront.Ifherdepositsandcashpilewereanyindication,it’dbeenagood
placetowork.

Butwhyhadn’tanyoneshownuptoseeher,andwhyhadshebeenidentifiedasaJaneDoe?A

pricklingsenseofwrongnesscrawledoverherskin,everythinginhershoutingtogetoutofthere,andto
doitnow.

Thedoortotherestaurantswungopen,andforreasonsshecouldn’texplain,sheslammedonthegas,

acceleratingawayasquicklyaspossible.Itwasagoodthingnocarshadbeenpassingby,orshe
would’vehadhersecondaccidentinthesameexactspotasthefirst.

***

Thepastfewdayshadbeenabluroftryingtofindherwayaroundthecity,soCassiewasn’tforever
relyingonhernewphonefordirections—althoughitcertainlycameinhandy—andlearningtheropesof
hernewjob.

SheerforceofwillhadlandedherawaitressingspotatMcCarthy’sSteakandSeafoodRestaurant,an

upscaleplacewithinwalkingdistanceofherapartment.Withhernewboldmottoinmind,she’dgonein,
askedtospeaktoamanager…

Andthenstumbledoverherwordsasherfaceheatedup,sendingherdowntoasixthofabadassyet

again.Shewasmuchbetterattheshowingthantelling,butshe’dmanagedtoconveyherexperienceand
flexiblehours,andMr.Brown,whowasaslivelyashisname,hadhiredheronthespot.

Sinceshedoubtedhernewbosswouldbeimpressedifshewasonherphonewhilesheshouldbe

working,shefoughttheurgetocheckheremailagain—diggingthroughherinboxthismorninghad
unearthedanoldemailfromAnnie,hernext-doorneighborinParker.Shewasanurse,sowheneverDad
gotsickandCassiewasn’tsureifsheshouldtakehimin—healwayssaidno,becauseERvisitsweretoo
expensive—Anniewouldcomeoverandcheckhisvitalsandofferadvice.AfterDadpassedaway,she’d
occasionallystoppedbytocheckonCassie,oftenbringingdinnerandgivinghermuch-neededcompany.

Todistractherself,Cassiecheckedonhercustomersandclosedoutorders.Hertipsygroupordered

anotherbottleofwine,lookingliketheywereinnohurrytoleave.Unabletotakeitanymore,Cassie
checkedherphone,butAnniehadn’trespondedyet.

Ifthishazyfoghoveringovermybrainwouldjustfreakinggoaway,that’dbegreat.She’deven

toyedwiththeideaofahypnotherapist.Shewassurehermemoriesweretwoyearsofboringday-to-day
activities,buttheywerehermundanememories,andshewantedthem—alongwithhercollegeeducation
—back.Nodoubthypnotherapywouldcostbigbucks,andsavingforcollegewillprobablybemore
productive.

“Waitress?”
Cassieturnedtowardthevoiceandnoticedthemanicuredfingerintheair.Withatugonthehemof

herblackskirt,sheheadedtowardthetable.Apparentlythedressywhitebuttondownnegatedthefactthat
somuchofherlegswereondisplay.She’dconvincedherselftheuniformwasbold,becauseithelpedher
feellessawkwardabouthowshorttheskirtwas.Intheory,anyway.

Sheflashedtheladyasmile.“Yes?”
“We’rereadyforourchecknow.”
“Ibroughtittoyouwiththelastbottle.”
“Oh.”Thegirlgiggledandscannedthetable.“Hereitis.Comeon,everybody.Coughitup.Itcameto

justshyoftwo-hundred,sofortyplustipeach.”

“I’llletyougetitallsettledandberightback.Doesanyoneneedato-gobox?”
Noonepipedup,soCassiewalkedacrosstherestaurant,figuringshe’dcheckonheroneothertable.

Thecouplehadalreadyleft,sosheleanedovertogetthebill.Hergazedriftedtothelargewindowfacing
thestreet,andthehairsonthebackofherneckprickedup.

Theonlythingshecouldmakeoutwasthefaintglowofstreetlights,combinedwiththereflected

lightsoftherestaurant.Sheknewitmadenosense,butthepastfewdaysshe’dhadthedistinctfeelingof
beingwatched.

Thedoctorsaidtheremightbetimesofconfusion.Sheshookherhead,chalkingtheeeriesensation

uptoacombinationofthatandexhaustion,andturnedaway.Althoughnowshewishedshe’ddrivenso
shewouldn’thavetowalkhomealoneinthedark—thewalkthereinthecrispafternoonwasalwaysso
nice.Anditwasonlyfiveblocks.

Fiveblocksinthedarkwithmyneckconstantlyprickling,suddenlysureeverypersonwhowalks

ordrivesbyisouttogetme.Sheshudderedandattemptedtostiflethosethoughtssoshewouldn’t
completelyfreakherselfout.Thensherememberedthebrandnewcanisterofpeppersprayinherpurse
andtookcomfortinthat.

Herlivelycustomerswereheadingtowardtheexit,soshewavedandtoldthemtohaveagoodnight.

Shelookedaroundatthemostlyemptyrestaurant.Nowwhat?

Suddenlyshewaswishingforittobebusyagain—funnyhoweventhoughshedidn’tknowthe

customers,simplyhavingthemtherehelpedcombatthelonelyfeelingthatkeptrisingupandlodgingin

herchest.Theothertwowaitresseswerealreadyfriends,andwhenshe’dattemptedtomakesmalltalk,
it’dbeenastilted,clunkyconversationthatmadeitcleartheywerejustwaitingforhertoleavesothey
couldgobacktotheirpreviousconversation.Clearlyshe’dhavetolookforfriendselsewhere.

Wheredoesaslightlyparanoid,trying-to-get-over-her-shyness—andoh,yeah,amnesia—waitress

gotomakefriends?

Thedooropened,andsheglancedtowardit…thendidadoubletake.Theguyhadaballcappulled

low,makingithardtoseehiseyes,butthedarkstubbleonhisjaw,thenearlyblackhairpeekingoutfrom
thehat,andthelargebicepsdisplayedbyhisform-fittingT-shirtmadeherverybarelegsgowobblyon
her.

Holyhotness,Batman.
Usuallytherewasahostessupfront,butshemust’vesnucktotherestroomortothebackwiththe

otherstaffsinceitwasslow,soCassiefiguredshe’dtaketheinitiativeandseathim.Thatwayhecould
beinherarea,too,sobonuspoints.

Sheapproachedandgrabbedamenufromthestand.“Hi.Justone?”
Hisgazecaughthers.Brown.Hiseyesweredefinitelybrown—areallycoolmixofshadesthatmade

herwanttotakebackcallingMr.Brown’snameboring,becauseevidentiallybrowncouldbevery,very
not-boring.

Peeringintothoseeyesmadeherheartgocompletelyfluttery.Shelickedherlips,fightingtomaintain

hercomposureinsteadofsimplybattingherlashesanddrooling.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”heaskedinalowvoicethatsentanelectriczipthroughhercore.
Wow.Shedidn’tusuallyfeelso…inexplicablydrawntoguysshedidn’tknow.Well,Isupposeitis

explicable,actually.He’sprettymuchthehottestguyI’veeverlaideyeson.

Hiseyebrowsarched,remindingherhe’daskedaquestion—akindofweirdone.“Iworkhere,”she

said,pushingherglassesuphernose.“Wouldyoulikemetoshowyoutoatable?”

Hestaredatherforanotherbeatwheresheforgottobreathe,andthennodded.Assoonashewas

seated,shefoughttheboutofshynesstryingtotakeoverandmakehersaystupidthingsandaskedwhat
he’dliketodrink.

Hecontinuedtostare,hiseyebrowsknittingclosertogetherbythesecond,likehedidn’tunderstand

whatshe’dsaid.Ifhehadn’tspokenaminuteago,she’dwonderifhespokeEnglish.HelookedItalian,
butnotforeign,ifthatmadeanysense.Withherbrainshort-circuitingfrombeingnearhim,makingsense
wasathingofthepast.

Sheclearedherthroatandworkedonkeepinghervoicesteady.“WehavePepsiproducts,andour

alcohollistisrightthere.”Whenhedidn’tmakeamoveforit,shereachedoverthetabletowhereitwas
proppedagainstthewallandplaceditinfrontofhim.

Hisgazehadmovedtoherlegs,andheatlickedatherskin,followingthetrailhiseyesfollowed.She

swallowedpastadrythroatandtuggedattheskirt.Heseemedtorealizehewasstaringandlookedup.
“Pepsi’sfine.”

“Okay.I’llberightbackwiththat.Ourspecialistheyellowfinahitunawithwildriceandgrilled

asparagus.”

Thenosecrinkleclashedwiththebadboylookhehadgoingon,andthedeliciousmixcausedher

hearttoskipabeat.“Notaseafoodfan?”

Hecrossedhisarmsonthetable,andshecouldn’thelpnoticingthewayitmadehismusclesstand

out.“Seemslikeyouknowmeprettywell.”

Cassielaughed,andwhileitcameoutalittlemorenervous-soundingthanshewould’veliked,it

wasn’tcompletelyembarrassing.“Luckyguess.Combinedwiththefaceyoumade.”

Anamusedsparkflickeredthroughhiseyes.“Actually,itwasthericeandasparagusthathadmethe

mostworried.”

“Don’tworry.They’rereallygood.”Sheliftedherorderingpadasifshewereabouttodivulgea

hugesecretanddidn’twantanyoneelsetoknow.“ButifIwereyou,I’dgosteakandpotatoes.Thesteak
hereisthebestI’veeverhad.”Sheloweredhereyebrows.“Ithink,anyway.”Sheshookherhead.Why
hadn’tshejuststoppedtalking?“Butthat’sneitherherenorthere.”

Thereshewent,justaddingmore.Okay,seriously,zipit.Shepressedherlipstogether,curvedthem

intoasmile,andsaid,“I’llberightbackwithyourdrink.”

***

VincewatchedCassiewalktowardthebackinthattinyskirtthatshowedoffsexylegshe’donlydreamed
aboutseeingsomuchofbefore.Shehadnewglasseswithslightlychunkierframes,andshestillpushed
themupinthewaythatdrovehimcrazy.

Thatwastheweirdthing,though.Sheseemedabitnervous,butnotterrified.Notevenalittlefreaked

out.He’dwatchedtheplace,thinkinghe’dapproachherafterhershift,butwhenthehostessstepped
away,hethought,screwit,andwentinside.He’dexpectedtohavetodragheroutoftherestaurant.

Instead,sheactedlikeshedidn’tevenknowhim.JustlikeSalsaidshedidwithhim.Forallheknew,

shewascallingthecopsortheFBIorwhoevershewasrelyingonforprotectionrightnow.

Onlyhedidn’tthinkthatwasthecaseanymore.Fortwodayshe’dwatchedhercomeandgo.Another

carhadfollowedher—hewasalmostsure,becausehe’dseenittwice,bothtimestrailingher.Butshe
neveracknowledgedtheguyorvehicleinanyway,andithadn’tbeenaroundtonight,whichwaswhy
Vincehadbeenstupidenoughtobargeintherestaurant…

Andmakejokeswithheraboutseafoodandasparagus.Warmthspreadthroughhischest.He’dbeen

sofocusedoneverythingelsethathe’dforgottenhoweasilyshecouldmakehimforgetwhohewas,if
onlyforalittlebit.

Hereshecame,sodacupinhand,andhisgazeautomaticallywentbacktothoselegs.Damn.He

should’veenforcedashort-skirtdresscodewhenshe’dworkedatRossi’s.

Thethoughtoftherestaurantandwhathappenedthelasttimeshewastheresoberedhimrightup.Not

enoughtomissthefamiliarcoconutscentwhenshesetthesodainfrontofhim,butenoughtofocusonthe
taskathand.

Sheextendedastraw,andhetookitfromher,purposelybrushingherfingers.“Thanks,”hesaid.
Asexyblushroseupherneckandsettledinhercheeks—thewomanwasseriouslykillinghim.“Did

youdecidewhatyouwanted?”

“Thesteak,ofcourse.Ihearit’sthebest.”
Satisfactionfilledthecurveofhersmile,andhisheartthuddedinhischest.“FiletMignonorNew

YorkStrip?”

“Whichisbigger?”
“Oh,you’reoneofthosebiggerisbetterguys?”
“Thequestionis,areyouoneofthosegirls?”
Herblushdeepened,andhergazedroppedtoherpad.Thenshereachedupandslidthosedamn

glassesuphernose,andaspikeofdesireshotthroughhim.Thislevelofflirtingwaswhathe’dalways
wantedwithherbutconstantlyheldback.Hewasgettinghimselfintoamessnow,noquestionaboutit.

“So,theNewYorkStripsteak,then.Howwouldyoulikethatcooked?”Cassiecockedaneyebrow,

almostasifshewerechallenginghimtofindawaytoturnthatintoaninnuendo.

Withhisbrainsuddenlynotworking,hewentwithboringanswersforhernextfewquestions.
“I’llputthatin,andit’llbeoutsoon,”shesaid.

“Youguyscloseinabouttwenty,right?”Hehadn’tplannedondinner,buthecouldalwayseat,andit

gavehimmoretimetoobserveCassie.Butitalsomadehimoneofthoseobnoxiouscustomerswho
showeduprightbeforeclosingandobliteratedanychanceofgettingoffworkatadecenthour.

“Wedo,butifyouneedalittlelonger,I’dbehappytoaccommodateyou.We’reallabouttheservice

here.”Shealmostseemedassurprisedashewasthatshe’dsaidit,butshetriedtocoveritupwithan
innocentsmilethatgavehimtheoppositeofinnocentthoughts.

Hedebatedforasecondwhethertoask,butjustwentforit.“Whatwasyourname?”Hewatchedher

expressioncarefully,tryingtoseeifshewaspullingsomebigactonhim.

“I’mCassie.Shoot,didIforgettosaythatinthebeginning?”Shetappedherpentothesideofher

forehead,adorablyflustered.“Lately,thisishavingsomeissues.ButIswearI’mmuchbetterat
rememberingfoodorders.”

Vincewantedtoreachout,takeherhand,andgiveitareassuringsqueeze.Hesettledforasmile.“No

worries.I’mVince.”

Again,hewatched,waitingforhertocallbullshitandsayofcoursesheknewwhohewas,andthen

throwsomethingathimandtrytoflee,or…justhavesomekindofreactionthatdidn’tmakehimfeellike
he’dimaginedalloftheirpreviousinteractions.Thenagain,hewasgladshedidn’tseemtorememberthe
horriblemomentinthealleythat’dlandedthembothinahugefucked-upmess.

“Nicetomeetyou,”shesaid.Thenshejerkedherthumboverhershoulder.“Ibettergetthisorderin

andgohelpcloseout.”

“Butyou’llbeback?”

Shemethisgaze,herfacebetrayingnothingbutgenuinehappiness.“Yeah.I’llbeback.”

ChapterTen

Cassiegrabbedthesaladforherdrool-worthycustomer.Vince,sheremindedherselfwithasmile.Man,
evenhisnameissexy.

“Hey.”Tyra,thewaitresseswho’dmostlycommunicatedwithsneeredone-wordanswersor

commands,stoodthere,afalsesmileonherfacethatimmediatelyraisedredflags.TyraremindedCassie
ofthemeangirlsinhighschool.Pretty,privileged,anddeterminedtogetherwaynomatterwhoshehad
tostepon.

Isupposethat’sjudgmental.Ishouldgiveherachance.“Yes?”
“Thatguyissuperhot.”ShetiltedherheadinVince’sdirection,eventhoughCassiewould’veknown

whoshemeantwithoutit.Nottomentionhewastheonlycustomerleft.“He’salone,right?”

“Yes,hecameinalone.”
“Good.I’lltakethattohim.”TyragrabbedthesaladoutofherhandandCassiejustblinked,her

mouthhangingopen.Shewasgoingtogivethegirlachance,notgiveherVince.Notthathewashersto
giveoranything.Sinceheronlyoptionnowwouldbetorunandtackleherforthesalad,Cassie
helplesslywatchedasTyraapproachedVince’stable.

Somuchforbeingbold.
Tyra,ontheotherhand,hadnoproblemwithboldness.Shenevertuggedathershortskirtinan

attempttomakeitlonger,andthetopthreebuttonsonhershirtwereundone.Withherlongdarkhairand
Barbie-likephysique,shehadthelookstopullitoff,too.SheleanedoverVince,placingherhandonhis
shoulderasshesethissaladdown,andasurprisinglystrongwaveofjealousyrolledthroughCassie.

Calmdown,emotions.He’shotandall,butforallIknowhecouldbeacrazedkillerlookingfor

hisnextvictim.Tyraslidapieceofpapertohim—herphonenumber,nodoubt.AndnowI’mnevergoing
to,becausewhenshe’sanoption,whywouldhechooseme?

VincelookedawayfromTyra’sbeautyqueengrin.Hiseyesscannedtheroomandsuddenlylockedon

hers,causingherhearttolurchinherchest.Itwastoolatetopretendnottobewatching,sosheshothima
quicksmile,completewithatinytwo-fingeredwave.MaybeI’mnotoutoftherunningjustyet.

Tyrafollowedhislineofsight,shotdaggersatCassie,andthenrearrangedherfacetoafriendly

expressionbeforeturningtoVince.Tokeepfromobsessingovertheirexchangeorlookinglikea
desperatestalkertype,Cassieturnedtorollsilverwarefortomorrow.

TheoldCassiewouldjuststepaside,butthenewCassiewasn’tgoingtobeapushover.Whenhis

foodordercameup,she’dtakeittohimandshowthatshecouldbathereyeswiththebestofthem.After
all,howoftendidhotguysflirtwithher?

Carpethehottie—that’sgonnabemynewmotto.Shelaughedatherownjoke,quicklystiflingit

whenTyrastrodeoverandsighedloudenoughtoconveyherannoyance.

Cassietookhertimetuggingthewhitelinennapkinintoatightrollandthencasuallyturnedtoher.

“Yes?”

“Hesaidtotellyouthatyoupromisedyou’dbeback,andhe’sholdingyoutoit.”Tyraranhergazeup

anddownCassie,thedeepeningscowlmakingitclearshewasn’timpressedwithwhatshesaw.“Who’d
choseyouoverme?”

“Iguesshewould,”Cassiesaid,shockcomingsecondsafterherwords.Sheneversaidthingslike

that—notoutloud,anyway.Luckilythecookshoutedthatthefoodwasup,soCassieescapedbefore
Tyra’swrathcouldbeunleashed.

ShewalkedacrosstherestaurantandplacedVince’sfoodinfrontofhim.

“IthinkIoffendedyourfriend,”hesaidasshewithdrewherhand,herusualspielfadingfromthetip

ofhertongue.

“Friend’sagenerouswordforwhatsheistome.”Okay,maybesheneededtoreelbackonsaying

everythoughtthatpoppedintoherhead.Therewasafinelinebetweenboldandbitchy.“Ihaven’tworked
hereforverylong,sohonestly,Ibarelyknowher.”

“Youseemlikeareallygoodwaitressforbeingsonewatit.”
“Newhere.Oldtothejob.”
Helookedatherlikeshewasapuzzlehecouldn’tquitefittogether.Theexpressionfeltfamiliar

somehow.Orwasitafamiliarlonging?Thatdesiretogettoknowsomeonebetter.Tohaveafriendora
boyfriend—someonetotalktoattheendofalongday.Someonewho’dcometovisitifshelandedinthe
freakinghospital.

“Sowhere’dyouworkbefore?”heasked.
“AtinyrestaurantinColorado.That’swhereI’mfromoriginally.”Sheleanedahiponthesideofthe

tallbooth,bringingthemcloser.“Whytheinterestinmyjob?”

“It’smoreaninterestinthegirldoingthejob.”Thedeepvoicecombinedwithhisstatementsenta

pleasantshiverdownherspine.

Vincewinkedandthenpickeduphisknifeandfork.Hepausedandlookedbackather.Shewasabout

toaskifitwascookedtohissatisfaction—eventhoughhehadn’ttriedityet—whenheasked,“Why’d
yousayyouthoughtitwasthebeststeakyoueverhad?”

“TheshortanswerisItendtoramblewhenIshouldjuststoptalking.”
“What’sthelonganswer?”Theintensewayhestaredather,clearlywaiting,madeherfacegrowhot.
“I…don’tremembereverysteakI’vehad.”
Henarrowedhiseyes.“That’snotthelongversion.”
NooneatMcCarthy’sknewaboutheraccident,andsheplannedonkeepingitthatway.Whowanted

toworkwithsomeonewithmemoryproblems?OnlythehospitalstaffandTomknewaboutheramnesia,
andthatwasbecauseshehadn’thadtotellthem.Shedidn’tevenknowwheretostart,orifsheshould
spillhergutstoatotalstranger.

AtotalstrangerwhomademefeelthingsIhaven’tinalongtime.Evenwiththat,sheprobably

would’vemadeanexcusetoleaveifshehadn’tlookedintohiseyes.“Iwasinanaccidentaboutamonth
ago,”shesaid.“Iwokeupinthehospitalandcouldn’trememberwhathappenedorwhyIwasinNew
Jersey.Sothereareafewyearsmissingfrommymemory,whenIcould’vehadthebeststeakever,butthe
onehereisthebestIremember.Anyway,youprobablywanttoeatyoursbeforeitgetscold.”

Feelingvulnerablefromspillingsomuch,sheturnedtoleave.
Hecaughtherarm.Shelookeddownatthelongfingersencirclingherwrist,thenslowlybackupat

him.“Sorry,”hesaid,buthedidn’tletgo.“You’resayingyoudon’tremembertheaccidentatall?”

“Nope.It’skindofdisconcerting,actually,anditsucksbecauseofmycollegeclasses—”Shecut

herselfoffbeforeshestartedramblingagain.“ButI’mtryingtojuststartoverandmoveon.Nousecrying
overspilledmilkandgraymatter,right?”

Hislipstwitchedlikehedidn’tknowwhetherornottobeamusedattheslightlydisturbinganalogy.“I

guessnot.”Hebrushedhisthumbovertheundersideofherwrist,andthepulsepointbeneaththethinskin
beatfaster.

“Anyway,itwaskindoffreaky,andonceinawhileIstillfeelalittleconfusedanddisorientated,but

I’mdealing,andhonestlyI’mluckyitwasn’tworse.”Shelickedherlips,eyeinghisglassandfightingthe
urgetotakealargegulpandridherselfofthedesertthat’dtakenupresidenceinherthroat.

“Didyou,uh,needanythingelse?”Shegesturedattheplateoffoodgrowingcolderbythesecond.

Shecouldhardlythinkstraightwithhishandstillwrappedaroundherwrist.Sheknewsheshouldpull
away,yetherfeetremainedrootedinplace.

“Yeah.I’dliketogettoknowyoubetter.It’sanicenight.Howaboutwetakeawalkafteryougetoff

work?”Herepeatedthethumbswipemotion,andherpulseandskinrepeatedtheirreactiontoit.

“Oh.I…um…well.”Shethoughtabouttheweirdbeing-watchedfeelingandhowniceitwouldbeto

havesomecompanyonherwalkhome.Butthenagain,she’djustmettheguy.Wherewasthelinebetween
boldandstupid,andwhydidshesuddenlywanttocrossiteitherwayifitmeantafewmoreminuteswith
Vince?

“Letmeguess…youdon’tusuallyagreetogooutwithstrangers.”
“Notusually,”shesaid.“Notever,actually.”
“Goodthingwe’renotstrangers,then.”Hisvoicetookonanintimatetone,andlongingwas

undoubtedlypumpingthroughherbodynow.“Patienceisn’tmystrongsuit,andIdon’tseeanyreasonto
comeinheretwoorthreemoretimesbeforeaskingyouout.”

Bebold,bebold,bebold.“Myplaceisn’tfarfromhere.”Thensherealizedshemightbegivinghim

thewrongidea,andshecertainlywasn’tthatbold.“I’mnotsayinglet’shaveaone-nightstandor
anything.Justtobeclear.”

Onecornerofhissexymouthquirkedup.“Ididn’tthinkyouwere.HowaboutIwalkyouhome,and

wetakeitfromthere?”

“Okay,”shesaid,stillsortofamazedshewasactuallyagreeing,andtoldherselfshehadpepper

spray,justincase.“It’llbeabouttwentyorthirtyminutes,probably.”

Heslidhishanddowntohers,gaveitaquicksqueeze,andsaid,“I’llwaitforyououtside.”

***

Vince’sentireplanhadchangedinaninstant,andhewasn’tsurewheretogofromhere.Thefactthat
Cassiedidn’trememberanythingmadeaglimmerofhoperiseupandimplantitselfinhischest.He
wantedtobelieveeverythingwouldbeokaynow.Nohavingtofollowthroughwithhisoriginalplanor
foreverlookingoverhisshoulderafter.

Nodealingwiththecrushingguilt.
Butthatwasoverlyoptimistic,andheknewbetter.I’vejustgottoconvinceCarloshe’snotathreat.

Thatwaseasiersaidthandone,though.

Thedoortotherestaurantopened,andCassiesteppedout.Shehadonadarkpurplecoatthatflaredat

thebottom.Itlandedaboutaninchaboveherblessedlyshortskirt,andhisbloodheatedashetookin
everyinchofher.She’dalwayshadabitofthehotlibrarianlookgoingon,anditwasinfull-forcenow.

Forthefirsttimesincehe’dlaideyesonher,theywerecompletelyalone.
“Hey,”shesaid,appearingsurprisedhe’dwaitedlikehesaidhewould.
“Youready?”heasked,andshenodded.Healmoststartedtowardherapartment,andthenrealizedhe

wasn’tsupposedtoknowwheretheyweregoing.“Whichway?”

Cassiepointedleft.“I’mnottoofar.Likefifteenortwentyminutes.”
“SoI’vegotfifteenminutestoconvinceyoutoinvitemeinsideforadrink.”
Asmilecurvedherlips.“Iusuallymakedecisionslikethatinaboutfive,sotick-tock.”
Well,ifshewasgoingtoplayitlikethat,he’dhavetouseeverythinghehadinhisarsenal.Heplaced

hishandonthesmallofherback.Thegesturewassimpleenough,buttheeffectithadonhimwas
surprisinglystrong.Itmadehimwanttocurlhertohimandwraphisarmsaroundher;he’dbeensureshe
wasgoingtodieinthestreetallthoseweeksago.Tohaveherinfrontofhimagainsentanunexpected
surgeofaffectionthroughhischest.Usuallyhelookedatrelationshipsastemporaryfuntopassthetime,
butwithCassie,hefeltsomethingstronger.Hadfromdayone.

Maybethatwastheotherreasonhe’dstoppedhimselffromaskingherout.Yes,he’dwantedtokeep

frompullingherintohismessylife,buttheshy,sweetblondealsoscaredhim,becauseshemadehimfeel
whenhewassousedtobeingnumb.

Beforehestartedwaxingpoeticorsomeshit,heputgentlepressureonherbackandstartedtoward

herapartmentcomplex.

“Ilovethistimeofyear,”shesaid,changingherstridetosteponacoupleofcrunchyleavesonthe

sidewalk.Withthesundown,thetemperaturehoveredinthemid-forties.Notcoolenoughforhimtohave
botheredwithacoat,whichwaswhyhe’dalsolefthisgunintheJeep.

Hecastaquickglanceback,tellinghimselfhewouldn’tneedhisweapon.Thestreetswerequiet,

hardlyanyonewasout,andthiswasanicerneighborhood.Peoplewouldnoticepunkstryingtobreakinto
hiscarandreportitinsteadofturningablindeyeastheyscurriedpast.

Okay,focus.Normalpeopleconversation.ThekindthatmakesitseemlikeIdon’talreadyknow

her.“Isthatwhyyouwalktoandfromwork?Ordoyounothaveacar?”Maybeshe’dsoldthehunkof
junk.

“Oh,Ihaveone,andit’soneofthoseunforgettabletypecars.It’soldanduglyandgrowlslikeacatin

heat,butit’sreliable.”

Vincechuckled.“Andhowexactlydoesacatinheatgrowl?”
“That’swhatyou’regoingtoaskinyourremainingfourminutes?”
“Ifyoudemonstrateit’llbeworthit.”
Sheshookherhead,twospotsofpinkrisingtohercheeks.Withhoweasyheremotionsweretoread,

itwasawonderheeverconsideredshe’donlybeenactingcluelessaboutwhohewas.“Igotthesaying
frommydad,”shesaid.“NowthatIthinkaboutit,it’s…abitdisturbing.”

Vinceslowedhissteps,hishandstillingonherback.Fromoneoftheirlate-nightconversationsatthe

restaurant,heknewherdadhadpassedawayfromcancer.Shehadn’tgoneintodetails,buthecouldtell
fromthecombinationofwarmthandsadnessinhervoicethey’dbeenclose.Surelysherememberedhe’d
passedaway?Orhadtheyhadtotellherthatinthehospitalandhaveitcrushheralloveragain?

“Soundslikeaninterestingguy,”hesaid,hopingit’dbecomfortinginsteadoflikepouringlemon

juiceonarawwound.

“Hewas.He’s…Hediedtwoyearsago—orfour,Imean.”Shepressedherfingertipstoherforehead

andconfusionflickeredacrossherfeaturesforamoment.Thensheshookherheadanditseemedtobe
gone.

“I’msorry,”hesaidquietly.“Iknowpeoplealwayssaythatoractliketheyknowhowyoufeel,butI

lostmydad,too.Theemptinessneverquitegoesaway,butitgetsalittleeasiertodealwithovertime.”
Thatwaswhathe’dalmosttoldherthatnightatRossi’s,buthe’dclampeditdown.Hedidn’tknowwhyit
wassuddenlyeasiertotellhernow.

“Yeah.Andsomedaysthatemptyspotismoreglaringthanothers,andyoufeellikeyou’restarting

over.”Theirgazesmetandlocked.“I’msorry,too.Aboutyourdad.”

Hetookherhand,andsheslidherfingersbetweenhis.Thesamewarmthhe’dexperiencedearlier

cameback,onlytwiceasstrong.Guiltovereverythinghewasleavingoutquicklyroseupanddilutedit
withitscoldedge,buthetoldhimselfhedidn’thaveachoice.Tellingherthey’dmetbeforewouldonly
putherinmoredanger.

“So,I…”Vinceforgottherestofhissentenceasacarcrawledtoanearstopnexttothem—acarthat

clearlydidn’tbelonginthisneighborhood.Alarmsrangoutinhishead,andhismusclescoiled.Oneof
thetintedwindowsrolleddownacoupleofinches,andthestreetlightglintedonthebarrelthatstuckout.

HeyankedCassietohimanddovetotheground,rightasasprayofbulletserupted.Anothergun

joinedthefirst.Uzis,fullyautomatic.KeepingCassieunderhim,hedraggedthembehindtheclosesttire
ofthecaratthecurbandtuckedintoatightball,throwinghisarmsoverhisheadlikethat’dstopabullet.
Thecarwindowsshattered,theglassrainingoverthemasbitsofplasterfromthebuildingpeltedtheir
otherside.Hehopedforstandardthirty-tworoundmagazinesinsteadoffortyorfifty.

AneternitypassedashetriedtomakehimselfandCassiesmaller.Prayedforthecartoofferthem

enoughcoverage.WaitedforabullettotearintofleshortofeelCassiejerkunderneathhimbeforeshe
stoppedbreathingcompletely.

Therippingbuzz-sawnoisefinallycutoff,buttheringinginhisearsremained.Tiressquealedasthe

carspedoff,redbrakelightsflashingasthedrivermadeasharpleft.

ForamomentVincesimplybreathedinandout,checkingtoseeifhestillcould.Thenherealized

Cassiehadn’tmoved,andhislungsturnedtolead.“Cassie?Areyouhurt?”

Heproppedhimselfuponhispalms,grittinghisteethagainstthebrokenglassandbitsofplasterthat

dugintohisskin.Sheslowlyrolledtoherback,andhestudiedherface—clear.Chestandabdomen…He
wasn’tsure.“Cassie!”

“I…”Shepattedherselfdown,startingwiththespotoverherheartandmovingslowlydowntoher

stomach.Thensheliftedherarms,turningthemoverseveraltimesassheranhergazeacrossthem.“I’m
okay.Ithink.”

Vincesatbackonhisheelsandstaredattheintersectionwherethecarhadturned.Eventhoughhe

knewhecouldn’tcatchthemonfoot,hewantedtorunafterthem,pullhisgun—whichhedidn’tfucking
have—andmakesuretheydidn’tcomebackforroundtwo.Theimportantthingnowwastogetgoing—he
didn’twanttobehere,unarmedandhelpless,iftheycircledbackaround.

Butsomeonewasgoingtodieforthis.
HeglancedbackdownatCassie.“Weneedtomove.”

ChapterEleven

Cassiesatup,herlimbsprotestingthemovement.Herstingingkneessporteduglyscrapes,theblood
poolingintolargedropletsandthenrunningincrimsonstreamsdownhershins.

“Itriedtotalkmybossintoslacks.”Itwassuchastupidthingtothinkofrightnow,butherbrain

couldhardlyprocessthefactthatthey’djustbeenshotat.

Butthenshelookedatthecarthat’dprotectedthem.So,somanyholes—likemetalSwisscheese.

Pockmarksmarredthesideofthebuildingonherotherside,and…

Oxygenstoppedgoingtoherlungs,herhandstrembled,andhernerveslaunchedintoriotmode.
Ohmygosh,wealmostdied.Ican’tbelievewe’renotdead.Ifitwasn’tforVince…Sheplacedher

handsonhischest.“Areyouokay?Didanyhityou?”

Heshookhishead.“I’mokay.Weneedtogobeforetheycomeback.”
Dreadseizedher.“Youthinkthey’llcomeback?”
“Idon’tknow,butIdon’twanttostickaroundandfindout.”Hepushedtohisfeet,extendedahand,

andhelpedpullherup.Glassslidoffher,fallingtothegroundinanoddlyhappytinklingnoise.Herknees
wobbled,andVincewrappedanarmaroundher,steadyingheragainsthisfirmchest.

Shewantedtosinkintohisembraceandhaveabreakdown,butit’dhavetowait.“I’mokay,”she

said,despitethefactthatnothingcouldbefartherfromthetruth.Theoutlineofherapartmentcomplex
stooddarkagainsttheskyline,acouplecheckerboardsquaresoflightglowingfromthelit-upapartments.
“That’smybuildingupahead.”

“Canyouwalk?”Vinceaskedashetookinherbloodyknees.
Shenodded,andhetookholdofherhand.Theyrushedtowardherbuilding,notrunning,butwithhis

longerstrides,shehadtohalf-runtokeepup.Hishawk-likegazeconstantlyscannedtheareawhileshe
glancedaroundlikeaparanoidlunatic—itturnedoutshewasn’tsoparanoidafterall.

Bythetimetheymadeittothebuilding,theshootingpaininherkneesandpalmshadturnedtoa

demandingthrob.Herbadhipandformerlygoodonedidn’tfeelsogreateither.Managementlockedthe
lobbydoorsafterten,soyouhadtoeitherhaveakeyorbebuzzedinside.Aquicktugonthehandle
confirmeditwaslocked,soshequicklydugoutherkeys,themetaljinglingtogetherwhenherhands
shook.Shetriedtopushthemintothekeyholeandmissed.“Damnit.”

Vincewrappedhishandoverhers.“Here,letme.”
Heunlockedthedoorandputhishandonthesmallofherback.Earliertonightit’dgivenher

butterflies,butrightnowitgaveherthesenseofsecuritysheneededtoforceherfeetintomotioninstead
ofgiveintotheurgetodroptothegroundandcry.Asmuchasshehatedtoadmitit,sheobviouslywasn’t
coolunderpressure.

Thelobbywasdeserted,thewayitoftenwasduringthelaterhours.Inlightoftheirbloody,frazzled

appearance,thatwasprobablyforthebest.Shepushedtheupbuttontotheelevatorrepeatedly,unableto
stopuntilitarrived.

Thecreakofthecablesandhershakybreathsfilledtheairastheyrodeuptoherfloor.Thedoors

openedwithabing—anothertoocheerfulnoise.Herhandscontinuedtotremble,soshegaveherkeysto
Vinceandputherpalmonherdoor,wincingatthecontact.“Thisisme.”

Assoonastheywereinside,shelockedthedoorandheldthedeadboltinplaceforacoupleof

seconds,likethat’dsomehowmakehersafer.ThesheturnedtoVince,whowaseyeingherevenly,likehe
waswaitingforhertofallapart.

Sheslidherglassesuphernoseandthenpulledthemoffandlookedthemover.“Wow.Theydidn’t

break.”

Vinceglancedatthem.“They’repink.”
Atinyrayofsunshinebrokethroughherholy-shit-what-just-happenedtrainofthought.“Yeah.That’s

whyIgotthem.”Sheputthembackon,Vince’sfeaturessharpening.“So…Someoneshotatus.”

Henodded.
Sheranahandthroughherhairandmoreshardsofglasscamelose.“Ifeltlikesomeonewas

watchingmeallweek,butIneverthought…”Shebitherlip,thenglancedatVince.Ifhehadn’tbeenwith
her,she’dbelyingonthesidewalknow,riddledwithbulletholes.Notjustbloodyandhurt,butdead,no
doubtaboutit.“How’dyoureactsofast?”

“Inoticedthecarslowingdownandsawthegunrightbeforetheystartedshooting.”
“Thatwasterrifying,”shesaidasifitweren’tobvious.Talkaboutunderstatementoftheyear.“What

dowedonow?Callthecops?”

Vincegentlytookbothofherhands,turnedthempalmup,andfrownedattherawskin.“Let’scleanup

first.Makesureyou’rereallyokay.”

“I’llgrabmyfirst-aidkit.”Cassieheadedintothebathroom.Herreflectiongreetedher,pale,freaked-

out,andblinkingliketheremightbetearscoming.Shegrippedbothsidesofthesinkandsqueezedher
eyesclosed.Sheclenchedherjawagainstthesobthatwantedtoescapeandletoutonelongbreath.Two.
Three…

Itwasthesamethingshe’ddonewhenDadhadbaddays.Havingabreakdowninfrontofhim

would’vebeenbadformorale,soshe’dfleetothebathroomtocollectherself.

Whenshegottoten,sheopenedhermedicinecabinetandgrabbedsupplies.Shealsosnaggedtwo

washragsonherwayoutoftheroom.

Vinceseemedsohugestandinginherkitchen,hissix-foot-plusframebringinghimwithininchesof

thehanginglightfixture.Thetendernessinhisexpressionashewatchedherapproachmadeherwantto
cry—justwhenshe’dthoughtshe’dgottencontrolofherself,too.Everyemotiongoingthroughherwas
amplifiedbytheextraadrenaline,andjumpingfromterrifiedtolongingtobeinggratefulshe’dsomehow
survivedmadeherheadspin.

Sheswallowedpastthelumpinherthroat.“Wheredoesithurt?”
“Youfirst,”hesaid,takingthekitandwashragsfromherandsettingthembythesink.Hewrappedhis

handsaroundherhipsandboostedherontothecounter.Thenhewetthewashragandcleanedoutthecuts
onherkneesandhands.Thewarmwaterstungherrawskin,andshehisseddespiteherbestattemptsto
downplayherwounds.

Herheartbeatsscatteredateverybrushofhisfingertips,eventheonesthatsentpricksofpainintheir

wake.HepressedtwogiantBand-Aidstoherkneesandaskedifshewantedhimtowrapherhands.

“No,they’llbeokay.”Shekickedoffthecounter.“Letmetakecareofyounow.”Sheflashedhima

smile.“I’mafraidIcan’tboostyouup.”

Hegavealowlaughthatmadeheatpoolinherbelly.“I’mfine.”
“Comeon,youdon’thavetoplaytough.”
“WhosaysI’mplaying?”heasked.
Shesteppedcloserandlookedhimover.Hewatchedherwithaquirkedeyebrow,andshedecided

hands-onlookingwasbetter.Sheremovedhishat,shooktheglassintothetrash,andsetitaside.Hisdark
hairwaslongerontopandslightlymussed.Shewantedtorunherfingersthroughit,butresistedbecause
sheknewhehadtohavesomescrapes,too.

Shecuppedhischinandturnedhisheadonewayandthentheother,studyingthedarkstubbleandthe

wayhisAdam’sapplebobbedwhenheswallowed.Ascrapemarredhisshoulderwherehe’dlandedon

thepavement—averywell-definedshoulder,shecouldn’thelpnoticingasshepushedasidethetorn
fabric.Shewetafreshwashrag,cleanedhimup—hedidn’thisslikeshehad—andthenapplieda
bandage.

“Iassumeyourhipissoreonthatside,too.”Hands-onwasfunandall,butshedidn’tthinktheywere

quitetolifting-each-other’s-shirtslevel.Hepulledhisupafewinchesandstudiedhiship.Thecarved
muscleswereimpossibletolookawayfrom,andtheheatfromherbellyroseupandclaimedherchest.

“It’snotbleeding.Justbruised.How’reyours?”
Shetuggedhershirtupandstudiedthetwospotsofredonherhipbonesthat’ddefinitelybeblackand

bluebymorning.“Nottoobad.”

Vinceskimmedhisfingersacrosstherighthip,wherethetophalfofheruglyyellowbruiseremained,

andherbreathlodgedinherthroat.“Fromtheaccident?”

Shelickedherlipsandsworehiseyestrackedthegesture.“Yeah.”Shedroppedhershirtandbusied

herselfcleaningup.Whenshefinished,sheturnedtofacehim.“Thankyou.Forsavingmebackthere.”

Hesteppedclose,socloseshecouldfeeltheheatcomingoffhisbody.Hebrushedherhairoffher

faceandslidhishandbehindherneck.Foroneexquisitemoment,shethoughthewasgoingtokissher.
Thenhetensedanddroppedhishand.

“Youwantadrink?”sheasked.“Ithinkyouearnedit.”
“Hellyeah.”Acockygrinspreadacrosshisface.“IknewI’dgetinvitedin,bytheway.”
Withalaugh,shepulledoutabottleofwineandfilledtwoglassesnearlytothebrim.
“Wow,”hesaidwhentheymovedtothelivingroom.“Thatisareallypinkcouch.”
“It’smyfavoritethinginmywholeapartment.”ThatandthequiltMommade,butsincethey’dalready

talkedabouttheirdadsandtoppedthatoffbybeingshotat,shedidn’twanttoaddanotherheavyitemto
thepile.That’dbeaForLaterconversation,iftherewasalater.“OnthedaysI’moffworkearlyenough,
Icansithereandwatchthesunset.”

Shesetherglassofwineonthecoffeetable.“So,shouldwecallthecopsnow?”
Vinceletoutalongexhale.“Honestly,they’renotgoingtobeabletodoanythingtonight.Thecar’s

longgone,andthey’llkeepusatthestationforeveraskingatonofquestions.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI
didn’tgetthelicense.”

Cassieshookherhead.“Icouldn’teventellyouthecolorofthecar.”
“Icangivethecopsthatinformation.Itwasprobablyjustarandomcrime.Abunchofidiotstryingto

provetheyweregangsters.”

Thatmadesense,shesupposed.Whywouldanyonecomeafterherwithsomuchfirepower?Then

again,itseemedliketoobigofacoincidenceaftertheunsettlingfeelingshe’dhadallweek.Unlessher
mindwasspinningitintothis.

Vincecuppedhercheek.“I’lltakecareofit.Okay?”
Thewayhesaidit,withabsolutecertainty,madeherwanttocryalloveragain.She’dhavenoidea

howtohandleit,andhonestly,shedidn’twanttoleaveherapartment.Shewantedtobetuckedsafeinside
it…withhim.

“Okay,”shesaid,wrappingherhandaroundhiswrist.Partofherstillcouldn’tbelieveshewashere

withthisguy,whodidn’tseemevenclosetoastrangeranymore.Funnyhownear-deathexperiencesgave
youasolidaritythatweeksofknowingsomeonecouldn’ttouch.“Ibetthisistheweirdestfirstdate
you’veeverbeenon.”

Hecrackedasmile.“Yes,actually.Probablythesamegoesforyou—thatyourememberanyway.”
Amazingthatshecouldfeelthismuchhappinessaftereverything.Hetuckedhernexttohim,andthey

drankwineandtalkeduntiljustaftermidnight.

Vinceglancedathisphone.“It’sgettinglate,andIdon’twanttoimpose.”
“Yousavedmylife,”Cassiesaid.“You’renotimposing.”Ithitherthathewasprobablytryingto

politelyleave.“Butyou’reright.Itisgettinglate.”ShestoodandfollowedVincetothedoor.

Hepausedwithhishandontheknobandcastheronemoreglancethatmadeatightbandformaround

herchest.Assoonashewalkedout,shehadnodoubttheirnear-deathexperiencewouldhither.She
thoughtofthehoursaloneinherapartment,listeningtoeverysound,andhowshe’dwanttohideunderher
covers.Butthenshe’dworryshewouldn’thearorseeifanyonebrokein.Completelyirrational,she
knew,butthereitwasanyway.

“Don’tgo,”sheblurtedout.“I’musedtobeingaloneintheory,but…Idon’twanttobealonetonight.”

Embarrassmentcrestedandshealmosttookitback,butshecouldn’tforceanymorewordspasthertight
throat.

Vincespunaround,hisdarkeyeslockingontohers.“Okay.I’llstay.”
Herlowerliptrembled,andshetoldittostop,butlikewiththerestofherbody,shedidn’tseemin

controlanymore.“Sorry.It’sweird.Youbarelyknowme.Ifyouneedtogo—”

Hetooktwolongstridesandhuggedhertohim.“I’llstay.”
Cassiewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistanddroppedherheadtohischest.Theystoodlikethatfor

alongmoment,anditseemedlikeshewasn’ttheonlyonewhodidn’twanttoletgo.

Reluctantlyshepulledaway.“I’llgrabyouablanket.OrIcansleeponthecouchsinceI’mtheone

who—”

Hepressedafingertoherlips.“Thecouchisperfect.Ittakesarealmantosleeponacouchthat

pink.”

“Goodthingyou’rearealman,then.”
“Damnstraight,”hesaid,returninghersmile.Sheheadedtoherbedroomandgrabbedablanket.

Whenshecamebackout,he’dtakenoffhisshoesandwasonthecouch.Shelaughedunderherbreath,
becausehedidlookcompletelyoutofplace.

Shehandedhimtheblanket,andinhersecond—orwasitnowthird?—boldmoveofthenight,she

leaneddownandkissedhischeek.

ChapterTwelve

Cassieawoketothesunstreamingthroughherbedroomwindow.She’dtossedandturnedallnight,
fightingtheurgetogoouttoherlivingroomanddosomethingcrazy,likeinviteVincetosleepinherbed.

Lastnightshe’dbeentoofreakedouttobeembarrassedaboutaskinghimtostay,butshewas

definitelyfeelingitnow.Let’snotforgetthatIkissedhim,too.Asimplekissonthecheek,butstill.
GoodthingIresistedaskinghimtocometobedtokeepmesafe.

Butthenshethoughtaboutthewayherpulseleaptateverytouch,andsuddenlyshecouldn’twaitto

seehim,embarrassmentbedamned.Shegrabbedherglassesoffthenightstand.Thethoughtofpulling
pantsoverherstiffkneesmadethemachemore,soshedecidedtostickwiththetanktopandshorts
pajamas.Sheduckedintothebathroomandbrushedherhairandteeth.

Herheartsankwhenshesteppedintothelivingroomandspottedthefoldedblanketonthearmofher

couch.Thesharppanginherchestremindedherwhyshe’dalwaysavoidedgettingtooclosetopeople—
ithurttoobadlywhentheyinevitablyleft.

Atonepointinherlife,she’dusedfakeintimacytoforgetherproblems.She’dshowupather

suddenly-not-so-exedboyfriend’shouse,weepyandinneedofdistraction.They’dhavesex,andher
problemswouldfadetothebackground,ifonlyforawhile.Heneverseemedtomindthearrangement,
butjustwhenshethoughttheyshouldspendtimetogetherdoingotherthings,he’dtoldherhecouldn’t
“hookup”anymorebecausehe’dfoundsomeonewhoactuallyhadtimeforhim.

Thenshe’dhadtofacewhatshe’dbeenrunningfrominthefirstplace—thatshewastotallyalone.
Sheshookherhead,notwantingtorelivethatawfulyearafterDaddied.
Gettingclosetopeoplemeantgettinghurtsometimes,butnothavinganyonehurt,too.Soshewas

goingtotryanewway.Realintimacyandlettingpeoplein,evenifthethoughtmadeherbloodpressure
kickitupanotch.She’dhopedmaybeit’dbewithVince,butevenifhenevercalled,shevowedshe
wouldn’tuseitasanexcusetostoptrying.

Asshemovedtothekitchen,shenoticedtheunlockeddoor.Herhearthitchedinherchest,andshe

movedtolockit.

Thedeepvoiceontheothersidemadeherpulsesteadilyincrease,theunlikelyscenariooftheguys

who’dshotathercomingtofinishthejobrunningthroughherhead.Shequicklyflickedthedeadboltinto
placeandpeekedoutthepeephole.

Vincewasinthehallway,hisphonepressedtohisear.
Attractionandhappinessfoughtforcontrol.Hedidn’tleave.
Asquietlyaspossible,sheunlockedthedoor.Thenshepulleditemsoutofherfridgeandgottowork

makingbreakfastfortwo.

***

Vincepacedthehallway,waitingforCarlotopickupthephone.He’dwaitedaslongaspossibletomake
thiscall,partlybecauseCarlowasn’tamorningperson,butmostlybecauseofhowmuchwasontheline.

ButafteraquickcalltohisvendorstocheckifAngelohadplacedthefoodorder—miracleofall

miracles,heactuallyhad—Vincecouldn’tputitoffanylongerwithoutdrivinghimselfcompletelyinsane.

“Iseverythingtakencareof?”Carloaskedinsteadofbotheringwithagreeting.
“There’sbeenanewdevelopment.Ineedtomeetyouattherestaurant.AndIneedSaltobethere,

too.”

Themorehe’dthoughtabouttheway-too-close-to-death-encounterashe’dtossedandturnedon

Cassie’sblindinglypinkcouch,thesurerhebecamethatthedrive-byhadbeenSal’sdoing.Heprobably

thoughtit’dwinhimpointswithCarlo,becausetheidiotclearlydidn’tunderstanditwasthestupidest,
mostattentiongrabbing…

Vinceclenchedhisfistsandthenslowlyforcedtheonenotholdingthephoneopen.Gettingthroughto

hisunclewasmoreimportant,buthewantedtodoitinpersonsohecouldreadhisreaction.

DefinitelynotwithCassieafewfeetaway,onlyathindoorbetweenthem.Heglancedtowardthe

apartment,wishinghecouldseethroughthewood.Amomentagohethoughthe’dheardmovement.

“Isthereaproblem?”Carloasked.
Vinceranahandthroughhishairandresumedhispacing.“Notaproblem,butsomethingweprobably

shouldn’tdiscussoverthephone.”

“Whydon’tyoucomebythehouse?”
Vincecametoanabruptstop.NotlongafterDaddied,Momdecidedtofollow.Carlohadtakenin

himandBobbyandtreatedthemlikehisown—saiditwastheleasthecoulddoforhissister’sandbest
friend’skids.TwoyearsunderhisroofwereenoughtogiveVinceconflictedfeelingsaboutjoiningthe
familybusiness;hecertainlyhadn’thadanytroublebendingthelawinhisteenyears.

Butthenhe’drememberedwhatthatcareerpathhadcostDadanddecideditwastimetomakea

changesoheandBobbywouldn’tendupthesameway.Hetoldhisunclehe’dlearntheothersideofthe
familybusiness—thelegitrestaurantside.Carlostartedhimoutonkitchenduty,mostlikelyhopinghe’d
changehismindafterhoursofscrubbingdisheswithlittlepay,buthe’dworkedfromthattowaiting
tablestowherehewasnow.

Goingbacktothehousealwaysmessedwithhissenseofloyaltyversuswhohewantedtobe.Itwas

underthatroofCarlovowedtoavengeDad,who’dbeenhisunderboss.WhenCarlohadannouncedtothe
familyandhismenthathe’dfinallytakenouttheguywho’dkilledAntonyDaMarco,Vincehadcheered
alongwiththerestofthem.Thesweetsatisfactionofvengeancehadflowedthroughhisveins,andhe’d
wonderedhowmuchsweeteritwould’vebeentoexecuteithimself.He’dthoughtaboutthepower,the
money,theeasierhours,andwonderedifhe’dchosenthewrongsideofthebusiness.

“I’drathermeetattherestaurantsoIcancheckonafewthingswhileI’mthere,”Vincesaid.
“Mynephew.Alwaysthinkingaboutwork.Wishsomeofthatwould’verubbedoffonyourbrother

andcousin.”

Insteadofresponding,becausehe’dspentcountlesshourswonderinghowtogetthroughtohis

brother,Vincecheckedthetime.“MeetmeatRossi’sinabout…”

Healmostsaidthirtyminutes,butheglancedatCassie’sdooragain.Hewantedtocheckonher

beforeheleft.Hewantedtoescorthertoworkaswell,buthewasn’tsurewhattimeshehadtogoin.
“Let’smakeiteleven.Thatgivesusalittleoveranhour.AndlikeIsaid,IwantSalthere,too.”HeandI
haveunfinishedbusiness.

“Yeah,okay,”Carlosaid.
“Seeyouthen.”Vincehungupandtookadeepbreathtotransitionfromguytryingtosavegirlfrom

mobbossuncletonormalguywho’dhadoneofthemostamazingnightsofhislife.

Consideringhe’dbeenshotat,thatwasprobablysad,buthereplayedCassie’ssoftlipsonhischeek

again.Ifakisslikethatcouldmakeeveryinchofhimtremblewithwant,hecouldonlyimaginewhata
tasteofherlipswoulddo.Themovehadnearlybrokenhisresolveforthesecondtimethatnight.He’d
wantedtopullherintohisarmsandkissherbreathless.

Butthenhetoldhimselfthattakingadvantageofhernear-deathwhileshewasstillonhisuncle’shit

listandhewaslyingthroughhisteethwouldmakehimacompleteasshole.

Vinceknockedonthedoorandtestedtheknob.Itturned,sohepushedinsidetheapartment.“Cassie?”
Sheshothimasmileoverhershoulder,andhethoughttherewereworsethingstobethanacomplete

asshole.“I’mjustmakingbreakfast,”shesaid.“Hopeyou’rehungry.”

Thetanktop,tinyshorts,andmakeupfreefacethatshowedjusthownaturallybeautifulshewas

practicallysethimupforfailuretorefrain.“I’malwayshungry,”hesaid,hisfeetautomaticallyclosing
thedistancebetweenthem.Heplacedhishandonherback,runninghisthumboverthelineofherspine.
“Howareyoufeelingthismorning?”

“Honestly?Kindofembarrassed.”Shebecameoverlyinterestedinstirringtheeggs.“ObviouslyI

wasfreakedoutlastnightanddidn’twanttobealone.Icrossedalinebyaskingyoutostay,butthankyou
fordoingitanyway.”Herstirringslowed,andshefinallylookedathim,althoughmoreathischest,really.
“KnowingyouwereherewastheonlywayIwasabletogetanysleepatall.”

Heputhisfingersunderherchinandtippedherfacetowardhis.“Noneedtobeembarrassed.Feel

freetocrosslineswithmeanytime.”

Itwasoutofhismouthbeforeherememberedhewasn’tsupposedtobeflirtingwithher.It’djust

complicateeverything,andthingsweremessyenough.Hedroppedhishand.“Areyoustiffthismorning?”

“Alittle.”Shebentdownandpeekedinsidetheoven,makingthosetinyshortsriseupafewinches.

“You?”

Stiff?Yeah,hewasgettingthere.“Nottoobad.”
Shestraightenedandlookedhimover—goodthinghe’dmanagedtodetourhislineofthoughts,orshe

would’vegottenaneyefulofwhereexactlytheywereheaded.Sheliftedhissleeveandcheckedthe
scrapeonhisshoulder,gentlybrushingherfingertothesideofit,andhisthoughtsslippedagain.“Icould
putsomeNeosporinonthatifyouwantmeto.”

I’mnotsureIcanbehaveifyoustartslatheringstuffonme.“Nah.It’llbeokay.”
Cassienoddedandreturnedtomakingbreakfast,gettingoutcheeseandgratingitovertheeggs.Her

gazedriftedfaraway,andasmallsmiletouchedherlips.Thenshesighedandgraduallycamebacktothe
present.

“Where’dyougo?”Onceinawhileshe’dbeinthemiddleofaconversationandjustcheckoutfora

fewseconds.He’dalwayswonderedwhatbroughtthemonandwhatshesawtomaketheemotions
flickersoquicklyacrossherfeatures.

Shelookedathim,andhereyebrowstickedtogether.Thenherfingerswenttoherforehead.“Whoa.

I’mgettingthisweirdsenseofdéjàvu.”

Shit.Hefrozeassheblinkedacoupleoftimes,thenletoutarelievedbreathwhensheshruggedand

turnedbacktothestove.He’dhavetosteerclearofconversationsthey’dhadbefore.Ifsheremembered
theykneweachother,they’dbothbescrewed.

“Cassie…aboutyouraccident…?”
Shecrossedherarms,almostasifshefelttheneedtoprotectherself.“Yeah?”
“Doesthedoctorthinkyou’llevergetyourmemoriesback?”Hecurledhishandaroundthehandleof

theoven,grippingtighterandtighterashewaitedforheranswer.

“Hesaidthatsometimespeopledo,andsometimestheydon’t.Sometimesfamiliarfacesorplaces

mightjarthememory,butoften,they’relostforgood.”

Vincehadhopedforastraightforwardyesorno,buthesupposedthat’dbetooeasy.Seeinghim

hadn’tjarredhermemory,andhewantedtobelievethatmeantthey’dstaygone.Thelastthinghewanted
wasforhertorememberthewaythatbullethadtornthroughEduardoAlvarez’sheadandleftsolittleof
itbehind.Hell,hedidn’twanttorememberiteither.

Especiallysinceitbroughtbackmemorieshe’dpurposelyrepressedforyears.Beforehecouldstop

it,hegottheflashofbeinginthefrontyardwithDad,mittraised,waitingforhimtothrowtheballback.

Unlikelastnight,thecarhadn’tbeengoingslow.It’dflownaroundthecorner,andDad’seyeshad

gonewideasheyelledandmotionedforVincetorun.ThebulletsrippedintoDad,oneafteranother,
punchingholesandsplatteringblood.

Vincehadcrowdedbackagainstthefence,crouchingandmakinghimselfassmallashecouldashe

threwhisarmsoverhishead.

AndthefuckingballrolledoverandbumpedVince’sfeetasthecarpeeledaway,leavinghislifein

shreds.

Thetimerdinged,breakinghimoutofhisgruesomememories.No,hedidn’twantCassietohave

imagesthathauntedherdreamsandcreptuponherwhensheleastexpectedthem.Hehatedsheevenhad
torememberthebulletswhizzingpastherlastnight.

TheheavenlyscentgrewstrongerasCassiepulledoutmuffins.Shemovedaroundthekitchentheway

shemovedaroundtablesatwork—precise,gracefulmovements,focusedbutwithasmileonherface.

“Idon’thavestoolsforthecounteryet,”shesaidassheextendedhimtheplatewiththreetimesas

muchfoodandaglassoforangejuice,“soyou’llhavetospendalittlemoretimeonthepinkcouch.”

“Finebyme.”Hisstomachgrowled,remindinghimdinnerhadbeenlongago,andheshoveledina

fewbitesofeggsbeforebitingintooneofthemuffins.Agroancameoutofhismouthbeforehecould
botherrepressingit.“ThisisthebestthingI’veevertasted.”

Cassiebeamed.“Thanks.Luckilyblueberriesandstrawberrieswereonsalethisweek,soIwasable

towhipthemup.Iaddalittlelemontwist,too,andextrabutter,becausewhileit’shorribleforyou,it’s
oh-so-delicious,andreally,that’swhatmatters.Iactuallylovetocook,butithardlyeverseemsworthall
theeffortforoneperson.”

Hepickedupanothermuffin.“Youbetterbecarefulfeedingmelikethis.I’lljustcomebackevery

day,likeastraycat.”

Cassieraisedaneyebrow.“I’mnotmakingthecat-in-heatnoise,sostopfishing.”
Helaughed.“Youshouldn’thaveremindedmeofthat,becauseIcanbeverypersistent.”Hetooka

drinkoforangejuiceandleanedin.“Iplaydirty,too.”

Shemimickedhisleaning,givinghimaniceviewofhercleavage,andhehadafeelinghewasabout

tolose—orwin,asitwere.“I…”Ablushcreptacrosshercheeks.“I’mjustnot…it’snot…”Shelaughed
andshookherhead.“Imightneedsomepracticeintrashtalking.”

Hejoinedin,gladshecouldlaughatherselfunlikemostwomenwhoweresofocusedontryingtobe

sexytheybecameuptightalongtheway.“We’llworkonit.”

Theireyesmet.Thedesirewindingthroughhimreflectedinhergreenirisesandsentajoltthrough

him.Justlikethefirsttimehe’dseenitinRossi’s,hewonderedhowasmart,sweetgirllikeherwas
genuinelyinterestedinhim.Fleetingattractionhegotplentyof,butthis?Thiswassomethingdifferent.He
hadnocluehowtoactonitwithoutscrewingupeverythingandcompromisingthemboth.

Hesatbackslightly,evenashisbodyprotestedandmentallysmackedhimintheforehead.“What

timedoyouhavetoworktoday?”

“Ihavetheeasyshift—fourtonine.”Shescrapedherforkacrossherplate,overandoverwithout

pickingupanyfood.“Soitwon’tbequiteaslatewhenIgohome.Maybethehooliganswon’tbeoutyet.”

Thewobbleinhervoicepreventedthejokefromlanding,anditshothimrightthroughtheheart.

“HowaboutIcomepickyouupafewhoursbeforeyouhavetobeatworkandthendropyouoffatthe
restaurantintimeforyourshift?”

“Youdon’thaveto.I’llprobablytakemycartoday.”
Heplacedhishandonherthigh,tryingnottogetdistractedbythesmooth,softskin,andsaid,“I’dfeel

betterifyouletme.”

Atleastthatwasthetruth.

ChapterThirteen

Jimalreadylikedhisnewpartnerbetterthanhisoldone,andallhe’ddonesofarwasshowupontime
forwork.

GioManciniwasalittlewetbehindtheears,buthewasasdedicatedtogettingCarloasJimwas.In

fact,probablymore,whichwashardtobelievewitheverythinghehadridingonthiscase.

JimtossedseveralfoldersinfrontofGio.“Here’severythingsincethebeginning.Thestuffontop’s

morerecent.”

GioflippedopenthefilesonDanteCostaandSalvatoreEsposito,ahungryedgetohiseyesashe

scannedtheinformation.AtfirsttheFBIhadhesitatedtoletManciniworkthecasebecauseofhis
personalhistory.Hisfather,adockworker,hadbeendownatthedockswhenCarloandseveralofhis
menhadshownup.WhentheseniorMancinisawthembeatingupanotherman,he’dmadeacallto911.
Unfortunately,hewasdiscoveredandshotwhilestillonthephone,waitingforthepolicetoarrive.

Thatwasthetheory,anyway,goingofftheknowledgeCarloRossioftendidbusinessthere.The

descriptionfit,butwasvagueenoughitcouldfitalotofmenandtherewasnoevidencetotieCarloor
hismentothescene.Nobodieshadbeenfound—neitherMancini’snorwhoeverthey’dbeatup—andthe
copsdidn’thaveenoughtodoanythingbutquestionCarlo.He’dplayedtheLawyerCard,andoncethe
shystershowedup,Carlowalked,thewaytheslipperybastardalwaysmanagedtodo.

That’dbeensixyearsago,andnodoubtthereasonGiodecidedtogointoacareertakingdownbad

guys.ThatmadeGiomotivated,plushespokeItalian,whichcameinhandywhenlisteningtotapsor
possiblyinfiltratingtheorganization.Theywerestillgoingbackandforthonwhethertohavehimtryto
workhiswayintothedrugring.

“Notmuchonthenephew,”Giosaid,pullingupVinceDaMarco’sfile.
“Justpettystuff,allbeforehewaseighteen.Itmightjustmeanhe’sgottenbetteratnotgettingcaught,

buthespendsaconsiderableamountoftimerunningtherestaurant.Hisbrother’sbeenpickedupseveral
timesforpossession,buthealwaysmakesbailandwithonlyaminorslaponthewrist,thecharges
disappear.Hedoesn’tevenliveinJerseyrightnow,sohe’snotabigpartoftheorganization,ifany.”

“Whatelsedowehaveinplace?Taps?Surveillance?”
“Yesandyes.Wedon’thavethemanpowerforthesurveillanceI’dlike,andIthinkoneoftheguys

spottedatailacoupleofmonthsago,becausetheiractivitiescametoascreechinghalt.It’sjustnow
startingtopickbackup,andiftheyseeus,they’llpullbackagain.ButI’lltellyourightnowtheattention
todetailonthiscaseiswaningmoreandmorebytheday.Guysaresickofsortingthroughhoursofcalls
andsittingincarswithnothingtoshowforit.Wealmostlostourtapsbecausewe’vehadthemsolong
withoutgaininganyusefulinformation.”

Mancininodded,hismouthinagrimline.
“ButIhopehavingyouonthecaseisgoingtopumpnewlifeintoit.Oneofourfemaleagentsalsoput

inanapplicationforaservingpositionatRossi’s,sincetheyrecentlyhadanopening—I’llcirclebackto
thewaitresswhousedtoworkthereinaminute.Ouragent’salreadymadefriendswithMia,thewaitress
who’sdatingDante,sohopefullythat’llhelpgetherhired.Dante’saknownphilanderer,too,soifweget
reallucky,hepissesheroffandshedecidestospilldetailsthatcouldhelpuslandsomethingsubstantial.

“We’vegotthephonetapsonthetopguys,butthey’recareful—they’vebeenatthisalongtime,and

they’regoodatit.”

GioliftedthefileonCassandraDalton.“Isthisthewaitressyoumentioned?”
Jimfilledhiminonheraccidentandsubsequentmemoryloss.“Ispentafewdaystailingher,butallI

sawwasagirlgoingfromhernewjobtohome.”He’dbeensodeterminedtotalktoheraftershe’dbeen
dischargedfromthehospital,butthenexttimehesawher,hedecidedtojustobserve—thatwayhe
wouldn’texposeeitheroneofthem.“Eithertheygottohersowellthatshefooledallthedoctorsand
nursesandthey’vedecidedtoleaveheralone—”

“Unlikelyifsheknowssomethingreal,”Giosaid.
“Iagree.Somostlikelyshedoesn’tknow—oratleastdoesn’trememberknowinganything—andisa

deadend.We’vealreadygotalotofgroundtocoverandnotenoughmanpower,soIpulledback.Figured
ifshegoesneartherestaurant,orifanyoftheguyspaysheravisit,webringherinforatalk.”

JimsatontheedgeofMancini’sdeskandidlythumbedthroughthestackoffilesheknewbyheart.

Maybethekidwouldseesomethingnew.“Basicallywe’rejustwaitingforsomeonetoslipup,butwe
can’tpushtoohardorthey’llduckandcover,andweneedsomethingbigenoughtotakeCarloRossi
down.Idon’twanthimslippingawayfromusagain.”

“Iunderstand,”Giosaid,afiercedeterminationhardeninghisfeatures.“Iwanttotakehimdown,too.

Anddon’tworry.I’mnotgoingtoletmypersonalfeelingsgetintheway.I’mgoingtousethemtogetthis
guyputawayforlife.”

***

WithinsecondsofsteppinginsideCarlo’soffice,VincehadSalpinnedagainstthedarkwoodenpanels,
hisforearmagainsthiswindpipe.

“Whatthehell?”Salsqueaked,hisvoicesatisfyinglyweakashetriedinvaintowiggleloose,his

toesbarelybrushingtheground.

“That’swhatIwanttoknow,”Vincesaid.“SomegoonsshotatCassielastnight.WhileIwasrightby

her.”Hepressedharder,watchingSal’sskinreddenastheoxygenstoppedflowing.

“Whatishetalkingabout?”Carloasked.
“I…”Salgasped.“It…”Heclawedatthearmcuttingoffhisairsupply,butVincedidn’tloosenhis

grip.Theangerpulsingthroughhimscaredhim,becauseitalsointriguedhim.It’dbesoeasytopusha
littleharderforafewmoresecondsandtobedonewiththepezzodimerdaforgood.

“Vince,lethimdown.”Carlo’svoiceleftnoroomforargument,butVinceheldSalagainstthewall

foracouplemoreseconds,justtogivehimsomethingtorememberhimby.Salgaspedandsputteredashe
raisedahandtohisfreedthroat.

“Itcouldbeworse,”Vincesaid.“YoucouldhavetwoUzispointedatyourheadrightnow.Getthe

fullexperienceoftryingtododgethatmanybulletsatonce.”

“Sal,”Carlosnapped.“Itoldyoutocallthatoff.Imadeitveryclear.”
Sal’seyeswidened,andhepressedbackagainstthewallhe’dbeensodesperatelytryingtogetaway

fromonlysecondsago.“Itried,Boss.Ileftamessage,but…Theycalledlastnighttotellmeitwas
done.”

“She’sdead?”CarloswunghisgazetoVince.“Cassie’sdead?”Hewantedtosay,Yeah,youguysgot

her.Noneedtokeeptrying.Butwithherrunningaroundthecity,that’dproveproblematictosaythe
least.

IfIcouldgethertoleavethecity,noquestions…Evenstill,Carlowasn’tstupid.He’dwantproof.

Andshe’dwanttoknowwhyshehadtoleaveandwhyshealsoneededtochangehername,whichwould
leadtomorecomplications.Besttostickwiththeoriginalplan.Well,nottheoriginal,originalplan,but
thebestonehecouldthinkoftokeephersafe.

“Webothmadeit,butbarely.”VinceshotanotherglareatSal,satisfactionpumpingthroughhimwhen

thetwerpflinched.“Didyoureallythinkanoisydrive-byinaniceneighborhoodwouldn’tgounnoticed?
Youjustputunneededattentiononallofus.”

ThemusclesinCarlo’sjawtightened,andhegaveSaladeadlylookthatmadeVince’sbloodfreeze

inplace,sohecouldonlyimaginetheimpactonSal.“YouandIaregoingtohaveatalkinafew
minutes.”HeturnedtoVince.“Sowhat’sthestatuswithCassie?”

“Ithinkit’sbesttotalkaboutthiswithouthim”—VincetiltedhisheadtowardSal—“here.He’s

alreadyscrewedituponce.”

Carlopressedhislipstogetherandtappedafingertothem.Thiswouldbesomucheasierwithout

anyoneelsechiminginonthesituation.VincesilentlyurgedhimtotellSaltoleave.

“Don’tgofar,”Carlosaid,notevenbotheringtolookatSal.
AsSalstartedpast,Vincesteppedintohispath.Hespokeinalow,make-no-mistakevoice.“Cross

meagain,andit’llbethelastthingyoudo.”

Salmanagedaweaksneerandthenlefttheoffice,headhanginglikeascoldeddog.Perfect.
“Soiftheydidn’tkillher,”Carlosaid,usingasimilarno-threattone,“whydidn’tyoufinishthejob?”
Wheretostart?It’dhelpifCassie’sfacewouldstopflashingintohismind,makingithardtostay

detached.Hecouldn’tlookweakrightnow,butatthesametime,heneededtoappealtoCarlo’s
sympatheticside.“Ifoundoutheraccidenterasedhermemory.Shedoesn’tremembertheincidentbehind
therestaurant,orevenworkinghere.RememberhowSalsaidshelookedrightathimbutactedlikeshe
didn’tknowhim?Shedidthesamethingtome.

“Iwatchedherforacoupleofdays,andallsheeverdidwasgobetweenworkandhernewplace—

whichIfoundoutshe’dalreadyplannedonmovingintobeforetheaccident.”That’dtakenabitofdigging
atheroldplace.“Iapproachedher,andwhenitwasclearshedidn’tknowwhoIwas,Istruckupa
conversation.IwaswalkingherhomesoIcouldfindoutmoreabouthercondition.Noone’sfollowing
her,either—nocops,nofeds.”Hegrittedhisteeth.“JustSal’sidiots,whowereincompetentenoughto
reportthejobasdone.”

Vincehopedthatwouldn’tcompelCarlotosendmorequalifiedpeople,becausethetruthwas,ifhe’d

spottedthatgunevenasecondlater,heandCassiewould’vediedthereonthesidewalk.

Carlotappedhisfingersonhisdesk.“Shedoesn’trememberanything?”
Vinceshookhishead.“NotaboutNewJersey.Notaboutus.Look,yousaiditbefore.Youlikedher—

wealllikedher.She’sjusttwenty-fouryearsold,withherwholelifeaheadofher.There’snoreasonto
killhernow.”

Carlostrokedhisgoatee,hiseyessofteningafraction.“You’resureshe’snotacting?”
“Iwasthereinthealleythatday.Sheneverwould’vetalkedtomeifsherememberedwhoIwas,and

wetalkedforawhile.Thensheleftwithme.Noamountofactingcouldkeephercalmthatlong,andlikeI
said,I’vebeenwatchinghercloselyforacoupleofdays.”Hepurposelyleftoutthefactthatsomeone
elsemight’vebeenwatchingher,too.

“Isn’titpossibleforpeoplewithamnesiatosuddenlyremember?Whatdidthedoctortellher—do

youknow?”

“Hesaidit’sunlikely.Iftheydon’tcomebackrightafter,they’reusuallygoneforgood.”Nowhewas

justtalkingoutofhisass,hopingitsoundedlegit.

“Whatpercentagedidhegiveher?Becauseevenifit’sfivepercent,thatfivepercentmeansprisonfor

me.”Carloletoutasighandshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkIcanriskit.Ifyou’renotabletodothejob,I
understand,butI’llhavetogetsomeoneelse.”

Hisgutclenched,alarmscreechingthroughhisveins.“Look,shetrustsme.I’llstickclosetoher.If

sheremembersanything,I’llfinishthejob.”

Carlowentbacktostrokinghisgoatee,andVincesearchedforanotherwaytogethimonboardwith

thisplan.

“Killingherrightnowwouldactuallybemoreofarisk.Saythepolicelookintoherdisappearance.

Wherearetheygoingtogoforanswers?They’llseesheusedtobeemployedatRossi’sandcome
charginginherewithawarrant—they’vehadahard-onforareasontosearchthisplaceforyears.”

Carlo’shandstilled.Clearly,thatstruckachord.
“Thisiswhyyouhavemetakingcareofthis.Youwantitdoneright,notsloppy.Ithinkthingsthrough,

whereyourothergoons…”Vinceletithangintheair,hopingtodrivethepointhomewithoutpissinghim
off.“Well,I’llhandleitwithoutaddingadozenmoreproblemstothepile.”

AnostalgicgleamflickeredthroughCarlo’seyes,andonecornerofhismouthliftedinahalf-smile.

“You’resomuchlikeyourdad.Whenyou’reinfrontofme,talkinglikethis,it’slikeIhavehimback.”

Eventhoughhedidn’twanttofeelsoproudoverthecomparison,Vincecouldn’thelpit.Dadgot

thingsdone.Peoplerespectedhim.He’dbeenhisheroformostofhislife,anduntilthedayhe’dbeen
provenwrong,Vincethoughthewasuntouchable.

“Youthinklongterm,too,justlikehedid,”Carlocontinued.“You’dmakeahelluvanumbertwo.I

neverpromotedanyonetoUnderbossafteryourfather,tellingtheguysthepositionwasunnecessary.But
thetruthis,Inevertrustedanyoneelseenough,andIalwayswantedtokeepitinthefamily.”

VinceknewitwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeCarlobroughtitup.Inanotherweekorso,hisuncle

wouldcasuallymentionBobbytogivehimmoreincentive.JustwhenIthinkI’mout,hethoughtwryly.
“I’llthinkaboutit.”

Carlonodded,asmugcurvetohislips,andthensmackedthetopofhisdeskwithanopenpalm.“The

restaurant’srunningfinewithoutyou,soyoujuststickclosetothatgirlforawhile.”

Nodoubthisunclethoughtaddingthatjabwouldhelpswayhimintoacceptingtheofferedposition.

Buthe’dseenthethingsthat’dbeenforgottenonhiswaybacktotheoffice—he’djustbeentoo
bloodthirstythinkingaboutSaltostopandtelltheemployeestofixthem.

“I’llreiteratetomyguysthatCassie’snottobetouched,but,Vince…”Carloleanedforwardinhis

chair,hisgood-humoredmoodfadinginaninstant.“Ifsheremembersanything,youkillherandhidethe
bodysoshe’sneverfound.Capisce?”

Vincedidn’tmove,didn’tbreathe,simplystaredstraightintohisuncle’seyes.“Ifitcomesdowntoit,

I’lldowhatneedstobedone.”

ChapterFourteen

Daylight,librarynearby,Vinceevencloser—allreasonsCassieshouldfeelsafe.Shedefinitelyfeltsafer
withVincethanshewould’vewithouthim,yetshecouldn’thelpbutflincheverytimeacardroveby.

Withoutaword,Vincereachedoverandtookherhand.Thepanicclawingatherinsideseased,

allowinghertotakeafewhalf-breaths.Whenthenextcardrovepast,shedidn’tflinch,simplyheldonto
Vincealittletighter.Herlungsinflatedanddeflatedasnormal.Progress.

“Wemadeittothepark,”hesaid,givingherhandalightsqueeze.
Trees.Grass.Water.Nostreetsthatallowedcarstocomewhizzingpast,whichaddedanothercouple

ofsafetypoints.ThelastofthetensioninherbodyfadedasVinceguidedherfartherinsideGeorgePage
Park.She’dexpectedswingsetsandkidsrunningaround,buttherewasonlyalargestretchofgrass,trees
withleavesinvaryingshadesofyellowandred,andastream.

Shelengthenedherstrideandstompedonafewoftheleavesthat’dalreadyfallen,thesatisfying

crunchgivinghermorecourage.TheamusedsmileVinceshothermadeherforgetwhyshe’dhesitated
overhissuggestiontotakeawalkinthefirstplace.

Thesoundofacarmadeherspinaround.Atleasttwentyyardsandseveraltreesseparatedthemfrom

thebluesedan,butshestillwatcheduntilitturneddownanotherstreet.Okay,somaybehecouldn’thelp
herentirelyforget,buthissmilewasanicerewardforgoingoutdespiteherfear.

Vincedidn’tsaymuch,simplyheldherhandandscannedthearealikeasilentsentinel.Sunshine

warmedthetopofherhead,andshewantedtostretchoutlikeacatandabsorballshecouldbeforeupper
sixtiestemperaturesdisappearedforseveralmonths.

Thepathwayledthemtoanoldmetalandwoodbridge.Theirfootstepsechoedagainsttheplanks,

alongwithanoccasionalcreak.

“I’massumingthisisanoffshootoftheDelaware.”Cassiewrappedherfreehandaroundthecool

metalsupportsandpokedherheadovertheside.Theslowmovingwaterbelowcouldn’tbemorethana
coupleoffeetdeep.“What’sitcalled?Doyouknow?”

“AssunpinkCreek,”Vincesaid.
Cassienarrowedhereyes.“Ass-a-what?Areyoumessingwithmebecauseofmymemoryproblems?

Becausethatwouldbesonotcool.”

Thesmileshe’dexpecteddidn’tcome.Shethoughtbacktothismorning,whenheaskedifshe’dever

gethermemoriesback—askeditlikesomuchrodeonit.Onlyshecouldn’ttellwhichwayhehopedfor.

MaybeIansweredthewrongwayandnowI’mjustremindinghimI’vegotissues.Notlikeshe

coulddomuchaboutit.Shenudgedhimwithherelbow,tryingtolightenthemood.“Iwaskidding.”

Finally,hislipscurved,butonlyafraction.“Hey,Ididn’tnameit.”
Shewatchedthewateruntilitfeltlikethebridgewasmovingalongwithit.Slightlydizzy,she

glancedatVince.Shewonderedwhetherlongstretchesofsilencebotheredhimornot.Shewasusedto
them,butshedidn’twantittoreachtheawkwardlevel,especiallysinceherattempttoteasehimhadn’t
gonesowell.

“Youknow,withallthecrazinesslastnight,wesortaskippedtheget-to-know-youtalk.”Lastnight’s

neardeathexperiencemadeherautomaticallyfeelbondedtohim,andshewantedtoexplorethat
connectionandseeifitrandeeper—shecertainlyhopedso.“What’syourlastname?”

“DaMarco,”hesaid.
“Mine’sDalton.Okay,sowhatdoyoudoforwork?”
“I…managearestaurant.”

“Hmm.”
Hisshoulderstensed.“What’sthehmmfor?”
Sheshrugged.“Nothing.JustnotwhatIpicturedyoudoing.Iexpectedyoutosay,like,bodyguard.Or

professionalgymrat.Somethinglikethat.”

Thistimeshegotthefullsmile,anditwarmedherfromtheinsideout.
“Themanagerthingexplainswhyyouweresointerestedinmyjoblastnight,though,”Cassiesaid.

“What?Checkingoutthecompetition?”

Vincepulledherinfrontofhimandwrappedbotharmsaroundherwaistsothatherbackmethisfirm

chest.Hiswhiskerstickledherearwhenhesaid,“Itoldyou.Iwasinterestedinyou.”

Thebloodinherveinsturnedtoliquidfire,andjustlikethat,theywerebacktowhereshewantedto

be.Foramomentshe’dbeenafraidheonlyfeltresponsibleforher.Orthattheywereturningintofriends,
andshedefinitelyhadmore-than-friendlyfeelingsforhim,commonsensetellingherhewaswayoutof
herleaguebedamned.

Shebrushedherthumboverthecoarsehaironhisforearmandleanedbackintohisembrace.“My

manager’sabit…Ican’tthinkoftherightword.‘Eternallygrouchy’isprettyaccurate,althoughhetooka
chanceonme,soIcanputupwithalittlegrouchiness.Whatkindofmanagerareyou?”

“I’dliketosaythatI’mtheperfectblendofgrouchyandfriendly.”Hislowvoicerumbledthroughhis

chestandechoedinhers.

“Idon’tthinkthat’sablend,”shesaidwithasmile.“So,what’sthenameoftherestaurant?Notthat

I’llknowitunlessit’sachainthat’sbeenaroundforawhile.”

Hisfingerssplayedacrossherstomachandelectricityzingeddownhercore.“I’mactuallytakinga

breaknow.Lookingtomaybegetintoanotherpositionsomewhereelse.Thinkyourgrouchymanageris
hiring?”

Cassielaughed.“Ithinkthat’dbeabadidea.Youdon’tseemlikethetypetotakedirectionvery

well.”

Hislipsbrushedherneck,theintoxicatingscratchofwhiskersfollowingrightafter.“I’mnot,”hesaid

againstherskin.

Thoughtsgrewfuzzyandshewashavingahardtimefocusingontheconversation.Sheturnedinhis

arms,herchestrisingandfallingagainsthis.She’dneverfeltsodrawntosomeoneshe’djustmet,and
insteadofitscaringher,shewantedtodiveinandenjoytherush.

Hiseyesdarkened,andheseemedtobefightingforcontrol.Shewishedhe’dstop.Whoneeded

controlrightnow?

“Cassie…”
“What?AmImakingyounervous?”Sheleanedcloser,hercarpe-the-hottiemottorunningthroughher

head—itwasdefinitelytimetoseizeallthethings.

“Always,”hesaid,andthenhetookholdofherhandandstartedacrossthebridge,leavingherwith

hormonalwhiplash.

***

Holyshit.Vincekepthiseyescarefullyforwardashestrodeacrossthestupidbridge.Thewomanfried
thelinkbetweenhisbrainandtherestofhisbody.

Firsthe’dtoldherhewasarestaurantmanager.Heshould’vethoughtupabettercoverstory,buthe

alsoknewtellingmostlytruthswasthebestwaytonotgetcaughtupinyourlies,andhiswerequickly
stackingup.

Thenhe’dtriedtodistractherfromthefactthathehadn’treallyansweredherquestion,onlytoget

distractedhimself.Stayingawayfromherhadbeeneasierwhenhe’dhadtherestauranttokeephimbusy.

Butwithnothingelsetodo…

Youhavesomethingelsetodo.IfshegetshermemoriesbackorifCarlodecidestogivethekill

commandanyway,you’regoingtoneedaclearhead.

“Arewespeed-racingthroughtherestoftheparkforanyparticularreason?OrareweonadeadlineI

don’tknowabout?”

Heslowedthepaceanddaredaglanceather.“Sorry.Justdon’twanttomakeyoulateforwork.”

Luckilyshedidn’tlookannoyedormad.Justconfused,whichmadehimfeellikeadick.Damnedifhe
did,damnedifhedidn’t.

Maybeheshouldjustdoit,then.Gatherhertohim,coverherlipswithhis,andgetlostinherfora

while.Everyminutehespentwithher,themoreattachedhegrew,andheknewonekisswouldneverbe
enough.

Therewasjustnowaythiswasgoingtoendwell.
IfCarloevensuspectedVincefeltafractionofwhathedidforCassie…Heshudderedatthethought.

AndifCassieevergothermemoriesback,she’dfeellikehe’dusedher.Sayhegotluckyandtheywere
permanentlygone,she’dstillbehorrifiedifsheknewallthethingshe’ddone.Hell,onlyafewhoursago,
he’dwantedtochokethelifeoutofSal.Justifiablysoafterhe’dnearlykilledthem,buthedoubtedCassie
wouldseeitthatway.

WhatIwouldn’tdotostartover.Justforgetaboutmyscrewedupfamilyandstartawholenewlife.

IfanyonecouldhelphimstartoveritwouldbeCassie.

Toobadthatwasafantasyandnothingmore.
“Iwasjustthinkingaboutyourlostmemories,”hesaidastheycamearoundthefinalloopofthetrail.

“Maybeyou’rebetteroffwithoutthem.”

Twocreasesformedbetweenhereyebrows,andherstepsslowed.“Whenyouhavethem,Ithinkit’s

easytofeelliketheydon’tmatterthatmuch.I’lladmitIevenhadthismomentshortlybeforeIleftthe
hospitalwhenIthought,ofallthememoriesthatcouldbeerased,whywasn’titwatchingmydadget
worseandworse?”Sheputahandoverherheart,rubbingitlikeshewastryingtosoothetheache
underneath.“ButifIlostthose,Imight’velostallofhim.Orhadtofindoutthathewasgoneandthen
spendtherestofmylifefeelinglikeIdidn’tgettosaygoodbye,evenifIhad.MymomdiedwhenIwas
younger,sohewasmywholeworld.Andthethoughtofnotknowinghim…”Hervoicecracked.

Anotherbrickofguiltaddeditselftothepilethat’dformedinhisgut.“I’msorry.Ididn’tmean…Ijust

thoughtit’dbenicetoforgetafewofmymemories.”Hestaredoffintothedistance,wishinghecould
erasetheimageofDadsputteringforairashebledoutonthelawn.ThememoryoffindingMomandher
bottleofpillsandcallingtheambulanceeventhoughheknewitwastoolate.OfhowBobbyhadgone
fromasharpkidtoaguyforeverlookingforhisnextfix.

Somuchhe’dliketoforget.
Cassieliftedtheirjoinedhandsandkissedthebackofhis.Longingfloodedhissystem,sostronghe

couldhardlyfocusonanythingelse.

“Idon’tdeservethat,”hesaid,turningtofaceher.“YouthinkthatI’msomebodyguarddo-gooderguy,

andI’mnot.”Consideringheneededtostayclosetoher,heprobablyshouldn’thaveconfessedthat.

“Ialsogavegymratasanoption,andthattypeisusuallyfullofthemselvesandplantheirlives

aroundtheirworkoutschedule.”Atinysmileghostedacrossherlipsbeforeblowingawaywiththe
breeze.“Sodon’tworry,Ifullyexpectyoutotellmethatyouneedtogobecauseyoujustremembered
youhavetopumpsomeiron,ordothepersonaltrainingthingorwhatever.EventhoughIknowyou’ll
reallybeleavingbecausethingsgottooreal,andyou’renotreadyforthatorinaplacetostarta
relationshipwithagirlwhohasaweirdmemorything.”

Thevulnerabilityswimmingthroughherfeaturesslayedhim.“Cassie…”
Sheclosedhereyeslikeshefearedshecouldn’thandletherest.Inaway,itmadeiteasierforhimto

saywhatheneededto.

“Mypastismessy,andmycurrentlife’snotmuchbetter.Youshouldknowthatgoingin.”
Hereyesslowlyopened,thepalegreentranslucentandshiningwithhope.“Sothere’san‘in’we’re

goingto?”

Sayno,sayno,say…
Shesteppedcloserandputherhandonhischest,andtheneverythought,everythumpofhisheart,

theyallfilledupwithher.

Heslidhishandbehindherneckandbroughthislipsdownonhers,likehe’dwantedtoformonths.

Hetookinhergaspandpartedhersoftlipswithhistongue,takinghistimesohecouldmemorizethe
floodofsensationsandsweettasteofhermouth.

Butthenshewrappedherhandsaroundhisbiceps,hernailsdiggingintohisskinashermouthmoved

againsthis,andtheneedtobecloserturnedintoaliving,breathingthing.Themoanthatescapedher
drovehimovertheedge.

Hebackedherupagainsttheclosesttree,bracinghishandsagainsttheroughbarkashekissedher

again,hungry,desperate,andcompletelyconsumed.

Rightnow,inthismoment,shewashis.
He’ddealwiththeguiltlater.

ChapterFifteen

Astheclockwounddownonhershift,Cassiegaveherselfaninternalpep-talkabouthowshewasa
strong,independentwoman,whowasn’tgoingtoletarandomactofviolencedeterherfromlivingher
life.

Still,shehadamomentofweaknesswhenshewishedforherbeastofacartotakeherhomeandeven

consideredcallingacab,butbythetimeshepushedoutofMcCarthy’s,herresolvehadreturned.Nowif
herwobblylegswouldjustgetmessage,that’dbegreat.

She’donlytakentwolongstridesdownthesidewalkwhenherstepsfaltered.Notfromfear,butthe

devastatinglysexyguysittingonthenearbybench,armsstretchedacrossthetopofit.Theireyesmet,and
heremotionsswitchedgearssoquicklyherkneesnearlygaveout.

Vincestood,andshefoughttheurgetorunoverandflingherselfintohisarms.Workhadbeen

especiallylong,herfearsaboutwalkinghomealoneleftherfrazzled,andallshewantedwastogohome
andcurluponhercouch.Preferablywiththeguywho’dkissedhersothoroughlyintheparkitfeltas
thoughhewereimprintedonherforgood.

Hidinghersmilewasfutile,sosheaimeditathimasshestartedhisway.“Youknow,ifyouwere

scaredtowalkalone,allyouhadtodowasask.”

Onecornerofhismouthkickedup,andherheartskippedacouplebeats.“Veryfunny,”hesaid,taking

slow,deliberatestepsinherdirection.“Now,getoverhere.”

Shehaltedinplace,leavingacoupleoffeetbetweenthem.“Oh,onemakeoutsessionintheparkand

youthinkyoucanjust—”

Vinceyankedhertohimandcoveredherlipswithhis,sendingtherestofhersentencerightoutofher

head.Shegrippedthesidesofhiswaistsoshewouldn’tmelttothesidewalk,nochanceofevergetting
upagain.Evidentlyhe’ddecidedtostopholdingback.Shewasfullyonboardwiththatdecision.

“Hey,”hesaid,hislipsbrushinghersashespoke.“ThoughtI’dgiveyouaridehome.”
“Okay,”shesaid.
VinceledhertoablackJeepthatlookedlikeitateotherJeepsforbreakfastandopenedthepassenger

door.Hiscolognehungintheairoftheinterior,woodsyandmusky,thesamescentthatinvadedher
sensesearlierinthepark.Sheliftedherfingerstoherstill-tinglinglips.She’dneverbeenkissedtheway
hekissedher—deep,urgent,andpossessive.

Vinceclimbedintothedriver’sseatandfireduptheJeep.“Howwaswork?”
“Itwasokay,butwaytoolong.TyrapickedaleafoutofmyhairwhenIfirstgotin.”Shetwisteda

strandaroundherfinger.“Iwonderhowitpossiblygotthere.”

Vince’sheatedgazeslidoverher.Herbrainwastellinghertonotgotoofast,butthelustpumping

throughherbodydidn’twanttolisten.Okay,I’llinvitehimupsowecangettoknoweachotherbetter,
butIshouldatleastdatehimforalittlewhilebeforeIeventhinkabouthavingsexwithhim.

AsVincepulledontothestreet,shestudiedhisstrongprofile,thewaythemusclesinhisarmsstood

out,howeverymovementhemadewassosure.

He’ddefinitelybeanadventure,andIamtryingtohavemoreofthose.Assoonasshehadthe

thought,shetriedtoquicklydismissit.Adventureornot,shedidn’twanttoopenherselfuponlytobe
hurt,andshedidbarelyknowtheguy.

Vincewrappedhishandaroundherthigh,andherhormoneswentintooverdrive.Thiswaswhat

happenedwhenyou’donlyeverhadsexwithonegangly,semi-awkwardguy,andit’dbeenyearsago.

Shefrowned,wonderingifthere’dbeenanyoneelseandhatingtheideathattheremight’vebeen.

Surelyshe’dsomehowknow,right?Herbrainflippedthroughimagesofguysshe’dcrushedoninhigh
school,skippedpastheroneandonlyboyfriendwho’dturnedintohersexbuddyandthenawkward
never-againex,andthenplacedherselfontheTCNJcampus.Eveninherimaginationitwashardto
pictureguysaskingherout,butshepushedharder,graspingatwispsthatmightormightnotbethere.

Ablackwallofresistanceandanoncomingheadachemetherefforts,andsheshookherhead,

abandoningherattempt.

“Where’dy—youokay?”Vinceasked.
Shepressedherfingertipstohertemples,massagingtheachethere.“Yeah.Ijustspaceoutsometimes,

andsincetheaccidentIthinkit’sgottenalittlebitworse.ButI’mback.”

Vincepulledupinfrontofherbuilding,lettingtheJeepidleinsteadofshuttingitoff.Maybehe’d

honestlyjustcometogiveherarideandnothingmore.Anotherworrypokedthrough.Whatifheneedsa
break?

Shedebatedsimplythankinghimandgoingupstairs,butdecidedtostopbeingawimpandjustgofor

it.“Myplansforthenightinvolvewatchingamovieonmyverypinkcouchanddiggingintoacartonof
icecream.Justputtingitoutthereincaseyouwanttojoinme.”

Vinceleanedovertheconsoleandkissedhercheek,andshepreparedherselfforhimtosayhe

neededtogo.“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”

***

ThetangleofnervestwistinginVince’sgutsentaspikeofirritationthroughhim.Really?Hewasnervous
togointoawoman’sapartment?

Onlythiswasn’tanywoman.ItwasCassie.Shewasn’tthekindofgirlyoujustsleptwithandthen

leftafter,whichwasgood,becausehecouldnot,underanycircumstances,sleepwithher.

Nottonight,anyway.
No,notever.
Assheunlockedthedoor,heranhisgazeupherlegstotheperfectcurveofherass.Histhoughts

driftedtothewayshe’dfeltagainsthimearlierandthethingsshedidwithhertongue,andallhisblood
rushedsouth.Fuck,whatamIthinking?Likeit’llbeeasytokeepfromcrossingthelinewhenshelooks
likethatandfeelsevenbetter.

Heneededtobewithhertokeephersafe,andyet,shewasn’tsafewithhim.
Temporary.It’salltemporary.That’dbehisnewmantra,toberepeatedatleastonceanhour

wheneverhewaswithher.

Herkeysclangedtogetherasshetossedthemonthekitchencounter.“Hey,Iforgottoaskaboutthe

police.”

Vincefrozeinplace,watchinghercloselyashisbraingraspedforwhatshemeant.Hadshefigured

outwhohewas?Wasthiswherehefoundouthe’dbeenconned,andshe’dactuallybeenundercoverthe
wholetime?“Thepolice?”

“Yeah,didyougetachancetoreportthedrive-by?Whatdidtheysay?”
“Oh.”Heslowlyletoutthebreathhe’dheldtrappedinhislungsandworkedtosoundcalm.Damn

lies.Onthebrightside,thepolicementionputhislibidoincheck.“Theysaidthey’dputanextrapatrolon
theareaandcheckoutthescene,butwithoutalookattheguysorthelicense,they’renotabletodomuch.
Butdon’tworry.”Heranhishanddownherarm.“You’vegotmetokeepyousafe.”

Theconcerninherfeaturesdidn’tfadeasmuchashe’dhoped.“Ijustfeelbadforeveryonewho

doesn’thaveapersonalbodyguard.”

“Don’tforgetthegymratpart.”
Sheflashedhimasmilebeforetippingontohertoesandgivinghimapeckonthelips.“I’mjustgoing

tochangeoutofmyuniformrealquick.Youalreadyknowwhereeverythingis,somakeyourselfat
home.”

Afewminuteslatershecameoutinskintightjeansthathuggedherhipsandtheasshewasquickly

becomingobsessedwith,andalacyblacktopthatshowedhintsofapinkbra.

Cassiereachedintothefreezerandpulledoutacartonoficecream.“Shouldwebotherwithbowlsor

justeatitoutofthecarton?”

Iseatingitoffyourbodyoutofthequestion?Heclearedhisthroat.“Carton.”
Shejoinedhimonthecouchandturnedonthetelevision.Itwaskittycorneracrosstheroom,offto

theleftofthewindow,andherememberedhertalkingaboutwatchingthesunset.Clearlysheputthatview
overherTVviewing—hedidn’tknowhowshecouldwatchforverylongwithoutgettingapermanent
kinkinherneck.

SheextendedhimaspoonanddugintotheNeapolitan.
“Ifeellikeachick,”hesaidafterhisthirdorfourthbite.“Isn’tthiswhatchicksdoafterbreakups?

Gettogetherandeaticecreamoutofthecartonwhilewatchingwhateverthisis…”Hegesturedtothe
dramaunfoldingontheTV.

“Yes.Anddon’tpretendyou’renotenjoyingit.”Cassielickedicecreamoffherlip.Agroanescaped

him,andsheslowlyclosedthedistancebetweenthempressedhermouthtohis.Herlipswerecold,and
whensheslidhertongueagainsthis,hediscovereditwas,too,inadditiontotastingfaintlylike
chocolate.“Ihardlyeverkissthem,though.”

Wantpumpedthroughhisbody,hismouthdroppedopen,andhegrewharderbythesecond.
“Andthat’showpredictableguysare,”Cassiesaid,avixensmileonherlipsasshepattedhischest.

Thesweetgirldefinitelyhadanaughtyside.Likesheneededanothertemptingfeature.

Shedugintotheicecreamagain.
“Whydoyoubotherbuyingthatkindwhenyouonlyeatthechocolatepart?”heasked.
“No,look…”Sheliftedthespoon.“Ijustlikemostlychocolatewithalittlevanillaandstrawberry.

WhydidyouthinkIreallyinvitedyouup?It’ssothatyoucanevenouttheotherpart.”

Heleanedforwardandstoleherbitewithallofthechocolate.
“Hey!”Shescoopedoutanotherspoonful,blockinghimwhenhemadelikehewasgoingtostealit.
Thenheobligedherrequesttoevenouttheotherflavors.
“Lookslikewemaketheperfectteam,”shesaidonceitwaslevel.Whenhewavedoffherofferof

more,sheputtheicecreambackinthefreezeranddisappeareddownthehallway.Shereturnedwitha
yellowandbluepatchworkblanket.“Theicecreammademecold,”shesaidasshescootednexttohim
anddrapedthequiltoverher,offeringhimpartofit.

“Didyoumakeit?”heasked,takingthecorneroftheblanketeventhoughcoldwasthelastthinghe

was.

“Mymomdid.BeforeIwasborn.”Shehuggedittighter,andhecouldtellhowmuchitmeanttoher.

Sherestedherheadonhisshoulder,andhedecidedherhairwaswhatalwayssmelledfaintlyofcoconut.
Mustbehershampoo.

Hecurledhercloserandkissedherforehead,enjoyingherhappysigh.Afterbeingshotatandhaving

intensediscussions—nottomentionhisthoughtsneverstrayingfarfromthefactthatifhefailed,someguy
namedJackhammermightcomeafterher—asimplemovienightcuddlingonthecouchendedupbeingthe
perfectwaytounwind.

He’dalwaysdonemoreofayourplaceorminethingwithwomen,whereeitherheorsheleftshortly

after.Suddenlyheunderstoodwhypeopledated.

Thisisonlytemporary,heremindedhimself.Withherfutureandhisinthebalance,heknewit

ChapterSixteen

CassieandVincefellintoaroutine.He’dpickherupfromworkeverynightandstayatherplaceuntil
late.Notwantingtolosetheexerciseorchancetoenjoytheprettyfallcolorsandweather,shewalked
herselftowork,andeachdayshegotalittlelessjumpyaboutpassingcars.Shetoldherselfshecould
walkhomealoneinthedarkifshehadto,butshelikedthatshedidn’thaveto.

She’dalsoreceivedanemailfromAnnie,whosaidshewassorrytohearaboutheraccidentand

wishedheraspeedyrecovery.Accordingtoherformerneighbor,CassiedecidedonTCNJbecauseofthe
scholarshiptheyofferedher.Otherthanthat,shesaidtheyhadn’tkeptupverywell,somethingshe
apologizedfor,butshesaidherjobattherehabcenterconsumedmostofherdays.Sononewinformation
there,buttheybothpromisedtokeepinbettertouch.

AfteraweekofspendingprettymucheverymomenteitherworkingorhangingoutwithVince,Cassie

decideditwastimetostopputtingofftheotherpartofherlifeshestillneededtofigureout.Shegathered
everytextbookshehadatherdisposal,satonthecouch,andflippedthroughpageafterpage,tryingto
cramalloftheinformationshe’dsupposedlyalreadylearnedintoherbrain.

Inalittleovertwomonths,shecouldretakethecollegeclassesshe’donlygottenpartwaythroughthis

semester.They’dbehigher-levelcoursescoveringcomprehensivetopicsshecouldn’trememberlearning,
andthethoughtofitmadeherlungsconstrict.Butshetoldherselfshe’djusthavetostudytwiceashard.

Yeah,inallmysparetime.Defeatpressedagainsther,threateningtocrushherbeforeshe’deven

tried.Butbetweenworkandclassesandstudying,shewasn’tsurehowshe’dhaveanytimewithVince.

I’mnotseriouslyconsideringputtingoffcollegeforonemoresemesterforabrandnew

relationship,amI?Atthisrate,she’dneverfinishandactuallygetstartedon…whatevershedecidedto
be.Yetanotherquestionthatneededanswering.

Plus,shecouldn’tbeoneofthosegirlswhowrappedherentirelifeupinaguy.Evenifitwasrather

tempting,consideringwhattheguylookedlike—andhowhekissed.Shenearlypinchedherselfevery
timeheshowedupjusttomakesureshewasn’tdreaming.

Herphonerang,breakingoutofherhappyVincethoughts,andshefrownedattheunknownnumber

beforeanswering

“Cassie,it’sTomDuffy.Justcallingtocheckuponyou.”
Cassietoldhimshehadanewjob,hadsettledintoherapartment,andwaswell.Thesilenceonthe

otherlinemadehernerveendingsprickup.“Istheresomethingelse?”

Attheknockontheapartmentdoor,shesaid,“Justasecond.”Vincewascomingby,soshewassure

itwashim.Shenearlyopenedthedoorwithoutlooking,butlastminutepeekedthroughherpeephole,just
tobesafe.

Gah,he’ssodamnsexy.Sheswungopenthedoor,leanedinforaquickkiss,andthenpointedatthe

phoneandheldupafingertolethimknowshewasalmostdone.

“Sorry,whatwereyousaying?”Shereturnedtothecouch,pullingoneofhertextbooksontoherlapto

giveherhandssomethingtodo.

“I…I’dliketomeetupandaskyouafewfollow-upquestionsaboutyouraccident.”
Cassieclosedthebookinherhands.“Idon’tknowhowmuchhelpIcouldbe,consideringIdon’t

evenremembertheaccident.Didyouguysfindoutsomethingnew?”

Vincejerkedhisheadtowardher.Shewaveditoff,tryingtotellhimeverythingwasokay,even

thoughsomethinginTom’svoicegaveherpause.

“No,notreally,”Tomsaid.

“Whatdoes‘notreally’mean?”
Tomsighed.“Iwashopingwecouldmeetandchat.Completelycasual,noneedtoworry.Justone

friendtoanother.Areyoufreeforlunchtomorrow?”

Cassierolledhereyestotheceiling,workingtorecallherworkschedule.“Icoulddolunch.There’s

thiscutelittledelibywhereIworkifyou’dliketomeetthere.”

Theyfinalizedthedetails,andwhenshehungup,sheglancedatVince.Thedeadlyexpressiononhis

facemadeherswallowhard,andherheartforgothowtoproperlybeatforasecond.

“Whowasthat?”heasked,sittingdownnexttoher.
“OfficerTomDuffy.He’sthecopwhocametoseemewhenIwasinthehospital.We’regoingto

meetupforlunchtomorrow.Justonefriendtoanother,”sheadded,usingTom’swordstotrytosoothethe
angrymuscletighteningVince’sjaw.Whenthatdidn’twork,shesmoothedherfingeroverit,athrillgoing
throughherstomachatthebrushofroughwhiskers.“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dthinkyouwerejealous.”

“Maybeyouknowmebetterthanyouthink,”hesaid.Hisvoicecameoutallhotandgrowly,too,

whichshouldn’tcauseherpulsetorapidlyaccelerate,butitdidanyway.

“It’sjustlunchsohecancheckuponme.He’sareallyniceguy,andhehelpedmegetsettledwhenI

didn’tknowhowtopickupthepiecesofmylife,eventhoughitwasn’tpartofhisjob.”

“Yeah,I’llbet.”Vincegrinned,butthegrittedteethmadeitabig-bad-wolf-typegrin.“Sonowyou’re

goingtomeetupwiththepigatthelocaldeliandhaveanicelittlechat?That’sjustgreat.”

Sheraisedaneyebrow.“Benice.”
“What?”heasked,hisvoiceallfalseinnocence.“Sometimescopsarecalledpigs—maybeyoudon’t

remember,butIassureyou,it’strue.Lotsofpeoplecallthemthat.”

“Oh,I’maware,butIdon’tthinkthat’swhattheyprefertobecalled,soagain,benice.”
Hegrunted,andshedecidedtotakethatasitwascurrentlyunderconsideration.Helookedatthe

textbookslitteringthecouchandcoffeetableandpickedoneup.“What’sallthis?”

“I’mtryingtolearneverythinginthesebooksrealfastsoIdon’thavetostartoveronmyeducation.If

Idon’thurry,I’mgoingtobetheoldestpersontherebesidestheprofessors.MaybeI’lljusttelleveryone
I’mlaworpre-medsoitmakesmoresense.”

“Law?Likecriminallaw?”
Cassiestraightened,puttingonherbestseriousexpression.Shecouldn’ttellifhewasshockedor

intrigued.“What?Don’tIlooklikealawyer?”

“HottestlawyerI’veeverseen.”
Cassieshookherheadbutcouldn’thelpsmiling.“Andyou’veseenalot?”
“Ipleadthefifth,”hesaid,nudgingherwithhiselbow.
“Hey,Ialreadyknowthatonewithoutevengoingtoschool.I’mhalfwaythere.”Cassiepickedupthe

economicsbookshe’dskimmedthroughandtosseditaside—nothankyoutothatcourse.“Ican’tsee
myselfbeingalawyer.I’dliketothinkIcouldbeahardcoreprosecutor,butthat’snotreallyme,andI
couldneverdefendcriminals.”

Sheknewtherewereseveraltypesoflawyers,butnointerestsparkedwhenshethoughtaboutit.She

pulledtheheavyAccountingInformationSystemstextbookontoherlap.“EversinceIwasyoung,mydad
alwaystalkedabouthowimportantitwastogetaneducationandsetyourselfupinagoodcareerfield.
Hewasanaccountant—goodwithnumbers,notsomuchpeople.I’vethoughtaboutfollowinginhis
footsteps,andI’mnotthebestwithpeopleeither,so—”

“Areyoukiddingme?Peopleloveyou.Whenyou…”Vince’smouthhungopenforamoment,almost

likeheforgotwhathewasgoingtosay.“I’veonlyseenglimpsesofyouwaitressing,butyourcustomers’
eyeslightupwhenyoutalktothem.”

He’dcomeinafewtimesfordinnerordessertjustbeforeclosing,soshesupposedhehadseenherin

action.Shedidlikehowmanydifferenttypesshegottotalktoinaday.Shecoulddowithoutthe
complainersorthesnappers,butforthemostpart,sheservedhappy,interestingpeople,andwithoutthat,
she’dprobablyneverpushherselftointeractwithothers.

“Thetruthis,Idon’tmindwaitressingmostdays,”shesaid.“ButIneedacareer,preferablyinafield

withmoreroomforadvancement.”Sheranherhandovertheblueaccountingbook,tryingtogetexcited
aboutdiggingintoitscontents.“Whataboutyou?Yousaidyouwerelookingintoanotherposition.Did
youfindanewjob?”

“I’vebeendoingsomesecurityworkontheside,andI’mlookingintotransitioningintoitfulltime.

ButsometimesIthinkit’dbefuntostartmyownrestaurant.Buildaplacefromscratchandmakeagoof
it.”

“Well,one,thatmeansIwaskindofrightaboutthebodyguardthing,andtwo,ifyoustartyourown

restaurant,I’dtotallycomeworkforyou.”Sheloweredhereyebrows.“Unlessyouthinkthat’dget
weird?”

Nowshewasgettingaheadofherselfagain,alreadyworkingathishypotheticalrestaurant.
“I’monboardwithbeingabletobossyouaround.”Hetuggedthebookoutofherhands,tossedit

aside,andpulledherontohislap.“Kissme.Now.”

Shehoveredhermouthoverhis,pullingbackwhenhetriedtoclosethedistance.“Tobeclear,I’m

doingthisbecauseIwantto,notbecauseyoutoldmeto.”

Hereachedupandtwistedastrandofherhairaroundhisfinger.“I’mnotreallypickyastothe

reasons.”

Sheclosedthemereinchesofspacebetweenthem,sighingwhentheirlipsmadecontact.Maybe

tonightwillbethenight.I’llmakeanicedinner,openabottleofwine…

Vincemovedhislipstowhereherjawmetherneckandsuckedlightlyonherskin.Shedugher

fingernailsintohisarm,holdingonastheworldbegantospin.Hisarousaltwitchedagainsther,growing
harderbythesecond,andpassionsparkedandtookhold.

Maybewe’lljustskipdinner.
Hegrippedherbuttandhauledhertighteragainsthim,groaningintoherearwhensherockedherhips.

Thedeliciousfrictionmadehershudderagainsthim,andtheirlipsmetagaininafeveredkiss.

Hestrokedhertonguewithhis,andshesunkfartherintohislap,enjoyingthedeepgutturalsoundhe

madeinthebackofhisthroatandthewayitvibratedthroughher.

Butthenhisfingerswrappedaroundherhips,holdingherinplaceashisbreathsawedinandoutof

hismouth.Shelookeddownathim,helookedupather,andshedidn’tknowwhatjusthappened,because
they’dbeeninthemiddleofsomethingandevidentlyhewastryingtoputitonpause.

Hereachedupandtracedherbottomlipwithhisthumb,groaningagainwhenshenippedatit.“Baby,

Ithink…”Heclosedhiseyesandletoutaharshexhaleandanevenharshercurse.Whenheopenedthem,
hekepthisgazeoffher.“Didyouwannagooutfordinner?”

Shealmostsaid,No,Iwanttostayin.Buthisreactionhadhersecond-guessingherself.“Iplannedon

makingdinnertonight.”

“Wanthelp?”Stillnotlookingather.
Shetriedtoshiftintocookingmode,butherracingpulsedidn’tquitegetthememo.“Okay.”Slowly

sheclimbedoffhim,tryingnottoreadtoomuchintoit—obviouslyhewasaffected.Theevidencewas
stillthere,temptinghertotakeherboldnessastepfarther.

Butshechickenedoutandmovedintothekitchen.
“I’llberightback,”Vincesaid,andthenhedisappeareddownthehall.

***

Vincesplashedcoldwateronhisface—notthatithelpedmuch.Itwasn’tlikewatercoulderasethe
memoryofCassieontopofhim.

Overthepastweekandahalf,he’dcrossedseveralethicallines.Besidesthefewshiftshe’dputinat

Rossi’swhileCassiewasatworksohewouldn’tgocrazy,they’dspentmosteverysparemoment
together.Watchingmovies,kissing,cuddling,talkingabouteverythingandnothing,withafewnecessary
liessprinkledin.Morekissing.Morealmostcrossingthelineintotakingthingsfarther.

Tonighthe’dgottenlostinherforlongenoughtoalmostslipandignorehislastshakyethicallinein

thesandaboutsex.Shehadtodayoff,andhe’dbarelymanagedtowaituntilfivetocomeoversohecould
forgetwhohewasforawhile.Itwasaddictive.

Shewasaddictive.
Hestaredathimselfinthemirror,wonderinghowlonghecouldfacetheguyinthereflectionifhe

discardedhispatheticattemptatkeepingthingssemi-honorableandjusthadsexwithherbeforehelost
thechanceforever.

Whatwasonemoreline?Mightaswellgobigorgohome,right?
OrmaybeIshouldjusttellherIcan’tseeheranymore.Watchherfromadistancealittlewhile

longer,andthengiveinandtellCarloI’llbehisnumbertwosoI’mstillthefirsttoknowifanyone
bringsherup.

Heleanedhishandsonthesideofthesinkandlethisforeheadfallagainstthemedicinecabinet

mirror,goingbackandforth,weighingtheprosandcons.Hetriedtotellhimselfhecouldhandle
watchingfromafar,evenifit’dbetorturoustoseebutnothearherhappyvoiceorthefunnywayssheput
things…Tolookbutnottouch.

Whatitreallycamedowntowasthathedidn’twanttolethergoyet.
It’dhurther,too,andifevenahintofsadnesscreptintoherfeatures,he’dinstinctivelywanttodo

whateverittooktomakeitgoaway.

Shit,shit,shit.Onemoresplashofcoldwaterandthenhewipedhisfaceonhertowel,catchinga

whiffofcoconutwhichdidnothelphiscurrentsituation.Hefinishedpullinghimselftogetherandheaded
backintothelivingroom.

Cassiewasturnedaway,stretchedastallasshecouldgoasshereachedforacanonthetopshelfof

oneofherkitchencupboards.Hershirtlifted,exposingasexystripofskin.She’scertainlynotgoingto
makeiteasytodotherightthing.

Hewasabouttostepin,butthenshemanagedtogetholdofit.Shetossedthecanofcrushedtomatoes

intheair,bumpeditonherforearmandcaughtit,thenspuntothecanopener.Shedumpeditinasaucepan
that,fromthesmellofit,hadsautéingonionandgarlic,andthengrabbedasmallspicecontainerfrom
anothercupboard.Shetosseditendoverend,caughtitbehindherback,andthenpoppedtheredlidup
withherthumb.

“Wow.Dinnerandashow.”
Shestartled,thespicecontainerhittingtheovenandthenlandingonthefloor,sendingtinygreen

leavesoutinacircle.

Vincereacheddownandpickeditup.“Sorry.Didn’tmeantoscareyou.”
“Noworries.Justtossitover—Ididn’tactuallygetanybasilinthepan.”
Hethrewit,andshesnatcheditoutoftheair.
“AndIthoughtyourcookingmagicjustcamefromingredients,”hesaid.
Withalaugh,shestirredwhateverheavenlysauceshehadintheskillet.Anotherpotsatontheback

burner,bubbling,buthecouldn’tseeinsideofit.“Whenwefirststartedtossing,Idroppedeverything,

andourcanswouldn’topenrightbecausethelidswerealldented.”

“We?”
“Mydadandme.AftereatingMacandCheeseorRamennoodleseverynightforyears,Ifinallytold

himitwastimeforbothofustolearntocook.Rightaroundthattime,I’d…”Sheglanceddown,
embarrassmentcoloringhercheeks.“IfailedP.E.Like,itwasmeandalloftheoverweightkidslagging
behind,droppingballs,andhangingonthebarwithourarmsshakinginsteadofbeingabletodopull-ups.

“PartofitwasbecauseIneededglassesandjustdidn’trealizeit.”Shepushedherglassesupher

nose.“Butmostlymycoordinationwascrapandsportsweren’treallymything.”

He’dseenherbalancetraysmostserversdidn’tdaretakeon.Nottomentionthecantossing—he

wonderedifhecouldbumpituponhisforearmandcatchitlikethat.

“WhilemydadandIcooked,wetossedcansarounduntilIcouldcatchthem,flipthem,andmake

foodoutofthem.”Aproudsmilecurvedherlips.“ThinkI’vegotacareerasacook-slash-juggler?”

Vincemovedbehindherandwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaist,thinkingthatshefitperfectlyagainst

him.“I’mnotsurehowwelljugglingchefsgetpaid,butIthinkyoumightconsiderculinaryschool.You
obviouslyliketocook,andyou’regoodatit.”

Shespunaround,hereyebrowsallscrunchedup,andhethoughthe’dsaidsomethingwrong.Was

tellingawomanshecouldcooksexistthesedays?He’dsaythesamethingtoadudewhocouldcooklike
that.He’djustdoitwithoutthehuggingpart.

“Whydidn’tIeverthinkofthat?EverytimeIthinkaboutcollegeIalwayspicturemyselfendingupat

adesk,eventhoughitneverreallyappealedtome.IguessIfiguredtherightcareerpathwouldmagically
jumpoutatmewhenthetimewasright.Butculinaryschool…I’mtotallylookingintothat.”

Cassietippedontohertoesandkissedhischeek.“You’reagenius.”
“Noone’severaccusedmeofthatbefore.”
Shemadeacutelittlesquealnoiseandturnedbacktohersauce.“Salt,”shesaid,pointingatthe

shakernexttohim.Figuringthere’dbeamessifhehurledittoohard,heexecutedmoreofasoftlob.She
easilycaughtitandaddedseveralshakestothesauce.“Definitelymorefunwithtwojugglersinthe
kitchen.”

Afterafewminutesofstirringthesimmeringmixture,sheliftedoutaspoonful,blewonit,and

sipped.Thensheextendedittohim.“Doesitneedmore…something?”

Vincetastedtheredsauce—Rossi’sspecializedinItaliandishes,andCassie’swasstillthebest

marinarahe’deverhad.“It’sperfect.”

Shepressedherlipstogether,clearlydeepinthought,andthenhereyeswidened.“Needsjustahintof

fennel.Thenit’llbeextraperfect.”Thecupboarddooropenedabitrough—he’dhavetobringina
screwdriverandtightenthehinges—andshesearchedthroughalltheplasticandglasscontainers.

“SomedayI’mgoingtohaveafancyspicerackthat’ssuperorganiz—thereitis.”Shetookoutthe

fennel,flashedhimasmile,andflippedthebottleendoverendbeforeaddingafewshakestothesauce.

Andherealizedthatsometimeduringthepastweek,she’dturnedhimintooneofthosesappyfools

who’ddoanythingfortheirgirl.

ChapterSeventeen

ThehairsonthebackofCassie’sneckroseasshewalkeddownthesidewalk,theinstinctual,
unmistakablefeelingofbeingwatchedsettingoffalarms.Aquick,subtleglancerevealedasilversedana
fewcarsback.Hadn’titbeenparkedinfrontofherapartmentcomplexwhenshe’dcomeout?

MaybeI’mjustbeingparanoid.
Ofcourse,thelasttimeIthoughtthatIgotshotat.Shecutacrosstheblock,detouringfromher

usualroute—shewasmeetingTomattheDeli,butitwasonlyacoupleofshopsdownfromMcCarthy’s,
sothewalkwasthesame,justaboutfiveminuteslonger.

Sheglancedbehindherandletoutarelievedbreathwhenthecardidn’tfollow.Onemoreblock

down;shecheckedoverhershoulder.

Thesamesilvercarturnedthecorner.
Forgoingallattemptstobecovertorplayitcool,shejoggedtowardthebusierstreetupahead,her

heartbeatrisingtomatchtherapidthumpofherfootsteps.Aren’tyousupposedtoruninzig-zagsif
peopleshootatyou?

Notthatitwould’veworkedthelasttimeshe’dbeenshotat.
Holyshit,amIreallygoingtobeshotatagain?Abandoningallworryoflookinglikeacrazy

person,Cassiesprintedfullout.Shemadeasharprightandnearlyplowedintoafamilyoffour.

Cassieapologizedprofuselyandthenpeekedaroundthecornerofthebuilding,keepingherbodyas

coveredaspossiblebythesturdybrickwall.

Thesilvercarwasgone.
Sherolledflatagainstthewall,workingtogetherheartratebacktonormal.Herhandtrembledas

sheranithalfwaythroughherhairandresteditonthetopofherhead.IthinkI’mgoingcrazy.

Shehonestlydidn’tknowifthecarjusthappenedtobegoingherway,orifsomeonewaswatching

her.It’scompletelyirrationaltothinksomeonewouldfollowme,right?

Afterbeingshotat,hertrustinthegeneralpublicwasabitshaky,andyes,itcouldbeaffectingher

judgment.Butherinstinctsscreamedthatsomethingwasn’tright.Hadn’tbeenquiterightsinceher
accident,ifshewerebeinghonest.

IfIwould’vetakenVinceuponhisoffertocomegetme,he’dknowifthatcarwasfollowingme.

Thenagain,ifhe’dpickedmeup,we’dbeinhisJeepandthecarprobablywouldn’tfollowus.

Besides,Vincehadonlymadetheofferbecausehewantedtoloominthecornerwhileshetalkedto

Tom,andthelastthingsheneededwasforhimtostartafightwithacopovernothing.

HerthoughtsturnedtoVince,thewaytheytendedtodoalotthesedays,andshecouldn’thelp

replayinglastnight.Firsthe’dactedjealousandpossessive,thentherewastheamazingmakeoutsession
he’dabruptlystoppedwithnoexplanation,buttheneverythingwasfunandnormalagainasthey’dcooked
andatedinner.Yetwhenhewenttokisshergoodbye,itwasuncharacteristicallyquick.

Hewasstillholdingback,andshecouldn’tfigureoutwhy.
Maybehejustneedstime.Hopefullyhe’lleventuallyrealizehecanletmeallthewayinandwe

canmovepast…whateverweneedtomovepast.

Cassiecastonelastglancearoundandthenpushedintothedeli.Whileitwasabitcooloutside,the

heatpumpingthroughthedeliseemedextreme.Sheshedhercoatanddrapeditoveranarm.Tomwasn’t
thereyet,andshecheckedthetimeonherphone.Thankstorunninglikealunaticforpartofherwalk,she
wasafewminutesearly.

Thesoundoftheopeningdoormadeherturn.Tomwalkedinwearinghispoliceuniform.Forsome

reasonshehadn’texpectedtheuniform,whichmadeitseemsoofficial.Buthewasprobablyjustonlunch
break,whileshehadn’tevenstartedherworkday.

Hesurprisedherbypullingherintoahug.“It’sgoodtoseeyou,”hesaid.
“Yeah,youtoo.”
DefinitelyagoodthingVinceisn’there.Maybehe’dbefine,butthatscarygleamthatenteredhiseye

whenshementionedthismeetingtoldadifferentstory.She’dliketosayshewasabovehisjealousy
turningheronalittle,butshe’dbelying.

Anotherthingshe’dneverexperiencedwithanyotherguy.
Shepulledback,realizingthatinthinkingaboutVinceshe’dbeentheonetoextendthehugtoolong.
“Youlookgreat,”hesaid,shootingherawidegrin.“Asusual.”
“Thankyou.”
Tompulledoutaseatforheratoneofthenearbytables.Themenussatinthemiddle,andshelifted

oneandscannedthesandwiches,goingbackandforthbetweenacoupleofoptions.She’djustdecidedon
theclubwhensheloweredhermenuandnoticedtheverydistinctJeepparkedatthecurb.

Sheslappedthemenudownonthetable.Okay,Itakebacklikingthepossessiveness.He’sclearly

tryingtogivemeapanicattack.

“Everythingokay?”Tomasked.
Sheproppedhermouthintoasmile,hopingthathavingtoforceitdidn’tmakeherlooklikeacrazy

person.“Yeah.Totally.I’mjusthungryandcan’twaittoeat.”

Aftersheorderedhersandwichatthedelicounter—andwhileTomwasdistractedorderinghis—she

peeredthroughtheglassstorefrontofthedeli,intoVince’stintedwindow,tryingtorelaythatheshould
not,underanycircumstances,comeinside.

Butsinceshecouldn’tseehisface,shehadnoideaifhegotthemessage.

***

Fuckingcop.

HewasgoingtogetCassieintrouble—orworse.Vinceprobablyshould’vehungback.Been

discreet.Insteadhe’dparkedrightinfrontofthedeliwindow,sothatifanyoneelsewaswatchingCassie,
they’dhavetogetoutoftheircartodoit,andthenhecouldinterceptthem.

AsilverFordTaurushaddrivenbyandslowedinfrontofMcCarthy’s.Vincedidn’tlikeit,butright

nowhishatredwasmostlyaimedatthecop,whowasclearlythereformorethancheckinguponCassie’s
medicalcondition.

CassiehadseentheJeep,too,sohewasgoingtocomeofflookinglikeajealousboyfriend.Honestly,

hefeltlikeone.Thathuglastedwaytoolong,andifthepigputhishandsonheronemoretime…He
grittedhisteeth,hatingthisoutofcontrol,helplessanger.

She’sturningmeintoalunatic.ButifanyofCarlo’sguyssawherwithacop,Carlowouldgivethe

ordertotakeherout.Ishould’vecomeupwithagoodreasontokeepherfrommeetingwithhim,no
matterwhatittook.

He’dtried,buthe’dhadhishandsfullwithsmotheringtheurgetocarryherintoherbedroomandrip

offherclothes.

Don’tthinkaboutthat,either.Justsithereandstareatthepigwho’sgoingtogetherkilled.
Vincelookeduptheguythismorning,foundouthisoldmanwasaretiredcop,andrecognizedthe

picture.He’dbeeninthebackoftheseniorDuffy’ssquadcarbefore.Twice,actually.Onceforstealinga
coupleoffortiesfromaconveniencestore.Hewouldn’thavegottencaughtifBobbydidn’talsohaveto
grabone,onlytodropthebottletwostepsfromtheexit.Thecoptookthemdowntothestationandgave
themasternlecturehe’dbarelylistenedto,andthenCarlohadpickedthemup.

YesterdayCassieaskedifhe’dmetalotoflawyers.Theanswerwasonlyone—Carlo’sbalding

lawyerwhohadcometothepolicestationafterridenumbertwo.Vincehadhotwiredacarandtakena
joyride,mostlybecausehewantedtodriveaMustang.He’donlybeenborrowingitandfullyintendedto
returnit,onlyhegotalittletoodrunkandendedupstayingallnightattheparty,wherethepolicehad
spottedthe“stolen”car.

ThatoffenseearnedhimmorethanalecturefromtheseniorOfficerDuffy.Intheend,hereceiveda

fineandseveralhoursofcommunityservice.Beingundereighteenhadhelped.BeingCarloRossi’s
nephewandhavinghimpullstringshadhelpedevenmore.

WhenCassiefirstmentionedlawschool,forabriefmomenthethoughthecouldspinthatcareertohis

advantage.Convincetheguysit’dbegoodtohaveherintheircorner,andthenhewouldn’thavetolether
go.

Thatbubbleofhopepoppedwhenshedeclaredshecouldneverdefendcriminals.Whichofcoursehe

would’verealizedifhe’dbeenthinkingaboutitlogicallyinsteadofselfishly.Heevenlikedthatabout
her.Itwaspartofwhatmadeherdifferentfromotherwomenhe’dbeenwith,butitwasalsowhatmade
himsowrongforher.

Hisphonebuzzed,andheglancedatit.

Cassie:WTHareyoudoing?

Hegrinned.Evenwithabbreviations,shewentfortheless-vulgar,sweeterversion.

Vince:Justenjoyingtheview,sweetheart
Cassie:Thisisstraightupcrazy.Ican’tfocuswithyouthere.Goaway.
Vince:IwillassoonasIseeyousafelytowork.Unlessheputshishandson

you.Thenyou’llseemealittlesooner

Throughthewindow,hesawherglancedownatherphoneandshakeherhead.Surveillancejustgot

moreinteresting.Anothercarwould’vebeenmorediscreetwhenitcametoCassienoticing,butifanyof
Carlo’sboyspassedby,they’drecognizehisJeepandmoveon.Solikeitornot,shegothisstalker
personality.

Hetappedhisfingersonthesteeringwheelforamomentandthenliftedhisphoneandthumbed

anothertext.

Vince:Youlookhotbytheway

Hestaredathisscreen,nearlygivinguponareplywhenitchimed.

Cassie:YouandIareinafight.
Vince:Thisallcould’vebeenavoidedifyou’djustcanceled
Cassie:FIGHT!!!!

“Ah,shit.”Vinceleanedbackinhisseat.Hestillwasn’tmoving.Thepiggesturedwithhisarms,his

sandwichinonehand,andVincewishedhecouldhearwhathewassaying.Whatcouldpossiblybeso
importantthatitwasworthgettingherputbackonthemafiahitlist?Ofcourse,shedidn’tknowthatwas
arisk.

Possiblythepigdidn’teither.Fromthelooksofthings,hewasjustinterestedinCassie.
She’sprobablygoingtobeprettypissedIdidn’tleave.Ifshehadanyideahowmuchhewasholding

backtheurgetomarchinthere,tellthatfuckingcopshebelongedtohimbeforethrowingheroverhis
shoulderandcarryingherout,she’dcongratulatehimonhisrestraint.

***

Cassiethoughtaboutbringingupthedrive-by.Shesupposedsheshould’vethoughtofcallingTomthat
night,buteverythinghadhappenedsoquickly.

It’sprobablynothisdepartmentanyway.

“So,”shesaid,tryingtoignoreVince’shulkingpresence.Crazyhowshecouldsensehimsostrongly

eventhoughshecouldn’tseehim.“I’veenjoyedcatchingup,butwhenyoucalled,Igotthefeelingthere
wassomethingyouweren’tsaying.Aboutmyaccident?”

Tomshutteredhiseyes,aquickchangefromhowopenthey’dbeenonlyamomentago.“Nothingbig.

Justfollow-upquestionsaboutyourmemories.Like,doyourememberanythingrightbeforetheaccident?
Possiblywhyyouwereinsuchahurrythatyoudidn’tseeahugetruck?Hasanythingcomebackatall?”

He’dgoneintointerrogationmode,hisseriouscopfaceon.
“No,butIgotthiscreepyvibewhenIwenttotheareawhereIwashit.”Sheshudderedasthesense

ofwrongnessthathadherfleeingtheareaassoonaspossiblehitheragain.“Nomemoriesoftheaccident
oranyofmytimehereinJerseyhavecomebacktome.Ithinkthey’regoneforgood.”Shewipedher
fingersonhernapkinandfoldedherarmsacrossthetable.“What’sthisabout,Tom?”

“LikeIsaid,justabitoffollow-up.YoushouldseethepaperworkIhavetofillout.”Thesmilehe

pulledoutwasplastic.“Ifyourememberanything—anythingatall—willyoudomeafavorandcall?”

“Sure,”shesaid,botheredbyhissuddendodgy-ness.Whywouldn’thejustgiveittoherstraight?

Menandtheirirritatingneedtoholdback.

SheglancedatVince’sJeep.Hecouldusealittleholdingbackinotherareas—namely,the

showing-up-to-my-lunch-meetingone.

Tompushedthebrownpaperhissandwichhadcomeintothesideandleanedin,hisfeaturessoft

again.“Tobehonest,there’ssomethingelseI’vebeenmeaningtoaskyou…”

Cassie’sspinestiffened.Ohno.Thisbetternotbegoingwhereshethoughtitwas.She’dassured

VincethatTomwassimplyanicecopwho’dhelpedheroutandhadbecomeafriend.Vince’sskepticism
hadbeensoclear,andnowitlookedlikehewasright.

Andofcoursehewaswatchingitallthroughthefreakingwindow.Heavenhelpme.AndTom—he

mightneedhelp,too.AndVincewhenhegetsarrested.Betterjustgoaheadandhelpusall,andas
soonaspossiblewouldbegreat.

Tomcoveredherhandwithhisandjerkingitawayseemedtoorude,soshesimplystaredatit,acar

wreckwaitingtohappen.“Icareaboutyou,Cassie.”

“Yeah,I’msogladwe’refriends,becauseyouhelpedmethroughareallyroughtime.”Shehoped

he’dtakethehint.Backoff.SlowtheHolyShitTrainrightdown.

“Iwannatakeyouout.”
Aglintoflightcaughthereye—Vince’sJeepdoorswingingopen.Herbloodpressureshotintothe

dangerzone,andsheslidherhandawayandfoldeditinherlap.“I’ve,uh,beendatingsomeone.Ithasn’t
beenverylong,butit’sgettingprettyserious.”

Seriouslycrazywithacherryontop.
VinceleanedagainsthisJeep,foldinghismassivearmsacrosshischest,andshecouldfeelhissteady

stareagainsthertighteningskin.

Tomsighed.“GuessIshould’vemademymoveearlier.”
Cassiesimplysmiledatthat.Thetruthwas,sheprobablywould’vedatedhimandbeenperfectly

happy.Butnowshecouldn’timagineanyonebutVince.Eventhoughthesimultaneousurgetohithimwith
somethingrightthenwasstrong,andshedidn’tthinkshe’deverbeensomadatanyonebefore.

“Well,ifhegivesyouanytrouble,youcallme.Icouldevendoabackgroundcheckifyouwant.Make

surehereallyisagoodguy.”

Anervouslaughspilledfromherlips.“Oh,that’sokay.Anyway,Ishouldprobablygettowork,”she

said,jumpingtoherfeet,despitestillhavinganhourtokill.

Oraboyfriendtokill.Eitherone.

Beforeshecouldsidestepit,Tomgaveheranotherhug.“Youcallmeifyoueverneedanything.I

meanit.”

“Iwill,”shesaid.Afterall,afriendlyofficerofthelawmightcomeinhandy.“Andifthere’sany

changewithmymemories,I’lldefinitelyletyouknow.Thanksagain.”

Shegrabbedherpurseandcoatandpracticallyrantogettothedoorfirst.LuckilyTomwastakinghis

timebecauseshedoubtedshe’dmakeaverysturdylineofdefense.

ShestrodeovertoVince,herangergrowingstrongerandhotterbythesecond.“IntheJeep.Now.”

Sheroundedthehoodandclimbedintothepassengerseat,relievedwhenVinceclimbedinsideand
closedthedoor.

“Whatthehellwasthat?”sheasked,throwingupherarms.
“WouldyoubelieveI’mjustthatconcernedwithyoursafety?”
“He’sacop,Vince.Ithinkthatmakesmeprettysafe.”
“Well,Idon’t.Ithink…”Heclenchedhisjawandglancedattheceiling,asifhe’dfindpatience

there.Thenheblewouthisbreathandturnedhismulticoloredbrowneyesonher.Theconcerninthem
tooktheedgeoffherannoyance.“Ican’tjustsitback,Cassie.ThesecurityworkI’vebeendoinghas
mademecautious,andIneededtoseeformyselfthatyouweresafe.I’vealwaystriedtokeeppeopleata
distance,butyoubrokethrough,andnowI’mamess.”

Sheblinkedathim,warmthworkingitswaythroughherchest.Didhejustconfesstocaring?Tobeing

ascrazyaboutherasshewasabouthim?How’dshegetsoluckyforthisamazingguytoshowupatthe
perfecttimeinherlife?Herveryownprotector,andnowthey’dtiptoedintosomethingmore.

“IfyouevenknewhowbadlyIwantedtogointhereandmakesureheknewyouweremine…”His

eyeslockedontohers,thedark,possessiveedgetothemmakingherbreathlodgeinherthroat.“ButI
refrained.OnemoresecondtothathugandIwouldhavelostmyshit,butI—”

Cassiestretchedovertheconsoleandcrushedherlipstohis.Shepulledbackenoughtostudyhis

ruggedfeaturesandranherhanddownthesideofhisface.“Isoshouldn’tberewardingthisbehavior.”

“Don’tworry,”hesaid,leaninginsothathisbreathmixedwithhers.“Itotallylearnedmylesson.”

***

Jimliftedhisringingphone.He’dswitchedcarsandsatonthestreetafewblocksdownfromRossi’s,
waitingandwaitingforsomething,whennothingseemedtobetheonlythinghegot.

He’dhopedit’dbeMancini,callingtosayhehadasolidleadforthemtofollow,butthenumberwas

unfamiliar.“McVee.”

“It’sOfficerDuffy.”
Yesterdayduringendlesshoursofsurveillance,hepulledupCassandraDalton’saccidentreport

again.Hedidn’tknowwhyhecouldn’tquiteletitgo,evenwhenthefactspointedtoherbeingadeadend.
WhenhefoundOfficerTomDuffy’snameonthereports,heputinacalltohisprecinct.“Youtalktoher?”

“Wemetforlunch.”
Gettinginformationoutofhimwaslikeyankingteeth—actually,allthattookwaspliersandstrength,

sohe’drathergowiththat.Betweenhismentioningthathe’dpersonallyescortedCassandrafromthe
hospitalandgettingdefensivewhenJimaskedaboutherandhercondition,hesuspectedOfficerDuffy
hadgrownfondofMissDalton.“So?”

“Tellmewhatthisisabout,andI’llfillyouin.”
Jimsighed.“LikeItoldyou,it’sclassified.”
“Youfedslovetossingthataround,don’tyou?Makesyoufeelbigandpowerfulandmorequalified

thanthoseofuswhoareoutbeatingthestreetsalldaylong.Ifyoujustsharedinformation,maybewe’dbe
abletohelpeachother.”

“Look,I’mhappytogoquestionthegirlmyselfifyourefusetocooperate.Ithoughtyou’dbeless

invasive.”

“Justleaveheralone.”ThegrowlinOfficerDuffy’svoicewasmoresatisfactorythanscary;thecop

didlikethewaitress.“Herconditionhasn’tchanged.Shehasnomemoryoftheaccidentorwhat
happenedbeforeit,butshetoldmeshe’dcallmeifsherememberedanything.Ifthathappens,youbetter
letmeknowwhatthehellisgoingon.Ifshe’sindanger—”

“It’sjustprocedure.”Jimhesitated,goingbackandforthanddecidingalittlereassuranceneverhurt

anyone.Especiallyifhemightneedfavorsfromsaidanyoneagain.“She’snotindanger.”

Afterall,ifCarloRossiwasafterher,she’dbedeadalready.

ChapterEighteen

DuringthehourCassiespentwithVincebeforework,shewentbackandforthonwhethertotellhim
aboutthecarthatmightormightnothavebeenfollowingher.Obviouslyhetookhersafetytotheextreme,
slightlyjealouslevel,andshedidn’twanttomakehimanymoreof“amess,”ashe’dputit.

Butifshedidn’tsayanything,she’dbeamess.Sharingiscaring,evenifit’sparanoia,right?
“Ineedtotellyousomething,”shesaid,turningtofacehimjustshortoftheentrancetoMcCarthy’s.

Vince’sposturestiffened,andsheputherhandonhisbicepsandbrushedherthumboverthecurvetotry
toconveyacalmnessshedidn’texactlyfeel.“It’sprobablynothing,butwhenIwalkedtothedelitoday,I
thoughtthatmaybesomeonemightbefollowingme.”

“Didyougetagoodlookatthedriver?Whatwasthemakeandmodelofthecar?Didyouseeagun?”
“No.Idon’tknow,itwassilverwithfourdoors.AndIdidn’tseeagun.Ithinkthewindowswereup,

butIdidn’tstopforalook.”

“WasitasilverFordTaurus?”
Sheshrugged.“Maybe.AndlikeIsaid,Idon’tknowifitwasfollowingmeforsure.It’sprobablyjust

mebeingparanoidafterwhathappenedthenightyouandImet,butitturnedafterIdid,andIran,butthen
itwasgone,soit’sprobablynothing.”Shebitatherthumbnail.“Don’tfreakoutoranything,‘kay?”

Everylineofhisbodywentrigid,themusclesunderherhandturningrocksolid.
“Itlookslikeyou’refreakingout,”shesaid.
“Thisismenotfreakingout.IfIwerefreakingout,I’dhaulyoubacktotheJeepandrefusetoletyou

gotowork.NowthatIthinkaboutit,that’sagoodidea.”

Hereachedforher,andsheputahandtohischesttoholdhimback.“Youpromisedyouweregoingto

workonthepossessivethingandtrustingmyjudgment.Remember?”

“Yeah,thatwaswhenweweremakingoutinmyJeep,andIwastryingtokeepusoutofafight.I

neveractuallyagreed.”

Hermouthdroppedopen.Afterkissinghim,shethoughttheyhadaproductiveconversationabouthow

sheunderstoodwhyhemightbeoverlycautious,butforthingstowork,they’dneedtotrusteachother’s
judgmentandeachotheringeneral.“Iguessyoujustdelayedthefighttillnow,then.”

“Fromnowon,I’mtakingyoutoandfromwork.”Henoddedtohimself,andshewonderedifhe’d

evenheardherlastsentence.

“That’sjustsilly.Youcan’tputyourentirelifeonholdtobemybodyguard.”
“SureIcan.”
“Wejusttalkedaboutthis.”Sheexhaledafrustratedbreath,wishingshecouldgobackandun-

mentionthecar.“Let’sthinkaboutthisrationally.Whywouldanyonebeafterme?Itmakesnosense.
Look,I’lljustdrivemycarforalittlewhileuntilIstopseeingeveryoneasathreat.It’llbefine.”

Hewrappedhisarmaroundherwaist,drewhertohim,andpressedhislipstohers.“I’llpickyouup

tonight.Don’tleavewithoutme,okay?”

Shecurledherhandintohisshirt.“Don’tdoanythingcrazy.”
“Wouldn’tdreamofit,”hesaid.Thenhekissedheragain,takingamomenttolingeranddraghis

tongueacrossherlowerlip.“Anddon’tworry.AssoonasIeliminatethethreat,we’llhavelong
discussionsaboutboundariesandtrustandwhateveryouwant.Now,haveagooddayatwork.I’llsee
youinafewhours.”

Thenhewasoff,andallshecoulddowasgointoMcCarthy’sandhopethat“eliminate”wassecurity

codefor“calmlylookinto.”

***

AcoupleofphonecallsconfirmedSal’swhereabouts;ithadn’tbeenhimfollowingCassiethismorning,
becausenoonecouldbeintwoplacesatonce.VincehighlydoubtedSalwouldcrossCarloagainand
hireathird-partytodoit,buthecouldn’tbesure.

WhenCassiehadstormedoutofthedelianddemandedhimintotheJeep,eyesafire,he’dknown

betterthantotellhershelookedsexyashellpissedoff,eventhoughitwastrue.He’dbeensureshewas
abouttosolvehisdilemmabydumpinghimonhisass.Afterall,toher,hewasaguyshe’donlymetnot
quitetwoweeksago.

Thedreadthat’dimmediatelyrisenupmadeitclearbeingapartwouldn’tsolvehisconflictedfeelings

aboutbeingwithher.It’donlysendhimovertheedgethatmuchfaster.Underusualcircumstances,he
wouldn’thavefollowedher,andhewouldhave“trustedherjudgment,”butoncehe’dseenherwiththe
cop,thepossessivenesswasn’tanact.

WatchinghimputhishandonCassie’s,makingitclearhewantedmorethanfriendship,hadsenttoxic

jealousyburningthroughVince’sgut,andhe’dbeenoutofhisJeepbeforehecouldreignhimselfin.He’d
beenahairawayfromcharginginthereandknockingthepigout,hisentirebodybuzzingwiththedesire
todojustthat.

MaybeIamjustlikemydad,Carlo,andhisthugs.Angerandthedesiretousehisfistscertainly

camefasterthanitshould,whichmadehimthewrongguyforCassie.

Buttheself-analysiswouldhavetowaituntilhefoundwhoeverwasfollowingherandmakesure

theystopped.

Becausethatwasonejobhewasperfectlysuitedfor.
Hemadeapassaroundtheblock,checkingeverysilverfour-door—andtherewerealot,although

noneweremanned—andlookingfortheTaurushe’dnoticedearlier.Whenhecameupempty,heparkeda
fewblocksfromMcCarthy’ssohecouldwatchthestreetandtheonesthatfedintoit,andgotouthis
phonetocheckinwithCarlo.

“Yeah?”Carloanswered,andthen,“Youdidnotjustfuckingthrowaglassatmyhead.”
Amuffledshatteringnoisecamethrough,followedbyanangryscreamfromAllegra—Vinceassumed

anyway.Whenshescreeched,“Isthather?”itconfirmedit.

“There’snooneelse,angel.Youkeepmeasbusyasthreewomenwouldwithallofyour

personalities.”

Morecrashingcameovertheline,andCarloswore.“Justaminute,Vince.”
Ah,thealwaysfun“areyoucheatingonme?”fight.VinceandBobbywitnessedafewfirsthandwhen

theylivedinthehouse.Aboutonceayear,AllegradecidedCarlowascheatingonher,usuallybecause
oneofhiscapo’swivesorherotherfriendsfoundouttheywerebeingcheatedon,and/orhe’dbeen
workinglatenights.NotthatVincemadeitaprioritytoknowwhoanyofthemensleptwith,butanyone
couldseeCarloadoredAllegra.Shewashissecondwife,andwhilehe’dcheatedonthefirstwith
Allegra,asfarasVinceknew,hewasfaithfultoher.Despitethefactthatshewas,well,kindof
psychotic.

She’dresentedthehelloutofhavingtotakecareofVinceandBobby,eventhoughtheyweremostly

grownalready.Motherlyjustwasn’tinherskillset.

Vincewatchedthestreet,focusedonthepassingcarsandpeople,untilCarlocamebackontheline.

“Women.Itellyou,you’reluckyyou’veneverbeeninlove.Everything’scalmonedayandthenyou’re
walkingintoashitstormbecauseyouglancedatsomeoneinalow-cutdressduringdinner.”

Vince’sgazeautomaticallymovedacrossthestreetatMcCarthy’s.Yeah.Goodthinghe’dneverbeen

inlove,orwhoknewwhathemightdo.Maybesomethingcrazylikedodgebullets,spendadayon

surveillancelookingoutforasilvercar-shapedneedleinahaystack,andconsiderhowfarhecouldgetif
hetriedtorunawayfromhisfamily…

Theanswertothatlastoneimmediatelypoppedintohishead:notveryfarbeforeCarlocameafterthe

bothofthem.

“Soundslikearealpainintheass,”Vincesaid.“GuessI’llkeeponavoidingit.”
“Ah,there’sgooddays,too.Gottarememberthegooddays.So,didsomethingchangewiththegirl?

Angelosaidyoudidn’tcomeintoday.”

Vinceknewhepurposelydidn’tuseCassie’snameincasetheywerebeinglistenedto.“Ineededto

takecareofafewthings,andtherestaurantrunsfinewithoutme,right?”BeforeCarlocouldanswer,
becauseit’dinevitablyendinabackandforthaboutwhichsideofthebusinessheshouldbein,hemoved
on.“Thingsarethesame.”

HowlongwouldtheyhavetostaythatwayuntilhisunclewouldforgetaboutCassie,andshecould

liveanormallife?

“Good,good,”Carlosaid.“Youcanbackoff.Noneedtowasteyourtime.”
Vince’slungstightened.Easyenough…ifsomeoneelsewasn’ttailingher.“She’sgotafollow-up

doctor’sappointmentnextweek.ItoldherI’dgowithherformoralsupport.”

Therehewent,diggingtheholealittledeepersoitcouldcaveinlaterandburyhim.Yes,hewas

lookingoutforher,buthisreasonswereselfishaswell.Hedidn’twanttoletgo.Thesimplenightsather
place,herlaugh,thewayshemovedaroundthekitchen,andthekissesthatmadehimcravemore…Those
werethethingshe’dmissmost.

“Keepmeupdated,”Carlosaid.“Andmakesureyoufindouthowlikelysheistoregainher

memories.”

“Iwill.Ijustwanttobeasthoroughaspossible.”
MightaswelldigdeeperwhileI’matit.AtleastafternextweekIcantellhimthedoctortoldher

theyaregoneforgood,andshe’llbesafeagain.

“Assoonasyouwrapthatup,we’lltalkotheroptions.Youknow,ifyouweremynumbertwo,you’d

haveevenmoreprotection.Bobbywouldfallunderit,too.”

Andthereitwas.Anotherreasontodelay.

ChapterNineteen

“Canyoutakemytabletheirfood?”TyraaskedCassie.“Theguyissuchaperv,andIcan’ttakehis
staringanymore.I’msureyouwon’thaveanyproblems.”TheQueenoftheBackhandedCompliments
raiseddarkeyebrows.“Yesorno?”

“Sure,”Cassiesaid,takingtheextendedtray.Herthoughtsweretooconsumedwithworryingabout

VincetodebateTyra.MaybeIshouldn’thavetoldhimaboutthecar.

Shedeliveredthefoodandapproachedanelderlycouplewho’djustbeenseatedinherarea.
Thewoman,whohadtobeinherseventiesattheleast,woreabrightlycoloredhalter-topandared

skirtshorterthantheoneCassiehadon.Thetinystrapkeepinghertopinplacestretchedtightasshe
leanedforward.Wow,thewomanhadconfidence,Cassiewouldgiveherthat.Shejustwasn’tsureshe
wantedtowitnessherconfidence,especiallyifthatstrapgaveway.

Assheranthroughthespecials,shecouldn’thelpwonderingifthehusbandbraggedtoallhisfriends

thathiswifestilldressedsexy.Workingtokeepasnort-laughfromescaping,shefocusedontheirorder.

“I’llhavetheshrimppomodor,”themansaid.
Hiswifefrownedathim.“Youdon’twantthat.It’sgotchiliflakes.You’llgetheartburn.”
“I’lljusttakemypills.”
“Hedoesn’twantthat,”thewomaninsisted,turningtoCassie.“Bringhimthetroutwiththehoney

butterglaze.”

“IthinkIknowwhatIwant!AndIwanttheshrimp!”
Theywentbackandforth,withthewifepointingoutothermenuoptionsthehusbandcontinuedto

shakehisheadat.

Funnyenough,thishappenedalot,mostlyfromcoupleswho’dbeentogetheralongtime.Inastrange

way,Cassiesupposeditwasnicetohavesomeonewhoknewifyougotheartburnaftercertaindishes.
Shewonderedifthetwoofthemstartedoutarguingaboutthelittlethings,dayone,orifithappenedwith
age.

Maybeheusedtodemandhedropheroffandpickherupfromwork.Maybehesaidhe’dtrusther

judgment,kissedheruntilsheforgotshe’deverbeenmad,andthenturnedaroundanddidtheopposite.

HowdidyougetfrompointAtopointB?Shecouldn’thelpwonderinghowlongthiscouplehadbeen

together.Iftheyhadkidsandgrandkids.Sinceherparentsdiedyoung—hermomafteronlyfiveshort
yearsofmarriage—coupleswho’dgrownoldtogetherhadalwaysfascinatedCassie.Sometimesshe
wonderedifyougotcrazy-strongloveforalittlewhile,likeherparents,oryougotalowerbutsteady
flowthatlasteddecades.

WhichwouldIchooseifIhadthechoice?She’dseenhowmuchDadmournedMom,evenyears

after.Hesaidtherewasnopointineverdatinganyoneelse.Cassiealternatelywantedandvetoedhaving
thatkindofall-consuminglove.

SheandVincedefinitelyhadpassionatefireworks,bothintheattractionanddisagreeing,anditwas

alreadysointense.Butisittoointense?

HereIamturningacouple’sfightoverfoodintoahugeanalysisofVince’sandmybarely

relationship,whenIshouldbefocusingonthedilemmaathand.It’dbemucheasiertosolve,anyway.

“HowaboutIputinanorderfortheshrimp,butaskthemtoleaveoffthechiliflakes?”
Thatseemedtosatisfybothparties.Latertonight,she’dhavetousethosesamecompromisingskills

onVince.Maybeshe’duseherotherpowersofpersuasion,too.Cassiediscreetlycheckedthetime.Just
onemorehourtogo.

Abouttwentyminuteslatershesetthefooddowninfrontofthecouple,andthewomanwrinkledher

nose.“What’sthisgreenstuff?”

“Basil,”Cassiesaid.“Thesalmoncomesinabasilcreamsauce.”
Theladypokedatitwithafork.“Iwishitwasrosemary.”
Funnythatshereadtheentiredescriptionofherhusband’smeal,buthadn’tbotheredtoreadherown.
Well,atleastthecrowd’scolorfultonight.WhileCassiedidn’tmindthat,shethoughtagainabout

Vince’sculinaryschoolsuggestion.Sheconstantlyhadtoputherselfoutthereasawaitress,andshe’d
lovetobeintheback,creatingthedishesinstead.

ThatwaysomeonecouldbecomplainingI’dusedbasilinsteadofrosemary,shethoughtwitha

smile.

“Icangetyousomerosemaryifyouwant,”Cassiesaid.
“That’dbelovely.”
OnherwaytothekitchensheranintoTyra,becausethatwashowthisdaywasgoing.
“Whydon’tyoueverwearcontactstowork?”
“Ihaveissueswithstickingmyfingerinmyeye,soIdon’towncontacts.”
Tyragaveheracondescending,aren’t-you-precioustypeexpression.“Ijustthinkitwouldampup

yourwholelook.Ibetyou’dgetbettertips,too.”Withthat,shetookoff.

Culinaryschoolwaslookingbetterbythesecond.

***

FifteenminutesafterCassie’sshiftended,andVincestillwasn’tthere.Shewasn’tsureifsheshouldcall
orassertherindependencebyshowingshewasperfectlycapableofwalkinghomealone.

Tyraglancedathersittinginthewaitingarea,andCassiedecidedeitherway,sheneededtogetoutof

McCarthy’s.She’dspentherbreakandthelastfewminuteslookingintoculinaryinstitutes.

Hermindwasstillspinningwiththeinformationshe’dfoundwhenshesteppedoutside.Shescrolled

downtoVince’snameinherphoneasshestartedtowardherapartment.

Atthesoundsofyelling,shefroze.Adrenalinesurgedandshefranticallyglancedaround.
“I’mnotheretohurther,Iswear!”
Thevoicewascomingfrom…there.Vincehadadark-hairedguyhalfwayoutthewindowofasilver

car,hisfistsgrippingtheguy’scollaredshirt.

“Oh,crap,”shesaid,breakingintoajog.
Sheonlycaughtfragmentsoftheconversation.
“…aP.I,”thestrugglingguysaid.“I’vejustbeenhired…findher.”HelookedaboutVince’sage,with

similarfeatures.Darkhair,oliveskin.Notnearlyasripped,though,whichdidn’tbodewellforhimright
now.

“Vince!”sheyelled,andheglancedather.
“Hey,baby.Ifoundoutwho’sbeenfollowingyou.Shouldwefindoutwhoaskedhimtodoit?”He

leanedclosertotheguy’sface,menacedrippingoffhim.“Whohiredyou?”

“Ican’tdisclosethename.”
Vinceliftedtheguyhigher,themusclesinhisarmsflexing,andhisvoiceturnedhardassteel.“Wrong

answer.”

“Okay,okay.Itwasoneofherclassmates.Shestoppedshowingup,andmyclienthiredmetosee

whathappened.Iguesstheywerefriends.”

Vinceturnedtoher.“Whowereyourcollegefriends?”
Cassiestaredathim.Wasthisseriouslyhappening?Anyminute,someonewasgoingtocallthe

police.“Um,hello?Memorychallenged,remember?”

Vinceloosenedhisgripontheman’scollar,andheslidintothecar.“Right.”
“Look,I’lltellmyclientwhateveryouwant,”Mr.PrivateInvestigatorsaid.“Ifyoudon’twanttobe

found,that’sfine.”

Cassieleanedintotalktotheguy,andVinceheldhisarmout,keepingherback.“Youcangiveyour

clientmynumber,andI’lldecide.”

“No,I’lldecide,”Cassiesaid,buttheguyhandedthenotepadtoVinceforobviousreasons.She

turnedherhardstareonVince,addingcrossedarmsshehopedconveyedthatshewasserious.

“Fine,”Vincemuttered.“Buttheystillcallmynumberfirst.”HehandedthenotepadbacktoMr.

PrivateInvestigatorandgavehimagrinthatwasmoreintimidationthanhumor.“Youcanneverbetoo
carefulthesedays.”

Mr.PrivateInvestigatornodded.“Sure.”
“AndifIseeyourcaragain—”
“Youwon’t.CanI…gonow?”
Vincejabbedafingerthroughtheopencarwindow.“Youbetternotbelying,orournextmeeting

won’tgoaswell.”

Themannoddedagainandstartedhiscar,obviouslyinahurrytogetaway.
CassiegrabbedVince’sarmandpulledhimbacktothesidewalk.“So,howwasyourday?”she

asked,throwingasmuchsarcasmintoherwordsasshecould.

“Productive.Yours?”
“Sucky.AndthenIcomeoutsideandfindyoubeingatotalcaveman.Wasitreallynecessarytohaul

himhalfwayoutofthecarlikethat?”

“Yes.”HeputhishandonherbackandguidedherintotheJeep.
Shewasn’tsurehowtofeelaboutdatingaNeanderthal,butshehadtoadmitshefeltprettydamnsafe.

Well,she’dadmitittoherself.Vincedidn’tneedencouragement.

Whentheypulleduptoherapartmentcomplex,Vincekepttheenginerunning.“Itoldyoufromthe

beginningIwasn’tthedo-goodertypeandthatmylifewasmessy,”hesaid.“I’mnotdenyingit.ButIdo
knowhowtotakecareofproblems,evenifmymethodsarealittle—”

“Archaic?Caveman-esque?Crazypants?”
Hiseyebrowsdrewlowoverhiseyes.“Iwasgoingtosayunconventional.”
Sheshookherhead.“Unconventionalbarelyscrapesthesurfaceofdescribingyou.”
“Idon’tthinkI’veeverusedthetermcrazypants,either.”
AlaughslippedoutbeforeCassieclampedherlipsshut.
“DidIscrewitup?”Vinceasked,imploringherwiththosebrowneyesshehadsuchahardtime

resisting.

“Ithink…”Hisintensegazeandthewayitmadeherhearthammerherribcagemadeithardtoget

wordstocomeoutright.Sheclearedherthroat.“Well,Ithinksecurityisagoodfieldforyou.And
honestly,Iwould’vediedthatnightwewereshotatifyouhadn’tbeenthere,andit’sgoodtoknowI
wasn’tjustparanoid,thinkingsomeonewasfollowingme.”

“But?”
Cassieswallowedhard.Thetruthwas,Vinceterrifiedher.Notbecauseshewasscaredhe’dhurther

—notphysically,anyway.Emotionally,though?Shealreadyreliedonhimtoomuch,andshe’dopenedup
tohimmorethansheeverhadwithanyoneelse.Shewasstartingtofallforhim,andshedidn’tthinkshe
couldsimplyrecoverfromaguylikeVince.Theirvastdifferencesmadeherwonderiftheywerecrazyto
evenattemptarelationship.Buttheotheroptionwasendingthings,andthethoughtofthatmadeherlungs
constrict.

Sheranherfingertipdownthemuscledlineofhisforearm.“Butmaybeweshouldtryalittleharder

tohavedaysnotinvolvingbulletsorpullingpeopleoutofcars.”

Alopsidedsmilespreadacrosshisface.“AndIcouldtrustyourjudgmentalittlemore?”
“Exactly.NodemandingIhavetowaitforyoutopickmeup.Andhowaboutjustaskguyswhy

they’refollowingmebeforethreateningthem.”

“Peoplearesomuchmoremotivatedtoanswerthatway,though.”
Cassieraisedaneyebrowathim.
Hehelduphishands.“Okay.Foryou,I’lltryalittleless…archaicmethods.Areyouhappy?”
Shenodded.“Skeptical,buthappy.”
“Smartgirl,”hesaid.“Now,didyoueat?BecauseasmuchasIlovewatchingyoucook,IthinkIowe

youdinnerout.Somewherenice.”

“DoIgettochangefirst?”
“Likeanygoodapologydinnerbribe,yougetwhateveryouwant.”
ShestartedoutoftheJeep,thenabruptlyturnedbackandputherhandonthesideofhisface.“Justso

youknow,VinceDaMarco,Iseeyou.Therealyou.Evenifyoudon’t.”

***

JimsatinacornerboothfacingthedooroftherestaurantsohewouldseeMancinicomein.Hisgaze
bouncedfromthebrightcoloredsombrerostothesunburstsandpicturesonthegoldenwallsandthen
backtothedoor.

Whenhispartnercalledandsaidtheyneededtomeetup,hesoundedlikehe’ddownedacaseof

Redbulls.SincetheywerebothinTrenton,they’ddecidedonalocalMexicanjointinsteadofmakingthe
drivetoheadquartersinNewark.Thetripwasanhouringoodtraffic,anditwasgettingolddayafterday,
especiallywhentheystillhadnothingtoshowforit.

Thedooropened,andManciniwalkedin.HechargedoverandsatacrossfromJim.“Iscrewedup.I

thinkIscrewedupbig.”

Jimautomaticallysethishandonthebuttofhisgun,checkingitwasthere,eventhoughheknewit

was.“Issomeonefollowingyou?”heasked,glancingatthedoor.

“No.Imadesure.ButI…Well,youmentionedthewaitress,andsoI’vebeenpokingintoherpasthere

andthere.TodayIwasinherneighborhoodaroundthetimeshegoestowork,soIfollowedher…”
Mancinireachedforthebasketofchipsandtookone,buthetappeditagainstthetableinsteadofeatingit.

“And?”
“IthoughtIwasbeingcareful;Iwassofocusedonher.Ithinkshemight’veseenmethismorning,soI

backedoff.ButwhenIwaswaitingforhertogetoffwork…”Hewenttotappingthechipuntilonly
crumbsremained.

Jimclenchedhisjaw,tryingnottoshoutatthekidtospititout.“Whathappened?”
“Iwassittingthere,mywindowdown,andoutofnowhere,thisguyhaulsmehalfwayoutofthecar

andstartsgrillingmeaboutfollowingCassie.Iwassothrownittookmeafewsecondstorealize
CassandrawasCassie,andtheguyyellingatmewasVinceDaMarco.”

Jimleanedforward,hisheartquickeningatthepossiblelead.“VinceDaMarco’swatchingCassandra

Dalton?”

“I…I’mprettysurehe’sdatingher.IwasfumblingthroughastoryaboutbeingaP.I.whenshecame

outofMcCarthy’s.YesterdayItrackeddownsomeofherclassmatesandaskedthemafewquestions,so
whenhedemandedtoknowwhohiredme,Itoldhimitwasoneofherfriendsfromcollegewhojust
wantedtofindher.”

“Thatwasgood,thinkingonyourfeetlikethat.”Jimtossedachipinhismouth,tryingtomakeheads

ortailsoftheinformation.“OfficerDuffymetwithhertodayandclaimedshestilldidn’tremember
anything.YouthinksheandVincehavebeendatingthewholetime?Thatshe’sjustgotthecopfooled,
alongwiththerestofus?”

“Idon’tthinkso.WhenVinceaskedabouthercollegefriends,shementionednotrememberingthem.

Noneofherclassmatesknewmuchabouther.Theyjustsaidshewasquietandgotgoodgrades.Afewof
themmentionedherjobatRossi’s—they’dobviouslyheardrumors—butwhenIaskedifsheever
mentionedanythingstrange,theysaidshegotmadifanyoneimpliedherbosswasconnected.”

“Thinkshewascoveringforthem?”
Mancinishrugged.“Idon’tknow.Butshelookedprettyworriedformewhensheranover.I’m

actuallygladsheshowedup,becauseI’mnotsureVincewould’veletmeoffsoeasilyotherwise.She
calmedhimdown,andIgotthehelloutofthere.Hedidgivemehisnumbertogivetomyimaginary
client.Thequestionisdowehavesomeonecall?”

“Youtrustoneofthosecollegekidstonotscrewupthestory?”
Mancinisighedandshookhishead.“No.OnesharpwordorlookfromVinceandthey’dcrackand

confessall,andthenwe’dreallybescrewed.Andifheseesmeagain…”Heswallowed,makingitclear
theguyhadshakenhim.

VinceDaMarcowasclearlycapableoffollowingthroughonthreats,buthespentallofhistimeatthe

restaurant,whichmadeJimdoubthewasveryhighupinthechainofcommand,ifhewasamademanat
all.

Maybehewasintheprocessofchangingthat.HishoursatRossi’shadtaperedoff,andhewaseither

datingorwatchingCassandraDalton.Possiblyboth.Thequestionwas,howmuchdidsheknowabout
him?

Nothingmadesense.Itwasliketheyhadallthepiecestothepuzzle,buttheystilldidn’tfittogether.
“Dowebringherin?”Manciniasked.
“Ifwedo,wemightjustendupgettingherkilled.”Jimgrabbedanotherchip,theloudcrunchmixing

inwithhisloudthoughts.“Hell,Idon’tknowwhichwayisupanymore.”

“DidourundercoveragentgetanythingfromDanteCosta’sgirlfriend?”
“No,andshehasn’tgottenacallfromRossi’saboutthewaitressposition,either,soitlookslike

havingherworkthereasamoleisabust.”

Mancini’sshouldersdeflated,andJimfoughttheurgetoletdefeattakehisdown,too.“Don’tworry,

kid.Littlethingsleadtobigthings.Wejustgottastepupourgame.”

Ontheoutsidehetriedtoconveythewe’ll-get-themvibe,butinsidehewasstartingtothinkthey’d

nevercatchabreak.

AlotofthreadsledtoCassandraDalton—toomanytobeacoincidence.WithMancinimade,Jim

wouldhavetofindatimewhenshewasn’twithVinceDaMarco.Maybehe’dswingbythatrestaurant
wheresheworked,seehowmuchsheknewaboutherboyfriend.Ifshewasclueless,he’dshedalittle
lightonthesituation.Thatshouldmotivatehertohelp,butifsheendedupbeinginonit,he’dfindaway
toexploitthat,too.

NomorebeingscaredtomakeamoveforfearofspookingCarloRossiandhisboys.Itwastimeto

takethingstothenextlevel.Createalittlechaos,letthesharkscircle,andassoonastheygotadropof
evidence,attackwitheverythingtheyhad.

ChapterTwenty

Eventhoughhehighlydoubtedhe’dseeanyoneheknewinthisneighborhood,Vincestilldidaquick
sweepoftherestaurantasthehostessledhimandCassietoatable.

Hersexyblackdressclungtohercurves,andherstrappyheelsmadeherseveralinchestaller,adding

extradefinitiontoheramazinglegs.Hehelpedherintoachairandangledhisseatsohecouldseethe
entranceliketheparanoidlunatichewasbecoming.Thatwaswhathappenedwhenyoususpectedthe
“privateinvestigator”wasn’tcompletelyhonest.Thatguyreekedofcop.Freshcop,butstill.

SomecopswenttheP.I.route,butusuallyafteryearsofbeingontheforce.Hisstoryabouta

classmatetryingtofindCassiedidn’tmakesense,either.Yes,she’dmovedandhadanewphone,but
surelythey’dhaveheremailaddress.Eveniftheydidn’t,whatcollegekidwouldshelloutmoneytofind
agirlwhosuddenlystoppedgoingtoclass?Unlessitwassomedudewhowasmadlyinlovewithher,
whichhehadnoproblembuying,butVincefiguredhewould’vestoppedbytherestauranttofindher,and
hewould’vedefinitelynoticedthat.Samethingifshehadaclosegirlfriend.

Theguy’sstorydidn’taddup.Thequestionwas,hadhebeenwatchingCassietogettohim,orjust

tryingtogettoCassie?Andwhy?

Ishouldn’thavequestionedhiminfrontofher.WhatwouldIhavedoneiftheguysaidCarlosent

him?Buthisunclewouldneversendapig,evenaformerone.Vincehadbeentoofocusedonfindingout
whohewastothinkthingsthrough.

Something’snotright.
“Hey?Where’dyougo?”Cassieasked,wavingahandinfrontofhim.
“That’smyline,”hesaidbeforerememberingitwasn’tanymore,becauselasttimeittriggeredadéjà

vusensationfromher.

“Andzoningoutisusuallymything.”
Hereachedacrossthetableandbrushedhisthumboverherknuckles.Thethinstrapsofherdress

lookedlikethey’dsnapwithaquicktug,andhedesperatelywantedtotryit,evenasheremindedhimself
heshouldn’t.Thebrightpinknecklacematchedtheinsideofherglassesandherattention-grabbingshade
oflipstick.“Well,I’mbacknow,andholyshitismydatehot.”

Ablushcreptacrosshercheeks.“Theglassesdon’truintheeffect?”Shepushedthemuphernose.

“DoyouthinkI’dlookbetterwithcontacts?Thentheglasseswouldn’tgetintheway,say,whenwewere
kissing,either.”

Nomorewatchingherslideherglassesuphernose?Helikeditwhentheywereslightlycrooked

afterhekissedher,too.He’dseenherwithoutthem,ofcourse,likewhenshetookthemofftocleanthe
lenseswithhershirt,soheknewitwasawin-win.Healsoknewenoughaboutwomentotreadlightly.

“Ithinkyou’resexywithandwithoutthem.”Wouldshefindthehotlibrariancomparisona

compliment,orwouldshebeoffended?Whenindoubt,avoid.“AndI’magoodenoughkissertowork
aroundthem,”hejoked.“Butwhatevermakesyouhappy.”

“Iknowtonsofpeoplehavecontacts,and—intheory—I’dgetusedtothem,butitreallyicksmeout

thinkingofstickingmyfingerinmyeyeandhavingthisobjectfloatingaroundinthere.”

“Thenkeeptheglasses.LikeIsaid,hot.”
Awaitercameandtooktheirfoodorder.Onceheleft,Cassieleanedin,testingthestrapsofherdress.

“So,sinceIhadabitofacrapdayatwork,Istartedthinkingmoreaboutyoursuggestion,andIlooked
intoculinaryschools.Getthis,ifIwenttotheCulinaryInstituteofAmerica,IcouldsayIgraduatedfrom
theCIA.Wouldn’tthatbecool?”

Hegrinnedandthenquicklyglancedaround.Yeah,aslongasnooneheknewthoughttheCIAwas

gettinginvolved,itwascool.“CanCIApeopledateguyslikeme?Idoubtit.”

Shelaughed,hereyessparkling.“It’safouryearprogram,butatleastI’dbeworkingtowardacareer

Ilikeinsteadofjustspinningmywheels.TheCIAisinNewYork,though.Asaremostoftheother
culinaryschools.”Hersmilefaded.“NewYork’soveranhouraway.It’dbealongcommutefromhere,
evenwithAmtrack,so…”

Thewayshelookedathimmadeitclearshewasfactoringhimintoherdecision.Thebestpossible

thingforherwastogetfar,farawayfromhere.“Arethereotherlocations?”

“CaliforniaorTexas.”
“Thoseplacesareniceandwarm.IbetthecostoflivingislessthanNewYork.AtleastinTexas.

Probablylesscrime,too.”

Shenodded,herdisappointmentclear.“ButI’dmissfall.Andcrime-freecitiesareafairytale.”She

fiddledwiththelinennapkinonthetable.“I-IgetthatNewYorkwouldbeexpensive,andit’sabitofa
drive,but…”

Whenitcametogettingawayfromthemesswithhisuncle,hermovingwastheperfectsolution.Out

ofsight,outofmind.Heshouldnot,underanycircumstances,thinkabouthowitmeantshe’dbefaraway
fromhim,wherehecouldnevercheckonher.

HethoughtaboutthatmomentintheJeepwhenshesaid,“Iseeyou.Therealyou.Evenifyoudon’t.”
She’dslayedhimalloveragain,slicinghischestrightopen.Hewasafraidshedidanddidn’tallat

thesametime.Hewantedtobewhoshesaw,buthejustwasn’t,andhedidn’tknowhowtobreakitto
her.Especiallywhenshe’dseenatleastsomeoftheevidenceand,bysomeamazingmiracle,hadn’trun.

Thewaiterchosethatmomenttobringtheirfood,draggingouttheelephantintheroomtothepointit

wasstandingonthetablebetweenthem.Oncetheywerealoneagain,hereclaimedherhand.

“Ithinkweshouldgo,”hesaid.“CaliforniaorTexas.Whencanweleave?”
“You’renotserious,”shesaid.
Hell,amI?AlifesomewhereelsewithCassiecalledtohim.Maybeifhecouldfindawaytoleave

afterCarlogotwrappedupinbusinessasusualandforgotabouther.Shecouldgogetsetup,andhe’d
followheracoupleofmonthslater.Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,picturingit.Alittlehouse.Coming
homeeverydaytoher,listeningasshefilledhiminonhowher“CIA”trainingwasgoing,watchingher
juggleingredientsinthekitchenasshetestedoutthenewdishesandtechniquesshe’dlearned…

Eventuallytheycouldstartuptheirownrestaurant.He’ddothemanagement,she’dcook.
ButwhatwouldhappentoBobbynexttimehelandedhimselfintrouble?Vincedidn’tevenknow

wherehislittlebrotherwasrightnow,whichalwaysworriedhim.PartofhimwantedtosayBobby’dhad
enoughchances,butitdidn’tchangethefactthathewaspartiallytoblameforgettinghimintothat
lifestyle,orthathisscrew-upscouldgethimkilledifVincewasn’ttheretointervene.

Evenwithouthimintheequation,hedoubtedCarlowouldwishhimwellandlethimleavewithouta

fight.

Everywayhetriedtospinit,beingwithhimputherinmoredanger.
VinceliftedhiseyestoCassie’s.“Iwanttobe.But…Ihaveabrother.I’mnotsureIcouldleavehim

behind.Honestly,Ionlyhearfromhimwhenhe’sintrouble,whichhegetshimselfintofrequently,andifI
wasn’theretohelphim,Iworryaboutwhatwouldhappen.”

Shenodded,herdanglysilverearringscatchingthelight.“SomaybejustNewYork?Reallythisis

justthedreamstageoftalking,wheretheidea’sshinyandnew,beforerealitystepsinandtellsmeIcan’t
getin…oraffordtuitionevenifIdid.”

“You’regoing.”Hesqueezedherhand.“Cassie,promisemeyou’llmakeithappen.Pleasedon’tlet

meholdyouback.”Sheopenedhermouthandthenclosedit,likeshewaslookingforanexcuse.
“Promise.”

“IpromiseI’lltry,”shesaid.“That’sthebestIcando.”Thefiercelooksheaddedmadehimthinkshe

wastellinghimthatifsheacceptedhimforhim,hehadtoacceptherforher.

Assoonashebrokethingsoff,she’dbemoremotivated.Maybeevengoforthefartherlocation.It’d

bebestforherintheend.

“Vince…”Sheslippedherfingersbetweenhis.“Idon’tknowhowtosaythiswithoutitcoming

acrossastoomuch,andIdon’twanttofreakyouout.ButI’menjoying…”Withherfreehand,she
motionedbetweenthem.“Whateverthisis.Ifeellikeyou’retheonlypersonIevenknow.I’msousedto
beingalone,andit’snicetonotbe.Evenifit’sjustforalittlewhile.”

Thewordsstung,eachoneadarttothechestthatradiatedguilt.Becausewhilesheknewhimbetter

thananyoneinalotofways,shedidn’treallyknowhimatall.

ChapterTwenty-One

AllegrawassuffocatingCarlo,andafterthreedaysofneverleavingthehousesohecouldproveheonly
hadeyesforher,heescapedtoRossi’s.Mostrestaurantsweren’tequippedwithofficesthislarge,which
madehimallthemoregratefulforitwhenheneededspace.Hisgreat-grandfatherboughttheolderbrick
buildingwhenhefirstsettledinNewJersey,andit’dworkedverywellforthefamilybusiness—boththe
legitimaterestaurantsideandthelesslegal,higherpayingside.

Carlohadjustleanedbackinhischairandclosedhiseyestoenjoytheblessedsilencewhenthe

knockonhisdoorjerkedhimupright.Chepalle,whatisitnow?

Salpokedhisheadinside.Oh,good.Thegnat.
Hestrolledonin,satinthechairacrossfromCarlo,andproppedhisfeetonhisdesk.
CarlostaredatthebootsuntilSalgotthemessageandremovedthem.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“IwasjustwonderingwhereVincewas?Salcould’vetakencareofCassieinaday.”
“Whydon’tyoudoyourjobandletmeworryaboutVince?AndCassieforthatmatter.”He’dputSal

onalltheshittyjobsforaweekafterhislaststunt,butinsteadofcomplainingtheentiretime,he’dbrought
intwentypercentmoremoney.Sowhileheneededtoberemindedofhisplaceonceinawhile,Carlo
couldn’tdenyhegotthingsdone.

“Surething,Boss.”Heleanedforwardandplacedhiselbowsonhisknees.“It’sjustIgotto

thinking…”

Carlogrippedthearmsofhischair,alreadyregrettingthis.Hewasabouttotellhimtogetthehellout

andnotbughimagainwhenSalsaid,“DidyouevernoticethewayVincelookedatCassie?”

Carlonarrowedhiseyes.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Salhelduphishands.“Itmightbenothing.Imean,Iaskedherout,too,andweallagreedshewasa

prettygirl.ButIthinkVincehasathingforher.He’sinsistedonstayingoutofthebusiness,andthen
suddenlyCassie’sinvolvedandhe’svolunteering?Nowhe’sspendingallthistimewithher.Aren’tyou
worriedhemightgethisallegiancesmixedup?”

ThesuggestiondugunderCarlo’sskin,leavingititchyandirritated.“Vincedoesn’twanthertosuffer.

AsentimentIshare,”hesaid,althoughnowhewastryingtorememberhowVinceactedaroundher.He’d
seenthemtalknowandthen—normalconsideringthey’dworkedtogether—andshe’dlaughedand
smiled,butshewasafriendlygirl,likethatwitheveryone.Itwaswhyhiscustomerslikedhersomuch,
too.“That’salsomynephewyou’retalkingabout,soyou’rewalkingafineline.YouthinkIdon’tknow
myownfleshandblood?”

“JustthoughtIshouldmentionitincaseyoudidn’tknow,that’sall.”Salstoodandwrappedhishands

aroundthebackofthechairhe’dvacated.“He’sneverkilledanyonebefore,either.Noticehealways
stepsawaybeforeithappens?Ijustdon’tthinkhehasitinhim.”

“I’mprettysurehewould’vekilledyouifIhadn’tpulledhimoff.”
Sal’shandwenttohisneck,andangerflickeredthroughhiseyes.Thiswasaboutrevenge.Vincehad

triedtosquishthegnat,sohe’ddecidedtocomebuzzing.

Carlopulledtheremoteoutofhisdesk,eyeingtheflatscreenhe’dinstalledlastyear.“LikeItoldyou

boys,Cassie’stobeleftalone.Vinceisonit,andthelastthingweneedrightnowistodrawextra
attentiontoourselves.Itdoesmenogoodtogetarrestedforconspiracytocommitmurdertoavoida
murderrap,doesit?YouthinkIgottowhereIambymakingbadcalls?”

“No,Boss.”
CarloleveledSalwithhishardstare.“Youfuckingrememberthatnexttimeyoucomeinhereand

kickyourdirtyshoesuponmydesklikeyouowntheplace.”

Salscurriedoutoftheoffice,andCarloslammedhisfistdownonhisdesk,makingtheremotejump.

Allhewantedwastendamnminutestohimself.Nowhehadtositandsecond-guesstheoneguyheknew
hecouldrelyon.

Hedugintohisdesk,tookoutacigar,andlitit,givingthehealthcodethemiddlefinger.
Heleanedbackandheldinthesmokebeforeslowlyblowingitout.Angelogavehimtherestaurant

reportslastnight,andwhilethey’dbeenmessyasshit,Rossi’shadn’ttakeninwhatitusuallydidsince
Vincecutbackhishours.

SoifhegothiswayandVincetookhisrightfulspotathisside,he’dneedtohireacompetent

manager.Hemadeenoughthroughtheothersideofthebusinessthatitdidn’tmattermuch,butthebetter
therestaurantdid,theeasieritwastonothavetohidethefactthathehadmoney.

Hedidn’tliketohideit.
Afterafewmorepuffsofhiscigar,hereturnedtotheVincequestion.IswearItalkedtothatgirl

morethanVincedid.I’mtheonewhohiredher,too.He’dconductedanimpromptuinterviewwhenshe
droppedoffherapplicationbecausetherewasjustsomethingabouther.Thebashfulsmile,thewayshe
tookthejokeshemadeinstrideandquippedback,evenifitwasathalf-volume.DespitewhatAllegra
refusedtofullybelieve,he’dneversteppedoutontheirmarriage.Cassiewasprettyandassweetasthey
came,butherwaitressingexperiencewaswhyhemadeasnapjudgmentandhiredheronthespot.

Cometothinkofit,Vincewasallputoutwhenhetoldhimhehiredsomeonehimself.Laterhis

nephewadmittedshewasthebestwaitresstheyhad.Thathardlytranslatedintohimbeinginterestedin
her,though.

WomenflockedtoVince,buthe’dneverbeenthesettlingdowntype,anotherthingthatmadehim

perfectforthisbiz.Hewouldn’thavetodealwithglassesbeingthrownathisheadwhenhenoticed
anotherwoman,asiflookingwerethesameastouching.

Carloshookhisheadandreturnedtothepoint.AmIfishingforareasontonotlookcloseratVince?

OrtonotkillCassie?

Honestly,hewasrelievedwhenVinceassuredhimshedidn’trememberanything.Mostpeoplehe

killedhaditcoming.Onceinawhile,peopleweresimplyinthewrongplaceatthewrongtime,andhe
hadtotakecareofit,regardlessofhispersonalfeelings.

IfSalhadbasicallyaccusedhimofbeingsoftinthatarea,whatweretheothermenthinking?

Kindnesslookedlikeweakness.

CarlodebatedforamomentandthentookouthisburnerphoneandcalledVince.
“Hey,”hesaidwhenVinceanswered—niceandquick,whichwasagoodsign.“What’sthenameof

therestaurantwherethegirlworks?”

Thesilencetookmoretimethanheliked.
“Sorry,Igotdistracted.Sheworksataseafoodandsteakplacedowntown.”
Carlotappedtheashesofftheendofhiscigar.Purposelyvague?Ordistracted?“What’sthename?”

heaskedagain,holdingbackhisangertoavoidraisingsuspicion.

Damngnat,makingmebaitmyownnephew.
“Uh,McCormick’s.”Arustlingnoisecameovertheline.“Look,I’mhandsdeepintheJeep’sengine

rightnow.Istheresomethingyouneed,orcanwetalklater?”

“Justwantedthatinformation.”
“Buteverything’sonholdtillafterherdoctor’sappointment,right?”
Carlotappedafingeragainsttheedgeofhisdesk.“Didyoumakeadecisionaboutmyoffer?”
“No.Buthonestly,Imissrunningtherestaurant.Ifeelathomethere.”

Carloclenchedhisjaw.Mostguyswouldjumpattheopportunity.HegotthatVince’sdaddiedright

infrontofhim,butthatwastheworldtheylivedin.He’dbeenpatient,waitingforhimtocomearound,
buthewassickofbeingpatient.

TheclangingofmetalagainstmetalmadeCarlopullthephonefromhisear.Vincesworeandthe

phoneclattered,thenthelinewentdead.Hedidn’tdoubtthathisnephewwasworkingontheJeep.But
Vinceseemedalittletooconcernedabouthiswantingthatrestaurantnameandthattheplanwasstillto
wait.

Ormaybehewasreadingtoomuchintoit.Buthedidn’tgettowherehewasbybeingstupid.
NowhewastryingtorememberthelasttimeVincehadafemalehangingaround.Oneusuallyshowed

uphereandthere.Attherestaurant.Atfamilygatherings.Nothingthateverlastedlong,justcasualsemi-
relationships.Buthecouldn’trecalltherebeinganyonesinceCassiestartedatRossi’s.

Swearingunderhisbreath,Carlorestedhiscigarontheashtrayandturnedtohiscomputer.Whenhe

typedin“McCormick’s,”hefoundalinkaboutspicesandarestaurantcalledMcCormickandSchmick’s
SeafoodandSteak,buttheyonlyhadlocationsinAtlanticCityandBridgewater,NewJersey.NoTrenton.

HedidasearchforrestaurantsinTrenton,gettingmoreandmorepissedashescannedthroughthe

resultswithoutseeingit.Finally,hepickeduptheburnerphoneandcalledSal.

“It’sme,”hesaid.“What’sthenameofthatplacethewaitressworksnow?”
“Cassie?”Salasked,andCarloclenchedhisjawandprayedforstrength.Carlomighthaveaclean

phonebutSalwasonhisregularcell.Beforehecouldsayanythingmore,Saladded,“McCarthy’sSteak
andSeafood.”

“Okay,that’sallIneeded.”
“Issomethinggoingon?”Salasked.Thiswaswhyhe’dwantedtheinformationfromVince—no

followupquestions.

“Justtakecareofyourrounds.”Carlohungup.Foramomenthewonderedifhe’dheardwrong,but

hewassurehehadn’t.MaybeVincehadslippedupsincehewasdistracted—hecertainlydidn’tcallback
toclearitup,though.Thenagain,hehadtoknowhoweasyit’dbeforhimtofindout.

Carlorakedhisfingersthroughhishair.
Well,intentionalornot,hewassickofplayingthisgame.Timetotakesomeoptionsaway.He’dbeen

gettingatonofcomplaintsfromNewYorklatelyaboutBobby,angrycallsaboutnotbeingabletoteach
thekidalessoninrespect.

Carloheldthemoff,butputtingoutthemessagethatBobbywasn’tunderhisprotectionanymore

wouldsendthesharkscirclingthebloodywater,fightingtotakethefirstbite.

Withinadayortwo,Vincewouldbebegginghimtotakethembothin.
AndwhilehewasbusywithBobby,maybeCarlowouldmakeavisittoMcCarthy’shimselfandsee

justhowmuchCassieremembered.

ChapterTwenty-Two

VincewaspullinguptoMcCarthy’stopickupCassiewhenhisphonerang.Hedidn’trecognizethe
number,butbetweentherestaurantandCarloandhiscrew,thathappenedalot.Eversincehisuncle’sodd
phonecallyesterdayhe’dbeenonedge,dreadgoingthoughhimwheneverthephonerang.

Maybethatwaswhyasenseofforebodingunfurledinhisgut.HeclimbedoutoftheJeepandhitthe

lockbuttononhiskeyfobasheanswered.“Hello?”

“Vince,it’sme.”
Thatfamiliarvoiceexplainedtheforeboding.Vincecouldn’trememberthelasttimehisbrother

calledwithoutthattingeofpanicinhisvoice.HeleanedagainstthepalebrickexteriorofMcCarthy’sand
pinchedthebridgeofhisnose.“Whathaveyougottenyourselfintothistime,Bobby?”

“What?Nonicetohearfromyou?”Offensedrippedfromhiswords,buttheybothknewanysecond

he’dgettothepoint,andit’dbebad.“Fine,you’reright.I’mintrouble.”

“Whichcityjailareyouinnow?Idon’tevenknowwhereyou’vebeenlivingthesedays.”
“NewYork.AndI’mnotinjail,butapparentlyI’mnolongerunderCarlo’sfamilyprotectionplan.

Didyouknowaboutthat?”

TheedgesofthephonedugintoVince’spalmashegrippedittighter.Beforehecrackeditinhalf,he

forcedhimselftorelax.“He’stryingtogetmetojoinhimagain.Ididn’tthinkhe’dgothisfar.”He
swallowed,scaredtoaskbutknowinghehadto.“Howbadisit?”

“Iowesomepeople.Badpeople.Ijustneedalittleloantogetmeby.I’llpayyouback,Iswear.”
“TheonlypaybackIevergetisbeingindebtedtoCarlo.Youlethimbailyououtandpayoffyour

debts,thenyoudisappearandIendupdoingjobsIreallydon’tlikejusttokeepyoualive.Younever
learnbecauseIkeepsteppingintosaveyourass.You’regoingtohavetogrowupsometime.Now’sas
goodatimeasany.”

“Ican’tgrowupwhenI’mdead.”Thepanicmergedwithdesperation,transferringthroughthephone

untilVince’snervesstretchedpaper-thin.“IalreadycalledCarlo,andhesaidhewasdonewithme.That
hewouldn’tlendmeadime,andifIwantedthattochange,I’dhavetotalktoyou.”

AngryheatwoundthroughVince’sbody,andhegrittedhisteethuntilhisjawached.Somuchfor

thinkinghisunclewasn’taheartlessbastard.He’dneverresortedtomethodsthislowbefore.Either
somethingbadhadhappened,orCarlowassickofwaitingforananswer.Bothspelledtroublefor
Vince…andevenmoreforBobby.

VincepeeredthroughthelargewindowofMcCarthy’s,searchingforCassie’sblondhead.Itprobably

didn’tpanoutsowellforher,either.

“Howmuch?”Vinceasked,holdinghisbreathashewaitedfortheundoubtedlyshittyanswer.
“Tenwillbuymesometime.Twentywillkeepthemoffforgood.”
“Twentygrand?WherethefuckamIsupposedtogettwentygrand?”
“Ijustneedten.I…I’llfindawaytogettherest.Somehow.”
Surehewould.Morelikehe’dusethetimetogetaheadstartatrunning,thencallVincewhenthey

caughtup.Thenit’dbetwentyalloveragain.

“Ifyouwanttoletthemkillyouronlybrother,Iunderstand,”Bobbysaid,althoughpanicpinchedthe

words,leavinghisattemptedlightheartednesstooflat.“Atleastnowyou’llknowwhyIstoppedcalling.”

Vincelethisheaddropagainsttheunforgivingbrickwall,knockingitbackthreetimesbeforeresting

itthereandlettingoutanexhale.“Ineedtothink,andifyoukeepingsayingstupidshitlikethatI’lllet
themridmeofyouforgood.Callmebackinanhour.”

WhyIstoppedcalling,myass.LikeBobbyevercalledforanyreasonbesidesoneslikethis.Vince

thoughtofhissavingsaccount—theaccountthatwassupposedtobehispossibilityforsomethingelse.
Lately,he’dbeenthinkingofpossibilitiesthatinvolvedCassie.Thatdamnedfictionallittlehousein
CaliforniaorTexaskeptpoppingup,eventhoughhe’dtoldhimselfitwasn’tanoption.

Butit’ddefinitelynotbeanoptionifhedidn’thavehissavingstokeepthemafloat.
Takeawaytwentygrandandtherealmofpossibilitiesnarrowedconsiderably.Carlowouldhavethat

muchinthesafeinhisoffice.AllVincehadtodowaswalkin,tellhisunclethathewasin,andhe’dhand
overthemoney.Actually,he’dprobablymakeacallandsettleforhalftheamountandnoonewouldever
touchBobbyagain,nomatterhowdeephegotinwithdrugdealers.Butthistime,payingbackBobby’s
debtswouldn’tmeanacoupleofmonthscollectingmoneyfromlocalbusinessownersfor“protection”
andshakingthemdowniftheyrefused.It’dberunningdrugsandbeingon-calldayandnighttowhatever
Carlowantedhimtodo.

It’dbekeepingtheguysinline,usinghisfistsonaregularbasis,andbeingonboardwithsellingdrugs

tokidswho’denduplikeBobby.

Knowingwhenhitsweregoingdownandexecutingthem.
Withinamonthorso,he’dprobablybecomenumbtoit.Comehomeandkickbackwithabeerasif

it’dbeenjustaregularworkdaylikeDadusedtodo.Eventuallysettledown,haveacouplekids,and
teachthemtoplaycatchuntiloneofhisorCarlo’senemiesgunnedhimdown,ifthebackstabbingmenin
hiscrewdidn’tgettohimfirst.

Vincepushedoffthebuildingandpacedupanddownthesidewalk.He’dneverpullCassieintothat

life,andshe’dneverstandforit,soshe’dbeoutofthepictureforsure.

She’soutofthepictureanyway.
Forabriefmoment,heentertainedthethoughtofgivingin.Ifhecouldn’thavewhathetrulywanted,

hemightaswellgetthebenefitofmorepowerandmoremoney.Justembracewhohewasandownit.

ThedoorofMcCarthy’sopened,andCassiesteppedout.Sheshothimaheart-stoppingsmileasshe

walkedupandloopedherarmsaroundhisneck.Herlipstouchedhis,andheclosedhiseyes,soakingher
inwhilehecould.

Whenshepulledback,hereyebrowsscrunchedtogether.“What’swrong?”
Heshookhishead,wavingoffherquestion,butthensheputherhandonthesideofhisfaceand

movedincloseenoughthatherchestbumpedhis.“Vince,Icantellsomething’swrong.Talktome.”

Hecrumpledlikeatwo-dollarbill.“It’smybrother.He’sintroubleagain.”
“Youneedtogohelphimoutofit?”
Hegaveacausticlaugh.“Youmeangoenablehimsomemore?”Nomatterwhat,Bobbywasallhe

had,andhewashisbrother.Hecouldn’tletpeoplehurthim,regardlessofhismanychancesandscrew-
ups,andhowmanytimesit’dhappenagain.“I’mallhe’sgot.Ican’tjustleavehim.”

“See?”shewhispered.“Goodguy.IsthiswhereIsayItoldyouso?Oristhatinsensitiveunderthe

circumstances?”

Despiteeverything,hesmiled.Thenhegatheredhertohimandhuggedher.Asfuriousasitmadehim

tothinkofhisbrothertossingeverythingasideforhisnextfix,herehewasdoingthesame.Onlyhisdrug
ofchoicewasawoman.Heranhisnoseacrosshercheekandpressedakissunderherear.Sheshivered
andclungtightertohim.

“You’restillwrongaboutthat,butrightnowIdon’treallycare.”
Oncehereleasedher,shereadjustedherglasses.“So,whereishe?”Shewinced.“Jail?”
“He’dprobablybesaferinjail.”ItslippedoutbeforeVincethoughtbetterofit,butitwasthesad

truth.“He’sinNewYork,andheowespeoplealotofmoney.”

“I’msureit’snoteasyknowingwhattodo.Butwhenitcomestopeoplewelove,we’vejustgotta

helpthemandbelievethatsomedaythey’llchange,right?”Cassiewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistand
restedherheadonhischest.Hewonderedifshecouldhearthewayhisheartbeatquickenedwithher
there.“Yougotakecareofit,andwhenyougetback,I’llcookyoudinner,completewithlotsoftrick
tossingandcatching.Youthinkit’lljusttakeaday,orwillitbelonger?”

It’dtakeatleastthreehoursofdrivingbackandforth,andwhoknewhowlongtotakecareofthe

peopleafterBobby,soprobablymostoftomorrow.AndVincewoulddefinitelyhavetogothere—if
Bobbyevenattemptedtocomehere,they’dthinkhewasrunningandbeathimtothebrinkofdeath,ifnot
sendhimonover.Afterall,it’dbewhatCarlowoulddointhesamesituation.

AngersparkedagainashethoughtaboutCarloputtinghimandBobbyinthissituation.Hewasn’t

goingtogivehisunclethesatisfactionofjoininghisranksafterhe’dusedBobbyasadisposablepawnin
hisgrandchessgame.

HeranhishanddownCassie’sback,pressinghercloser,andthoughtaboutleavingherhere,

unwatched.Unprotected.

TherewasthesupposedP.I.incidentthatstilldidn’tsitrightwithhim.Andwhatifthatpigwhowas

inlovewithherdecidedtoshowupandoneoftheboyssawherwithhim?

OrCarlo,heavenforbid.Hissuddeninterestinwheresheworkeddugathim,ascabhehadn’tbeen

abletostoppickingatsinceyesterday.Heprobablyscrewedupwhenhedodgedhisquestionandfudged
thenameoftherestaurant.

DoeshethinkIdon’thaveithandled?
He’dneedhisheadinthegametosaveBobby’sass,buthowwashesupposedtodothatifhewas

constantlyworriedaboutCassie?Seriously,wasanyonenotwatchingherrightnow?

Maybeifshestayedhometheentiretime?Yeah,likeshe’lllistentomejustbecauseIasknicely.And

demandingwon’twork.She’lltellmeIneedtotrustherjudgment.

Hetrustedherjudgment.Hejustdidn’ttrustalltheshadypeoplewhowerewaytoointerestedinher

rightnow.It’snotlikeCarloorhisboyscouldn’tfindtheirwayintoherplaceiftheyweredetermined
enough.

Ontheotherhand,ifCassiewentwithhim,Carlomightthinkshewastryingtorun.ButwhatifSal

decidedtopullafastone?WhenVinceranintohimatRossi’s,theguymadenoattempttohidehewas
holdingagrudge.

I’mtotallyfuckedeverywhichway.
Well,theonethinghewascertainofwasthatCassieneededtostayawayfromMcCarthy’swhilehe

wasgone.“Cassie,IneedyoutogotellMr.Brownyouneedtomorrowoff.”

“Areyoukiddingme?He’llfreakout.”
Vince’sgazezeroedinonthedoor,hisfeetpropellinghimtowardit.“ThenI’llgodoit.”
“Wait,wait.”CassieputahandonVince’schest;itwaskindofcuteshethoughtthatwouldstophim.

“Howcrazypantsareyougoingtobeoverthis?”

“Onascaleofonetoten,I’dsayatwenty.”
“I’llgoseeifanyonewillcovermyshift.You…”Shepushedhimbackagainstthewall.“Stay.”
Healmostgrowledthathewasn’tadog,buthesupposedthatwould’vebeencounterintuitive.She

alsosoftenedthecommandwithakiss,soheletitslide.

Whenshestillhadn’tcomeouttenminuteslater,hestraightened,readytogoworkhispowersof

persuasion.Butthenshepushedoutthedoor,herlipsinapoutyfrown,andheaskedwhoseassheneeded
tokick.

“Noone’s.Tyraswitcheddaysoffwithme,butonlyaftermakingmepromisetotakeoneofhershifts

inthefuture.”Cassieshuddered.“IfeellikeIjustsoldmysoul.”

Vincesweptherhairoffherfaceandsoftlykissedthosepoutylips.“Atleastwe’reonasemi-level

playingfieldnow.Isoldmysoulyearsago.”

Nowhejustneededtofigureoutifhewasgoingtotrytoconvincehertostayhomeandlockher

doorsuptightordraghertoNewYork,wherehe’dmostlikelyhavetodealwithshadydrugdealersor
loansharks.

Thiswaswhatitallcamedownto,right?Thethinghe’dbeenconflictedaboutfromthevery

beginning.Sweatprickedhisbrowandacidburnedthebackofhisthroatasherealizedtherewasnoway
hecouldkeepBobbyandCassieprotectedatthesametime,andhe’dinevitablyhavetochoosebetween
thegirlofhisdreamsandhisbabybrother…

ChapterTwenty-Three

Carlo’sdonsensestingled.Itwashisbusinesstoknowhisguys,knowhisterritories,andknowwhen
somethingjustwasn’tright.

Hesworeheheardaclickonthehomephonelastnight.Then,rightafter,duringthemeetingatthe

docks,hethoughtoneofhismenwasbaitinghim,askingquestionsaboutpastguyshe’dsnuffedoutand
wantingin-depthdetailsofthenextshipment.HeinstructedDantetotakehimonadriveandmakesurehe
wasn’twearingawire.

Danteclearedtheguyandtoldhimtostopaskingsomanyfuckingquestions,butthatdidn’teasethe

paranoiathathadCarloglancinginhisrearviewandwatchinghiswordsoverthephone.Heswepthis
home,office,andcarforbugsthismorningandcameupemptyonthatend,too.

Buthedidn’tgetthisfarbyignoringhisinstincts,andhewasn’tabouttostartnow.Sohecalleda

meetingandtoldMiatheyweren’ttobedisturbed.“Evenifit’smywife,”hemadesuretoadd,sinceher
lastpop-intotherestauranthadstartedawholesnowballofshit.

Theywerestillshortawaitress,andAngeloclaimeditwaswhytheyhadn’ttakeninasmuchmoney;

peoplewerecomplainingabouttheslowserviceandlookingatthewaittimeandleaving.Carloalmost
hiredoneofMia’sfriendswho’dputinanapplication,butlastminutedecideditsimplywasn’tworth
havinganyuntrustedearsaroundorhavinganotherincidentliketheonewithCassie.

Finally,hisfourcaposweregatheredinhisoffice.Theyweren’tthebrightest,buttheyweresomeof

thehardest.PartofthereasonhewantedVincebyhissidewastogetabetterbalance.Hisnephewknew
howtousehisfists,buthealsoknewwhentotalkhiswayout.Tothinkahead.Tonotusefuckingnames
overthefuckingphone.

Carloleanedhispalmsonhisdesk,sweepinghisgazeacrosshismen.“Youboysarewatchingfor

tails,right?Keepingyourphoneconversationsclean?”

Theyallnodded.
“LatelyI’vebeenfeelingadditionaleyesonme.Beextracautious.Getyourworkdone,butif

somethingsmellsbad,movelocations.Keepdetailslastminute.Don’tsayanythingthatcouldleadback
toyourselvesortome.YouallknowIrewardloyalty.Ifyouthinkyou’vegotarat,takecareofit.”

Hismenassuredhimthey’dbecautiousandreportanythingoutoftheordinary.Carlodismissedthem,

floppedintohischair,andrubbedhistemples.Thestresswasstartingtogettohim.

HepulledouthisphoneandtriedVince,butallhegotwashisvoicemail.
Maybehe’dmerelyslippeduponthatrestaurantname,butCarlodidn’thavetheluxuryofhoping,

especiallynowthattheheatwasbeingcrankedup.

He’dexpectedacallfromVincebynow.Eithertoaskformoneyorprotectionorboth.Hewassure

he’dtakeofftoNewYorktogetBobbyregardless,becausenomatterhowmanytimesthatkidscrewed
up,Vincedroppedeverything.HealwaysgaveBobbyalengthylectureashewassavinghisass,which
waswhythekidhadstartedtocallCarloinstead.Whylistentoaspielthat’dmakeyoufeelguiltywhen
yourunclewouldbailyououtandthencollectfromyourbrotherwhenyoudisappeared?

Underusualcircumstances,Carlowould’veneverputupwithsomeoneskippingoutinsteadofpaying

himback,buthe’dletitslide.Partlybecausethekidwasbloodandhisfatherhadbeenkilledworkingfor
him,butmostlybecauseitkeptVinceclose.

Thatwasbloodforyou—madeyoudothingsyounormallywouldn’t.
Isitmakingmesoft?Ican’tdosoft.Heshould’vedeniedVince’srequesttoruntherestaurantand

pushedharderfromthebeginning.NowVincehadgoneandforcedhishand.

Thekidwouldthankhimlater.Hemightneedtolearnahardlessonfirst,andCarlowouldgiveitto

him.

Hestrokedhisgoatee,workingoutaplanofaction.Ifthefedswerecircling—thewaytheytendedto

doeveryfewyears—heneededtomakesurehehadallhisducksinarow.Coveringhistracksandno
loosethreadswerewhythefedsnevergotanythingonhim,andwhytheyneverwould.

HismindcircledbacktoCassie,theonlyloosethreadhe’deverletlive.Witheverythingelsegoing

on,he’dnearlyforgottenabouthisplantocheckinonherthisafternoon.HetoldhimselfVincewastaking
careofit,andmaybeitwastheextraparanoiatalking,butsuddenlyhewonderedifhewasjustdragging
outtheinevitable.

Possibleattentionversusadeadpossiblewitness?
Attentionhecouldhandle;awitness,notsomuch.
Whichwaswhyadeadpossiblewitnessalwayswon,handsdown.

***

CassieapproachedherbeastofacarandturnedtoVinceasshepattedthehood.“Doyouwanttotakemy
cartoNewYorkinstead?I’vebeenneglectinghimlately,andhe’ssuperimpressive.Goesfromzeroto
sixtyin,like,fiveminutes,andeveryonewillstareatus.”

Shegotthesmileshe’dbeenhopingfor.Eversincehisbrotherhadcalledyesterday,stressradiated

offhiminwaves.AfterswitchingshiftswithTyrawithoutareasonwhy,they’dheadedtoherplace.
WhenBobbycalledagain,Vincesteppedintothehallwaytotalk.She’dtriednottobehurtbyit.She
understoodhewasaprivateperson,butshe’dbasicallyspilledherentirelifestorytohimoverthepast
fewweeks,andshewantedtohelphim,whileworryinghe’dneverlether.

Butthesecondhe’dsteppedbackintoherapartment,hermainconcernhadswitchedtotakingaway

theworrycreasinghisfeatures.She’dwrappedherarmsaroundhimandtoldhimshewasthereforhim,
whateverheneeded.

Thenhe’dsaid,“IwantyoutocomewithmetoNewYork.I…Ineedyouwithme.”
Andeventhoughitwasfastandpossiblyfoolish,shefellalittlebitinlovewithhimrightthere.
“Youroffertotakeyourvehicleisvery…well,it’sverysomething,”Vincesaidnow,puttinghishand

onherbackandguidinghertothenextspotoverwherehisbadassJeepsatreadytotakedownothercars
thatdaredcomenear.“ButI’mgoingforanonymitytoday.”

“Sorry,Idon’tthinkyoucanpulloffanonymity.”Shemadeacircleinfrontofhisface.“Notwiththe

wholesexy-hotness-lookyou’vegotgoingon.”

Heshookhishead,butflashedanothersmilethatdemonstratedexactlywhatshemeant;itlefthera

littlebreathlessandalotenchanted.“You’reonetotalk.”Heopenedthedoorandmadeasweeping,
gentlemanlygestureforhertogetin.Thenhesmackedheronthebuttasshemovedpast.

Sheglancedoverhershoulder,andhegaveanunapologeticshrug.Andallshecoulddowasgrinat

himlikeanidiot.I’vecompletelylostmymind.

Evenworse—ormaybeevenbetter—shedidn’tcaretogetitback.
VincefireduptheJeepandwrappedhishandaroundherthigh.Obviouslylastnighthismindhad

beenonhisbrother,andsheunderstood,butlatelyshewashavingone-trackthoughtsaboutsex.Every
gesture,everyheatedlooksaidhewantedher,soshedidn’tunderstandwhyhealwayspulledaway.She
didn’twanttomakeafoolofherself,butmuchlongerandshewasgoingtoresearchseductiontips.

Hisfingerstwitchedonherthigh,anditshotajoltstraightthroughhercore.Okay,makethatany

longer.

“So…”Hervoicecameoutbreathierthanshewould’veliked,andshereachedforthewaterbottle

she’dbroughtandtookalargegulp.

Vinceraisedonedarkeyebrowather.
“Iactuallydon’thaveanythingtosay.”Shepushedherglassesuphernose.“It’sjustalongdrive,and

it’llbesuperlongifthere’stotalsilence.”

“Ilikelisteningtoyoutalk,”Vincesaid.
“AndIappreciatethat,Ido,butwealwaysfocusonme.Whataboutyou?”
“No,let’snotdome.”
“ButwhatifIwantto…doyou?”
TheJeepswerved,andthecarnexttothemhonkedasVincestraightenedoutthewheel.“Holyshit,

Cass.”

Sheclampedherlipstogether,tryingnottolaugh.Atleastsheknewshecouldelicitthatkindof

reaction.“Wouldyourathertalkaboutyou,then?”

Heslidheradarklookthatsentthetemperatureofthecarskyrocketing.“No,I’ddefinitelychoosethe

other,butI’msortofinthemiddleofdriving,andapparentlyyou’retryingtokillusboth.”

Sheshruggedinnocently,andhisthroatworkedaswallow,hisAdam’sapplebobbingupanddown.
Forafewminutesonlytheradiofilledtheair,thenVincesaid,“IknowI’mgoingtoregretthis,but

whatdoyouwanttoknow?”

Shebarelyresistedjumpingupanddownonherseatlikeaneagerpuppy.“Well,Ididn’tevenknow

youhadabrotheruntiltheotherday.Whataboutyourmom?Youneversayanythingabouther.”

“Aftermydaddied,shedecidedshe’dratherjoinhimthanstayherewithmeandBobby.”
Cassie’sstomachbottomedout.Shehadn’texpectedthat.
“Myuncletookusin,butI’dalreadybeengettingintotrouble.Itwasn’tlikeanyonewastheretostop

me.Bobbyfollowedinmyfootsteps,andthenIdecidedtocleanupmyact.Hedidn’t.Thereasonhe’sin
theplaceheisnowisbecauseofme.”

“Youcan’tblameyourselfforthat.Youwereakid.”
“Iwasoldenoughtoknowbetter.”
“Ididn’tknowaboutyourmom,”shesaid.“I’msorry.”
“Notyourfault.Butthat’swhywedon’ttalkaboutme.”
“I’dratherknow.”Cassiereachedoverandranherfingersthroughthehairathisneck.
“I’mnotafanofconversationsbettersuitedforaleathercouchandadoctorwho’llhandyoutissues

asyoucry.”

“Yes,heavenforbidyoupretendtohaveemotions.”
Hescowledather,asifeventheword“emotions”madehimneedtothrowsomething.
“WhenIlostmydad,Icompletelyshutmyselfofffromeveryone,”Cassiesaid.“Foralongtime,I

thoughtitmademesafe.ThenIwokeupinthathospitalaloneandrealizeditjustmademe,well,alone.”

Keepinghiseyesontheroad,hebentcloserandkissedhertemple.Thenhegaveherahalfsmile.

“We’rekindofasadduo.”

Shelaughed,becausewhileitwastrue,itwasn’tatthesametime.“Whenyouthinkaboutit,it’s

actuallyincrediblewefoundeachother.”

“IguessthatmeansImust’vedonesomethingright.”
Itamazedherhowtheycouldgofromtopictotopic,sadonemoment,flirtingthenext,andhavinga

heart-to-heartrightafter.She’dneverexperiencedanythinglikeitwithanyoneelse.

Shetestedthelimitsofherseatbeltandkissedhischeck.
Hesighed.“IwishIcouldforgetabouteverythingelseandstartoverwithyou.”
“Youcan,”shesaid.“We’llbothstartover.”
Hishandwentbacktoherthigh,andhegrippeditlikehemeanttoneverletgo.Heatpooledlowin

ChapterTwenty-Four

Eachturntookthemdownanevenmoredesolateroadwithrundownbuildingsthatshouldbe—and
probablywere—condemned.Thereweren’tmanypeopleout,andtheoneswhowerelookedhomeless.

Whatthehell,Bobby?Thingsmust’vegottenreallybadifhisbrothercalledthisroughneighborhood

home.

Cassie’sfaceremainedcarefullyneutral,despitethefactthatshemostlikelyfeltthesamethinghedid

—thatinstinctualtugtellingyoutogetthehelloutofthere.

“Ishould’veneverbroughtyouhere,”Vincesaid,easingofftheaccelerator.“Letmetakeyoubackto

wherethebuildingsdidn’tlooklikedeathtraps.Youcansetupinalibraryoracoffeeshop,andI’ll
come—”

“I’mherealready,”shesaid.“AndI’mnotgonnaletyouleavemebehind.Let’sjustgetitdoneand

thengetout.”

Shehadtobescared,butsheputonsuchabravefront.Hekeptthinkingabouthowshe’dsaiditwas

incrediblethey’dfoundeachother.Eventakingawaythereasonhesearchedheroutafterheraccident,it
wasamazingthey’dfoundtheirwaytoeachotherinthefirstplace.

Theycouldn’tbemoredifferent,yettherewerethingsthattiedthemtogether,morethanjustlosing

theirparents.Whenhewaswithher,hefeltastrongsenseofpurpose.Sheputthingsinawaythatmade
sensetohim,andeveninthequietmoments,somethinginsideofhimspoketoher.Thegirlhadgotten
underhisskinandletlooseeveryemotionhetriedtoholdback,andinsteadofshyingawayfromthemor
backingoff,sheunderstoodandpulledhimcloser.

Hereachedforherhandandintertwinedhisfingerswithhers.HewasstilltemptedtoflipaUandget

heroutofthere,eventhoughheknewshe’dputupahellofafight.Heshould’vehadBobbymeetthem,
buthewastooworriedsomeonewouldseehim,andthenhe’dbedraggedintohisdrugdealerbefore
VincegottoNewYork.Thenthey’dbothbescrewed.

“Youhaven’tsaidmuchaboutyoursecurityjob,”shesaid.“Areyoustillthinkingthat’sthewayyou

wanttogo?”

Sincerightnowhissecurityjobwasher,hedidn’tknowhowtoanswer.Asforthesecondquestion,

ifCarlothoughtthisstuntwithBobbywouldmakehimmoreeagertojumpintothemafia,hewassorely
mistaken.Hegrippedthewheeltighter,carefulnottodothesamewiththehandholdingCassie’s.
“Becauseofthenatureofmyjob,Ican’treallytalkaboutit.”Truthmixedwithlies.Moreguilt—you’d
thinkhe’dbeusedtoitbynow,buteverydamntimehehadtogiveherhalf-truthsitcame.Adddriving
intothemiddleoftheghettoforhisbrother,andself-loathingquicklyfollowedonguilt’sheels,wantinga
turnathim.“Idomissrestaurantmanagementsome,butI’mgoodatthesecurityside.Italldependson
howmycurrentjobgoes,really.”

“Thatmakessense.”Shelookedoutthewindowatthedecrepitbuildings.“IfIgototheCulinary

InstituteofAmericainNewYork,maybeIcanaffordaplacehere.Whatdoyouthink?Anicewreathon
thedoorandit’llbeasgoodasnew,yeah?”

Asurgeofaffectionwoundthroughhim;shecouldmakeeventheshittiestsituationsbetter.“Awreath.

That’swhat’smissing.”

“You’llcomeover,right?”
“Dependsonthewreath,”hesaid,andshelaughed,thehappynoiseechoingthroughhischest.God,he

wasgoingtomissherwhenthiswasallover.Justthethoughtmadeapitopenupinhisgut,suckingall
happinessintoit.

“Ithinkthat’sit,”Cassiesaid,checkingthemaponherphoneandthenpointingatthebuildingup

ahead.

Theapartmentcomplexlookedlikeit’dbeenmadefromcementandscrapmetal,moreindustrialthan

homey.Cardboardstoodinplaceofglasswindowsandtherewasmorespraypaintthanoriginalpainton
thewalls.VinceputtheJeepinparkbutkepttheenginerunning.

Cassierubbedsoothingcirclesoverhisshoulder.“It’llbeokay.”
Hehuffedoutalaugh.“Iloveyouroptimism,baby,but…”Hisgazedriftedoutthewindshieldagain.

“Ididn’texpectthis.”Heshookhishead.“Ihadnoideahe…”Alumprosetohisthroat,andhefoughtfor
control,unsurewhethertoholdontotheregretorswitchbacktoanger.

VincereachedoverCassieandpulledhis.40caliberBerettaoutoftheglovebox.Helookedather,

tryingtogaugeherreaction.He’dhopedhewouldn’thavetopullitoutuntiltheytalkedtotheguysBobby
owed—Cassiewoulddefinitelybetuckedawayforthat—buthedidn’tdaregointoaplacelikethis
unarmed.

“Iactuallyfeelbetterknowingyouhaveit,”shesaid,answeringhisunaskedquestion.
Hecurledhisfingersaroundthedoorhandle.LastsecondhespunbacktoCassie,whowasalready

startingoutherdoor.Sheturnedatthehandonherarm,andhetuggedhertohimandplantedahardkiss
onherlips.“Stickclosetome,okay?”

“Okay,”shesaid,andthentheyclimbedoutoftheJeep.
Thericketymetalstaircasecreakedastheymadetheirwayupittothesecondfloor.Vincestoppedin

frontofthedoorwithachippedthirteenonitandknocked.

“Unluckynumberthirteen,”Cassiemuttered.
Vinceshiftedherbehindhimanddrewhisgun,justincasetheymetsomeoneelselookingforBobby

instead.

Thedoorcrackedopen,thechainontheinsidelockpullingtight,andBobbypeekedout.“Jeez,Vince,

putthegunawaybeforeyoukillsomebody.”

Thedoorclosed,themockwoodmufflingthesoundofthechainslidingfreebeforeBobbyswungthe

doorallthewayopen.TakingholdofCassie’shand,Vincecastonemoreglancearoundandledher
inside.

***

Cassiecouldn’thelpstaringatBobby.HeandVincehadsuchsimilarfeatures,onlyBobby’swere
pinchedandpale,andhewastooskinny,hischeekssunkenin.EventhoughhewasyoungerthanVince,he
lookedolderbyseveralyears,andthewholeeffectwaseerie.

“So,thisiswhatyou’vebeenuptolately,”Bobbysaid,lookingCassieupanddownandelicitinga

lowgrowlfromVince.Heextendedahandandshotherasmilethatsoftenedhisfeaturesandhintedatthe
charmhiddenunderneaththestrung-outappearance.“I’msureyou’veheardaboutme,theno-good
brother.I’mBobby.”

“Cassie,”sheanswered,shakinghishand.
“Sorryyougotdraggedouthere,Cassie.”BobbyfurrowedhisbrowandturnedtoVince.“Whythe

helldidyoubringher?It’snotexactlyanicearea.”

“Ididn’trealizeyoulivedinacrackdennow.Sillyme.Imean,seriously,Bobby.Hasitgottenthis

bad?”

“Whoa,”Bobbysaid,throwinguphishands.“I’mjustsquattinguntilthingscooldown.Oneofthe

guysI…”HeglancedatCassieandthenbackatVince,wideninghiseyes.“Anyway,heowedme,soI’ve
beenherethelasttwonights.Noteventheguysaftermedarecomehere,andyoubringBlondierightin.”

AveinpoppedoutinVince’sforehead,andCassiewrappedherarmsaroundhiminasidehug.

“Blondie’sjustfine,butthanksfortheconcern.”Shealsocouldn’thelpnoticingtheneedles,blackened
spoons,andlightersonthefilthycoffeetable.

Herknowledgeofdrugswasprettymuchlimitedtodon’tdothem,butshe’dwrittenapaperon

addictionsandrecoveryinhighschool.She’dneededasubject,andsinceAnnie’sworkattherehab
centerhadalwaysinterestedher,sheusedherasasource.Basicallyshelearnedthatitwasalong,hard
roadfullofalotofdownsbeforeyougottotheups.

“Youintroducehertothefamilyyet?”Bobbyasked.
“No,becauseIactuallylikeher.Rememberhowwe’renottalkingaboutmybusinessorthefamily?”

ThewayVincesaiditmadeherthinkthey’ddiscusseditoverthephone.

Vincemovedlikehewasgoingtositonthecouch,butthencurledhislipatthestained,used-to-betan

materialandwrappedhisarmtighteraroundherwaist.

“Anyonewantadrink?”Bobbyasked.
Cassiepeekedthroughtheopenarchwaytothekitchen.Dishessatinthesink,andjudgingfromthe

faintsmellofoldfood,they’dbeenthereawhile.“I’mgonnapass.”

“Stopstalling,andlet’sgetthistakencareofsoweallcangetoutofhere,”Vincesaid.
“Fine.Didyoubringthemoney?”AhungrygleamenteredBobby’seyeashelookedatVince,peering

athispocketslikehewastryingtoseehiddenwadsofcash.

“You’regoingtocalltheseguysyouowe,andyou’regoingtosetupameeting.”
Bobbyshookhishead.“That’snotagoodidea.”
“Yeah,well,neitherisusingthedrugsyouweresupposedtosell,butthatdidn’tstopyou.IfIgive

youthemoney,Ihavenoideaifyou’lldecideyoucandoubleitwithacoupleofbets,useittorun,buy
moredrugstomakeaprofitdowntheroad,or…whateverdumbassideayou’vegotrollingaroundinyour
skull.”

Cassieflinchedattheharshtoneandwords.Shegotit,becauseitobviouslywasn’tthefirsttime

VincehadbailedBobbyout,butshecouldn’thelpwantingthebrotherstohugandjustbehappytheyhad
eachother.She’dalwayswishedshehadasibling.

Bobbylookedtoher.“Ishealwayssoserious?Heusedtobefun.”
Cassie’sdefensesprickled.ItcostVincealottocomesavetheday,andtheguycouldshowanounce

ofgratitude;nowonderthere’dbeennohugging.“He’sactuallyveryfunwhenhe’snotsavinghis…how
didyouputit?No-goodbrother?”

Bobbymimickedaknifetohischest,butthenhegrinnedather,hisdrylipscrackingslightly.“Iwas

wrongaboutyou,Blondie.You’retougherthanyoulook.”HeclappedVinceontheshoulder.“Nowonder
youlikehersomuch.Ialwaysfiguredyouforahitandrunguywhenitcametowomen.”

Vincegaveasighthatcarriedtheweightoftheworldwithit.“Doyouwantmyhelpornot?BecauseI

swearI’mabouttowalkoutthatdoorandletyousortitoutyourself.”

“Relax,bro.I’mjustbustingyourballs.Iwantyourhelp.”HestraightenedandsalutedVince.

“Reportingforduty,sir!”

Cassiecouldn’thelpbutlaugh.Vincescowledather,andsheshrugged.“He’ssortofcharmingina

yippee-dog-typeway.”

Bobbyflashedheramegawattgrin.Thedrugs,theconstanttrouble,thejabsatVince—shewantedto

dislikehimonprinciple,butsomethingabouthimmadeithardtocompletelywritehimoff.

“Timetotellmewhowe’redealingwith,”Vincesaid.“Nomoregames.I’mgoingwithyou,andI

can’tgointhereblind.”

Bobbyscuffedhisshoeonthedingyfloor.“It’s…”hemumbled,andVinceleanedinandaskedhimto

repeatthat,buttoactuallysaythenamethistime.“It’sBigAl,okay?”

ChapterTwenty-Five

Cassietriedcrossingherarmstighter—sheeventriedascarierscowl—butVince’sjawremainedset.

“Baby,pleasedon’tfightmeonthis.”
Everytimehecalledherbaby,tinglywarmthswirledthroughher,andthatmadeitevenhardertohold

ontoherattemptatstone-coldintimidation,whichbigsurprise,hadneverbeenherstrongsuit.

“It’snotlikeIwanttogointothemeeting,”Cassiesaid.“Ijustdon’twantyoutogo,either.Aren’t

yousupposedtomeetsomewheresuperpublic?Inallthemoviesthey—”

“Theclubispublic,”Vincesaid.
“AndaccordingtoBobby,ownedbythem.”
BobbywavedfromhisseatinthebackoftheJeepwhentheybothglancedathim.Theyspenttheday

drivingaroundNewYorktokilltime,andVinceeveninsistedonstoppingattheCulinaryInstituteof
America.Thepeopletheretoldherabouttheirprogram,aswellastheiradmissionsinformationsession
inDecember,whenprospectivestudentscouldspendaweeklearningaboutthecollege.

Allsupercool,buttheirimpendingmeetingstayedinthebackoftheirminds,puttingadamperonthe

fun.EventheNewYorkpizzahadn’thelped.Whiletheguysscarfedseveralslices,shecouldhardlytouch
hers.

ThenVincewentintohisbankandcameoutforty-fiveminuteslater,mumblingabouthowhe’dhad

morepleasantinterrogationsatthepolicestation,andCassiewasn’tonehundredpercentsurehewas
joking.Hercuriositywheelsspun,butshedidn’taskhowmuchmoneyhe’dwithdrawn,notonlybecause
itwasapersonalquestion,butalsobecauseshewasscaredtoknow.

Vincewrappedhishandaroundherthigh;hemustknowshehadtroublethinkingwhenitwasthere.

“WhenBobbysuggestedsomewherebesidestheclub,theygotpissedandstartedupwiththethreats,and
I’dratheratleaststartthemeetingcalm.ButIdon’tevenknowwhatI’mwalkinginto.”

“You’rewalkingintoameetingwithdrugdealers,”shehelpfullysuppliedwitheveryounceof

sarcasmshehadatherdisposal.

Vincesighed.
“Isthatayou-regret-bringing-me-alongsigh?BecauseIcan’tjustnotbeworriedaboutyou.”
“It’smoreofasighthatmeansIlovethatyoucare,butIneedyoutobemorecooperative.Asfor

bringingyoualong,itwasstupid,becauseitputyouindanger.Ididn’tlookbeyondwantingyouwithme,
whichIdo.”Hiseyeslockedontohers,thesteelydeterminationinthemclear.“ButIwon’ttakeyouintoa
situationIknowwillberough.It’sbadenoughyou’llbeintheclubatall.”

Can’twejustsendBobbyintherewiththemoney?Guiltimmediatelyfloodedher.Hewasn’tabad

person.Justapersonwithaseriousproblem.Maybemorelikeproblems.Regardless,shecouldtellthere
wasagoodpersonalityundertheaddiction.Unfortunately,itdidn’tmakeherlessworriedaboutVince.

“Whydon’twejustcallthecops?”sheasked.“Sendtheminthereto,like,discoverthestashofdrugs

inthebackandarrestthemall?”

BothVinceandBobbylaughedatthat.SheshotVincealook,andheclampedhislips.“Ifwe’renot

outinthirtyminutes,leavetheclub.ThentaketheJeepanddriveuntilIcallyouandtellyouwhereto
meetus.”Heputthekeysinherhand,andwhenshesimplystaredatthem,hecurledherfingersaround
them.Asifshe’dsimplyforgottenhowtoholdkeys.

“Ifyou’rereallyhurt,thencallingmeisgoingtobeextratricky.”Cassiecouldn’tevengototheplace

wherehewasmorethanhurt.

“Fine.Ifafterthirtyminutes,afteryou’realsooutoftheclub,youcancallthecops.Seriously,whatis

itaboutyouandpi—cops?”

“Iguessit’stheirmustaches.Ormaybeit’sthefactthattheyhavegunsandtraining.”
“Ihavethelasttwothings,andI’llgrowamustacheifyou’resosetonone.”Hisexpressionturned

deadlyseriousagain.“Now,backtothepoint.Promisemeyouwon’ttrytogetintothebackoffices.”

Itwassounfairthathecouldpulloutthedeep,deliciousvoicetotrytoswayher.
“Iwon’t,”shesaid.
“Won’tpromise,orwon’tgointhere?”
Damn,he’dcaughtthatplayonwords.Sheraisedaneyebrow,refusingtoexpand,andhesworeunder

hisbreathandrubbedhisfingersacrosshisforehead.

“Ishould’veleftyousomewhereinthecity.IfIdidn’tthink…”Hedidn’tfinish,butshehadafeeling

hewasthinkingtheymayneedtomakeaquickgetaway,whichwasn’texactlyreassuring.

Bobbyclearedhisthroat.“AsmuchasI’veenjoyedwitnessingyourrelationshipdrama,I’mgoingto

havetopointoutthatifwedon’tgetintheresoon,we’llbelate.Thenthey’llbeevenmorelikelytobeat
theshitoutofusforfun.”

Vinceshothimaglare,andthentheyallbailedoutoftheJeep.CassiegrabbedVince’sarm,just

abovetheelbow.“Pleasebecareful.”

Henoddedandpressedaquickkisstoherlips.Ashestartedtopullaway,shegrabbedafistfulofhis

shirtandgavehimaproperkiss,puttingeveryounceofconcernandaffectionchurningthroughherintoit.

Bobbywhistledandheatrosetohercheeks.
Vincerestedhisforeheadagainsthers.“Ignorehim.”
“Actually,Iwanttotalktohimbeforeyougoin.Andyouneedto…notlisten.”
Hisglowermight’vescaredherafewweeksago,butnowitjustmadeherwanttoholdhimtighter.

Shedidherbesttoputonasternfront,though.

“Wouldyouratherresumeourfightaboutmeattendingthemeetingwithyou?”
HegruntedandthenwalkedovertoagiantSUVafewparkingspotsdownandleanedagainstthe

hood.

Stern-frontinplace,CassiespuntoBobby.“MaybeI’mwastingmybreath,andlook,Iknowyouhad

alotofshittythingshappenwithyourparentsandall.I’vehadmyfairshare,too,ashavealotofpeople
inlife.Thereareotherwaysofdealingwithitthandrugs.AndhowmanytimesdoyouthinkVincecan
swoopinandbailyououtbeforeoneofthesemeetingsgoesbad?”

Herthroattightened.Pleasedon’tletitbethismeeting,pleasedon’tletitbethismeeting.
“Youknowwhat’sreallyfunny?ImovedtoNewYorktotrytogetclean.IthoughtifIgotawayfrom

our—”Bobbysuddenlyclampedhislips.

“What?”
Bobbyputhishandonhershoulder.“Idon’twanthimtogethurt,either.It’sgoodhefoundsomeone

likeyouwhocaresabouthim.Maybehe’lldoabetterjobbreakingawaythanIdid.”

“Don’tjustgiveup.Thefirststepiswantingtochange,andI’maskingyouto…wantto.Totry.You

needprofessionalhelpandastrongsupportsystem.You’vegotVince,andIknowyoubarelyknowme,
butIcanhelp,too.AtleastIknowpeoplewhocan.There’sagoodpersonintheresomewhere.It’dbea
shametolosehimcompletely.”

“I’mprettysurehe’salreadygone.”
“Youandyourbrother!Justacceptyou’regoodguysandproveit.Andwhenpeoplewanttohelpyou,

justletthem.Butnotlikethis.Like—”

“Igetit,”Bobbysaidwithasmile.
“Good.Sothat’smyspeech.”Despiteherbestattemptstokeepupherstrongfront,itcrackedand

tearssprungtohereyes.“Now,domeafavorandbringVincebacktome.Iwon’tbeokayifyoufail,you
understand?”

Bobbysurprisedherbyhuggingher.ItapparentlysurprisedVince,too,becausehewassuddenlytwo

feetaway,loomingandseemingconflictedastointerveneornot.

Astheynearedtheentrancetotheclub,thebouncereyedtheirclothes;apparentlytheywere

underdressed.Vinceidentifiedhimself,andheletthemthrough.

Sinceitwasfairlyearlybyclubbingstandards,thedancefloorwassparse,thebarareaonlyfaringa

bitbetter.VincegaveCassie’shandonelastsqueeze,andthenshesplitofftowardthebarasheand
Bobbymadeabeelinefortheback.

Agiantbaldguymetthemandledthemoutofview.
ThenallCassiecoulddowaswait.

***

Carlodidanothersweep,eventhoughhe’dalreadymadesurehewasn’tfollowed.Theconstantchecking
tooktime,butitwasbetterthansittinginacell.

HepushedintoMcCarthy’sSteakandSeafoodrestaurantindowntownTrentonandtookinthejoint.

RitzierthanRossi’s,buttherewasn’tanyofthatoldcountryappealthatmadetheplacefeellikeahome
awayfromhome.

Thehostessseatedhim,andheliftedthemenu,watchingoverthetopofitforCassie.Sofar,he’d

seentwowaitressesandonewaiter,butnoneofthemwerehisformeremployee.Healsonoticedanother
manseatedalone.TheguyhadahardedgeabouthimthatmadeCarlogivehimasecondlook.Darkhair
thatwasgrayingatthetemples,probablyabouthisownage,maybealittleolder.

Themanglancedinhisdirectionandthendroppedhisgazetothetable.Alittletooquickly.
Carlonarrowedhiseyesandstudiedhimcloser.Hedidn’tlookfamiliar.Hisclotheswereolder,

nothingtailoredorfancy,buthesupposedthatwasn’tacrime.Noteveryonetookasmuchprideintheir
appearanceashedid.Theguyhadbeenherefirst,too,sothatruledhimoutasbeingatail.

Carlohadn’ttoldanyonehewasgoingtocheckonCassie.Cometothinkofit,theguyhadprobably

lookedawaybecauseCarlowasstaringhimdown.Peopletendedtobeuncomfortablewhenhedidthat.
Smartpeople,anyway.

Man,Ireallyamgettingparanoid.Staringdownsomemanwhojustcameinforaquietearly

dinner.Awaitresscameover,andCarloorderedtheirmostexpensivewine.Hewasabouttoaskabout
Cassiewhenhisphonerang.

Mostlikelyit’dbeAllegra.Thepastfewdayshadbeenrough,soinsteadofcontinuingtodenyher

accusations,hebroughthomeadiamondnecklaceandearringsetlastnight.Itcosthimaprettypenny,but
thingsonthehomefronthadcooled,andshe’dbeencallingtowhisperdirtythingsinhisearallday,soit
waswortheverycent.

CarlofrownedwhenthedisplayidentifiedthecallerasBigAlFerrigno,oneoftheunderbossesin

NewYorkheoccasionallydidbusinesswith.Theywerefriends—well,thekindoffriendswhodrew
territorylines,scratchedeachothers’backsfromtimetotime,andotherthanthat,stayedthehelloutof
eachothers’way.Carlo’sterritorymightbelesspopulated,buthehadmoresquarefootageandplentyof
firepower.Plus,hewastightwiththedonwhoownedthelargersectionofNewYork.

LatelyBigAlhadtakentocallingtocomplainaboutBobby,andhewasthefirstpersonCarlohad

calledwhenhe’dretractedBobby’sprotectedstatus.Insteadofansweringhiscell,hetookouthisburner
andcalledback.

“Yournephewsjustgottotheclub,”BigAlsaid.“NotjustBobby,butVince,too.Bobbyagreedto

comeinandsettlehisdebt.”

“Isn’tthatwhatyouwanted?ItoldyouifyoushookdownBobbyyou’dgetpaid.Youlayhandsonmy

nephewswhilethey’remakinggoodonthatpromise,andyou’regoingtohaveahellofafightonyour
hands.”

“Hey,Irespectthefamily.Iwasmorecallingasacourtesy.Andtomakesureitisjustameeting

aboutthedebt.Ididn’texpectVince.”

VincewastoosmarttosendBobbyinalonewiththemoney,andapparentlyhewashell-benton

payingoffthedebthimself.Disappointingwhenitcametoneedingsomethingtoholdoverhim,yet
anotherreasonCarlowantedVinceonhisside.Resourcefulinabadsituationandcoolunderpressure
wasinshortsupplythesedays.

“AslongasIgetpaid,I’vegotnoproblemwithyou,”BigAlsaid,suspicionclippinghiswords.He

wasfishing…andworried,whichCarlocouldn’thelpenjoyingafterwhatapainintheasshe’dbeen.
“Justwantedtomakesurethatwasclear,ifIhadn’trelayedthatinmypreviouscalls.”

Carlorolledhiseyes.Dramaqueens,thelotofthem.“You’llgetyourmoney.Stophoundingmeall

thetime,andthere’snoreasonwecan’tkeepgettingalong.”

“Sorry,butyouknowhowitis.IfwordgetsaroundIletoneofmydealersgetawaywithnot

paying…”

“Ihearya,fuhggedaboutit.”
“Grazie.Oh,andtheyalsobroughtawomanwiththem.Young.Blond.Lookslikeshedoesn’tbelong.

Justseemedweird,soIthoughtI’dmentionit.”

NowwhywouldVincegoandtakeCassiewithhim?Carlosupposeditcouldbeanotherblonde,but

hedoubtedit.Shecertainlywasn’tatworktoday.

“Yougoteyesonherrightnow?”Carloasked.
“Yeah.She’ssittingatthebarintheclub.Why?Whatdoyouwantustodo?”

ChapterTwenty-Six

“Goodjob,kid,”JimsaidtoMancini,clappinghimontheback.Thishadbeenquitethedayof
interesting,unexpectedturnsintheRossicase,andhecouldn’thelpbutbeoptimistictheywerefinally
gettingsomewhere.

“Hopefullythismakesupforblowingthesurveillanceonthewaitress,”Mancinisaid.
“Thismakesupforanythingyoumight’veeverdonewronginyourlife.”Jimslowedatthedoortothe

interrogationroom.He’dsatforseveralhoursatMcCarthy’s,waitingforCassie,whodidn’tshow.
ImaginehissurprisewhenCarloRossihimselfmadeanappearance.Jimhopedheplayedoffhisshock
quicklyenough.Thetemptationtomovecloserandattempttooverhearthatphonecallhadnearly
overwhelmedhim,buthe’dforcedhimselftoplayitcool.Despitealsowantingtostaylonger,hepaidhis
billandtookofftoavoidbeingmade.

Meanwhileacrosstown,ManciniwatchedDanteCostaloadhiscarupwithenoughdrugstogetan

armyhighandcalledforbackup.Theyfollowedhim,hopingtocatchhimsellingred-handed,andmiracle
ofmiracles,that’sexactlywhathappened.Sotheybroughthimdowntooneofthelocalstations.Between
oneotherarrestforpossessionandanassaultcharge,thismadestrikethree,andthatmeantserioustime.

Withanyluck,theycouldturnhimagainstCarloRossiandusethisasthedominopushthattookdown

theentireorganization.Ifnot,well,Dantecouldenjoyprison,andCarlowouldhavetoscramblefor
someonetoreplacehim.Disorderalwayshelpedcreatemistakes,andthey’dbetheretocatchthem.

“Ready?”Jimasked,andMancininodded,practicallybouncingontheballsofhisfeet.“Getyour

gamefaceon,then.”

Mancininarrowedhiseyesintoslits,andnowJimwastheonefightingasmile.Nocountingchicks

beforetheyhatched.Firsttheyhadtogethimtotalk.Beforeheinsistedonalawyer.

Jimopenedthedoor,andheandMancinistrodeintotheroom.Dantesatinachairontheothersideof

thetable,hishandscuffedtothebarinthecenter.Asnaketattoocoiledaroundoneofhismassivearms,
andwhenhemetJim’seye,thebastardgrinned.

Whathewouldn’tdotobeabletoknockthatsmuglookrightoffhisface.Insteadhecasuallysat

oppositehim.“Lookslikeyou’velandedyourselfinabitoftrouble.”

Danteshrugged.“Notmyfirstrodeo.”
“Iknow.It’syourthird.Maybeyou’veheardthatNewJersey’sgotathree-strikelaw.Theytakeit

prettyseriously,too.”

Thattookoffthearrogantedge.Hiseyeshardened.“It’sonlytwo.Thatassaultchargewasdropped.

Didn’ttheyteachyoutoreadintheacademy,copper?”

Jimfoughttheurgetorunoutandretrievehisfiles.Notthattheywereinthisstation;theywereback

atFBIheadquartersinNewark.He’dlookedatthemsooften.Howhadheforgottenthat?Nodoubtthe
assaultchargesweredroppedwiththethreatofanotherassault.

Hismindspun,searchingforsomethingelseusefulonDante’srapsheet.“You’reforgettingthe

restrainingorder.Notwhatajudgewantstosee.”

“Thatbroadiscrazy.ShewasjustpissedIdumpedherbonyass.”Dante’ssmuggrinreturned.“Soas

funasthishasbeen,I’lljustwaitformylawyertogethere.”

“Ifthat’sthewayyouwantit,”Mancinisaidwithashrug.“Ofcourse,ifyoulawyerup,it’llbehard

toprotectyou.”

“Fromwho?Youguysgoingtoroughmeup?Goaheadandtry.Mylawyerwouldeatthatshitup.”
“FromCarlo.”Mancinitippedhischairback,thefrontlegscomingafewinchesoffthefloor.“We’ve

gotaninsideman,andhe’sgoingtobetellingthebigguyyou’veturnedonhim—stirthepotalittle,you
know.Callitafunexperiment.Willheshootyou?Willhebeatyouuntilhebelievesyou?Eitherway,it’s
noskinoffmynose.”

Jimsatstill,carefultonotbetrayMancini’sbluff.
Dantetriedtokeepupthetoughfaçade,butthewheelswerespinning.“Thebosswouldn’tbelieve

that.I’moneofhismostloyalmen.”

“So’sourinformant.”Mancinismiled.“He’sbeentalkingallaboutyou,too.I’msurewe’llfindstrike

three,andevenwithoutit,you’regoingtobeputawayforlongenoughtocompletelyforgetwhatit’slike
tobewithawoman.”

Nicetouch,consideringhisfondnessfortheladies.ThelinesinDante’sforeheaddeepened.They

weresoclosehecouldtasteit.

“What’sitgonnabe?”Jimleanedin,foldinghisforearmsonthecoolmetaltable.“Buttick,tock.We

gotcriminalstocatch,informantstolistento.”Heglancedathiswatch.“It’stimeforyoutopick.You
goingtoratorrot?”

***

VincetossedthepaperboundbillsonBigAl’sdesk,physicallyillassoonasitlefthishands.Forsomuch
money,itdidn’tlooklikemuch,justaboutfourinchesofcrisphundreds.

Hardcome,easygo.
Ifitwasjustmoney,he’dgetoverit.Butitputahugedentinhischanceofchanginghislife,ofbeing

something—someone—different.

“Bobby’sout,”hesaid.“He’snotsellingforyouanymore.”
BigAlhandedthetwostackstothemanbehindhimandtheguyautomaticallythumbedthroughit.He

hadanothergoonflankinghisotherside,thethick-neckedsurlytype.“Isaywhenhe’sout.”

“No,Isay.Youdon’tusehimtosell,andyoudon’tselltohim.”
BobbywhippedhisheadtowardVince,paniccreepingintohiseyes.Wantingtobedoneandhaving

yoursupplierandsourceofincometakenawayweretwodifferentthings.

“Iagreedtogivehimachancetopaybackhisdebtwithoutretaliation,butI’mnotlosinghimorhis

regulars.”BigAlsmoothedahanddownhisblacksilktie,puttingonaboredair.“He’snolongerunder
Carlo’sprotection,incaseyoudon’tremember.Soheneedstogethisassbackoutthere,movethe
product,andaslongashepaysmeontime—”

Vincedoveacrossthedesk,grabbedthefuckingtie,andusedittoyanktheassholeforwardashe

drewhisgunandjabbedthebarrelunderthefatman’sribs.Theunmistakablesoundofgunsbeingcocked
registered,andBobbyswore.Vincewoundthetiearoundhishand,tighteningthemakeshiftnooseashe
dugthegunintoAl’sfleshalittledeeper.“Tellthemtodroptheirweapons,niceandslow,andyouput
yourhandsonthedeskwhereIcanseethem.”

BigAlturnedthreeshadesofredandclampedhislips.
Vincecurledhisfingeraroundthetrigger.“Theymightgetme,butyou’llgofirst.”
“Dropthem,”BigAlsaid,blowingairoutofhisnostrils.Heputhismeatyhandsflatonthedesk.
“Now,likeIsaid.Bobby’sout.He’sundermyprotection.I’lldiscussitwithmyuncle,andmakeno

mistake,he’llbebackunderCarlo’sprotectionsoon.SounlessyouwantawarwithusJerseyboysand
yourneighborstotheeast,allyouhavetodoistakeyourmoneyandleavemybrotheralone.”

“Youknowhoweasyit’dbeformetograbtheblondefromtheclub?Oneofmyguysiswatchingher

rightnow.”

VincetiltedthegunupandletthefuryshowthroughsoBigAlwouldknowhewasn’tbluffingabout

pullingthetrigger.“Yourheartwouldhavetobebeatingtodoit.”

Onesilentsecondpassed,thentwo.Bythreethetensionwassothickitsmotheredtheair.“Fine,”Big

Alsaid,hisfacesoredit’dmorphedintopurpleterritory.“Takeyourbrotherback.Allhedoesisusethe
supply,anyway.Uselessfuckingjunkie.”

“Forextrareassurance,Bobby’sgoingtotakealltheguns,includingyours.We’llleavethemwiththe

bounceronourwayout.”

BigAlgrittedhisteeth.“Ifyouweren’tCarlo’snephew—”
“Ah,butIam.”OnceBobbycollectedtheguns,Vinceslowlyreleasedhisgriponthetie.“Nicedoing

businesswithyou.”KeepinghispistoltrainedonBigAl’sforehead,heandBobbyslowlybackedoutof
theroom.Hedidn’tdoubtthereweremoregunsinthenearvicinity,buthehopedhe’dmadeenoughofa
point,andtheywerescaredenoughofCarlo’sretribution,thatthey’dletthemgrabCassieandgetthehell
outofthere.

***

Cassiecheckedthetime.

IfVinceandBobbydidn’tcomeoutinsevenminutes,shewassupposedtoleave.ButhowcanIjust

leavenotknowingifthey’reokay,orintrouble,or…Herlungsdeflated.Stillbreathing?

Sheconsideredduckingoutandcallingthecops.Thirtyminuteswaswaytoolongtoexchangemoney.
Thefeelofahandonhershouldermadeherturn.She’dexpectedVincebutgotanenormousbald

bouncerinstead.“Ineedyoutocomewithme,”hesaid.

Cassieswallowed.“Nothanks.”
“It’snotreallyaquestion.”
Herhearttookoffonahigh-speedchase,batteringtheinsideofherribcage.Shereacheddeepdown,

foundeveryounceofcourageshecouldmuster,andwrappedheranklesaroundthebarstoolsothatifhe
usedphysicalforce,she’datleastbeabletocauseanoisyscene.“Well,myanswer’sstillthesame.”

Hismassivehandclampedontoherarm.Hetuggedandherstoolrocked,alongwithherjumpy

nerves.Justasshewasabouttoreleaseascream,afamiliarvoicesaid,“Ifyou’dlikethatarmtoremain
attachedtoyourbody,Isuggestyouletgo.”

Thebouncerturned,andVincegavehimadeathglarethatmadehimreleaseher.Thehandwrapped

aroundthehandleoftheguntuckedintohisjeansprobablyhelped,too.

“Ithinkyou’llfindyourbosshaschangedhismindaboutwhateverhetoldyoutodo.”Vince’sgaze

remainedonthebouncerasheextendedhisfreehandtoher.“Cassiebaby,we’regoing.”

Sheleaptoffthestool,abandoningherbarelytoucheddrink,andslappedherhandinVince’s.They

rushedtowardtheexit,andrightbeforetheyleft,Bobbyhandedthreegunstothebounceratthedoor.
“Yourbossneededyoutoholdthese.”

Utterconfusioncreasedhisfeatures,buthetooktheguns.
VinceglancedatBobbyastheysprintedtotheJeep.“Didyou—”
“TheclipsarebehindthatuglysculpturebytheVIPlounge,”Bobbysaid.
ThesecondtheywereallinsidetheJeep,Vinceslammedonthegas,thetiressquealingastheypeeled

outoftheparkinglot.Hedroveoutoftheneighborhoodinahurry,constantlycheckingtherearview
mirror.

Assoonastheholy-crapsensationfadedabitandthefreewaywasinsight,Cassiestretchedacross

theconsoleandkissedVince’scheek.“I’mgladyou’reokay.”

“I’msafe,too,”Bobbysaidfromtheback.“Don’tyouwanttoshowmehowhappyyouarethatI

madeitout?”

Withoutlooking,Vincereachedbackandsmackedhisbrother.ThetensionintheJeepbrokeandthey

seemedtoalldrawabreathatonce.

“So…it’sdone?”Cassieasked.
“Youshould’veseenVince,”Bobbysaid,pokinghisheadbetweentheseats.“Ithoughthewasgoing

togetuskilledthereforasecond,buthescaredtheshitoutofthoseguys.Theyjuststoodtherewith
dumfoundedlooksontheirfaces.ExceptBigAl,whowasmorepissedthanI’veeverseenhim,andI’ve
seenhimreally—”

“Okay,that’senough,Bobby.”Vinceshotherasidelongglance.“Heexaggerates.Ijusttookcareofit;

they’llleavehimalonenow,andthat’swhat’simportant.”

Cassielookedfromonebrothertotheother.“IfeellikeI’mmissingpiecesofthestory.”
“I’dratherwejustputitbehindus.”ThefinalityinVince’svoicemadeherswallowherother

questions.Notbecauseshethoughthe’dgetmad,butshecouldtellhefeltconflictedabout…whatever
happenedintheclub,andhe’dratherhernotknowwhathe’dhadtodo.Honestly,shewasn’tsureshe
wantedeverydetail.Theentiredaydidn’tevenseemreal.Ifoneofhergirlfriends—well,ifshehadany
—toldhertheyweredatingaguylikeVince,she’dprobablytellthemtorun.

Butsinceshewastheonedatinghim,andhe’dprovenjusthowfarhe’dgotokeephisbrotherand

hersafe,sheknewthatdespiteeverything,shewantedhimmorethanever.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Vinceeasedofftheacceleratorandhitthecruisecontrol.Withthecityinhisrearviewmirror,hewas
finallyabletobreathe.

Cassiereachedoverandplayedwiththehaironthebackofhisneckinthatwaythatcalmedand

revvedhimupatthesametime.BringinghertoNewYorkwasahorribleidea;sheprobablywould’ve
beensaferinJersey.Theentireexperiencejustprovedthatthesoonerhecutthingsoff,thesafershe
wouldbe.

Anydaynowhe’dgettheballstodoit.
HekeptthinkingabouthowclosehewastopullingthetriggerwhenBigAlthreatenedher.Theonly

thingstoppinghimwasthenhe’dbedeadandsowouldBobbyandmostlikelyCassie,becauseshenever
would’veleftthatdamnclubwithouthim.Crazywoman.Crazy,amazing,sexywoman.

“So,Bobby,”shesaid,glancingoverhershoulderathim.“Needmetolookupplacesforyoutogoto

narcoticsanonymousmeetingsinJersey?”

“Itwon’tbeanonymous,then,becauseyouguyswillknowI’mthere,”Bobbysaid.
“Well,Iwon’ttellanyone,andVincedoesn’ttalkaboutanythingthatmighttiptoeintoemotional

territory,soyou’llbesafethere,too.”Shegavehimaplayfulpinchonthearmandthenimmediately
kissedthespot.“OrIcouldalwayscallmyfriendwhoworksattheParkerValleyHoperehabcenterin
Parker,Colorado.Smalltown.Nothingbuttimeandspacetogetclean.Nobadinfluencestotemptyou
intooldpatterns,lotsofsupport,andpeoplewhoknowwhatthey’redoing.MyfriendAnnieworksthere,
andshe’samazing.Icouldtellhertosaveyouaspot.”

“I’llgotothedamnmeetings,”Bobbysaid.
AtriumphantgrinspreadacrossCassie’sface.“Great.I’llgiveyouaridethere.Mycar’ssosexythat

you’llbegforrideseveryday.”

“Man,she’sapersistentlittlething,isn’tshe?”
Vinceglancedather.Shecertainlywas.Tougherthanhe’dexpected,too.Hardertoscareawayas

well,andhewasn’tsurethatwasagoodthing.Hopeshoneinherfeatures,andheworriedaboutthe
crashshe’dexperiencewhenBobbywasn’tsogoodatfollowingthroughonhispromisetogetclean.
HowdidshekeepseeingthegoodineveryoneafterbeingshotatandnearlytakenbyoneofBigAl’smen
intheclub?

Onedaytrustingthewrongpersonwasgoingtogetherintrouble.
Therealizationhemightbethatwrongpersonhithimlikeapunchtothegut.
Bythetimehepulleduptoherplace,itwasjustaftermidnight,andshe’dfallenasleepwithherhead

onhisshoulder.“Baby?”

Shestraightened,blinked,andcoveredayawnwithherhand.“IguessI’llseeyouboyslater?”
“I’llwalkyouup,”Vincesaid.
“It’sokay.”
“You’reright.Itisokay.Thankyouforagreeingwithmeforoncetoday.”Hetookthekeys,because

whilehelovedhisbrotherandhopedhewouldn’ttakeoffwithhisJeep,trustwasstilltricky.“I’llbe
backinafew.”

“AfterthelastplaceIslept,thebackseatoftheJeepispracticallyasuiteataluxuryhotel.Littlecold,

though,sodon’tbesolongIturnblue,‘kay?”

VincetossedhisjacketatBobbyandthenwalkedCassieinsidehercomplex.Whensheturnedtotell

himgoodbyeinthelobby,heputhishandonherbackandguidedherintotheelevator.Hesteppedinside

herapartmentforaquickcheckaround;shelookedathimlikehewascrazy,buthe’dratherbecrazyand
suretheplacewassecure.

Onceheclearedeveryroom,hewalkedbackintothelivingroomwhereshestood,obviouslytired

butasbeautifulasever.Hebrushedherhairoffherfaceandcuppedherneck.“HowbaddidIscareyou
today?”

“Prettybad,”shesaid,andhisheartsnagged,afraidtotakeanotherbeat.Shesmackedhisarm.“Don’t

evergodealwithshadydrugdealersinthebackofaclubandtakesolongagain.”Thecutedirtylookshe
addedtotallyundidhim,sendingeveryoneofthewallshe’dbuiltcrashingtothefloor.

“ImeanthowbaddidIscareyou?”
Shetiltedherhead,andhecouldtellherthoughtswerespinningbuthadnoclueastothedirection.

“Aftermyaccident,Ihadthisgoaltobebolder,tolivelifefuller.Tohavemoreadventures.Butmaybe
I’dlikejustasmidgenlessadventureinthefuture.I’mthinkingmorelike…trythatThaiplacedownthe
streetthatlooksinteresting.Skiing.Rollercoasters.Thatkindofthing.”

Hedidn’tknowwhethertolaughoryellatherfornotkickinghisasstothecurbthesecondtheyleft

theclub.Buthowcouldhebeupsetatsomeonewhousedtheword“smidgen?”Itmadehimwantto
scoopherintohisarmsandneverletgo.

“So,yes,Iwasalittlescared,andI’dratherneverdothatagain.Butyou?Youdon’tscareme.”She

tippedontohertoesandkissedhisjaw,leavingherlipstherewhensheadded,“IknowI’msafewith
you.”

Heneededtocontradictthat.Neededtocomeclean.Neededtorun.Hell,hedidn’tknowanymore.
“Iknowyou’llbebusygettingBobbysettled,butgivemeacallwhenyoucan,okay?AndI’lldrive

himtomeetings—youtellhimImeantthatandI’mridiculouslystubbornwhenIwanttobe.”

“Whenyouwanttobe?Soallthetime?”
Shegrinned.“Po-tay-toe,pa-tah-toh.”
Vincepeeredintoherprettyface,catchingaglimpseofhislove-struckreflectioninherlenses.He

barelyrecognizedhimself,anditawedhimthataftereverythinghe’ddonetoday,shecouldstillbringout
thatsideofhim.

Withouther,he’ddrift.
Staywithher,andhe’ddragherdown.
Inthreemoredays,thesupposeddoctor’sappointmentwouldhappen.He’dcallCarlo,reportthatthe

docsaidshewasnevergettinghermemoriesback,andthenhe’dhavenoexcusetowatchheranymore.In
fact,beingaroundherwouldendangerherevenmorethanhisactionstodayhad.

Threemoredays.
Tippingherchinupwithhisthumb,hesoftlykissedherlips.“Whateverhappens,justrememberthe

timeItoldyouIlovedyouandknowthatImeantit.”

“Whatdoyoumeanwhateverhappens?”Shegotanadorablecrinklebetweenhereyebrows.“Andis

thisthetimeyou’retellingme?I’dhatetomissit.”

Hisinsidesturnedtomush,andhesmileddownather.“Yes,thisisit.Iloveyou.”Hebrushedhis

lipsagainsthers.“I’msorryifIscrewitupdowntheroad.”

Shewrappedherhandaroundhiswrist.“Sometimesyoutalklikeyoucanseethefuture,andyouonly

everseebadthings.”

“IwishIcouldseethefuture.Itwouldmakethingsaloteasier.”
“JusttellmeI’minit.”
Hedrewhercloserforanotherkiss.Sheputahandonhischest,stoppinghislipsjustbeforetheymet

hers,andhethoughthewasgoingtogetintroublefornotdoingassheasked.Butthenshesaid,“Ilove

ChapterTwenty-Eight

NooneknewwhereDantewas,andhewasn’tansweringhisfuckingphone.Carlopacedfromthedining
roomtothekitchenashetriedhimagain,clenchinghisteethtokeepfromyellingoutinfrustrationwhen
hedidn’tanswer.Healwaysanswered.

Dantewasoneofhisbest,most-trustedmen.Theyoungergenerationwasgettingsoft,anditwasn’t

easytofindguyswho’dtakecareofthegoodandthebadwithoutcomplaining.Everyonewantedtobe
numberoneandmakeatonofmoneytheirfirstday,respecttheirlastpriority.

ButDanteknewhisplace.HisdadhadservedasoneofCarlo’scaposuntilanunfortunateheartattack

lastyear,andCarlopromotedDantetotakehisposition.Whilehetendedtogethimselfintroublewith
theladies,hewassolid.

Infact,ifVincerefusedtheunderbosspositionafterthispush,Dantewashisnextchoice.Carlocould

useafilterbetweenhimandeveryonewhocamecryingwithalltheirproblems.Vincewoulddoabetter
jobofbeingfair,takingtimetothinkitoverinsteadofalwaysresortingtoviolence,butatthispoint,
maybesomeofthemneededsmackingaround,areminderofwhowasincharge.

Ofcourse,beforehecoulddealwiththat,heneededtofigureoutwhatthehellwasgoingon.He’d

pumpedeverysourcehehadforinformation,includinghispolicecontactswhoworkedbothsidesofthe
line,andsofar,noonehadanythinguseful.

GuessI’llusethistemporarylulltocheckuponmyprodigalnephews.He’dbeenbusy,buthe’d

alsobeendelaying,notsurehewasreadytohearthetruth.Becausethatmeanthe’dhavetofigureout
whattodoaboutit.

BigAlansweredafterthethirdring.
“Yougetyourmoney?”Carloasked.
“Igotit,”hesaidwithaninordinateamountofspiteforsomeonewho’dgottenpaid.“ThenVince

chokedmewithmyowntie,jabbedagunundermyribs,andtoldmeBobbywasdone.”

Ah,thatexplainedtheanger.BigAltoldhimVinceandBobbytookhisandhismen’sguns,andwhile

hesoundedpissedasacatinadunktank,prideradiatedthroughCarlo.ThisisexactlywhyVince
belongsatmyside.

Hetoneddownhissmugnesssoitwouldn’ttransfertohiswordsandaskedthequestionhedidn’t

wanttoaskbuthadto.“Andthegirl?How’dhereactwhenyoumentionedher?”

“Henearlypulledthetrigger,sothanksforthat.LasttimeIdoyouafuckingfavor.”
Trepidationreplacedthepride.Carlowantedtocomeupwithifsandmaybes,butlatelyhewas

comingupwithfartoomanyofthoseforVince’sbehavior.“Ioweyouone.”Noneedtogetyourpanties
inatwist.I’mtheonewiththeproblem.

Hehungupanddialedhisnephew.
“Youdidn’tcallmebackyesterday,”CarlosaidassoonasVinceanswered.
“IwasbusygettingBobbyoutoftroubleinNewYork.I’msurethatdoesn’tcomeasabigsurprise

consideringyouwithdrewyourprotection.”

“Youforcedmyhand.”Nomorebeatingaroundthebush.Timetocleartheairandseewherethey

stood.“Weneedtomeet.”

“I’llbeatRossi’sinaboutanhour.”
“Atthehouse.Noon.Don’tbelate.”Withthat,heendedthecallandscrubbedahandoverhisface.

He’dhopedthiswouldgosmoother.Insteadeverythingwascomingundoneatonce.

ThedoorleadingtothegarageopenedandAllegrastrolledin,grocerybagshangingfromherarms.A

low-cutblacktopshowedoffhernewglitteryjewelry.Shesetdownthebagsonthekitchencounter,and
Carlostartedtowardher,thinkinghe’dbeabletogetlostinherforawhile.Helptaketheedgeoffallthis
stress.

“DidyouknowthatDante’sinjail?”sheasked,puttingherhandsonherhipsandsplayingfreshly

paintedredfingernails.“IjustranintoMrs.Costaatthegrocerystore,andsheaskedmewhatmyhusband
wasgoingtodotogetherboyout.Shemadeascene,tuggingonmysleeveandbeggingformetotalkto
you.”

NoonegotfireduplikeItalianmothers.Whichwaswhyhehadn’tcalledhertoaskafterDanteyet.

“Thatexplainswhyhe’snotansweringmycalls.”

Carlo’sphonerangagain,andhesighedashepulleditoutofhispocket;it’dpracticallybeengluedto

hisearallday.

“We’renotdonetalking,”Allegrasaid,steppinginfrontofhim.“Issomethinggoingon?ShouldIbe

worried?”

Carlowavedoffherquestions.“Justtheusual.Don’tworryyourprettylittleheadaboutit.”Turning

awayfromher,heansweredhisphone.AnysecondAllegrawouldprobablystartflingingplatesathis
head.MaybeheshouldstarttakingawayaluxuryatatimelikehedidwithAngelososheknewwhowas
boss.Everyoneseemedtoneedremindingofthatlately.

“Imadesomecalls,anditturnsoutDantegothimselfbustedforpossessionandintenttosell,”Sal

said.“Forsomereasonhehasn’tlawyeredupyet.Itseemsodd…Weallknowthedrill.”

“Let’sgethimoutofthere.PutinacalltoUffiziandtellhimtogetdowntothestation.”
“Surething,Boss.Ohand,Boss—”
“Isitimportant?”
ThepausehadhimcrossinghisfingersSalwouldletitgo.Hedidn’thavethepatiencetodealwith

anotherthingrightnow.“I’lltalktoyouaboutitlater.”

CarloendedthecallandturnedtoAllegra.“I’mworkingongettinghimoutnow.Don’tworry,if

there’sanyoneIcantrusttoholdupunderfire,it’sDante.”

Allegra’sshouldersrelaxed.Shesashayedoverandwrappedherarmsaroundhisneck.“I’msorry,

babe.Ijustgetsoworriedaboutyou,andeveryonealwayscornersme,asifIcandoanything.Whydon’t
wegosomewherewarmandtropicalwhereIcanslipintoatinybikiniandwecanspendtheweekinthe
sand?”

“Tempting,butwecan’tjustrunaway.It’lllooksuspicious,likewe’rescared.”Heranhishands

downherarms.“Wewatchourbacks,findtherats,andthentakecareofit.Thecops,feds—whoever’s
tryingtostiruptrouble—they’llbepainsintheassforawhile,butwhentheycan’tmakeanythingstick,
they’llbackoff.Sameasalways.”

No,hedidn’trun.Hemadetheharddecisions.Peoplejustdidn’tunderstandhowdifficultitwasto

makethem.Everyonewantedtobethebossuntiltheheatwason.

***

ThecallfromCarlomadearockforminVince’sgut,anditgrewlargerandheavierthemorehethought
aboutit.

Bobbysethissteamingmugofcoffeeonthetableinfrontofthecouch.Helookedlikeshit.Dark

circles,paleskin,andsweatbeadinghisbrowallmeanthewasthinkingabouthisnextfix.

“When’sthelasttimeyouused?”
Bobbysniffed.“FinishedoffmystashacoupleofhoursbeforeyouandCassieshowedup.Careto

stayaroundforthepukingstage?”

“I’vegottagomeetwithouruncleandseeifhekillsmefirst,butthenafter,I’llrushrighthome.”

Bobbyliftedashakyhandandranitthroughhishair.“Soyourgirldoesn’tknowaboutCarlo?Or…

therestofit?”

“No.I’vetriedtokeepheroutofit.She…”VincewantedtospillitallandgetBobby’sadvice.Ten

yearsago,hewould’ve.Maybeevenfive.Butnowhecouldn’ttrusthisownbrother.Theonlypersonhe
couldconfideinwasCassie,andhe’dbeenlyingtoherforweeks.Sinceconfidingeverythingwouldget
herkilled,thatwasn’teventrue.“She’stoogoodforme.”

“Yeah,”Bobbysaidwithashrug.“Butyesterdaysheprovedshe’stougherthanshelooks.Andshe

thinksI’mredeemable.”Hescratchedathisarmandglancedaround.“Youshouldhangontoher.”

Vincetossedhimapackofgumtotrytohelpwiththetwitchinessandcraving,althoughheknewit

wouldn’tworkforlong.“Shewasrightaboutyouneedingprofessionalhelp.It’sgoingtotakemorethana
fewmeetings.Iprobablyshouldn’thavebroughtyoubackherewhereyouknowtoomanypeople.Ijust
didn’thavemuchofachoice,consideringleavingyoutherewould’vegottenyoukilled.”Ahotburstof
angermixedinwithhisever-growinganxiety.“DamnCarlo.”

“It’sfunnybecauseIalwayswantedinandyoualwayswantedout.Buthedoesn’twantmeandhe

wantsyou.”

“Yeah.Fuckinghilarious.”
Bobbyshovedastickofguminhismouthandwenttotownonit.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“There’sonlyonewaytokeepyouandCassiesafe,andthat’stogiveinandjoinhim.I’llhaveto

breakupwithCassie,ofcourse.Ican’tpullherin.Forone,shemakestoogoodofleverageagainstme,
andIwon’tputherinthatkindofposition.AndIcan’thavehimusingyoueverytimehefeelslikeit,
either.”

“ShementionedthatplaceinColorado.Parker,wasit?”Bobbyrolledthegumwrapperbetweenhis

fingersuntilitwasatinysilverball.“MaybeI’lljustgo.Checkintorehabandgiveitarealshot.‘Course
I’dneedsomemoney.”

Vince’sskinprickled.HemetBobby’sdesperation-filledgaze.“Moneyforrehab?Well,that’sanew

one.”

“I’mserious.”
Vincecrossedhisarms.“DoyouthinkI’mstupid?”
“Cassiebelievesinme.”
“Yeah,shebelievesinme,too,”Vincesaidwithabitterlaugh.“Shebelievesineveryone.”
“That’sprobablytrue.ButhavinghertellmeIcoulddoitwhilelookingatmelikeIwassomeone

worthsaving…itmademewanttoproveherright.Acoupleofnightshidingoutinthatdumpalsoshowed
mewheremylifewasheadedifIdidn’tchange—thethingsthatguy’sdonetopayfordrugs…”Bobby
shuddered.

“Nowyou’retalkingaboutjoiningCarloandgivingupCassie—thegirlwhopulledmeasideand

demandedIbringyoubacktoher—justtokeepmesafe.”Bobbyshookhishead.“Idon’twantthistobe
whoIamanymore.Idon’twanttoriskmylifeforonemorehitandthenruinyoursbecauseyouhelpme.”
Heunwrappedanotherpieceofgumandshoveditinhismouth.“ButI’vealreadytriedquittingonmy
own,anditdidn’twork.”

“Arehabcenterwon’tdoalltheworkforyou,youknow.It’snotgoingtobeeasy.”
“Iknow.”Bobbyswipedhissweatyforeheadandthen,muchquieter,said,“Believeme,Iknow.”
Vincenodded,wishinghecouldbelieveitwouldbedifferentthistime.Whilehisbrotherhadnearly

gottenthemallkilledyesterday,hemissedhim.HerecalledCassie’syippeedogcomparison,andthe
happinessthatroseuphelpedtaketheedgeofftheshitstormgoingoninsidehishead.“We’lltalkifyou’re
stillherewhenIgetback.

HisnervesstretchedthinagainwhenheclimbedinsidetheJeep.Hetookadeepbreath.He’dfucked

thingsupwithCarlo,slippingwhenheknewbetter.Thismeetingwasgoingtobeaturningpoint,nodoubt
aboutit.

HisonlyoptionwastoassureCarlohisallianceswerestraight.Otherwiseeverythingwouldfall

apart,andattheendofthisplayingpretendperiodwithCassie,hewouldn’thavealifelefttogetbackto.

***

CarloexpectedVincebutgotSalinstead.Hewalkedhimoutthroughthebackpatiodoorandcrossedhis
armsagainstthechillintheair.“Whatdidyoufindout?”

“Uffiziwenttothestation,”Salsaid.“They’reinsistingonholdingDantethemaxamountoftime

beforeofficiallycharginghim,justbecausetheycan.”

“Dante’sstraight,right?”
“Hewon’ttalk,Boss.ButMariogotpickedupthismorning.Iknowhe’sasmallfish,butwithtwoof

ourguysincuffs,therestoftheboysaregettingjumpy.”

Carlopattedhispocketforhislighterandthenpulleditoutandlithiscigar.“Iwasn’tawareofwhat

abunchofdonnasIwasworkingwith.We’vebeenthroughthisbefore.Wejustgottalielowandcover
ourtracks.”

Salkickedatthegrass.Clearythegnatwasgettingreadytobuzz.“Idon’tmeannodisrespect,butI

startedthinkingaboutthewaitress,wonderingifit’sagoodideatoriskkeepingheralivewiththelaw
comingdownonus.”

“I’malreadytakingcareofit.Yougocalmdowntheboysandtellthemtokeeptheirnosesclean.

Oncewefindoutwhatthey’rechargingDantewith,we’llmakeournextmove.”

Thepatiodoorslidopen,andAllegrausheredVinceoutside.Hisjawtightenedwhenhiseyesliton

Sal,andthetwoofthemglaredateachother.

“Sal,youcango.Watchyourbackandmakesureourfacilitiesarelockeduptight.”
Henoddedandtooktheside-gateexit.
VincesteppeduptoCarloandlookedoutoverthebackyard.“It’sbeenawhilesinceI’vebeenover.

EvenlongersinceIcameouthere.MakesmethinkofallthebarbequesweusedtohavewhenIwaskid.
BackwhenmyparentswerealiveandbeforeBobbywasalwaysintrouble.”

Carloblewaringofsmoke.“Look,I’msorryaboutBobby.ButIneededyoutoseewhatcould

happenifIstoppedbeingsotolerant.Ineedadecision.”

“ItoldyouIwasthinkingaboutit.Idon’tdogoodwithultimatums.”
“Idon’tdogoodwithnos.”
Vinceshookhishead,thecornerofhismouthcurvingup.“Youdon’tsay.”
Thetensionfaded,andthingsfeltliketheymightbeokayafterall.“So,McCormicks…?”
Vince’seyebrowsdrewtogether“TheplacewhereCassieworks?Whataboutit?”
“It’sMcCarthy’s.”
Heshrugged.“Ialwayscallitthewrongthing—allthosedamnIrish“Mc”namesblurtogether,and

thenIthinkofthosespicesandflubthename.Why?Didyouneedtheaddress?It’sjustdowntown,right
nexttoadeli.Goodsteak,butnotnearlyashomeyasRossi’s.Theytakethemselvesalittletooseriously
ifyouaskme.”

Carlostudiedhisnephew.Nohesitation,andhethoughtthesamethingwhenheatethere.Itmust’ve

trulybeenaslip.“AndNewYork?How’dthatgo?”

Vinceletoutaharshexhale.“Imight’vepissedoffsomeoftheNewYorkboys.IpaidoffBobby’s

balanceandtoldthemhewasout.WhenBigAlrefusedmyterms,Irenegotiated…bypullingagunon
him.”

“Iheard,”Carlosaid.
“I’massumingyouheardItookCassie,too?”
Good.Hehadn’thadtopryitout,althoughVincewassmartenoughtorealizehewouldknow,sothat

didn’thelpmuch.“Thoughtitwasstrange.”

“Shewantstogotoacollegethere.WhenItoldherIwasgoing,sheaskedtotagalong.Ithoughtit’d

begoodtoseewhereshe’dbe,justincase.Plus,thefartherawaysheisfromhere,thelesstriggersfor
possiblememories.”

Alllogical.
“Ididn’trealizeit’dgetsorough,ofcourse,”Vincesaid.“Didn’thelpthatIwastryingtokeepwhatI

wasdoingthereonthedown-low,andoneofhisboysdecidedtothreatenher.Luckily,shejustthoughtthe
bouncercameoverbecauseofthedresscode.”

Vinceswitchedhisweightfromonefoottotheotherashisgazewenttothegrillwherehisdadused

toflipburgersandhotdogsalmosteveryweekend.Slowly,hereturnedtothepresentandshiftedhis
attentionbacktoCarlo.“Look,I’min,okay?Onafewconditions.BecauseofBobby,Idon’twanttodeal
withthedrugside.Infact,I’mhopingtogethimintorehab,butImightneedaloan.Asforthejob,I’ll
collect,I’llconsult,I’llintimidate.I’dratherworkmoreasyourconsiglierethantheunderboss.Ifallof
thatworksforyou,yougotme.”

Anadviserwhoalsocollectedanddealtwiththeshithedidn’twanttodealwithanyway?Carlo

couldworkwiththat.Heextendedhishand.“Welcometothefamily,”hejoked,andVincelaughedasthey
shookonit.Carlopulledhiminandgavehimahugwithahardslapontheback.

“Don’tyouworryaboutyourbrother.We’llgetthebesttreatmentmoneycanbuy,andit’sonme.Least

Icando.”

“Thanks,Carlo.”VinceglancedatthegateSalexitedthrough.“What’sgoingon?Icanseetheworry

hangingonyou,andSallookedlikesomeoneshovedastickuphisass,soI’mguessingsomething’sup.”

“PrettysureSal’sthingwasbecauseyounearlychokedhimoutinmyoffice.”
“Man,whatadonna.”
Carlochuckled.WithhimandVincesquaredaway,balancewasfinallyrestored.Assoonastheygot

thelawofftheirbacks,they’dbestrongerthanever.“Dantegothimselfbustedfordrugs,andthey’vebeen
holdinghimawhile,whichmeansthefedshavesteppedin.I’msuretheyspentalotoftimetryingtoflip
him.”

“Sowelaylow,wewatchfortails,andwe’remorecarefulwithcalls.Theywon’tgetus;theynever

do.”

Theuseof“us”sentawarmswirlofsatisfactionthroughCarlo.“Thefedsarebreathingdownmy

neck,andIdon’thavetheluxuryofmakingamistakeorlettingpersonalfeelingsgetinthewayofwhatI
knowneedsdone.”Hetossedhiscigaronthesidewalk,stompedonit,thensquaredoffinfrontofhis
nephewsohecouldcloselywatcheverytickofhisface.“I’massorryasanyonetohavetomakethis
call,butIcan’tleaveanylooseends.Cassieneedstobetakencareof.Now.”

“Isitworththeriskofitbeingtracedbacktoyou?Iassureyou,shedoesn’trememberathing.As

yourconsultant,I’lltellyouIdon’tthinkit’snecessary.”

“There’snowayaroundit,Vince.Iunderstandifyou’vebecomeattached.Iwon’tthinkanylessof

you,butit’sgottobetakencareof.CanIcountonyou?”

Vinceranhisfingersacrosshisjaw.“I’mnotgonnalie,Ihatethethoughtofdoingit.”
Carlonodded.“Isuspectedasmuch.It’shardtogetthatcloseandnotfeelsomething.”
“ButlikeIsaidwhenIfirstvolunteered,ifithastobedone,Iwanttomakesureit’squickand

painless.I’dstillratheritbemethansomeoneelse.”

ChapterTwenty-Nine

CarlostayedoutinthebackyardforseveralminutesafterVinceleft.Whenheheadedinside,heclicked
onthetelevision,butwasunabletosettleonanythingforlong.Afteragoodhourofmindlessstupidity,he
flippedthroughthechannelsagain…

Tryingtoridhimselfofthedoubthedidn’twanttohave.
HewantedtostartthisnewpositionwithVinceoffright,buthekepthearingSal’snasallyvoice

tellinghimthatVincealwayshadathingforCassie.HethoughtofBigAlrelayinghowangryVince
becamewhenhethreatenedher.

Blindtrustwasjustthat—blind.He’dalwaysneededtoseethingsforhimself.SurelyVinceknew

there’dberepercussionsifhefailed.Bobbywasintown,mostlikelycallingoldcontactsalready,looking
forafix.

AslongasVincedidwhathewassupposedto,he’dkeephisword,payforBobby’srehab,and

ensurenothinghappenedtohim.Hell,maybeit’devenstick.Honestly,Carlofeltlikehe’dfailedthem
both.Afterall,themanwhoshotdowntheirfatherdidittogetbackathimforkillinghisbrother.Assoon
asCarloheardaboutAntony,hesuspectedretaliation,andwhenhefinallygotholdofEnzoPaggiohe’d
confessed…afterCarlohadtakenacoupleoffingers.

Carlo’ssister,Teresa,hadalwaysbeenalittletoofragile.ItwaswhyhewasgladthatAntonyhad

falleninlovewithher—well,truthbetold,atfirsthewaspissed.Butthenherealizedhisbestfriend
wouldtakecareofher.

WhenAntonywasmurdered,shefellapart.Betweenthedrinkingandthepills,shefinallymixeda

powerfulenoughcocktailtoleavehertwoboysbehind.

Vincewassixteen,Bobbyfourteen.Carlohadtriedtodorightbythem.
Hestillwantedtorightbythem.
Butthatwashisheartoverrulinghisheadagain.Stopbeingapussyanddowhatyouknowneedsto

bedone.

Heemptiedhispockets—fuckingfedsmakinghimneedtwophoneseverywherehewent.Usinghis

brand-newburner,hecalledSal.ItwasasaddaywhenhewastheonlyoneCarlocouldcall.Why
couldn’tthegnatbesweatingitoutinacellinsteadofDante?

“Sal,”Carlosaidassoonasheanswered.“Ineedyoutolistenverycarefullytomyinstructions,andI

wantthemfollowedtoaT.Vinceistakingcareofthewaitresstonight,but…”

Histhroattriedtocloseonhim.Washereallydoingthis?Heranahandthroughhishairandsat

forward.“Iwantalittleextrareassurance,justincase.Don’tsendJackhammer.”Hesearchedhisbrain
fortherightguy.Quickandquietandwouldneverpointthefingerathim,evenifhegotcaught.Someone
Vincewouldn’tseecoming,either.

Justincase,hementallyreassuredhimself.It’salwaysagoodideatohavebackup.
Finally,hecameupwiththebestoptionhecouldunderthecircumstancesandgavethedetailed

instructionstoSaltorelaytothehiredthirdparty.

“WhatifVincegetsintheway?”Salasked.
Carlo’sgutclenched,andhebreathedoutthroughhisnose,forcingtheweak,affectionatesensation

away.“Justhavehimdowhatneedstobedone.”

Bloodwasthickerthanwater,butifhisbloodtriedtocrosshim,it’dbethelastthinghedid.

***

CassiehadthefirstshiftatMcCarthy’stoday,butsinceitwassuperslowandherconcentrationwas

subparanyway,Mr.Brownletheroffearly.Shedecidedtheperfectwaytocelebratewastobuythedress
she’dhadhereyeon,getallfanciedup,andmakeanicedinnerforherandVince—he’dcalledearlier
andsaidhe’dbeoverassoonashecould.

Tonightwasgoingtobethenight.YesterdaysheandVincehadpushedpastallthebarriers.

ExchangedIloveyous.Sonomorewaiting.Sheseasonedthechicken,andwhileitwasmarinating,
changedintohernewracyhot-pinkdress.Thefirsttimeshepassedthewindowdisplayfeaturingit,she
fellinlovewiththebrightcolor,butdecideditdidn’thavenearlyenoughmaterialforhertoactually
wear,evenwithhermore-bold-and-adventurousgoalinplace.

ButthewayVincelookedathertheothernightwhensheworeherlittleblackdressgaveherthe

confidencetobuythestrapless,mid-thighnumber.Shemightneverwearitoutsideofherapartment,but
she’drockittonight.Shecurledherhairinloosewavesandslippedonfour-inchnudepumps.Hopefully,
thecombinationwouldprovetobemorethanVincecouldresist,becauseshewassooverresisting.

She’djustsprinkledfreshbasiloverthechickenwhentherewasaknockonthedoor.Cassiewiped

herhandsonthekitchentowelandansweredit.

Vincestoodthere,deliciouslyscruffy,hisdarkhairabitmessierthanusual,wearinghisgreenarmy

jacket.Hehadalargeblackduffelbagoverhisshoulder.Hopetingledthroughher—maybeheplannedon
stayingthenight.Ortheweek,consideringthesize.

“That’sabigbag,”shesaid.“IthinkIcouldfitinit.”
Helookedather—ormorelikethroughher.“It’sallmyworkstuff.Ididn’twanttoleaveitinthe

Jeep.”

“Well,I’mabouttoputdinnerintheoven.Icanopenabottleofwineifyoulike,oryoucankickback

onthecouchforafewminuteswhileIwrapthisup,andthenI’lljoinyou.”

“I’mgonnagowashup,actually.”Hewalkedovertothetelevision,turnediton,andthenwalked

downthehall,stillcarryinghisduffelbag.

Weird.ShewonderedifitwasBobbyorifsomethingatworklefthimso…detached.
AndwhydidheturntheTVupsoloud?
Hehadn’tnoticedheroutfiteither,whichwasdisappointingtosaytheleast.Maybehejustneedsa

fewminutestounwind.We’llhavedinner,gettoaneasyflirtyplacelikewealwaysdo,andthenight
willgetbackontrack.Justaminorsetback,nothingmore.

Cassiepulledoutacuttingboardandgrabbedatomato.Shebounceditonherforearmandcaughtit.

Tomatoesgotwimpythrowsbecauseotherwiseyouendedupwithmashedtomatoes—notnearlyasgood
asmashedpotatoes.Unlessofcourseyouweremakingmarinara,whichshewasn’t.

Shepickedupaknifeandglideditthroughthetomato,makingthin,evenslicestoplaceontopofthe

chicken.Afterthatshe’dsprinkleParmesancheeseoverthetopandbakeitforforty-fiveminutes.Adda
saladandtheloafofcrustybreadandthey’dhaveanamazingmeal.

Sheletoutalongbreath,tryingtoexhalehernervesandherworryoverwhateverwasupwithVince.

There’snotmuchfoodcan’tfix.

TheblareoftheTVcutthroughhercookingZen.Mustbeacopshow,becausetherewasyellingand

shooting.

Cassieleanedoverthecounter,tryingtogetalookatwhatalltheracketwasaboutwithoutgettingher

dressmessy.Sheneededtobuyanapronnowthatshehadareasontocookfullmeals.

Onscreen,amanhadaguntrainedonanotherguywhohadhishandsupandwasbeggingforhimnot

toshoot.

ApricklingsenseofwrongnesscreptupCassie’sspineandsentgoosebumpsacrossherskin.

Admittedly,she’dneverlikedviolentmoviesorshows,butthiswas…Thatodddéjàvusensationthat

occasionallypoppedupsincewakingupinthehospitalhitherfullforce.

Anacheworkeditswayacrossherforehead.
Shewantedtolookaway,justleanbacktowhereshecouldn’tseetheTV,yetshestood,transfixed,

waitingtoseewhat’dhappen.Themanwiththegunpulledthetrigger,andCassiejumped.

Theguyfellbackwardandhittheground,abulletholeinhisforehead.Cassiesawanimageinher

mind,sosimilar…

Juicefromthetomatosqueezedbetweenherfingers,andwhensheglanceddownattheredrunningin

streams,shesawblood.

Amanpleadingforhislife.
Vince’sface.
Theman’sheadsnappingback.
Blood.So,somuchblood.
Askullwithaholeblownoutthebackofit,somisshapenandwrong.
Themanwho’dpulledthetrigger…
Asharppainshotacrossherhead,andthenthememorybarreledatherlikeitmeanttopinherin

placeandneverletgo.

CarloRossi.Therumorsabouthimbeingamobbossweretrue.Herheartratehitchedupanotch,

eachpumpsendingaburstoffearthroughher.

AndVince.Theonepersonshethoughtsheknew.Themansheloved.Betrayalturnedthebloodinher

veinstoice,slicingthemopenandspreadingitthroughherentirebody.

Hehadbeenthere,too.

ChapterThirty

Jimhungupthephoneandrubbedhisburningeyes,bouncingbetweencautiouslyexcitedandexhausted.
HedownedthelastofhiscoldcupofcoffeeandwavedatMancini.“Apparentlyoneofthetechguys
foundsomething.Let’sgotakealisten.”

Jimtriedtoshakehimselfawake.EversincetheypickedupDanteCosta,heandMancinihadbeen

pushinghard,pullinglatenights.Dantetoyedwiththem,notlawyeringupuntilthelastminute,then
flippingthemoffastheyofficiallychargedhim.

Lookedlikehewasgoingtomakebail,too.WiththecatabouttobeoutofthebagthattheFBIwas

watching,itwastimetomakeaHailMarypass.Iftheycouldn’tbringRossiinonsomethingmajor,might
aswellscrewwithhislivelihoodasmuchaspossible.

Thebastard’sslippingthroughourfingers.Thatsameworrywaswrittenalloverhispartner’sface.

Whilethetechguysoftengotexcitedovertinythingsthatdidn’taddmuchtothecase,Jimdecidedtotry
onoptimismforonce.

Maybethistimethey’vefoundsomethingincriminatingenoughtouseagainstRossiincourt.Orat

leastleadtoastakeoutthat’lltakehimdown.

AndthenI’lldoacartwheeldownthehall,noworryaboutthrowingmybackout.
Jimpausedatthedoortothetechroom,almostscaredtogoin,becauseitcouldbenothingagain,and

heandMancinicouldn’thandleonemoredayofnothing.TheyboththoughttheyhadDante;they’dbeenso
close.

Closecountedinhorseshoesbutearnedyoujackshitindetectivework.
JimheldthedooropenforManciniandfollowedhimin.“Youhavesomethingforus?”
Kent,oneofthetechagents,turnedupthespeakerstohiscomputer.“WepickedupthisoffSalvatore

Esposito’scell.It’sfromearliertoday.”Hepushedplay,andtheylistenedtoaconversationbetween
CarloandSalthatsoundedsuspiciouslylikeahithadjustbeenordered.

“Howlongagodidhemakethatcall?”Jimasked.
Thetechguywinced,andJimknewitwasn’tgoingtobegood.“We’vegotsomanycalls,andwe’ve

beenfocusingmoreonCarl—”

“Thetime,Agent.”
“Itwasaroundfour.”
Jimglancedathiswatchandswore.“We’vegottogettoCassandraDalton’splace.Mancini,callfor

backup.”Hepushedoutthedoor,checkingthathisweaponwasinitsholster,despitethefactthathe
nevertookitoffwhilehewasonduty.

“Wecan’tletthatgirldie,”hesaidasheandMancinisprintedtowardthebuilding’sexit.
Butwithhowlateitwas,heworriedtheywerealreadytoolatetostopit.

***

VinceclosedthedoortoCassie’sbedroomandworkedthezipperontheduffelbag.Hewishedtheyhad
timetoenjoyonelastnighttogether.

Whilehewaswishingforshit,hewishedeverythingcouldbedifferent,actually.Nowhehadtorip

awaythefutureshe’dplanned,andhehadafeelingshewasn’tgoingtomakeiteasy.He’dturnedonthe
TV,hopingtodrownoutthenoiseifshestartedyellingandfreakingout.

Whatwashethinking?Ofcourseshewasgoingtofreakout.Maybeheshouldgothetranquilizer

route.Slipsleepingpillsintoherdrink.

Ifhe’dgonethroughwiththeoriginalplan,itwould’vebeeneasier.Nowthereweresomanymessy

emotionsinvolved.

Heroundedthecornerofthehallway.Cassie’sgazewasonthesmashedtomatoinherhand,her

featurescompletelydrainedofcolor.Shehadthekniferaisedlikeshe’dforgottentoslice.

“Cassie?”
Sheswungtheknifetowardhim,thebladeglintinginthelight.“Don’tcomeanycloser.”Hervoice

trembled,andatearrandownhercheek.

Vinceputhishandsupinfrontofhimandtookaslowstepinherdirection.“What’swrong?”
“Stoprightthere!”
Hefroze,tryingtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.He’dexpectedyelling,justnotquitesosoon.She

shouldn’talreadybemad.Unless…

“Whydoyoulooksoconfused?”sheasked,hervoiceanopenwound.“Yourememberwhat

happened,right?Ijustdid.Mr.Rossiblewthatguy’sheadoff,andyoujuststoodthereandwatched.He
pulledthetriggerlikeitwasnothing,likehe’ddoneitbefore.”

Herchestroseandfellwithrapidbreaths,andacouplemoretearsslippeddownhercheeks.
“Lookbaby,it’snotwhatyouthink.”Vincetookanotherstep,andshethrusttheknifeinhisdirection.

Itwasn’taverybigknife,maybefourinches,buthe’drathernotgetslashedwithitallthesame.

“Don’tyoudarecallmebaby!Haveyoubeen…what?Playingwithme?Itoldyoueverything.Ifellin

lovewithyou.”Hereyesdartedwildlyaroundtheroom,fromthecountertoherlefttotheoneonthe
right.Shedidn’tlookbehindher,butshewasnodoubtrealizingthefridgeandwallblockedherin,no
possibleescaperoute.

Workingtokeephisvoicecalm,hesaid,“I’llexplain,butwedon’thavealotoftime.I’mguessing

youremembereverything?”

“Yeah,unfortunatelyforyouIdo.”Sheglancedatthedoor,mostlikelycalculatingherchancesof

leapingacrossthecounterandmakingittherebeforehedid.Shewouldn’t.Especiallynotinthatsexy
getup.

“Listentome,ifyouleavehere,you’redead.I’vegotaplan,butyouneedtoletmeexplain.”
Hecouldseethecracksforming—shewantedtobelievehimbutwasn’tsureshecould.Hethought

he’dfeltguiltbefore,butitwasnothingcomparedtotheoverwhelmingrushheexperiencedrightnow.
“DoyourememberlastnightwhenItoldyouthatIloveyou?Imeantthat.Cassie,you’vegottobelieve
me.ItthemosttruthfulthingI’veeversaid.”

Herbottomliptrembled,andanothertearslippeddownhercheek.Itmadehimfeellikethelowest

pieceofshitever.

“Ialwayslikedyou,evenwhenweworkedtogether,”hesaid.
“Younevershowedanyinterest.”
“ItalkedtoyouwheneverIcould.Inearlyaskedyououtadozentimes.SurelyyounoticedthewayI

lookedatyou?”

Aflickerofdoubtcrossedherfeatures,andhegrabbedontoit.
“Butyouweresmartandsweet,andIdidn’twanttoinvolveyouinmylife,withmycrookedfamily

andthebusinesstheyrunontheside.Hell,Ididn’tevenwanttobeinvolvedinmylife.”

“Isthatsupposedtomakeitokaythatyouallkillpeople?Like,well,atleastyoudon’twanttodoit.”

Shetookastepbackward,andhefoughttheurgetoclosethedistanceagain.Ifhecouldjustgethertoa
placeshefeltsafe,hecouldtalkherdown.Makehersee.

“I’veneverkilledanyone.Irantherestaurant—thelegitimatebusiness.ButwheneverBobbygotinto

trouble,Carlowouldbailhimout,andthenhe’ddisappearbeforepayinghimback,soI’dhavetorepay
hisdebtsbyconvincingpeopletopaytheirs.MostwerescaredenoughofmethatIdidn’thavetoget

physicalwiththem.Istillfelthorribleeverytime,andItoldmyuncleIdidn’twanttobeinvolvedinthat
sideofthebusiness.Butwhenyougotoutofthehospital,Ioverheardhimandhisboystalkingabout
killingyou.”

Cassie’seyeswidened,andshegrippedtheknifetighter,herarmshakingwiththeeffort.“CarloRossi

sentyouheretokillme.”

Notaquestion.Sheknew.Mightaswellgiveitalltoher.Thenhopefullyshe’dbelievehim.“I

volunteered,actually.”

Shepressedherlipstogether,herchestcavinginonitselflikethewordsstruckher.“Thisjustkeeps

gettingbetterandbetter.”Withherfreehandshewipedathertears,butthekniferemainedaimedathis
chest.

Healmostpointedoutthathecouldeasilygrabamuchbiggerknifefromtheblockimmediatelytohis

right,buthedoubtedthatwouldbecomforting.“ItoldhimIwantedtodoitsoitwouldbequickand
painless,butIplannedontakingyousomewhere,changingyouridentity,andmakingsureyouweresafe.It
wasalwaystheplan,Iswear.

“ButwhenIranintoyou,youdidn’tevenrememberme.SoItalkedCarlointolettingmekeepaneye

onyou.Thegoalwastoconvincehimtojustletyouliveyourlife.I…Ididn’tmeantogetsoclose.But
beingwithyouletmeforgetwhoIamforalittlewhile.Ialreadylikedyou,andIjustfellharderevery
day.Iwantedtoprotectyou,butIalsojust…wantedyou.”

“Iwanttobelieveyou,butIdon’t.Allyou’vedoneislieandhidewhoyouare.You…”Pain

flickeredthroughherfeatures,andhewantedmorethananythingtopullherintohisarmsandtellherhe’d
fixit,whateverittook.

“Iwasgoingtoexplaineverythingtonight,”hesaid.“Iknewit’dbehardtoconvinceyouandthat

you’denduphatingme,butweneedtorun,Cassie.TheFBIisclosinginonCarlo,whichmeanshewants
youdead.Assoonashetoldmetodoit,Ispenttherestofthedaygettingthingsready.Butweneedtogo
now.Idon’tknowhowlonghe’llgivemebeforesendingsomeoneelse.”

Sheshookherheadoverandover.
Heheldhishandsupalittlehigher.“LetmegrabmyduffelbagandshowyoutheforgeddocumentsI

hadmadesoyoucanstartover.Youwon’tmakeitoutofthecitywithoutme,butonceIgetyououtof
Trenton,youcanleavemebehind.Justletmegetyoufar,farawayfromCarlofirst.”

Hestartedtomoveforthebag,andshelungedforward,stillwieldingtheknife.“Don’t,”shesaid.

“I’msureyouhaveaguninthere,andI’mnotgoingtoletyougetitoutsoyoucanshootme.”

Fuck,thatstung.“YoureallythinkI’dshootyou?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’treallyknowyouatall,doI?”
Thestingingdeepenedtoaslicing,stabbingpainthattookoverhisentirechest.Hestraightenedand

debatedmoreexplanationversusgrabbingherarm,twistingitaround,anddisarmingher.Explanation
wasn’tgettinghimanywhere,yethehatedtohurther.She’dalsokickandscream.It’dbesomucheasier
ifhedidn’thavetocarryheroutofthebuildingthatway;that’ddefinitelyattractattention.

Thenagain,theydidn’thavetimeforthis.
Finally,hewentwithhisinstinctsandtooktwolargestridestowardher.“There’snowayoutbut

throughme.Whatareyougoingtodo,baby?Stabmeandflee?”

“Yes,”shesaid,andhedidn’thavethehearttotellhershewastheworstliarever.
Areddotflickeredoverhershoulder,movingtowardher,andcoldblackdreadseizedhim.“Cassie,

getdownnow!”

Whenshedidn’tmove,hehadnochoice.
Hedoveontopofher.Theknifeslidintohissideasabullethitthefridge,rightwhereshe’dbeen.

Whenheliftedhishead,Cassie’snosenearlytouchedhis.Hereyesfocusedontheknifeinhisside.

“Ididn’tmeanto,”shesaid,herwordsrunningtogether.“You—”
Anothershothitthefridge,lowerthistime.Onthefloortheywereoutofthelineofsight,butthat

didn’tmeanthesniperwouldn’tgetluckywithafewblindshots.

VincegrimacedasCassiepulledtheknifeout.Eitheritwasn’tthatdeeporadrenalinemaskedhow

baditwas.Maybeacombinationofboth.“Staylow,followme.”

Vincearmycrawledaroundthecounterandgrabbedhisbag.HemotionedforCassietomove,and

thankGod,sheactuallydid.Placinghisduffelandthenhimselfinfrontofher,theycrawledtowardthe
door.

Piecesofthewallexplodedandsentplasterrainingoverthem,andwhateverCassiehadontopofthe

counterslidoffandshattered.Vincestretchedanarmuptoopenthedoor,andabullethitsoclosethatthe
woodcrackedandsplintered,andtheknobcameoffinhishand.

Heswungthedooropenwithhisfoot.“Go,go,go!”heyelled,shovingCassietowardtheexit.

Anothershothitthedoorframe,onlyafewinchesaboveherhead.Sheletoutasquealbutkeptmoving.
Vincethrewhimselfintothehallafterherandkickedthedoorclosed,eventhoughitdidn’tlatch.

Evenwithhisadrenalinerunningatfullspeed,thewoundinhissidestartedscreamingforattention.

Vincescootedawayfromthemangleddoor,breathingheavyandtellinghimselftogetup.

Hepushedtohisknees,shoulderedhisduffel,andthenreacheddowntocheckthecut.Whenhelifted

hisfingers,theycamebackslickandcoatedinred.

***

Cassiedidn’twanttobeholdingthebloodyknife,butnothavingaweaponseemedlikeabadidea,soshe
keptatightgriponit.Shesatbackagainstthewall,stillintoomuchshocktoyellorscreamorrunor…
whateversheneededtodorightnow.

Thegunshotsmustnothavebeenveryloud,becausenoneofherneighborsopenedtheirdoorsand

pokedtheirheadsouttoseewhatwashappening.Thenagain,alotofherneighborswerepracticallydeaf
andmostlikelyalreadyinbed.

Vincepoppedtohisfeet,grabbedherhand,andyankedherup.“Wegottamove,”hesaid,starting

downthehall.

Shedraggedherheelsuntilhespunaround.
“What?Whyaren’tyoumoving?”
Shejerkedherhandawayfromhimandcrossedherarms.“Don’twhatme.Istilldon’tknowifIcan

trustyou.”

“Whichoneofusisbleeding?”heasked,andhergazedroppedtotheoozingwoundinhisside.That

sickening,suckingnoisetheknifemadeasitexitedhisbodywouldprobablyhauntherforever.“Why
don’tyousavedecidingwhetheryoutrustmeforafterIgetyououtofherealive?Becauseourshooter’s
notgoingtowaitwhileyoufigureitout,andhemight’vebroughtbackup.”

Well,whenheputitthatway,shedidn’thavemuchofachoice.Shequickenedherpace,runningfor

theelevatorandcursingthefactthatshechosetonightofallnightstowearhertallestheels.Vincepushed
heron,towardthestairwell.“We’llbesittingducksintheelevator.Weneedtotakethestairs.”

Assoonastheysteppedintothestairwell,heunzippedhisduffelbagandtookoutapistol.“Youwant

toputyourknifeinhere?”

“I’llkeepit,thanks.”
Vinceshookhishead.“Comeonthen,Rambo.”Hetookherhandandstarteddownthestairs.Ten

flights.Noproblem.Onlyherdamndressdidn’treallyallowforstairs.Theseamoftheskirtrippedafew
inchesasshestretchedittoitslimit,andshewentaheadandusedherknifetohelpitalongsoshecould

movebetter,tryingnottothinkabouthowthedarkredonthebladewasVince’sblood.

Vinceleftasplattertrailofitastheyran,butbeforeshecouldthinktoomuchaboutit,henudgedher

forward.Herbreathsturnedshallow,onecomingafteranotherasherheartpumpeddouble-time.

Floorfive.
“Youknowhow…theotherday…”Speakingatthispacewasnearlyimpossible.“IsaidIwantedour

adventurestobelessscary?”

Gunout,Vincelookeddownthestairwell.Heputhishandonherelbowandstartedthedescenttothe

nextfloor.

“Ifwegetoutofthisalive,”Vincesaid,hisbreathingbarelyaffected,“we’llgosomewheresuper

boring.Youcangetyourdegreeandcreateculinarymasterpieces.”

“AslongasI’mnevershotatagain,I’llworkwherever.”Shealmostmissedastairandbarelycaught

herselfontherailingwithherfreehand.Sheallowedherselfonequickinhaleandpushedpasttheburning
inherthighs.

Onemorefloortogo.
“I’mguessingthereasonwewereshotatthenightIfirstmetyou—well,metyouforthesecondtime

—wasbecauseIwitnessedtheshootinginthealley?”

“Yeah,Salgotalittleexcited.That’swhyIbecameyourshadowforthepastfewweeks.NotthatI

didn’tenjoyit.”Hecastheraquickglance,andthesoftnesstheremadeherwanttocryalloveragain.
Shewasstilldrawntohimbutconfusedaboutifsheshouldbeanymore.“It’salsowhyItriedtoconvince
youtogotoaculinarycollegefarawayfromhere.”

“Farawayfromyou.”
“Yes,fromme.Frommyfamily.Safefromeverything.”Hestoppedsoabruptlyshenearlycrashed

intohim.Finally,they’dreachedthegroundfloor.

Vincekepthisbackagainstthewallandeasedthedooropenacrack.Hescannedtheground,andthen

hisgazemovedupward.“Idon’tseehim,butsincewe’retalkingaboutasniper,it’snotlikehe’llbe
sittingintheopen.”

Cassiepressedafisttoherside,hopingit’dhelpwiththestichthere.“That’scomforting.”
“Hesetupontheothersideofthebuilding,andit’dtakehimtimetomove.Weshouldbeokay.”

Vinceletthedoorcloseandspuntofaceher.Heputhishandonthesideofherneckandpeeredintoher
eyesasifheweretryingtosilentlyconveysomethinghedidn’tknowhowtosaywithwords.Atornado
ofemotionsroseup,andshedidn’tknowwhichonetograbonto,orifsheevencouldholdontoonefor
morethanacoupleofsecondsbeforetherestsweptheraway.

“Thismightgetrough.Stickcloseaswemovearoundcars,nostopping,nostraightline.”Heranhis

fingersdownherarmandgaveherhandaquicksqueezebeforeturningbacktothedoor.

Shetriedtoremainplasteredtohisbackwithoutpushinghimover.Hedrewhisgun.“Ready?”
No.“Yes.”
Theyburstoutofthedoorandran,footstepsslappingthepavement.Cassie’svisiontunneledinonthe

Jeep.Justafewmorefeet.TheheadlightsflashedasVinceunlockeditwithhiskeyfob.

Theglowfromthenearbystreetlightspilledoverthem,andwhileshewantedtohidefromthe

illumination,italsohighlightedthedarkstainofbloodonVince’sside.

“Ishoulddrivesoyoucanstopthebleeding,”shesaid.
“I’mfi—”
“Justdon’targueforonceandletmedrive.”
“Iguessthat’llbebetterifIneedtoshoot,too,”hesaid,handingoverthekeys.
Waytotakeittothescarierlevel,shethoughtassheclimbedin.Vincegruntedashetossedtheduffel

intothebackseatandclimbedintothepassengerside.

Theenginegrowledtolife,andCassieslammedthepedalsoharditthrewherbackagainsttheseat.

Theylurchedoutoftheparkinglot,andshetookahardright.

Vincewaddedthebottomofhisshirtandusedhisforearmtopressittohiswound.“Areyougoingto

drivemetothepolicestationandtellthemtoarrestme?”heasked,buthedidn’tsoundveryconcerned.

SheeyedthesignthatguidedthemtoRoute1.“Iguessyou’llhavetowaitandsee.”Atleastwithher

memoriesback,sheknewthecityagain,aswellasthefreewaysandwhichstatestheyledto.Driving
alsogaveherasenseofcontrolshedesperatelyneededrightnow.

Vincepulledouthisphone,andshetensedashemadeacall.Yes,he’dsavedhertonight.No,that

didn’tmeansheautomaticallytrustedhim.

“Bobby?YoudowhatIaskedyouto?”Vinceletoutarelievedsigh.“Juststaygone.Dumpyour

phone.RememberwhatItoldyou.”HeglancedatCassie.“Yeah.PissedashellandI’mprettysureIcan
considermyassdumped,butshe’sokay,whichisallthatreallymatters…You,too.”Heloweredthe
phone,brokeitapart,anddugoutthebattery.

“HowmuchdoesBobbyknow?”
“Obviouslyheknowsaboutouruncle’sbusiness,butIwasscaredtotellhimmuchaboutthewhole

situationwithyou.HejustknowsIthinkyou’reindanger,thatIwasgoingtodosomethingcrazyandrisky
tokeepyousafe,andthatIneededhimtogetasfarawayfromNewJerseyasfastaspossible.”Vince
rolleddownhiswindowandtossedhisphoneoutoftheJeep.Hewaitedseveralsecondsbeforethrowing
thebattery.“Youdon’thaveyourphoneonyou,doyou?”

“IfIhadmyphone,I’dhavecalledthepolicealready.”Shebitherlip.“Yousurethat’snottheright

move?”

“Carlo’sgottoomanycontacts.Idon’ttrustthem.”
“ItrustTom.Icancallhimand—”
“Please,Cassie.Justtrustme.”Hereachedforherthighandthenseemedtorememberhedidn’tgetto

touchherlikethatanymoreandrestedhishandontheconsoleinstead.“ThefartheryougetfromNew
Jersey,thebetter.”

“Trustyou?”sheasked,unabletohelpherself.
“IsupposeIdeservethat.”Vinceranahandthroughhishair.“DoesitmatterthatIliedtokeepyou

safe?Ihopedyou’dneverrememberthatshooting.IwishIdidn’t.”

CassieshudderedastheimageofthatmandyinginthebackalleyofRossi’shitheragain.
Vincereachedoverandtookherhand,apparentlydecidingitwassaferterritorythanthethigh.She

thoughtaboutjerkingitawayandtryingtostaymad,butitfeltsodamngoodandprovidedthecomfortshe
cravedrightnow.Sosheslippedherfingersbetweenhisandheldontight.

Apassingtruck’sheadlightslituptheJeep’sinteriorforamoment,andCassienoticedhowpale

Vincewas.“Thenexttown,we’llgetyoutoahospitalandtheycanstitchuptheknifewound,”shesaid.

“It’snothing.Mucheasiertolivethroughthanabulletwound.”
“Still,Ifeelhorrible.Youjustdoverightonme,eventhoughyouhadtoknowit’dgetyou.”
Hecurledhisfingerstighteraroundherhand.“Itwasthatorwatchyoudie,andthatwasn’tan

option.”

Alumproseinherthroat.“I’msorry.IwishIcouldtakeitback.”
“Itdidn’tgothatdeep,andifit’llsoftenyouuptothepointthatyoumighteventuallyforgivemeone

day,I’llcallitawin.”

Shegaveahalf-laugh,half-cryandthenclenchedherjaw,becauseifsheallowedanycrying,she

mightneverstop.

ChapterThirty-One

Vincecheckedtherearviewandsidemirrors.Inthedark,itwasnearlyimpossibletotellonesetof
headlightsfromanother,buttheyhadn’tbeenfollowedoutofJersey.HehadCassietakeafewrandom
freeways,skimmingnorthofPhiladelphiaandheadingthatwayforawhilebeforeturningsouthand
endingupintheAppalachians.

ThestrainshowedinCassie’sposture,andshekeptshakingherselfandreadjustinginherseat,stress

andfatiguetakingtheirtoll.He’dtakeaturnatthewheel,buthewasexhaustedaswellandfiguredthey
couldbothusetimetocatchtheirbreaths.

“Let’sgetoffatthisexit,”hesaid.“We’llfindalittletown,checkintoamotel,andcatchafewhours

ofsleep.”

Acoupleofmilesdowntheroad,asmallstripmotelcameintoview.“There.Pulloverandwe’llget

aroom.”

WhenCassieraisedaneyebrowathim,headdeda“please,”andsheturnedintotheparkinglotand

easedtheJeepintoaspaceneartheoffice.Afterhoursofnon-stopdriving,justbeinginoneplacewasa
welcomerelief.

Asharppainshotthroughhissideashereachedforhisduffel,butheignoreditandheftedthebag

ontohislap.Thenhepulledonhisjacket,zippeditallthewayupsoit’dcoverhisbloodyT-shirt,and
climbedoutoftheJeep.

HeshoulderedhisbagandreachedforCassie’shand,butshewasfocusedontryingtotugherskirt

closed.Theseamhadrippedallthewayup,exposingmostofherthigh.“AsifIneededtoshowanymore
leginthisdress.”

“Personally,Ilikeit.”
Shelookedupathim.Hewantedtoseeinhereyesthattheywereokay,buthe’dsettleforherbeing

okay.Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,hecouldn’tgetareadonher.Shehadtobeclosetobreaking—he
figuredit’dcomeoutaseitherangeroryellingortears—butherfacewasblank,onlyahintofexhaustion
inherprettyfeatures.

Theywalkedtotheoffice,andVinceheldthedooropen.Cassiepushedpasthim,herbareshoulder

brushinghischest.Theroomwastinyandwarmwithapamphlet-filledstandonnearbyactivities.As
luckwouldhaveit,themotelclerkatthedeskwasfemale—that’dmakethisaloteasier.

Thebrunette’sgazeremainedfixedonthephoneinherhand,butwhenVinceclearedhisthroat,she

lookedup.Hereyeswentwide,andthenasmilespreadacrossherface.

“Weneedaroomforthenight,”hesaid.
TheclerkglancedatCassie,seemingtonoticeherpresenceforthefirsttime.Cassieranahanddown

herhair.Afterbeingshotat,fleeingforherlife,andalongdrive,shewasstilltheprettiestthinghe’dever
seen.Hisgazemovedtothatslitandthecreamyexposedskinofherthigh,andthenhegotdistracted,
thinkingaboutrunninghishandupherleg.

“Name?”
Vincejerkedhisattentionbacktothegirlbehindthedesk.“MarkJones,”hesaid,producinga

driver’slicensewiththatalias.Theyonlyhadtwovacantrooms,bothwithkingbeds.

Hetoldherhe’dtakeonewithoutcheckingtoseehowunhappyCassielookedaboutthenews.Ifhe

hadto,hecouldsleeponthefloor.Whentheclerkaskedforacreditcard,hehandedhercashinstead.

“I’msorry,butweneedacreditcardforincidentals,”shesaid.
“I’llpayacashdepositifIneedto.Idon’thaveacreditcard.”

Thegirlglancedaroundnervously,asifsomeonewouldappearoutofthinairandtellherwhetheror

notthatwasokay.ThenshelookedatCassie,andunderstandinglithereyes—thewrongunderstanding.
Vinceflinched,hopingCassiewouldn’tnotice.

“Roomseven.”Sheslidakeycardacross.“Haveanice…stay.”
HeandCassieexitedtheofficeandwalkeddownthesidewalk,checkingthenumbersonthedoorsas

theypassedthem.

“Toobadshedidn’taskformyname,”Cassiesaid.“BecausethenIcould’vetoldheritwasBambi

andconfirmedherassumptionthatIwasaby-the-hour-typedate.”

VincestoppedinfrontoftheirroomandshotCassieasmile.“Don’tworry,Bambi.Ijustwannatalk.”
Sheshovedhiminthechest,butthecornersofhermouthliftedinasmile.
Theroomwasn’tasbadashe’dexpected.Outdatedbutclean,withasturdysecondlock.Carefulto

notmovetoomuch,heshookoffhisjacketandresteditonthetinycirculartableinthecorner.

Cassieliftedhisshirt,grimacingwhenitstuckbeforeslowlypeelingfree.
“It’sreallynotthatbad,”hesaid.
“Isawagrocerystoreacrossthestreet.Yougetintheshowerandcleanitout.I’mgoingtogetsome

bandagesandsupplies.”

“Whateveryousay,Bambi.”
Cassieshookherhead.“IthinkIpreferredRambo.”
“I’mcomfortablewithmymasculinityandall,butI’mafraidthatcrossesalineforme.”
Hegotthesmilehewashopingfor.Aslongashecouldkeepherjokingandhappy,maybehecould

stoptherealityofthesituationfromcrushingher.Nowtobreakthenewsthathecouldn’tactuallyfollow
herdemands.“It’snotsafeforyoutogoanywherealone.I’llcomewithyou.”

Aninvoluntarygruntcameoutashereachedforhisjacket,hishandautomaticallygoingtohisinjury.
Cassienudgedhimtowardthebed,andhiskneesbuckledridiculouslyeasyoncetheyhittheedgeof

themattress.“We’remilesawayfromanywhereandthatwoundneedstakingcareof.”Shegavehimher
hardstare.“Don’tmakemestabyouagain.”

Hewantedtofighther,butlightheadednesssetin.
“Smallproblem…”Shetwistedapalestrandofhairaroundherfinger.“Idon’texactlyhaveany

money.”

HeconsideredsayingGood,thenIwin,andwebothstayput.Butshewasrightabouthiswound

needingcleaning,andhe’dmadesuretheyweren’tfollowed.“Yourpurseisinmyduffelbag.Ihopeyou
don’tmindItookyourstashofcashfromyourdrawersandshoveditallinthere,butIknewyou’dneed
it.Wecan’tusecreditcardsfromhereonout,okay?Nothingtheycanusetotraceus.”

“Okay.”Sheopenedtheduffelbag,dugaround,andcameupwithherpurseandtheframedpicture

fromhernighttable.Huggingittoherchestshespuntohim.“You…”Hervoicecracked,andtears
borderedhereyes.

“Iwould’vebroughtthequiltandyourhotpinkcouchifIcould,butthatwastheonlythingIcouldfit

inwithourclothesandothersuppliesIthoughtwe’dneed.”

Sheleanedoverandkissedhischeek.“Thankyou.”

***

Tony“theTrigger”Castellanowasn’ttalking.Thelocalboysinbluecaughthimrunningoutofthe
buildingacrossthestreetfromCassandraDalton’splace.JimandMancinihadburstintoCassandra’s
complexandrushedtoherfloor,planningontakingherintoprotectivecustody.

Onlywhentheyarrived,thedoorhadaholeinsteadofadoorknob,therewerebulletholesinthe

fridgeaswellasthecounterandwall,andbloodwasonthefloorofthekitchen.Cassandra’scarsatin

theparkinglot,butshewasnowheretobefound.Theyputincallstothelocalhospitalsandtalkedtoher
neighbors,whohadn’theardanything.Notallthatsurprising,consideringtheblaringTVandthefactthat
sniperrifleswerequiet,unlessthethingtheyshotwasrightnexttoyou.Noneofherneighborsseemedto
knowmuchaboutMissDaltoningeneral.

HeandMancinialsoquestionedthepeopleatherworktoseeifshewaswithanyofthemorhad

contactedthem,butnodice.Oneofherco-workerstoldhimaboutVinceDaMarcoandhowheand
Cassiehadbeenseeingeachother.

TherewasnosignofVinceDaMarco,either.
TriggerCastellano’slawyershowedup,andbigsurprise,hehadthesamelawyerastherestof

Rossi’sboys.Theycouldn’tchargehimformurderwithoutabody,butuntiltheyfoundoutiftherewas
one,theycouldholdhimonsmallercharges.Theyshouldprobablyapplyforajudge’sapprovaltohold
himforlongersothey’dhavemoretimetoinvestigateCassandra’sdisappearance.

MancinislammeddownthephonewithenoughforceforJimtoknowwhateverleadhe’dbeen

pursuinghadn’tworkedout.Hesatbackinhischairandscrubbedahandoverhisface.“IfVincekilled
her,”hesaid,“why’dTonyshoot?”

“Idon’tknow,”Jimsaid,shakinghishead.TheconnectionbetweenCassandraandVincehadnever

mademuchsensetohim.“ButIdoknowIwanttogetmyhandsonhimandaskhim.”

“Ijusthope…Ihopehe’snotonhiswaytodisposeofthebody.Themoretimehehas…”Mancini

didn’tfinish.Hedidn’tneedto.

CassandraDaltonwaseitherdeadorinjured,andtheyneededtofindhersoon,forhersakeandfor

theircase’ssake.Pleaseletherjustbeinjured.

Hewantedhertobeokay,hedid,becausehedidn’twantinnocentpeopletodie.Diditmakehima

badpersontoalsowantheralivebecauseshecouldbethekeytotheirentirecaseagainstCarloRossi?
They’dbeabletomakeadecentcaseagainstconspiracytomurder.Ofcourse,theslipperybastardhad
Salgivetheordertokeephimselfclear.

Jimturnedandpunchedthewalluntilhisknucklesthrobbedandstung.
Mancinisimplywatched,notattemptingtostophimortellhimtocalmdown.Helikedthataboutthe

kid,eventhoughhisknucklescould’veusedanintervention.“Feelbetter?”

“No.”Rightnowthecasefeltsodamnedimpossible.
Mancinileanedbackinhischair,crossingoneankleovertheother.Hegaveoffagoodfake

everything’s-gonna-be-okay-vibe,buttensiontightenedhisjaw,andhisfistswereclenched.“Once
forensicsisdonewithwhattheyfoundatthescene,theypromisedtosendustheinformationASAP.And
wesentoutanAPBonCassandraandVince.”

“Wegotdoublethemanpowerforsurveillancenow,too,sowe’llpushhardwhilethey’retryingto

covertheirtracks.”

Mancininoddedandsighed.“So,nowwejustgottawaitandsee.”
Jimstudiedhisred,scrapedknuckles.“Problemis,I’veneverbeenmuchfor‘waitandsee.’”

***

Cassiefrownedatthemanytypesofbandages,notsurewhatsheneeded.Theyalwaysseemedto
magicallyknowinthemovies.Thatortheyhadthelucktohaveadoctorstashedsomewhere.Hospitals,
cancertreatments,wakingupfrommassiveheadinjuries…shecouldtellyouloadsaboutthat.Butflesh
woundsconfoundedher,andshecertainlydidn’thaveadoctorstashedsomewhere.

Shetossedsuppliesintoherbasketatrandom.Gauze,tape,butterflybandages,hydrogenperoxide,

andNeosporin.Thatshouldcovermostofthebases,justshortofactuallygoingtothehospitaltoget
Vincestitcheduplikeshe’dprefer.Hekeptinsistinghewasfine,butshesawthewayhewinced

wheneverhemoved.NottomentiontheamountofbloodstaininghisT-shirt.

Tryingtofocusonhappierthoughts,despitethefactthattheywereinshortsupplyatthemoment,she

movedtothenextaisle.ThesleevesofVince’sgreenjacketfelloverherhandsasshegrabbedIbuprofen.
Sheopenedherpurse,pushedasidethewadsofcashshe’dneedtoorganizewhenshegotachance,and
sawshestillhadafewpainpillsleftoverfromheraccident.Thatshouldgetusby.Andfood.Wenever
gottoeatdinner,andI’mstarving.

Afterloadingupwithsnack-typefoodsandtuckingacaseofwaterbottlesunderherarm,shetookher

itemstothecheckstand.Theolderwomaninfrontofherglancedback,hereyebrowsarchingslightly,and
Cassiepreparedherselfforbeingsilentlyaccusedofbeingahookerforthesecondtimetoday.Vince’s
jacketatleastcoveredherskimpy,torndress,butitalsokindofmadeherlooklikeshewaswearingonly
thejacket,withamerefewinchesofhotpinkshowingatthebottom.Thenthereweretheheelsshe
couldn’twaittoabandon.

Thewomangaveheracompassionatesmile.“Areyouokay,honey?”
Cassieblinkedbackunexpectedtearsattheconcernfromastrangerandassuredthewomanshewas,

inspiteofdoubtingshe’deverbetotallyokayagain.

Balancingeverythingwasabittricky,andassheexitedthestore,shesuddenlyrememberedevery

movieshe’dwatchedwherethebadguywasoutsidewaitingfortheunsuspectinggirlwho’dbeendumb
enoughtogosomewherealone.

Sheglancedaround,tellingherselfthatnoonecould’vepossiblyfollowedthemorguessedthatthey’d

pickedWhateversburg,Pennsylvaniatostaythenight.Still,sherushedtotheJeep,shovedthesupplies
intotheback,andreleasedanexhaleonceshewassafelylockedinside.

Whenshereenteredthemotelroom,Vincehadclearlyjustgottenoutoftheshower.Hishairwaswet,

dropsofwaterclungtohisgloriouslybaretorso,andhehadonapairofblackboxerbriefsthatleftlittle
totheimagination.Cassie’sheartstutteredashereyestracedthesmatteringofhairthatcoveredhistoned
chest,rippedabs,anddisappearedintothewaistbandofhisboxers.

Betweenhismusculararmsandthewayhisthighsfilledouthisjeans,she’dknownhewasripped.

Butknowingandseeingfirsthandweretwodifferentthings,andthelattershort-circuitedhermind,
makingithardtorememberwhatshe’dbeenthinkingaboutbeforewalkingthroughthedoor.

“Iwasn’tsureifyou’dcomeback,”Vincesaid.
Shelickedhersuddenlydrylips.“Somehow,Idoubtyouwereveryworried.”
“Iwas,actually.ThenI’dhavetohuntyoudown,andyou’dbepissedalloveragain.”Thepupilsof

hiseyesnearlyovertookthebrown,thepredatorystaresendingherpulseskittering.Wasitbadtowantto
behunteddown?

Theweightoftheplasticbagsinherhandsregisteredastheybecameheavierbythesecond.Oh,

yeah.I’msupposedtobebandagingtheknifewoundIgavehim.

ShesetthebagsonthetablenexttoVince’sduffelbag.Sinceshenowfoundherselfextremelywarm,

sheshedhisjacket.Shekickedoffhershoes,sighingatbeingflat-footedagain,andthentookoutthe
medicalsupplies.

“Sit,”shecommanded,andVincesatontheedgeofthebed.Hisdarkeyestrackedherevery

movement,andherbreathscameoutshaky.Sheextendedhimawaterbottleandoneofherpainpills.

Onedarkeyebrowquirkedup.“Tryingtoknockmeout?”
“Yes.Iplanontakingadvantageofyoulater.Nowtakeit.”
Hischestroseandfellinahypnoticrhythm,andthenhetossedbackthepill.They’dmadeherabit

loopy,butsinceheweighedquiteabitmore,theyprobablywouldn’taffecthimasstrongly.Hopefully
they’dtakeawaythepainhewaspretendingnottobefeeling.

Cassiespreadthemedicalsuppliesonthesouthwesternmotifbedspread.“Ihopeyoulikeitrough,

becausethisisprobablygoingtohurt.”

Vincereachedupandwrappedhishandsaroundherhips,hisfingersdigginginandsettingtheskin

underneathablaze,despitethelayersoffabric.“Keeptalkinglikethatandwe’llnevergettothe
bandagingpart.”

Withahandtohischest,Cassiepushedhimbackuntilhewasflatonthebed.“Howdeepdiditgo?”
“Ididn’tmeasureit,”hesaid,andthesmartassremarkmadeherfeelalittlelessbadaboutpouring

hydrogenperoxideoverthegash;shefiguredit’datleaststinglessthanalcohol.Heletoutaharshexhale.
“Ithinkitwentmoreupinsteadofdeep,soit’sjustashallowcut.Ikeeptellingyoutostopworrying
aboutit.”

Shescowled,readytoarguethatitwasafreakingknifewound,forgoodnesssake,butthenhesat

halfwayupandcuppedhercheek.“ButIlikethatyoudo.”

Allowingherselfaquickmoment,sheclosedhereyesandsoakedinthecomfortingwarmthofhis

hand.Thensheeasedhimbackdown.Oncethebubblingfromtheperoxidesubsided,sheleanedcloserto
studythecut.Itwasacoupleofincheslongandgapingabit,butitwasn’tbleedinganymore,soshetook
thatasagoodsign.Sheusedtwobutterflybandagestocloseittogether,putgauzeoverthewholething,
andtapeditinplace.

“Goodasnew,”hesaid,sittingupandproppinghimselfonhispalms.Theireyesmetandheld.Then,

oneslowinchatatime,Vinceleanedinandpressedhismouthtohers.Thekisswasmorereservedthan
theonestheyusuallyshared,morelikeatentativekisstocheckwheretheystood.

Inanswer,shepartedherlipsanddeepenedthekiss.Heslidhistongueintomeethers,everystroke

sendinganotherwaveofheatcrashingthroughher.Hetuggedherdownsothatshestraddledhim,her
rippedskirtbunchingaroundherhipsandexposingmostofherlegs.Shesankfartherontohim,letting
looseamoanwhenhishardnessmethercenter,thethinmaterialoftheirunderwearhardlyabarrier,and
yetitstillfeltliketoomuchofone.

Vinceslidhishandsupherthighs.“Iwantedyoufromdayone.ItoldmyselfevenifIcouldn’ttellyou

everything,untilIhadtheballstotellyouwhoIreallywas,Icouldn’thavesexwithyou.I’dresigned
myselftothefactthatitwasnevergoingtohappen.ThatI’dhavetoletyougo.”

Cassiereachedupandgrippedthehandleofthezipperthatrandownthesideofherdress.“Well,

nowIknoweverything…”Shetuggeddownthezipper,andVince’seyestrackedthemovement,darkening
evenmore.“Includingwhoyouare.”

“Andyoustillwanttobewithme?”
Shepeeredintohiseyes,anddesirefloodedhersystem.Itwasanurgentphysicalneed,butitwas

deeperthanthat,too.Thiswasn’tfakeintimacyorjusttheneedtonotbealone.Despiteeverything,she
lovedhim.Andthewayhelookedbackathersaidhetrulylovedher,too.

Sheranherhanddownhischest,resteditoverhisrapidlybeatingheart,andnodded.Justasshewas

abouttopushhimbackonthebedsoshecouldhaveherwaywithhim,sherememberedhisinjury.“Butif
you’retoohurttohavesextonight,thenwecanwa—”

Inonefluidmovement,herolledhertoherbackandkissedherlongandhard.“Nomorewaiting.I’m

sorryIneversaidanythingaboutyourdressbefore,either,becausedamn.”Heskimmedhishandacross
thetopofit,thedragofhisroughfingertipssendinggoosebumpsacrossherskin.“IfeellikeI’m
unwrappingapresent.”

Hetuggedthezipperthelastfewinchesandpeeledthepinkfabricdownaroundherwaist,exposing

herblackstraplessbraandmostofhertorso.

Thesofttouchofhislipsonherneckmadeherbreathcatchinherthroat.Hekissedhiswaydown,

acrosshercollarbone,totheswellofherbreast.

Dizzyingsensationsracedupanddownherbody,eachonescreamingformoreattention.Vince’s

warmmouthcamedownonthelacecoveringhernipple,thesensationoftheroughfabricandhiscircling
tongueleavingherpanting.

Withaquickflickofhiswrist,herbraslidfree.Thenhemovedtotheotherbreast.Ajoltshotdown

hercore,andsheclosedhereyes,soakingineveryexquisitesensation.Shearchedagainsthim,rolling
herhipsagainsthiserection,andhehissedoutasharpbreath.

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthisforsolong,”hesaid,hisvoicehusky.“You,me.Justlikethis.”Heran

hishandsoverherasifhewasmemorizingeveryinch,andthenheslidherdressdownherlegsand
tosseditaside.

Hehookedafingerinthestringofherunderwear,tracingallthewayaroundtotheback,andgripped

herbutt.“Damn,baby,ifI’dknownyouweregoingaroundwearingthongs,Ineverwould’velastedthis
long.”

“Well,Iplannedonseducingyoutonight.”
Hegrinnedandthenhislipshitherskinagain,rightbelowherbellybutton,ahotexhaleofbreath

followedbythesoftpressofhislipsanddeliciousscrapeofhiswhiskers.Hetuggeddownher
underwear,andshelostherselfinaseaofeuphoriaashemovedhistongueoverhercenter.

Shethreadedherhandsthroughhishairashedroveherclosertotheedgewithhismouth,gaspingas

hiswhiskersdraggedacrossherthigh.Justwhenshedidn’tthinkshecouldtaketheonslaughtofamazing
sensationsanylonger,onelaststrokeofhistonguesentherrightover,theorgasmtinglingthroughevery
inchofherbody.

Theroomspunandherlimbsfellintoauselessheaponthesheets,nolongerrememberinghowto

work.

WhenVinceliftedhimselfoffthebed,sheattemptedtoprotest,butallthatcameoutwasajumbled

messofconsonants.Fortunately,hecamerightbackwithacondom.Helookeddownather,anawestruck
expressiononhisfacethatsentawholenewkindofwarmthcoursingthroughherveins.

Heloweredhimselfontoher,andshewrappedherarmsaroundhim,baskinginthecombinationof

skinonskinandthewayhisweightpressedagainsther.“IcompletelylosemymindwithI’mwithyou,
youknowthat?”heasked.“You’resexyandamazing,andforyoutolookpasteverything…Idon’tknow
howIgotsolucky.”

“Likeitornot,you’reagoodguy,VinceDaMarco.”Sheraisedherheadandkissedhim,finishingit

offwithagentlebitetohislowerlip.“Andyou’remine.”

“Always,”hesaid.Helacedhisfingerswithhersandpinnedherhandstothemattress.Shecriedout

asheenteredher,andastheykissed,theirtonguesmimickingthemovementoftheirbodies,shereached
anotherlevelofblissshedidn’tevenknowwaspossible.

Hisnametumbledfromherlipsasshecameapartagain,andhisorgasmfollowedontheheelsof

hers.Thentheyfellontothemattress,amessofsweaty,tangledlimbs.

Vincewrappedhisarmaroundherandpulledherbackagainsthischest.Hesweptherhairaside,

kissedthebackofherneck,andwhispered,“IpromiseI’lldowhateverittakestokeepyousafe.”

ChapterThirty-Two

AsCassieblinkedawaythehazeofsleep,lastnight’seventscamerushingback.Thesniper,therunning,
andthen…

Vince.Thesex—callingitamazingdidn’tevendoitjustice—andhispromisetokeephersafe.
Sometimeinthenightthey’dshifted,andherheadwasnowonhischest,whichshedecidedwasthe

mostcomfortablepillowever.Infact,shewasneverbotheringwiththelesssuperiorfeatherorcotton
versionsagain.Shefeltcementedtohisbody,andshehesitatedtoleavehiswarmthbehind.

Butthenherstomachgrowled,remindinghershe’dgottendistractedwithother,moredeliciousthings

beforetheycouldeatanyofthesnacksshe’dbought.

Withthesheettuckedaroundherbreasts,shepushedherselfoffVinceandstareddownathim.Thehot

darkwhiskers,strongjawline,andbrokenslopeofhisnose…Hewassoperfectlypeacefulinsleep,all
thattestosteronerestingjustunderthesurface.Honestly,shecouldn’tbelievehewashers,evenwiththe
addedcrazinessbeingwithhimbrought.

Ofcourse,someofthecrazinesswasfromherbeinginthewrongplaceattheverywrongtime.
Lastnightshehadnightmaresaboutthemurderinthealley—sawtheguybegginginvainforhislife,

hisbodycrumplingtotheground,themisshapenskullanddeadeyes.Withthatmemoryrisinguptohaunt
her,shekindofwishedshecouldgobacktonotremembering.

Aquickshakeofherheaddidn’tcompletelydislodgethosethoughts,butithelped.Shethrewbackthe

coversandscootedtowardtheedgeofthebed.Anarmshotout,wrappedaroundherwaist,andthen
Vincehauledherbacktohim.“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”hemumbled,hisvoicestillthickwith
sleep.

“Shower,thenfood.”Sheglancedoverhershoulder—hiseyesweren’tevenopen.Hemustbepart

ninja.“Howdoyoufeelthismorning?”

Hegrunted.
“Solikeyourgirlfriendstabbedyouinthegut?”
Hecrackedoneeyeopen.“SheandIhaveacomplicatedrelationship,”hesaid,andaslowsmile

spreadacrosshisface.“Butwe’reworkingitout.”

Hekissedhershoulderandslidhishandoverherhip,dippinglowerandlower.Atthestrokeofhis

capablefingertips,ajoltofpleasureshotthroughhercore,andshemeltedagainsthim.“Wantcompanyin
theshower?”heasked,strokingheragain.

Theabilitytospeaklefther,soshenodded.Hestood,fullynakedandobviouslyreadyforaction,then

scoopedheroffthebedandcarriedherintotheshower.Thoughtsoftheirdangeroussituationtriedto
pushforwardandremindhertheyweren’tsimplyonsomekindoffuncouplesretreat.Thattheydidn’t
havealotoftimeandshouldprobably—

Vincebackedherupagainsttheshowerwallandkissedher,hishardnessnudgingherslick,ready

entrance.Hereachedoverandturnedonthehotwater,andasthesteamenvelopedthem,sheclosedher
eyesandletVincetakeherawaytoaplacewhereeverythingwasperfectanddangerdidn’texist.

***

“Thefoodwasagoodcall,”Vincesaidashepolishedoffanothermuffin.“Notnearlyasgoodasyours,
butwe’llfindyouaplacewithanicekitchenandgetyoubackinbusinessassoonaspossible.”He
waddedthewrapper,tosseditinthetrash,andgatheredwhatlittlethey’dunpackedandshoveditintohis
duffelbag.“I’mthinkingweheaddownthroughWestVirginiatoday,unlessthere’sanotherrouteyou’d
prefer?”

“Thatworks.Itdoesn’treallymakemuchdifferencetomewherewego,aslongaswe’retogether.”

Cassie’shairfelloverherfaceasshebentdownandtiedthesneakershegrabbedfromhercloset
yesterday,andhecouldn’thelpbutadmirethewayherperfectassfilledoutherjeans.Theimageofher
tinythongpoppedintohisbrain,andhisheartgaveahardthumpinhischest.

Lastnighthadbeenincredible.Sohadthismorning.He’dalreadybuiltuphavingsexwithherso

muchinhismind,andthentherealthingblewhisfantasiesoutofthewater.Therewasnogoingback
now.He’dreachedthehighestofhighs,andheneverwantedtoknowwhatitwasliketocomedown.

Beingontherunwasn’tideal,butthey’dworkitout.Likeshesaid,aslongastheyweretogether,it

didn’tmatterwheretheywent.He’dfindajobtosupportthemasshewentthroughculinaryschool,and
theycouldstartover,justlikehe’dalwayswantedto.Eventually,thisentiremesswouldbeabadmemory
theyputbehindthem.

Withher,anythingwaspossible.
Cassiegatheredherhairintoabun,andhefoughttheurgetothrowheronthebed.Hissexylibrarian

hadawildside,andhisaddictiontohermorphedintowhatevercameafteraddiction.Reliance,maybe.

Hereyesmethis,andeverythinginsideofhimunraveled.Somethingwaswrong.Heclosedthe

distancebetweenthemandcuppedherchin.“Whatisit,baby?”

Shebitherlip,andapprehensionclenchedhisgut.Wasthiswhereshetoldhimshecouldn’tdoit?

Thathe’dcrossedtoomanyethicallinesandshecouldn’tbewithsomeonelikehim?

“I’mgoingtoaskyousomething,andIwantyoutotellmethetruth,”shesaid.
“Okay.”Hebracedhimself,scaredofwhatshe’dask,andtellinghimselfthatfromhereonout,he

wouldn’thideanythingfromher.

“ThatguyMr.Rossishotinthealley?Tellmehewasabadperson…Thathedeservedit.Orevenif

hedidn’tdeserveit,perse,becausenoonetrulydeservestodiethatway,thathewasacriminal,andthe
worldisbetteroffwithouthim…sellingdrugs,or…doingwhateverelsecriminalsdo.”

Vincesighedanddraggedhisthumbacrossherjaw.“Doyouwantthetruth,ortohearthathewasa

badperson?”

“Iguessthat’sanswerenough.”Thedevastationwrittenacrossherfacemadeitclearonceagainthat

shewastoogoodforhim.Hedidn’tagreewithCarlo’sactionsthatday,buthecouldcompartmentalize,
thewayhe’ddoneforoveradecade.

“HewasfallingbehindonthepaymentsintheprotectionracketCarlorunsintheChambersburg

neighborhood,wherealotoftheimmigrantshaveshops.DanteandSaloncesteppedinwhensomethugs
triedtorobthestore,sotheydidatleastprotectit.ButEduardohadasondowninMexico,andhe
alwayssentmoneytohim,sohekeptcomingupshortonhispayments.”

Cassieflinched.
“Sorry.Iprobablyshouldn’thavetoldyouhisnameorabouthisson.Itmakesitworse.”Thatmuchhe

knew.

“No,Iwanttoknow.ButIdon’t.ButI’dratheryoutellme.”Cassierestedherhandsonthesidesof

hiswaist.“So,whycouldn’ttheyjust…stopprotectinghim?”

“Itdoesn’tworklikethat.Carlo’smenarewillingtotakecareofplacesthepolicewon’t,butthey

don’tmakeitoptional.Ifonestoreownerthinkshecandoithimself,otherswouldfollow.Evenifthey
didn’t,hisshopwouldbefairlysafesimplybecauseit’sbetweentwoofCarlo’sprotectedbusinesses,
andhewantsmoneyforthat.AndasImentioned,he’dalreadypreventedonerobbery.

“Eventhen,thingsprobablywouldn’thavegottensooutofcontrol,butonedaywhenSalwentto

collect,Eduardogotangryandpulledashotgunonhim.I’dbelyingifIsaidIwouldn’thavelovedtosee
that.”

Cassieshuddered.“Yeah,Salalwaysmademyskincrawl.Heconstantlyhitonmeandtalkedingross

innuendoes.”

HeatcoursedthroughVince’sveins;ifhewould’veknownthat,hewould’veheldthefigliodi

puttanaupagainstthewalluntilhe’dpassedout.

“Vince?”Cassie’svoicebroughthimbacktothepresent.
“Anyway,Salwantedtogointhereandretaliate,butCarloheldhimoff.Hepersonallycalled

Eduardoandtoldhimtheycouldworkoutadifferentdeal,butheneededtomeethimattherestaurant.

“I’dgoneoutbacktolookforAngelo,maybeaminutebeforeyoucameoutwhichwaswhythedoor

wasn’tblockedoffbetter.ItriedtoconvinceCarlotogivetheguyanotherchance,but…well,yousaw.
Hewantedtomakeanexampleoutofhim.He’salwaystalkingabouthowinhislineofworkhecan’t
evershowsoftness,ortherestofthemwouldeathimalive.Thesadtruthis,he’sright.Halfhisguys
wouldturnonhimiftheythoughttheycouldtakehisspot.Sohedoeswhathehastodo—”

Realizinghe’dnearlydefendedhisuncle,evenafterhisattemptedhitonCassie,Vinceamendedhis

statementto,“Whathethinkshehastodo.He’swantedmetojoinhimsinceIwaseighteen,andI’ll
admit,I’vebeentemptedmorethanonce.”

Vincecametherestofthewayclean.FromhowtheclubincidentinNewYorktiedbacktohim

refusingCarlo,agreeingtobehisnumbertwosohecouldgetherandBobbyoutofthecity,tohowhis
dadwasCarlo’sunderbossuntilthedayhewasshot.Thedetailsofthatdaycameout,too,everythingina
messydisplayforhertoseewhohetrulywas.

Assheblinkedathim,hethoughtfull-disclosuremightnothavebeenthewaytogo.
“Vince,that’s…horrible.I’msosorry.”
Heshruggedasifitwasn’tabigdeal.“Ifthathadn’thappened,I’dprobablyberighttherewithCarlo,

doingallthesamethings.Nowyouseejusthowfuckedupmyfamilyis.HowfuckedupIam.”

Sheloopedherarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhim.“Notyou.You’vegotmenow.Youcanbreak

freeandleaveitallbehind.”Sheshookherhead.“IdefendedCarlotopeople.Ican’tbelieveIthoughthe
wasaniceperson.”

“Hecanbewhenhewants,andhedefinitelyknowshowtocharmpeople.He’sgotsomany

connections,Cass,andhe’sgoingtobesopissedyouandIgotaway.I’llbehonestrightnowandsay
we’llalwayshavetobecareful.Itmightmeanmovingaroundalot.”

Ashesaidit,therealityoftheirsituationslammedintohim,withouttherosylensesthistime.Alife

ontherun.Worryinganytimeshewasn’twithhimorwasmorethanafewminuteslate.WhatifBobbygot
desperateformoneyandendedupgoingtoCarlowiththeirlocation?

No,hewouldn’tdothat.
Vince’sguthitthefloor.Notsober,butifhewasusing…Heranahandoverhisface,tellinghimself

hecouldworkthatalloutlater.Oncetheywerefartheraway,hecouldthinkmorestepsahead.

“I’mgoingtocheckthemessagesonmyphonerealquick.SeeifIcanfindoutwhat’sgoingon.”He

pickedupthehotelphone,dialedhiscellnumber,andthenpunchedinthevoicemailcode.

Carlo’svoicefilledhisear.“Whatthefuck’sgoingon,Vince?Didyoutakecareofthewaitress?I

knowthingsgotscrewedup,butjustcomein.Wecanfixitifyoucomein.Ifnot,youknowwhatI’m
goingtohavetodo.Pleasedon’tmakemedoit.Ishould’ve…Ishould’velistenedtoyou.Peopleare
breathingdownmyneckand…justcallme.”

Vinceskippedtothenextmessage.ItwasBobby.“Iknowyoumightnotgetthis,butifyoudo,tell

yourfriendIlookedupherfriend,andI’monmywaytocheckin.Shebelievesinme,andI’mdoingit.”

TellmyfriendIlookedupherfriend?Whatishe…?VinceshiftedtofaceCassie.“Bobbysaidhe

lookedupyourfriend,andhe’scheckingintorehab.Anyway,Ithinkthat’swhathemeant.”Morethan

anything,hewantedittowork,butheknewhavingBobbystuckinarehabcenterforhowevermany
weekswouldonlymakeiteasierforCarlotofindhim,evenifheusedafakename,whichVinceprayed
he’dbeensmartenoughtodo.

Ofallthetimestoberesponsible…pleasedon’tletitgethimkilled.
“Annie’sthebest,”Cassiesaid.“Ihopehegoesthroughwithit.Justknowthatalotofpeoplehave

relapses…”

Hehungupthephone,notbotheringtolistentothenextmessagefromCarlo.“What’sgoingon?

SuddenlyI’mtheoptimistandyou’rethepessimist?”

“Ijustdon’twanttogiveyoufalsehope.I’mjust…Ican’t…mymind’ssortofatmaximumcapacity

withallmythoughtsandworriesrightnow.”Shetookhishandandsqueezedit.“I’msorry.Ofcourse
he’llmakeitthrough.ThenbothofyouwillhaveshownCarlowhatyou’remadeof.Well,without
actuallyshowinghim,sincehemightkillyou.”

Herfacedarkened.“Iwishtherewasawaytoensurehedoesn’tgetawaywithit.Especiallykilling

thatguy—killingEduardo.”Shesaidhisnamewithquietreverence.“Ithinkofhisfamily,hissonin
Mexico,anditeatsatmyconscience.Idon’tknowifit’lleverstop.”

Vincepulledhertohimandkissedtheconcernedcrinkleonherforehead.“We’llthinkofsomething.

Butrightnowweneedtohittheroad.”

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhim,hugginghimtightly.“Okay.Wecandothis.We’llstartover,just

likeyousaidyouwantedto.”

Asheheldher,hismindspunoverexactlyhowhewasgoingtokeepthepromisehe’dmadetoher

lastnight.WorryforBobbymixedin,muddyingeverypathhecouldthinkof,andaplanhereallydidn’t
wanttoconsiderworkeditswayintohishead.WithBobbystuckinoneplace,evenifhe’dcoveredhis
tracks,itwasonlyamatteroftimeuntilCarlofoundhim.

Hecouldn’tleavehisbrotherwithoutprotectionrightwhenhewasworkingsohardtoturnhislife

around.AndheandCassiecouldrunforever,andshe’dstillneverbesafe.

Therewasonlyonewaytokeephertrulysafe.
Anditmeantthathecouldn’tbetheonetostartoverwithher.

ChapterThirty-Three

CassiecheckedoutofthemotelandcollectedthedepositwhileVincewentacrossthestreettothe
grocerystore.Apparentlyheneededafewmoreitems.

“Wegoodtogo?”sheaskedassheclimbedintotheJeep.
“Goodtogo,”hesaid,hiseyesfixedontheroad.
TheymergedontoI-81andheadedsouth.ShekeptthinkingVincewastooquiet,buthe’dneverbeen

especiallychatty,soshetookoverforbothofthem.Shecommentedonthesceneryandaskedforhis
opinionondishessheknewhowtomakeorwantedtolearnhowtomake.

Aftershe’dexhaustedthatlineofquestions,shefellquietandjustletherselfsoakinhisrugged

profileandthestronghandshe’drunoverherbodylastnightandthismorning.Forabriefmomentafter
theyhadsexintheshower,sheworriedshe’duseditasanescape,thewaysheusedto,andshedidn’t
wanttorepeatherpastmistakes.ButthensherealizedsexwithVincewasacompletelydifferentkindof
gettinglost.Becauseshewasn’trunningfromherlife,shewasmovingtowardit.

Unconditionalunderstandingandlovewasalsoinvolved,nofakeintimacyaboutit.
WhenthesplitforI-70cameup,sheexpectedVincetoheadwest,butheturnedeastinstead.“I

thoughtweweregoingtoWestVirginia,”shesaid.

“Minorchangeofplans.JustasmalldetourintoMaryland.”
“Why?”
HelookedacrosstheJeepatherandeveryoneofherorgansturnedtostone.“Vince,why?”
“TheJeep’stoodistinctive,andairlinesaren’tgoingtotakecashnomatterhowmuchyouorIflirt

withthedeskclerks,nottomentionflightsaretooeasytotrack.SoI’mheadingtothenearestGreyhound
station.”

Herpaniceased,everythinginsideherbodyslowlyfiguringouthowtofunctionagain.“Youscared

methereforasecond.Jeez.”

Hereachedoverandwrappedhishandaroundherthigh.“IwishIwould’vehadenoughtimetoget

creditcardswithournewidentities,butthepeopleIknowwhocoulddoitalsoknowCarlo,socashwill
havetodofornow.”

Sheplacedherhandonhis.“We’llmakeitwork.”
Therewasasadedgetohissmile,andshewantedtodowhateverittooktocalmhisworries,theway

hedidhers.Shetookastabatwhatwasbotheringhim.“I’msorryIwasn’tmoreenthusiasticabout
Bobby.It’sreallygreat.Isaywebothbeoptimistic,glass-fullpeoplefromnowon.Startingover’sgoing
tobeanadventure,too,andyouknowIvowedtohavemoreofthose.”

Shecouldn’tstoprambling,butshegotthisstrangevibe,likeifshestoppedtalking,stoppedhoping,

theneverythingwouldcrumble.

VincepulleduptotheGreyhoundstationinFrederick.Hehandedherabulgingpalepinkandgray

backpack.“Theydidn’thavebrightpink,butIfigurewe’regoingforinconspicuous,anyway.Yourclothes
andyourpicturesareinit.Justsortingoutthingsabittomakeiteasier.”

“Oh.Okay,thanks.”Shegrabbeditwithonehand,butquicklyaddedtheotherwhenitendedupbeing

heavierthanshesuspected.“Andpalepinkisstillawesome.”

VincecamearoundtheJeepandopenedthedoorforher.Thefrigidwindslammedintoher,andshe

tuggedthejacketshe’dconfiscatedfromhimtighteraroundherselfasshetookhisextendedhand.

“Aren’tyougoingtogetyourbag?”sheaskedastheystartedtowardthestation.
“It’sgotalltheweaponsandit’sheavy,soI’mleavingitherewhilewecheckthebusschedule.”

Weapons.Right.WhenCassiesearchedtheduffelforherpurseshe’dseenanotherpistolandaknife

thatmadeherslookwimpyincomparison.Hmm.Myknife’sprobablystillsomewhereinVince’sJeep.
Goodriddance.

Oncetheysteppedintothestation,Vinceledhertoarowofseats.“SitherewhileIfigureoutwhere

weshouldgoandthenbuytickets.”

“Whydon’tIjustcomewithyou?”
“Please,”hesaid.“Afterwhathappenedinyourapartment,peoplemightbelookingforyou.Ineed

youtostayoutofsightasmuchaspossible.”

Sheresenteditandrefusedtosay“okay,”butshesatdownandcrossedherarms.Vincegaveher

anotheroneofthosesmilesthatdidn’treachhiseyesbeforeheadingovertotheticketbooth.

He’sdefinitelyactingweird.Cagey.Shetriedtotellherselfitwassimplythestressandhavingto

workouttheirnextmove,butanominouswrongnessmadeherskinfeeltootight.

Afewminuteslater,Vincewalkedoverandsatnexttoher.Hetookherhandandleveledherwithhis

browneyes.“Youtrustme,right?”

Thetightnessgotworse,andabandformedaroundherchest,squeezingalittlemorewitheachbreath.

“YouknowIdo.”

“You’releavinginfifteenminutestoOklahomaCity.”Heunzippedthefrontpocketofherbackpack

andpulledoutpapersandadriver’slicensethatidentifiedherasKateJones.“Iwantyoutogetoffatone
ofthestopsalongthewayandchangeyourdestination.You’llprobablyhavetobuyanewticket,butit’s
worthit.Don’tsettleinwhatevercityyoulandin.Getacarandpickanothercity.Somewherefairlybig,
sothatevenifsomeonelearnsyourfakename,you’llgetlostwiththerestoftheKateJoneses.”

Cassie’smindraced,andthebandaroundherchestgotsotightherlungsstoppedtakinginair.“I

don’tunderstand.You’renotcomingwithme?”

Hebrushedherhairoffherfacesettledhishandbehindherneck.“Youwereright.It’sabouttime

Carlopaysforhiscrimes.I’mgoingtomakesurethathappensbeforehehurtsyouorBobby.”

“ButImeantweshouldfigureoutsomethingtogether.”Hysteriaraisedhervoiceanoctavehigherthan

usual.“Ifyougoback,he’llkillyou.”

“Don’tworry,I’vegotaplan.IfIwentwithyounow,itwouldmakeitmoredangerousforyouand

putBobbyatrisk.SinceCarlowon’tstopuntilhekillsyou,I’mgoingtoconvincehimyou’redead.
Promisemeyou’llgosomewhereelseandstartover.Gotoculinaryschool,becomeachef.Liveoutyour
adventures—theskiing,rollercoasterkind.Iwon’tbeabletodowhatIneedtodoifI’mworryingabout
you,too.”

Heleanedcloserandsaidinalowvoice,“Iputapistolinthebottomofyourbag.Thesafety’sonand

theclip’sout,butIwantyoutolearnhowtouseit.”

“I’mfromColorado.Mydadtaughtmehowtouseagunbeforehetaughtmetodrive.”
Agenuinesmilehithislipsthistime.“Good.Thatmakesmefeelbetter.”
Tearsburnedhereyes,evenasshetriedtoblinkthemback.“Howareyougoingtofindmeafter

everything’sfinishedwithMr.Rossi?”

Themusclesofhisjawtightenedandsodidthehandholdinghers.“Thepointisfornoonetobeable

tofindyou.Notevenme.”

Sheopenedhermouthtoargue,andhepressedafingertoherlips.“Ishould’veconvincedyouto

changeyournameandgetasfarfromJerseyassoonaswesurvivedthatdrive-byinsteadofpretending
everythingwouldworkoutsimplybecauseIwanteditto.Morethananything,Iwantyoutobesafe,and
that’llneverhappenwhileyou’rewithme.”

“Ionlyfeelsafewithyou,”shesaid,andawarmtearrandownhercheek,immediatelyfollowedby

another,soherattemptstonotcryhadtotallyfailed.

Vincewipedthemawaywithhisthumb.“Pleasedon’tcry,baby.Ialreadyfeelbadenough.”
“Idon’twanttogobacktobeingalone.Youruinedme.Ican’tgobacknowthatIknowwhatit’slike

tobewithsomeoneIcanbemyselfaround.Someonetosharedreamswith.”

Heclosedhiseyes,justforaquickmoment,andthentheymethers.“Findanothersomeone.Someone

better.”Hewoundastrandofherhairaroundhisfinger.“Maybetrytofindsomeonewhoseboss—whose
uncle—hasn’tsentthemtokillyou.”

“Isthatsupposedtobefunny?Ican’tjustfindanothersomeone.”Moretearsspilleddownhercheeks.

“You’reit.Iloveyou.”

“AndIloveyou.That’swhythere’snootherway.”
TheannouncementthatthebusforOklahomaCitywasnowboardingcameoverthespeaker.“You

needtogo,”Vincesaid.“You’vegotallofyourcash,plusIputmostofmystashinthebackpack.Iwishit
wasmore,butbetweenbailingoutBobbyandgivinghimmoneyforrehab,it’snotasmuchasI’dhoped.
Butitshouldatleastgetyoustarted.”

“Idon’twantyourmoney.Iwanttocomewithyouandhelp.I’dratherriskbeingshotthanstartover

again.”

“Well,I’mnotwillingtoriskit.”Hegrabbedthestupidpinkbackpack,pulledheroutofherseat,and

startedtowardthebusloadingarea.Thestubborndonkeyphilosophyseemedasgoodasany,soshe
draggedherfeetandpulledagainsthim.

Unfortunately,Vincewasstrongenoughthatshewasn’tsureheevennoticed.“DoIhavetocarryyou

ontothebus?BecauseIsweartoGodIwill.”

“Ifyoutryit,I’llstartscreaming.”
Vincespunaroundandtuggedhertohim,sofastherchestbumpedintohis.“Pleasedon’tmakethis

harderthanitalreadyis,Cassie.Iloveyou,andifyouloveme,you’lldothis.”

“You’renotplayingfair,”shesaid,andafreshwaveoftearsroseup.
Vincecrashedhismouthoverhers.Thekisswaswild,reckless,half-torture,allpleasure.Histongue

memorizedhers,andherbodymoldedtohis,thefloodofsensationsnearlysendingtoherknees.

Whenhebrokethekiss,bothofthemweregaspingforair.Astherestoftheworldpushedin,she

realizedthey’dgainedtheattentionofeveryonearoundthem.Vinceleanedin,andhislipsbrushedher
ear.“You’rethebestthingthat’severhappenedtome,”hesaid,andthenhestrodeawayandneverlooked
back.

ChapterThirty-Four

Atleastthebushadn’tbeencompletelybooked,allowingforafewemptyseats.Cassiewould’vefelt
sorryforanyoneforcedtoendurehercrying,sniffling,andsubsequentstormymood.

Fourmiserablehourshadpassed,andshehadn’tbotheredstretchingherlegsatthefirsttwenty-minute

stop.ButbythetimetheypulledintoPittsburghfortheirdinnerstop,herbodyachedtomove,andher
stomachprotestedskippingthechancetoeat.Shefrownedatthesignannouncingtheirlocation—
consideringshe’dleftthestatethismorningtogotoMaryland,onlytocomeback,itfeltlikeshewas
goingincircles.

Onautopilot,shewalkedintothedinerandsatatthecounter,whichonlyremindedherhowaloneshe

was.Whenthewaitresscameby,sheaskedforaclubsandwich.

“Excuseme?”
Aneatlydressedwomanwithastylishwhitebobsmiledwarmly,whilethemannexttoherlooked

likehewantedtobolt.Ifshehadtoguess,she’dputthecoupleinthelatesixtiesagerange.

“Now,Maude,rememberhowwe’regoingtostayoutofotherpeople’sbusiness?”heasked,gently

nudginghertowardatable.Oratleasttryingto;Maudewasobviouslybetteratdraggingherheelsthan
Cassie.

“Thanksforthereminder,Harold,butIjustwanttochatwithherforaminute.”Shemadeashooing

gesture.“Gohaveaseatandordermethespecialwhentheycomeby.”

Haroldshookhisheadandmadehiswayovertoabooth,mutteringunderhisbreath.Maudesatonthe

stoolnexttoCassie.“I’mMaude,andIcan’thelpbutnoticeyou’vehadaroughday.”

“It’sbeenalittlerough,butI’mfine,really.”Cassieevenattemptedasmile,butitdidn’tfeelright.
TheskepticalpressofMaude’slipstoldhershewasn’tbuyingit.“Myhusband’sright.Igetintoother

people’sbusiness,butIliketothinkIhelp,andyou,missy,looklikeyoucanusesomehelp.So,unload.
Yourantorcry,andI’lllisten.Afterwehashitout,we’llorderasliceofpie,andyou’llfeelbetter,I
guaranteeit.”

CassiewonderedhowMaudewouldreacttohertellingthetruth—shewasontherunfromtheMafia

becauseshe’dwitnessedamurder,andtotopitoff,she’dfalleninlovewiththemanwho’dbeensentto
killher.Oh,andhealsohappenedtobethebadguy’snephew.ShedoubtedMaudewouldsay,“Myfriend
Gladyshadthesamethinghappentoher!”

Atleastit’sanoriginalproblem,shethought,notsurewhethersheshouldlaughorcry.
“It’sthatguy,isn’tit?Thewholestationsawthatgoodbyekiss,letmetellyou.”Maudefannedher

face.“Areyoumissinghimalready?”

“Yeah,”Cassieansweredtruthfully.“TheproblemisthatI’llmisshimforever.Thatwasgoodbye.”

Tearsgotcaughtinherthroat,andsheswallowedthemdown.Nomorecrying.

“Oh,Idon’tbelievethat.Itmightseemimpossiblenow,butyoutwoobviouslyhavesomething

special.You’llworkitout.”

“Sometimesit’smorecomplicatedthanthat.”
“HaroldandIhavebeenmarriedforforty-threeyears.There’sbeenplentyupsanddowns,butwhen

youfindtheoneyoulove,youdowhateverittakes.You’llfindyourwaybacktoeachother.”

“Maude,”HaroldsaidintheloudestwhisperCassiehadeverheard.Hiswifepretendednottohear

him.

“So…?”Mauderaisedhereyebrows,andCassierealizedshewaswaitingforhername.
“Ca—Katie.”HerlicensesaidKate,butsinceKatiewasclosertohername,shefiguredit’dbe

easiertoanswerto.

“What’skeepingyouandyourmanapart,Katie?Amilitarydeployment?Longdistancerelationship?”

sheasked,hereyebrowstwitchingupmorewitheachquestion.“JusttellmeifI’mgettingtoopersonal,
andI’llgoovertoHaroldbeforehehasastroke.”

Cassiehidasmilebehindherfist,surprisedtofindsheevenhadtheabilitytoformoneafterthis

hellaciousday.“Thankyousomuchforcheckingonme,butI’mreallynotreadytotalkaboutityet.”

“Sure,sure.”Maudepattedherarm.“Ifyouchangeyourmind,letmeknow.Idon’twantyoutofeel

likeyou’reallalone.”

Alone.Herheartknotted.Thatwasexactlywhatshefeltlike.
Maudeheadedbacktoherhusband,andthewaitressplacedCassie’sfoodinfrontofher.Suddenly

eatingnolongerappealedtoher,butsheforcedherselftotakebites.

Foralongtimeshe’disolatedherself,butbetweenthewomaninthestoreyesterdayandMaude’s

goingoutofherwaytocheckonher,Cassierealizedtherewerealotofkindpeopleoutthere.After
everythingthat’dhappened,andwithhermemoryofthemurderinthealleyback,it’dbetemptingtogive
uponpeopleandhidefromtheworldagain.

Thenshewouldtrulybealoneforever.Sheknewsheneededtobecareful,butshepromisedherself

she’dgetoutthereagain.Totry,eventhoughthethoughtofstartingovermadeherwanttocurlupinaball
andnevermoveagain.

SheglancedatMaudeandHarold,whowereseatedonthesamesideofthebooth,cozyandsmilingat

eachother.Itmadeherthinkabouthertheoryonthekindoflovethatlastedfordecades.Obviouslythey
didn’tagreeoneverything,butthefeistinessandlovewasstillthere.Shemighthavetore-thinkherstance
onthetwotypesoflove.Maybeitdidn’thavetobeoneortheother.

ApangwentthroughherassherealizedwithherandVince,it’dbeenthecrazy-strongtype,and

they’dalreadyhadtoletitgo—anotherpointforheroriginaltheory.Shepressedahandoverheraching
heart,hopingit’deventuallyhealtoabearablelevel,eventhoughsheknewit’dneverbecompletely
wholeagain.

Ifhecan’tbewithme,I’llsettleforhimbeingsafe.
Justplease,please,don’tlethisplanendupgettinghimkilled.

***

Withthefedswatching,Carlowouldbehardatworklookinglikealegitimaterestaurantowner,soVince
headedtoRossi’s.

Homeshittyhome,hethoughtasheparkedtheJeepatthecurb.NewJerseywassofarfromwherehe

wantedtobeitmightaswellbeanotherplanet.Timetoshovethosefeelingsasideandputonhisgame
face.OnthedrivefromMaryland,he’dgoneoverthestoryinhisheaduntilheknewitbackwardand
forward.

NowhejustneededCarlotobuyit.
Thenheneededtogohomeandnumbhimselfwithasmuchalcoholashecouldgethishandson,

becauseeveryinchofhimachedlikehe’dneverachedbefore,andithadnothingtodowiththestab
woundinhisside.

ForCassie,forBobby.ForCassie…
Heclosedhiseyesagainstthesqueezeinhischest,butthatonlymadehimseeherbeautifulcrying

faceashe’dleftherinthatbusstation.He’dcampedoutwherehecouldseethebusestomakesureshe
gotonone,andit’dnearlykilledhimtonotgoafterher.Ifitweren’ttheonlywaytokeephispromiseto
keephersafe,hewould’ve.

“Heregoesnothing,”hemutteredtohimselfandgotoutoftheJeep.Snowflurriesfellfromthesky,

givingthenightapeacefulsnowglobeeffectitdidn’tdeserve.Thetinyspecksofwhitemeltedassoonas
theyhithisbarearms.Coldwasgood.Maybeit’dfreezethetangleofthoughtsandemotionsraginginside
ofhim.

Liftinghischin,hestrodeintoRossi’slikeheownedtheplace.Miastoodbehindthehostessstand,

herusualgreetinghalfwayoutbeforehereyeswidened.“Vince.Hey.”

Shemust’vebeenwarnedtowatchforme.“IsCarlohere?”
“Yeah,he’sinhisoffice.Youwantmetotellhimyou’rehere?”
Vinceignoredthequestionandmadeabeelinetowardtheback.Hesuddenlyhatedeverytable,every

chair,everyconnectedmanthatfrequentedtheplace,andthewholebuildingingeneral.

HestormedintoCarlo’soffice,andwhenhisunclelookedup,hisexpressionwasalmostidenticalto

Mia’s.Underothercircumstances,itmightbesatisfyingtoseehimsoshocked.

Carlo’shandmovedunderhisdesk;he’drecoveredandgottenhishandaroundagun,nodoubt.

“Vince?Whathappened?I’vebeentryingtocallyou.”

“WasthatbeforeorafteryousentsomeonetokillCassiewhileIwastryingtotakecareofthings?”

Heslammedhisfistsdownonthedeskanddidn’thavetofaketheangernowthatCarlowasafewfeetin
frontofhim.“WhoshouldIthankforalmostkillingme?I’mguessingitwasafavorcalledintoNew
York,butasyouknow,Ihavenoproblemheadingdownthereandshakingthingsup.Whydon’tyougive
methename,becauseI’dlovetoreturnthefavor.Ormaybeyousenthimforme,too,andI’mthedumbass
whocamestrollinginformore.”

“Youknowhowitis,”Carlosaid,tryingthesoothing,understandingvoicetacticVincehadseenhim

useahundredtimes,usuallybeforeheusedhisfistsorbrandishedaweapon.“Ihadtobesure.Whydon’t
youjustcalmdown?Let’stalkaboutwhathappenedlastnightandgofromthere.Firstthingsfirst,isit
done?”

TheslighttwitchinCarlo’sarmtoldVincethathe’dtiltedupthebarrelofthegun,readytofire

throughthedeskifhe“needed”to.

“IfyoumeanisCassiedead,thenyeah.MessierthanIwantedittobe,thankstothesnipermuckingit

up,butit’sdone.”HehadnoideawhatthehiredthughadtoldCarlo,whichforcedhimtowalkatricky
line.“So?Theshooter?I’mseriousabouthavingatalkwithhim.”

“TriggerwasjustdoingwhatIpaidhimtodo,andI’morderingyounottogoafterhim.You’re

supposedtobethecool-headedone,remember?”

Vincepacedtheoffice,shakinghishead.“Rightnowbeingthecool-headedoneseemsoverrated.He

fuckedupmywholeplan.”

“Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,hegothimselfpickedupbythepolice.Hewon’ttalk,butI’mnotsure

he’llwalk.Now,backtoCassie.Tellmeexactlywhathappened.”

Vinceranahandthroughhishair.“ItwastougherthanIthoughtit’dbe,andIdidn’tgoatherashard

asIshould’ve.Soshefreakedandpulledaknifeonme.Bitchevenstabbedme.”Heliftedhisshirtafew
inchestoshowCarlohisinjury.ThankstoCassie’sgenerousgauzeandtapejob,itlookedevenworse
thanitwas.Heforcedawaythoughtsofherandgotbackintocharacter.“Thatmadeiteasier.

“ButrightasIgotmyhandsaroundherneck,theshootingstarted,”hesaid,pickinguphispacing

again.“Shetriedtogetaway,andIwentafterher.Theassholesniperkeptfiring,soIgottododgebullets
asIchasedherdown,tackledherinthehall,anddraggedherouttheside-exitofthebuilding.Tenfucking
flightsofstairs.BytheendIwassomad,Ijustwantedittobeover.Butthereweretoomanypeople
around,andIsawthecoplights,soIknockedherout,shovedherinmyJeep,anddroveuntilIcouldfind
anisolatedplacetodoit.Imadeitquickandclean,abulletrightthroughthehead.”

Heswallowedbackthetoxicmixoffearandfurythatimagesentthroughhim—hehadtosellthis.No

cracks,nomakingthemistakeshehadthefirsttimehe’dliedtokeepCassiesafe.Thiswasthewayto
ensureadeathlikethatneverbecameareality.

“Sowhereisshe?”Carloasked.
“IburiedheroutintheNewJerseyWildlifeandGamerefuge.Idugthegravedeep,too.Noneofthat

sloppystuffthatgetspeoplecaught.Noonewilleverfindher.”

Carloletoutanaudiblesigh.“Good.Icanbreatheeasiernow.”Thereliefonlylastedamoment,and

thenhiseyesnarrowed.“Tookyoualongtime.Whydidn’tyouansweryourphone?”

“Itossedit.Yousaidthefedsweresniffingaround,andIwasprobablyjustgettingparanoid,butI

thoughtIhadatailforawhileyesterday.Didn’twantthemtrackingmetoCassiebeforeIcouldtakecare
ofher.Andthegroundwasrocksolid—tookforevertodigthegrave.

“Then,assoonasIgothome,IfoundBobbydetoxinghardandreadytocrack,soIdrovehimtoa

rehabcenterjustoutsideofBaltimore.Weusedafakenamesonoonecouldtracehimthere,butIhadto
gethimhelpbeforeheruinedallofhisprogress.”

VincesankintothechairacrossfromCarloandrubbedathiseyes.“Let’sjustsayit’sbeenalong

nightandday.”

“Soundslike.ButI’mgladyougotBobbyhelp,andhey,I’llpayyoubackforwhateveryoufrontedto

checkhimin.ItoldyouI’dtakecareofthat.”Carloranbothofhishandsthroughhishair—finally
abandoninghisgriponhisweaponwasagoodsign.“Man,thatwastoocloseforcomfort.Butnowit’s
done,andDante’sbail’sbeenposted,sohe’sout,andUffiziwilltakecareofthedrugchargesathiscourt
date.

“Thereforabit,Iwasafraidhe’dturned,”Carlosaid.“Thefedsclaimedtohaveaninformantonthe

inside,sohewastryingtogetenoughinformationtofigureoutwhoitwas.Hefinallydecidedtheywere
justbullshitting,usingittogethimtotalk.IthinkiftheFBIhadanythingreal,they’dhavearrestedme
already.I’mnotsayingwedon’thavetobecareful,becauseI’msurethey’llkeepwatchingmefora
while,butIthinktheworstisover.”

“That’sarelief.I’mnotsureIcanhandleanymoreproblemsrightnow.”Vincerubbedathisside.

“Shegottheknifeprettydeep,andtheshovelingtoreitopen.Imightneedadayortwotorecover.”

“Restup,youdeserveit.YoustraightaboutNewYorkandTrigger?Idon’twantyougoingand

causingtroubleoverthere.”

“I’mstraight,”Vincesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Stillpissed,butI’llgetoverit.EspeciallywhenI

thinkabouthimsittinginacell.”

Carlochuckled.“Good,good.AndVince,forwhatit’sworth…Ididn’twanttosendthesniper,butI

hadtobesure.I’mjustgladitallworkedoutintheend.”

Yeah.Yourdefinitionof“allworkedout”andmineareabitdifferent,consideringyouobviously

didn’tcareifIlivedordied.

Vinceleanedhisforearmsonhiskneesandlookedattheground,hopinghewasn’toverdoingit.

“Honestly,afterspendingallthattimewithCassie,Igotalittleattachedtoher.Evenaftereverything,
includingherstabbingme…Itwasn’teasypullingthetriggeranddealingwithherbody.Iwanttomake
youproud—makemydadproud—butmaybeIjustdon’thavewhatittakes.”

“Thefirstone’sthehardest,andthenahardoneonlycomesalongonceinawhile.”Carloswipeda

handthroughtheair.“Yougetusedtoit.Andifweneedto,Iknowaguy.Orten.”Helaughed,andVince
smiledasacidatethroughhisinsides.“Lastnightyouprovedyoudogotwhatittakes.Buttellyou
what…Ifaftersixmonths,youwannagostraight,therestaurantwillstillbethereforyou.”

Itwasalie.Onceyouwerein,youwereinforlife,evenifCarlomadeitashortone.“Soundsgood.”

Vincestoodandrubbedahandoverhisface.“I’mdeadonmyfeet,andmybed’sbeencallingmyname

ChapterThirty-Five

ThebuswasfinallyonitslastlegofthetriptoOklahomaCity.Cassiehadhardlysleptduringthepast
twenty-fourhours.Partlybecausethebusmadefrequentstopsthatjarredherawake,butmostlybecauseit
wasdifficulttogethermindtostopspinning.

Withhermemoriesback,shestartedwonderinghowshecould’vemisjudgedMr.Rossisogreatly.

Howmanyofhismeetingshadinvolvedhurtingpeople?Nowsheknewthemajorityofthemhadrevolved
aroundillegalactivities.She’dbeentoofocusedonhercollegeclassestoseetheredflags.Well,classes
andVince—thinkingstraightaroundhimhadneverbeenanoption.

IjustlethimleavetotakeonanentirearmoftheMafiaandhisownuncle.Allbecauseofmy

conscience.Shecouldn’thelpthatshewantedMr.Rossitobeheldresponsible,butshedidn’twantVince
tobetheonewhopaid.

Whatifhegetshimselfkilled?Shemightneverknow,andthethoughtofthattorturedher.
“Hey,Katie,”Maudesaid,sittingintheseatnexttoCassie.Itstillthrewherofftobecalledthe

wrongname,andshewonderedifshe’deverlearntorespondbeforelettingacoupleofsecondstickby.

LastpitstopshefoundoutthatMaudeandHaroldHurstlivedinTulsaandhadbeeninMaryland

visitingtheirdaughterandherfamily.Neitherofthemcoulddriveverywellinthedark,andHarold
refusedtotakeaplanebecausehedidn’ttrustanobjectthatheavytoremainairborne,sotheywentmost
everywhereviabus.NotthemodeoftravelCassiewouldchoose,butMaude’skindnessandthecouple’s
funnyinteractionsmadethetripmorebearable.

“Harold’sasleepandIthoughtI’dcomechat.”Maudepulledoutknittingneedlesandaspoolofred,

yellow,andgoldyarnthatremindedCassieoffall.“Helpswiththearthritis,”shesaidasshestarted
workingonwhatlookedtobeascarf.

Withhersittingthisclose,Cassienoticedafewrebelliousstrandsofblondinthewoman’shair.Talk

ofherthreechildrenandfivegrandchildrenaccompaniedtheclickofneedles.Afterabouttwentyminutes
ofthat,MaudeloweredherknittingandglancedatCassie.“IknowyousaidyouweregoingtoOklahoma
City,butTulsa’snice,andwell,Ilivethere.Yousaidyou’veworkedasawaitress,right?”

Maudepriedthatoutlastmealstop—well,shenoticedhowCassietreatedtheirserverandguessed.

Lyingaboutthatpartofherpastdidn’tseemimportant.“Right,”Cassiesaid.

“Haroldboughtarestauranttheyearwemarried.LittleplacecalledFrontRangeSteakhouse.Spent

mostofourlivesworkingthere,too,andwhenwegottooslowtokeepup,mysonLevitookover.Owen,
myoldestgrandkid,worksthereaswell.Icouldeasilyputinagoodwordforyou.”

“Oh,that’sokay.”
AttheutterlydistraughtlookonMaude’sface,Cassiesaid,“Imean,I’llthinkaboutit.It’sjustthatI

mightnotbestoppinginOklahomapermanently.”

She’dalreadyignoredVince’sinstructionstotransfertoanotherdestinationatoneoftheconnections.

ShemeanttodoitinMissouri,butMaudeandHaroldhadropedherintoeatingbreakfastwiththem,and
shedidn’twanttoleavetheirfamiliarfacesbehindquiteyet.Nottomentionshe’dbeentooexhaustedto
dealwithchangingtheticketanyway.ShefiguredOklahomawasasgoodaplaceasanytopickanew
destination.

Andmaybe,justmaybe,sheheldouthopethatifshedidn’tveertoofarfromheroriginalpath,Vince

wouldfindhersomeday.

He’dprobablysaythatmeantanyonecouldfindher,butwhowouldknowshewasgoingunderKate

Jonesbesideshim?Sincehewasn’thereinpersontodemandshefollowhisinstructions,either,thenit
wasjusttoodamnbadforhim.Technically,stoppingearlyinTulsawassorta,kindafollowinghis
instructions.Shealsohatedjobinterviewswithapassion,andthisonewasprettymuchbeingofferedup
onasilverplatter.

“Youknowwhat?I’dloveajob,”Cassiesaid.“Aslongasyouthinkyoursonwillbeokaywithit.”
“He’sokaywithwhateverItellhimtobeokaywith.”MaudepattedCassie’shand.“We’llgetyou

settledandallfixedup,justyouwait.”

HavingaplancalmedCassie’sfrayednervesabit,andsheneededeveryounceofcalmshecouldget.

Ajobwouldn’tfixeverything,butitwasastart.Besides,shedidn’tthinkshe’dfindanotherMaudeout
there,andshewasalreadybecomingattached.

IftheoptionswerestartfromgroundzerototallyaloneorgetalittlehelpfromMaudeinaplacethat

didn’tveeroffthebuspathveryfarandmightmakeiteasierforVincefindheroneday,theriskseemed
worthit.

***

VinceparkeddowntheroadfromRossi’s,waitingforCarlo’stail.Carlopulleduptotherestaurantand
headedinside.Acoupleofminuteslaterabeat-upbrowncarwithtintedwindowsturnedontothestreet
andparkedafewblocksdown.

WeretheyseriouslyjusthopingtospotCarlodoingillegalactivitiesthroughthebrickwallsofthe

restaurant?Ordidtheythinkhewouldn’tnoticethemandgodowntothedocksinthemiddleofthedayso
theycouldgetitallonvideo?

Whatevertheyweredoing,itobviouslywasn’tworking.Theyalsohadanunmarkedcarwatching

Vince’shouse—notsurprisingconsideringCassie’ssuddendisappearance.Enoughpeopleknewhe’d
beenwithhertoleadpoliceorfedsorwhoeverwaslookingintoittoatleastquestionhim.Sincehe
didn’twantthattohappenquiteyet,he’dstayedinacheapmotellastnight,withnoCassietokeephim
company.Talkaboutaddinginsulttoinjury.

Vincepulledthebillofhisbaseballcaplower,walkedovertothebrowncar,andtappedaknuckle

onthedriver’ssidewindow.Itunrolledacoupleofinches,revealingamanwithahardlooktohim,the
kindthatsuggestedhe’dseenhisfairshareofactionovertheyears.Healsohadhishandonthehandleof
hisgun.

Thepassengercranedhisnecktogetapeek,andVinceimmediatelyrecognizedhim.“Ifitisn’tmy

favoriteP.I.Fancyseeingyouherewithafederalagentasapartner.Guessyou’removingupinthe
world.”

Vincesteppedback,liftedhisshirt,andspunaroundtoshowthemhewasn’tarmed.Thenheleanedin

again.“Whydon’twetakearideandhavealittletalk?”

“Funny,becauseI’vebeenwantingtotalktoyou,”thedriversaid.“Ithinkit’smoreofadownatthe

stationtalk,though.”

“That’sfineifyou’rehappywithhowyourinvestigation’sgoing.Ifnot,I’dsuggestchoosingtheride

option.Justknowthelongeryouthinkitover,themorelikelysomeonewillseemetalkingtoyou,and
thenwe’llbothbeSOL.”

Thelocksdisengagedwithaclick,andVinceduckedintothebackseat.Mr.FakeP.I.turnedandaimed

agunathimasthedriverpulledawayfromthecurbandtookthenextsidestreet.“I’mSpecialAgent
McVee,”thedriversaid,glancingathimintherearviewmirror,“andmypartner’sAgentMancini.”

“Youguysaren’tbeingasconspicuousasyou’dliketobelieve,”Vincesaid.“Ispottedyoufroma

mileaway.Samewiththecarwatchingmyhouse.”

Mancinilookedlikehewantedtoarguebutkepthismouthclosed.Itwasn’tlikeVincethoughtthey’d

giveawaytheirsecrets,buthewouldliketoknowhe’dchosencompetentpeople.Notsomegreenagent
he’dbeenabletoeasilysneakupon.Atleastthedriverseemedbetter.Buthedidn’tneedbetter.He
neededthebest.

McVeepulledoffinanalleyandtwistedinhisseat.“So,Mr.DaMarco.Idon’tsupposeyouknow

whereCassandraDaltonis?”

“Let’sskipthebullshitandgetrighttoit.”Despitewhathejustsaid,thewordsweren’taseasyto

forceoutashe’dexpected.HecouldhearCarloandhismenreferringtoratswithdisgust.Evenoutofthe
biz,he’doftenwonderedwhatkindofpersonturnedontheirfriendsandfamily.Dadhadtoberolling
overinhisgraverightnow—thatdugathimthemost.

Sorry,Dad,buthewentafterBobbyandmygirl.
“YouguyswantCarloRossi,andIcanhelpyougethim,”Vincesaid.“Youjustneedtopromise

you’llmakeitstick.I’mnotgoingtoputmylifeonthelineforhimtoturnaroundandeasilywiggleoutof
thecharges.”

McVeepushedMancini’sarmdownsothatthegunwasnolongerpointedatVince.“Dependsonwhat

youhave.”

“Icantellyouhowherunshisprotectionracketandwhichstoreownerswouldbethemostlikelyto

turnonhim.Iknowthenamesofhisdealersanddistributers,aswellaswherehekeepshisproduct.If
yougetawarranttosearchtherestaurant,you’llfindhisandhismen’sunregisteredweaponscollection
thatI’msurecouldbetiedtoseveralcrimes.AndIpersonallywitnessedthemurderofEduardoAlvarez.
Idon’tknowtheexactplacehe’sburied,butIknowaroundwhere.”

ThankstoSal’sbigmouth,VinceoverheardhimandDantetalkingaboutwheretoburytheguywho’d

daredpullaweapononhim.“Getafewdogsandateamofdetectivestothearea,andyoushouldbeable
tofindthebody.Butyouguysneedtobackoffuntilyou’vegotenoughtoarresthim,orhe’llburyevery
scrapofevidencebeforeyougettoit.He’shigh-strungrightnow,andwhilehe’sproud,he’llrunifhe
thinksheneedsto.He’sgottheresourcestodoit,too.”

“Ibethe’sbreathingeasiernowthatMissDaltonhasdisappeared,”McVeesaid.
Vinceignoredit.Firsthe’dsolidifythis,andthenhe’dtalkaboutCassie.
“Howdoweknowwecantrustyou?”Manciniasked.“Thatyou’renotjustgettingustobackoffso

youcanhideevidence?”

“Youdon’t.Butifyoudon’tbackoff,I’mnothelping.I’mnotgettingmyselfkilledfornothing.Ifyou

letmedothingsmyway,you’llcatchtheguyI’mguessingyou’vebeenafterforyears.Idon’tthinkyou
haveawholelotofoptions.Ifyoudid,youwould’vearrestedhimalready.”

“Allright,”McVeesaid.“We’lldoityourway,butifyouscrewusover,we’llreturnthefavor.AndI

wanttoknowwhathappenedtoCassandra.Whatmadeherrunintothestreetlikethat,andwhereisshe
now?”

Mancinifoldedhisarmsacrossthebackofhisseat.“Weknowyouweredatingher.Oratleast

pretendingto.”

Vincesatbackwithasigh.“IwaskeepinganeyeonherforCarlo.ShewitnessedtheEduardo

Alvarezmurder,butafterheraccident,shehadnomemoryofit.Itriedtoconvincehimtoletitgo,and
yes,whileIwaswatchingher,sheandIgot…close.ThenyouguysstartedpushingCarlo,andhegot
worriedaboutlooseends,sohetoldmetokillher.”

Heswallowedhard,andhisemotionsweren’tallforshow.Thinkingabouthertorehimupinside

everydamntime.“HesentbackupjustincaseIfailed,andsinceyou’veobviouslyseenherapartment,
youcanguesshowthatwent.WhichmakesyouasresponsibleasIamforherdeath.Goodluckliving
withthat.”Infact,hecouldreachovertheseatrightnowandknocktheguys’headstogetherforputting

herindangerthewaytheyhad.Onlythat’dmakeithardertogettheirhelp.

McVee’sfacefell,leadingVincetobelievehecaredaboutkeepinghersafe.Itmadehimlikehima

littlemore.“She’sdead?”

“Thesniperhitherrightinthegut.Itriedtogethertoahospital,butitwastoolate,andIknew

there’dbetoomanyquestions.ThenCarlowouldjustcomeafterme,soIdecidedI’dmakesurehepaid
forherdeathinstead.”

McVee’ssharpeyesstudiedVince.“You’rerightaboutusseeingherapartment.Wegotthereshortly

aftertheshotswerefired—fastenoughtocatchTony“theTrigger”Castellanocomingfromtheother
building.”

“Good.Chargehimwithherdeath,too.”
“Ithinktherewould’vebeenmorebloodiftheshotwasfatal.Idon’tthinkyou’rebeingcompletely

honestwithus.”

“Well,everyone’sentitledtotheiropinions,”Vincesaid.“Icarriedthatgirloutofthebuilding,and

believeme,Isawplentyofherblood.”

“Where’sherbody,then?”
Vinceclenchedhisjawandblewabreathoutofhisnose.“Iputhertorest.”
McVeepressedhisfingerstohisforeheadandmadeatired,frustratednoise.“We’dhaveabettercase

withherbody.”

“That’stoodamnbad.I’mnotlettingyoudigherup.You’llhaveplentyofevidence,andshewent

throughenough.Now,doyouwantmyhelpornot?”

***

JimwatchedVincecutacrossthealleyanddisappear.

“Youthinkhe’stellingthetruth?”Manciniasked.
“AboutCassandra,no.Forensicsgotherbloodtypefromthehospital,andtheysaidthebloodatthe

scenewasn’thers.Myguessisit’shis,butIdon’tthinkhe’llreadilyagreetoabloodtest.AboutRossi,
though…IthinkVinceisourbestbetatgettinghim,whichmakesmewanttobelievehim.Maybealittle
toomuch.”

“AsmuchasIhatetosaythisaboutthebrutewhopulledmeoutofawindow,he’ssmarterthanthe

restofCarlo’sguys.”

“Yeah,he’lleithergiveuswhatweneed,ordestroyourwholecase.”JimliftedthecoordinatesVince

gavehim.Hecouldn’twaittocallitinandseewhatthedogsandCSIcouldfind,anddespitetryingto
keephimselffromputtingtoomuchstockinthistip,he’dalreadystartedseeingvisionsofarrestwarrants
dancinginhishead.

***

Carlowasoutbackenjoyingoneofhiscigars,whenVincesteppedoutthebackdoor.“Ithoughtyouwere
gonnatakeafewdaysoff.”

“Hardtorelaxwhenthere’sapigparkedoutsidemyhouse,”Vincesaid.“SoIstayedawayandthen

gotridofyourtail.Toldthemitwasharassmentwhentheydidn’thaveanythingonyou,andthatwe’dcall
ourlawyerifweneededto.”

“Andwhatdidtheysaytothat?”
Vinceshrugged.“Bunchofbullshitcopstuff,butIcouldtellIhitanerve.Idoubtthey’llbefollowing

youanymore.”

“DidtheyaskyouaboutCassie?”
“Yeah.Iwishyoursniperhadn’tmadesuchafuckingmess.ItoldthemsheandIhaddatedabit,butit

wasnothingseriousandIhadn’theardfromherinawhile.Theyever-so-predictablyaskedmeifI

wantedtofinishtheconversationatthestation.ItoldthemI’dloveafreeride,butI’dbecallingthesame
lawyerIwasgoingtohavelookintotheirharassment,andtheybackedoff.Theymightpokearoundabit
more,buttheywon’tfindanything,andwithnobody,they’llneverbeabletoproveanything.I’mnot
worried.”

Carlostudiedhisnephewinthefadingafternoonlight.LastnightwhenVincehadfirstburstin,he

didn’tknowwhattothink.ButashetalkedaboutcarryingoutthehitonCassie…Heknewthathaunted
look.Itwasthelookyougotwhenyou’ddonesomethingyou’dhatedtodoandyouweren’tsurehow
exactlytolivewithityet.Mostofhismenwoulddenyit,butthey’dallhadhardhitsthatshookthemup
likethat.Itcamealongwiththeterritory,andVincehaddonewell,carryingthingsoutdespitethehiccup.

CarloalsopeekedoutthewindowasVincedroveaway.HistiresandthebottomofJeepwereboth

coatedindriedmud,moreevidenceconfirminghisstory.

Triggermust’vegottenalittletrigger-happy.OrmaybeSalthoughthe’dpayVincebackandtakea

cheapshotathimwhilehecouldgetawaywithit.Ishould’veknowntotakecareofthecallmyself.

Iftheheathadn’tbeensohigh,hewould’ve.
“Anyway,justthoughtI’dupdateyou,”Vincesaid.“Iftheydon’tbackoff,letmeknowandwe’ll

comeupwithanewplanofattack.Maybeevensicthatoverpricedlawyeryou’vegotonretaineronthem
andmakethemdizzywithpaperwork.”Onecornerofhismouthtwistedup.“That’dbefun.”

“Yeah,Ineverthoughtoftheharassmentangle.Evenifitdoesn’tstick,wecanatleastmakethem

chasetheircurlylittletailsawhile.Fuckingpigs.”

“Fuckingpigs,”Vinceechoed.“Anyway,I’mgoingtoseeifIcangobacktomyhousenow.Ifnot,I

mightletthemtakemedowntothestationjustsoIcangetanap.”Hegaveashortlaugh,clappedCarlo
ontheback,andthenheadedbackinsideofRossi’s.

AsCarlotookthelastfewpuffsofhiscigar,hewonderedhowmanyofhismenwouldhavetheballs

towalkuptoataillikethat.Andtothink,Vincewasn’tsureifhewasmadeforthis.Itwasinhisblood,
andhewasalreadybetterthanmenwho’dbeenatitforyears.

He’dstillhavetowatchhim,becauseheknewtherewassomebitternessleftoverfromeverything

thathappenedwithBobby,andit’dprobablyincreasedwhenVincefoundoutCarlohadgiventheorderto
takehimoutifnecessary.ButhecouldalwaysuseBobbyagainifVinceneededextramotivation,and
clearlyhisnephewhadrealizedwhowasinchargeanddecidedhemightaswellcomeovertothe
winningside.

Hemightnotbecompletelyoutofthewoods,butthepieceswereallstartingtocometogether.Andif

anythingoranyonegotintheway,he’dtakecareofit.Justlikehealwaysdid.

ChapterThirty-Six

Jimstoodinthemiddleofthewoodedarea,shiveringdespitehisthickcoat.Novembernightscouldbe
unforgiving,andfromthefeelofit,thesnowthey’dgottenearlierthisweekwasgoingtolooklikeajoke
whentomorrow’sstormhit.

Itraisedthestakes,weatherandtimeteamingupagainsthimandtherestofthesearchteam.They’d

beenatitsincefirstthingthismorning,andwiththesunallbutdown,moralewaswaning.Ofcourse,this
wholethingcouldjustbeawildgoosechase,andVinceandCarlocouldbedisposingofevidence
rightnow.

Jimshovedthatthoughtaway,becauseitwouldn’thelpanything.Notthesearchorhisfrustrationor

frozentoes.Helikedtothinkhereadpeopleprettywell,andwhilehedidn’tthinkVincewascompletely
honestaboutwhathappenedtoCassandra,hewascertainhecaredforher.Manciniagreed,citinghisfirst
run-inwithVinceasproofhetookhersafetyseriously.

Wasawomanreallyenoughtogethimtoturnonhisownuncle?
Hehopedso.
Aloudbarkbrokethesilence,andJimrushedinthedirectionitcamefrom.Therestofthecrew

graduallymadetheirwayover.Theystoodinalargecircle,waitingtoseewhatthecadaverdoghad
found.

Afreezingeternitylater,theteampreparedtopullthebodyoutoftheground.Jimsetasidethecupof

coffeethatstoppedwarminghishandsandinsideslongagoandmovedascloseastheforensicteam
wouldallow.

Ashorribleasitwastofeelreliefoveradeadbody,Jimcouldn’thelpit.Thiscouldbethesmoking

guntheyneededtoarrestCarloRossiformurder.WithwhatVincealreadygavethemontheracketeering
sideofthebusiness,theycouldthrowtheRICOActathimandhisboys—andtheywould—butthe
sentenceswereoftenbargaineddowntolesserones,andhewantedCarloputawayforlife.

Mancini’sneedtodojustthatpracticallyvibratedoffhim.TheStyrofoamcupinhishandwasnowa

mangledmess.

Jimclappedhimontheback.“Thisisgoingtosinkhim.We’regoingtogetthebastard.”Hethought

abouttellinghimthathisdadwouldbeproud,buthedidn’tknowifthatwastoomushy.

TwoCSIguysliftedthebodyontothenearbytarp.BileroseupasJimtookinthesizeoftheexit

woundinthebackoftheman’sskull.WhatfeatureshecouldseematchedthepicturefromEduardo
Alvares’sdriver’slicense.Ofcourse,theymatchedalotofpeople,especiallyafterthismuchtimeinthe
ground.

Whichmeanttheyhadtodomorewaiting.

***

Carlosatinhisofficeattherestaurant,thinkinghowniceitwastohavehisfreedomsback.Thefeds
hadn’ttailedhimforacoupleofdays,Allegrawascontenttoshopandgreethimwithakissattheendof
theday,andhecouldfinallyjustsitback,relax,andenjoyaplateofcannoli,uninterrupted.

Tomorrowhe’dputthesqueezeonafewofhisbusinessesthat’dtakenadvantageofhisrecent

distractions.KillingEduardowassupposedtosendamessagetotheothermerchantstofallintoplace.
Instead,severalofthemthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatoformaneighborhoodwatchprogramandtake
careoftheirownprotection.

He’dtakeSal,Dante,andsomeoftheotherboyswithhimtomakesuretheneighborhoodwatch

memberswouldn’tbeabletowatchanythingforaweekorso.Acoupleofswollenblackeyesshoulddo

it.That’dbetheirwarning,andhehadnodoubtpeoplewouldfallinagain.

Carlo’scellphonerang,andDante’snamepoppeduponthescreen.
“What’sup?”Carloanswered.
“WhileIwassweatingitoutinjail,oneofourdealersranoffwithafewkilosofcocaine.Don’t

worry,I’llfindhimandletyouknowoncehe’stakencareof.ButIwantedyoutohearitfromme.”

“Justtakecareofit.Jeez,onefuckingweekandthepeoplestartrevolting.Where’stheloyalty?”He

lickedcreamoffhisfingers.“WhataboutSanji’sMarket?Hepay?”

“Tookalittleroughingup,butIgotit.”
“Good.We’llhitafewmoreplacestomorrow.”He’dautomaticallyskippedVinceoutofhabit,but

nowwasasgoodatimeasanytogethimintotheswingofthings.“I’msendingVincewithyoutomorrow.
Keepaneyeonhimforme.Tellmeifyounoticehimgoingtoosoftonthemerchants.Justbetweenme
andyou,capisce?”

“Yougotit,Boss.”
Noiseeruptedfromthediningarea,andCarlodisconnectedthecall.OccasionallyRossi’sgotaloud

partyofpeoplethatgotlouderthemoretheydrank,buttheroarsoundedlikethreerowdypartiesatonce.

Withascowl,Carlopushedawayfromhisdesk.Heheadedtowardtheheartoftherestauranttosee

whatwasgoingon.

“Freeze!”Avoiceyelled.“CarloRossi,you’reunderarrestfor—”
Carlodartedintothehall,planningonduckingoutthebackalley.Acoupleofpigscuthimoff,guns

aimedathischest.Oneofthemlookedfamiliar.Ittookhimamomenttorealizehe’dseenhimin
McCarthy’srestaurantthedayhewenttocheckonCassie.Obviouslyhewasn’tasparanoidthatdayas
he’dthought.

“HandswhereIcanseethem,”thepigsaid.“Ifyouchoosetorun,mypartnerwouldbegladtoadd

resistingarresttoyourrapsheet.Youwannatryit?”

Smugbastard—he’dmakehimpay.Itwasn’tlikehehadn’tbeenarrestedbefore.“Sure,boys.Careto

tellmewhyI’mbeingarrestedtoday?”

“Racketeeringtostartwith,conspiracytocommitmurder,andmurdertotopitoff.We’llgettothe

officialsinamoment,butlet’sjustsay,I’mconfidentyou’llneverseetheoutsideofaprisoncellagain.”

ChapterThirty-Seven

AlittleovertwoweeksafterbeingdumpedoffinaGreyhoundstation,KatieJoneshadajob,an
apartment,andaroommatewhoalsoworkedattheFrontRangeSteakhouse.

Cassietriedtocelebratehersuccessatmanagingallthreesoquickly.Sheputonagoodfrontaround

otherpeople,butwhensheretreatedtoherbedroomaloneatnight,everythingsheheldatbayduringthe
dayrushedheratonce.

Vince’sabsenceglaredather,thisbigemptyspacethatshouldbefilledwithabigruggedguy.Before

fallingasleep,sherelivedeverymomenttheyhadtogetherandletherheartachewashoverher.Probably
counterproductivetotrulymovingon,butassomeonewho’dlostmemories,thethoughtofhavingthose
strippedfromhermadeherholdonthatmuchtighter.

Unfortunately,badmemoriesleakedintoherdreams,turningthemintonightmareswhereshewatched

EduardoAlvarez’smurderagainandagain.Occasionally,Vince’sfacewouldreplaceEduardo’sright
beforeCarlopulledthetrigger.

Thenshe’dwakeupinacoldsweat,thrashingatthesheetsbindingherlegs.Morethanonceshe

wonderedifshewasbeingridiculouslystubbornforstayinginOklahomaandnotdoingmoretohide.She
considereddyeingherhair,butshe’dalreadymeteveryoneasablondandfiguredshemightaswellstay
thatway.AsearchontheKateJonesesintheareacameupwithoverseventylistings,whichmadeher
feelbetteraboutherodds.

Soshe’dtriedtostopsecond-and-tripleguessingherdecisions,forcedherselftopretendherway

throughstartingover,andtoldherselfthateventually,herheartbreakwouldlessenandhernewlife
wouldn’tfeelso…blackandwhite.Thatshe’dgoanightwithoutnightmares.Thatshe’dlearntowalk
downthesidewalkwithoutflinchingatpassingcars.Thatonedaycolorandfullfeelingwouldreturn.

Attheknockonherbedroomdoor,sheproppedthecornersofhermouthintoasmileandcalledout,

“Yeah?”

Herroommate,Deanne,pokedherheadinsideandflashedherawidegrin—shewasoneofthesunny

spotsinhernewlife.Highenergyandasbrightastheredappliancesinherkitchenandthebootsonher
feet,herenthusiasmhelpedkeepCassiefromcrashing.“Readytogo?”

CassiereachedintoherclosetandskimmedherhanddownthesleeveofVince’sarmyjacket.It’ll

justremindMaudeshestillhasn’tgottenthefullstory.Withasigh,shegrabbedtheblackcoatshe
recentlyboughtinstead.MaudeinsistedsheandDeannecomeoverforSundaydinner.Apparentlyitwas
tradition,andCassie—orKatie,asitwere—wasnowgoingtobepartofit.

Atthefrontdoor,Deannebentoverandshookoutherdarkhair,thewayshealwaysdidbeforethey

leftthehouse.Thensheflippedupherhead,herwavesnowtwicetheirusualsize.Sheappliedalayerof
pinkishgoldlip-glossthatcomplementedherbronzeskintone,andtheywereofficiallyreadyfortheir
grandexit.

OntheirwaytotheHurst’s,DeannechattedaboutTrevor,oneoftheotherserversshehadacrushon.

“Whataboutyou?Youalwaysstayquietwhenmeortheothergirlstalkaboutguys.Ooh,whatabout
Owen?”

“Like,Maude’s-grandson-and-our-managerOwen?”
“Thatdoesn’tmakehimanylesscute.He’sstudyingtobeavet,youknow.What’scuterthanaguy

whowantstosaveanimals?”

Yes,whenCassiethoughtaboutitobjectively,shesupposedOwen,withhissandy-coloredmessy

curls,blueeyes,anddesiretosaveanimals,wascute,ifalittleonthescrawnyside.Sincearrivingin

Oklahoma,she’dreallyonlylookedateveryguyasnot-Vince.Speakingof,it’dbeenalmosttwenty-four
hourssinceshecheckedtheTrentonnews.Uponherarrivalhere,she’dchosenthecheapestusedphone
withinternetaccessshecouldget,andforthefirstfewdays,sherefreshedtheTrentonnewspapersonce
anhour,asifthenewswouldmagicallychangeduringtheday.

Notseeingthestoryshewantedmadehermoodyontopofherusualmoodiness,sosheonlyallowed

herselftodoitonceaday.Whentheyreturnedhomefromdinner,she’ddoherdailysearch.Sherealized
ittooktimetobuildacase,butshewantedtoseeCarloRossi’snameinprintwiththewords“charged
with”or“arrested”orwhateverittooktomakeVincesafer.

“AllI’msayingis,Ithinkhelikesyou,”Deannesaid.“Hewasstaringatyouyesterdayatwork.”
CassieturnedtoDeanne,tryingtoconnectthedots.Whathadtheybeentalkingabout?Oh,right.

Owen.“Ijustgotoutofarelationship,soI’mnotreallylooking.”

“Hello?Thatdefinitelycallsforarebound.”
“WithMaude’sgrandsonwhoweworkwith?That’swhoyouthinkIshouldreboundwith?”
TwocreasesformedbetweenDeanne’seyebrows.“Goodpoint.Okay,we’llfindyouarebound,and

thenafteryougetdonewiththatguy,youcangoforOwen.”

Cassieshookherhead.Thegirlwasn’tverygoodatbeingsteeredawayfromanideaonceshesether

mindonit.Itwashowtheyendeduplivingtogether.Cassiementionedshewasstayinginamotel,Deanne
saidshewaslookingforaroommate,andwithintwodays,theywereroomies.

TheypulleduptoMaude’sandHarold’s,andCassieranherthumbacrossthephoneinherpocket.

Wouldlookingatthenewspapersafewhoursearlybesobad?

“Areyoucomingorwhat?”Deanneasked,andCassiereluctantlyreleasedherphone.
Fine,I’llwaitafewmorehourslikeI’msupposedto.ButwhenIlookatyou,news,youbetterbe

good.

***

ThebarinNewBrunswicklookedlikeanyotherdivebar.Dimlighting,cluttered,undustedpictureson
thewall,andafewlonelypeoplewho’dprobablybeensittingatthebarsinceitopened.Totopoffthe
abandon-all-hopevibe,asadgarbledsongplayedthroughtheancientspeakers.

Vincehadmadesurehewasn’ttailed.WithmostofCarlo’smenarrested,theoddswereinhisfavor,

buthedidn’tbelievein“toocareful,”especiallywitheverythingatstakerightnow.Thefedseventook
himinduringtheraidtohelpkeepsuspicionoffofhim,sinceherefusedtojumpintothewitness
protectionprogram.Heneededtobeclosesoheknewwhatwashappening.Neededtothinkabout
Bobby.Afewoftheotherguysmadebailalready,butwiththepolicewatchingandCarlobehindbars,
everyonewasontheirbest,mostpretend-to-be-law-abidingbehavior.

NewBrunswickwasmiddlegroundbetweenTrentonandFBIheadquarters,andMcVeeandMancini

insistedtheyhadsomethingtheyneededtotalktohimabout.

Henoticedthetwofedssittinginthebackcornerandslidintothebooth,gladforthehighwallsthat

addedprivacy—thelastthingheneededwassomeoneseeinghimwiththesetwo.Sometimesitfeltlike
theyweretryingtogethimkilled.“Whatwassoimportantitwasworthriskingameetrightnow?”

McVeepulledoutalaptop.“Wejusthadacoupleoffollow-upquestionsaboutCassandraDalton,and

asacourtesy,wedecidedtomeethereinsteadofthestation.”

Vincecrossedhisarmsandsatback.“Afraidyouboysarewastingyourtime.Itoldyoueverything

already.Ifyou’dlikemetotellyouagainatthestation,wecandothatsonganddance.”

“It’sjustthatwegotacallfromacopinFrederick,Maryland.AfterCassandrawentmissing,weput

outanAPBonyouandher.”

Boredexpressioninplace,Vincecontinuedtolookacrossthetable,buthisgutchurnedwithworry.

Tellmeyoudidagoodjobofgettinglost,Cassie.Otherwisewe’rebothgonnabescrewed.

Carlo’sboyswerebehavingforthemoment,buttheyhadplentyofcontactswho’dhavenoproblem

carryingoutahit.

“We’reabitconfusedbythisvideowegot…”McVeespunthelaptopscreenaround.Agrainyimage

ofhimselfandCassiegreetedVince.TheagentpushedplayandVincewatchedtheirpowerstruggleinthe
busstation.Therewasnovolume,butanyonecouldseetheywerearguing.

Thenhewatchedhimselfkisshergoodbye.
Longingroseupandwoundthreadafterthreadaroundhisheart,aslicingreminderofwhathe’dlost

thatday.

McVeepauseditsotheimagecouldsitthereandtorturehim,andsaid,“ItwouldappearthatMiss

Daltondidn’tdiefromagunshotwound.”

“Huh,”Vincesaid.
Bothagentsfrownedathim.Theycouldfrownalltheywanted.Whatweretheygoingtodo?Arrest

theirstarwitness?

McVeepushedasidehiswaterglassandleanedhiselbowsonthetable.“Whydon’tyoutelluswhere

sheis?”

“I’msureyoulookeditupintheirsystem,”Vincesaid,fishingforhowmuchtheyknew.
“AndI’msureyouknowthere’snotarecordofaCassandraDaltonbuyingaticket.Look,wejust

wannatalktoher.ThemorewitnesseswehaveagainstCarloRossi,thebetter.Letmeplayyousomething
else.”

Vince’smusclestensedashewaitedtoseeCassieonscreenagain.OnlythefileMcVeepulledupwas

anaudioone.ArecordedconversationbetweenSalandCarlo,givingtheordertokillCassie.

“WhatifVincegetsintheway?”Salasked.
Therewasapause,andthenCarlo’svoice.“Justhavehimdowhatneedstobedone.”
“That’salltheproofyouneedthatRossididn’tcareifyoulivedordiedthatnight,”McVeesaid.

“Don’tyouwanttoputhimawayforthat?”

Vincebarkedalaugh,andbothagentslookedathimlikehe’dlosthismind.“Iwasthere.Inearlygot

shot,soIdon’tneedprooftotellmehegavetheordertokillmeifnecessary.Wasthatreallyyourplan?
PlayarecordingtogetmetogiveyouinformationonCassie?Nowonderyoudidn’tgetanyofCarlo’s
mentoturnonhim.”

Mancini’snostrilsflared,andhismusclescoiledlikehewasgoingtoleapoverthetable.Bringit.

WiththeoverwhelmingsensationofmissingCassietumblingthroughhim,hecoulduseafightrightnow.

McVeeputhishandonhispartner’sshoulderandshothimalookthatmadehimsitbackwithascowl.

“WhataboutthefactthatyourfatherwaskilledbecauseCarlotookoutoneofhisrival’sbrothersovera
moneydispute?Yourdad’sdeathwasaretributionkilling.DidCarloevertellyouthat?”

Vinceworkedhardtonotreact,butsincehehadn’tknown,heprobablyfailed.
“Weknow—orIguessweshouldsaywehighlysuspect—hekilledtheguyforit,butyourdad’sdead

becauseofCarloRossi,”McVeesaid.

Shock,relief,disbelief—Vincewasn’tsurewhichtoletovertaketheothers.Butthenherealizedit

didn’tchangethepast,orthefactthatDadknewtherisks.Whatgoodwouldithavedonetoknow?Would
VincehaverefusedtomoveinwithCarlowhenheandBobbywerekidswithnootherplacetogo?Taken
Bobbyawayfromherealongtimeagoandpreventedhimfromturningintoajunkie?Movedawayand
livedacompletelydifferentlife?

Maybe.
Butagain,itdidn’tchangeanything.HelpedabitwiththeguiltandfeelinglikehewaslettingDad

down,though.“Well,nowthatIhavethisnewinformation,IguessI’llstilltestify.Goodjob.”

McVeeranahandthroughhishair.“Cassandracouldhelpputhim—”
“IfyouandtheUSAssistantAttorneycan’tputhimawaywithwhatyouhave,you’renotverygoodat

yourjobs.I’llneverchangemymindaboutCassie.”

“Twobuseswentoutatthattime,”Mancinisaid.“Wesentherpicturetoeverystopalongtheway.It’s

onlyamatteroftimebeforesomeonerecognizesher.We’llkeepyouintheloopaboutitifyoucooperate
withus.”

Vincegrittedhisteethandclenchedhisfists,comingdangerouslyclosetolosinghistemper.“Ifyou

wantmycooperation,you’llleaveheroutofit.Idon’twanttoberesponsibleforgettingherkilled.I
knowyouidiotsthinkyoucanprotecther,butIdon’thaveanyconfidenceinthesystem.Carlo’sgottento
witnessesbefore,andifshedies,Ihavenoreasontotestify.She’stheonlyreasonIevencamebackto
helpyougetmyuncleoffthestreets.”

Manciniopenedhismouth,andVincetalkedrightoverwhateverhewasgoingtosay.“Threatswon’t

workonme,sodon’tbother.Andthefactofthematteris,Idon’tknowwhereshewent.She’ssmart,andI
madesureshehadeverythingsheneededtogetlostforgood.Icouldn’tevenfindherifIwantedto.”

Nowhewasgoingtohavetomakesurethatwastrue.Ifhedidfindher,he’dhavetogoandyellat

herfornotdoingagoodenoughjob.Afterhekissedher—he’dhatetobetoomean.

Ofcourse,thenhe’dneverhavethestrengthtowalkawayagain.Damnthatvideofootage,anddamn

theseassholesforrefusingtoleaveherinpeacesoshecouldliveanormallife.

GoaheadanddamnCarlo,too,forcausingthistobenecessaryinthefirstplace.
Vincestood,fightingtheurgetousephysicalforceonthefedssotheyunderstoodjusthowserioushe

wasaboutleavingCassiealone.Hecouldn’tmakesureshewassafefromprison.“We’redonehere.Oh,
andifyouwantmetolivelongenoughtotestify,I’dsuggestnothavinganymoreofthesepointless
meetings.”

***

Maude’sfamilymembers,hernext-doorneighbor,Cassie,andDeannesurroundedthemassiveoaktable
intheHurst’sdiningroom.Basically,ifMaudemetyouandyoudidn’thavefamilynearby,shetookyouin
andfedyou.Insteadofthecrazycatlady,shewasthecrazypeoplelady.

Theamazingfoodandjovialconversationcreatedacomfortingcocoonaroundthem,blockingoutthe

restoftheworldforawhile.Butwhenevertherewasalull,Cassiethoughtaboutthephoneinherpocket,
andhowmanynewspapersshecouldpullupwithacoupleoftaps.Yesterdayshe’dseenthewords
“severalarrested”andheradrenalinehadspiked,alongwithherhopes.Thelastwordsoftheheadline
endedupbeing“inaprostitutionring,”andherhopehadcrackedandcrashedtotheground.

“So,Katie,how’sOklahomacomparingtoMaryland?”Owenasked,andsheglancedupintimefor

alleyestoturntoher.AtleastshewasgettingbetteratansweringtoKatie.Heshotheracrookedsmile.
“Andyoumightwannarememberyou’resurroundedbynatives.”

“Ah,sonopressure,”shesaid,andchuckleswentaroundthetable.“SofarI’maTulsafan,sono

needtogetoutthepitchforksjustyet.”

“Happytohearit.Whatmadeyoumovehere,anyway?”
“Yourgrandma.”CassiesmiledatMaude.“ShemademeanofferIcouldn’trefuse.”
“ButwhatmadeyouleaveMarylandinthefirstplace?Ineverheardthatpartofthestory.”
Herdefensesprickled.Shewantedtotellhimshedidn’tcomeovertobeinterrogated,butOwen’s

expressionheldmoreinterestandcuriositythanchallenge.Relax.He’sjusttryingtomakeconversation.
Tryingtogettoknowyou.

Unfortunately,thatwasn’tanoption.She’dalwayshavetohidepartofherself,andfromnowon,she

neededtokeepbettertrackofeverylieshetoldorshe’dtripherselfuponthem.Asmuchasbeingaloner
sucked,itmightbethewaytogo.Themoreinvolvedshegotwithnewpeople,themorecomplicated
thingsbecame.

“Ijustneededachange.”EventhoughIdidn’twantone.“Afreshstart.”Thatwassupposedtobe

withVince.“AndIwanttogetadegreeinculinaryarts.PlattCollegehasaprogram,soI’mlookinginto
enrollingthere.”

Shehopedthecollegetopicwouldmovethemawayfromthewhy-she-came-hereone,eventhough

shecouldn’thelpbutthinkofhowVincewastheonetoleadhertolookintoit.Forgoodmeasure,she
added,“Ihearyou’regoingtovetschool.”

Luckilythatshiftedtheconversation,andthetensioninherbodyeasedasdinnerturnedbackintoa

casual,lightaffair.Aftertheypushedawayfromthetable,Cassiesnuckawaytodoherinternetsearch.

She’djustpulleduptheTrentonianwhenMaudefoundher.“Areyoutextingyourman?”
Cassieloweredherphone.“Idon’thaveaman.”
Maudeplacedherhandsonherhipsandtwistedhermouth,likeshewastryingtofigureouthowto

saywhatshewantedtosay.Sinceshenormallyblurtedoutwhatevershethought,Cassieheldherbreath,
waitingforwhateveritwas.“I’vetriedtogiveyoutime.Ifiguredyou’dcomeoutwithitsoonerorlater,
butwhenareyougoingtotellmewhathappened?Andwhenisthatmangoingtocomeandmakeupwith
you?”

“Itoldyou.I’mnevergoingtoseehimagain.”Onceagain,shewasreconsideringhermovehere.As

muchasshehatedtoleavesuchanicesituation,maybesheshouldmoveonbeforeshegotanydeeper.

“Oh,Idon’tbuythat.YoukeepforgettingIwastherewhenyousaidgoodbye.”
“’Goodbye’beingtheoperativeword.Hewasintownonbusinesswhenwemet.Ourrelationship

progressedquickly.”Cassiepaused,thinkingofhowshecouldputit.“Ifoundoutlaterthathehadn’t
exactlybeentruthfulthewholetime.Hehadtogobacktotakecareofhisfamily,andIfeltlikeIcouldn’t
trulystartoverunlessIfoundanewplacewhereourmemoriestogetherwouldn’tconstantlydragme
down.”

AngerflickeredacrossMaude’sfeatures,andCassietriedtofigureoutwhatshe’dsaidthatcould’ve

causedsuchastrongreaction.“Hisfamily?Youmeanhewasmarriedalready?Didhehavekids?”

Cassiewantedtosay,“Ofcoursenot!”ButthensherealizedthequestionsaboutVincewouldstopif

sheletMaudebelievetheconclusionshe’djumpedto.“IwasheartbrokenwhenIfoundout.Theywere
separatedwhenwefirstmet,but…well,hefeltheowedittohiskidstogiveitanothershot.”

Guiltranthroughher—overlyingtoMaudeandsayinganythingbadabouttheguywhosavedherlife

againandagain,andhadgonebacktodoitonemoretime.

Maudepulledherintoabone-crushinghug.“Ihadnoidea.Don’tworry.You’llfindsomeoneelse.”
“Thanks.Andthanksfortakingmein.Ithelpstohavesomefriends.”
“Well,you’vegotsome.Now,let’sgetdessert.That’llmakeeverythingbetter.”
Cassiehadn’tknownMaudelong,butshewasquicklyrealizingthatshethoughttherewasnothing

dessertcouldn’tfix.

Ifonlyshewereright,lifewouldbesomucheasier.
AsMaudeheadedtothekitchen,Cassietooktheopportunitytofinishhernewssearch.Hereyes

skimmeddowntheheadlines.Shewassousedtonotseeinganythingthatshenearlymissedit.Butthere,
ontherightside,underthemostpopularheadingwasthethingshe’dlongedtoseeeversincehermissing
memoriescameback.

FBIARRESTFIFTEENMAFIASUSPECTS,INCLUDINGALLEGEDNEWJERSEYMAFIABOSS,CARLOROSSI…

ChapterThirty-Eight

Thiswaitingstuffwasbullshit.TheNewJerseyprisondidn’thavehiminanorangejumpsuit,butthetan
coloredonewasn’tmuchbetter.Helikedhisclothesonthetailored,expensiveside,withfabricthat
caressedinsteadofirritated,andrightnowhelookedlikeasackofpotatoes.

Hecouldhardlybelievehewasstuckinprison,baildenied.He’dalwaysdisposedofwitnesses.He

wasbeyondcareful.Someoneratted,obviously,andhewantedtotakecareofhimbeforethisbecamehis
permanentresidence.Problemwas,toomanyofhisboyshadbeenarrested.

LasttimeAllegravisited,heaskedhertogetaholdofVinceandhavehimcomein.Hewastheonly

oneofhisguyswhodidn’thavearapsheetamilelongandhadn’tbeenchargedwiththeRICOAct.Right
now,Carlowasgladhisnephewhadkepthisnoseclean.Inordertohaveachanceofgettingoutofhere,
Vinceneededtogethishandsdirty.

Ihatethishamster-trapped-in-a-fucking-wheelfeeling.
Thedoorswungopenwithascreechofmetalagainstmetal,andUfizzistrolledin.Betweenhisbald

head,hookednose,andscrawnybuild,theguyremindedhimofMr.BurnsfromtheSimpsons.Buthis
lawyergothimandhisboysoutoftroubleagainandagain,sowhilehemightnotlooktough,hewasa
viperincourt.

“Iknowyoudidn’tfighttheexpeditedtrialdatetheDApushedforatyourarraignment,butIcouldfile

amotiontoextend.Ireallythink—”

“Thatwhat?IshouldrotinhereforafewmoreyearsbeforeIgetatrial?Iwantitoverwithassoon

aspossible.Justdoyourjob,andgetmethehelloutofhere.”Luckilyhisreputationmeanttheother
inmateslefthimalone.Heevenhadafewprotectinghimandsneakinghimcigars.Justtobesafe,hespent
hisfreetimeworkingout.He’dbeenhavingtoomanydinnersanddessertsattherestaurant,butamonthin
hereandhisgutwasquicklyshrinking.

“Fine,we’lljustgettoit,then.”UffizirattledoffthechargesCarlowasalreadywellawareof,but

theystungalloveragain.SometimeshethoughtUffizireadthemeverymeetingsohecouldaddmore
billablehours.

Consideringhisfrozenassets,itwasgoingtobeaproblemsoon,especiallysinceAllegrahaddipped

intohisstashfor“underduressshopping.”Tohearhertellit,shehaditworsethanhedid.

“Justgettothewitnesslist,”Carlosaid.
“We’restillinthediscoveryprocess,whichiswhy—”
“Iswearifyousuggestputtingoffthetrialagain,I’llreachacrossthetableandsmackyou.”It’d

almostbeworththeguardcominginandcuttingthemeetingshort.

Uffizipoutedforamomentbeforepullingfilesoutofhisbriefcase.“Asforhowtheyfoundthebody

ofEduardoAlvarez,there’snowitnessstatement,justthataconfidentialinformantledthemthere.I’ll
fighttogettheidentitydisclosedandI’llwin,butthey’llprobablywaituntilthethirty-days-before-trial
mark,justbecausetheycan.”

Sonotforacouplemoremonths.Thirtydayswasstillplentyoftimetooffsomeone,althoughCarlo

didn’twanttowaitthatlong.“Iwantyoutofindoutwhotheirinformantis,andIwantitdoneyesterday.”

Uffizinoddedandthensaid,“I’vebeenbuildingalonglistofcharacterwitnesses.Therearealotof

peoplewillingtotestifyaboutwhatagenerousmanyou’vebeentothemandtheircommunity.You
contributedthefundstobuildthatextrawinginthehighschool.That’lllookgood.”

“Yeah,murderversusbuildingschools.Iwonderwhichwillstickoutinthejurors’minds.”
Uffizikeptonleafingthroughhisfile,asifthemagickeytoeverythingwassimplyburiedinthepages

heluggedaround.“TheweaponsfoundatRossi’sareprettydamning.We’llarguethatanyonewho
workedtherehadaccesstothem.Givereasonabledoubtthatthey’reyoursatleast.Whoelsehasaccess
tothesafe?”

“Vince,Sal,Dante.”
“Wecouldsuggestitwasoneofthem.Vincedoesn’thaveanypriors.Well,notanyafterhewas

eighteen,whichiswhat’simportant.Iftheychargehim,I’llfindawaytogetthemtodismissitlater.”

Carlohatedtoeventhinkaboutit.ButifUffizicouldmakesureVincedidn’tactuallygetpunishedfor

it…Dantewasalreadyonhisthirdstrike,sowhatwasonemoreminorchargetohim?Hecoulddeal
down.ThentherewasSal.ThegnatwouldprobablyvolunteerifCarlospunitright.

“Let’sholdoff.”Carlohopedhewouldn’tgetdesperateenoughtoconsiderit.Itwasn’twhohewas.
Thenagain,neitherwasbeingaprisoner.

***

Cassieputinfoodordersfortwoofhertablesandthentookaquickminutetocatchherbreath.TheFront
RangeSteakhousewashoppingtonight,thecountrymusicblaringlouderthanusual.Goodthingshespent
somuchofherfreetimeatthegymlately,orshemightnothavetheendurancetomakeitthroughtherush.
Itwaspartofher“just-in-case”plan,thepartshehatedmost.Although,shemightnotfailP.E.ifshetook
thephysicaltestsnow.She’dalsotakenself-defenseclassesandevendraggedDeannealongwithher.

Anelbowtothenoseorkicktothegroinwouldn’thelpmuchwhenitcametosnipersordrive-bys,

butsheneededtodosomethingthatmadeherfeelincontrol.Thesessionsattheshootingrangealso
helped.Shewasagoodshotbefore,butnowshecouldhitthebull’s-eyeeverytimewiththesubcompact
Glock27Vincehadgivenher.

Whenshewasn’tatwork,thegym,ortheshootingrange,shewasscouringtheinternetforcoverage

onCarloRossi’supcomingtrial.Thelackofinformationfrustratedher,soshetriedtopushhersearchto
onceeveryotherday.Sofarshe’dmadeitexactlyzerotimes.

Thecookyelledthatoneofherorderswasup,sendingherbackintomotion.Atleastthebusynights

helpedthehourspassfaster.Balancingthetrayoffoodinonehand,sheweavedherwaythroughthe
restaurant,placedtheplatesinfrontofafamilyoffive,andaskediftheyneededanythingelse.

She’djustturnedtogiveoneofhertablestheirbillwhenshecaughtsightofthreeItalianmenatthe

frontwholookedliketheywerestraightfromJersey.

HerheartpoundedassheduckedbehindawoodenpostandwatchedAllie,whowasworkingas

hostesstonight,leadthemintohersection.Shit,shit,shit.Iwasn’tcarefulenough.Vincewasright.I
should’vemovedmore.

Surelytheywouldn’tjustshootmehereintherestaurant?
No,they’llwaituntilafterwardwhenI’mleavingwork.Orfollowmehome.Thepoundingofher

heartkickedupseveralnotches.Shewalkedintheoppositedirection,tryingtocomeupwithaplan,and
nearlyransmackintoOwenassheroundedthecorner.

“Areyouokay,Katie?”heasked,puttinghishandonherarm.
Forthepastmonth,everyonefromMaudetoDeanneandtherestofthewaitstaffwastryingtopush

herandOwentogether,soshe’dtakentoavoidance.Noteasytodowithaguywhohappenstobeoneof
yourbosses.“Totally.Iwasjust…goingtogetdrinksandrealizedI’dforgottenwhatoneofthepeople
wanted.ButthenIremembered,so…yay!”

Hiseyebrowsdrewtogether.“You’rebeingweirderthanusual.”
“Hey!I’mnotweird.”
“Okay,dodgy.Yougetdodgysometimes,whichiskindofweird,tobehonest.”
Cassiecouldn’thelpbutlaugh,butsinceshewasstillfreakingoutaboutthegroupofItalianguys,it

cameoutabithystericalsounding.“Well,guessI’lljustdodgetothedrinkstationnow,then.Seeya!”

Abandoningallattemptstoappearsane,shecrouch-walkedfromposttopost.Whenshereachedthe

othersideoftherestaurant,shepeekedoveraboothatthegroupofmen.Shedidn’trecognizeanyfaces,
butthatdidn’tgivehermuchcomfort.

MaybeIshouldjustgrabmybackpack,runoutthebackdoor,andmoveagain.Deannehadasked

whyshetookherbulkybackpackeverywhere,andthiswaswhy.Soifshehadto,shecouldfleeata
moment’snotice.

Someonetappedherontheshoulder,andshespunaround,readytoemployherdefensemoves.Allie,

thebouncyhostesssaid,“You’vegotagroupattableten.”

“Didtheyaskaboutthewaitresses?”
Allieblinkedather,confusioncrinklingherforeheadevenassheheldhersignaturebeauty-queen

grin.“No,butI’msuretheywantone.Howelsewouldtheygettheirfood?”

Cassielikedtothinkshedefiedblondstereotypes;Allieepitomizedthem.Decidingitwouldbemuch

moreeffectivetotalktosomeonewithalittlemoregoingonupstairs,shewalkedalongtheedgeofthe
diningareaandfoundDeanne.

“Hey,Ineedabigfavor,”Cassiesaid.
“Surething.TalkasIgrabtheserefills?”Deanneliftedthetwoemptyglassesshehadinherhands,

andCassiefollowedhertothedrinkstation.

“CanIswaptabletenforoneofyourtables?Iftheystartaskingaboutthewaitresseshere,bereally

vague.Andthencometellmerightaway.”

“You’reactingreallyweird.”Deannetiltedherhead.“Andyoulookscared.”
“It’salongstory.I’llfillyouinafterwork,butIjustneedtonotgooverthere.”
DeanneputherhandonCassie’sshoulder.“YouknowI’myourgirl,whateveryouneed.”
Cassiehuggedher,nearlyspillingthefreshlyfilleddrinksintheprocess.Whenhadshebecomea

hugger?Shewasn’tsure,butitmadeherrealizejusthowattachedshewastothepeoplehere.Shestill
missedVincewithaconsumingamountoflonging,butshehadamakeshiftfamily,andshedidn’twantto
leavethem.

Morethananything,shedidn’twanttoputthemindanger.
Unfortunately,allofCassie’stableswereinthesamevicinityasthepossibly-sent-here-to-kill-her

guys.Sheusedtraystoblockherview,walkedsideways,andtriedtoobservefromafarwhenshecould.

Asshequicklypassedthetableshewasdoingherbesttoavoid,shethoughtsheheardhername.Her

realname.Shequickenedherpaceandheadedtowardthekitchen.

“Hey,you.Waitasecond,”aguysaid,hisJerseyaccentsothickshecouldhardlywadethroughit.
Cassiefroze.Run?Scream?Kick?Punch?Nomatterhowmuchairshetriedtosuckin,herlungs

refusedtowork.

Ahandcamedownonhershoulder,andherpanicscreechedintothree-alarmterritory.
Shewhippedaroundandtookagiantstepback.Herpulsehammeredthroughherheadasshelooked

foraweapon.Notinhishands.Hisshirtwastightenoughshedidn’tthinkhecouldhideit.Unlesshehad
itathisback…

“Where’sthebathroominthisjoint?”heasked.
Ittookamomentforhertoprocessthequestionandanotherbeforehermouthrememberedhowto

work.“It’sbackthere,rightaroundthecorner.”Forsomereason,shebrokeouttheOklahomatwangextra
heavy.“Justlookforthegentssign.”

Themanwalkedpastherandhurriedtowardtherestrooms.Shetookafewdeepbreathsandtriedto

calmdown.Okay,nowI’msureI’mgoingcrazy.

ChapterThirty-Nine

Vincestaredatthecomputerscreeninthelibrary.ThiswashissecondattemptatdiggingintoKateJones.
HelookedinOklahomaandalsodidasearchwheretheCulinaryInstitutesofAmericawerelocatedin
CaliforniaandTexas.

Everytimehescannedthroughtheresults,hehopedhewouldn’tfindCassie,whilehopinghewould.

Itmadenosense,butneitherdidhisliferightnow.Hewas“hidinginplainsight,”runningRossi’slike
nothinghadeverchanged,wheneverythinghad.

AgentsMcVeeandMancinikepttellinghimhe’dhavetogointothewitnessprotectionprogramright

beforetheyreleasedhisnameandtestimonytoCarlo’slawyer.He’dconsideredtellingthemtojustlet
peoplecomeafterhim,becausethenhecouldslowlyweedthemoutuntilCarlodidn’thaveanyoneto
send.

Onlyifhefailed,hecouldn’ttestify,andCarlomightgetawaywitheverythinghe’ddone,andCassie

mightneverbesafe.

SohewouldplayalongwiththeFBI’srequestwhenhisnamewasreleased,butafterthetrial,hewas

outofhere.He’dtrackdowneverysingleKateJonesuntilhefoundCassie.Ifshe’dstartedanewlifeand
washappy,hewouldleaveheralone—andhetoldhimselfthatwaswhathewanted.Andthathecould
actuallyleaveheralone.Butifnot,he’dfindawaytomakeherhappy.

Hisphonevibratedinhispocket,theringermuted,andheglancedaroundbeforepullingitout.

Allegra.Again.She’dleftamessagethatCarlowantedhimtovisitandwasprobablyfollowinguponthe
request.

Vincesupposedheshouldgoseehisuncletokeepsuspicionoffhimself,buthe’dalreadyexperienced

enoughconflictingemotionsoverturninginCarlo.He’dtestifyinordertokeepCassieandBobbysafe,
buthewasn’tgoingtositdownandplaypretendwithhisuncleanddeepenthebetrayal.

Heclearedhissearchhistoryandloggedoffthecomputer.Ashepassedthebookshelveshepaused.

MaybeagoodbookwouldhelphimpassthetorturouslyslowhourswhereCassiecrossedhismindmore
oftenthannot.Withafingerontopofoneofthespines,heslidoutthebookandglancedattheexposed
halfofthecover.

Aromancenovel.Ofcourse.
OneofhisgoodmemoriesofMominvolvedhertellinghimandBobbystoriesaroundthedinner

table.Mostoftheminvolvedamoreprimavista.He’dthoughtloveatfirstsightwasacrockofshit,but
hecouldstillrememberthefirsttimehelaideyesonCassie.Anelectriccurrenthadtwistedthroughhis
body,firingevenhotterwhenshesmiledandpushedupherglasses.Heshould’veknownhewasagoner
rightthenandthere.Turnedoutamoreprimavistawasn’tcrapafterall.

Herepeatedlytoldhimselfthatstayingwithherwould’vebeenstupid,becauseitmeantriskingboth

oftheirlives—aswellasBobby’s—butrightnowhefeltevenstupiderfornotleavingasurewaytofind
her.

She’llbebetteroff.Me,notsomuch,buther…Heshovedthebookbackinplace.Nothingcould

keephismindofCassie.

Whenhereturnedhome,henoticedfootstepsinthesnowthat’dfallenthismorning.Therewashisset

goingout,buttherewasanothersetgoingin.Hereachedforhisgun,thumbedoffthesafety,andslowly
openedthedoor.

Hesteppedlightly,carefulnottomakeanysound,andswunghisguntowardthecreaktohisleft.
“Jeez,Vince!Putthatawaybeforeyoushootsomeone,willya?”Bobbygrinnedathim,hisusualgrin,

butwiththeaddedcolortohisfeaturesandextraweightonhisbones,itwasagrinhehadn’tseenin
years.

Vincestrodeoverandthrewhisarmsaroundhisbrother,andthereinthekitchen,theyclungonto

eachotherforasolidminute.Bothofthemwouldtakeittothegrave,buthecouldtellhewasn’ttheonly
onechokedup.Theyslappedeachothers’backsafewtimestoregaintheircontrol.

“I’mgladtoseeyou,man,butIdon’tthinkyoushould’vecomebackhere,”Vincesaid.
“Iwascareful.ButIhadtoseeifyouwereinJersey.”Bobbyleanedagainstthecounterandcrossed

hisarms.“Now,tellmewhat’sgoingon,becauseitlookslikeeverythingwenttoshitthesecondIleft.”

***

CassietoldOwentopleasetellDeanneshe’dmeetherathome.Theytriedtoworkthesameshiftssothey
couldridetogether,asCassiedidn’tcurrentlyhaveacar.Theyusuallygotthem,too,becausetheywere
tightwiththeowners.

Owendecidedtobedifficultandaskedwhyshecouldn’ttellDeanneherself,soshejustyelled,

“Thanks,bye,”likeshehadn’theardhim,andtookoff.

Asshepushedoutthesideexitoftherestaurant,Cassiereachedintoherbackpackandwrappedher

fingersaroundthehandleoftheGlock.Shewalkedasquicklyasshecould,watchinghersurroundings
andcheckingforatail.Sheknewshe’dgetintroubleforcarryingaconcealedweaponwithoutalicense,
andshewasgoingtotrytogetoneeventually,butshefigureditwasbettertobearmedthansorry.

WhenthegroupofItalianmendidn’temergefromtheshadows,andshe’dmadeitahalf-milewithno

onetryingtoshoother,sherelaxedafraction,butdidn’treleasehergriponhergun.Sheskimmedher
gazealongthetopofbuildings,eventhoughshedoubtedshe’dseeasniperbeforeitwastoolate.

Asusual,brain,thanksfortakingmyworriestothenextlevel.
Finallysatisfiednoonewaslyinginwait,shehailedacab.Theentirewayhome,shewatchedthe

vehiclesbehindher,whichwasn’teasytodointhedark.Onceshearrivedatherapartment,shecleared
theroomsthewayshe’dseenVincedo,hopingshewasdoinganokayjobofit.

Aftereverynookandcrannywascleared—eventheonestoosmallforapersontohide—Cassie

grabbedDeanne’slaptop.Shecouldn’tfindanythingnewontheupcomingtrial,justthesamearticlefrom
before.Eventhoughshe’dreaditadozentimes,hereyesstillscannedthroughtheparagraphaboutCarlo.

Thefifty-three-year-oldheadoftheclan,CarloRossi,wasarrestedalongwithhisclosest

associates.Theaccusationsincludemurder,conspiracytocommitmurder,drugtrafficking,and
racketeering.

TherewasmentionofconfiscatedassetsandthetheorythatmostofthemwouldbechargedwithThe

RacketeerInfluencedandCorruptionOrganizationsAct(RICO).Cassiehadsearchedupeverythingshe
couldfindonRICO.She’dsmiledwhenanarticlesaidthatNewJerseytookRICOveryseriously,then
scowledatthescreenwhenfirst-degreeracketeeringchargeswereonly10-20yearsinprisonandafine
upto$200,00.

Notthatshewantedtoservetwentyyearsorhadthemoneytopaythatkindoffine,butitdidn’tseem

likeenoughforaguywhothreatenedpeoplewithviolenceandguns,dealtdrugs,andshotaperson
beggingforhislifepoint-blankinabackalley.

WhatifCarlodidn’tgetconvictedofmurder?Itdidn’tseemright,andthentenyearsfromnow,she’d

beconstantlylookingoverhershoulder,thewayshehadtotonight.

WhatifVince’stestimonyisn’tenough?Icouldhelp.
ThesoundofakeyslidingintotheknobjerkedCassieintoaction.Sheclearedhersearchhistoryand

pulledupGooglesoshecouldpretendtobelookingupsomethingnormal.

Whatwasnormalthesedays?Shefeltsooutoftouchwiththeconceptofnormallately,eventhough

shesupposedthepastsixweeksshe’dlivedalifethatmightbedescribedthatway.Allexceptfortonight
whenshegotareminderthatseveralpeopleouttherewantedherdead.

Deannegaveherastern,crinkled-foreheadglareshe’dneverseenbefore—usuallyherroommatewas

allsunshineandrainbows.“KatieJones,whatthehell?Yougivemeoneofyourtablesandthenleave
withoutme?Tellmewhat’sgoingonwithyou,andyoutellmerightnow.”

“First,tellmeifanyoftheguysatthetableaskedaboutawaitress.”Cassieheldherbreath,terrified

oftheanswerandwonderingwhatshe’ddoiftheyhad.Deannewouldn’tknowtolookfortails.Cassie
thoughtabouthergun,nowwaytoofarawayinhernightstand.

“Theyjustorderedtheirfoodlikeanormalgroup,”Deannesaid.“Theywereabitrowdyandhiton

Allieapparently,butifwedidn’tserveanyoftheguyswhodidthat,we’dbeturningpeopleaway
constantly.Whydidyoulooksoscared?”

“TheyjustremindedmeofsomepeopleIusedtoknow.ItbroughtbackbadmemoriesandI…Ijust

freakedoutalittle.I’msorry.”

Thesternexpressionfaded,andDeannesatnexttoheronthecouch.“Weallknowsomethingbad

happenedtoyou.”

“We?”
“Maude,Owen,me.Harold,too,probably,butyouknowhowheisabouttryingtostayoutof

people’sbusiness.”

Cassie’sheartclenched.Insomeways,theirconcernwasnice—inalotofwaysactually.SinceDad

hadpassedaway,shehadveryfewpeoplewhocheckedinonherwellbeing.JustAnnieoccasionally,
andthenVince,whocaredsomuchthathe’dlefthertotrytokeephersafe.Whilesheunderstood,how
exactlyshefeltabouthisdecisiondependedontheday.Todayshewantedhimnexttohermorethan
anything.Shewantedhimonthesidewalk,watchingfordanger.Wantedhimtowrapherinhisarmsand
kissheruntilsheforgotdangerexisted.

Butontheothersideofthatconcernwasthedownsideofhavingtolietothosepeople.Morethanshe

wantedto.

“Wannatalkaboutitoverdessert?”Deanneasked.“We’vegotapintofmintchocolatechipandyour

Neapolitan,althoughIthinkthechocolatepartofit’slookingkindofscarce.”

Yeah,Iusedtohaveaguytohelpmelevelitout.Asharppainjabbedherheart.Sixweeksandshe

knewtimewouldneverbeenoughtohealtheholeVincehadleft.

Cassieforcedthebestsmileshecould,diggingdeepsoDeanne—whowasstartingtoknowherall

toowell—couldn’tseethroughit.“Nowyou’restartingtosolveproblemslikeMaude.”

Deannelaughedandwentfortheicecream.
Cassietriednottothinkabouthowsheonlyhadalittlemoretimetosoakinnightslikethiswithher

roommate.

NotsurehowI’mgoingtodealwithmissingherafterIleave,butIknowit’sgoingtoroyallysuck.

ChapterForty

ThreemonthsofworkingatFrontRangeSteakhouseandspendingSundaysattheHurst’shadsomehow
gonebyforeverslowandtooquicklyatthesametime.There’dbeenThanksgivingandChristmasand
NewYear’s,andCassiespentthemallwiththeHurstsandDeanne.

Besidesworkingonstayinginshapeandkeepinguphershootingandself-defenseskills,shedevoted

aconsiderableamountoftimetostudyingtrialsofformermobstersandhowthecourtsworkedingeneral.
Carlo’strialstartedinalittleoveramonth,andafterthinkingshe’dnevermakeitthislong,itwas
suddenlyalmosthere.

WhilefrequentlybreakingherruleabouthowoftenshecouldsurftheinternetfornewsinTrenton,she

mixedinafewsearchesonVinceDaMarco.TheonlythingshefoundwasatinymentionofRossi’s.She
wishedshe’dinsistedonseeinghisplacewhiletheyweretogethersoshecouldsendhimaletteror
something.ShesupposedshecouldsendittoRossi’s,buttherewastoobigariskofitgettingintothe
wronghands.Givenwhatsheplannedondoing,he’dprobablygetmadandtellhernoanyway.

Thisway,hecouldn’tsayno.He’djusthavetodeal,likeshehadtowhenheleftherattheGreyhound

station.

Occasionally,sheworriedVincemight’vemovedoninthepastseveralmonths,butregardlessof

wheretheystood,thatdidn’tchangethefactthatCarloRossihadmurderedinnocentpeople.SoifVince
hadmovedonwithsomeonenew,she’ddealwithit.That’swhatshetoldherself,anyway.

ShewashelpingdishgiantslicesofchocolatecakewhenMaudeputherhandonhershoulder.“Katie,

dear?”

Cassiereachedforthesilverwaredrawer.“Needmetograbtheforks?”
“No.Ineedyoutostopforasecondandlookatme.We’reallworried.You’vebeen…disconnected

lately.AndwhenyoufirstarrivedinOklahoma,youweretalkingaboutculinaryschool,butsuddenlythat
stopped.YouknowLeviandOwenwouldworkaroundyourschedule.Infact,I’mprettysureOwen
wouldgiveyouanythingyouasked.”

Cassiewinced.SheandOwenhadbecomefriends,butshesensedhewantedmore.Heshowedupat

herapartmentlastweekandinsistedtheywatchamovie.Theyhadanicenight,filledwithgreat
conversationandlaughs,andsheworriedshe’daccidentallycrossedintoflirting.Themoretimethey
spenttogether,theharderitwastodrawlines.“Idon’thavetotellyouthatOwen’sagreatguy—”

“No,youdon’t,”Maudesaid,herno-nonsensetoneinfullforce.
Treadcarefully…Cassiedecidedtoswitchtopics.“Asforschool,I’msavingupmymoneyfirst.

Thissemesterjustdidn’tseemlikeagoodtimetostart.”

Maudecrossedherarms.
Damn.Ishould’veknownitwouldn’tbethateasy.
“It’sthatguystill,”Maudesaid.“Don’tthinkyou’vefooledmethathe’snotsomehowinvolvedin

this.Youthinkifyougobackhe’llleavehisfamily?Isthatreallywhatyouwant?TheKatieIknow
wouldn’tdothattoafamily,andshewouldn’tsettleforsomeonewholiedtoher.”

CassiewishedsheneverletMaudeassumethataboutVince.Thelyingcommentstung,too.Atfirst

she’dbeensofuriousandhurtbyallofVince’slying,buthewasrightaboutthetruthsometimesbeing
dangerous,andwhiletheguiltovernotbeingcompletelyhonestateather,itwasnothingcomparedto
whatwouldhappenifthesewonderfulpeoplewho’dtakenheringothurtbecauseofher.

“Ifyou’djusttrytomoveon,you’dseethatit’spossible,”Maudesaid.“There’sabetterguyoutthere

foryou.Now,Iwon’tlieandsayIdon’thopeit’ssomeoneyouandIbothknowquitewell,butI’mtrying

tostopmyselfbeforecompletelyoverstepping,evenifHaroldthinksmylinesaretoofaroutthere.”

Cassienearlylaughedatthat—oversteppingwasMaude’smiddlename.Itwaswhyshewasstanding

inthiskitchenrightnow,attachedtothewomanwhowouldn’ttakenoforananswerfromthedaythey
met.

“Look,I’mglady’allworryaboutme…”Cassietriedtoignorethefactthatshe’dsaid“y’all.”

Oklahomawasstartingtoworkitswayin.“ButI’mnotusedtosomanypeoplequestioningmyevery
move.Iwasalonerforalongtime.Iholdthingscloseandsometimesneedtoretreatintomyselfalittle
bit.Ineedyoutorespectthat.”

“Well,don’tbegonetoolong,”Maudesaidandhandedheracoupleofplatesofcaketopassout.

“Wemissyou.”

AdullacheformedbetweenCassie’sribs.Thethoughtofleavingwasstartingtohurtalmostasmuch

asneverseeingVinceagain.I’llmissyou,too.

***

Jimhadchewedhispenlidtoamangledplasticmessthatnowresembledawadofbluegum.Usuallyhe
likedtodrive—likedthecontrolofit—butMancinihadofferedtodrivetherentalcar,andJim’snerves
werejumpinghighenoughhegladlytookhimuponit.

AsbothsideswerepreparingforCarloRossi’strial,he’dchasedleadsonCassandraDaltoninhis

sparetime.Nothingwasquiteaspowerfulaseyewitnessaccounts.Vince’swouldbegood,but
Cassandra’swouldsealthedeal.

Sohelookedintoeverystopalongthetwopossiblebuses’paths,callinginfavorstopoliceineach

city.Henearlygaveup—infact,hehadforalittlewhile—becausethetrailwasicycold.

ButthenapairofpoliceofficersinTulsa,Oklahomafoundaclerkwhonotonlyrecognizedher,but

saidshe’dlookedfriendlywithanoldercouplewhooftenmadetripsfromthestation.Asluckwould
haveit,healsoknewaboutarestauranttheyusedtorun,whichgaveJimenoughinformationtofindtheir
names.

AtfirsthewasgoingtohavelocalauthoritiesquestionMaudeandHaroldHurst,butitwasthefirst

leadinages,andhedidn’twantanyonescaringCassandrabeforehegotachancetotalktoher.His
instinctstoldhimthiswasareallead,sohedecidedtotrustthem.

“Vincewouldtrytotakeonthebothofusifheknewwhatweweredoing,”Mancinisaid.
“YouscaredofVinceDaMarco?”
Hispartnerpshawedthesuggestion,buthiseyeswentabitwiderthanusual.“I’mjustsayingthat

we’regoingtopissoffourstrongestwitness,andifwedofindCassandra,we’regoingtowanttobe
armedwhenhefindsout.Somethingtellsmehewon’tcareallthatmuchaboutassaultinganofficer.And
ifwechargedhim,it’dmakehistestimonyweakerbecausethey’dbringthatupasamarkagainsthis
character.Juststatingtheobvious,sowe’repreparedfortherepercussions.”

“ForanotherwitnessagainstCarlo,I’lldealwithit.”Jim’sGPSinstructedthemtomakearight.They

turneddownadrivewayandparkednexttotheothervehiclescrowdedinfrontofthetwo-storyhouse.
Everywindowglowedwithwarmyellowlight.“Lookslikethey’rehavingaparty.”

Jimclimbedoutofthecarandranahanddownhissuitcoat.Aftertheplanerideandthedrive,he

wasabitcrumpledandalottired.Ifthistripturnedouttobeawasteoftime,hemighthavetothrowa
tempertantrumthat’dimpressatwo-year-old.

HeandManciniwalkeduptothefrontdoorandknocked.Afriendlywomanwithakind,wrinkled

faceopenedthedoor.“MaudeHurst?”heasked.

“Yes?”
“I’mSpecialAgentMcVeefromtheFBIandthisismypartner,AgentMancini.”Theybothdisplayed

theirbadges.“We’dliketoaskyouandyourhusbandafewquestions.”

“Whatisthisabout?”sheasked.
“We’relookingforsomeone,andwethoughtyoumighthaveseenher.Hername’sCassandraDalton.”
Thewomancontinuedtostare,notevenaflickerofrecognition.Shoutsandcheerscamefromdeep

insidethehouse,awholemessofthematonce.

“Where’syourhusband?”Jimasked.
“Watchingthegame,ofcourse.ItisSunday,isn’tit?Look,Idon’tknowanyCassandra,andhegets

mightycrankyifIinterrupthimduringthegame.Itisplayoffs,youknow.”

“Weunderstandagoodfootballgamejustlikeanyoneelse,ma’am,”Mancinisaid.“Butthisisreally

important.Thisgirlwe’relookingforusuallygoesbyCassie.Hernamemightnotringanybells,but
maybeherpicturewill;shemightbegoingbyadifferentname.”

ManciniheldupapictureofCassandra.“WeknowyourodethesamebusfromMaryland,andafew

peoplesawyoutalkinginthestationinTulsa.It’sveryimportantwefindher,andwewerehopingyou
mightknowwheresheis.”

Mrs.Hurstopenedthedoorallthewayandgesturedtheminside.“Comeonin,andI’llgogetmy

husband.”

ChapterForty-One

Afterdinner,OwenhadaskedCassietotakeawalkwithhimtolookforgolfballsonthecoursethat
backeduptoMaudeandHarold’shouse.WhensheaskedtheHurstsiftheygolfed,they’dbothlookedat
herlikeshewascrazyandtheninformedhertheyweretherefirst.Thestretchesofgreenandtreesmade
foranicebackyard,eventhoughshewonderediftheyweretechnicallytrespassing.

ApparentlyOwendidgolf,andheclaimedhehuntedforlostballsonthecoursesohecouldusethem

atthedrivingrange.Cassiesuspectedhewantedanexcusetotalktoheralone,andforthatreason,she’d
almostrefused.Buteveryoneelsewaswatchingthegame,awalkinthealmost-springsunshinesounded
nice,andMaudeandDeannehadprettymuchshovedheroutthedoor.

Aftertheymadeitaconsiderabledistancefromthehouse,Owengrabbedherhand.“Katie…”
“Owen,whateveryou’regoingtosay—”
“No,I’vewaitedlongenough.Youneedtohearit,andthenyoucandecide.Mygrandmatoldme

you’vebeenhurtbeforeandI’dhavetobepatientwithyou.I’vetried,andIdon’tmindtakingthings
slow,butIlikeyou.I’mjustaskingyoutogivemeachance.”

LikeOfficerTomDuffy,hemight’vestoodachancebeforeshemetVince.
Tom.Ibethe’dknowmoreaboutthetrial.
Cassieshovedthatthoughtawayforlater,becauseOwenjustpouredhisheartout,andsheknewit

couldn’thavebeeneasy.

Thefactofthematterwas,shehadsomehowstartedover.She’dbemuchsaferifshecontinuedon

beingKatieJones,wenttocollegeassheworkedatFrontRangeSteakhouse,anddatedfuturevetOwen
Hurst,noquestionaboutit.

Admittedly,ithadcrossedhermindacoupleoftimes.Whatwoulditbeliketodropherobsessive

searching,fullyembracebeinghere,andtrulymoveon?

Shecertainlydidn’trelishthethoughtofgoingbacktoaplacewhereshe’dbeindangerasshewaited

totestify.Bigsurprise,beingshotatwasn’tfun.Butwhileitwouldbeeasiertostaygoneinalotofways,
shewouldn’tletfearofCarloRossiandhismenscareherawayfromdoingwhatsheknewinherbones
sheneededtodo.

Shecouldn’tletVincefaceitalone,either.
Shecouldn’tbethatgirl,evenifthatgirlwouldbesafer.
“Owen,you’reagreatguy—”
“Notthegreatguyspeech.I’mahorribleguy,actually.Youknowthosebadboysyourparentswarn

youabout?That’sme.”

Shelaughed,andluckilyhesmiled,too.“IfIwasn’tinlovewithsomeoneelse,you’dbethebadboy

I’dgofor.Thetruthis,I’mleaving.TomorrowIwasgoingtoputinmytwoweeksnotice.It’stimeforme
tomoveon.Timeformetomakethingsright.”

Sheknewsheshouldsimplyleaveonedaysothere’dbefewerquestions,butshedidn’twanttoleave

themshorthandedaftereverythingthey’ddone.

Owenopenedhismouth,butDeannecametearingdownthepath,drawingtheirattention.Shestopped

infrontofthemandbracedherhandsonherkneesasshestruggledtocatchherbreath.

“Youguyscan’tgobacktothehouse.”Deannepoppedupright.“Therearetwomenlookingforyou,

Katie.”

CassieglancedtowardtheHurst’shome,whichwasnowonlyasmalloutline,andpanicroseupand

boundherlungs.“Describethem,”shesaid.

Deanneshookherhead.“Ididn’tsee.Maudecameintothefamilyroom,toldus,‘Nooneknows

Katie,nomatterwhatanyonecallsher,’andtheninstructedmetomakesureyouandOwenstaygoneuntil
shecomesandgetsyou.”

TheimageofMaudeandHaroldbeingtorturedbyCarlo’smenpoppedintoCassie’shead,andshe

startedforthehouse.Armscamearoundherwaistandpulledherback.Forsuchascrawnyguy,Owen
wassurprisinglystrong.

“Youdon’tunderstand,”Cassiesaid,tuggingagainsthim.“You’vegottaletmego.Iftheyhurtanyone,

I’llneverforgivemyself.”

“Betweenmydadandmygrandparents,theycanhandlewhoeveritis.”
“Theyaren’tpeopleyoucanjusthandle.”Cassiewishedforhergun,cursingherselfforleavingitat

home.ShewonderedhowmuchOwenwouldhateherifsheusedanelbowtohisnosetomakehim
releaseher.“Weneedto…dosomething.Maybeevencallthepolice.Beforeit’stoolate.”

“Maudewascalm,”Deannesaid.“Idon’tthinkit’sanyonescary.”
“No,they’reallcharmatfirst.”CassielookedoverhershoulderatOwen.“Pleasetellmeyouhavea

guninyourtruck.”

***

OnceHaroldHurstcameintotheroom,Jimhandedhimthepicture.“ThisisCassandraDalton,andit’s
veryimportantwefindher.YouguysrodethesameGreyhoundbusseveralmonthsago.”

Mr.Hurstsquintedatthepicture.Heglancedathiswife,andhiseyebrowsarched.
Jimleanedforward.Heremembersher.Wefinallyfoundher.
“Wasn’tthisthatgirlyoutalkedtoonthebus?Andthensheaskedfordirectionsto…Wherewasit?”

Mr.HurstturnedtoJim.“Shewasprettyclosedoff,butmywifetalkstoeveryone,whethertheywanther
toornot.”

Mrs.Hurstshotherhusbandadirtylookbeforeturningasugarysmileassweetastheicedteashe

broughtJimandMancinitheirway.“Idoliketotalktoeveryone.Ithinkit’scalledbeinganiceperson.
Andnowthathementionsit,shedidaskfordirectionsto…”Shetappedherlip.“Sorry,memory’snot
whatitusedtobe.”Anothercoupleoftapsandthensheheldupafinger.“Ohyes.DirectionstoLittle
Rock,Arkansas.Wasn’tthatit,Harold?”

Heshrugged.“Itunedyououtlongbeforetheconversationgottothatpoint.”
Mrs.HurstgaveaLord-give-me-strengthsigh.“Anyway,Itoldhershe’dwanttogetontheI-40and

goeast.Sheseemedlikesuchasweetgirl.”Sheleanedinconspiratorially.“She’snotacriminal,isshe?”
Sheshovedherhusband’sshoulder.“Itoldyoucriminalsridethatbus.Thisiswhyweshouldfly.”

“Ifabusrolls,we’vegotachanceofsurviving,”Mr.Hurstsaid.“Ifwecrashinanairplane,we’re

dead.Unlessit’sthemovies,andwedon’tliveinthemovies.”

Astheylaunchedintoanargumentthey’dobviouslyhadseveraltimesbefore,Jimfoughttheurgeto

shoutatthemtostopbickeringandtrytothinkofdetailshecouldactuallyuse.

“She’snotacriminal,”Mancinisaid,althoughwiththefighting,Jimwasn’tsuretheyevenheard.

“Didshemaybegiveyouhername?”

Mrs.Hurst’seyebrowsdrewtogether.“Jeez,hon,notthatIremember.Weonlytalkedbriefly.Ifshe

gaveittome,Isuredon’trecallit.Imeetsomanypeopleonthosetrips.Sincemyhusbandrefusestofly.”

TheHurstsexchangeddirtylooks.
Whatawaste.Theflight,thedrive.Jimwantedanotherwitnesssobadlythathe’djumpedonthistiny

clueandranwildwithit.HepulledoutacardandsliditovertoMrs.Hurst.“Ifyourememberanyother
details,anythingthatmighthelpusfindher,pleasegivemeacall.”

“Surething.Didyouboyswantsomecakebeforeyougo?I’mfamous‘roundhereformydesserts.”

“Butthegame,”Haroldsaidinasorryexcuseforawhisper.
“We’llletyouguysgetbacktoyourevening,”Jimsaid.
Thescreechofthescreendoorpunctuatedtheirwalktotherentalcar.Thethoughtofcatchingalate

nightflightmadeJimwanttobanghisheadagainstthedashboard.“Mightaswellstayhereanight.
Unlessyou’reinabighurrytogethome.”

Mancinicoveredayawnwithhishand.“Maybewecanpokearoundtheareaalittlemoresince

we’realreadyhere?OrshouldweheadtoLittleRock?”

LittleRockwasacompleteshotinthedark.Thequestionwas,wouldtheirtimebebetterspenton

anotheravenue?ButhekeptpicturingCarlo’ssmarmylawyerincourtsaying“reasonabledoubt”over
andoveragain,andwantingsomethingthat’dcrushalldoubt.“Youthinkwe’llfindsomething?”

Mancinisighed.“Ijustknowthatwe’realreadyhere.”

***

TheguncommentprettymuchsentOwenandDeanneovertheedge.Finally,Cassieconvincedthemto
creepuptothehouseandcheckonthings.Theredtaillightsofacarheadingtowardthemainroad
seemedlikeagoodsign.

Maudeburstoutthebackdoor,makingallthreeofthemjump.
“Areyouokay?”Cassieasked,lookingheroverforsignsofbeingroughedupforinformation.
“I’mfine,butweneedtohaveaserioustalk.Owen,Deanne,ifyou’llexcuseus…”
“Iwanttoknowwhat’sgoingon,”Owensaid,juttingouthisjaw.
“Me,too,”Deannesaid,crossingherarms.
“LetmetalktoKatiefirst.”BothofthemcasthurtglancesatMaudeandthenCassiebeforegoinginto

thehouse.Oncetheywerealone,Maudelookedhersquareintheeye.“Who’sCassandraDalton?”

Cassiesighed.“Dependsonwho’sasking.”
“Iam,”Maudesaid.
“Ineedtoknowwhocamelookingfirst.IftheywerebigItalianguys,thenweallneedto—”
“TwoFBIagents.HaroldandIliedrighttotheirfaces.Prettysurethat’sfrownedupon,butyou’remy

family,Katie.Or…Cassandra?TheentiretimeItoldmyselfIknowyou,andyou’vegottohaveyour
reasons,butnowIneedanexplanation.Ideserveone,too.”

Cassie’smindspunoverthefactthattheFBIcamelookingforher.Theymadethearrests.Thiscould

beagoodthing.ButthenshethoughtofVincetellingherCarlohadtoomanycontactstotrustanyone.
“How’dtheFBIfindme?”

“That’swhatyouwanttosaytomerightnow?You’resimplyhorribleatexplanations.”
Cassieranahandthroughherhair.“Ijustneedtomakesuretherewon’tbeworsemencomingto

pokearoundnext.”

Afteranepicsigh,MaudeexplainedabouttheGreyhoundstationandthatsheandHaroldtoldthe

agentsthey’dgivenherdirectionstoArkansas.

Hopefullythatbuysmesometime.Priorities.First,Maude.Thengoodbyes,andthenIneedtoget

thehelloutofDodge.

“Mightaswelltalktoeveryoneatonce,”Cassiesaid.
Withinafewminutes,hermakeshiftfamilywasgatheredinthelivingroom.Shewantedtotellthem

everything,butshecouldn’t,sosheworkedthroughwhatshecouldandcouldn’tsay.

“Firstoff,thankyouallfortakingmeinsoeasilyandbecomingsuchamazingfriends…”Alumprose

inherthroat.Aftershemadeitthroughthisandwasonherwayoutofthecity,she’dletherselfcryover
thelossoftheseamazingpeople,whoshe’dmostlikelyneverbeabletoseeagain.“It’snotsafetotell
youeverything.AllIcansayisthatIwasinthewrongplaceattheverywrongtime,andsomebadpeople

wantmedead.Theyalmostsucceededatmakingthathappen—twice.”

Maudecoveredhermouth,andDeannereachedoutandtookCassie’shand.Cassieclungtoitlikea

lifeline.

“I’mguessingtheFBIwantsmefortheircaseagainst…thebadpeople.ButIdon’tknowifIcantrust

them.So,IhopedIwouldn’thavetoleavelikethis,butIalwaysknewIwaslivingonborrowedtime
here.I’llmissyouallsomuch.”Atearrolleddownhercheek,andshequicklyswipeditaway.

Deannejumpedupandhuggedher,thenMaudegotinonit,andOwen,Levi,andevenHaroldjoined

in.

“Thankyouagainforeverything,”shesaidasshesoakedinthehugsandthelove.
Thenshetookadeepbreathandgotreadyforhersecondroundoflifeontherun.

ChapterForty-Two

VincetuggedonhisT-shirtashewalkedintothekitchen.Bobbywasalreadyupandmakingeggs.

Burnt,disgusting-smellingeggs.Heslidaplateacrossthecountertohim.VincewantedBobbyoutof

town,evenashewantedhimthere,becauseatleasthehadhisbrotherback.Butheworriedwhatwould
happenwheneverythingcametolightaboutVince’sinvolvementinCarlo’sarrest.Honestly,heworried
Bobbywouldcallhimarat.Atraitor.Thathe’dhatehimasmuchasCarlowould.

NottomentionheworriedaboutBobbybeingtooclosetooldfriendsanddealerswhomightgethim

introubleagain.Buthewenttomeetingsconstantly,checkedinwithhiscounselorfromtherehabcenter
often,andhadalocalsponsor.Healsovolunteeredatananimalshelterandworkedasawaiterat
Rossi’s.Apparentlybeingbeyondbusyhelpedhimavoidthequiettimeswhenhestartedthinkingabout
howniceit’dbetoescapeforawhile.

Thisweek,Vincewouldhavetobreakittohimthathe’dneedtoquitanddisappearagain,andhe

hopedhavingtostartoversomewhereelsewouldn’tundoallofBobby’sprogress.

Vinceshoveledabiteofeggsintohismouthandtriednottogag.
“WhenareyougoingtotellmewhatreallyhappenedwithCassie?”Bobbyasked.
BurnteggbitsgotcaughtinVince’sthroat,andhedownedhalfaglassofwatertokeepfromchoking

onthem.“Itoldyou.AftereverythingthatwentdownattheclubinNewYork,IwasafraidBigAlmight
comeafterher.SoIgotheroutoftown,toldherexactlywhoIwas,andafterthatshedidn’twantanything
todowithme,whichwaswhatI’dhopedfor.”

“Yeah,yeah,yeah.AndIcan’tmentionhertoCarlobecausehe’dbemadyoutoldheraboutthe

organization.YoumustthinkI’mstupidandhighifyouthinkIactuallyboughtthatstory.”

Vince’sforkclatteredagainsthisplate.“IfyoutellCarlo,you’dputmylifeindanger.Andifyou

don’tcareaboutmylife,thinkaboutCassie.”Heknewheshould’vetoldBobbyadifferentstory.He
worriedfeedinghimthelieaboutCassiebeingdeadwouldsendhimspiralingsinceshewastheoneto
believeinhiminthefirstplace.Plus,he’dseenhowmuchBobbyimmediatelylikedCassie,andhedidn’t
wanttotellthatbigofalietotheonlypersonhehadleft.“Don’tthinkhecan’tgettoanyofusjust
becausehe’sbehindbars.IreallyneedCassieandmyrelationshiptobekeptbetweenyouandme.”

“Chill,bro.IthurtsmethatyouthinkIwoulddothattoyouortoher.Evenatmyworst,I…well,Iput

yourlifeatrisk.Iwasashittybrother,okay?ButIwouldn’tpurposelysendanyoneafteryou,knowing
thatthey’dhurtyou.”

Morethananything,VincewantedtotrustBobby.He’dnearlybrokendownandtoldhimeverythinga

dozentimessincehegotoutofrehab.Buttheriskofhimslippingandtalkingtothewrongpeople,evenif
hedidn’trealizehe’ddoneit,wastoogreat.

Vinceranhisfingersalonghisjaw.“SpeakingofCarlo,haveyoubeentovisithim?”
“Hellno.HegavecrazyNewYorkdealerspermissiontokillme.HecanrotinjailforallIcare.The

questionis,whyhaven’tyouvisitedhim?”Bobbynarrowedhiseyes.“Didyoutwohaveafallingout?I
knowsomething’sup.”

“Yeah,somethingis.You’vegottogettotheanimalshelter,andI’vegottogotoRossi’s.”Andact

likeeverything’snormal.

Puttingonafalsefrontallthetimewasslowlyeatingawayathim.Theyshouldarrestpeopleand

havetheirtrialsthenextmonthinsteadofdrawingoutthetorture.McVeesaidtheywereluckytogeta
datesoclose,butluckywasthelastthingVincefelt.Miserabledescribedhisstatethepastseveral
monthsperfectly.

Hetriedtokeephiscontactwiththefedstoaminimum,butiftheyweregoingtoinsistonprotection,

Bobbyneededtobeincludedinthat.Otherwise,VincewouldtakehischanceshidinghimselfandBobby
onhisown.

“You’reforgettingthatImetCassie,”BobbysaidasVincereachedforhiskeys.“Shewenttothatclub

withus,andshetoldmeshewouldn’tbeokaywithoutyou.Sheknewyou,andshelovedyouanyway.All
I’msayingisifIhadagirllikethat,Iwould’veforgottenaboutthisgodforsakenplaceandgonewith
her.”

Eventhoughhisbackwastohisbrother,heclosedhiseyes,tryingtoshutterawaytheclashof

emotionsrisinginhim.

“Youshouldgofindher.WithCarloinjail,it’stheperfecttime.”
Vincewrappedhishandaroundhiskeysuntilthejaggededgesdugdeepintohispalm.Divertthe

pain.Controlthesituation.

Afterall,theendwasalmostinsight.AssoonasCarlowasconvictedandmostofhisboyswere

behindbars,Vincewasleaving,takingBobbywithhim,andgoingonasearchthatmightnevergivehim
theresultshewanted.

Untilthen,ifBobbydidn’tstopbringingupCassie,hewasgoingtoneedanewplacetolive.

***

Thewaterinthetinyhotelshowerranbrownforacoupleofminutesbeforeitturnedclear.Cassie
shampooedandletthewaterrunoverherhairagain.Thebubbleswereabitbrown,buteventuallythe
waterranclearagain.

Shewrappedatowelaroundherself,usedtheblow-dryerhangingonthewallnexttothecream-

coloredvanity,andthenpickedherslightlysteamedglassesoffthecounterandstaredatherreflection.

Sothat’swhatChocolateTrufflecoloredhairlookslike.Buyinghairdyewhenyouwerehungrywas

abadidea.Everythingsoundeddeliciousinsteadoftoxic.

Afterthesob-festthatsayinggoodbyetoeveryoneattheHurst’sbroughton,Cassiereturnedtothe

apartmentshesharedwithDeanne.Sheshovedtheessentialsinherbackpackandeverythingelseshe
couldfitintoasmallsuitcaseandhuggedDeanneuntiltheybothranoutoftears.Thenshehadtohavea
fightwithOwen,who’dshownupandsaidhewasgoingwithher,beforefinallycompromisingalittle
andlettinghimdrivehertoacarrentalplace.

ShedrovelongintothenightandmadeitthroughmostofMissouribeforehereyesandbodyhad

screamedforsleep.Summoningeveryounceofherenergy,shemadeastopatatwenty-fourhour
drugstorewhereshegrabbedthehairdyeand—thankstothesubliminalnamesontheboxes—abagof
chocolate.

Thenshecrasheduntileleven,wokeup,andgottoworkonhertransformation.Shepickedupthe

scissors,debatingwhatexactlyshewasgoingtodowiththemforaminuteortwo.Herhairhadgrown
quiteabitinthelastfewmonths,whichshouldhelpwiththedifferentlookshewasgoingfor.

Hmm.Howtochangeitupevenmore…Shecutherselfathickside-sweptbang,andstudiedherself

again.Withherlensesnowclear,shenoticedherbloodshoteyes.Fabulous.

Speakingofeyes,Ineedtofindaneyedoctor.Sheshudderedatthethought,butshemightaswellget

itoverwithassoonaspossible.Itwasn’tliketherewasevergoingtobeabettertimetostartstickingher
fingerinhereye.

Sheglancedatthephoneonthenightstand.Towait,ortofindoutasmuchaspossiblenow?Thecard

theFBIagentgaveMaudewasinherpurse,butbeforeshedecidedwhetherornottomakethatcall,she
wantedtotalktosomeoneshetrusted.

Shepickedupthephoneandchanted,“Pleasedon’tgotovoicemail,pleasedon’tgotovoicemail.”

***

“Wegotit!”UffizistrodeintotheroomandsatacrossfromCarlo.“Wegotthecompletelistof
witnesses.”

Carlocouldn’tbelievehislawyerhadwantedtodelaythetrialanddragthisprisonstintoutlonger.

Hewantedout,andhewanteditnow.Wantedthiswholethingtobedonewith.He’dsitinfrontofthat
jury,charmthem,causeplentyofreasonabledoubt,andgetonwithhislife.

Ifpeopleonthewitnesslistneededmotivationtochangetheirtestimonybeforethatcouldhappen,he

neededtogetonit.It’dbemoredifficultwithmostofhismenindicted,buthestillhadplentyofcontacts.

“So,let’shaveit,”Carlosaid.Uffizicameinactinglikehepossessedagoldenticket,andnowthathe

wasseatedacrossfromhim,heseemedtoreconsiderhisexcitement.

Uffiziopenedhislargebriefcase.“Everysingleoneofyourguysisonthelistasapotentialwitness.”
“Allmyguysareturningonme?”
“No,buttheprosecutioniscoveringtheirbases,sayingtheywanttherighttocallanyoftheseguys.

Sal,Dante…”Uffizilistedtherestoftheguys,fromthetopofhisorganizationtothebottom,andacouple
ofCarlo’sotherassociates,aswellasafewforensicsexpertsandFBIagents.“Oh,andsomewoman.”
Uffiziliftedthelistandsquintedatit.“CassandraDalton.Notestimonyonrecord,buttheyhaveherlisted
asapotentialwitness.Knowanythingabouther?”

“SheusedtoworkforRossi’sasawaitress.”
“Well,theymustthinkshehassomedamningevidence.Iknowthefedsarelookinghardforher—got

thattipfromoneoftheinsideguys.”Uffizileanedin.“Hedidn’tcomecheapeither.”

“Well,inexchangeformylifeorfiftyyearsbehindbars,I’llpay.AsforCassandra…Shewon’tbea

problem.”

“Howcanyoubesure?”
“Youdon’twanttoknow.”Thankgoodnesshehadhertakencareof,orhemightstarttoworry.
Uffizihelduphishands,likehedidn’talreadyknow.Buttherewasknowingandhavingthewords

said.Uffizilikedtokeephishands“clean.”KindoflikeVinceusedto.

“Andthat’sthegoodnews.”Uffizi’sliptrembledabit.
“Wow,I’mafraidtoaskforthebadnews.”
SweatbeadedonUffizi’sforehead,andherubbedhispalmsonhischeapslacks.Whatwasthepoint

inmakingallthatmoneyifhewasgoingtobuyapoorlymadesuit?

“Thephotographicevidenceofthebodytheydugupisquite…graphic.”Uffizislidoverafile.
Carlosortedthroughthepictures.Abulletthroughtheheadatthatcloseofrangedidn’tresultina

wholelotofpretty.

“Alvarez’swifeisonthewitnesslist,too.OfcourseshemainlydealtwithSal,sowecanpaintitlike

Salmightbetheonewhocarriedoutthehit.It’sjustthatthestatementfromtheirkeywitness…Well,in
othergoodnews,theprosecutionhasofferedadeal.Thirty-yearsentence,withthechanceofparolein
twenty.Butit’soffthetableoncethetrialstarts.”

“Youreallyneedtoreassesstheword‘good,’becauseIdon’tthinkyouknowwhatitmeans.
“Itissomethingtothinkabout.”
Carlo’stemperwasquicklyreachingthebreakingpoint.“Gettothekeywitness.Now.”
Uffiziscootedouthischairandglancedattheguardbehindtheglasswindow.
Carlocurledhishandsaroundthearmsoftheuncomfortablemetalchair.Ican’twaittofindout

who’sgoingtodieintheworstpossibleway.Hisvisiontookonaredhueandwhite-hotfurypumped
throughhisbodyataratehe’dneverexperiencedbefore.He’ddonethingshedidn’texactlywanttodo
before,butthis?Well,hisonlyregretwashecouldn’tbetheonetopersonallytortureouteverylast

ChapterForty-Three

Wasitweirdthatbetweentestifyingagainstamobsterwhotriedtokillhermultipletimesandseeing
Vince,shewasmorenervousaboutVince?

Cassieletoutalongbreath,chasedhercontactoutofthelittlepoolofsolution,andforcedherselfnot

toblinkassheputtheplasticdiscinplace.She’dnearlygottenusedtoit.Inthewaythatshehatedit
everytimeandoftenpsychedherselfout,butmanagedtogetthedamnthingsinplaceatleastbythe
secondorthirdtry.

Todayshegotitonthefirsttry,andshetookthatasagoodomen;shecoulduseallthegoodshecould

get.Forafewseconds,shehadonepalegreeneyeandonemurkybrown.Theladywhohelpedherwith
thecontactsaskedifCassiewassureshewantedtocoversuchaprettycolorofgreenwithbrown.Since
shecouldn’texactlyadmitsheneededthemforadisguise,shesimplysmiledandnodded.

Theotheronetooktwotries—stillnotbad—andthensheaddeddramaticeyelinerandaMarilyn

Monroemoleforgoodmeasure.Shewantedtolookcompletelydifferentfromheroldself,yetblendin
enoughthatshecouldgounnoticedaslongaspossible.Notexactlyaneasycombo.Sheslippedintoa
nicefittedbutboringblackpantsuit.Asshe’dlearnedmoreoftenthanshelikedatMcCarthy’s,exposed
legsgotattention,sotheywerecoveredup.

Toobad,becausewhenVincenoticedthelegs,itsuddenlyseemedlikeabonus.Herheartgavea

coupleoferraticthumps,hermoodalternatingbetweenexcitedandoh-holy-shit-this-is-really-happening.

“Well,IlooklikeareporterandcompletelydifferentfromtheoldCassie,”shetoldherreflection.

“SojustwhatIwasgoingfor.”Afewweeksofcrappymotelsandlittleconversation,andshe’dstarted
talkingoutloudonceinawhilesimplytohearavoice.She’dunderestimatedhowbadlyshewouldmiss
Maude,Harold,Deanne—man,shemissedher—andevenOwen.

ButmissingVinceeclipsedallofthat.
Iknowit’sbeenmonths,buthebetternothaveanewgirlfriend.Otherwise,he’sgoingtofindout

he’snottheonlyonewithawickedjealousstreak.

Afterhermanygymsessions,shemightevenbeabletodragagirloutofacarwindow,thewayVince

haddonewiththatP.I.Cassiegruntedasshepickeduphersuitcase.Thenagain,maybenot.Goodthingit
hadahandleandwheels.

Onemoreexhaleandsheleftthelastcrappymotelsheplannedonstayingataloneandclimbedinto

the80seraToyota.AfterrunningpoorAgentMcVeeincircles,aportionofhernerveswerereservedfor
meetinghimandhispartner.Firstshe’dcalledTomDuffy,askedhimnottotellanyonethey’dmade
contact,andpumpedhimforeveryounceofinformationshecouldget,includingifAgentMcVeewasone
ofthegoodguys.

TombrokedownandtoldherAgentMcVeehadcontactedhimabouthermissingmemoriesshortly

afterheraccident,sohealreadyhadexperiencewiththeguy.AftergivingTomadaytodomoredigging,
shegavehimanothercallfromadifferentlocation.JimMcVeehadalong,solidrecordwiththeFBI,so
CassiecalledtheagentfromapayphoneatatruckergasstopjustoutsideofLexingtonandlaidouther
terms.

Shewantedtoensureshewasonthepossiblewitnesslistsoshedidn’triskgoingbacktoJerseyonly

tobeunabletotestify—luckilyMcVeehadalreadyinsisteduponthat,longbeforeshecalled.Shealso
wantedtoarriveintownlastminute,rightbeforethetrialstarted.AgentMcVeegotallriledupoverthat
andtoldherhecouldgetasubpoenasent.She’drepliedthatifhefoundanaddress,hecouldgoright
aheadandpopitinthemail.

Inallofherlife,she’dneverbeensodemandingorimmovable,andadmittedly,itfeltrather

awesome.Italsogaveherthesenseofcontrolsheneeded.

Afterhegrumbledabouthowdifficultshewasbeing,Cassietoldhimherlastrequest,andwhilehe

hadn’texactlylikedit,either,he’dfinallyagreed.

FromKentuckysheheadedbackuptonorthernOhio.Thatway,ifAgentMcVeewentlookingdespite

hispromises,he’dbeonthewrongrouteandcouldstillhonestlysayhehadn’tfoundheryet.Itwasa
pain,butshe’dhadtimetokillanyway.

OnceshearrivedinColumbus,sheturnedinherrentalcarsonoonecouldtraceKateJonesfrom

Tulsa,andthenshehitchedaridetoCleveland—neveragain,eventhoughthetruckerwasperfectlynice
andshehadhergun.FromtheresheboughtausedcarwithcashandzigzaggedherwaytoNewJersey.

Andnowhereshewas,pullinguptotheClarksonS.FisherFederalBuildingandU.S.Courthouse.

HopefullyAgentMcVeewouldhonorherlastrequirement.Otherwiseshe’dsimplysitandstarewhen
theyaskedherquestionsuntiltheygaveherwhatshewanted—no,needed.

Shedidn’tcareaboutrulesorgrayareaanymore.Ifanyonetoldhershe’dfeelthiswayayearago—

orthatshe’dbemakingdemandsofFBIagentsinsteadofnervouslyspillingherguts—shewould’ve
laughed.

Assheclimbedoutofthecar,Cassie’snervesbouncedaroundinherstomachliketheywereina

tumblingcompetition.IfAgentMcVeedidaspromised,Vinceisinthatbuildingrightnow.

Admittedly,sheadmiredtheagent’srefusaltogiveherinformationaboutwhereVincewasstaying,

eventhoughheknewtheirhistory.ItmeanthetookVince’ssafetyseriously.

Cassiepoppedthetrunkandloweredherwell-wornbackpackintoit.Shekeptholdofthestrapfora

moment,findingitharderthanexpectedtouncurlherfingersfromthepalepinkmaterial.Forweeksshe’d
hadhergunwithinreachingdistanceatalltimes.

Sincetakingitintoacourthousewasprobablyagoodwaytoendfacedownonthefloorinhandcuffs,

sheletgoofthestrapandslammedthetrunk,havingtodoitagainwhenitdidn’tquitelatch.

Witheachstepshemadetowardthebuilding,thethrobbingpulsebehindhertemplesincreased.By

thetimeshereachedthemetaldetectors,herhandsshooksomuchthatshefumbledwithherKateJones
ID.

Shenoticedtwoguysinsuitsstandingofftotheside,eagleeyesoneverypersonwhocamethrough,

andthepinktiesnaggedherattention.AgentMcVeehadn’tseemedveryhappyabouthercolorchoice,but
sheneededonenotmanymenwouldweartocourt.HisgazeskimmedoverCassietoablondwoman,
whoheassessedanddismissed,andthenmovedtothenextperson.

Score,mydisguiseworks!Shestrodeovertothetwomen,andAgentMcVee’sbrowfurrowedashe

triedtolookaroundher.Thenhiseyesbuggedoutalittle,andshecouldn’thelpbutsmile.Hesmacked
hispartner’sarm,andthenbothofthemstaredather.

“ThoughtI’dtakeafewextraprecautions,”shesaid,swipingherbangsoffherface.“Hateforanyone

tospotmetoosoon,youknow?”

“Ican’tdecideif‘nicetofinallymeetyou’fits,”AgentMcVeesaid,extendinghishand.“Butgladto

seeyoudefinitelydoes.”

Cassieshookhishand.“Well,you’vebeenapaininmybutt,too,ifthatmakesyoufeelanybetter.”
Hechuckled.“Itdoes,actually.AndIthoughtVincewasstubborninhisnegotiations.Ifyouwant

braggingrights,youearnedthem.”

Cassie’sheartskippedabeatatthementionofhisname.“He’shere?”
“Youknowthisisn’texactlyethical.Imustbeinsanetoevenletithappen.”
“Notinsane,”Cassiesaid.“Motivated.Whenitcomesdowntoit,weallwantthesamething—tosee

CarloRossigotojailforlife.Now,ifyou’llkindlynotquite‘findme’untilafterItalktoVince,I’ll
answeranyandeveryquestionyoucaretoask.”

***

Vincesatatatablethattookupmostofthesmallroomatthecourthouse,wonderingwhythehellthefeds
haddraggedhimdownherebeforehewassupposedtotestify.Heleanedbackinthecushychairand
closedhiseyesforamoment.

Hehadn’tbeensleepingmuch.HeandBobbywereholedupinatwofamilyhousewithaUS

Marshal,andthetrialweighedonhismindconstantly.

HetriedtofocusonhowfarCarlohadpushedhim,thetimeshe’dusedBobbyagainsthim,andhow

he’dbeenpartiallytoblameforDad’sdeath,butonceinawhilememoriesoflivingatCarlo’shouse
wouldcropupinstead.Dinnersunderhisroof.Watchingballgamesonthecouchtogether.

Thenhe’dhavetoremindhimselfthatifCarlohadhisway,theliehetoldaboutshootingCassieand

buryingherbodyinthewoodswouldbeareality,andhisresolvewouldstrengthen.

Bobbykneweverythingnow,includingwhathappenedwithCassie.HesurprisedVincebytellinghim

he’ddowhateverheneededtohelp,eventestify.Butputtinghimonthestandmeanthisarrestsanddrug
usecomingtolight,sotheAssistantUSAttorneyfeltlikeitmightdomoredamagethangood.Thelawyer
addedhisnameasawitnessjustincase.Hesaidyoucouldneverhavetoomanypossiblewitnesses.

Vinceopenedhiseyes,lookedattheblankwallacrossfromhim,andrappedhisfingersonthetable.

Nothavingajoboranythingelsetododidn’thelpwiththeantsy-ness.Theonlythingkeepinghimgoing
wastheideaofleavingJerseyassoonasthiswasalloverandfindingCassie.

Hedidn’tlethimselfthinkaboutwhatwouldhappenifCarlodidn’tgotoprison,sincethatmeant

beingwithCassiewouldonlyputherindangeragain,andthesamewithnotbeingabletofindher.
Becauseifheletthosethoughtscreepinandtakeroot,hedidn’tknowifhecoulddowhatheneededto
overthenextweekormonth,orhoweverlongthistook.

They’dalreadyselectedthejurors.PeoplehadbeenhesitanttoservegivenCarlo’sreputationandthe

natureofthecrimes.Noonewantedtobehisnexttargetorputtheirfamiliesatrisk,sothejudgeruled
thatthey’dbesequesteredandknownonlybynumber.Openingstatementsandthedisplayofevidence
wouldbepresentedtoday,andassoonastomorrow—butdefinitelywithinthenextfewdays—Vince
wouldbetestifying.

Thetickingclockintheroommadeaninordinateamountofnoise.Notthathehadanythingbetterto

do,buteachtickremindedhimthathislifewasslowlybeingdrainedasecondatatime.

Theselawtypeslovethehurryupandwaitgame.Ifthistrialdragsoutforverylong,I’mgoingto

beinsanebytheend.

He’djustfoldedhisarmsonthetableandrestedhisheadonthemwhenheheardthedoorcrackopen.

Heeledfootstepsfollowed,andhegaveahalf-glanceinthewoman’sdirection.“Anotherlawyer?
Really?”

“Youcouldalwaysuseonemorepersononyourside,don’tyouthink?”
Vince’smusclesstiffened.Hemustbegoingcrazy,becausethenewlawyersoundedlikeCassie.He

lookedatheragainasshetookanothersteptowardhim.I’mdefinitelycrackingup.Shedoesn’teven
looklikeCassie.

“Justaskyourquestionssowecangetthisoverwith,”hesaid.
Herhandcamedownonhisshoulder,andhetensedagain.Lawyersweren’tnormallysointimate.
Andtheywouldn’tsendsomeonenewwithoutlettinghimknow.
Hegrabbedherhand,spunashestood,andpinnedhertothewall,lookingforaweapon.

***

BeforeCassiewasallowedinside,aguardhadsearchedherforweapons.Hercheekshadgrownhotas
hefriskedher,certainhewasgoingaboveandbeyondwithhisverythoroughexamination.

Vince’sfriskingsentanentirelydifferentkindofheatthroughher.“Nicetoseeyou,too,”shesaid.“I

forgothowhands-onyouare.Guessyoudon’tneedanextrabodyguardafterall.”

Vince’seyessnappedtohers,andheblinked,thecrinkleofconfusionandsuspicionsosexyshe

stoppedbreathing.Whoneededoxygenanyway?

Eversoslowly,hereachedupanddraggedhisfingertipsdownthesideofherface,hisdisbelief

clear.“Youshouldn’tbehere,”hesaid,butbeforeshecouldrespond,hecapturedhermouthwithhis.

Thefamiliar,intoxicatingbrushofwhiskerscombinedwiththetouchofhissoftlipssenttheworld

spinningoffitsaxis,everythingblurringaroundthemuntiltheonlythingthatexistedwasthereacquainting
oftonguesandlimbsandbodies.Shenolongerknewwhichbreathswerehersorhisorwhereshe
stoppedandhebegan,onlythatforthefirsttimeinmonths,everythingwascompletelyright.Shefigured
iftheyneverstoppedkissing,theycouldcallitonekiss.Thentheywouldn’thavetodealwithanyofthe
suckystuffthatwouldhappenafter.

“Youneedtogobeforeanyonefindsoutyou’rehere,”hesaid,buthegrippedherbutt,boostedherin

hisarms,andkissedheragain.“Ishouldyellatyou.”Anotherkissashepressedheragainstthewall.“Of
allthestupid”—hislipstouchedherneck—“reckless…”Henippedatherear,andsheclungontohim,
sureshe’dfallifshedidn’tholdon,eventhoughhehadherfullypressedagainstthewall,notenough
spacetoslip.“Butwe’llsetupameetingspotthistime.Forafterthetrial.Thenjustwaitforme.I’llbe
thereassoonasIcan.”

Sheopenedhermouthtorespond,andheplungedhistongueinside,sweepingitagainsthersuntilshe

didn’trememberhowtotalk.

Thenthestupidknockonthedoorinterruptedeverything,andbeforeshecouldeventrytorearrange

herdisheveledclothing,AgentsMcVeeandManciniwalkedin.

“Ah,CassandraDalton,”AgentMcVeesaid.“Imaginefindingyouhere.We’vebeenlookingforyou

everywhere.”

ChapterForty-Four

VincepushedherbehindhimasifheplannedonfightingthetwoFBIagentsiftheycameanycloser.Shit,
heprobablydid.

Cassiewrappedherhandaroundhisbiceps,tryingnottogetdistractedbytherock-solidmuscle

there.“It’sokay.They’retheonlyreasonIgottoseeyoufirst.I’mtestifyingagainstMr.Rossi.”

“No.”Vincespunandtookherfaceinhishands.“Baby,it’stoodangerous.”
“Whatgooddoesitdomeifyouputeverythingonthelineandhestillgetsawaywithmurder?I’m

heretoensurethatdoesn’thappen.Ifyouloveme,you’llletmedothis.”

Hescowled.
“Notsoeasytobeontheothersideofthatstatement,huh?Look,Itriedtostartover,butIrealizedit

wastoolate.Can’tstartoverwhenyourheartissomewhereelse.”Heatcreptintohercheeks,andshe
triednottothinkabouttheiraudience.Howcouldshesayeverythingshewantedtoinsuchashorttime?

We’llhavemoretimelatertonight.Andoncethisisdone,we’llhavenothingbuttime.
Sheplacedherhandsonthesidesofhiswaist.“Iknowbeinghere’sdangerous,butwe’llhave

constantprotection.Andhey,atleastthistimeIrememberwhypeoplewanttokillme.”Vincedidn’t
seemtofindthatveryfunny.Sheleanedinandpressedaquickkisstohislips.“We’llgetthroughthis
together.”

AgentMcVeeclearedhisthroat.“Look,we’rewalkingafinelinehere.Ifweblurtherulestoomuch,

therecouldbeamistrial.Iwon’tletthathappen.WeneedtogetCassandra’sstatement,andthenshe
needstomeetwiththeAUSAwhenhegetsoutofcourtandrepeatittohim,sowecanworkitintothe
planassoonaspossible.”

CassiegaveVince’shandaquicksqueeze.“Don’tworry.I’llseeyoutonight.Youjusthavetotell

AgentMcVeethatit’sokayformetoknowwhereyouare,andthatyouwantmetobeunderprotection
withyou,andhe’lllettheU.S.Marshalsknow.ConsideringtheshakedownIgot,I’massumingyou’ve
clearedme?”

Finally,shegotasmile.Thenheleaneddownandwhispered,“Justtobesafe,webetterschedulea

privateoneinmyroomlatertonight.”

***

VincepacedthepartiallyfinishedlivingroomoftheplaceonMonmouthStreetwhereheandBobbyhad
beenstayingforthepastmonth.TheU.S.Marshalspickedthespotbecausetheywantedthemtobeclose
tothecourthouse—aquickfourorfiveminutedrive—butnotwalkingdistance,orcloseenoughsomeone
couldeasilystumbleacrosstheirlocationiftheywerecanvasingtheneighborhood,likeCarlo’s
associatesprobablywere.

Red,squishedtogethertownhousesthathadbeenaroundforatleastahundredyearslinedtheother

sideofthestreet.Theyweretryingtocramafewupdatedtwo-familytypehousesonthisside,andthe
green,in-progressonetheywerecurrentlystayinginhadn’thadanyoccupantsyet.

DeputyFlorez,theformerlinebackerresponsiblefortheirsafetyduringthetrialsatinthecorner,his

gazetrackingVince’sprogressacrosstheroom.Theguywaschillenough,butVincestillhatedthethought
ofbeingguardedatall.He’dalwaystakencareofhimselfjustfine.

“Bro,relax,”Bobbysaid.“You’regoingtowearaholeinthebrandnewfloor.
“Iftheydon’tbringCassieoversoon,I’mgoingtopunchaholethroughthedoorandgohunther

down.”It’dbeenhourssinceshesurprisedhimatthecourthouse,andrightnow,itseemedmorelikea
dreamthansomethingthathadactuallyhappened.He’dstaredatherfacethinkingnothingwasquiteright,

yeteverythingwasfamiliar.Hervoiceandthewayshedeliveredthelineshelpedhimseethroughthe
changes,despitethedifferentcoloredeyesandhair,andthefactthatshe’dthinneddownabit,eveninher
face.

Ishould’veinsistedonstayingatthecourthouseuntilsheleft,nomatterwhatanyonesaid.
Thesquealofbrakescaughthisattention.Hookingafingerintheblinds,hepulledthemdownand

peeredoutthewindow.RelieffloodedhimwhenCassiesteppedoutofthecar.Irritationfollowedwhen
henoticedthecopwithher.OfficerDuffyobviouslywantedhisnosebroken,becauseheputhishandon
thesmallofCassie’sback,whereVince’sshouldbe.ThepinkandgraybackpackVincegaveherallthose
monthsagohungoffoneshoulder,andDuffygrabbedholdofablacksuitcase.

DeputyFlorezunholsteredhispistol.
“It’sjustCassieandanannoyingpigwhofollowsheraround,”Vincesaid,movingforthedoor.

DeputyFlorezshothimasternlook—mostlikelyfortryingtobreakprotocolandthepigcomment.The
deputyinsistedonansweringthedoorandfinallyletinCassie.

Vincedidn’twasteanytimepullingherintohisarms.Real.Here.Herdeterminationwaswritten

acrossherfeaturesearliertoday,sohefiguredhe’dsimplyholdoninsteadoflecturingher,eventhough
hestillwantedtoscoldheroverwhatanunsafemoveshe’dmade.

SheturnedtoBobby,andthebeautiful,familiarsmilethatspreadacrossherlipswasanother

reminderthatdespitethechanges,itwashisCassie.“Bobby!”Shetooktwolargestepsandhuggedhim.

Bobbyreturnedthegestureandthenranhisgazeupanddownher—inmoreofaconfusedwaythan

checkingherout,soVincedecidedtoletitslide.“Youlook…completelydifferent.Ididn’tthinkIwas
thatmessedupwhenImetyou,butweren’tyoublond?”

Shelaughed.“Youlookprettydifferent,too.Sobertotallyworksforyou.”
“Yeah.Iwon’tblameyouifyoudecidetoleaveVinceforme.”Bobbyranahanddownhisshirt.

“Rehabtookmykillerlooksandpushedthemintoirresistibleterritory.”

“Veryfunny.”VincetuggedCassiebacktohim,wrappinghisarmsaroundherwaistandpullingherso

shewasagainsthischest,facingout.HelookedoverherheadatDuffy.“She’sgood,soyoucangonow.”

“VinceandBobbyDaMarco,intheflesh,”Duffysaid.“Weren’tthetwoofyoualwaysinthebackof

mydad’scopcar?”

Vincetensed,andCassiegrippedhisarms,keepingthemaroundher.“RememberwhatIsaidabout

beingnice,Tom?”SheglancedoverhershoulderatVince.“Thatgoesallaround.”

Duffyreachedforthedoorknob.“MypartnerandIwillbeinanunmarkedcaronthestreetkeeping

watchallnight.Butyou’vegotmynumberifyouneedit.”Henoddedatherandfinallyleft,andDeputy
Florezwenttoworklockingtheplaceuptightagain.

“Ihadtocallhimforinformationbeforemakingmyplanstoreturnforthetrial,andheaskedtobeput

onthedetail,”Cassiesaid.

“Ididn’tsayanything,”Vincesaid.
“Butyouwerethinkingaboutit.”Shespuninhisarmsandkissedhim.Hetwistedastrandofherhair

aroundhisfinger.Hecouldn’tgetoverit.Shestilllookedsexy,blondorbrunette,butadmittedly,he
didn’tlikethathereyesdidn’tlooklikehers,evenasheadmiredhowfarshewenttotransformherself.

“Youlearnedtostickyourfingerinyoureye.”
“ApparentlyI’lldocrazythingstogetbacktoyou.EvendoareverseClarkKentandshedtheglasses

forgrosseye-touching.”Cassiedroppedherbagonthefloorbythecouchandpulledhimtositnextto
her.

“Soyou’reSupermannow?”Vinceteased,nuzzlingherneck.
“Superwoman,thank-you-very-much.”Cassiepattedthespotnexttoher,instructingBobbytositand

tellherhowherfriendAnniewasdoing,andthethreeofthemspentseveralminutescatchingup.

VincecouldtellbythewayshetalkedaboutthepeopleshemetinOklahomathatshe’dbeenhappy,

andhewasinaweshestillcamebackforhim.Godhelovedher.

Whentheconversationslowed,sherestedherheadonhisshoulder.
Hecurledhercloserandkissedherforehead.“Ifyouboyswillexcuseus,CassieandIneedtohavea

privatemeeting.AndyoumightwanttoturnuptheTVwhilewehaveit.”

RedflaredacrossCassie’scheeks.“Vince!”
“What?It’snotliketheydon’tknowwhat’sabouttohappen.”
“Keepitup,andit’sgoingtobenothing.”
Helacedhisfingerswithhersandpulledhertoherfeet.“Incaseanyone’swondering,I’mgoingtogo

showCassiehowyoucanseeapartofAssunpinkCreekfrommybedroomwindow.Wevisiteditonone
ofourdates,sothenwe’llprobablyjustsmileateachotherforawhileaswereminisceonthatspecial
memory.”

Sheblushedagainandshookherhead.He’dmissedthewaythecolorbledintohercheekslikethat.

Missedeverythingabouther,actually.Sheturnedhimintoasappyfool,andhedidn’tevencare.

Theyclimbedthestairs,andassoonastheyreachedthelanding,hescoopedherintohisarmsand

carriedherintohistemporarybedroom.Hekickedthedoorclosedandtossedherontothebed.

Atinysquealescapedherashedoveontopofher.Hekissedher,takingtheextraminutestheywere

deniedearlier.Onebyone,shelostthejacket,shoes,andpants.Atthesightofherlacyredthonghegrew
evenharder,strainingagainstthezipperofhisjeans.

Hepeeledoffhersilkytanktop,revealingamatchingredbra.“Damn,Imissedyou.AndI’mnotjust

sayingthatbecauseyou’realmostnaked.ButImissednakedyou,too.IdokindoffeellikeI’mcheating
withthebrunetteversionofyou.”

Thecornerofhermouthkickedup,andheslippedoneofherbrastrapsoffhershoulder.“Wait,”she

said,pushinghimawayashereachedforherotherone.“Youhavetocatchup.”

Heloweredhiseyebrows.“Catchup?”Didn’ttheyalreadydothatdownstairs?
“Onnakedness.”Shescootedoutfromunderhim,satonherknees,andgrabbedthehemofhisshirt.

Shelifteditoverhisheadandtosseditaside.Shetracedthepuckeredpinklinewhereherknifehadgone
in.“Ishould’vemadeyougetstiches.IstillfeelsobadthatI—”

Hecutheroffwithakiss.“Don’tworryaboutit.Chicksdigscars.”
“Notwhenthey’retheoneswhogavethemtoyou.”Cassiebentdownandpressedherlipsoverit.
Hegroanedinreliefandanticipationwhensheundidthebuttonofhisjeansandloweredthezipper.

Dizzinesssetinasshecuppedhimoverhisunderwear.Thenherfingerstraveledup—toohigh—andshe
draggedherfingertipsovertheskinjustabovethewaistbandofhisboxers,teasinghimuntilhecouldn’t
takeitanymore.

Withagrowl,hegrippedherhips,digginghisfingersintotheskin,andpulledherflushagainsthim.

Hekissedher,rediscoveringeveryinchofhermouthwithhistongue.“I’mneverlettingyougoagain.”

“Lasttimeyousaidwe’dstartoverandthatyouweremine,andthenyouleftme.Justknowthatifyou

evertrythatagain…”Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandlockedeyeswithhim.“Justdon’t,okay?
Myheartcan’ttakeit.”

“Iwon’t,Iswear.Mylifecompletelysuckedwithoutyou,andIalreadyhadplanstofindyou,no

matterwhatittook.”Hebrushedhisthumbacrossherbottomlip.“Andforwhatit’sworth,Inever
stoppedbeingyours.I’llalwaysbeyours.”

Asatisfiedsmilespreadacrossherface.“Iloveyousomuch.”
“Iloveyou,too.Afterthismessisover,we’llstartovernew.Together.”

ChapterForty-Five

ThetestimonyVincegaveasAssistantUSAttorneyBirchquestionedhimwasthesmooth,expectedpart.
SeeingCarlowasfarfromeasy,butVincelaidoutthefacts.

WhenCarlo’sslimylawyerstoodtocross-examine,Vinceremindedhimselfheneededtoremainas

calmaspossible,nomatterwhatUffizisaid.Thelawyerbroughtuphisfather’sdeathandtalkedabout
how,eventhoughCarlotookhimin,Vincewasanuncontrollable,angrykidwhostolealcoholandcars.

“Borrowedonecar,”Vincesaid.“WhenIwasseventeen.Andthechargesweredropped.”Thanksfor

that,asshole.

Uffizicontinuedonwithhisspiel,paintinghimassomeonewhowantedtotakeoverhisuncle’s

businessandwasbitterwhenhewastoldhecouldn’thaveRossi’sRestaurant,becauseitwasCarlo’s
mainsourceofincome—hah!ThebonesinVince’sjawachedfrombitingdownsohard.Hekepthearing
AUSABirchtellinghimitwasoftheutmostimportancehedidn’tlosehistemper,nomatterhowmuchthe
othersideprovokedhim.

Uffizistoppedhispacinginfrontofthewitnessstand.“Isn’tittrueyouhadaccesstothesafethatheld

theweaponsinRossi’s?”

“Iknewwherethesafewas,andCarlohadshownmeafewoftheguns,yes.”
Uffizimadeabigdealabouthowatanytime,Vincecould’vegottenintothesafeandusedthe

weapons.

“Ialsohavetwowitnesseswho’llsayyou’retheonewhokilledEduardoAlvarez,”Uffizisaidwitha

smuglookVincesincerelywantedtopunchoffhisface.

SalandDante,nodoubt.“MostofCarlo’sguyswouldsayanythingforhim,”Vincesaid.“That’swhat

happenswhenyou’readonintheMafia.”

Uffizistrodeforward,ignoringthelastcomment.“Buttherewasanotherwitness,wasn’tthere?A

waitresswhoworkedatRossi’s?Ms.CassandraDalton?”

AlongexhaleleakedthroughVince’sclenchedteethashefoughttheurgetokeepCassieoutofit.His

stubborn,amazingwomanhadtakenawaythatoption,andsoonshe’dbeinhisplace,addingher
testimony.

“Infact,youtoldmyclientyoukilledCassandraDalton,didn’tyou?Remember,you’reunderoath.”

Uffizigrinnedathim,andVincegrinnedrightback.AsmuchashewantedCassiefar,farawayfromthis
mess,hecouldn’twaittoseethelookonUffizi’sandCarlo’sfaceswhentheprosecutioncalledherto
takethestandnext.

“Itoldhimthatsohe’dstoptryingtokillher,”Vincesaid.“He’daskedmetokillhertwice,andhis

capo,SalEsposito,hiredthugstomowherdowninthestreet.Shebarelysurvivedthedrive-byshooting,
andthenthere’sthesniperCarlosenttokillher.Ithinkthere’sarecordingofhimorderingthathit,isn’t
there?Andpicturesofherapartmentafterward?”

Uffizi’seyesnarrowed.“Convenientthatshehasn’tbeenseenformonths.”
“Actually,gettingheroutofthecityalivewasextremelyinconvenient,consideringwewereshotatas

wetriedtoflee.ButIhelpedhergetoutofJerseyandtoldhertorunandneverlookback.ThenIcame
backandliedtoCarlo,becauseIknewhewouldn’tstopgoingafterheruntilshewasdead.”

“Andwe’rejustsupposedtobelieveyou’renotlyingnow?”
Vinceleanedclosertothemicrophoneinfrontofhim.“RightnowI’minacourtroomandunderoath,

notstandinginmyuncle’sofficewithagunpointedatme.”

“Didyoutradeyourtestimonyinexchangeforcriminalchargestobedropped?”Uffizihadtoalready

knowtheanswertothat.

“Nope.LikeItoldthecourtearlier,Irefusedtojoinmyuncleandrantherestaurant.Heusedmy

brotheragainstme,andIstayedfortoolongbecausehewasfamily.Butit’stimeformetotellthetruth
aboutwhoheisandwhohe’skilled,andforhimtopayforhiscrimes.”

HedaredabriefglanceatCarlo,whohadacarefullyneutralexpressioninplace.ButVinceknew

himwellenoughtoseethemurderousgleaminhiseye,andhehadnodoubtthatgiventhechance,he’d
stranglehimwithhisowntwohands.

Uffizistoodinthemiddleofthefloor.Hisexpressionheldahintoffrustration,butheobviously

thoughtshowingVince’saccesstotheweaponsandthesupposedothereye-witnessaccountswouldbe
enoughtoplantreasonabledoubt.Cockybastards,bothhimandCarlo.Theytrulythoughttheycouldget
outofanything,nomatterwhatevidencewasstackedagainstthem.

Finally,Vincewasexcused.Ashestarteddownfromthewitnessstand,AUSABirchsaid,“I’dliketo

callCassandraDaltontothestand.”

Andhehadafrontrowseattotheshockedandhorrifiedexpressionshe’dsobadlywantedtosee.

***

Cassie’shandsshookasthebailiffescortedherintothecourtroom.Luckily,thefirstfaceshesawwas
Vince’s.Heshotherareassuringsmilethatsteeledhernerves,andshestrodetowardthestand.

HerstepsfalteredwhenCarlolookedherway.“That’snotCassie,”hemuttered.“I’veneverseenthat

girlinmylife.”

AsCassiewasswornin,shenoticedafrantic,whisperedconversationgoingonbetweenCarloand

hislawyer.

Shesatandstatedherfirstandlastnameasasked.
Carlo’sscrawny,baldlawyershottohisfeet.“Yourhonor,wewerenotawareofthiswitness.”
“Shewasonthelist,”AUSABirchargued.
“Yes,butnoone’sseenherformonths.Myclienthasn’tlaideyesonhersinceshesimplystopped

showingupforwork.Irequestarecesstoprepareforthisunexpectedsurprisetheprosecutionistrying
topullonus.”

Cassiewantedtoarguethatshehadn’tshownupbecauseshewatchedthedefendantblowsomeone’s

brainsout,butthejudgepulledthetwolawyersupforasidebar.Morefranticwhisperingensued.AUSA
Birchturnedredasheargued,obviouslydoinghisbesttoletthecourthearhertestimonyrightnow.But
Carlo’slawyerarguedrightback.Thenthejudgetoldbothofthemtoreturntotheirtables.

“We’llrecessforjustshyofforty-eighthours,”thejudgesaid.“Proceedingswillstartthedayafter

tomorrowatninea.m.”

“Ineedmoretimethan—”Carlo’slawyerstarted,butstoppedwhenthejudgeglaredathim.
“I’mbeinggenerous,”thejudgesaid.“Youalreadyhadhername,andwehaveajurywhocan’tgo

hometotheirfamilies.Isuggestyouusethisrecessmorewiselythanyou’veusedyourdiscoverytime.”
Hebangedhisgavel.“Untilthen,courtisadjourned.”

***

Carlosatacrossfromhisattorneyfortheiremergencymeeting.Tosayhewasstunnedwhenasupposedly
deadgirltookthestandwouldbeanunderstatement.He’dalternatedbetweenlividandfloored.Evenas
they’dswornCassieinhe’dstared,thinkingitwasn’ther,andtheprosecutionwastryingtoputanactress
inherplace.

Finally,hesawthroughthedifferencestothegirlhehiredallthosemonthsago.Someofthesweet

hadwornoffher,butitactuallywasCassie.HecaughtthewayshelookedacrossthecourtroomatVince
whenthejudgeallowedtherecess,anditwassofuckingcleartheywereinonittogether.

Hisnephew’sbetrayalandlies—liesheshould’veseenthrough—sentangercoursingthroughhis

veins.IdeservesomefuckingloyaltyaftereverythingI’vedoneformynephews.Insteadtheyturnon
me.

Despitehisbestefforts,familyhadmadehimsoft.Butthesoftsideofhimwaslonggonenow.
“Isitdone?”Carloasked.
Uffiziglancedaroundasifsomeoneelsemightmaterializeinthisshittyroomtheygottomeetin.“I

didexactlywhatyoutoldmetodo.”

“Don’tworry.Myfriendswilltakecareofeverythingelse.Aslongastheygotthelocation?”He

archedaneyebrow.

“Yourinformantdidalotofdiggingandhadtotailapairofcopswhoarewatchingthestreet,buthe

foundthem.IfanyonefindsoutIwasinvolved…”Uffiziwipedthesweatbeadingathisforeheadwiththe
sleeveofhissuit.Repulsive,evenifitwascheapmaterial.

“Noonewillfindout.Ishould’vejustcalledJackhammerthefirsttimearound.Thenit’dalreadybe

done.”Carlotoldhimselftherewasnogoingback,soitwaspointlesstothinkofwherehewouldbeif
he’ddonejustthat.Cassiewould’vebeenlonggone,andhe’donlyhavetodealwithanoccasional
twingeofregretoverhavingsuchasweetgirlkilled.Nowhehadtodealwithsuffocatingregretallday
longashesatinhiscell.

Thejurydidn’tseemascharmedbyhimashe’dhoped.Forthefirsttimesincethiswholeordeal

started,heworriedhemightbeconvicted.Well,eveniftheworst-casescenariohappened,he’dgodown
swinging,andhe’dhavehisrevenge.

“Ican’thavethatgirltestifying—she’llruinthedoubtsyouraisedwithVince,”Carlosaid.“AndI

can’toverlookthewayheturnedonme.Yougotaverbalconfirmation,right?Notjustamessage?”

Uffizinodded.
“Andtheyknowtotakeinalotoffirepower,thatVinceisn’ttobeunderestimated?”
Hislawyernoddedagain.
“Good.Relax.Bytomorrowmorning,yourjobofdefendingmeisgoingtobethatmucheasier,and

I’llbehappiertoboot.It’sallwinforyou.”

Duringthemanyyearshe’dworkedwithUffizi,thelawyerhadalwaystakenthelargesumsofmoney

anddoneasasked,noqualms.Thequalmsovercarryingoutthisrequestwerewrittenalloverhisface.
Moreproofthateveryonethoughttheywantedthetopspotuntiltheyhadtogettheirhandsdirty.

RightnowCarlowishedhecouldgethishandsdirtier.Hepreferreddishingoutvengeance

personally,buttheguyshehadUffizicontactwouldtakecareofeverything.Andaftertheyweredone,
everyonewouldknowthatevenbehindbars,CarloRossiwasn’tsomeoneyouwantedtocross.

ChapterForty-Six

Cassielayinbed,wishingshecouldsleep.Vincehadnoproblemdriftingoff—he’dbeenasleepfora
goodhournow.Formostoftheday,hetriedtodistractherfromtheshockofbeingsoclosetotestifying
onlytohavetowait.

I’lltestifyonFridaymorning,andMr.Rossiwillstillendupbehindbars.Andassoonasthe

trial’sover,VinceandIcanmoveonandhaveanormallife.

Thatwasoneofthewayshedistractedherassherantedaboutthecrappysituationandtheextrahours

ofstress.Hetoldheraboutthelittlehouseheimaginedlivingintogether,andhowhe’dmakesureithada
nicekitchenforhertoworkhermagicin.Talkingdidhelp,soshetoldhimmoreabouttheHurstsand
DeanneandOklahoma,andhowtheyneededtostopbyandtellthemshewasokaywhentheycould.

ThenVincetookherupstairstothebedroomanddistractedherwithhishands,mouth,andbody.
Anicybreezefloatedoverher,makinghershiver.Afterallthecrazyhotsex,Cassiedidn’tthink

she’devercooldown,soshe’dcrackedthewindow.Thetemperaturehaddefinitelyplummetedinthelast
hourorso.Sheeyedtheopenwindow,debatingifitwasworthscootingoutfromunderVince’sarmto
closeit.Maybeshe’djustsnuggleintighter.

Shefoundthecornerofthebedspreadandpulleditoverherasshewiggledcloser,herbacknow

flushagainsthiswarmchest.Finally,hermusclesrelaxedandhereyesdriftedclosed.

Rightbeforeherbodytippedovertheedgeofsleep,tothatmagicalplacewhereherbodybecameone

withthemattressandthesexyguyshewassharingabedwith,sheheardabriefshout.Followedbya
deafeningsilence.

Sheshotupinbed,andthehaironthebackofherneckprickled.Shelistened,butonlyheardtheusual

soundoftrafficinthedistance.

“Whatisit,baby?”Vinceasked.
“IthoughtIheardsomething.Itmightjustbesomeoneoutside,but—”
Vincesprangintoaction,notevenwaitingforhertostateherworries.Hesteppedintohisjeansas

shethrewonclothes,andthenhegrabbedhisgun.Shepickeduphersandtookoffthesafety.

“I’llgocheckitout,”Vincesaid.“Youstayinthecorner,gunout,andshootanyonewhocomesinthat

youdon’t—”

“Noway.I’mnotgoingtositherewhileyougoandgetyourselfkilled.We’reinthistogether.You’re

goingtoneedsomehelp,andIcanhelp.”Cassieslippedonherbackpack.“Now,let’sgetBobby,andif
weneedto,we’llfindanotherplacetohideoutuntilthetrial’sover.”

Forallofhertoughtalk,hergutdroppedastheyexitedthebedroom.Ifsheheardwhatshethoughtshe

had…

Justfocusonthehereandnow.Worryaboutwhomightbehurtlater.
VincecrepttoBobby’sroomandeasedopenthedoor.“Bobby,”hewhispered.
Noanswer.
KeepingCassienexttohim,theywentintotheroom.Bobby’sbedwasunmade,buthewasn’tinit.

WhatiftheshoutwasfromBobby?

Cassie’sbreathscamefasterandfasteruntiltheywererightontopofeachother,andsheforced

herselftocalmthem.She’dhopeditwouldnevercometothis,butshe’dreadiedherselfasmuchas
someoneevercouldforasituationlikethis.

Anyway,that’swhatshetoldherselfasshegrippedhergunandmovedintothehallwaybehindVince.
Theystarteddownthestairs,andthenVincepushedherbackasmutedshotsrangout,thebullets

punchingholesinthewalls.Oh,great.Thebadguy’sgotasilencer.

Footstepspoundedupthestairs,andVincepushedherbehindhimandtrainedhisgunonthelanding.

Anoisemadeherturn,andshecaughtsightofaguyswingingthroughthewindowsheshould’velocked.
Herolledtothefloor,thebednowcoveringhim.

“Um,Vince—”
Theshooterhidingbehindthestairwaywallstuckhisgunaroundthecornerandblindlyfired.Vince

shotback,andCassiecaughtmovementinthebedroom.WithVince’sattentionontheotherguy,she
leveledhergunontheopendoorway.Theguystartedout,gunraised,andCassiefired.

Thefirstbullethittoohigh,andtheguyclearlyhadn’texpectedit.Hisfingertwitchedonthetrigger,

andshefiredagain,hittinghimsquareinthechest.Hestumbledback,hittheedgeofthebed,andthenhis
limpbodyslumpedtotheground.Foramomentshecouldonlystareinshock.She’dtoldherselfshe
coulddoitifherlifedependedonit,but…

Ijustkilledsomeone.
“It’sokay,baby,”Vincesaid,tuggingherbacktohim.“Youdidgood.”Hemotionedforhertoget

low,andwhenshecrouched,hecreptclosertothecornerofthewall.Theguystuckhisgunoutagain,and
Vincegrabbedhiswrist,yankedhimforwardanddrovehisfistintohisface.Theguytriedtoraisehis
gunagain,andVinceblockedandshot.Theguyfellbackandtwitched,makingahorriblegarbledchoking
noisebeforegoingcompletelystill.

“Twodown,”Cassiewhispered.“Howmanydoyouthinkwehavetogo?”
Whatfewlightswereoninthehousedied,sendingeverythingintodarknessandshadow.They’djust

cutthepower.Great.

“Lookslikeatleastonemore,”Vincesaidinadeathlylowvoice.
Cassie’sfeetdidn’twanttomove,butsheforcedthemintomotionagainandtheymadeittothe

bottomofthestairs.Shetrippedoveradarkobject,andwhenVincemovedtograbher,aguydoveontop
ofhim,sendingallthreeofthemcrashingtothefloor.

DeputyFlorez—hewastheobjectshe’dtrippedover.Thestreetlightsfilteredinthroughthewindow

andlithisdeadeyes.Fearroseup,alongwiththebileinherthroat.

Idon’thavetimetofreakout.Self-preservationkickedin,andshegrippedhergun,levelingiton

Vinceandtheattackerhewasexchangingblowswith.

TheriskofhittingVincewastoogreattopullthetrigger.Vinceslammedhisfistintotheguy’sgutand

followedupwithalefthookintothesideofhisface,soitlookedlikehehaditundercontrol.

“Cassie?”sheheard,thevoiceweak.Shelookedaround,keepingatightgriponhergun.There.Near

thebackdoor.Someonewasdown.Heliftedhishead,andCassie’sheartdropped.

“Tom.”Sherushedoveranddroppedtoherknees,realizinglastminutethatwhatshe’dthoughtwasa

shadowwasapoolofblood.

“Triedto…warn…Yougotta…”Tom’sbreathescapedinapuff,andhisheaddroppedbacktothe

floor.“Go.”

Cassiesearchedhisbodyforthesourceofthebleeding.Thereweretwoshotsintheback,butshe

didn’tthinkthey’dpuncturedhisvest.Justunderneaththevestonhisleftsideshefoundthebulletwound.
Shegentlytippedhimupafewinches,hopingshewasn’tdoingmoredamagethangood.Theexitwound
inthefrontofhislegwashuge,bloodleakingoutatanalarmingrate.

Shesawahandtowelhangingfromtheoveninthekitchenanddoveintheretograbit,tryingtojuggle

itandhergun.

WhenshecrawledbacktoTom,shesetherguntothesideandpressedthetoweltothewound,trying

togetitintoplacesohisweightwouldhelpkeeppressureagainstit.

Aloudgunshotsplittheairandthreeorfourbreath-robbingsecondslater,Vincesteppedaroundthe

corner.

“It’sTom,”Cassiesaid.“He’ssho—behindyou!”
Vincespunaround,armraised,buttheotherguyfiredfirst.TheshotdroveVinceback,intotheliving

roomwhereshecouldn’tsee,andadarkoutlinedartedafterhim.

CassieslidherhandsoutfromunderTomandreachedforhergun.Rightasabootedfootcamedown

onherhand.

Shecriedout,tryingtoinchherfingersforwardandgetthemaroundthehandleofhergun,andhe

twistedhisfoot.Theacheofgrindingbonestraveledallthewayuptohershoulder.Thenalargeforearm
wrappedaroundherthroat.

TwomoreshotsrangoutfromVince’svicinity,loudonesthatmadeherhopetheycamefromhisgun.
“Ihopedyou’dbetheonetostopforthecop.”Thearmaroundherthroatsqueezedtighteraswhoever

ownedithauledhertoherfeet.Shestruggledagainsthim,tryingtogetenoughleveragetotryoneofher
defensemoves,buttheguywassostrong,andwithheroxygenquicklyfading,herlimbsweren’tworking
liketheyshould.

Thebarrelofhisgunpressedagainsthertempleandpanicreplacedwhatlittleairwasleftinher

lungs.

“I’mJackhammer—Icameintotherestaurantonce.Wouldn’thaverecognizedyouwithouttheupdated

description,though.Let’sseehowmuchtimewehavetogetacquainted.”

Hislipsbrushedherearanddisgustcreptacrossherskin.Shemadeherselfassmallasshecould,

tryingtoputmorespacebetweenthem.“BeagoodgirlandyellforVince,sowecanseeifhe’stheone
whomadeit.”Heincreasedthepressureofthebarrelagainsthertemple,pushinguntiltearsstungher
eyes.“Onlymakeitsoundlikeeverything’sallrightorI’llpullthetrigger.”

Heloosenedhisgriparoundherneck,andshegulpedinaquickbreath,theoxygenaclashofburning

andcoolrelief.

“Goon,”hespat,jostlingher.Shekeptherlipsclamped,refusingtolureVinceintoatrap.
Jackhammerspunheraround,andsheimmediatelyrecognizedhisface—itwasn’toneyoueasily

forgot.Riddledwithscars,completelyflatnose,andalargecaveman-typeforeheadsheimaginedhe’d
slammedintopeoplebackwhenhewasaboxer.WhenhecameintoRossi’s,MiahadcalledhimJackand
toldCassieheusedtobeNewJersey’sprideandjoyfighter.

“Yougetonemorechance.”Hegrippedherarmuntilthebonesprotestedandthenbackhandedher

withhisgun.Painexplodedbehindhernose,darkspotscreptintohervision,andshewould’vefallen
overifhehadn’thadholdofher.

“Thatwasn’tevenoneofmygoodpunches.”Hemaneuveredherbacktotheiroriginalposition,her

bodyinfrontofhis,onlywithhisarmacrosshershoulders.Shetastedblood,fromhernoseorherlip,
shewasn’tsure.Everythinghurt.

Tearssliddownhercheeks,andshedidn’tknowwhethertocallouttoVincetotellhimsheloved

himonelasttimeortotellhimtorun.Eitheronewouldonlybringhimtoher,unlesshewas…

Herbrainshutthatpossibilitydown.Nogoingthere.Justthethoughtsentagonyrushingin,theinternal

achefightingformoreattentionthanherexternalinjuries.

Hervisionblurred,andsheclosedhereyes.Itwasworthitforalittlemoretime.
Iloveyou,Vince.
“I’llmakeyoupayforthislater,”Jackhammersaid,takingthegunfromhertempleandpointingit

aheadofhim.

“Vince!Ifyou’realiveandyouwantyourgirltostayalive,comeonout.”Jackhammerswunghisgun,

ChapterForty-Seven

Vincemust’veblackedout.ThebastardshothimintheshoulderbeforeVincekilledhim,andraisingthe
gun…that’swhenhefadedforamoment.Ormaybeabitlongerthanamoment.

Hescrambledforhisgunwhenhecameto,grittinghisteeththroughthepain,andthenJackhammer

hadcalledout.IcespreadthroughVince’sbodyasthewordscoveredwithbloodechoedthroughhis
head.

Aquickpressofhisthumbthatshouldn’thavehurtasmuchasitfuckingdidreleasedtheclipinhis

Beretta.Twomorebullets.Ifhedidn’ttakedownJackhammer,theformerheavyweightwouldkillhim
andCassieboth.Theguygrewupusinghisfistsandhelikedtousethemuntilhisopponentscouldn’t
swingback.

Thebodyofthebastardwho’dgottenaroundoffbeforeVinceshothimsprawledonthefloor,empty

eyesontheceiling.Vincegrabbedthedeadguy’sgunandpushedtohisfeet.

“I’mcomingout.”Vincetuckedthesparepistolintothebackofhisjeansandgrippedhisowngun.

Withhisrightshoulderonfire,thatentiresidewasuseless.Heswitchedtheguntohisleft;itdidn’tfeel
ascomfortable,buthecouldlifthisarm,whichmadeitthewinner.

Gunout,hesteppedintothehallway.HeswungthebarreltowardJackhammer,whowasusingCassie

asashield.Theuglyassholequicklyturnedhisgunonher,pressingittothesideofherhead.

EverythinginsideVinceturnedtorageandstoneashelookedintoherbloody,frightenedface.His

fingertightenedaroundthetriggerofhisgun.I’llfuckingkillhim.

Hejustneededtobesmart.Findawaytogetthembothoutofherealive,regardlessofhowshitty

theiroddslookedrightnow.

Cassie’seyeswidenedasshetookinhisappearance,theconcerninthemclear.Hedidn’tdarelook,

buthecouldfeelthebloodrunningdownhisarm,andthebloodlossorpain—ormostlikelyallofit—
madehimdizzy.ItwasjustlikehertobeworriedabouthimwhenJackhammerhadaguntoherhead.

“YouthinkCarlo’sgoingtopayyou?”Vinceasked.“Hisassetshavebeenseized,andI’vealready

givenmytestimony.There’stonsofevidenceagainstCarlo,andhe’sgoingtojail.Icouldpayyoudouble.
I’lldowhateveryouwant.Justlethergo,andyouandIcanworkoutadeal.”

“Nicetry,butIdon’tdealwithrats.AndaccordingtoCarlo’slawyer,Cassiehere’samorereliable

witness.”Hegrippedoneofherbackpackstraps,securinghertighteragainsthim.Hisgleefulgazelocked
onVinceashelickedthesideofherface.“I’mheretomakesureshedoesn’ttestify.”

RedtingedVince’svision,andJackhammer’sgrinwidened.Hegotoffonfearandanger.Vince

wishedhecouldhidehisandnotmakethismorefunforhim,buthewasbeyondplayingitcoolnow.

Ijustneedanopening.Acoupleinchwindowtosendabulletthrough.Withhisrighthand,he’dfeel

moreconfidentabouthowlittlethatwindowcouldbe.Hetoldhimselfhecoulddoitwithhisleft,butif
hehitCassie,he’dwelcomedeath,becausehislifewouldtrulybeover.

Sparksoflightdancedacrosshisvision.Heblinkedthemback,keepinghisarmraisedandfrowning

whenthebeadonthebarrelwobbledaround.Damnbulletwoundwasgoingtogetthembothkilled.

“Iwon’ttestify,”Cassiesaid,thedesperationinhervoicecuttingVincetothecore.“I’lldisappear.

Justletusgo,andnoonewilleverhearfromusagain.”

“Nicetry,sweetheart,”Jackhammersaid,andCassiewincedashepressedthemetalagainstherhead,

sohardthathernecktiltedfromthestrain.ItgaveVinceaonesecondalmostopening,butthen
Jackhammerduckedhisheadbehindhers.“Dropyourweapon,Vince.OrI’llpullthistrigger,andyou’ll
gettowatchherdie.”

AfterIdropit,he’llrelaxhisguardashestartspreparingwhatevertorturehe’sgotinmind,andI

canusethegunatmyback.

Vinceloweredhisgun,squattingtowardthefloor.Hisvisionclouded,andCassiemouthedsomething.

Heblinked,andshemoutheditagain.“I’lldrop…”Hereyesshowedhimherintendedpath.“You
shoot.”

“Cassie,”Vincesaidasthesecurityofthegunlefthisfingersandthemetalclunkedonthehardwood

floor.“Iwantyoutohanginthereanddoexactlywhathetellsyouto.”Please,pleasedon’tgetyourself
killed.

Jackhammer’sattentionhadswitchedtoVince.Wantingtokeepitthere,Vincemadeabigshowof

grabbinghisrawshoulderasheinchedhisfingersclosertotheotherweapon.

CassiestompedonthearchofJackhammer’sfoot,swungherelbowintohisgut,anddropped,

slippingoutofthebackpacktheassholewasclingingonto.

Vincedrewtheothergun,ignoringthewhite-hotpainthateruptedinhisshoulder,andfired,twoshots

insuccession.ShotshadcomefrombehindJackhammer,too,maybeasecondbeforehis.

Vincekeptthegunlevel,evenashisshoulderscreamedtodropit.
ButwhenJackhammercrumpledtotheground,BobbywastheonewhostoodacrossfromVince,

Cassie’sGlockinhishand.Hisbrotherwasshirtless,hisswimmingtrunksdrippingwaterontothefloor.

Withasighofrelief,Vinceloweredhisgun.Cassierushedtowardhim,andhecaughtherwiththe

armthatdidn’tfeellikehamburger.

“Youokay?”heaskedher,andshenodded,despitehersplitlipandbloodiednose.Theroomswayed

asheglancedatBobby.He’dhopedthestaggeringpainwouldfadenowthathewasgivinghisshouldera
break,butitseemedtobespreading,takingoverhislungs.“You?”

“Icouldn’tsleep,soIsnuckovertotheemptyplaceacouplehousesover.”Bobbypointedhisthumb,

asifthedirectionweretheimportantdetail.“They’vegotahottub.IthoughtIheardshots,soIwaved
downsomepeopleandtoldthemtocallthepolice.ThenIsnuckintothebackdoorrightasJackhammer
calledforyou.IwasjustwaitingfortherighttimetograbCassie’sgunandmakemymove.”

“Youdid…good.”Vincetriedtotakeasteptowardthebackdoor,butstumbledintothewall,

accidentlytakingCassiewithhim.Shetriedtosteadyhim,butshedidn’tweighenough.

Sirenssoundedinthebackground,andCassieputherhandonhisface.
“Vince?Vince?”
Herfaceswaminandoutoffocus,andthenitwasjustasmearofcolor.
“Iloveyou,”shesaidassheloweredhimtotheground.“Holdonforme,okay?Youpromisedwe’d

startovertogether.Shotornot,I’mholdingyoutoit.”

Hetriedtosmile,buthedidn’tknowifitmadeittohislipsbeforetheworldwentblack.

ChapterForty-Eight

CassiepacedtheflooroftheER,Bobby’sandAgentMancini’sgazesfollowingher.She’dbeenwearing
outthesamegrooveinthetilesincetheyshoweduptwohoursago.

“Ihatehospitals,”shesaid.“DidImentionhowmuchIhatethem?Thesmellandthebeepingand…”

HorriblememoriesofwatchingDaddisappearlittlebylittleslammedintoher,robbingheroftheability
tobreathe.

Shefelltoherknees,bringingherhandstohereyesasthetearsthat’dsomehowheldoffrushedoutof

heratonce.Theshockhadbeensoall-consumingatfirst,andthenshe’dmadesureVincewastakencare
of,evenastheparamedicsfussedoverherinjuries.

Somewherealongtheway,she’dthreatenedaFBIagent.AgentsMcVeeandManciniweretwoofthe

firstpeopleonthescene,acoupleofambulancesrightbehindthem.OnetookTom,andsheandBobby
squeezedintoonewithVince.

Whenshe’dfirstseenVincecomeoutofthelivingroom,thebloodrunningincrimsonstreamsdown

hisshoulder,she’dnearlypassedout.Survivalinstinctskepthergoing—notonlyforherself,butforhim.

He’dseemedokay…untilhewasn’t.
Theentireridetothehospitalshe’dgrippedhishand,wantinghimtosqueezeback,justsoshe’d

knowhehadsomefightleft.ShekeptthinkingthataslongasthedoctorscouldfixVince,theycouldfix
everythingelse.

Oncethey’darrivedattheER,theywouldn’tletherorBobbygobackwithhim.She’dcauseda

scene,shoutingthatsomeonemightcomeinandtrytokillhim.AgentMcVeesworetogoinandprotect
him,andthat’swhenshetoldhimshe’dhunthimdownherselfifhedidn’tkeepVincesafe.

AgentMancinihadstayedwithherandBobby.EventuallytheERstaffhadinsistedontreatingher

injuriesbeforesendingherbacktothewaitingroom.

Andnowshewasdownonthecoldtilefloorasfearandworrywrappedsuffocatingtentaclesaround

her,pullinghertowardthedarkplacewhereVincedidn’tmakeitoutallright.

Armscamearoundher,andshelookedthroughtear-blurredeyesatBobby,hisfacesolikeVince’s.“I

can’tlosehimagain,”shesaid.“Ifinallygothimback,andhe’sprotectedmefromthebeginning,and
everything…Ijust…”Asobcutofftherestofherwords,andBobbyhuggedhertohimandpattedher
back.

“He’llbeokay,”hesaid.Overandoveragain,untilshe’dcriedeveryounceofsaltwatershehadonto

hisshirt.

Foranotherthirtyminutes,Cassietriedtoholdontohope,butthenwordcamethatTomDuffyhadn’t

survived—toomanyinternalinjuries,toomuchbloodlossfromhisfemoralartery.

Afreshwaveoftearsemerged,andshecrashedalloveragain,guiltslammingintoheralongwiththe

sorrow.She’dpulledhimintothiscase.

Hevolunteeredforwatchdutytoprotecther.
Everyonearoundherdied.Thepeopleshelovedmosthadbeenrippedawayfromher.Sothenext

timethestarkhopelessnessthatwantedhersobadlycalledtoher,shedidn’tfighttheicyarmsthat
wrappedaroundheranddraggedherallthewaytorockbottom.

ChapterForty-Nine

GentleshakingjarredCassieawake.Shewasn’tontheflooranymore,butinachair,andBobbywas
sayinghername.

“IsVince…?”Therestofherwordscaughtinherthroat.
“He’sthroughtheworst,”Bobbysaid,andherheartjoltedintomotion,takingafull,satisfyingbeat

forthefirsttimesincetheshootingstarted.“Surgerywentwell.Thebulletdidn’tbreakanyofhisbones,
butheneededatransfusionhalfwaythrough.Theyhadhiminrecoveryforawhile,buttheyjustmoved
himintoaroom.”

AgentMancinisteppedinfrontofthem.“I’lltakeyoutoseehim.Fromnowon,youguysneedtohave

escortseverywhereyougo—evenjusttothebathroom—andwe’vecalledinafewU.S.marshalswho’ll
guardVince’sroomatalltimes.Fromnowuntiltheendofthetrial,we’retriplingtheprotection.”

“Thatmeansmorepeoplewillknowwhereweare,”Cassiesaid.“Abiggerchanceofsomeone

talking.”

“AgentMcVeefoundtheleak.Hedidn’tsleepallnightbecausehewassoangryaboutit.Trustme,the

personwillbepunishedseverely.Iassureyou,we’vecheckedeveryonewho’scomingonboard.The
marshalsalreadylostDeputyFlorez,andthatmakesthemevenmoremotivated.Theywantsomeoneto
payasmuchasyoudo.”

Cassiewishedthatprovidedmoreassurance,butherfirsthandexperiencewithCarlo’scontactsand

justhowfarhisreachextendedmadeherwarytorelaxherguard.

Allthingsshe’dworrymoreaboutlater.Shestoodandwinced.Hernoseandlipsfelttwicetheir

usualsize,andherentirebodyached,butnoneofthatmatteredaslongasVincewasgoingtobeokay.
“Leadtheway.”

Asshe,Bobby,andAgentManciniwalkedthewhitehallsofthehospital,hesaid,“Wedoneedto

checkinwiththecourtthismorning.Ifyouwanttopostponeyourtestimonyuntilyou’vehealedabit—”

“Iwanttotestifyonschedule.Letthemseemybeatupfaceandaddthattomytestimony.”Sheturned

toBobby.“IassumeIlookalittlerough?IfitfeelsthisbadandIdon’tevenhavebruises,I’llfeellike
suchawimp.”

“Alwaysadangerousquestionfromagirl,”hesaidwithasmile.Hewrappedanarmaroundher

shoulders.“Butyoudon’tneedtofeellikeawimp,ifthatanswersyourquestion.”

Cassiesmiledandthenhertonguewenttothesplitinherlip.Ouch.
AgentMcVeegreetedthemoutsideofVince’sroom.Cassiewantedtobelieveeverythingwouldbeall

puppiesandrainbowsnow,butshe’dseenthebloodyholeinhisshoulder.Nodoubthe’dneedalotof
recoverytime,soshetoldherselftokeepherexpectationsincheck.

“IwasabouttocallMancini.VincejustwokeupandtoldmeIhadfiveminutestoproduceyoutwo

orhe’dripouthisIVandhuntyoudown.He’sgotrealcharmingmanners,Itellyou.”

“That’swhatfirstdrewmetohim,”Cassiejoked,andtheagentsmiledandpulledopenthedoor.

Insteadoflettingthefamiliarbeepofmonitorsandantisepticsmellpsychherout,sheremindedherself
thatwithouthospitalsandthepeoplewhoworkedthere,shemight’veneverrecoveredfrombeinghitbya
truck,andVincewould’veprobablydiedlastnight.

Shestillhopedtoneverhavetocometooneagainafterthis.
Vincelookedupassheenteredtheroom,andsherushedovertohisbedside.Hewrappedhisleftarm

aroundherwaistandhauledherontothebedwithhim.

Tearseruptedagain,amixofreliefandjoyandregretatallthebadthat’dhappenedlastnight.She

pressedherfacetothecrookofhisneckandheldonforallshewasworth.“IwassoscaredIwasgoing
toloseyou.”

Hesqueezedhertightertohim.“Ijustgotyouback.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”
Aftershegotherselfsemiundercontrol,sheraisedherheadandkissedhischeek,leavingherlips

restingagainstthestubble.Heturnedhisfaceandkissedhersoftly.Withafrown,hereachedupand
gentlytracedhernoseandthecutonhermouth.

“I’mokay.It’lllookgreatincourt;don’tyouthink?”Sheplacedherhandoverhisheart,taking

comfortinthesteadythumpunderherpalm.“Whataboutyou?How’sthepain?”

“Nottoobad.”Obviouslyhewaslying.Hisfacewaspalerthanusual,andhe’dbeenshotandhad

majorsurgery.HelookedoveratBobby.

Theydidn’texchangewords,justaseriesofnodsthatsaidtheylovedeachotherintheirownway,

eveniftheydidn’tcomeoutandverballysayit.

Sinceshedidbelieveinsayingit,shetookVince’shandandthenreachedforBobby’s.“You

DaMarcoboysaremyfamilynow,andIloveyouboth.Thanksforsavingmelastnight.”

Bobbyshruggedandgaveheralopsidedsmile.
WhensheturnedbacktofullyfaceVince,hekissedherandthenmovedhislipsnexttoherear.

“Thanksfornotdying.”

“Rightbackatyou.It’stheleastIcoulddo,really,”shesaid.Butsheplannedtodoalotmore,

startingwithmakingsuretheguywho’dcomeafterherfamilyspenttherestofhislifebehindbars.

***

VincelookedatCassie,shelookedbackathim,andthenhetookherhandastheyenteredthecourtroomto
awaittheverdict.

He’dbeensoproudasshegavehertestimony—thenurseshadmarkedhimasdischargedagainst

medicaladvicewhenheleftthehospitaladayandahalfafterbeingshot,buttherewasnowayhewas
goingtomisshertestifyingagainstCarlo.Herbruisednose,slightlyblackenedeyes,andcutlipearneda
lotofwide-eyedlooksandevenafewgaspsfromthejury.Yetshe’dstilllookedbeautifulaseverasshe
answeredbothlawyers’questions,nofear.

OfcourseUffizitriedtoargueherinjurieswouldunfairlypersuadethejury,butthejudgehadshutthat

down.ThentheassholetriedtomakeitsoundlikeshewasinfatuatedwithVinceandwaslyingforhim.

SherespondedbytellinghimexactlyhowmanytimesVincehadsavedherfromCarlo’sattemptson

herlife,includingtheirrun-inwithJack“Jackhammer”Mangano.Thedefensestilltriedtopresenttheir
caseafterthat,butitwasliketryingtodiffuseabombafteritwentoff.Anyway,thatwashowitlookedto
Vince,andhehopedthejuryfeltthesameway.

Inafewminutesthey’dknow.
“Ready?”heaskedCassie,slidinghisfingersbetweenhers.
“AsI’lleverbe.”
Forweeksthey’dlivedinlimbo,sleepingwithgunsbytheirbeds,alwayswaitingforsomeoneto

comeafterthem.Hisrightarmwasstillinasling,andhisshoulderachedplentybutgotbettereveryday.
Cassie’sfacehadfullyhealed,andshe’dgonebacktowearingherglassesmoreoftenthannot.

Astoughasshe’dbeenthroughtheprocess,ithadstillbeatenherupprettybadly.Sheexperienced

boutsofguiltoverwhathappenedtoTomDuffyandDeputyFlorez,alongwithoccasionalnightmaresthat
involvedthemurdershe’dwitnessedandthenightwithJackhammer.

Vince’sguiltmostlycamefrompullingherintohismessylife,buthisloveforhereclipsedit.He

decidedinsteadoflettingregretfillhim,hewoulddowhateverittooktobeworthyofherchoosinghim.

BobbysatonVince’sotherside.“They’llseeit,”hesaid,andCassieandVincebothnodded,because

noonewantedtothinkaboutwhatwouldhappeniftheydidn’t.

Thecourtroomwastwiceasfulltoday,reportersandpeoplefromthecommunityouttoseehowthe

trialthat’dmadetheirliveshellturnedout.Thenofcoursethereweretheusualsuspects—Carlo’sfamily,
friends,andassociates,whotookturnsglaringathim,Bobby,andCassie.

Everyonestoodasthejuryentered,andVince’sgutwenttochurning.Thejudgeinstructedeveryoneto

haveaseat.Hesaidheunderstoodthey’dreachedaverdict,andthejuryrepliedthattheyhad.

Carlostood.
CassiegrippedVince’shanduntilcirculationtohisfingerscutoff,butheletherholdonastightas

shedamnwellpleased.

“OnthecountoffirstdegreemurderinthecaseofEduardoAlvarez,howdoesthejuryfindthe

defendant?”

Thejuryspokespersonstartedtoanswer,buthadtoclearhisthroat.Someoneretrievedaglassof

water,andhetookabiggulp.Thewholethingseemedtogoinslowmotion,andVincehadtorefrain
himselffromyelling,“Justtellusalready!”

Themanclearedhisthroatagain.“Guilty.”
Theaudiencegasped,somerelief,someshock,andCassieturnedandhuggedhim.Heheldontoher

asasensationhehadn’tfeltinalongtimewentthroughhischest.Hope.Genuine,honest-to-Godhope.

We’veactuallygotashotatstartingover.Theywouldstillhavetobecareful,becausethere’dbe

peoplewhotookoverhereandassociatesinNewYorkwho’dbehappytogettheirhandsonthem,butit
justgotthatmuchharderforCarlotodoit.

Thejuryalsocamebackwithaguiltyverdictforconspiracytocommitmurderandthecountsof

racketeeringandextortion.Thejudgecheckeditwastheirtrueverdictsandsetadateforsentencing.

Thecourtroomstartedtoclear,andVince,Bobby,andCassiestoodtoleave.CarlocalledVince’s

name.

Hefrozeforamomentbeforeturningaround.Hewasn’tafraid—hisunclecouldsaywhateverhe

wanted.Toomuchhadhappenedforhimtofeelguiltyaboutturninghiminanymore.

“Itookyouinlikeyouweremyown,”Carlosaid.“Iaskedyoutobemyright-handman.Iwould’ve

givenyouwhateveryouwanted.Thingscould’vegonesodifferently.”

“Youwantedtocontrolme.ToforcemeintoalifeIneverwanted.ButIcould’veletitgoifyou

would’vejustletCassieliveandleftmybrotheralone.Weallmakedecisionswehavetolivewith.I’ll
livejustfinewithmine.”

AtinybitoftheangerdrainedoutofCarlo’sexpression.NothingtomakeVincefeellikethey’d

resolvedtheirissuesortheywereevenclosetocool,butmorelikeaglimmerofunderstanding.

ThenthebailiffcametotakeCarloawaytohisnewhome.Allegracalledafterhim,hercriesturning

towails,andVince’sfocusreturnedtogettingBobbyandCassieoutofheresotheycouldleavethisplace
andthislifeintherearviewmirrorforgood.

TheU.S.Marshalswho’dbeentheirconstantshadowsusheredthemoutofthecourtroomandtoward

thebackexit.CassielacedherfingerswithVince’sandsqueezedhishand.“Thisisgoingtobethestartof
ourluckystreak,Icanfeelit.”

Vincesmileddownather.“MyluckystreakstartedthedayyouwalkedintoRossi’s.”
“Areyousureyou’renotthinkingofunlucky?SincethenI’vebeenhitbyatruckandlostmymemory,

we’vebeenshotatseveraltimes,you’vebeenhitonce,andIdon’tevenwanttothinkaboutthestab
wound.”

“Yeah,butIgotthegirl,mybrothercleaneduphisact”—heshotagrinatBobbyandhereturnedit

—“andIgettostartoverinanewplacelikeIalwayswanted.”

Epilogue

Cassiestaredoutthewindowandwatchedtheoceanwavesinthedistance.Thelackofatrueautumnin
Oceanside,Californiamadeherwonderaboutsettlingthereatfirst,butthenshefellinlovewiththe
ocean.Calmorcrashingwaves.Earlymorningorwhenthesunsetandmeltedintothewater.

She’dalsofalleninlovewiththesmallrestaurantshe,Vince,andBobbywererenovating.Theguys

werehandywhenitcametoknockingdownandbuildingthings,wiring,andgeneralrepair,andshewas
goodatsaying“there”,“notthere”,andpickingoutappliancesandpaintcolors.

Atfirstsheworriedthatsinceshehadn’tgonethroughculinaryschoolyet,she’dbelosttryingto

workthekitchenofarestaurant.Butthey’dhiredanotherchef,andshewasgoingtolearnfromherand
takeclassesontheside.Rightnowthefocuswasbuildinganewhomebase.

TheU.S.Marshalsrecommendedcuttingtieswitheveryacquaintance;theytoldthemthepeoplewho

didthingstheirwayhadaone-hundredpercentchanceofnotbeingfound.Butaboutaweekafterbuying
therestaurantandrentingacutelittlehouse,CassietoldVinceshewantedtomakeaquicktriptoTulsa.

Hedidn’tbataneyeortellheritwasabadidea,justwentrighttomakingthearrangements.
LastSundaynight,asthey’dpulledupnexttothefamiliarbarrageofvehiclesparkedinfrontofthe

Hurst’shouse,excitementhadtingledthrougheveryinchofherbody.Cassierangthedoorbellwhile
VinceandBobbystoodbehindher,noideawhattheywereinfor,regardlessofherattemptstoprepare
them.

MaudescreamedrightinCassie’sfaceandthennearlyknockedheroverwithahug,tellinghershe

hadn’tstoppedworryingsincesheleft.Thenshe’dturnedonVinceandyelledathim,andCassiehadto
quicklyclearuptheassumptionabouthisbeingmarriedandhavingkids.

Maudetooktheminside,andCassiedidanotherroundofhugsandintroductions.Shetoldthemwhat

shecould,skimpingontheexactdetails.

Vincethankedthemfortakingcareofherwhenhecouldn’t,andMaudeinsistedtheystayfordinner.

WhenVincementionedthatCassieputonquiteashowwhileshecooked,everyoneendedupcrowded
intothekitchenassheandMaudemovedaroundthecounterandstove,andMaudeevengotinonthe
jugglingact.Onecanhadendedupdentedbeyondthecanopener’sabilities,butCassielaughedsohard
shegotastitchinherside.

DeanneandBobbyhadflirtedthewholetime,CassieandOwenhadanicechatthatVincetriedto

remainneutralabout—he’devengrowledthathe“trustedherjudgment”beforegivingthemtenwholefeet
ofspace.Theentirenightwouldgodownasoneofthebestnightsofherlife.

OfcourseitmadeCassiewanttobreaktherulesandsay,“Hey,y’allstopbyournewplaceifyou’re

everinCalifornia.”Butintheend,shedidn’twanttoriskthelivesofpeopleshecaredabout.Despite
howcrazyhardit’dbeentosaygoodbyealloveragain,theclosurewasgoodforher.

Thedoortotherestaurantbangedopen,andBobbycamein,phonetohisear.“Okay,I’llgetherand

bethereinaboutten.”Hehungupandlookedather.“I’vebeeninstructedtotakeyouhome.”

Cassieloweredhereyebrows.“Youboyshavebeenactingweirdallday.What’sgoingon?”
“Ijustfollowtheorders,ma’am,”Bobbysaid,salutingher,andshelaughed.Theyclimbedinto

Bobby’struck,andashortdrivelater,hepulleduptothethree-bedroomrancherthatwasnowhome.She
expectedhimtoturnoffthetruckandcomein,buthekepttheenginerunning.“I’vegotameetingtoget
to,”heexplained.

“Later,then.”Cassiewalkedupthesidewalk,noideawhattoexpect.Justbeforeshesteppedinside,

shetookadeepbreathoftheoceanbreeze.Yeah.Thisplacewasperfect.

Thedoorswungopen,andVinceleanedagainstthedoorframe.Speakingofperfect…
“I’vegotasurprise,”hesaid.“Closeyoureyes.”
Shedidasinstructedandthenheguidedherintothehouse,cuppinghishandsoverherglassesand

walkingherinthedirectionofthelivingroom.“Hmm.Iexpectedthebedroom,”shesaid.

Hiswarmbreathhitherneck,sendingapleasantchilldownherspine.“I’llgiveyousomethingelse

intherelater,Ipromise.”Hepulledhertoastop.“Ready?”

“Ithinkso?”
Hedroppedhishands,andthere,afewfeetinfrontofher,washerhotpinkcouchwithhermom’s

quiltdrapedacrossonecorner.Sheblinked,thinkingithadtobeamirage.Tearssprangtohereyes,and
warmthradiatedthroughherchest.Shewalkedoverandranherhandacrossthefamiliarcushions,then
pickedupthequiltandhuggedittoher.

ShespuntoVince.“How?”
“AgentMcVee.Guesstherearesomegoodpigsoutthere,”hesaidwithasmile.“WithCarlo’sother

menofficiallygoingawayfortentotwenty,Icaughthimjustbeforehisretirementparty.Heput
everythingunderafakename,andthenIhadtodrivetoLAtogetit.Justtobesafe.”

Vincecameoverandrubbedhishandupanddownherback.“Iwanttostartoverwithyou,butIalso

wantedyoutohavethestuffyoucaredaboutfromyourpast.”

Shesetdownthequilt,wrappedherarmsaroundVince,andkissedhim,throwingeverythingshehad

intoit.“Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou.”

Heboostedherintohisarms,andshewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist.Lipsneverbreakingcontact,

hewalkedthembackwardtothecouch.Shethoughthe’dsitdown,butthenheshiftedherontoahip,one
handstillfirmlyplantedonherbutt.

“Also,IshouldprobablyletyouknowthatyouandIaregettingmarried.”Hedugintohispocket,

pulledoutabox,andflippeditopen,revealingadiamondring.

“Oh?Ihavenosayinthematter?”
“Nope.Butifyouwantadifferentring,letmeknow.I’llalsoletyoupickthedate.”
“Howgenerous,”shesaid,andthenshepressedherlipstohis.
“Isthatayes?”heasked.
“Apparently,youdon’tneedit.”Shebrushedherfingersacrosshisjawandkissedhimagain.“But

it’sadefiniteyes.”

Acknowledgements

Thisbookhasbeenthroughmanydifferentversions,butwasalwaysonethatwouldn’tletmego.I’mso
gladthatit’sfinallygoingtobeoutintheworldforpeopletoread,evenifitalsomakesmystomach
churnalittle.LOL.Bigthankstotheseawesomepeoplewhohelpedmemakeitshine:MollyLee,
EvangelineDenmark,AshleeCowles,BrandyVallance,&BobSpiller.Youguysareallsosmartand
lovely,andworkingwithyouhasmademeabetterwriter—hugs!

ThankstoCassieMaeforthemadcopyeditingandformattingskills,andforjustbeinganallaround

awesomefriend.ThankstoAlliefromMakereadyDesignsformyawesomecover.I’malwaysso
impressedwithwhatyousendbackaftermyramblingemailsofmadness.

HugethankstoLaurieEnglishforhelpwiththeinformationabouttrials,witnesslistsandtestimonies,

andhowtheDA’sofficeworks,andthankstoLisaHarmsenforgettingmeintouchwithherwhenIput
outthecallforhelpwithmyresearch.WhileItriedtobeastruetolifeaspossible,I’vetakensome
libertieswithlegalsystem’stimelineforthesakeofthestory.

HugethankstoLindaRussellfromSassySavvyFabulousforpublicityhelp,keepingtrackofmycrazy

schedule,andfordroppingnotestojustcheckin.I’msogladImetyou!

RebeccaYarrosandGinaMaxwell,thanksforkeepingmesaneandkeepingmegoingwhilewriting

andeditingandjustallthethings.Iheartyouguyssomuch!

Shoutouttoalloftheawesomebloggersandreaderswhoreviewandsharemybooks.Youareso

appreciated!ShoutouttothepeopleinmyFacebookgroup,CindiMadsen’sCorner.Ifyouwanttojoin
us,wehaveatonoffun,andyougetfirstpeekatwhat’sgoingonwithmywriting.

Andofcourse,asusual,bigthankstomyfamilywhoarenotonlysupportive,butaresomeofthe

coolest,mostfunpeopleIknow.

Thankyoutomyreaders,forreading,forreviewing,foryourawesomemessagesthatalwayscome

rightwhenIneedthem.Youallseriouslyrock!XOXO

AbouttheAuthor

CindiMadsenisaUSATodaybestsellingauthorofcontemporaryromanceandyoungadultnovels.She

sitsathercomputereverychanceshegets,plotting,revising,andfallinginlovewithhercharacters.

Sometimesitmakesheracrazyperson.Withoutit,she’dbeevencrazier.Shehaswaytoomanyshoes,

butcanalwaysfindareasontobuyaprettynewpair,especiallyifthey’resparkly,colorful,orsupertall.

Shelovesmusicanddancingandwishessummerlastedallyearlong.ShelivesinColorado(where

summerismostdefinitelyNOTallyearlong)withherhusbandandthreechildren.

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FollowheronTwitter@cindimadsen.

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