Maybe I’ll watch a movie.
In the small grocery around the corner from my home, I’m scanning the wine selection when I sense someone watching me.
Call it intuition or the heightened awareness that comes from growing up in a family like mine, but I know I'm being observed before I even turn around.
"Ms. Vitale." A man in a dark suit approaches my cart. His smile doesn't reach his eyes.
Something about his demeanor puts me instantly on edge.
"Do I know you?" I ask.
"Agent Victor Blackwood, FBI." He flashes his badge discreetly. "I've been meaning to introduce myself."
My pulse quickens. I've heard this name before. This is the FBI agent who's been circling La Corona for years.
"I don’t have time," I say, moving to push my cart past him.
He steps sideways, blocking my path. "I understand you're in a difficult situation with Luca Monti. Custody battles can be… messy. Especially in your world."
Ice floods my veins. How does he know about this already?
"There is no custody battle," I say firmly.
"Not yet." His smile widens slightly. "But a new Don has to establish himself, assert control. I've seen it before. Especially with women. Men like Monti don’t like women outwitting them.”
"You don't know anything about my situation."
"I know more than you think." Blackwood leans closer. "I could help you, Ms. Vitale. Ensure you keep your children. I could get you away from the Mafia world. New identity. New life. Safetyfor your children. All I need is some information about La Corona's operations."
The audacity of his offer momentarily leaves me speechless.
He thinks he can manipulate my fears about losing my children to turn me against my family.
"I don't need your help," I say. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd leave me alone." If anyone in La Corona were to see us speaking, I’d be in deep trouble. I’d lose my kids for sure.
"Think about it." He slips a business card into my purse. "Three young children need their mother. It would be a shame if something happened that separated you from them."
The thinly veiled threat makes my blood boil. "Are you threatening me, Agent Blackwood?"
"Just offering options." He steps back. "Everyone needs an ally, Elena. Especially someone caught between powerful men."
"Go away," I tell him, no longer bothering with politeness. "Now."
As he walks away, I abandon my half-filled cart and head straight for my car, hands shaking as I dial Dom's number.
"Elena?" He answers on the second ring.
"Agent Blackwood just approached me at the store," I say without preamble. "He tried to use my situation with Luca and the kids to turn me into an informant."
Dom curses softly. "Are you somewhere safe?"
"In my car. Heading home."
“Good. Fuck.” There’s a long pause. “What did he want? Specifically?”
“He just said he wanted information about La Corona.” I pull up to my home. “I didn’t tell him anything, Dom. I swear.”
“I know, Elena. I trust you.” Yeah, but will the other families believe me? Will Luca use this to take my children?
