She nodded. “Yeah, like I said, bad dude. He beat on women, Ari. Which is why I watched him closely with you. I even threatened him. Your husband’s family wants these drugs off the streets too, it seems. After Remy’s hand was taken, the main guy we’ve been after is closing shop, for the time being.”
“Thank you so much,” I said, reaching across the table, taking her hand. “For having my back.”
“No one deserves to be treated that way.”
“Amen,” I breathed. Then I hesitated for only a second. “Let’s say it’s true about myhusband’s family…they’re fighting against this drug…” I cocked my head to the side. “Seems like they might be the good guys too?”
She grinned at that. “The Fausti family operates by their own laws. Which is why we don’t bother going after them. Even in Italy, they govern themselves. That family is old enough to have earned the right. They quarrel amongst each other, but they won’t hesitate to fight against a threat. For whatever reason,Daze is a threat to them. You know something about this drug. You wrote about it in your book.”
“My dad was the one who told me that.”
She shook her head. “Sounds like your dad told you something he shouldn’t have.”
I nodded.
She squeezed my hand, then dug in her purse. She slid a card across to me. “If you ever need me, night or day, call that number. I wanted to give it to you a million times but couldn’t. I didn’t want to pull you into anything that could get you in trouble. The other number you have for me is a front.”
I smiled. “I didn’t tell you I was leaving because I didn’t want to pull you into any trouble either.”
She stood and I followed, and we started walking toward the arched brick exit, which led out to the street. We locked arms, pulling each other closer.
She sighed. “I never in a million, no, a trillion years thought you’d be married to a Fausti.” She stopped walking and looked me in the eyes. “Your man knows who I am. He knows everything. That was why I laughed when he tipped me. He gave me money, yeah, but he also wrote on the bill:If you know my wife, I know you.I can see he loves you, Ari, but just be careful, okay? The life you’ve chosen is not an easy one. Always be careful.
“After you left, I followed your trail to make sure you were okay. I didn’t know what happened to my Sci-Fi girl. We don’t get attached in this job, but like I said, it felt real with you. I don’t have many friends either. Anyway. Your trail led me to the storage place. I had a coworker go in and ask some questions. The owner of the storage place showed the footage of the last time you were there. You weren’t alone. Remy was there, but so was his boss’s people. Your book really ruffled some of theirfeathers. You’re okay now, but in the future, don’t take ideas for books from anyone—okay?”
I pulled her in for a hug and she hugged me back.
“I’m leaving thrillers behind.” The emotion in my voice was thick. “I’m going for romance these days.”
“Just as dangerous!”
We laughed.
She tried to pull away from me, but I kept her locked up tight.
“You take care of yourself, Thandie,” I whispered. “Promise me.”
“I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, Sci-Fi,” she whispered. “You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Do you know where to find me if you need me?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she whispered. “Your man gave me a number.”
“Good.” I released her. “I never want to lose this friendship. More than friendship. You’re all I have left of New Orleans, besides the memories of my grandparents.”
She swallowed, her throat tight, and I could tell she was struggling with the same emotions I was. She pulled me in for another hug, making me gasp, then she was pulling away from me, rushing to leave. My husband seemed to step out of the shadows, setting his hand on my neck. I leaned into his strength, the solid feel of his body next to mine.
A solider escorted Thandie out, but I noticed he wasn’t stopping at the threshold of the property. He was following her.
“What’s he doing?” I asked.
Rocco shrugged. “He is attracted to her.”
I sighed. “I don’t think…I mean, she’s…law enforcement.” Actually, she didn’t specify who she worked for. She just said she was undercover. So maybe she was an intelligence officer?
Rocco kissed the top of my head. “This will not be the last time you see her.”
I nodded. “But it stills stings to say goodbye.”
