"Wait, why does he have to leave?" Julian protests.
"Because this is a matter for those who have taken vows to the Don."
That gets their attention. I hold up the lighter as soon as the door closes behind Darian. Sandro's gaze sharpens as he takes it from my outstretched hand. "Bernardi crest," he murmurs.
"I found this outside the house just now," I begin, even though I'm still trying to gather my thoughts. I need to be calm when I tell them about Darian's attack, but just the thought of it makes me see red again.
"Could've been there a while," Jack says. Under other circumstances I might appreciate his logic, but Darian was in danger out there, damn it. Logic can get fucked.
"The lighter's not why I called you all in here," I snap. "Someone attacked Darian. Outside. Not five fucking minutes ago."
Julian surges to his feet. "What? What do you mean 'attacked'?"
I relay the events of the past ten minutes, then add, "But Darian is okay. Shaken, but okay."
"You're sure?" Sandro's voice is deceptively calm.
"Yes, Boss. But someonewasout there. I saw them, too, and the cameras picked them up. And then we found this lighter, right outside the entrance to the Retreat."
"Sounds awfully convenient," Jack says, and I want to throttle him.
"You saying I planted it there?" I demand.
"No," Jack returns mildly. "I'm saying it's awfully convenient that it was found tonight, right after this attack on Darian, and right at the entrance."
Thankfully Julian steps in before I say—or do—something dumber than I have already. "Leo and I are always in and outof the house," he points out. "We would've seen it long before tonight if it had been there. Raffaello is right; it must have been dropped recently."
"Jack?" Sandro turns to him.
Jack gives Sandro this long look. "Maybe," is all he says.
Sandro's mouth tightens. "DeLuca. I want Gino Bernardi in here for this."
I step to the door and signal one of the guards, then point at Gino. While we wait, Jack paces the room, looking troubled. I force myself to remain still, to not go racing after Darian, even though my instincts are screaming for it. But Darian would just be embarrassed if I caused a scene. And Sandro Castellani wouldn't be all that impressed, either.
Gino is escorted into the room, and once the door closes again, Sandro throws him the lighter. "Remember these?"
Gino's brows pull together as he turns it over in his hand. "It's AJ's," he says. "Or one of his men's."
"Indeed. It seems your brother is not only a patricide and an oathbreaker, but now he's sent one—maybe more—of his people to prowl around my estate tonight. One of our staff members was chased through the trees, only escaped injury thanks to our security. But it's clear that we can no longer ignore the threat AJ poses."
Gino swallows hard. "Does this mean..."
"Yes. Your brother has finally struck out," Sandro says. "He violated his oaths to his own father and he broke the sanctity of the parley when he executed Russo. I was willing to overlook those events for the sake of peace. But his actions tonight showthat peace cannot be maintained while he lives. I'll be notifying the other Families about this, sharing my concerns—and my intention to deal with your brother once and for all."
I study Gino's face, looking for any sign of complicity, but he seems genuinely surprised.
Julian laughs, the sound brittle. "So it looks like we get to put AJ in the ground at last."
"There will be no action taken without my order."
"Oh, of course, Don Castellani. These hands of mine are merely tools for you to command."
Sandro studies his brother in silence and Julian stares right back. Then Sandro turns to me. "DeLuca, you have the grounds under control?"
"I do, Don Castellani. I've also sent word to Pedretti; he should be on the way. No news yet of anyone being found. Our uninvited guest might have shown himself out already."
"Very well." Sandro thinks for a moment. "I will speak with the other Families tomorrow and seek their blessing to remove AJ Bernardi. Will you support me in this, Don Bernardi?"
