“My fucking father,” I hissed under my breath.
I froze, making myself as small as possible as the cops read Vincenzo his rights. Reaching into the place that had been hollow for so long, I channeled strength to my soul, knowing it flowed directly to my other half. I focused on that place. I embraced the intangible connection. Through the silent bond, I reassured Vincenzo.
He asked me to hide.
I was still here for him. He had to know I wouldn’t let this be the final chapter of our story. I was here. I wouldn’t abandon him. Not this time. I was stronger and smarter this time. They wouldn’t stand a chance the moment I unleashed my fury.
I just had to make it through this night. And so did my Enzo.
One step ahead of us, my father’s sleezy ways crept up to double cross us. He would have known Boston meant business with the Morelli Mob. This was his way of covering his hide while helping a crooked friend. And the cops didn’t find me, because neither Dad nor the warlord wanted them to. I was still the prize.
Archy Loring screwed his daughter over without a thought.
He won’t get away with it.
I blinked away tears as the cops hauled Vincenzo out of the alley.
A few remained behind. Using wide lights, they swept the area. I crouched into myself. This was the part where my panic would surge and leave me a shivering mess. Not tonight. Never again. I ground my molars and took deep, silent breaths. The beams of light glanced over my hiding spot again. And again—and again.
It took what felt like an age for the cops to leave. Even longer for me to feel safe enough to inch from under the dumpster. I rose, running my hands over my body. I debated creeping to the mouth of the alley, but I didn’t trust the streets. Not after the stealthy attack. Someone would be out there, waiting to snatch me.
They won’t get me.It was time to play the cards this twist dealt.
There was nothing for it but to climb onto the dumpster. To jump for a fire escape. Under the veil of darkness, I made it to the roof, where the sliver of moon greeted me. Together, we enabled my escape, leaping from building to building.
Chapter 57 –Vincenzo
The worst part was not knowing. Days spent in ignorance. My public defender was corrupt, and the fucker didn’t allow me contact with the outside world. When Don Morelli didn’t send the famiglia’s attorney, I knew that our efforts were futile. They would shove this sham case into the books, make quick work of locking me up, and then….
And then….
I couldn’t breathe.
For two days, I sat on the edge of my bunk, staring at the wall. Prison would drive me mad. But knowing that she was out there, that my flower was in trouble, that would destroy me.
The day of the trial was a blur. The suit was tight, buttons straining against my chest, the slacks barely buttoning. And the tie? I choked.
“All rise. The court is now in session, the Honorable Jeffery Stegen presiding.”
Those sentences were a death knell.
“Please sit,” the judge intoned.
I collapsed, my legs unable to hold me.
A creeping, crawling prickled over my skin. I sensed an enemy, but a look around the packed courtroom, beyond the wooden barrier, didn’t reveal the threat.
The clerk announced the parties. “This is the matter of the State of Massachusetts versus Messina, your Honor.”
“Attempted murder, first degree,” the judge mused. “Mr. Pederson, the floor is yours.”
I tuned out the state attorney’s opening remarks. When my public defendant rose and began stuttering, I debated wringing his neck. What was one more charge?
From far away, hinges creaked.
Voices in the courtroom rose in a murmur.
“Order!” Jude Stegen banged his gavel.
