Scott leaned forward in his chair. “Do you know why anyone would want the renovations of the place stopped? To the point of murder?”
“No.” Pascucci shook his head, his lips pursing. “I didn’t have anything to do with that building so can’t answer much about it. According to this, one of the guys who used to be responsible for the place is still around. In your neckof the woods.”
“Do you have a name and address?” Jack asked.
Checking his computer, Pascucci scribbled on a pad of paper, ripped it off, and then handed it to them. Scott took it and stood, thrusting out his hand. “Thanks. Appreciate the information.”
Pascucci shook his hand. “I appreciate what your cousin did for me so I could retain some of Victor’s companies.”
“You saved my life. And that of my wife and baby. It’s the least I could do.” Jack followed Scott to the door.
“That job offer is still open, Holland,” Pascucci called out. Jack nodded, chuckled, and then walked down the hallway with him.
“Where are we going now?” Jack asked as they exited the building.
Glancing at the paper, Scott shook his head. “You don’t need to come with me. I’ve taken up enough of your time today. Thanks for doing this.”
Jack grabbed the paper, scanning the words. “New Haven. At least it’s kind of onthe way home.”
Once they were in the company truck and on the highway north, Scott glanced at his cousin. “You don’t need to come with me, Jack. I’m a big boy and can handle afew questions.”
“I know you are, Scott. But if this guy worked for Cabrini he’s more than likely a little slimy. Even the best agents don’t approach someone like this without back up.”
“Good point.”
They continued on in silence, Scott’s mind going a mile a minute. Would they get any answers from this guy? Would he be able to tell them why someone wanted this project stopped badly enough they’d blow up Heather’s house, with her inside? Had they timed it so Scott would be there too?
The thought of someone wanting him dead scared the crap out of him. Not only because he liked being alive, but because of the potential for others around him to get hurt. Jack, Callie, Jonathan, or any of the people whoworked for him.
“How’s Heather doing?” Jack’s question interrupted his thoughts. “Callie asked her and she brushed it all off. Like almost being blown up was nothing.”
“She’s had a few meltdowns. Her emotions are ranging from sad and devastated to angry and ready to rip someone’s balls off.”
Chuckling, Jack said, “Sounds like Heather. And what’s up with you two? Do we need to have that talk again about not hurting her?”
“Back off,” he snapped then regretted his tone. He sighed. “Sorry, got a lot on my mind. Anyone even suggesting I’d hurt Heather kind of pisses me off. Right now I’m focusing on how tokeep her safe.”
“You could pull the plug on this renovation project.”
“I could but I’m not sure that will solve the problem. It might for us, but whoever we sell the building to will most likely have the same issues. We need to figure out what the fuck is going on. Before someone else takes apotshot at us.”
“Agreed. It’s why I’m taking time out to go with you today.”
The miles flew by with Jack filling him in on the house addition and some of the possible name choices for the new baby.
“Do you know if it’sa boy or girl?”
“Callie didn’t want to know, so I’m honoring that. The ultrasound was a bit sketchy anyway. Good thing I’m not a tech for that. Head, arms, legs, yeah, but anything else was dubiousin my opinion.”
“I can’teven imagine.”
“It’s amazing, Scott. You might think about trying this marriage and baby thing.”
A laugh escaped and he shrugged. The truth was he had been thinking of it, a lot more than he’d ever done in the past. Did he want to admit it, though? He sure didn’t want Callie playing matchmaker.
“The address we got is down here,” Jack said as he turned onto a street in a rundown section of New Haven. They got out, checked the apartment, and when there was no answer started asking around. They both had on working clothes, which made them blend in among the casually dressed people of the neighborhood.
“Kenny, sure. He usually hangs out at that bar around the corner during the day. You can probably find him there,” one older guy who’d been sitting on the stoop told them. Scott pushed a ten dollar bill into his hand and thanked him. The man quickly shoved it in his pocket, scanning the area.
