Carmen swallowed thickly. “And if I don’t help you?”
I smiled, impressed by the woman’s grit. “Let’s just say, I hope you will. I have a...vested interest in Bianca.”
Carmen tilted her head and studied me. “Are you in love with her?”
“I...” I rubbed the back of my neck, wondering how to define my complicated feelings for the woman who’d entranced me under the moonlight all those weeks ago. “I don’t know if it’s love, although it could be. All I know is that I want her safe.”
“She’s lovely,” Carmen said, her eyes shifting to the ground as her expression grew sad. “And very unhappy. I will agree to be your spy with the hope that we can save her together one day.”
Smiling, I pressed the cash into her palm. “Thank you, Carmen. My men will set you up with a burner phone to textme updates. We’ll keep it discreet, and I’ll make sure you’re safe too.”
Carmen squeezed my hand as her lips curved into a smile. “That girl deserves more than what Victor gives her. I wish you luck, Mr. Caruso.”
With that, I began my silent protection of Bianca with the help of Carmen. As months turned into years, we worked together to do our best to keep Bianca safe. I thought that perhaps my obsession with Bianca would wane, but as the years progressed, it only became more embedded in my soul.
At night, I would lay in bed, imagining having the raven-haired beauty curled into my side, snuggling with me as she fed our child from her breast. The fact that she gave Victor a daughter a year after their marriage made my stomach churn, and I wanted nothing more than to wrest her away from his old, withered hands.
Unfortunately, my path to prominence took many more years than I’d hoped. Two decades of fighting and clawing my way to the top—and making some very important connections with new East Coast families—finally solidified the Carusos as the top family in the New York/New Jersey area.
And as the twenty-third anniversary of my night with Bianca under the stars arrived, I stood at the window of my expansive home, drinking the Scotch I’d saved for when I could finally rescue Bianca.
It was time for Victor Rossi to die, and I was fully prepared to pull the trigger.
Part 2 – The Present
Chapter 5
Bianca
Twenty-three years after Bianca’s marriage
“I’m very sorry to tell you this, ma’am, but your husband is dead.”
I stared at John Armetta, one of Victor’s most respected capos, and concentrated on keeping my expression emotionless.
“How did he die?”
Clearing his throat, John looked at Simon, another high-ranking capo, and they silently communicated, debating how much to tell me.
“I deserve to know,” I said, my tone firm.
Pursing his lips, John nodded. “He was on the docks in Bayonne waiting for a shipment, but someone had tipped off the feds.”
“So, the feds shot him?”
Rubbing the back of his neck, John shook his head. “No ma’am. Members of the Caruso family were there too. They’ve become increasingly hostile toward your husband’s...shipments...”
“You mean the trafficking of young girls,” I said, lifting my chin as bile rose in my throat. God, I hated Victor’sbusiness dealingsalmost as much as I detested the man himself.
John gave a slight nod. “Michael Caruso forbade those types of shipments several years ago, and vowed to kill anyone who disobeyed. He made sure that everyone nearby saw him shootVictor between the eyes to send a clear message that orders must be followed. I’m very sorry, ma’am.”
I clutched my throat, attempting to look distraught; hoping I could fool John and Simon. In reality, a feeling of pure joy swept through my frame at the knowledge that I was finallyfree. Free from the cruelty of a man I hated, and free to finally live my own life outside the shackles of a loveless prison.
“I need to speak to Randy about the funeral arrangements and next steps,” I said, noting the raspiness of my voice. My throat was dry, and I swallowed several times as my body processed the information.
“Yes, Mr. Rossi’s lawyer has all of the documents you’ll need. I’ll ask him to stop by tomorrow.”
“I’ll call him,” I said, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m sure you both have more pressing things to focus on.”
