I pull out my phone. Bianchi’s line rings several times and I’m prepared to leave an apologetic voicemail when a gravelly voice speaks in my ear. “It’s very late, Elliot.”
“I’m sorry, sir, and I’m sorry for the interruption,” I say. “But it is urgent. January’s estranged stepmother claims to be going to your wedding and I wanted to know if she can be taken off the guest list.”
Bianchi gives an amused snort. “You don’t keep me waiting, Elliot. I appreciate that about you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He lets out a slow breath. “Unfortunately, Corinne Whitehall and my daughter have an existing relationship. I can’t refuse her without causing offense.”
“I see,” I say, stomach sinking. “Very well.”
There’s a short pause. Bianchi seems to be weighing up what to say next.
“I’m afraid I have more bad news.”
“What is it, sir?”
“There is…someone else attending my wedding. A person you will be even less pleased to see than Corinne Whitehall.”
My blood turns to ice. “Parker? You invitedParker?” The accusation is out of my mouth before I can stop it.
“I understand how disturbing this must be, but Parker and my son Carlo—you remember Carlo? They’re working on a deal. Something to do with facial recognition technology. Billions of dollars in the pipeline…”
I stay silent, my mind reeling. How is this possible? The four of us and Parker being at the same event is a complete violation of the contractBianchidrew up. And January, my jewel, my princess; how am I going to tell her she and Parker will be in the same room after assuring her she’d never have to lay eyes on the man again?
“…it was a challenging decision,” Bianchi finishes. “But for the sake ofmyfamily and our future business dealings, I feel it’s the right one. This is the party of the year, Morelli. The decade. It’s far larger and more important than your little feud with Parker.”
I note the use of my surname and know I will have to tread lightly.
“I don’t understand,” I say, still trying to keep the fury from my voice. “How does this comply with the contract?”
“It’s all straightforward. There’ll still be no communication between you and Parker at the wedding. You’ll be on opposite sides of the ballroom. In fact, there’s no reason the five of you should ever come into contact.”
“I highly doubt that,” I say. “Sir, not to question your authority, but I would like to suggest that I and all the members of Velvet House not attend your wedding.”
The stony silence speaks volumes, but I don’t retract my statement.
“That would be a tremendous insult,” Bianchi says in a tone just below freezing. “I hope, for your sake that you’re speaking out of anger, Morelli and I don’t have to seriously consider what you’re asking.”
My stomach knots and I look at Bobby. In his eyes, I read the truth. We are not important enough for Bianchi to compromise. He isn’t going to let up or give in and his power is greater than ours. He controls our contract and, to that same extent, us. To push this point, to invoke open war with New York, would be madness.
“Forgive me,” I say, straining for civility. “We will be at the wedding. January is looking forward to singing.”
“Good.” Another icy pause. “Well, if that’s all?” Bianchi says in a clipped voice.
“Yes, that’s all. Thank you for letting me know John. I’ll see you soon.” As soon as I lay the phone down, Bobby shoves a fresh scotch into my hand. I down it in one, thanking God I befriended him in high school.
“Parker’s going to be at the wedding?” Adriano asks, his face more contorted in rage than even when threatening to kill January’s stepmother.
I nod, holding out my glass for Bobby to refill. “It’s a favor for his son. Apparently his wedding is more goddamn important than ourlittle feud.”
“Shit,” Bobby whispers. “What about January?”
“Bianchi seems to think Parker will leave her alone.”
Adriano hauls himself to his feet and tosses something across the room. It shatters on the wall, and I realize it’s his phone.
“You’ll need a new one,” I say, dryly.
