His low chuckle mirrors my own reaction to that statement as I picture Liam Dettori and the fucking gardener plunging to a snowy grave where hopefully nobody will ever find them.
“The crew has a job in cleaning the aircraft, but I’m confident all traces of Liam and his men will be destroyed.”
“Any word on the fallout?”
“Only that Sydney Dettori sent you a bunch of flowers earlier today with her cell number attached.”
“Fuck.” I roll my eyes. “The black widow indeed.”
“Some say she’s worse than Liam, and after her intervention caused his death, I’m inclined to agree with them.”
“So, she will divert attention from us in return for our silence?”
“Of course. I spoke with her today, and she assured me of her gratitude and any assistance in the future.”
“Is she up to taking over an empire?”
I have my doubts and Jack laughs out loud.“I wouldn’t underestimate her. She’s learned her trade well, and the guards will bow to their new mistress because she will be considered an easier boss than the one who went before her.”
I’m aware that only a select few of Liam’s guards were on that flight, and Jack adds in a low whisper,“Word is that Mason Harvey is sweet on her, anyway. They’ve been having an affair for months and as Liam’s consigliere it makes sense that they run the Dettori mafia together.”
“A happy ending for all. I like that.”
“The jet is leaving New York. It should be with us in around nine hours.”
“I’ll meet you there, but we may have to make a detour along the way, and I want you to prepare for that.”
“Detour?”
“The Goldsworthy head office. Get down there and secure the building and perimeter. Find out who works there, any skeletons that could jump out on us, and intel on Edward Goldsworthy himself.”
“Consider it done.”
I cut the call knowing that Jack will have everything covered before we get there. I’m leaving nothing to chance, not anymore,and whether she likes it or not, Alice Zaferelli won’t leave Switzerland as a single woman.
I turn my attention to the next part of my plan and locate the number of the city registrar.
It doesn’t take long to complete the necessary arrangements and, as weddings go, this one will be straight out of the business handbook rather than the storybooks.
Now my mind is settled, I’m back in control and as I lean back in my chair, it strikes me that the assistant and Alice have been in there for some time. I run my fingers through my hair and groan inside. Why do women like shopping so much, and why did God use it to punish the men who follow them?
CHAPTER 16
ALICE
As plans go, this one must work. I can’t rely on anyone this time because there is too much at stake.
“I can call the cops.”
Britney chews on her lip, and I smile at the compassionate assistant with reassurance.
As soon as we entered the changing room, I told her that Simeon had kidnapped me and the bruises were my reminder not to run. She was horrified, and I played on her sympathy when I asked her to help me escape him. I don’t feel bad, but there is a possibility that Simeon will take out his anger on her, which is why she must go along with my plan for her own safety.
“I don’t trust the cops. I just need a cab waiting at the back door and a distraction so I can take it.”
“The exit is to the left of the changing rooms. It’s the staff area that doesn’t lead back into the shop.”
I nod, grateful for the jeans and sweater I grasped along with several smarter pieces, not intending to try them on but taking enough to buy me some time and as we slip out of the cubicle, my heart is banging inside me.
