Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief. She’s been worried they might be pissed. “We need some help.”
“Tell us what you need,” Logan said.
She looked at Enzo, who seemed reluctant but started talking. “We found out where the treasure is buried, but we’ve run into some complications. We need more information. Things just aren’t adding up.”
“Explain, Gage demanded.
Enzo continued. “The whole thing isn’t hanging together. How did Brad hook up with Vitale? We’re guessing that he hooked up with Rocco and Bianca, most likely through Bianca, but why take it to Vitale? What did they need him for? And why would Vitale bother to be involved in this?” Enzo shook his head. “There’s just something off about the whole thing.”
“You want us to dig around? See what we can find out?” Logan asked.
“I hate to ask. Vitale isn’t someone to mess with. You really don’t want him to know your name. I would do it, but my contacts have dried up at the moment,” he confessed.
“Why is that?” Gage asked.
Enzo hesitated. “Rocco Rinaldi is using all this to paint me as the enemy. It’s my fault Bianca is in this situation to begin with…that type of bullshit. He’s always been jealous of me and felt I was a threat to his rightful place in the family. This allows him to put me on the outside. I haven’t reached out to the family, but I’m sure I’m dead to them. I don’t want to draw any more attention to us than necessary.”
Mitch hypothesized, “You think someone might want to make a name for themselves by taking you off the table?”
“The thought had occurred to me.”
Fear lanced through Kathleen. Enzo hadn’t mentioned that bit to her. She wanted to yell at him for it, but she understood. She was scared enough. Why add to it if he didn’t know for certain? Still, she wasn’t some wilting flower. She didn’t need to have information kept from her.
“We can poke around a bit,” Gage commented.
“Actually, we can ask Armand,” Logan added. “I would be willing to bet he will know the tea if there’s any to know on Vitale.”
“That would be great,” Enzo conceded.
“Also,” Kathleen piped up, “can you check on Carlotta’s story?”
Enzo sent her a quizzical glance.
“You think she’s not telling the whole story?” Mitch asked.
Kathleen paused. She wasn’t quite sure how to explain it. “I just feel like if it were me, would I tell the whole world on a call, with a bunch of people I’ve never met in person, all about my personal business? She was quick to put the blame on this Brad guy. I’m not saying he’s not involved, but maybe it would be smart to just verify what she said.”
“I like the way you think,” Gage commented. “We’ll go ahead and check her out.”
“On a different note,” Mitch cut in, “have you told your brother what’s been going on?”
Kathleen’s stomach sank. “No, why? Has he said something to you?”
“Ah, no. He’s still in Japan but my guys just reported in that his deal is coming to a close today, so he’ll be back in touch with the world. I’m guessing you will be his first call. Just want to know how you want to handle it so we’re all on the same page. I don’t want to out you, if you’re not sharing with him.”
The gratitude welling up within her was warm and almost overwhelming. Mitch and his brothers were good friends with Jamie. The fact that they were looking out for her made her tear up slightly.
“Thanks for that. I really appreciate it. I…” she glanced at Enzo. “We,” she amended, “haven’t said anything because the situation is delicate and you know my brother, the first thing he’ll want to do is have you guys send an army for me, right before he insinuates himself into the middle of everything to try to control it all. I, that is, we don’t think that’s the best course of action.”
Enzo put his hand on Kathleen’s arm and squeezed. “She’s right,” he said. “Jamie will try to deal with Vitale, and I’m afraid he’ll offer himself up in exchange for Kathleen’s safety. I can’t let him do that.”
“You’re right on both counts,” Mitch agreed. “That’s exactly what he’ll do. Frankly, we don’t currently have the manpower to send an army, and keeping your brother safe is our top priority. I have a few ideas to keep him occupied. You may have to answer his call, but if you want to stay vague and make him think everything is under control, we’ll back you.”
“You guys are the best,” Kathleen gushed, and she meant it.
“We’ll start the research on all the players and get back to you ASAP,” Gage added. “Where are you headed?”
“Paris,” Enzo said. “The treasure is at the palace of Versailles.”
