So he couldn't have done it personally. But he could have ordered it.
I dug deeper. Looking for payments to hitmen. Suspicious money transfers. Anything.
Nothing.
This doesn't make sense. If Quentin killed Papa, where's the evidence?
I glanced out the window, remembering the early morning phone call from Aunt Filomena.
"Zia," I’d answered.
"Bambina, how are you?"
"Good. Busy with my new job."
"I've been thinking about our conversation. About your concerns regarding the assignment." Her voice was warm. Loving. "Have you found anything that confirms or denies Vanetti's involvement?"
"I'm working on it."
"Julia, I know this is difficult. Your first major assignment. But you must be thorough. Your father deserves justice."
"I know."
"Do you?" A slight edge had entered her voice. "Because Silvio mentioned you seemed... distracted."
Of course he’d told her.
"I'm not distracted. I'm being careful. Building trust takes time."
"Time we may not have. Carlo's patience isn't infinite." A pause. "Neither is Silvio's."
"Silvio nearly blew my cover. I had to make up a story about him being my ex-boyfriend. Did he tell you they got photos of him? If he shows up again, it may be the last thing he ever does."
"Yes. He told me. I admit he’s been overly enthusiastic. Don’t worry. They won’t see him again.” Her voice had softened. "He’s just concerned. As am I. Julia, you know I love you. That I've raised you as my own daughter. So please, hear this with love: don't let compassion cloud your judgment. Vanetti may seem charming. May seem innocent. But he's a dangerous man who murdered your father."
The certainty in her voice had made something twist in my chest.
"How do you know?" I’d asked quietly. "What if we're wrong?"
"We're not wrong."
"But what if—"
"Julia." Her voice stern. "Your father was my baby brother. I held him when he was born. I watched him grow. I protected him his entire life. And when I couldn't protect him anymore, when that bastard Vanetti took him from us—" Her voice broke. "We owe Salvatore justice. Carlo will deliver that justice once you finish your investigation. Just find the proof,bambina. That's all we need from you."
Guilt had crashed over me. "I know. I'm sorry. I just... I need to be sure."
"Then be sure. Investigate thoroughly. But don't take so long that Carlo loses patience."
"I won't."
"Good. I love you,bambina."
"I love you too, Zia."
I swallowed. She was right. Papa deserved justice.
But didn’t justice mean finding the real killer?
