“Only with her words. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the DeLuca Family takes matters into their own hands where he’s concerned.”
“That guy was always a prick. I knew something was off with him,” Julian said.
“There’s something else I need to tell you. Paige is pregnant. We’re having a baby.”
“What?” Roman grinned. “Seriously?”
“Wow, bro. Congratulations.” Julian smiled.
“Thanks.”
“How do you feel about it?” Roman asked. “Are you ready to be a father?”
“Better question. Is Paige ready to become a mother?” Julian asked.
“I’m not going to lie. We’re both terrified, but we’re taking it one day at a time.”
“It is terrifying.” Roman smiled. “But once you hold that baby in your arms, all that fear falls away.”
“That’s true.” Julian nodded.
“Don’t mention this to Dad or the moms. Paige and I want to tell them together.”
“We won’t,” Roman said. “Right, Julian?” He reached over and elbowed him.
“Ouch, bro. No. We won’t say a word.”
The phone on my desk buzzed. “What is it, Amanda?”
“The District Attorney’s office is on line one for you.”
“Thanks, Amanda. Parker Hamilton,” I said.
“Parker, It’s Stone.”
“Mr. District Attorney. To what do I owe the pleasure?” I stared at my brothers.
“I wanted to let you know that ADA Benton is no longer on the Marsden case or working for us. ADA Waters will be taking over.”
“Why? What happened?”
“He resigned. He said something about his sick mother, and he had to leave town to take care of her.”
“What a shame. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Well, that was fast,” Julian said.
“He can’t hide forever from the DeLuca Family. They’ll eventually find him,” Roman said.
“Not our problem. You play with fire. You get burned.”
One Month Later
I walkedinto the store and over to the glass cases lit from below, where rows of diamond rings glistened. An older woman behind the counter walked over with a smile.
“Can I help you?”
I tucked my hands into my pants pockets. “I’m looking for a ring.”
