“Here’s the good news,” Teddy continued. “I got a hit from your surveillance cam, created pics, and enlarged them. I’m sending everything your way.”
They sat side-by-side at Luciano’s desk. Seconds later, the encrypted emails came over. He started the video.
A man with shoulder-length, dark hair and sunglasses walked into frame. He strode to Simone’s front door, pressed the piece of paper against it, hurried down the driveway, and vanished out of frame. Luciano opened the enlarged still shots.
“Check out his right pinky,” Teddy said.
“Flashy pavé diamond,” Simone added.
“Son of a bitch,” Luciano growled. “It’s Dante.”
“The one who bought the supplies from Igor?” Simone asked. “And wants to do business with you?”
“That’s the one,” Luciano said.
“And that’s why I get paid the big bucks,” Teddy said.
“Nice work,” Luciano said. “I met him at Willie Boy’s, but Willie Boy says he doesn’t have a way to contact him.”
“He probably doesn’t,” Teddy said. “I have more business acumen in myotherhead than he does?—”
Simone laughed. “Good one.”
“I like you, Simone,” Teddy said. “You laugh at all my jokes.”
“We need to find Dante,” Luciano said.
“Why don’t you and Teddy put pressure on Cary Newburg?” Simone asked. “Santini style.”
“She’s catching on,” Teddy said.
“She sure as hell is,” Luciano replied.
“Watch your six, yeah?” Teddy said.
“Absolutely.” Simone pushed out of her chair. “Luciano, do you still have the indoor pool and gym in the lower level?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to work out before dinner.”
“Simone,” Teddy said.
“Yeah.”
“Lulu’s gonna be your shadow.”
“Thanks for the heads up. What should I do about it?”
“Nothing you can do,” Teddy replied. “When my brother sets his mind on something, it’s a done deal.”
At the doorway, she turned back. Luciano winked. “I’ll meet you in the gym.”
Up the stairs she went. Earlier, Stuart had brought her luggage into her old bedroom. The décor had been updated, but not the furniture.A comforting familiarity washed over her.
She changed into her swimsuit, threw on sweats, and hurried to the lower level. After a good run on the treadmill, she did a quick circuit with a few weights, then headed to the pool. Colton had one rule. Never swim alone. So they didn’t. As she contemplated whether she should venture into the water, the door opened and Luciano entered.
And all the air got sucked from her lungs.
