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Mushy,mushylove.

ChapterOne

BeingawaitressforaplacerumoredtobeMafiaCentralwasn’twhatCassiehadplannedondoingwith
herlife.No,thegoalhadalwaysbeentogetaneducationandbecomesomething.Whatexactly,she
wasn’tsureyet,andconsideringshe’dstartedcollegefouryearsbehindeveryoneelse,shereally
should’vefigureditoutbynow.

OnceDad’smedicalbillsandthecostofhisfuneralarepaidoff,mymainfocuscanbeschooland

decidingwhatcareerfieldI’mgoinginto.Thatwasthethingaboutpeskybills—theyturnedupevery
month,regardlessifyouwerereadyforthemornot.

Onlytwomonthsintothenewsemesterandshewasalreadybehind.PickingupextrashiftsatRossi’s

Ristorantewasn’tgoingtohelp,butitmadeherbreatheeasierwhenitcametothebills.Iprobably
shouldn’tbemovingrightnow,either.ButwhatamIsupposedtodo?StayinaneighborhoodI’m
terrifiedtogohometoeverynight?

Inanattempttokeepbusy,Cassiestraightenedthegiantstackofmenusatthehostessstand,flipping

theupsidedownonessotheyallfacedthesameway.Rossi’shadanold,classicfeeltoit.Thebrick
exteriordisplayedthesamesignthat’dbeenthereforgenerations,nowfadedfromyearsofsun,rain,and
snow,andtheinteriorwasspacious,withplentyofspacebetweenthedarkwoodtables.Thelastplace
she’dworkedhadsomanytablesandchairstherehadn’tbeenroomtowalk,muchlessdeliverfood.

Cassie’sfavoritepartaboutRossi’s,though,wasthehugemuralpaintedonthefarwall.Itgavethe

illusionoflookingoutarchedwindowsatalushItaliancountryside.Nodoubtitwasasclosetoseeing
Italyasshe’deverget.

Thefrontdooropened,andVinceDaMarco,alsoknownastheotherreasonCassieneversaidnoto

extrashifts,walkedin.Thestrongjaw,darkeyes,andever-presentfiveo’clockshadowwould’vebeen
hardenoughtoresist,buthewasalsosmartandhard-working.Buffandbrainswasahardcombinationto
comeby.

Heflashedherasmile,andherheartflutteredwildlyinherchest.“Cassie.Hey.”
“Hey.”Shepushedherglassesuphernose,theninwardlysmackedherhandaway—itwasanervous

tickshecouldn’tridherselfof,andshereadjustedthemthreetimesasoftenwheneverVincewasaround.

Hefoldedhisarmsacrossthetopofthehostessstand,bringinghimcloseenoughtomakeoutallthree

shadesofbrowninhisirises—notthatshe’dspenthoursanalyzingthemoranything.“Thanksagainfor
fillinginlastminute,”hesaid.

Whenhe’dcalledearliertoday,hesoundedalmosthesitant,whichshe’dreadaspossiblynervous.

Foronedeliciousmoment,shethoughthemightactuallyaskherout.Imagesofwhatthatwouldbelike
hadflashedthroughhermindinrapidsuccession—talkingsomewherebesidesRossi’s,graduallyleaning
closerandcloserasattractionsnappedintheairbetweenthem,akissattheendofthenight…

Evennow,theresidualimagesremained,makingherheartskipacoupleofbeats.
Instead,he’daskedhertofillinforMia,whichbroughtrealityscreechingback.OfcourseCassie

agreed,eventhoughshehadtoomuchtodoandnotenoughtimetodoit.She’ddoanythingifshethought
itmightputheronVince’sradar.

Ifshewerebolder,she’dattempttoflirt—justreachoutrightnow,putherhandonhismuscled

forearm,andsaysomethingwitty.Plentyofwomenogledandflirtedwithhimwhentheycamein,likeit
wasaseasyasbreathing.Teenagegirlsgiggledwhenhewalkedby,ladieshisagepracticallythrew
themselvesathim,andolderwomen—oftenseatedwiththeirhusbands—wouldsmileandstealglances.

ButCassiehadalwaysbeenshy,especiallywhenitcametoguys,andespeciallywhenitcameto

exquisitemalespecimensshedidn’thaveachancewith.Imayaswelljustfacemyfate.I’llworkhere
forever,nevergetadegree,andwatchassomeotherwomanscoopsupVince.

“…thespecialagain.”
Shejerkedherselfoutofherthoughts,staringathimasifthat’dmakethebeginningofhissentence

appear.Betweenhisnearness,hisdeepvoice,andherunattainabledaydreams,shehadn’tbeenpaying
attentiontohiswords.Shepushedherglassesuponhernose—damnit,stopdoingthat—andthenasked,
“Whataboutthespecial?”

Vince’seyeslockedontohers,andherthroatwentdry.“Wheredidyoujustgo?Oneminuteyouwere

smiling,andthenyouwerefrowning.Iwasstartingtothinkyouhadapersonalvendettaagainstlasagna.”

Heatbloomedinhercheeks.“Sorry,I’mjusttiredfromstayinguplatetodomyhomeworkandthen

thismorning’sclasses.”

Hetiltedhishead,studyingherasifhedidn’tquitebuyit.
“So,”shequicklysaid,puttinghisstatementtogetherwiththeendofthesentenceshe’dheard.

“Lasagna’sthespecialagain?”

“Yeah.Angeloforgottoplacethefoodorder.ItwastheonlythingIaskedhimtodo,buteventhatwas

toomuchforhim.”Vincesighedandglancedtowardthebackwherehespentmostofhistimeinasmall
office,payingbills,orderingfood,scheduling,andalltheothermanagementduties.Thenhisgazeflicked
tothebulgingbackpackatherfeet.“Feelfreetobreakoutthebookswhenit’sslow.Iknowyou’vegota
tonofstudyingtodo,whichwaswhyIputyouashostess.AndI’llgetyouadayoffthisweek,Iswear.
EvenifIhavetowaittablesmyself.”

Cassielaughed.“Oh,right.Youwaitingtables.Uh-huh.”
Vince’smouthdroppedopen.“What?Youdon’tthinkIcandoit?”
Shealmostreadjustedherglassesbutstoppedherhandafewinchesshortandwrappedastrandof

hairaroundherfingerinstead.“Ijustcan’tpictureit…AlthoughIbetyou’dgethugetips.Especiallyfrom
allthefemalecustomers.”

Oneofhisdarkeyebrowsquirkedupandamusementsparkedinhiseyes.Crap.Didshejust

practicallyconfesstobeingobsessedwithhishotness?Orwasthisflirting?Maybeshecouldpullitoff.
Ifshehadafollow-upmove,it’dfeelmorelikeawin.

“Weshould,uh,haveacompetition,”shesaid,herpulseracingathersuddenboldness.“Seewhogets

moretipsbytheendofthenight.”

Aslowsmilespreadacrosshisface,bringingouttheslightindentioninhischin,andlight-headedness

setin.“You’reon.I’llhaveLindafillinatthehostessstationduringtheeveningrushsoyoucanwait
tables.Loserbuysdinner…somewherebesidesRossi’s.”

“It’sabet.”Usingthestandtoblockhermovements,shepinchedherthightomakesurethiswastruly

happening.Ithurt,soshewasgoingwithyes.

“Later,then.”Hestartedpast,thenabruptlyturnedaroundandleanedin,thehostessstandnolonger

servingasabarrierbetweenthem.“Fairwarning,”hesaidinadangerouslylowvoicethatsentashiver
downherspine,“Idon’tknowhowtolose.”

Shetriedtocomeupwithsomethingclever,butherbrainfailed,soshejustsaid,“Iguesswe’llsee.”
Despitethetemptationtowatchhimwalkthroughtherestaurantthewaysheusuallydid,sheforced

herselftoturnaround.Besides,nowshecouldletthegoofygrinthattuggedatherlipsfree.Threemonths
ofworkingtogether—mostofwhichshe’dspenttryingnottodroolwhenhespoke—andtheyweregoing
tohavedinner,winorlose.Soreallytherewasnolosing.

Cominginonmysupposed-to-be-day-offwastotallyworthit.
Theopeningdoormadeherautomaticallyswitchintowelcominghostessmode.Onlyitwasn’ta

customer;itwasMr.CarloRossi,theowner.Hisstopsintotherestaurantweresporadicand
unannounced,buthewasforeverinagoodmood,animpossible-not-to-returnsmileonhisface.

“Afternoon,Cassie,”hesaid,hisenigmaticpersonalitylightinguptheentireentryway.“How’smy

favoritewaitresstoday?”

Thatwasprobablyanexaggeration,butsheplayedalong.“I’mwell.Youwantatable,orareyou

headingtoyouroffice?”

“Businessfirst,dinnerlater.WhenDanteandSalgethere,canyousendthembacktomyoffice?

We’vegotameetingscheduled,andit’sveryimportantwe’renotinterrupted.Capisce?”

“Noproblem,”shesaid.
Mr.Rossishotheranotherbigsmileandthenwalkedbacktowardhisoffice.Whenhe’dhiredher,

shehadnoideaabouttherumorsclaiminghewasinvolvedinthemob.Itwasn’tuntilshementioned
wheresheworkedatstudygrouponenightshe’dlearnedpeoplethoughthewassomesortofMafioso.

“Doesn’thefitthetype?”oneoftheguysinhereconclasshadaskedasshe’dscribbleddownnotes.
She’dfilledherwordswithasmuchsarcasmasshecouldmanageattenp.m.“YoumeanItalian?”
Eversince,shefoundherselfwatchinghimashehaddinnerwithhisusualgroupoffriends,

wonderinghowtherumorhadgottenstarted.Surelyitwasjustthat—therewasnowayhewasconnected.
Eachtimeshescoldedherselfforevenquestioningit.Whenshewasdesperateforajobthatpaidwell
andworkedaroundherschedule,he’dhiredherandhadbeennothingbutnice.Thetruthwas,whilehe
lookedcompletelyintimidating,hewasateddybearofaguywhoownedarestaurantwithdeliciousfood
andaloyalcustomerbase.

Peopleandtheirgossip,shethought,shakingherhead.Thinkingofstudygroupsremindedherthat

sheshouldbecrammingwhileshecould.Onlyhermotivationhaddisappearedaboutanhourafterherlast
cupofcoffee.

Cassiedrummedherfingersonthehostessstand.WithherandVince’scompetitiononthehorizon,

standinguphereforthenexthourorsowasgoingtobetorture.

Thedoorswungopenagain,andshestraightened,herhostesssmilefadingwhenshesawDanteand

Sal.

“Hey,girl.”Salwinkedather,thecavalierexpressiononhisfaceshowinghowsmoothhethoughthe

was.“Ididn’tknowyouwereworkingtonight.”

TheguywaseverythingVincewasn’t—scrawnybuild,pointednose,andhishairlookedlikehe’d

usedCriscotoslickitintoplace.He’daskedheroutseveraltimes,andeventhoughshe’dpolitely
declinedeachtime,usingherbusyscheduleasanexcuse,hewaspersistent.

IonlyhopeVincedecidestobeaspersistent.Ifheevenwantstopursueme.Maybehe’sjustbored,

andIofferedsomethingtohelpmakethehourspassfaster.Aballofnervesformedinhergut.Tonight
washerchance,andsheneededtofocussoshedidn’tblowitwithoneofhersignatureawkwardmoves,
likethetimeshejoinedacoedvolleyballgametotrytoimpressaguyandendedupservingtheballright
intohisfacewhileheshoutedencouragements.The“youcandoit”affirmationsstoppedonceblood
startedgushingfromhisnose.

“Mr.Rossihereyet?”Danteasked,crossinghismassivearmsoverhischest.He,ontheotherhand,

wasgood-lookingandcompletelyawareofit.ButCassiewasasuninterestedinhimashewasinher—
histastesroamedmoretowardthesilicon-enhancedtypeofgirl.

Cassienodded.“Yeah,andhewantsyoutwotomeethiminhisoffice.”
“Wedon’twantanyinterruptionsoncewestartourmeeting.”Salplacedhishandsonthehostess

standandleanedin.“ButmaybelaterI’llcomeinterruptyourwork.”

Theinnuendoinhisvoicemadeherskincrawl.Luckilyshewassavedwhenafamilyoffivewalked

in.“Excuseme.Dutycalls.”

Aftersheseatedthem,shepulledoutherbooksandreadthroughhernoteswhilerollingsilverware.

Sheglancedatthetimeonherphone.Fortymoreminutestilldinnerrush.

CassieinwardlygroanedwhenAllegraRossistrolledin.Shehadtwovariationsofanimalprint

spandexedtoherbody,andherdarkhairwasteasedintoabouffant,asusual.Ifanyonewerescary
enoughtobeamobboss,itwouldbeAllegra.She’dprobablywhacksomeoneoversomethingasminor
asbreakinganail,orherlipsticknotbeingfuchsiaenough.

“Ineedtoseemyhusbandrightnow,”shesaidinherheavyNewJerseyaccent.
CassieshotAllegrahermostwinningsmile—atleastshehopeditcameoffthatway.“Mr.Rossi’sin

ameetingandspecificallysaidhedidn’twanttobeinterrupted.”

AllegraplacedherhandsonherhipsandstaredatCassielikeshewasanidiot.“Didhespecifically

saynottolethiswifein?”

“No,but—”
“That’swhatIthought.It’sanemergency.NowgotellhimthatI’mhere.”Allegrawavedherhandina

shooingmotion.WhenCassiedidn’timmediatelyrespond,thewomanglaredather.

Cassiesighed.“I’llseewhatIcanfindout.”
Grittingherteeth,shewalkedthroughtherestaurant.It’slikeshe’shell-bentongettingmefired.She

onceoverheardAllegracomplainingtoMr.Rossiabouther.“Afterall,”she’dsaidwithasneer,“she’s
notevenItalian.”

Yeah,theblondhair,greeneyes,andbeyondpaleskinprettymuchgaveheraway.Shehadn’trealized

itwasarequirementtobeItaliantoworkatanItalianrestaurant.Luckily,Mr.Rossiseemedunfazedby
thedemand.

Cassiepushedthroughthelargedoubledoors,walkedpastthekitchenandwalk-infreezer,and

hesitatedoutsideofMr.Rossi’soffice.Shehadafeelinghesometimescameintotheofficemoretoavoid
Allegrathantodoactualwork.

Cassie’sstomachclenched.ShehatedtointerruptandgoagainstMr.Rossi’swishes,but

unfortunately,hiswifewasscarierthanhewas.Bitingherlip,sheknockedontheofficedoor.Whenshe
didn’tgetareply,shetwistedtheknobandcrackedthedooropen.“Sorry,butyourwifeinsisted—”

Theofficewasempty.
Arelievedbreathescapedhermouth.Themeetingmustalreadybeover.IbetMr.Rossi’soutback

takingacigarbreak.

Sheheadedforthebackexit,alightnessinherchestnowthatthethreatofinterruptingMr.Rossiwas

over.Whyhechosethealleytosmokein,shedidn’tknow.Itwascrampedandalwayssmelledofold
foodandgarbage,buttoeachtheirown.

ShecrackedopenthedoorandcaughtsightofVince.Helookedhandsomeasever,althoughtherewas

ahardnesstohisfeaturesthatusuallywasn’tthere.Sheheardavoiceshedidn’trecognizeandstrainedto
makeoutwhathewassaying.

“Pleaseno,”themalevoicesaid.“Justgivememoretime.”
Somethingpreventedthedoorfromopeningfarther,andasshemovedherfaceclosertothesmallgap,

shesawDante,Sal,andMr.Rossi.Aguykneltonthegroundinfrontofthem,handsclaspedlikehewas
praying.“I’llgetitforyou,Iswear.”

Mr.Rossipointedagunattheman’sforehead,andshevaguelyregisteredthelongsilencerontheend

ofthebarrelasherbrainstruggledtocatchuptothesurrealsceneunfoldingbeforehereyes.“It’stoolate
forthat,”hesaid.

Thenhepulledthetrigger.

Cassiescreamed.
Bloodpouredfromthedeadguy’smisshapenhead,andshestared,unabletolookaway,unableto

believethiswasn’talljustahorrificdream.Wakeupwakeupwakeup.

Allthelivingfacesturnedtowardher.Mr.Rossiswunguphisgun,thebarrelaimedrightather.
Instincttookover,andsheshovedthedoorclosed.Abulletpunchedaholeinthewoodinchesfrom

herhead,sendingsplintersrainingdownonherandcausingherheartratetoskyrocket.Shespunonher
heelandsprintedbackdownthehall,pastthekitchen.Shedartedintothediningareaandweavedher
waythroughtablesandpeople,pushingherbodyasfastasit’dgo.

ShedaredaglanceoverhershoulderintimetoseeSalandDanteburstintotheroom.Sheboltedpast

astunned-lookingAllegraandpushedthroughthefrontdoors.

Rememberingthecoffeeshopcopsoftenfrequented,sherushedtowardit,prayingoneofthemwould

bethere—atleastshecouldgetsomeonetocall911.

Thetruckcameoutofnowhere,buthermomentumwasalreadypushingforward,heradrenalinefaster

thanherthoughts.

Brakessquealed.
Cassiethrewherhandsupinfrontofher.
Butsheknewitwastoolate.

ChapterTwo

Aconstantbeepingnoiseechoedthroughtheroom.Cassietriedtoforcehereyelidsopen,butthey
remainedclosed.Herwholebodyached,herarmsandlegsweighingatleastathousandpounds.The
sharppaininherheadwedgeditselfdeeper,makingithardtoconcentrate.

Why’smyalarmbeepinglikethat,andhowcanImakeitstopbeforemyheadexplodes?
Finally,hereyesflickeredopen.Shestaredatthewhiteceilingandthenglancedaroundthehazy

room.Variousmonitors,genericartwork,tubesinsertedintoherarms.Anawfulantisepticsmellthat
triggeredahundredbadmemories.

Panicroseandboundherlungs.WhyamIinahospital?
Shewenttoadjustherglasses,buttheyweren’tonherface.Thatexplainstheblurryvision.
Squintingatthebedframe,shelookedforthecallbutton.Whenshereachedforit,shenoticedthe

plasticbraceletonherwrist.Shelifteditcloserandtriedtomakeoutthefuzzywords.

DOE,JANE

was

typedinlargeletters.

Herpanicscreechedintooverdrive,andshescrambledtopushthecallbutton.
Avoicecamethrough,distortedasifit’dbeenfilteredthrougharobot.“Didyouneedsomething?”
Cassieopenedhermouthtospeak,butnosoundcameout.Herthroatfeltasthoughshe’drecently

chuggedsand,sodrythatsimplytryingtotalkscratchedit.Finallyshemanagedaweak,“Help.”

“Wait?Isthatroom305?”Itsoundedlikethewomanwastalkingtosomeoneelse,andthenthenoise

wentawayalltogether.

Aboutaminutelater,aplumpladyinscrubswalkedin.Hereyeswentwide.“You’reawake.I’llget

thedoctorrightaway.”

BeforeCassiecouldsayanything,thenursechargedoutthedoor.
Whatseemedlikeaneternitylater,shereappearedwithaskinnymanwholookedlikeheshouldstill

beincollegeanddefinitelynotalreadypracticingmedicine.

Heidentifiedhimselfandthenstartedinonthequestions.“What’sthelastthingyouremember?”
“Iwasworkingasawaitress,”Cassiecroakedout,thenpausedtotakeadrinkfromthecupthenurse

handedher.Afterchuggingthewholethingdown,speakingonlymildlyhurtherthroat.“Ataplacecalled
theBarbecuePit.”

“IsthathereinNewJersey?”heasked.
Sheloweredhereyebrows,herbraingoingasfuzzyashervision.“NewJersey?ItwasinColorado.

Areyousaying…I’minNewJersey?”

Thedoctornodded.
“WhatamIdoinginNewJersey?”
Acreaseformedinhisforehead,andhegaveherthispity-filledlookthatonlyincreasedthesinking

sensationinherchest.“Seemsyou’velostpartofyourmemory.Sometimesitcomesback,andsometimes
itdoesn’t.”

“HowlonghaveIbeeninthehospital?”
“Aboutaweek,”hesaid.“Youdidn’thaveanyidentification.Doyourememberyourname?”
“It’sCassandraDalton.”
Thedoctorliftedhisclipboard,wrotesomethingdown,andthenglancedbackather.“Whodoyou

needustocontact,Cassandra?”

Cassieshookherhead.“Noone.Idon’thaveanyone.”
“Family?”heasked.

“Gone.”Suchashortword,butitwasheavyandbroughtafreshwaveofpainthathadnothingtodo

withherphysicalinjuries.

“Friends?”
“Nope.”Cassieliftedherbruisedarms;theydidn’tevenlookliketheybelongedtoher,whichonly

deepenedthestrange,detachedfeelingtwistingthroughher.“Sowhathappenedtome?WhyamIhere?”

“Youwerehitbyatruck.Luckily,itstoppedbeforeitrolledoveryou,butyouhitthepavementhard

enoughtoloseconsciousness.Youwerecomatosewhentheparamedicsbroughtyouin,andwedid
everythingwecouldtogettheswellingonyourbraindown.”

Thephrases“hitbyatruck”and“swellingonyourbrain”tumbledoverandover,givingherasick

feelinginthepitofherstomach.

“Itwasprettybadthereforawhile,”thedoctorcontinued,“buttheoddsofmakingafullphysical

recoverylookgood.Whydon’tyoutrytorememberasmuchasyoucan?Startoutwithyourearliest
memoryandworkyourwayup.I’llcallthepoliceandinformthemofyourname,andthey’lltrackdown
youraddressandfillinthefactsyoumightnotremember.”

Thedoctorandthenurseexitedtheroom,leavingCassietoprocessalltheinformation,andquite

frankly,shefailed;itwaswaytoomuchtotakein.Sosheclosedhereyesandfocusedonthedoctor’slast
request.Hmm,earliestmemory.

Shedidn’trememberMomdyinginacarcrashbecauseshe’dbeenababyatthetime,butsheknew

it’dhappened.Fromherearliestmemories,ithadalwaysbeenjustherandDad.Beingshygotintheway
ofhavingalotoffriends.Senioryear,whenshewasslowlymakingafew,aswellasstartinga
relationshipwithherfirstboyfriend,Dadgotsick,andsheretreatedtoherselfagain.Prom,BFFs,boys,
namebrandclothing—everythingseemedsounimportantafterthat.Evenherclasses,whichhadalways
beenherstrongpoint.

Afteratwo-yearfightwithcancer,itwentfromjustherandDadtojusther.
Tearsfilledhereyes,andsheblinkedthemaway.BeforeIreliveallofthat,Ineedtofigureout

whichpointoflifeI’minnow.

Afterhigh-schoolgraduation,whenDad’sconditionwasquicklydeterioratingandthebillskept

pilingup,shetookajobattheBarbecuePit,oneofthefewrestaurantsinhertinyhometownofParker.
Shescrimpedandsaved,promisingherselfshe’dscrapeenoughmoneytogethertogotocollege,justlike
Dadhadalwayswanted.

Shetriedtothinkiftherewasmoreafterthat—ifatanytimeshehaddecidedtotakeatriptoNew

Jersey,ofallplaces.Somethingtickledherbrain.Sherememberedfillingoutcollegeapplications.Was
oneofthemtosomewhereinNewJersey?She’dfilledoutsomany,butitwaspossibleshe’dconsidered
goingeast.

Thenursewhofirstcheckedonhersteppedintothedoorway.“Howareyoufeeling?Didyou

rememberanything?”

Cassieshrugged.“IthinkImighthaveappliedforcollegehere.MaybeIwasvisitingtocheckitout.

OrmaybeIwasgettingreadytostart.”

“Well,there’sapolicemanheretoseeyou.Hehasafewquestions,andtheythinktheyfoundoutwho

youare.Iwantedtomakesureyouwerereadyforhim.”

“Goaheadandsendhimonin.”Sureshelookedlikeamess,Cassieautomaticallywenttosmooth

downherhair.Andfounditendedjustpasthershoulders,thefrontpiecesslightlylongerthantheback

WhendidIcutmyhair?Goosebumpsprickedherskin;everythingwasoff,likeshewasinaweird

dreamshecouldn’twakeupfrom.

Atallmanwithdarkhairenteredtheroom.She’dexpectedanolderguywithamandatorycop

moustache.Instead,shegotclean-shavenandmid-twenties.Judgingfromwhatshecouldseeanyway.
Withoutherglasses,alltheedgesblurredandfeaturessoftened,andshewishedforthemonceagain.

“I’mOfficerTomDuffy.”Heplacedachairnexttothebedandpulledouthisnotepad.“So,you’ve

beenlivinginTrentonforthepasttwoyears,attendingTheCollegeofNewJerseyandlivingataplace
overonProspect.Anyofthatsoundfamiliar?”

Sheletthenewssettleforamoment,butitdidn’tsoundfamiliar.Shewaseighteenwhenshe

graduatedhighschool,sheworkedattheBarbecuePitfortwo—no,three—yearswhenshedecidedto
startseriouslylookingatcolleges.“Idon’tremembercollegeatall.OrevencomingtoNewJersey.”

AtleastIfinallydidit.Istartedcollege.
Ofcourse,Idon’trememberanything,soI’llhavetostartover.
OfficerDuffyaskedseveralquestions,someshecouldanswerandseveralshecouldn’t.
“Well,”hesaid,standingup,“that’saboutitfornow.Getsomerest,andwhenthedoctorreleases

you,wecanhavesomeoneescortyoubacktoyourapartmentifyou’dlike.”

“I’dappreciatethat,”Cassiesaid.“EspeciallysinceIhavenoideawhereitis.”

ChapterThree

Vincehesitatedoutsidehisuncle’sofficedoor.HecouldhearDanteandSalinsideand,fromthesoundof
it,theywerearguing.Again.Hisshoulderstensedatthethoughtofbeinginthesameroomasthem.He’d
avoidbeinginthesameroomasCarlo,too,ifhecouldhelpit.Unfortunately,itwasinevitable.

Vinceknockedonthedoorbutdidn’twaitforananswerbeforeentering.
“I’llgooverthererightnowandgetitdone,Boss,”Salsaid.“Icouldsneakpastonemeaslycopand

makeitlooklikeanaccident.”

CarloglancedatVincebeforereturninghisattentiontoSal.“We’vegottabecareful.We’llbefirston

theirsuspectlist.”HetwistedhischairtowardDante.“Whathappenedtoyourinformantatthehospital?
Shewassupposedtoletusknowthesecondshewaslucid.”

Danteshrugged.“I…well,shesawmeoutwithMia.Youknowhowbroadsare.”
Usually,Vincedidn’tbotheraskingwhatwasgoingon—hedidn’twanttoknow.Hewasashamedby

howmuchhealreadyknew,butsomethingwasdifferentthistime.Hecouldseeitinhisuncle’seyes.
“What’sgoingon?”

“Cassie,”Carlosaid.“Itlookslikeshe’snotonlywokenupfromthecomaIhopedshe’dstayin

forever,butshealsohasapoliceescort.Ifshetestifies,we’realltoast.”

Vince’sstomachdropped.Hepicturedherstandingbehindthehostessstand,lookingpainfullycute,

pushingherglassesupinthatwaythatmadeithardtothinkstraight.Aclashingmixofreliefandregrethit
himasheprocessedthefactthatshe’dwokenup.

Formonthshetoldhimselftokeephisdistance,butlastweekwhenhecamein,hecouldn’thelpat

leastthankingherforcoveringforMia.Thenshe’dlaughed,impliedthathecouldn’thandlewaiting
tables,andhe’dslippedandlethimselfbepulledin.Toldhimselfthingscouldbedifferentwithher.That
shedidn’teverhavetoknowhowscreweduphisfamily—hislife—was.

Itlastedlessthananhourbeforethethoughtgotthrownbackinhisface.
Danteusedhisfingernailtopickathisteeth.“MaybeweshouldgetJackhammertodoit.I’lldoitifI

haveto,butIwouldn’tlikeit.Shewassuchasweetgirl.Plus,allshereallyneededwasavisittothe
plasticsurgeon,andshewould’vebeenaknockout.”

EverythingDantesaidafterhementionedJackhammersoundedfarawayanddistorted.Thehiredthug

wasknownfordrawingouthiskillsaslongaspossible.TheimageofCassieslowlybleedingtodeath,
pleadingforherlifetoamanwho’dgetoffonherbeggingformercy,roseupandturnedVince’sbloodto
ice.

“I’lldoit,”Vincesaid,anditseemedasifhe’dsteppedoutofhisbodyandwaswatchinghimself

volunteer.Hisheartbeattoofast,andhisfistsclenchedbyhissides.Hetookadeepbreathtosteady
himselfandlockedeyeswithCarlo.“Letmebetheonetotakecareofit.”

CarlostaredatVinceforalongmomentandthenturnedtohisgoons.“Youtwo,leavemeandmy

nephewtotalkaboutthis.”

DanteandSalstoodandstartedforthedoor,butatthelastsecond,Salturnedbackaround.“I’lldoit,

Boss.Shewassweet,butshenevergaveSalthetimeofday.Icouldeven—”

“Leaveus,”Carlosaid,hisvoiceechoingthroughtheroom.“Now.”
Salclampedhislips,hisfaceallscrewedupashethrewasilenttantrum.
Assoonasthedoorwasclosed,Carlosatbackinhiscushyleatherchair,foldinghisarmsacrosshis

chest.“You’vetoldmerepeatedlyyouwantnothingtodowiththissideofthebusiness,andIknowyou
likedCassie—hell,wealldid.Ihatethethoughtofhavingitdone,butthat’sthewayitgoes.It’dbea

hardhitforanyofus,sothat’swhyIwasthinkingofhiringout.”

VinceputhispalmsontheedgeofCarlo’sdeskandleanedforward.“Iwanttobetheonetotakecare

ofit.Idon’twantJackhammerorSaltodoit.Iwanttobetheretomakesureit’scleanandquick.”

Carloletoutalongexhale.“Idon’tknow,Vince.Ididn’twanttopullyouinthisdeep.”
Vincebarelyheldbackasarcasticlaugh.“ItneverbothersyouwhenIgetyourmoneyinordertopay

backBobby’sdebts.”HislittlebrotherwasCarlo’sfavoritewaytopullVince’sstrings.“What’sone
moreundesirableerrand?”

“Thisisdifferent.ButIwon’targuethatyou’reourbestbetforquickandquiet.”Hereachedupand

strokedhisgoateethengaveasmallnod.“Doit.”

Vincestraightened,workingtokeepanytraceofweaknessorhowhefeltaboutthesituationfrom

showing.“I’llgolatetonightandmakesureshegoeseasy.”

ChapterFour

Cassiesteppedoutofthepolicecruiserandlookedattherundownapartmentcomplexsheapparently
calledhome.ShapedlikeaU,threelevelsofconcrete,ironrailing,andseventieserabrickworkfaceda
mostlycementcourtyardwithacoupleofsad-lookingtrees.

Wow,realnicedigs,Cassie.Thecomplexdidn’ttriggeranysuddenflashbacksormagicallyhelpher

memoriesreturn.ShesighedandglancedatOfficerDuffy,who’dbeenkindenoughtodriveherfromthe
hospital.

Tom.HesaidtocallhimTomwhenItoldhimIpreferredCassie.Withtheuniformon,itwashardto

thinkofhimasanythingbutofficer.Overthepastfewdays,he’ddroppedbythehospitaltocheckonher,
evenwhenhewasoffduty.Atfirstshe’dfeltuncomfortableinhispresence—especiallysinceshewas
stuckinahospitalgownanddidn’thavemakeuporherglasses—butshegotusedtohisfriendly
demeanorandhoweasyhewastotalkto.He’devenbroughtincardslastnightsotheycouldpassthe
timeplayinggames.

Theywalkedtoapartmentnumberone,wherepastedongoldlettersspelledout

LANDLORD

,andTom

knockedonthedoor.HeglancedatCassieandsmiled.“Ikeepforgettingtotellyouhowniceyoulook.”

Thankfully,oneofthenursesbroughtherachangeofclothesaswellasahygienekit.“Yeah,behold

theamazingeffectsofshowering,actuallygettingdressed,andbrushingyourhair.IneverknewI’dbeso
gratefulforpantsandaT-shirt.Clothesthatrandomlyopeninthebacktomooneveryoneinthenear
vicinityjustaren’tforme.”

Heatrosetohercheeks,thewayitalwaysdidwhenthefilterbetweenherbrainandmouth

malfunctioned.IreallywishIhadn’taddedthatmooningcomment.Luckilyshehadn’tmoonedhim,or
she’ddierightthereonthespot.

Thedoorswungopen,andthenCassiewaseye-levelwithatightblackbun.Sheloweredhergazeto

afaceshedidn’thavetheslightestrecollectionof.

“Youweresupposedtobeoutofyourapartmentlastweek,”thetinywomansaid,pointingafingerin

herface.“Ialreadyhadtheplacerented,andI’vehadtopushbackthecleaners,sonowI’mgoingtohave
topaythemdoubletodoarushjob.Justsoyouknow,I’mchargingyouforit,alongwithanextraweek’s
rent.”

ConfrontationhadalwayssentCassieintopanicmode.Addmoney,whichsheunfortunately

rememberedowingalotofthankstoDad’smedicaltreatments,andherpulsesteadilyincreased,
poundingarapidrhythmagainsthertemples.Shedidn’tevenknowifshehadajob,andnowshehadher
ownhospitalbillsontopofDad’s.Thenewsshewasn’tevensupposedtolivethereanymoreadded
anotherlayerofstresstotheentiresituation.

“I’msorry.Ihadanaccidentandmymemory’salittlefuzzy,soI’mnotsurewhatyou’retalking

about.”

“Mm-hmm,”thewomansaid,pressingherlipsintoatightlinethatmanagedtoconveyaheapof

skepticism.

TomgentlymaneuveredCassietothesideandstoodinfrontofLandlordGrouchyPants.“Ma’am,

MissDalton’stellingthetruth,”hesaidinacalm,authoritativevoice.“Shewasinvolvedinavery
seriousaccidentanddidn’thaveanypersonaleffectsonher,whichmeanssheneedsthekeytoher
apartment.”

“Lostkeysareafifty-dollarcharge.”
Obviouslyhertragicaccidentreallytuggedatherlandlord’sheartstrings.

ThemusclesinTom’snecktightened,buthemanagedtokeephiscalmexpression.“We’llworkout

thedetailslater,andifyouknowwhereshe’ssupposedtobemovingto,I’llbehappytolookintothat.
Untilthen,canshegetthekey?”

Thelittleladyharrumphed,grabbedalargeringofkeys,andstartedwalkingwithoutfurther

comment.DidthewomanseriouslythinkCassiehadfakedamnesiatoavoidfees?Ifonlythatweretrue,
gettingonwithherlifewouldbemuchsimpler.

“WhatdoyouknowaboutMissDalton?”Tomaskedasthethreeofthemmadetheirwayupstairs.

“Doyouknowwhereshe’sbeenworkingthepastfewmonths?”

ThewomanglancedatCassie,andthenchargedupthenextflightofstairs.“Shekeepstoherself.I’ve

neverseenherwithanyone,butIdon’tbuttintoothers’business.Shehadgoodcredit,alwayspaidthe
rentontime,andwasagoodtenant.Untilnow.”

Yougethitbyatruckandgointoonelittlecoma,andsuddenlyyou’reatroubletenant.
“IgotacallfromHudsonGroveApartmentsandgaveheragoodreferral,andshortlyafterthatshe

putinherthirtydays’notice,whichwasthirty-fivedaysago.”Thelandladystoppedinfrontofnumber
fifty-fourandunlockedthedoor.ShethenheldthekeytowardCassie.“Thishere’smyspare.Betternot
loseit.”

“Iwon’t.Thanks.”Withhercredibilityinquestion,herassuranceprobablydidn’tdomuchforthe

woman,whopromptlywalkedbackthewaythey’dcome.

“Well,shewasfriendly,”Tomjokedashepushedopenthedoorandsteppedinsidetheapartment.
“Yep,arealpeach,”Cassiesaid.
Labeledboxessataroundtheroom,creatinganobstaclecoursethatledtoakitchenwithayellow

stoveandfridge.Thefewunpackeditemslookedlikethingsshe’down,yetdidn’tringanybells.Aneerie
sensationsettledoverher—itwasstartingtobethemostfamiliarthinginherlife.

“Anything?”Tomasked,andsheshookherhead.
Butthenshecaughtsightofthecouchinthelivingroomofftoherright—brightpinkandgloriously

familiar.Shesteppedoverboxes,satdownonit,andhuggedoneoftheblackandwhitepolkadotpillows
toherchest.

She’dbeenabouteightorninewhenherandDad’soldcouchreachedtheembarrassinglyrattypoint,

thestuffingspillingoutofthebrowncushions.Sothey’dgonetothefurniturestoretopickoutanewone.
Atthetime,she’dlovedallthingspink—stilldid,honestly—andhadflippedoverthiscouch.Dadhad
wrinkledhisnose,madeajokeaboutthebrightcolorblindinghim,andthensatdownandcommentedit
was“actuallycomfortable.”Whenshe’dsaidshewantedit,he’dboughtittomakeherhappy,eventhough
itdidn’tmatchanythinginthehouse.

Tearslodgedinherthroat,andsheswallowedthemback,determinednottoloseit.WhenTomraised

aneyebrow,shemanagedtosay,“I’mjustreallyhappytoseemycouch.”

Tohiscredit,hedidn’tlookatherlikeshe’dlosthermind—whichsheliterallyhad,atleastpartofit

—butnowthatshehadhercouch,itfeltlikeshemightbeabletogetthroughitanyway.Findingher
glassesorgettingnewoneswasnextonthelist.Shewastiredofconstantlysquintingandeverything
beingsofuzzy.

Shegaveherpillowonemorehugandthenstraightened.Thedullacheinchingacrossherskullmeant

itwastimeforanotherpill.Fromexperience,sheknewwaitingtoolongmeantsufferingsharpshooting
painthattookforevertogoaway.Hopefullyinanotherfewdaysshewouldn’tneedthemanymore.They
madeherevenmoredisoriented,andshedoubtedthatwasanywaytogetbackhermissingmemories.

Afterfillingaglass—shehopedthetapwaterwasokaytodrink—shetossedbackapillandthen

offeredTomaglass.

“Nothanks.Ibettergetbacktowork,I’mafraid.IwishIcouldstayandhelpyougetsettled.”Heput

ahandonhershoulder,andforanawkwardbeatshethoughthewasgoingtohugher.She’dneverbeena
hugger—anyway,shedidn’tthinkshe’deverbeen.Maybeduringthetwoyearsshecouldn’tremember
shehabituallyhuggedpeopleshebarelyknew.Hemust’vesensedherhesitationbecausehedroppedhis
arm.“Willyoubeallrighthere?”

Cassienodded.“I’llbefine.Andthanks.Foreverything.”
“Callifyouneedme.I’llcontacttheapartmentcomplexyourfriendlylandladymentioned,explainthe

situation,andletyouknowwhatIfindout.Honestly,I’mgladyou’removing.Thisisarough
neighborhood.”

Comingfromacop,itmadeherextragladshewasleaving,too.Italsojustifiedtheanxietythatkept

tappingonhershoulderandwhisperingthatsheneededtogetthehelloutofhere,eventhoughshe’d
barelyarrived.

***

Vinceinventoriedtheitemsonhiskitchentable.Twopistols,plentyofammo,gloves,alockpickset,and
aknife.Hegatheredeverythingexceptforoneoftheloadedgunsandputthemintotheduffelbagwithhis
emergencystashofcashandachangeofclothes,justincasethingsgotmessy.Hegrabbedtheremaining
gun,sliditintohisshoulderholster,andputhisgreenarmyjacketontocoverhisweapon.

Foramomenthepaused,shakinghisheadatthesituationhe’dgottenhimselfinto.WhatthehellamI

doing?

Overtheyearshe’dtriedhisbesttostayawayfromtheshadysideofUncleCarlo’sbusiness,

focusingallhisenergyonrunningtherestaurant.Occasionallyhehadtogoroughsomeoneupformoney
owed,likewheneverCarlobailedoutBobby.Bobby,whoalwayspromisedthistimehewasgoingto
change,onlytoendupinjailorsomeotherhugemessagain.Healsoalwaysmanagedtodisappear
beforefulfillinghisendofthebargainwithCarlo,leavingVincetotakecareofit.

He’dhadtogethishandsdirtyafewtimes,buthe’dneverkilledanyone.Beforetheincidentalittle

overaweekago,he’donlyseenoneotherdeathhappenrightbeforehiseyes,andithappenedtobethe
worstmomentofhislife.Angerandsorrowchurnedtogether,formingatoxicmixthat’dslowlyeataway
athimifheletit.Hequicklyslammedalidonthosememoriesandturnedbacktothemurderinthealley.
He’dtriedtotalkCarlointogivingthemanonelastchance,butevidentlychanceswereinshortsupply.

Vinceletoutalongexhale,hopingit’deasethetensioncoilinghismuscles,butnosuchluck.Hetook

onelastglancearound,shoulderedhisduffelbag,andexitedhishouse,hisbootedstepsechoingacross
thewoodenporchbeforebeingswallowedupinthegrass.Nostarslitthenightsky,thesliverofmoonthe
onlythingbreakingupthedarkness.Acardroveby,bassbumpingasteadyrhythm,andtheneverything
fellsilentagain.

ThetopofhisJeepRubiconwasdown,sohetossedhisbagintotheback.Ifhewasgoingtobeshot

at,he’dpreferthehardtopon,buthedidn’thavetimetotakecareofthatnow.GuessIbettergetitright
anddrivefast.

Heslidintothedriver’sseat,stillnotfeelingreadyevenafterseveralhoursofplanning,rehashing,

andgoingovereveryscenariohecouldthinkof.

Cassie’sfaceflashedinhismind,thewayithadfrequentlydonesincehe’dwalkedintoCarlo’soffice

andheardthemtalkingaboutkillingher.Thepalegreeneyesbehindthoseblack-framedglasses,theblond
hair,theshysmileshealwaysflashedhimbeforesurprisinghimwithawittyretort.Usuallyhedidallthe
hiring,sowhenCarlohadinformedhimhe’dtakencareofhiringanewwaitress,Vincehadexpecteda
prettybutstupidgirlwithoutmuchexperience.Theprettypartwasright,buttherestwasn’tevenclose.

NotonlywasCassietheirmostreliableemployee,shewasalsosmartandsweet.Wasitanywonder

he’dfoundexcusestochatwithherwheneverhecould?Thathe’dsometimesstandbackandwatchher
movebetweenthetables,thenexperienceapinchofjealousyoverhertalkingtoandgrinningatthe
customers,becausehewantedtobeontheothersideoftheconversation?

He’dnearlyaskedheroutadozentimes,butthenhewouldrememberwhohewasandhowsweetshe

was,andhe’dforcethefoolishidearightoutofhishead.Regretroseupandwrappedsuffocating
tentaclesaroundhislungs.MaybeifI’daskedherout…

Nogoingthere.Nothingcouldchangethepast.Allhecoulddonowwasmakesureshedidn’tget

takenoutbyanyofthelowlifeshisunclewouldhire.Shedeservedbetter.

Shedeservedbetterthanhim,too,butsometimesyoujusthadtochoosetheleastawfuloption.
Ofallpeople,why’dithavetobeCassie?Ragefilledhim,andheslammedthesteeringwheelwith

hispalms.Hetookasecondtocalmdown,toldhimselfonceagainthattherewasnootherway,andthen
startedtheJeepandmadetheturnontothepaththerewasnocomingbackfrom.

ChapterFive

“McVee,”Jimsaid,answeringtheringingphoneonhisdeskandnearlytippingoverwhatwasleftofhis
now-coldcoffee.

“It’sLucy,thenursefromthehospital.I’mcallingaboutthegirl.”
Jimstraightened,thedanglingcarrotofinformationhedesperatelyneededjustoutofreach.Thenurse

hadpromisedtokeephimintheloopabouttheblondwaitress,althoughit’dtakenalotofconvincingon
hispart,evenafterflashingtheFBIbadgeandimplyingshedidn’treallyhaveachoice.“Youmean
CassandraDalton?”

“Yeah.Shewokeup.”
Heallowedhimselfasmallcelebratoryfistpump.He’dbeenwatchingCarloRossifornearlysix

months,andthelongerthecasedraggedonwithoutenoughsolidevidencetoarrestthebastard,themore
frustratedhebecame.Twoweeksago,he’dgottenatipthatsomethingmightbegoingdownatRossi’s
restaurant.Theusualarrayofthugshadshownup,unlikehispartnerwho’dcalledinsickagain.Jimcould
rememberplentyoftimeshe’dbeensick,yethealwaysmanagedtomakeitin.Thatwaswhatwaswrong
withkidsthesedays—shittyworkethic.

He’dbeensittinginhiscarafewblocksawayfromtherestaurant,wonderingifheshouldattemptto

getcloser,whentheblondwaitressbarreledoutthefrontdoors.Herecognizedherimmediately;he’d
beentalkingtooneofthefemaledetectivesabouttryingtoturnherintoasource.Cassandrawastheonly
persononthepayrollwhowasn’tfamilyordatingamember.

Somethingaboutherwildmovementsmadeeveryoneofhisnervesprickup.Withoutcheckingfor

traffic,shedartedintothestreet.

Jimhadgrabbedforthedoorhandle,thinking,Lady,you’renotgoingtomakeit,buthewastoolate.

Theblondheaddisappearedunderthetruckandthentoomanypeopleshoweduptoriskgoingoverto
checkonher—ablowncoverwouldn’thelpanyone.

I’msureshehadagoodreasonforsprintingoutofthebuildinglikethat.It’stimeIfindoutwhatit

was.Hestood,pullinghiscarkeysoutofhispocket.“I’llbethereinafew,”hesaidintothephone.

“Actually,shewokeupafewdaysago…Iwasoffthisweek,soIcameinandfoundoutthey’d

alreadyreleasedher.”

Hesworeunderhisbreath.Whyhadn’tLucymentionedshewouldn’tbethere?Hecould’vetriedto

talktoanothernurse.Ofcoursethemorepeoplehetalkedto,thehighertheriskofbeingexposed.Rossi
hadsourceseverywhere,andhecouldn’tlethimselfforgetthat.Thelastguymadethatmistake,andhe’d
disappeared,months’worthofundercoverworkgonewithhim.It’dmadeCarloandhiscrewevenmore
suspiciousofnewpeople,andtheyhadn’tbeenabletoimplantanyoneintheirinnercirclesince.

“What’sheraddress,then?”Jimasked.“Iwanttodropinandseewhatshecantellme.”
“That’stheproblem,”Lucysaid.“ItalkedtoanothernursetoseewhatIcouldfindoutbeforeIcalled,

anditturnsout,shehasamnesia.Doesn’trememberathingfromthepasttwoyears.”

Jimusedhisfingerstoputpressureonhistemples.Theonegoodthingthat’dhappenedalldayandit

wasquicklygoingdownhill.“Doesthedoctorthinkshe’llgethermemoryback?”

“There’snowayofknowing,butshetookahardblowtothehead.Ifyougoinandpushher,you

mightmakeitworse,andyou’llprobablyjustscareher.ThiswaswhyIworriedabouttalkingtoyouin
thefirstplace.Peopleneedtimetorecover,andmyloyaltyistomypatients.”

Yeah,andbadguysneedtobeputawaybeforetheyhurtanyoneelse.Jimsankbackintohischair,a

heavysideofdefeatpressinghimfurtherdown.“Ihearyou.”Didn’tmeanhewasrulingouttalkingto

Cassandra,notwhenshecouldbethekeytohiscase.“Thanksfortheinformation.Ifanythingelsecomes
up,you’llcall?”

“Sure,”shesaid,butshedidn’tsoundsure,sohewouldn’tbetonit.Hehungupandscrubbedahand

overhisface.Honestly,heprobablywantedCassandraDalton’saccidenttobemorethanitwas.Hewas
gettingdesperate,andthatledtograspingatstraws.Heneededhardevidenceonsomethingmorethan
pettythefttoensureanopenandshutcase.

AnotherteamofagentswastailingCarlo’scapos,themademenwhoworkeddirectlyunderhimand

kepttheirowngroupofflunkeysinline.Ifanyofthemslippedup,they’dbecartedintojailandoffereda
deal—ratorrot.Afewmightchoosetorot,andthatwasfinebyhim.Atleastitwouldputonemore
criminalbehindbars.

Itneededtobesoon,though,becauseasmuchashehatedtoadmitit,hewasgettingold.Moregray

wascreepingintowhatusedtobebrownhair,andthelonghoursweregettinghardertomaintain.

I’llretiresoonandtakealongoverduevacation—orwhateverit’scalledwhenit’sabreakfrom

nothing.

JustassoonasCarloRossiandhisboysareinjail.Heneededtoretireonawin.Hislastcasehad

beenwinintheory,butsincethebadguyhadkilledsevenwomenbeforeJimtookhimdown,ithadn’tfelt
thatway.Hewantedtostopbadguysbeforecountlessvictimspiledup.Wantedthestreetstobesaferso
he’dbeokaywithleavingthemtootherpeopletokeepthatway.

Jimtappedhisfingersonhisdesk,thenturnedtohiscomputerandpulledupCassandraDalton’s

information.Allherfamily’sgone,sonoties.NootherpeopleforRossitothreatentokeepherquiet.
Shewould’vemadeagoodinformant.

He’dwatchtherestaurantandseeifshecameback.Although,thethoughtofwaitingforhoweverlong

that’dbebotheredhim.

Sohescribbleddowntheaddress,justincase,andthenstoodandstretched.Hisbonespopped,an

unneededreminderofhisage.Thenhelefttheoffice,gotintohiscar,andhesitatedatthefirststreetlight,
stillunsureifheshouldmakearightorleft.

***

Cassiepushedthetoosmallpinkframesuphernoseandspreadoutthefadedquilt.Abeautifulpatternof
blueandyellowsquaresinvaryingprintsmadeupthequeen-sizeblanket.

Okay,sotheseglassestotallysqueezemybrain,butatleastIcansee.Thevisually-impairedsearch

throughherbedroomhadunearthedtheoldframes,andshethankedherluckystarsshe’dfoundthem,
despitehowuglyandout-of-styletheywere.Theytookherbacktoherjuniorhighdaysofbeingcalled
four-eyesandcaringenoughtogohomeandcrytoDadaboutit.

Thelenseswereoutdatedenoughtonotbeassharpasthelastpairsherememberedowning,butthere

wasthatwholebeggarsandchoosersthing,andatleasttheymadeiteasiertopackthelastofher
belongings.

She’drecognizedafewitemsasshewentthroughthecloset,includingseveralpiecesofher

wardrobe.Eventhenewclothesprettymuchlookedliketheoldones;shewasneveronetotakeafashion
risk,mostofthemwereconservative,neutral,andwhatshereferredtoasclassics,becausethatsounded
betterthanboring.

Shetuggedontheearpiecesofherglasses,tryingtogetanotherinchofroomwithoutbreakingthem.

Uglyornot,atleastshe’dbeenboldenoughinjuniorhightotakeariskwiththepink.

Wakingupinahospital,lostandconfused,withnofriendstogreether—evenifshewouldn’thave

rememberedthem—madeherthinkitwastimetomakeachange.Totakerisks.Bebolder.Makefriends.
Haveacoupleofadventures.Lifewasshort,andwhileshe’dnevermindedbeingaloneallthatmuch

before,itdugathernow.Itfeltlikeeverythinginherlifereflectedlonelinessbackather,showinghershe
wasmissingmorethanmemories.

I’mgoingtochangethat.
Knowingherselfthewayshedid,it’dtakebabysteps.
MaybeeventuallyI’llbecomemorelikeMomwas.Cassieranherfingersoverthelineofstitcheson

thequilt,thinkingabouthowmuchtimeitmust’vetakentopiecethefabrictogetherandlovingthefew
“mistake”squaresthatdidn’tgowiththerestofthepattern.ThepinkcouchremindedherofDad,andthe
patchworkbedspreadwasherlinktoMom.

NearlyeveryoneofDad’sstoriesaboutMommadeitclearthatshemarchedtothebeatofherown

drum.Cassiealwayswishedshewasmorelikeher—butatthesametime,shelikedthatsheandDadhad
somuchincommon.

Still,itwastimetostopholdingbackandputherselfoutthere.Hermindflashedtothestackof

medicalbillsshe’dfound.Herrisk-takingmightbeslightlyhamperedbyherbudget,andfindingajob
wasimperative,butshevowedtodomorewiththehoursshewasn’tworking.Andsilverlining,the
amountdueshowedshe’datleasttakenaminorbiteoutofthestaggeringsumthesepastfewyears.That
couldn’thavebeeneasywhilepayingforcollege.

Gome.
Speakingofcollege,tomorrowshe’dgototheTCNJcampusandseeifshecouldsalvageanything.

Maybeherbrainwouldrecallherclasses,evenifshedidn’tremembertakingthem.Evenifsheneededa
semesterofftogethereducationalfeetbackunderher,sotospeak,she’dfindawaytojumpbackinas
soonaspossible.

CassieliftedtheframethatheldapictureofherandDadononesideandMomandDadontheother.

Sheranherfingeroverherparents’faces.“I’mgoingtotrytomakebothofyouproud.Beboldandget
mydegree.Goonsomeadventuresandeventuallyfindsomeone,thewayyouguysfoundeachother.I
needsomehappystoriestomixinwiththetragicones.”Shesetthepictureaside,thentookoffherglasses
andsatthemnexttoit.Despiteitbeingearlyforbedtime,shelaybackontheblanket,completely
exhaustedfromherafternoonandinsevereneedofrest.

Sleeptuggedather,promisingtotakeawayherworries,butrightasitstartedtopullherunder,a

knockonthedoorstartledherawake.Shesatup,completelydisorientedassheblinkedatherfuzzy
surroundings,tryingtogroundherselfwithwhereshewas.Eventuallyshe’dgetusedtohercurrentlife,
right?

Shereachedovertowhereshe’dleftherglasses,pattingtheareaandtryingtofindthemsoshe’dbe

abletoseewhoeverwasatthedoor.

ChapterSix

Afterknockingonthedoortoapartmentfifty-four,Vincesteppedtothesidesowhoevercametoanswer
—Cassieorthecopescortwhomightstillbewithher—wouldn’tseehimbeforehegotachancetomake
amove.Hereachedinsidehisjacketandgrippedthehandleofhispistol.

ThisistheworstfuckingideaI’veeverhad.Badideasusedtobehisspecialty,sothatwassaying

something.Hetriednottothinkabouthowmuchtimehe’dgetfortakingoutacop.Lastresortonly.

Yeah,keeptellingyourselfthat,buddy.
Hehadn’tseenanysignofsomeonewatchingtheapartment.Notevenunmarkedcarswithcops

pretendingtoberegularpeoplewhojustlikedtositforhoursbehindthewheel.It’dbereallyconvenient
ifshewasalone,buthedoubtedhe’dgetthatlucky.NotafterwhatCassiehadseen.Theyshouldhavea
swarmofcopswatchingtheplace.

Aftertwoorthreetenseminutesthatmadeacoldsweatbreakoutacrosshisforehead,hetookouthis

lockpicksetand,asquietlyaspossible,insertedthetorquewrench.Heslidthepickintothekeyholewith
hisotherhand,appliedpressureonthewrench,andrakedthepins,searchingforthecorrectalignment.

Everycoupleofsecondshepausedtolistenformovementbehindthedoor.Whentherewasnothing,

hemovedtothenextpin.Breakingandenteringusedtobeahobby.Whilehe’dtriedtoturnhislife
around,itwastoolatetoun-teachhisbrotherthesameskills.Ofcoursethere’dbeennowayofknowing
Bobbywouldturntohardercrimesanddrugs—firstdealing,andthenmostlyusing—butVincefelt
responsibleallthesame.Thatwasthereasonhecouldneverleavehiminjail,orletthebookiesand
dealersheowedtakehimout.He’dspreadthewordthatanyonewhohurtBobbywouldhavetodealwith
retaliationfromhimpersonally,andluckilyhehadenoughcredforpeopletotakethethreattoheart.
Bobbywouldalwaysbehislittlebrother,out-of-controladdictornot.

VincetriednottothinkabouthowwhathewasdoingtonightmighthurtBobbyinthelongrun.He’d

havetowarnhimsomehowandhopehewascoherentenoughtolisten.

Ajunkiebrotherandamobbossunclewhosendsmetokillasweet,innocentgirl.Ireallyhitthe

familylotto.

Thelastpinclickedintoplace,andheheldhisbreath,listeningagain.Maybethey’dmovedCassieto

asafehouseorwerequicklyenteringherintothewitnessprotectionprogram.Itwouldbethesmartthing
todo,aslongasnoneoftheagentsCarlohadinhispocketfoundoutthelocation.Buthisuncle’scontacts
ranlonganddeep,whichgavehimlittlefaithineitheroption.

Aftertakingaquickglancearound,Vincedrewhisgunandeasedthedooropen.Hesupposedhe

should’vewornsometypeofmask,buthewasafraiditwouldscareCassieandmakeeverythingmore
difficult.Ofcourse,hewasfairlycertainshe’dseenhimthedayCarloshotEduardoAlvarezinthealley,
soshe’dbescaredanyway,andthatmeanthe’dprobablyhavetoendupusingforce.

Anotherthingtopushtothebackofhismind—itwouldn’tdohimanygoodrightnow.Firstfindher,

thendealwiththeotherpart.

Completedarknessgreetedhim,theblindsdrawntightenoughtoshutoutthealmostnon-existent

lightsoftheghettoapartmentcomplexshehadnobusinesslivingininthefirstplace.

Ifshe’salreadyasleep,thismightbeeasierthanIthought.Hisfoothitsomethingsolid,thethunk

loudinthequiet.Boxes.Alloverthefloor.Carefullysteppingoverthem,hemadehiswaytotheliving
room.Moreboxesandthedarkoutlineofacouch.

Hecreptdownthehall,grippedtheknobtothebedroomdoorwithonehandandhisgunwiththe

other,andthenpusheditopenandmovedinside.

Thefewmissingslatsintheblindsletinenoughlighttoseethebedwasempty—strippedofits

bedding,too,onlyabaremattressremaining.Vincecheckedtheclosetjusttobesure,andthenflippedon
thelighttogetabetterlook.

Morelabeledboxessatonthefloor.Ofcourseshe’snothere.Cassie’ssmarterthanthat.
Heputthesafetyonhisgunandsliditbackintohisholster.Idon’tknowwhethertoberelievedor

worried.

Hepokedaround,tryingtofindsomethingthatwouldcluehiminonwhereshemightgo,andthen

movedtoleave.Hehadhishandontheknobwhenaknockcameatthefrontdoor.Hequicklyflattened
himselfagainstthewall,drawinghisgunagain.

“CassandraDalton?”
Thevoicewasmale,buthedidn’trecognizeit.Thecool,hardhandleofhisgundugintohispalmas

hegrippedittighter.Hewantedtopeekoutbutwasn’twillingtoriskblowinghislocation.

Anotherloudrappingofknucklessplittheair.TheneedtobreathehitVincestrong,soheletanexhale

leakoutandthensuckedinamouthfulofair,carefultoremainperfectlystill.

Finally,theguygaveup,hisfootstepsretreatingfromthedoor.
LookslikeI’mnottheonlyonelookingforCassie.Vincemovedtheblindsaside,tryingtogetalook

attheguy;surelyCarlodidn’tsendsomeoneelsealready.Withthedimlighting,thenightswallowedup
thedarkoutlinewithinseconds.

OnceVincereachedtheparkinglot,heglancedaroundforCassie’scarandnoteditwasn’tthere—her

ridedefinitelystuckout.Hewonderedhowhardit’dbetofindwithnothingbutmakeandmodel.Unlike
Carlo,hedidn’thaveanycopfriends.Afterallthetroublehe’dgottenintoinhighschool,heavoidedpigs
atallcosts.

HefireduptheenginetohisJeep.Hecouldn’thelpwishingthatCarlowoulddropthesearchfor

Cassienowthatit’dobviouslybecomemorecomplicated.Justleaveittohiswell-paidlawyertowork
hismagicifchargescameup,butVinceknewbetter.Hisuncleneverleftlooseends,andhewouldn’tstop
untilCassiewasfoundandkilled.

No…unfortunatelythisdidn’tchangeanything.
Lookedlikehe’dhavetodotheonethinghesworehe’dneverdo—fullyjumpintothesideofthe

businesshehatedsohecouldgetaccesstoinformationheneeded.Thatway,whenCassiewasinevitably
found,Vincewouldbethefirsttoknow.

Thenhe’dmakesurehegottoherbeforeanyoneelsecould.

ChapterSeven

“Gone?”Carlobangedhisfistonhislargemahoganydesk,rattlingthecigarashtrayheusedwhenhe
didn’tfeellikegoingtothealley.“Wherethefuckdidshego?”

Vincethoughtthismightbeanewrecord—Carloshowinguptotherestaurantthismanydaysinarow,

notthelosinghistemperwhenhegotbadnewspart.

“Everythingwaspackedup,”Vincesaidwithashrug.“Idoubtshe’llbegoingback.She’ssmarter

thanthat.”

Pleaseletherbesmarterthanthat.
OrshouldIhopethatshe’snotsoIcangettohereasier?Hisemotionscouldn’tdecidewhichto

cheerfor.Everyoptionhadshittysides,andthelongeritwasdrawnout,theworseit’dbe,yetthefarther
awayshecouldget.Thenmaybethemesswoulddiedownandjustgoaway.

Itwasabigfuckingmaybe.
“Whataboutalloftheboxes?”Carloasked.“Someonehastogetthem,don’tthey?”
“I’llkeepaneyeontheplace,buthercar’sgone,too.”
“Whatkindofcarwasit?”
Dammit.He’dbeentryingtoconvinceCarloshewasgone,notgivehimmoreinformationtotrackher

down.“Idon’tremember,”helied.“Itwasanoldwhitecar.Ibettheygotridofit.Bynowshe’s
probablygotabrandnewidentityandisholedupfarawayfromhere.”

Carlostuckhischinonhisfist.“Ifshe’stalkedandtuckedawayalready,whyhasn’tthecavalrycome

chargingin?Ikeepwaitingforthemto,whichiswhyI’mhereshowingwhatahard-workingresponsible
restaurantownerIam.Mysourceshaven’theardanything,either.”Heranahandthroughhissaltand
pepperhair,hisfatgoldweddingbandcatchingthelight.

Vincerubbedhisjaw.“Maybeshedidn’ttalk.Maybeassoonasshewasreleasedfromthehospital,

shejustgotthehelloutofDodge.”Wouldshedothat?Nodoubtshe’dbescared,butshealsoseemedlike
theresponsibletypewho’dfeelguiltyifshedidn’treportsomethinglikewitnessingamurder.

Thenagain,survivalinstinctswereahellofathing.Afterall,they’ddrivenhimtodothingshe

wasn’tproudof.

Carlotookaburnerphoneoutofhisdeskandscowledatnothinginparticularwhilehewaitedfor

whoeverhe’ddialedtoanswer.“Sal.GetovertoCassie’sapartmentcomplexonProspectandwatchthe
place.”

Vincetookastepforward,panicrisinghotandfast.“Yousaidyou’dletmedoit.Idon’twantanyof

yourgoonstogoinandmessitup.”

Carlonarrowedhiseyes.Hetwistedthemouthpieceupandinalowvoicesaid,“Watchyourself.I

knowwhatIpromised.Ineedyouhererunningtherestaurant.LetSaldosomethingusefulforonce.”

ThespringsoftheseatsqueakedlightlyasCarlosatbackandmovedthephonebackintoplace.“If

youseeher,youstayonher.Findoutwhereshe’sstayingandhowmanypeoplearewatching.”

Vincecouldn’tmakeoutwhatSalsaidinreturn.
“Watchandreport,that’sitfornow.Capisce?”Carlorolledhiseyes.“Makesurethatyoudo.”He

endedthecall,pulledacigaroutofhisdeskdrawer,andranitunderhisnose.HelookedupatVince
almostasifhe’dforgottenhewasthere,althoughVinceknewbetter.Hewasdrawingitout,enjoyingthe
powerandmakinghimpayforhisoutburst.

Clenchinghisfiststocontrolhistemper,Vinceremainedinplace.IfCarlowantedanapology,he

couldwaitforhelltoturnchilly.Apologizingwouldshowweaknessanyway,andCarlolovedtesting

people.Lovedseeingwho’dsuckupandwho’dholdtheirground.

“Don’tworry,”Carlofinallysaid.“You’llknowassoonasIknow.”
Vincenoddedandturnedtogetbacktotherestaurant,sureit’dbeimpossibletofocus.Theonething

thatmadehimfeelslightlybetterwasknowinghowunlikelyit’dbeforCassietoevergobacktothat
apartmentagain.

***

PeoplemoreexperiencedinbeingboldmightscoffatCassie’srisk-taking,butsheneededtogettoher
oldapartmentcomplex,andshethoughtdrivingaroundwithoutalicensemadeheratleasthalfabadass.

Halfanass.That’sgivingmesomeweirdimagery.Beingoverlyanalyticalaboutastatementshe’d

madeinherheadprobablydroppedherdowntomorelikeone-thirdbadass.Consideringshealso
plannedoncallingTomtohelphergetoutofaticketifshedidgetpulledover,thatnumberprobably
neededdividingaswell.

OnesixthofabadassisstillmorethanIwasbefore.Pullingoffanysortofcooltitleinher’78

DodgeAspenwasafeatinandofitself.Thethingwasatotalbeater,butitran,waspaidoff,andnever
failedtogetherfrompointAtopointB.SurelyTomhadknownshe’ddriveitwhenhebroughtitfromthe
impoundlotforherlastnight;hisknockhadwokenherup,andwhenshetriedtolaydownagainafterhe
left,herinstinctswouldn’tstopscreamingthatsomethingwasn’tright.

Thefranticimpulsetoleavebeatoutlogic,andshe’dgrabbedthenecessitiesanddriventoHudson

GroveApartments.Thelandlordtherewasnotonlyfriendly—despiteitbeingafterofficehours—buthad
alsogivenherakeywithoutthreateningtochargeforit,andshowedhertohernewapartment.Without
herfurniture,she’dmadedowiththecarpetandMom’squiltforabed.

Theengine’sloudroarassheacceleratedmadeithardtoheartheradio,soCassietwistedtheknob,

turningitupsoshecoulddecideifshelikedthecurrenttrack.Mostofthesongswerenewtoher,which
waskindofnicewhilealsobeingdisconcerting.

Atthestoplight,shecheckedthetime.Themoversshouldbeatheroldplaceinabouttwentyminutes,

soshe’dbeatthemtherebyaboutten.

Thisdayhadbeenforeverlong,andwhileshe’daccomplishedquiteabit,shewasalreadyexhausted

withalotlefttodo.Firstthingthismorningshe’dgonetocampusandfoundherschedule—shehadall
buttwotextbooksforherclasses,butwhenshe’dcrackedopenthespines,everythinghadlookedso
foreignitmightaswellhavebeenanotherlanguage.Afteranhouroftryingacombinationofspeed-
readingandosmosis,she’dreturnedtotheregistraranddroppedherclasses.Itphysicallyhurthertodoit
afterbeingsohappytodiscovershe’dfinallystartedcollege,buttryingtocramtwoandahalfmonthsof
materialwhilegettingherlifebackinorderwouldonlyleadtofailinggrades.

Theladyattheregistrartookpityandrefundedhalfhertuition.Apparentlypartofitwaspaidbya

scholarship,andshesaidthey’dapplyitnextsemesterifCassiecameback.

Thepangoffeelinglikeafailurehitheragain.It’sokay.I’llbrushupontheyearandahalf ’sworth

ofclassesIgotcreditforalreadyandthentryagain.

Aftersheleftcampus,sheusedthestashofmoneyshefoundinherdresserandheadedtotheeye

doctor.Thegoodthingaboutwaitingtableswashavingalotofcashonhand,andjudgingfromthewadof
bills,she’dkeptthecareer.Orbecomeastripper,whichwasextremelyunlikely,asjustthethoughtmade
herwanttointernallycombustfromembarrassment.She’dcheckintoherlastjobwhenshehadinternet
connectionandcouldlogintoherbankaccounts.Withanyluck,theyandherpasswordswerethesame.

Fornow,shewasjusthappytohaveexchangedtheancientbrain-squeezerglassesforblackrectangle

frames.Theyhadapink“colorpop”ontheinside,andshedecidedshewastotallygoingtostartwearing
morecolorontheoutside,too.

“Ohcrap,wasthatmyturn?”Cassiemadeafrowned-uponU-turnshewasprettysurebumpedher

backuptoone-thirdabadass,andthenpulledoverinfrontofheroldapartmentcomplex.

Sheclimbedoutofhercarandtookadeepbreathoffreshair.Fallwasherfavoriteseason;itwasn’t

toohotortoocoldandtheworlddecidedtotryonbrightercolorsitself.Sheleanedagainstherhoodto
waitforthemovers.Sometimeinthenearfuture,sheneededtogetaphone—themovingcompanyhada
hardtimebelievingshedidn’thaveone,andeventhoughshereceivedhesitantlooks,theyfinally
acceptedherpinkypromisethatshe’dbetherewhentheyarrived.

Outofthecornerofhereye,shecaughtsightofaguycomingupthesidewalk.Shestraightened,

suddenlyfeelingvulnerableoutherebyherself,especiallywithTom’swordsaboutitbeingabad
neighborhoodrunningthroughhermind.

Usuallysheavoidedeyecontact,butself-defensetipsallsaidnotto,sothepersonknewyoucouldID

them.

So,gatheringhercourage,shelookedstraightathimandassessedhimthewayshewouldifshewere

togiveadescription.Thin,pointednose,greasy-lookingdarkhair—ew—andafootorsotallerthanshe.
Hiseyeswidenedwhenhemethergaze.Goosebumpsprickedherskin,andherhearthitchedupafew
notches.

Thenalargemovingvanpulledup,itsengineasloudashercar’s.Theguyinthevanunrolledthe

window.“Lookslikeyoukeptyourpromise.”

Shesmiled,battingawaytheheattryingtoclimbupherneck.“Ialwaysdo.”
Asthemoversexitedthetruck,Cassieglancedbacktowardwheretheotherguyhadbeenonthe

sidewalk,buthewasn’tthereanylonger.

Hmm.Thattrickaboutmakingeyecontacttotallyworked.
Severalhourslater,Cassiestoodinthemiddleofhernewapartment.Theplacewasn’tanybigger

thanherotherone—infact,itmightbeatadsmaller—butthekitchenhadmorecounterspace,aU-shaped
areaaroundtheoven,fridge,anddishwasher;itwasinasaferneighborhoodwherethemaindoorsfaced
aninsidehall,whichmadeherfeelmoresecure,anditwasn’tlikesheneededmuchspaceanyway.

Thentherewasherfavoritefeature:thehugelivingroomwindow.Whenitwassunny,itlitupnot

onlythisroombutalsoherkitchen.Shesteppedclosertotheglass.Hertenth-floorapartmentwaslevel
withtheroofofthecomplexacrossthestreet,andjustbeyondthat,rantheDelawareRiver.Ifshe
loweredhergaze,shecouldseeintothelitupapartmentsthatdidn’thavetheirblindsdrawn.Theycould
probablyseeintohersaswell,andsheremindedherselftogetcurtains,evenifshuttingouttheamazing
viewseemedlikeacrime.

Cassiewalkedbackwarduntilherkneeshitthecouch.Thenshefloppedontothecushionsandthought

shemightnevermoveagain.Thehardestpart’sover,andatleastIfeelsafeforthefirsttimesinceI
wokeupinthehospital.

Beforehereyelidsdecidedtoshutdownonher,shepulledupherbankaccountsonherrathernice

laptop.She’dworkedlongenoughasaserverthatsherecognizedwimpywaitresspaycheckswhenshe
sawthem,evenbeforeshereadtherestaurant’snametothesideoftheamounts.

Everycoupleofweeksshe’dreceivedamodestcheckfrom

ROSSI’SRISTORANTEPAYROLLPPD,

andthen

shemadedepositsonceortwiceamonth.Thebalancesinbothhercheckingandsavingsweren’tgreat,
butnotcompletelydesolate.

Plus,shestillhadasignificantstashinherdresser.Ifshedidn’thavesomanybillstopayoff,she’d

actuallybeinagoodplacefinancially.Butsincebillswouldonlykeepcoming,sheneededajob,either
heroldoneoranewone.

Shestretched,gladshewasn’tsostiffanymore—sheworriedthemovingandrearrangingwould’ve

madeherworse,butitseemedtoloosenherupinstead.Herbruisesweremostlygone,allbutoneonher
righthipthatwasattheuglypurpleandyellowstage.Sometimesitstillseemedunrealthatatruckhadhit
her.

Allthingsconsidered,she’dcomeoutprettywell.Ifonlyhermemorieswouldreturn,she’dbeno

worseforwear.

TomorrowI’llgoseeifRossi’shasmyspotopenstill,andbeforeyouknowit,mylifewillbeback

tosemi-normal.

ChapterEight

CarlowasenjoyinghisCubancigarinthealleybehindtherestaurantwhenthebackdoorburstopenwith
somuchforceitclangedagainstthewall.Somuchforafewminutesofpeaceandquiet.

EvenbeforeSalspoke,thesmuglookonhisfacehadCarlofightingtheurgetosmackhimupsidethe

head.Theguywasloyalastheycame,whichwaswhyhe’dpromotedhimthroughtheranks,buthewas
alsolikeagnat,thistinybuzzingcreaturethatwouldn’tleaveyoualone.Hetalkedabouthimselfinthird
person,too,whichwasannoyingasshit.

Carloblewoutaringofsmokeandthentappedtheashesofftheendofhiscigar,makingsurenotto

getanyonhisnewsportcoat.“Yougoingtostandtheregrinninglikeanidiot,oryougoingtospititout?”

“Salfoundher.”Hissnakeoilsmilewidened.“SalfoundCassie.Shedidn’tevenchangehername.I

didjustwhatyousaid.Watchedheroldplace,andwhenthemovingtruckcame,shewasthere.”His
foreheadwrinkled.“Itwasweird,Boss.Shelookedrightatme,butitwaslikeshedidn’trecognizeme…
Shetensed,butshedidn’trun.Justmadeeyecontactandstoodherground.Almostlikeachallenge.”

Carlohadnoideawhattomakeofthat.Unlessshehaddamngoodprotection,surelyshewould’ve

fled—evenwith,sheshould’veshoutedforhelp.Shewassweetastheycame,buthe’dneverthoughtof
herasparticularlybrave.Thenagain,Allegrahadtriedtoscareheraway,andCassiehadshakenitoff.
Thiswasn’thispushywife,though.Thiswasaguywho’dshotatherthelasttimeshe’dseenhim.

“Shehaveanescort?”
“Ididn’tseeone.ThenewcomplexIfollowedhertoislockedupprettytight;it’dbehardtogetin

andoutcompletelyunnoticed.NotthatSalcouldn’tdoit,butI’mthinkingit’dbeeasiertohitherwhen
sheleaves.”

Carlotookanotherpuffofhiscigar,lettingtheinformationsettle.Nomatterhowhespunit,itdidn’t

makesense.

“Ialreadycalledafewguystotakecareofit,actually.Theysaidtheycouldwatchtheplaceandthen

doadrive-by.Makeitlooklikeanaccident.Thatwayitdoesn’tcomebackonus.They’vejustgotto
waitfortherightmomentand—”

“Callitoff,”Carlosaid.“ImadeapromisetoVince.”
“Whathedon’tknowwon’t—”
“Isaidcallitoff!Idon’twantsloppy,andItrusthimoveranypunkswho’llratiftheygetcaught.Not

tomentionthefirstplacethecopswilllookafterastuntlikethatisatus.”Carlosteppedcloserand
grabbedthefrontofSal’sshirt.Afterholdingbackforsolong,itwasoddlysatisfyingespeciallywiththe
waySal’seyesbulgedoutoftheirsockets.“Capisce?”

Salnodded.“Surething,Boss.”
“Good,”hesaid,flinginghimaway.“GotellVinceIneedtotalktohim.I’llbeinmyoffice.”He

droppedhiscigarandgrounditoutwithhisfoot.

He’djustsettledintohischairwhentherewasaknock.Thedoorcrackedopen,andVincestuckhis

headinside.“Youwantedtoseeme?”

“SalfoundCassie.”
Vincesteppedfartherinsideandclosedthedoorbehindhim.“Whereisshe?Whatname’sshe

under?”

“StillrighthereinJersey.Samename.”
Thepuzzlementhe’dfeltovertheinformationshowedonVince’sfeatures.“How’dhefindher?Did

shegobacktoheroldplace?”

“Yeah.Salsaidshesawhim,too—damnfoollethimseeher.Probablythoughthe’dtakeheroutright

thereinthemiddleofthesidewalk.”Carloshookhishead.He’dneverexpectedhimtobetheonewho
foundher.Otherwisehewould’vesentsomeonesmarter.“Hesaidshedidn’trun,didn’tscream.Just
lookedrightathim.Saiditseemedlikeshedidn’tevenknowhimandaddedtherewasasortofchallenge
tothewayshestoodherground.Whatthehelldoyoumakeofthat?”

Vincesatonthearmofthechairacrossfromhim,hiseyebrowsdrawingtogether.“Noidea.”
Asageneralrule,henevertrustedanythingtoogoodtobetrue.“Seemstooeasy,doesn’tit?Thatshe

wasthereagainandledhimrighttoherapartment.Heclaimedhedidn’tseeacop,butIdon’ttrusthimto
spotanundercoverpig.”

“Youthinkmaybethey’rebaitingyou?Settingatrap?”
TheideaslammedintoCarlolikeapunchtothegut.Didtheywanthimtogoafterhersotheycould

catchhimred-handed?Didtheyreallythinkhe’dbestupidenoughtogohimself?Orweretheyplanning
ontakinginhisguystoseewho’dtalk?“GettheaddressfromSalandcheckitout.Watchyourback.
Don’tdoanythingstupid,anddon’tdrawtoomuchattention.”

Vincenoddedandstraightened.Carlohadwatchedthekidgrowup,hopingforyearshe’djoinhim.

He’dtakeoneofhimoveradozenSals.ButVincehadinsistedonstayingcleansincehighschool,and
CarlohadusedBobby’smistakestokeephimcloseenoughtotheline,hopinghisnephewwould
eventuallycave.Thiswastheperfectthingtopushhimover.Oncehesawthemoneyandthepower,he’d
besuckedin,justlikehisoldman.

“I’mtrustingyoutotakecareofit,”Carlosaid.
“I’lltakecareofit,”Vincesaidinthatsuretonehelikedtohear.“YouthinkAngelocanhandle

runningtheplacebyhimself?He’llactuallyhavetocomein.”

Carlosworeunderhisbreath.“Ican’tbelievemyownsonissuchafannullone.”Thelazykiddidn’t

careaboutfamily,honor,orworkingforwhathegot.HeonlyshowedupattherestaurantwhenCarlo
threatenedtocuthimoff,eventhoughhewastwenty-fiveyearsoldnow.HeandBobbywereprettymuch
peasinapod,whichwaswhyhe’dnevertriedtopulleitherintothefamilybusiness.

“He’llhavetocomeinifhewantstokeepdrivingthatflashysportscarhelovessomuch,”Carlo

said,sureit’dbetheperfectmotivation.“AngeloandIwillruntherestaurantwhileyou’regone.Youjust
focusontakingcareofCassie.”

“Tommasokeepsthekitchenrunningsmoothly,andeveryonerespectshim.Hecanhelpwiththe

managerstuffifyouneedit.”Withthat,Vinceturnedtogo.

“Asfastandpainlessaspossible,”Carlosaid,stillhatingithadtobedone—he’dgottenmore

attachedtothesweetgirlwiththebrightsmilethanhe’dliketoadmit.Andhewouldn’t.Nottoanyone.
“Butyoumakesureshe’sdead.”

“Don’tworry.I’llmakeherdisappear.”

ChapterNine

Howfastcouldone’sheartbeatbeforeitshort-circuitedandgaveout?

Cassieneededtoknow,becauseherheartwasseriouslytestingthelimits.Everyturnthatbroughther

closertowheresheusedtowork—ormaybestilldid—madeherpalmssweatandherheartaccelerate.
Everynerveinherbodyscreamedtostopuntilshe’dslowedthecartoanearcrawl.Anysecond
someonewouldpullbehindherandstarthonking.Iftheycalledthecops,she’dalsobescrewedbecause
shestilldidn’thavealicense,althoughtheDMV—er,theMVC,sincehereinNewJerseytheywentby
themotorvehiclecommission—wasnextonherto-dolist.

Afadedsignonthebrickexteriordeclaredshewasattherightplace,buteventhoughRossi’slooked

likeaperfectlynicerestaurant,beinginthenearvicinityofitgaveherapanickyfeelingshecouldn’t
shake.

Shepulledintoanemptyspotablockdown,herbreathsawinginandoutofhermouth.Afterafew

minutesofdebatingwhetherornotsheshouldbotherTomatwork,shegaveinandcalledhimup.

“OfficerDuffy,”hesaidaftershe’dbeentransferredtohisline.
“It’sCassie.WasIhitinfrontofanItalianrestaurant?”Ifthiswaswheretheaccidenthappened,

that’dexplainwhyherbodyrejectedtheideaofgoingbacktothescene.

“Iknowthere’sadonutshoprealclose,”hesaid,andshelookedaround,spottingoneacrossthe

street,kitty-cornerfromtherestaurant.“HoldonandI’llchecktheexactlocation.”

Amomentlaterherattledofftheaddress,andsureenough,shewasthere.Shewonderediftherewas

bloodstillonthestreet.Thanksforgoingtothatdisturbingplace,brain.LikeIwasn’talreadyfreaking
out.

Sheshouldgetoutofhercar,gointotherestaurant,andseewhattheycouldtellher.Shecurledher

fingersaroundthedoorhandle,andherheartbeatevenfaster.Sweatprickedherneckandforehead.Her
chesttightenedtothepointthatgettingairbecamedifficult.

“Youokay?”Tomasked,andshenearlydroppedthephonebecauseshe’dforgottenshewasevenon

it.Great,nowshewasforgettingcurrentevents,too.

“Fine,”sheraspedout.“Thanksfortheinformation.I’ll,uh,talktoyoulater.”Shehungupafterhis

goodbyeandstaredatthestorefront.Ifherdepositsandcashpilewereanyindication,it’dbeenagood
placetowork.

Butwhyhadn’tanyoneshownuptoseeher,andwhyhadshebeenidentifiedasaJaneDoe?A

pricklingsenseofwrongnesscrawledoverherskin,everythinginhershoutingtogetoutofthere,andto
doitnow.

Thedoortotherestaurantswungopen,andforreasonsshecouldn’texplain,sheslammedonthegas,

acceleratingawayasquicklyaspossible.Itwasagoodthingnocarshadbeenpassingby,orshe
would’vehadhersecondaccidentinthesameexactspotasthefirst.

***

Thepastfewdayshadbeenabluroftryingtofindherwayaroundthecity,soCassiewasn’tforever
relyingonhernewphonefordirections—althoughitcertainlycameinhandy—andlearningtheropesof
hernewjob.

SheerforceofwillhadlandedherawaitressingspotatMcCarthy’sSteakandSeafoodRestaurant,an

upscaleplacewithinwalkingdistanceofherapartment.Withhernewboldmottoinmind,she’dgonein,
askedtospeaktoamanager…

Andthenstumbledoverherwordsasherfaceheatedup,sendingherdowntoasixthofabadassyet

again.Shewasmuchbetterattheshowingthantelling,butshe’dmanagedtoconveyherexperienceand
flexiblehours,andMr.Brown,whowasaslivelyashisname,hadhiredheronthespot.

Sinceshedoubtedhernewbosswouldbeimpressedifshewasonherphonewhilesheshouldbe

working,shefoughttheurgetocheckheremailagain—diggingthroughherinboxthismorninghad
unearthedanoldemailfromAnnie,hernext-doorneighborinParker.Shewasanurse,sowheneverDad
gotsickandCassiewasn’tsureifsheshouldtakehimin—healwayssaidno,becauseERvisitsweretoo
expensive—Anniewouldcomeoverandcheckhisvitalsandofferadvice.AfterDadpassedaway,she’d
occasionallystoppedbytocheckonCassie,oftenbringingdinnerandgivinghermuch-neededcompany.

Todistractherself,Cassiecheckedonhercustomersandclosedoutorders.Hertipsygroupordered

anotherbottleofwine,lookingliketheywereinnohurrytoleave.Unabletotakeitanymore,Cassie
checkedherphone,butAnniehadn’trespondedyet.

Ifthishazyfoghoveringovermybrainwouldjustfreakinggoaway,that’dbegreat.She’deven

toyedwiththeideaofahypnotherapist.Shewassurehermemoriesweretwoyearsofboringday-to-day
activities,buttheywerehermundanememories,andshewantedthem—alongwithhercollegeeducation
—back.Nodoubthypnotherapywouldcostbigbucks,andsavingforcollegewillprobablybemore
productive.

“Waitress?”
Cassieturnedtowardthevoiceandnoticedthemanicuredfingerintheair.Withatugonthehemof

herblackskirt,sheheadedtowardthetable.Apparentlythedressywhitebuttondownnegatedthefactthat
somuchofherlegswereondisplay.She’dconvincedherselftheuniformwasbold,becauseithelpedher
feellessawkwardabouthowshorttheskirtwas.Intheory,anyway.

Sheflashedtheladyasmile.“Yes?”
“We’rereadyforourchecknow.”
“Ibroughtittoyouwiththelastbottle.”
“Oh.”Thegirlgiggledandscannedthetable.“Hereitis.Comeon,everybody.Coughitup.Itcameto

justshyoftwo-hundred,sofortyplustipeach.”

“I’llletyougetitallsettledandberightback.Doesanyoneneedato-gobox?”
Noonepipedup,soCassiewalkedacrosstherestaurant,figuringshe’dcheckonheroneothertable.

Thecouplehadalreadyleft,sosheleanedovertogetthebill.Hergazedriftedtothelargewindowfacing
thestreet,andthehairsonthebackofherneckprickedup.

Theonlythingshecouldmakeoutwasthefaintglowofstreetlights,combinedwiththereflected

lightsoftherestaurant.Sheknewitmadenosense,butthepastfewdaysshe’dhadthedistinctfeelingof
beingwatched.

Thedoctorsaidtheremightbetimesofconfusion.Sheshookherhead,chalkingtheeeriesensation

uptoacombinationofthatandexhaustion,andturnedaway.Althoughnowshewishedshe’ddrivenso
shewouldn’thavetowalkhomealoneinthedark—thewalkthereinthecrispafternoonwasalwaysso
nice.Anditwasonlyfiveblocks.

Fiveblocksinthedarkwithmyneckconstantlyprickling,suddenlysureeverypersonwhowalks

ordrivesbyisouttogetme.Sheshudderedandattemptedtostiflethosethoughtssoshewouldn’t
completelyfreakherselfout.Thensherememberedthebrandnewcanisterofpeppersprayinherpurse
andtookcomfortinthat.

Herlivelycustomerswereheadingtowardtheexit,soshewavedandtoldthemtohaveagoodnight.

Shelookedaroundatthemostlyemptyrestaurant.Nowwhat?

Suddenlyshewaswishingforittobebusyagain—funnyhoweventhoughshedidn’tknowthe

customers,simplyhavingthemtherehelpedcombatthelonelyfeelingthatkeptrisingupandlodgingin

herchest.Theothertwowaitresseswerealreadyfriends,andwhenshe’dattemptedtomakesmalltalk,
it’dbeenastilted,clunkyconversationthatmadeitcleartheywerejustwaitingforhertoleavesothey
couldgobacktotheirpreviousconversation.Clearlyshe’dhavetolookforfriendselsewhere.

Wheredoesaslightlyparanoid,trying-to-get-over-her-shyness—andoh,yeah,amnesia—waitress

gotomakefriends?

Thedooropened,andsheglancedtowardit…thendidadoubletake.Theguyhadaballcappulled

low,makingithardtoseehiseyes,butthedarkstubbleonhisjaw,thenearlyblackhairpeekingoutfrom
thehat,andthelargebicepsdisplayedbyhisform-fittingT-shirtmadeherverybarelegsgowobblyon
her.

Holyhotness,Batman.
Usuallytherewasahostessupfront,butshemust’vesnucktotherestroomortothebackwiththe

otherstaffsinceitwasslow,soCassiefiguredshe’dtaketheinitiativeandseathim.Thatwayhecould
beinherarea,too,sobonuspoints.

Sheapproachedandgrabbedamenufromthestand.“Hi.Justone?”
Hisgazecaughthers.Brown.Hiseyesweredefinitelybrown—areallycoolmixofshadesthatmade

herwanttotakebackcallingMr.Brown’snameboring,becauseevidentiallybrowncouldbevery,very
not-boring.

Peeringintothoseeyesmadeherheartgocompletelyfluttery.Shelickedherlips,fightingtomaintain

hercomposureinsteadofsimplybattingherlashesanddrooling.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”heaskedinalowvoicethatsentanelectriczipthroughhercore.
Wow.Shedidn’tusuallyfeelso…inexplicablydrawntoguysshedidn’tknow.Well,Isupposeitis

explicable,actually.He’sprettymuchthehottestguyI’veeverlaideyeson.

Hiseyebrowsarched,remindingherhe’daskedaquestion—akindofweirdone.“Iworkhere,”she

said,pushingherglassesuphernose.“Wouldyoulikemetoshowyoutoatable?”

Hestaredatherforanotherbeatwheresheforgottobreathe,andthennodded.Assoonashewas

seated,shefoughttheboutofshynesstryingtotakeoverandmakehersaystupidthingsandaskedwhat
he’dliketodrink.

Hecontinuedtostare,hiseyebrowsknittingclosertogetherbythesecond,likehedidn’tunderstand

whatshe’dsaid.Ifhehadn’tspokenaminuteago,she’dwonderifhespokeEnglish.HelookedItalian,
butnotforeign,ifthatmadeanysense.Withherbrainshort-circuitingfrombeingnearhim,makingsense
wasathingofthepast.

Sheclearedherthroatandworkedonkeepinghervoicesteady.“WehavePepsiproducts,andour

alcohollistisrightthere.”Whenhedidn’tmakeamoveforit,shereachedoverthetabletowhereitwas
proppedagainstthewallandplaceditinfrontofhim.

Hisgazehadmovedtoherlegs,andheatlickedatherskin,followingthetrailhiseyesfollowed.She

swallowedpastadrythroatandtuggedattheskirt.Heseemedtorealizehewasstaringandlookedup.
“Pepsi’sfine.”

“Okay.I’llberightbackwiththat.Ourspecialistheyellowfinahitunawithwildriceandgrilled

asparagus.”

Thenosecrinkleclashedwiththebadboylookhehadgoingon,andthedeliciousmixcausedher

hearttoskipabeat.“Notaseafoodfan?”

Hecrossedhisarmsonthetable,andshecouldn’thelpnoticingthewayitmadehismusclesstand

out.“Seemslikeyouknowmeprettywell.”

Cassielaughed,andwhileitcameoutalittlemorenervous-soundingthanshewould’veliked,it

wasn’tcompletelyembarrassing.“Luckyguess.Combinedwiththefaceyoumade.”

Anamusedsparkflickeredthroughhiseyes.“Actually,itwasthericeandasparagusthathadmethe

mostworried.”

“Don’tworry.They’rereallygood.”Sheliftedherorderingpadasifshewereabouttodivulgea

hugesecretanddidn’twantanyoneelsetoknow.“ButifIwereyou,I’dgosteakandpotatoes.Thesteak
hereisthebestI’veeverhad.”Sheloweredhereyebrows.“Ithink,anyway.”Sheshookherhead.Why
hadn’tshejuststoppedtalking?“Butthat’sneitherherenorthere.”

Thereshewent,justaddingmore.Okay,seriously,zipit.Shepressedherlipstogether,curvedthem

intoasmile,andsaid,“I’llberightbackwithyourdrink.”

***

VincewatchedCassiewalktowardthebackinthattinyskirtthatshowedoffsexylegshe’donlydreamed
aboutseeingsomuchofbefore.Shehadnewglasseswithslightlychunkierframes,andshestillpushed
themupinthewaythatdrovehimcrazy.

Thatwastheweirdthing,though.Sheseemedabitnervous,butnotterrified.Notevenalittlefreaked

out.He’dwatchedtheplace,thinkinghe’dapproachherafterhershift,butwhenthehostessstepped
away,hethought,screwit,andwentinside.He’dexpectedtohavetodragheroutoftherestaurant.

Instead,sheactedlikeshedidn’tevenknowhim.JustlikeSalsaidshedidwithhim.Forallheknew,

shewascallingthecopsortheFBIorwhoevershewasrelyingonforprotectionrightnow.

Onlyhedidn’tthinkthatwasthecaseanymore.Fortwodayshe’dwatchedhercomeandgo.Another

carhadfollowedher—hewasalmostsure,becausehe’dseenittwice,bothtimestrailingher.Butshe
neveracknowledgedtheguyorvehicleinanyway,andithadn’tbeenaroundtonight,whichwaswhy
Vincehadbeenstupidenoughtobargeintherestaurant…

Andmakejokeswithheraboutseafoodandasparagus.Warmthspreadthroughhischest.He’dbeen

sofocusedoneverythingelsethathe’dforgottenhoweasilyshecouldmakehimforgetwhohewas,if
onlyforalittlebit.

Hereshecame,sodacupinhand,andhisgazeautomaticallywentbacktothoselegs.Damn.He

should’veenforcedashort-skirtdresscodewhenshe’dworkedatRossi’s.

Thethoughtoftherestaurantandwhathappenedthelasttimeshewastheresoberedhimrightup.Not

enoughtomissthefamiliarcoconutscentwhenshesetthesodainfrontofhim,butenoughtofocusonthe
taskathand.

Sheextendedastraw,andhetookitfromher,purposelybrushingherfingers.“Thanks,”hesaid.
Asexyblushroseupherneckandsettledinhercheeks—thewomanwasseriouslykillinghim.“Did

youdecidewhatyouwanted?”

“Thesteak,ofcourse.Ihearit’sthebest.”
Satisfactionfilledthecurveofhersmile,andhisheartthuddedinhischest.“FiletMignonorNew

YorkStrip?”

“Whichisbigger?”
“Oh,you’reoneofthosebiggerisbetterguys?”
“Thequestionis,areyouoneofthosegirls?”
Herblushdeepened,andhergazedroppedtoherpad.Thenshereachedupandslidthosedamn

glassesuphernose,andaspikeofdesireshotthroughhim.Thislevelofflirtingwaswhathe’dalways
wantedwithherbutconstantlyheldback.Hewasgettinghimselfintoamessnow,noquestionaboutit.

“So,theNewYorkStripsteak,then.Howwouldyoulikethatcooked?”Cassiecockedaneyebrow,

almostasifshewerechallenginghimtofindawaytoturnthatintoaninnuendo.

Withhisbrainsuddenlynotworking,hewentwithboringanswersforhernextfewquestions.
“I’llputthatin,andit’llbeoutsoon,”shesaid.

“Youguyscloseinabouttwenty,right?”Hehadn’tplannedondinner,buthecouldalwayseat,andit

gavehimmoretimetoobserveCassie.Butitalsomadehimoneofthoseobnoxiouscustomerswho
showeduprightbeforeclosingandobliteratedanychanceofgettingoffworkatadecenthour.

“Wedo,butifyouneedalittlelonger,I’dbehappytoaccommodateyou.We’reallabouttheservice

here.”Shealmostseemedassurprisedashewasthatshe’dsaidit,butshetriedtocoveritupwithan
innocentsmilethatgavehimtheoppositeofinnocentthoughts.

Hedebatedforasecondwhethertoask,butjustwentforit.“Whatwasyourname?”Hewatchedher

expressioncarefully,tryingtoseeifshewaspullingsomebigactonhim.

“I’mCassie.Shoot,didIforgettosaythatinthebeginning?”Shetappedherpentothesideofher

forehead,adorablyflustered.“Lately,thisishavingsomeissues.ButIswearI’mmuchbetterat
rememberingfoodorders.”

Vincewantedtoreachout,takeherhand,andgiveitareassuringsqueeze.Hesettledforasmile.“No

worries.I’mVince.”

Again,hewatched,waitingforhertocallbullshitandsayofcoursesheknewwhohewas,andthen

throwsomethingathimandtrytoflee,or…justhavesomekindofreactionthatdidn’tmakehimfeellike
he’dimaginedalloftheirpreviousinteractions.Thenagain,hewasgladshedidn’tseemtorememberthe
horriblemomentinthealleythat’dlandedthembothinahugefucked-upmess.

“Nicetomeetyou,”shesaid.Thenshejerkedherthumboverhershoulder.“Ibettergetthisorderin

andgohelpcloseout.”

“Butyou’llbeback?”

Shemethisgaze,herfacebetrayingnothingbutgenuinehappiness.“Yeah.I’llbeback.”

ChapterTen

Cassiegrabbedthesaladforherdrool-worthycustomer.Vince,sheremindedherselfwithasmile.Man,
evenhisnameissexy.

“Hey.”Tyra,thewaitresseswho’dmostlycommunicatedwithsneeredone-wordanswersor

commands,stoodthere,afalsesmileonherfacethatimmediatelyraisedredflags.TyraremindedCassie
ofthemeangirlsinhighschool.Pretty,privileged,anddeterminedtogetherwaynomatterwhoshehad
tostepon.

Isupposethat’sjudgmental.Ishouldgiveherachance.“Yes?”
“Thatguyissuperhot.”ShetiltedherheadinVince’sdirection,eventhoughCassiewould’veknown

whoshemeantwithoutit.Nottomentionhewastheonlycustomerleft.“He’salone,right?”

“Yes,hecameinalone.”
“Good.I’lltakethattohim.”TyragrabbedthesaladoutofherhandandCassiejustblinked,her

mouthhangingopen.Shewasgoingtogivethegirlachance,notgiveherVince.Notthathewashersto
giveoranything.Sinceheronlyoptionnowwouldbetorunandtackleherforthesalad,Cassie
helplesslywatchedasTyraapproachedVince’stable.

Somuchforbeingbold.
Tyra,ontheotherhand,hadnoproblemwithboldness.Shenevertuggedathershortskirtinan

attempttomakeitlonger,andthetopthreebuttonsonhershirtwereundone.Withherlongdarkhairand
Barbie-likephysique,shehadthelookstopullitoff,too.SheleanedoverVince,placingherhandonhis
shoulderasshesethissaladdown,andasurprisinglystrongwaveofjealousyrolledthroughCassie.

Calmdown,emotions.He’shotandall,butforallIknowhecouldbeacrazedkillerlookingfor

hisnextvictim.Tyraslidapieceofpapertohim—herphonenumber,nodoubt.AndnowI’mnevergoing
to,becausewhenshe’sanoption,whywouldhechooseme?

VincelookedawayfromTyra’sbeautyqueengrin.Hiseyesscannedtheroomandsuddenlylockedon

hers,causingherhearttolurchinherchest.Itwastoolatetopretendnottobewatching,sosheshothima
quicksmile,completewithatinytwo-fingeredwave.MaybeI’mnotoutoftherunningjustyet.

Tyrafollowedhislineofsight,shotdaggersatCassie,andthenrearrangedherfacetoafriendly

expressionbeforeturningtoVince.Tokeepfromobsessingovertheirexchangeorlookinglikea
desperatestalkertype,Cassieturnedtorollsilverwarefortomorrow.

TheoldCassiewouldjuststepaside,butthenewCassiewasn’tgoingtobeapushover.Whenhis

foodordercameup,she’dtakeittohimandshowthatshecouldbathereyeswiththebestofthem.After
all,howoftendidhotguysflirtwithher?

Carpethehottie—that’sgonnabemynewmotto.Shelaughedatherownjoke,quicklystiflingit

whenTyrastrodeoverandsighedloudenoughtoconveyherannoyance.

Cassietookhertimetuggingthewhitelinennapkinintoatightrollandthencasuallyturnedtoher.

“Yes?”

“Hesaidtotellyouthatyoupromisedyou’dbeback,andhe’sholdingyoutoit.”Tyraranhergazeup

anddownCassie,thedeepeningscowlmakingitclearshewasn’timpressedwithwhatshesaw.“Who’d
choseyouoverme?”

“Iguesshewould,”Cassiesaid,shockcomingsecondsafterherwords.Sheneversaidthingslike

that—notoutloud,anyway.Luckilythecookshoutedthatthefoodwasup,soCassieescapedbefore
Tyra’swrathcouldbeunleashed.

ShewalkedacrosstherestaurantandplacedVince’sfoodinfrontofhim.

“IthinkIoffendedyourfriend,”hesaidasshewithdrewherhand,herusualspielfadingfromthetip

ofhertongue.

“Friend’sagenerouswordforwhatsheistome.”Okay,maybesheneededtoreelbackonsaying

everythoughtthatpoppedintoherhead.Therewasafinelinebetweenboldandbitchy.“Ihaven’tworked
hereforverylong,sohonestly,Ibarelyknowher.”

“Youseemlikeareallygoodwaitressforbeingsonewatit.”
“Newhere.Oldtothejob.”
Helookedatherlikeshewasapuzzlehecouldn’tquitefittogether.Theexpressionfeltfamiliar

somehow.Orwasitafamiliarlonging?Thatdesiretogettoknowsomeonebetter.Tohaveafriendora
boyfriend—someonetotalktoattheendofalongday.Someonewho’dcometovisitifshelandedinthe
freakinghospital.

“Sowhere’dyouworkbefore?”heasked.
“AtinyrestaurantinColorado.That’swhereI’mfromoriginally.”Sheleanedahiponthesideofthe

tallbooth,bringingthemcloser.“Whytheinterestinmyjob?”

“It’smoreaninterestinthegirldoingthejob.”Thedeepvoicecombinedwithhisstatementsenta

pleasantshiverdownherspine.

Vincewinkedandthenpickeduphisknifeandfork.Hepausedandlookedbackather.Shewasabout

toaskifitwascookedtohissatisfaction—eventhoughhehadn’ttriedityet—whenheasked,“Why’d
yousayyouthoughtitwasthebeststeakyoueverhad?”

“TheshortanswerisItendtoramblewhenIshouldjuststoptalking.”
“What’sthelonganswer?”Theintensewayhestaredather,clearlywaiting,madeherfacegrowhot.
“I…don’tremembereverysteakI’vehad.”
Henarrowedhiseyes.“That’snotthelongversion.”
NooneatMcCarthy’sknewaboutheraccident,andsheplannedonkeepingitthatway.Whowanted

toworkwithsomeonewithmemoryproblems?OnlythehospitalstaffandTomknewaboutheramnesia,
andthatwasbecauseshehadn’thadtotellthem.Shedidn’tevenknowwheretostart,orifsheshould
spillhergutstoatotalstranger.

AtotalstrangerwhomademefeelthingsIhaven’tinalongtime.Evenwiththat,sheprobably

would’vemadeanexcusetoleaveifshehadn’tlookedintohiseyes.“Iwasinanaccidentaboutamonth
ago,”shesaid.“Iwokeupinthehospitalandcouldn’trememberwhathappenedorwhyIwasinNew
Jersey.Sothereareafewyearsmissingfrommymemory,whenIcould’vehadthebeststeakever,butthe
onehereisthebestIremember.Anyway,youprobablywanttoeatyoursbeforeitgetscold.”

Feelingvulnerablefromspillingsomuch,sheturnedtoleave.
Hecaughtherarm.Shelookeddownatthelongfingersencirclingherwrist,thenslowlybackupat

him.“Sorry,”hesaid,buthedidn’tletgo.“You’resayingyoudon’tremembertheaccidentatall?”

“Nope.It’skindofdisconcerting,actually,anditsucksbecauseofmycollegeclasses—”Shecut

herselfoffbeforeshestartedramblingagain.“ButI’mtryingtojuststartoverandmoveon.Nousecrying
overspilledmilkandgraymatter,right?”

Hislipstwitchedlikehedidn’tknowwhetherornottobeamusedattheslightlydisturbinganalogy.“I

guessnot.”Hebrushedhisthumbovertheundersideofherwrist,andthepulsepointbeneaththethinskin
beatfaster.

“Anyway,itwaskindoffreaky,andonceinawhileIstillfeelalittleconfusedanddisorientated,but

I’mdealing,andhonestlyI’mluckyitwasn’tworse.”Shelickedherlips,eyeinghisglassandfightingthe
urgetotakealargegulpandridherselfofthedesertthat’dtakenupresidenceinherthroat.

“Didyou,uh,needanythingelse?”Shegesturedattheplateoffoodgrowingcolderbythesecond.

Shecouldhardlythinkstraightwithhishandstillwrappedaroundherwrist.Sheknewsheshouldpull
away,yetherfeetremainedrootedinplace.

“Yeah.I’dliketogettoknowyoubetter.It’sanicenight.Howaboutwetakeawalkafteryougetoff

work?”Herepeatedthethumbswipemotion,andherpulseandskinrepeatedtheirreactiontoit.

“Oh.I…um…well.”Shethoughtabouttheweirdbeing-watchedfeelingandhowniceitwouldbeto

havesomecompanyonherwalkhome.Butthenagain,she’djustmettheguy.Wherewasthelinebetween
boldandstupid,andwhydidshesuddenlywanttocrossiteitherwayifitmeantafewmoreminuteswith
Vince?

“Letmeguess…youdon’tusuallyagreetogooutwithstrangers.”
“Notusually,”shesaid.“Notever,actually.”
“Goodthingwe’renotstrangers,then.”Hisvoicetookonanintimatetone,andlongingwas

undoubtedlypumpingthroughherbodynow.“Patienceisn’tmystrongsuit,andIdon’tseeanyreasonto
comeinheretwoorthreemoretimesbeforeaskingyouout.”

Bebold,bebold,bebold.“Myplaceisn’tfarfromhere.”Thensherealizedshemightbegivinghim

thewrongidea,andshecertainlywasn’tthatbold.“I’mnotsayinglet’shaveaone-nightstandor
anything.Justtobeclear.”

Onecornerofhissexymouthquirkedup.“Ididn’tthinkyouwere.HowaboutIwalkyouhome,and

wetakeitfromthere?”

“Okay,”shesaid,stillsortofamazedshewasactuallyagreeing,andtoldherselfshehadpepper

spray,justincase.“It’llbeabouttwentyorthirtyminutes,probably.”

Heslidhishanddowntohers,gaveitaquicksqueeze,andsaid,“I’llwaitforyououtside.”

***

Vince’sentireplanhadchangedinaninstant,andhewasn’tsurewheretogofromhere.Thefactthat
Cassiedidn’trememberanythingmadeaglimmerofhoperiseupandimplantitselfinhischest.He
wantedtobelieveeverythingwouldbeokaynow.Nohavingtofollowthroughwithhisoriginalplanor
foreverlookingoverhisshoulderafter.

Nodealingwiththecrushingguilt.
Butthatwasoverlyoptimistic,andheknewbetter.I’vejustgottoconvinceCarloshe’snotathreat.

Thatwaseasiersaidthandone,though.

Thedoortotherestaurantopened,andCassiesteppedout.Shehadonadarkpurplecoatthatflaredat

thebottom.Itlandedaboutaninchaboveherblessedlyshortskirt,andhisbloodheatedashetookin
everyinchofher.She’dalwayshadabitofthehotlibrarianlookgoingon,anditwasinfull-forcenow.

Forthefirsttimesincehe’dlaideyesonher,theywerecompletelyalone.
“Hey,”shesaid,appearingsurprisedhe’dwaitedlikehesaidhewould.
“Youready?”heasked,andshenodded.Healmoststartedtowardherapartment,andthenrealizedhe

wasn’tsupposedtoknowwheretheyweregoing.“Whichway?”

Cassiepointedleft.“I’mnottoofar.Likefifteenortwentyminutes.”
“SoI’vegotfifteenminutestoconvinceyoutoinvitemeinsideforadrink.”
Asmilecurvedherlips.“Iusuallymakedecisionslikethatinaboutfive,sotick-tock.”
Well,ifshewasgoingtoplayitlikethat,he’dhavetouseeverythinghehadinhisarsenal.Heplaced

hishandonthesmallofherback.Thegesturewassimpleenough,buttheeffectithadonhimwas
surprisinglystrong.Itmadehimwanttocurlhertohimandwraphisarmsaroundher;he’dbeensureshe
wasgoingtodieinthestreetallthoseweeksago.Tohaveherinfrontofhimagainsentanunexpected
surgeofaffectionthroughhischest.Usuallyhelookedatrelationshipsastemporaryfuntopassthetime,
butwithCassie,hefeltsomethingstronger.Hadfromdayone.

Maybethatwastheotherreasonhe’dstoppedhimselffromaskingherout.Yes,he’dwantedtokeep

frompullingherintohismessylife,buttheshy,sweetblondealsoscaredhim,becauseshemadehimfeel
whenhewassousedtobeingnumb.

Beforehestartedwaxingpoeticorsomeshit,heputgentlepressureonherbackandstartedtoward

herapartmentcomplex.

“Ilovethistimeofyear,”shesaid,changingherstridetosteponacoupleofcrunchyleavesonthe

sidewalk.Withthesundown,thetemperaturehoveredinthemid-forties.Notcoolenoughforhimtohave
botheredwithacoat,whichwaswhyhe’dalsolefthisgunintheJeep.

Hecastaquickglanceback,tellinghimselfhewouldn’tneedhisweapon.Thestreetswerequiet,

hardlyanyonewasout,andthiswasanicerneighborhood.Peoplewouldnoticepunkstryingtobreakinto
hiscarandreportitinsteadofturningablindeyeastheyscurriedpast.

Okay,focus.Normalpeopleconversation.ThekindthatmakesitseemlikeIdon’talreadyknow

her.“Isthatwhyyouwalktoandfromwork?Ordoyounothaveacar?”Maybeshe’dsoldthehunkof
junk.

“Oh,Ihaveone,andit’soneofthoseunforgettabletypecars.It’soldanduglyandgrowlslikeacatin

heat,butit’sreliable.”

Vincechuckled.“Andhowexactlydoesacatinheatgrowl?”
“That’swhatyou’regoingtoaskinyourremainingfourminutes?”
“Ifyoudemonstrateit’llbeworthit.”
Sheshookherhead,twospotsofpinkrisingtohercheeks.Withhoweasyheremotionsweretoread,

itwasawonderheeverconsideredshe’donlybeenactingcluelessaboutwhohewas.“Igotthesaying
frommydad,”shesaid.“NowthatIthinkaboutit,it’s…abitdisturbing.”

Vinceslowedhissteps,hishandstillingonherback.Fromoneoftheirlate-nightconversationsatthe

restaurant,heknewherdadhadpassedawayfromcancer.Shehadn’tgoneintodetails,buthecouldtell
fromthecombinationofwarmthandsadnessinhervoicethey’dbeenclose.Surelysherememberedhe’d
passedaway?Orhadtheyhadtotellherthatinthehospitalandhaveitcrushheralloveragain?

“Soundslikeaninterestingguy,”hesaid,hopingit’dbecomfortinginsteadoflikepouringlemon

juiceonarawwound.

“Hewas.He’s…Hediedtwoyearsago—orfour,Imean.”Shepressedherfingertipstoherforehead

andconfusionflickeredacrossherfeaturesforamoment.Thensheshookherheadanditseemedtobe
gone.

“I’msorry,”hesaidquietly.“Iknowpeoplealwayssaythatoractliketheyknowhowyoufeel,butI

lostmydad,too.Theemptinessneverquitegoesaway,butitgetsalittleeasiertodealwithovertime.”
Thatwaswhathe’dalmosttoldherthatnightatRossi’s,buthe’dclampeditdown.Hedidn’tknowwhyit
wassuddenlyeasiertotellhernow.

“Yeah.Andsomedaysthatemptyspotismoreglaringthanothers,andyoufeellikeyou’restarting

over.”Theirgazesmetandlocked.“I’msorry,too.Aboutyourdad.”

Hetookherhand,andsheslidherfingersbetweenhis.Thesamewarmthhe’dexperiencedearlier

cameback,onlytwiceasstrong.Guiltovereverythinghewasleavingoutquicklyroseupanddilutedit
withitscoldedge,buthetoldhimselfhedidn’thaveachoice.Tellingherthey’dmetbeforewouldonly
putherinmoredanger.

“So,I…”Vinceforgottherestofhissentenceasacarcrawledtoanearstopnexttothem—acarthat

clearlydidn’tbelonginthisneighborhood.Alarmsrangoutinhishead,andhismusclescoiled.Oneof
thetintedwindowsrolleddownacoupleofinches,andthestreetlightglintedonthebarrelthatstuckout.

HeyankedCassietohimanddovetotheground,rightasasprayofbulletserupted.Anothergun

joinedthefirst.Uzis,fullyautomatic.KeepingCassieunderhim,hedraggedthembehindtheclosesttire
ofthecaratthecurbandtuckedintoatightball,throwinghisarmsoverhisheadlikethat’dstopabullet.
Thecarwindowsshattered,theglassrainingoverthemasbitsofplasterfromthebuildingpeltedtheir
otherside.Hehopedforstandardthirty-tworoundmagazinesinsteadoffortyorfifty.

AneternitypassedashetriedtomakehimselfandCassiesmaller.Prayedforthecartoofferthem

enoughcoverage.WaitedforabullettotearintofleshortofeelCassiejerkunderneathhimbeforeshe
stoppedbreathingcompletely.

Therippingbuzz-sawnoisefinallycutoff,buttheringinginhisearsremained.Tiressquealedasthe

carspedoff,redbrakelightsflashingasthedrivermadeasharpleft.

ForamomentVincesimplybreathedinandout,checkingtoseeifhestillcould.Thenherealized

Cassiehadn’tmoved,andhislungsturnedtolead.“Cassie?Areyouhurt?”

Heproppedhimselfuponhispalms,grittinghisteethagainstthebrokenglassandbitsofplasterthat

dugintohisskin.Sheslowlyrolledtoherback,andhestudiedherface—clear.Chestandabdomen…He
wasn’tsure.“Cassie!”

“I…”Shepattedherselfdown,startingwiththespotoverherheartandmovingslowlydowntoher

stomach.Thensheliftedherarms,turningthemoverseveraltimesassheranhergazeacrossthem.“I’m
okay.Ithink.”

Vincesatbackonhisheelsandstaredattheintersectionwherethecarhadturned.Eventhoughhe

knewhecouldn’tcatchthemonfoot,hewantedtorunafterthem,pullhisgun—whichhedidn’tfucking
have—andmakesuretheydidn’tcomebackforroundtwo.Theimportantthingnowwastogetgoing—he
didn’twanttobehere,unarmedandhelpless,iftheycircledbackaround.

Butsomeonewasgoingtodieforthis.
HeglancedbackdownatCassie.“Weneedtomove.”

ChapterEleven

Cassiesatup,herlimbsprotestingthemovement.Herstingingkneessporteduglyscrapes,theblood
poolingintolargedropletsandthenrunningincrimsonstreamsdownhershins.

“Itriedtotalkmybossintoslacks.”Itwassuchastupidthingtothinkofrightnow,butherbrain

couldhardlyprocessthefactthatthey’djustbeenshotat.

Butthenshelookedatthecarthat’dprotectedthem.So,somanyholes—likemetalSwisscheese.

Pockmarksmarredthesideofthebuildingonherotherside,and…

Oxygenstoppedgoingtoherlungs,herhandstrembled,andhernerveslaunchedintoriotmode.
Ohmygosh,wealmostdied.Ican’tbelievewe’renotdead.Ifitwasn’tforVince…Sheplacedher

handsonhischest.“Areyouokay?Didanyhityou?”

Heshookhishead.“I’mokay.Weneedtogobeforetheycomeback.”
Dreadseizedher.“Youthinkthey’llcomeback?”
“Idon’tknow,butIdon’twanttostickaroundandfindout.”Hepushedtohisfeet,extendedahand,

andhelpedpullherup.Glassslidoffher,fallingtothegroundinanoddlyhappytinklingnoise.Herknees
wobbled,andVincewrappedanarmaroundher,steadyingheragainsthisfirmchest.

Shewantedtosinkintohisembraceandhaveabreakdown,butit’dhavetowait.“I’mokay,”she

said,despitethefactthatnothingcouldbefartherfromthetruth.Theoutlineofherapartmentcomplex
stooddarkagainsttheskyline,acouplecheckerboardsquaresoflightglowingfromthelit-upapartments.
“That’smybuildingupahead.”

“Canyouwalk?”Vinceaskedashetookinherbloodyknees.
Shenodded,andhetookholdofherhand.Theyrushedtowardherbuilding,notrunning,butwithhis

longerstrides,shehadtohalf-runtokeepup.Hishawk-likegazeconstantlyscannedtheareawhileshe
glancedaroundlikeaparanoidlunatic—itturnedoutshewasn’tsoparanoidafterall.

Bythetimetheymadeittothebuilding,theshootingpaininherkneesandpalmshadturnedtoa

demandingthrob.Herbadhipandformerlygoodonedidn’tfeelsogreateither.Managementlockedthe
lobbydoorsafterten,soyouhadtoeitherhaveakeyorbebuzzedinside.Aquicktugonthehandle
confirmeditwaslocked,soshequicklydugoutherkeys,themetaljinglingtogetherwhenherhands
shook.Shetriedtopushthemintothekeyholeandmissed.“Damnit.”

Vincewrappedhishandoverhers.“Here,letme.”
Heunlockedthedoorandputhishandonthesmallofherback.Earliertonightit’dgivenher

butterflies,butrightnowitgaveherthesenseofsecuritysheneededtoforceherfeetintomotioninstead
ofgiveintotheurgetodroptothegroundandcry.Asmuchasshehatedtoadmitit,sheobviouslywasn’t
coolunderpressure.

Thelobbywasdeserted,thewayitoftenwasduringthelaterhours.Inlightoftheirbloody,frazzled

appearance,thatwasprobablyforthebest.Shepushedtheupbuttontotheelevatorrepeatedly,unableto
stopuntilitarrived.

Thecreakofthecablesandhershakybreathsfilledtheairastheyrodeuptoherfloor.Thedoors

openedwithabing—anothertoocheerfulnoise.Herhandscontinuedtotremble,soshegaveherkeysto
Vinceandputherpalmonherdoor,wincingatthecontact.“Thisisme.”

Assoonastheywereinside,shelockedthedoorandheldthedeadboltinplaceforacoupleof

seconds,likethat’dsomehowmakehersafer.ThesheturnedtoVince,whowaseyeingherevenly,likehe
waswaitingforhertofallapart.

Sheslidherglassesuphernoseandthenpulledthemoffandlookedthemover.“Wow.Theydidn’t

break.”

Vinceglancedatthem.“They’repink.”
Atinyrayofsunshinebrokethroughherholy-shit-what-just-happenedtrainofthought.“Yeah.That’s

whyIgotthem.”Sheputthembackon,Vince’sfeaturessharpening.“So…Someoneshotatus.”

Henodded.
Sheranahandthroughherhairandmoreshardsofglasscamelose.“Ifeltlikesomeonewas

watchingmeallweek,butIneverthought…”Shebitherlip,thenglancedatVince.Ifhehadn’tbeenwith
her,she’dbelyingonthesidewalknow,riddledwithbulletholes.Notjustbloodyandhurt,butdead,no
doubtaboutit.“How’dyoureactsofast?”

“Inoticedthecarslowingdownandsawthegunrightbeforetheystartedshooting.”
“Thatwasterrifying,”shesaidasifitweren’tobvious.Talkaboutunderstatementoftheyear.“What

dowedonow?Callthecops?”

Vincegentlytookbothofherhands,turnedthempalmup,andfrownedattherawskin.“Let’scleanup

first.Makesureyou’rereallyokay.”

“I’llgrabmyfirst-aidkit.”Cassieheadedintothebathroom.Herreflectiongreetedher,pale,freaked-

out,andblinkingliketheremightbetearscoming.Shegrippedbothsidesofthesinkandsqueezedher
eyesclosed.Sheclenchedherjawagainstthesobthatwantedtoescapeandletoutonelongbreath.Two.
Three…

Itwasthesamethingshe’ddonewhenDadhadbaddays.Havingabreakdowninfrontofhim

would’vebeenbadformorale,soshe’dfleetothebathroomtocollectherself.

Whenshegottoten,sheopenedhermedicinecabinetandgrabbedsupplies.Shealsosnaggedtwo

washragsonherwayoutoftheroom.

Vinceseemedsohugestandinginherkitchen,hissix-foot-plusframebringinghimwithininchesof

thehanginglightfixture.Thetendernessinhisexpressionashewatchedherapproachmadeherwantto
cry—justwhenshe’dthoughtshe’dgottencontrolofherself,too.Everyemotiongoingthroughherwas
amplifiedbytheextraadrenaline,andjumpingfromterrifiedtolongingtobeinggratefulshe’dsomehow
survivedmadeherheadspin.

Sheswallowedpastthelumpinherthroat.“Wheredoesithurt?”
“Youfirst,”hesaid,takingthekitandwashragsfromherandsettingthembythesink.Hewrappedhis

handsaroundherhipsandboostedherontothecounter.Thenhewetthewashragandcleanedoutthecuts
onherkneesandhands.Thewarmwaterstungherrawskin,andshehisseddespiteherbestattemptsto
downplayherwounds.

Herheartbeatsscatteredateverybrushofhisfingertips,eventheonesthatsentpricksofpainintheir

wake.HepressedtwogiantBand-Aidstoherkneesandaskedifshewantedhimtowrapherhands.

“No,they’llbeokay.”Shekickedoffthecounter.“Letmetakecareofyounow.”Sheflashedhima

smile.“I’mafraidIcan’tboostyouup.”

Hegavealowlaughthatmadeheatpoolinherbelly.“I’mfine.”
“Comeon,youdon’thavetoplaytough.”
“WhosaysI’mplaying?”heasked.
Shesteppedcloserandlookedhimover.Hewatchedherwithaquirkedeyebrow,andshedecided

hands-onlookingwasbetter.Sheremovedhishat,shooktheglassintothetrash,andsetitaside.Hisdark
hairwaslongerontopandslightlymussed.Shewantedtorunherfingersthroughit,butresistedbecause
sheknewhehadtohavesomescrapes,too.

Shecuppedhischinandturnedhisheadonewayandthentheother,studyingthedarkstubbleandthe

wayhisAdam’sapplebobbedwhenheswallowed.Ascrapemarredhisshoulderwherehe’dlandedon

thepavement—averywell-definedshoulder,shecouldn’thelpnoticingasshepushedasidethetorn
fabric.Shewetafreshwashrag,cleanedhimup—hedidn’thisslikeshehad—andthenapplieda
bandage.

“Iassumeyourhipissoreonthatside,too.”Hands-onwasfunandall,butshedidn’tthinktheywere

quitetolifting-each-other’s-shirtslevel.Hepulledhisupafewinchesandstudiedhiship.Thecarved
muscleswereimpossibletolookawayfrom,andtheheatfromherbellyroseupandclaimedherchest.

“It’snotbleeding.Justbruised.How’reyours?”
Shetuggedhershirtupandstudiedthetwospotsofredonherhipbonesthat’ddefinitelybeblackand

bluebymorning.“Nottoobad.”

Vinceskimmedhisfingersacrosstherighthip,wherethetophalfofheruglyyellowbruiseremained,

andherbreathlodgedinherthroat.“Fromtheaccident?”

Shelickedherlipsandsworehiseyestrackedthegesture.“Yeah.”Shedroppedhershirtandbusied

herselfcleaningup.Whenshefinished,sheturnedtofacehim.“Thankyou.Forsavingmebackthere.”

Hesteppedclose,socloseshecouldfeeltheheatcomingoffhisbody.Hebrushedherhairoffher

faceandslidhishandbehindherneck.Foroneexquisitemoment,shethoughthewasgoingtokissher.
Thenhetensedanddroppedhishand.

“Youwantadrink?”sheasked.“Ithinkyouearnedit.”
“Hellyeah.”Acockygrinspreadacrosshisface.“IknewI’dgetinvitedin,bytheway.”
Withalaugh,shepulledoutabottleofwineandfilledtwoglassesnearlytothebrim.
“Wow,”hesaidwhentheymovedtothelivingroom.“Thatisareallypinkcouch.”
“It’smyfavoritethinginmywholeapartment.”ThatandthequiltMommade,butsincethey’dalready

talkedabouttheirdadsandtoppedthatoffbybeingshotat,shedidn’twanttoaddanotherheavyitemto
thepile.That’dbeaForLaterconversation,iftherewasalater.“OnthedaysI’moffworkearlyenough,
Icansithereandwatchthesunset.”

Shesetherglassofwineonthecoffeetable.“So,shouldwecallthecopsnow?”
Vinceletoutalongexhale.“Honestly,they’renotgoingtobeabletodoanythingtonight.Thecar’s

longgone,andthey’llkeepusatthestationforeveraskingatonofquestions.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI
didn’tgetthelicense.”

Cassieshookherhead.“Icouldn’teventellyouthecolorofthecar.”
“Icangivethecopsthatinformation.Itwasprobablyjustarandomcrime.Abunchofidiotstryingto

provetheyweregangsters.”

Thatmadesense,shesupposed.Whywouldanyonecomeafterherwithsomuchfirepower?Then

again,itseemedliketoobigofacoincidenceaftertheunsettlingfeelingshe’dhadallweek.Unlessher
mindwasspinningitintothis.

Vincecuppedhercheek.“I’lltakecareofit.Okay?”
Thewayhesaidit,withabsolutecertainty,madeherwanttocryalloveragain.She’dhavenoidea

howtohandleit,andhonestly,shedidn’twanttoleaveherapartment.Shewantedtobetuckedsafeinside
it…withhim.

“Okay,”shesaid,wrappingherhandaroundhiswrist.Partofherstillcouldn’tbelieveshewashere

withthisguy,whodidn’tseemevenclosetoastrangeranymore.Funnyhownear-deathexperiencesgave
youasolidaritythatweeksofknowingsomeonecouldn’ttouch.“Ibetthisistheweirdestfirstdate
you’veeverbeenon.”

Hecrackedasmile.“Yes,actually.Probablythesamegoesforyou—thatyourememberanyway.”
Amazingthatshecouldfeelthismuchhappinessaftereverything.Hetuckedhernexttohim,andthey

drankwineandtalkeduntiljustaftermidnight.

Vinceglancedathisphone.“It’sgettinglate,andIdon’twanttoimpose.”
“Yousavedmylife,”Cassiesaid.“You’renotimposing.”Ithitherthathewasprobablytryingto

politelyleave.“Butyou’reright.Itisgettinglate.”ShestoodandfollowedVincetothedoor.

Hepausedwithhishandontheknobandcastheronemoreglancethatmadeatightbandformaround

herchest.Assoonashewalkedout,shehadnodoubttheirnear-deathexperiencewouldhither.She
thoughtofthehoursaloneinherapartment,listeningtoeverysound,andhowshe’dwanttohideunderher
covers.Butthenshe’dworryshewouldn’thearorseeifanyonebrokein.Completelyirrational,she
knew,butthereitwasanyway.

“Don’tgo,”sheblurtedout.“I’musedtobeingaloneintheory,but…Idon’twanttobealonetonight.”

Embarrassmentcrestedandshealmosttookitback,butshecouldn’tforceanymorewordspasthertight
throat.

Vincespunaround,hisdarkeyeslockingontohers.“Okay.I’llstay.”
Herlowerliptrembled,andshetoldittostop,butlikewiththerestofherbody,shedidn’tseemin

controlanymore.“Sorry.It’sweird.Youbarelyknowme.Ifyouneedtogo—”

Hetooktwolongstridesandhuggedhertohim.“I’llstay.”
Cassiewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistanddroppedherheadtohischest.Theystoodlikethatfor

alongmoment,anditseemedlikeshewasn’ttheonlyonewhodidn’twanttoletgo.

Reluctantlyshepulledaway.“I’llgrabyouablanket.OrIcansleeponthecouchsinceI’mtheone

who—”

Hepressedafingertoherlips.“Thecouchisperfect.Ittakesarealmantosleeponacouchthat

pink.”

“Goodthingyou’rearealman,then.”
“Damnstraight,”hesaid,returninghersmile.Sheheadedtoherbedroomandgrabbedablanket.

Whenshecamebackout,he’dtakenoffhisshoesandwasonthecouch.Shelaughedunderherbreath,
becausehedidlookcompletelyoutofplace.

Shehandedhimtheblanket,andinhersecond—orwasitnowthird?—boldmoveofthenight,she

leaneddownandkissedhischeek.

ChapterTwelve

Cassieawoketothesunstreamingthroughherbedroomwindow.She’dtossedandturnedallnight,
fightingtheurgetogoouttoherlivingroomanddosomethingcrazy,likeinviteVincetosleepinherbed.

Lastnightshe’dbeentoofreakedouttobeembarrassedaboutaskinghimtostay,butshewas

definitelyfeelingitnow.Let’snotforgetthatIkissedhim,too.Asimplekissonthecheek,butstill.
GoodthingIresistedaskinghimtocometobedtokeepmesafe.

Butthenshethoughtaboutthewayherpulseleaptateverytouch,andsuddenlyshecouldn’twaitto

seehim,embarrassmentbedamned.Shegrabbedherglassesoffthenightstand.Thethoughtofpulling
pantsoverherstiffkneesmadethemachemore,soshedecidedtostickwiththetanktopandshorts
pajamas.Sheduckedintothebathroomandbrushedherhairandteeth.

Herheartsankwhenshesteppedintothelivingroomandspottedthefoldedblanketonthearmofher

couch.Thesharppanginherchestremindedherwhyshe’dalwaysavoidedgettingtooclosetopeople—
ithurttoobadlywhentheyinevitablyleft.

Atonepointinherlife,she’dusedfakeintimacytoforgetherproblems.She’dshowupather

suddenly-not-so-exedboyfriend’shouse,weepyandinneedofdistraction.They’dhavesex,andher
problemswouldfadetothebackground,ifonlyforawhile.Heneverseemedtomindthearrangement,
butjustwhenshethoughttheyshouldspendtimetogetherdoingotherthings,he’dtoldherhecouldn’t
“hookup”anymorebecausehe’dfoundsomeonewhoactuallyhadtimeforhim.

Thenshe’dhadtofacewhatshe’dbeenrunningfrominthefirstplace—thatshewastotallyalone.
Sheshookherhead,notwantingtorelivethatawfulyearafterDaddied.
Gettingclosetopeoplemeantgettinghurtsometimes,butnothavinganyonehurt,too.Soshewas

goingtotryanewway.Realintimacyandlettingpeoplein,evenifthethoughtmadeherbloodpressure
kickitupanotch.She’dhopedmaybeit’dbewithVince,butevenifhenevercalled,shevowedshe
wouldn’tuseitasanexcusetostoptrying.

Asshemovedtothekitchen,shenoticedtheunlockeddoor.Herhearthitchedinherchest,andshe

movedtolockit.

Thedeepvoiceontheothersidemadeherpulsesteadilyincrease,theunlikelyscenariooftheguys

who’dshotathercomingtofinishthejobrunningthroughherhead.Shequicklyflickedthedeadboltinto
placeandpeekedoutthepeephole.

Vincewasinthehallway,hisphonepressedtohisear.
Attractionandhappinessfoughtforcontrol.Hedidn’tleave.
Asquietlyaspossible,sheunlockedthedoor.Thenshepulleditemsoutofherfridgeandgottowork

makingbreakfastfortwo.

***

Vincepacedthehallway,waitingforCarlotopickupthephone.He’dwaitedaslongaspossibletomake
thiscall,partlybecauseCarlowasn’tamorningperson,butmostlybecauseofhowmuchwasontheline.

ButafteraquickcalltohisvendorstocheckifAngelohadplacedthefoodorder—miracleofall

miracles,heactuallyhad—Vincecouldn’tputitoffanylongerwithoutdrivinghimselfcompletelyinsane.

“Iseverythingtakencareof?”Carloaskedinsteadofbotheringwithagreeting.
“There’sbeenanewdevelopment.Ineedtomeetyouattherestaurant.AndIneedSaltobethere,

too.”

Themorehe’dthoughtabouttheway-too-close-to-death-encounterashe’dtossedandturnedon

Cassie’sblindinglypinkcouch,thesurerhebecamethatthedrive-byhadbeenSal’sdoing.Heprobably

thoughtit’dwinhimpointswithCarlo,becausetheidiotclearlydidn’tunderstanditwasthestupidest,
mostattentiongrabbing…

Vinceclenchedhisfistsandthenslowlyforcedtheonenotholdingthephoneopen.Gettingthroughto

hisunclewasmoreimportant,buthewantedtodoitinpersonsohecouldreadhisreaction.

DefinitelynotwithCassieafewfeetaway,onlyathindoorbetweenthem.Heglancedtowardthe

apartment,wishinghecouldseethroughthewood.Amomentagohethoughthe’dheardmovement.

“Isthereaproblem?”Carloasked.
Vinceranahandthroughhishairandresumedhispacing.“Notaproblem,butsomethingweprobably

shouldn’tdiscussoverthephone.”

“Whydon’tyoucomebythehouse?”
Vincecametoanabruptstop.NotlongafterDaddied,Momdecidedtofollow.Carlohadtakenin

himandBobbyandtreatedthemlikehisown—saiditwastheleasthecoulddoforhissister’sandbest
friend’skids.TwoyearsunderhisroofwereenoughtogiveVinceconflictedfeelingsaboutjoiningthe
familybusiness;hecertainlyhadn’thadanytroublebendingthelawinhisteenyears.

Butthenhe’drememberedwhatthatcareerpathhadcostDadanddecideditwastimetomakea

changesoheandBobbywouldn’tendupthesameway.Hetoldhisunclehe’dlearntheothersideofthe
familybusiness—thelegitrestaurantside.Carlostartedhimoutonkitchenduty,mostlikelyhopinghe’d
changehismindafterhoursofscrubbingdisheswithlittlepay,buthe’dworkedfromthattowaiting
tablestowherehewasnow.

Goingbacktothehousealwaysmessedwithhissenseofloyaltyversuswhohewantedtobe.Itwas

underthatroofCarlovowedtoavengeDad,who’dbeenhisunderboss.WhenCarlohadannouncedtothe
familyandhismenthathe’dfinallytakenouttheguywho’dkilledAntonyDaMarco,Vincehadcheered
alongwiththerestofthem.Thesweetsatisfactionofvengeancehadflowedthroughhisveins,andhe’d
wonderedhowmuchsweeteritwould’vebeentoexecuteithimself.He’dthoughtaboutthepower,the
money,theeasierhours,andwonderedifhe’dchosenthewrongsideofthebusiness.

“I’drathermeetattherestaurantsoIcancheckonafewthingswhileI’mthere,”Vincesaid.
“Mynephew.Alwaysthinkingaboutwork.Wishsomeofthatwould’verubbedoffonyourbrother

andcousin.”

Insteadofresponding,becausehe’dspentcountlesshourswonderinghowtogetthroughtohis

brother,Vincecheckedthetime.“MeetmeatRossi’sinabout…”

Healmostsaidthirtyminutes,butheglancedatCassie’sdooragain.Hewantedtocheckonher

beforeheleft.Hewantedtoescorthertoworkaswell,buthewasn’tsurewhattimeshehadtogoin.
“Let’smakeiteleven.Thatgivesusalittleoveranhour.AndlikeIsaid,IwantSalthere,too.”HeandI
haveunfinishedbusiness.

“Yeah,okay,”Carlosaid.
“Seeyouthen.”Vincehungupandtookadeepbreathtotransitionfromguytryingtosavegirlfrom

mobbossuncletonormalguywho’dhadoneofthemostamazingnightsofhislife.

Consideringhe’dbeenshotat,thatwasprobablysad,buthereplayedCassie’ssoftlipsonhischeek

again.Ifakisslikethatcouldmakeeveryinchofhimtremblewithwant,hecouldonlyimaginewhata
tasteofherlipswoulddo.Themovehadnearlybrokenhisresolveforthesecondtimethatnight.He’d
wantedtopullherintohisarmsandkissherbreathless.

Butthenhetoldhimselfthattakingadvantageofhernear-deathwhileshewasstillonhisuncle’shit

listandhewaslyingthroughhisteethwouldmakehimacompleteasshole.

Vinceknockedonthedoorandtestedtheknob.Itturned,sohepushedinsidetheapartment.“Cassie?”
Sheshothimasmileoverhershoulder,andhethoughttherewereworsethingstobethanacomplete

asshole.“I’mjustmakingbreakfast,”shesaid.“Hopeyou’rehungry.”

Thetanktop,tinyshorts,andmakeupfreefacethatshowedjusthownaturallybeautifulshewas

practicallysethimupforfailuretorefrain.“I’malwayshungry,”hesaid,hisfeetautomaticallyclosing
thedistancebetweenthem.Heplacedhishandonherback,runninghisthumboverthelineofherspine.
“Howareyoufeelingthismorning?”

“Honestly?Kindofembarrassed.”Shebecameoverlyinterestedinstirringtheeggs.“ObviouslyI

wasfreakedoutlastnightanddidn’twanttobealone.Icrossedalinebyaskingyoutostay,butthankyou
fordoingitanyway.”Herstirringslowed,andshefinallylookedathim,althoughmoreathischest,really.
“KnowingyouwereherewastheonlywayIwasabletogetanysleepatall.”

Heputhisfingersunderherchinandtippedherfacetowardhis.“Noneedtobeembarrassed.Feel

freetocrosslineswithmeanytime.”

Itwasoutofhismouthbeforeherememberedhewasn’tsupposedtobeflirtingwithher.It’djust

complicateeverything,andthingsweremessyenough.Hedroppedhishand.“Areyoustiffthismorning?”

“Alittle.”Shebentdownandpeekedinsidetheoven,makingthosetinyshortsriseupafewinches.

“You?”

Stiff?Yeah,hewasgettingthere.“Nottoobad.”
Shestraightenedandlookedhimover—goodthinghe’dmanagedtodetourhislineofthoughts,orshe

would’vegottenaneyefulofwhereexactlytheywereheaded.Sheliftedhissleeveandcheckedthe
scrapeonhisshoulder,gentlybrushingherfingertothesideofit,andhisthoughtsslippedagain.“Icould
putsomeNeosporinonthatifyouwantmeto.”

I’mnotsureIcanbehaveifyoustartslatheringstuffonme.“Nah.It’llbeokay.”
Cassienoddedandreturnedtomakingbreakfast,gettingoutcheeseandgratingitovertheeggs.Her

gazedriftedfaraway,andasmallsmiletouchedherlips.Thenshesighedandgraduallycamebacktothe
present.

“Where’dyougo?”Onceinawhileshe’dbeinthemiddleofaconversationandjustcheckoutfora

fewseconds.He’dalwayswonderedwhatbroughtthemonandwhatshesawtomaketheemotions
flickersoquicklyacrossherfeatures.

Shelookedathim,andhereyebrowstickedtogether.Thenherfingerswenttoherforehead.“Whoa.

I’mgettingthisweirdsenseofdéjàvu.”

Shit.Hefrozeassheblinkedacoupleoftimes,thenletoutarelievedbreathwhensheshruggedand

turnedbacktothestove.He’dhavetosteerclearofconversationsthey’dhadbefore.Ifsheremembered
theykneweachother,they’dbothbescrewed.

“Cassie…aboutyouraccident…?”
Shecrossedherarms,almostasifshefelttheneedtoprotectherself.“Yeah?”
“Doesthedoctorthinkyou’llevergetyourmemoriesback?”Hecurledhishandaroundthehandleof

theoven,grippingtighterandtighterashewaitedforheranswer.

“Hesaidthatsometimespeopledo,andsometimestheydon’t.Sometimesfamiliarfacesorplaces

mightjarthememory,butoften,they’relostforgood.”

Vincehadhopedforastraightforwardyesorno,buthesupposedthat’dbetooeasy.Seeinghim

hadn’tjarredhermemory,andhewantedtobelievethatmeantthey’dstaygone.Thelastthinghewanted
wasforhertorememberthewaythatbullethadtornthroughEduardoAlvarez’sheadandleftsolittleof
itbehind.Hell,hedidn’twanttorememberiteither.

Especiallysinceitbroughtbackmemorieshe’dpurposelyrepressedforyears.Beforehecouldstop

it,hegottheflashofbeinginthefrontyardwithDad,mittraised,waitingforhimtothrowtheballback.

Unlikelastnight,thecarhadn’tbeengoingslow.It’dflownaroundthecorner,andDad’seyeshad

gonewideasheyelledandmotionedforVincetorun.ThebulletsrippedintoDad,oneafteranother,
punchingholesandsplatteringblood.

Vincehadcrowdedbackagainstthefence,crouchingandmakinghimselfassmallashecouldashe

threwhisarmsoverhishead.

AndthefuckingballrolledoverandbumpedVince’sfeetasthecarpeeledaway,leavinghislifein

shreds.

Thetimerdinged,breakinghimoutofhisgruesomememories.No,hedidn’twantCassietohave

imagesthathauntedherdreamsandcreptuponherwhensheleastexpectedthem.Hehatedsheevenhad
torememberthebulletswhizzingpastherlastnight.

TheheavenlyscentgrewstrongerasCassiepulledoutmuffins.Shemovedaroundthekitchentheway

shemovedaroundtablesatwork—precise,gracefulmovements,focusedbutwithasmileonherface.

“Idon’thavestoolsforthecounteryet,”shesaidassheextendedhimtheplatewiththreetimesas

muchfoodandaglassoforangejuice,“soyou’llhavetospendalittlemoretimeonthepinkcouch.”

“Finebyme.”Hisstomachgrowled,remindinghimdinnerhadbeenlongago,andheshoveledina

fewbitesofeggsbeforebitingintooneofthemuffins.Agroancameoutofhismouthbeforehecould
botherrepressingit.“ThisisthebestthingI’veevertasted.”

Cassiebeamed.“Thanks.Luckilyblueberriesandstrawberrieswereonsalethisweek,soIwasable

towhipthemup.Iaddalittlelemontwist,too,andextrabutter,becausewhileit’shorribleforyou,it’s
oh-so-delicious,andreally,that’swhatmatters.Iactuallylovetocook,butithardlyeverseemsworthall
theeffortforoneperson.”

Hepickedupanothermuffin.“Youbetterbecarefulfeedingmelikethis.I’lljustcomebackevery

day,likeastraycat.”

Cassieraisedaneyebrow.“I’mnotmakingthecat-in-heatnoise,sostopfishing.”
Helaughed.“Youshouldn’thaveremindedmeofthat,becauseIcanbeverypersistent.”Hetooka

drinkoforangejuiceandleanedin.“Iplaydirty,too.”

Shemimickedhisleaning,givinghimaniceviewofhercleavage,andhehadafeelinghewasabout

tolose—orwin,asitwere.“I…”Ablushcreptacrosshercheeks.“I’mjustnot…it’snot…”Shelaughed
andshookherhead.“Imightneedsomepracticeintrashtalking.”

Hejoinedin,gladshecouldlaughatherselfunlikemostwomenwhoweresofocusedontryingtobe

sexytheybecameuptightalongtheway.“We’llworkonit.”

Theireyesmet.Thedesirewindingthroughhimreflectedinhergreenirisesandsentajoltthrough

him.Justlikethefirsttimehe’dseenitinRossi’s,hewonderedhowasmart,sweetgirllikeherwas
genuinelyinterestedinhim.Fleetingattractionhegotplentyof,butthis?Thiswassomethingdifferent.He
hadnocluehowtoactonitwithoutscrewingupeverythingandcompromisingthemboth.

Hesatbackslightly,evenashisbodyprotestedandmentallysmackedhimintheforehead.“What

timedoyouhavetoworktoday?”

“Ihavetheeasyshift—fourtonine.”Shescrapedherforkacrossherplate,overandoverwithout

pickingupanyfood.“Soitwon’tbequiteaslatewhenIgohome.Maybethehooliganswon’tbeoutyet.”

Thewobbleinhervoicepreventedthejokefromlanding,anditshothimrightthroughtheheart.

“HowaboutIcomepickyouupafewhoursbeforeyouhavetobeatworkandthendropyouoffatthe
restaurantintimeforyourshift?”

“Youdon’thaveto.I’llprobablytakemycartoday.”
Heplacedhishandonherthigh,tryingnottogetdistractedbythesmooth,softskin,andsaid,“I’dfeel

betterifyouletme.”

Atleastthatwasthetruth.

Herteethsankintoherbottomlip,andthenhereyescamebackuptohis.“Itwasjustarandomcrime,

right?Andifitwasrandom,theoddsofithappeningagainareunlikely.”

Guiltrushedinbecauseheknewjusthownotrandomit’dbeen.Heshovedahealthydoseof

determinationatit.Nomatterwhat,I’llmakesureshe’snevershotatonthestreetlikethatagain.

IfhecouldconvinceCarloshewasn’tathreat,surelyhe’dcalloffthehit.Hewouldn’tlikeeventhe

possibilityofalooseend,buthewasn’taheartlessbastard.

Vincewouldstillhaveahellofatimeconvincinghimtoletitgo.
AndanevenhardertimeifCarlodecidednotto.

ChapterThirteen

Jimalreadylikedhisnewpartnerbetterthanhisoldone,andallhe’ddonesofarwasshowupontime
forwork.

GioManciniwasalittlewetbehindtheears,buthewasasdedicatedtogettingCarloasJimwas.In

fact,probablymore,whichwashardtobelievewitheverythinghehadridingonthiscase.

JimtossedseveralfoldersinfrontofGio.“Here’severythingsincethebeginning.Thestuffontop’s

morerecent.”

GioflippedopenthefilesonDanteCostaandSalvatoreEsposito,ahungryedgetohiseyesashe

scannedtheinformation.AtfirsttheFBIhadhesitatedtoletManciniworkthecasebecauseofhis
personalhistory.Hisfather,adockworker,hadbeendownatthedockswhenCarloandseveralofhis
menhadshownup.WhentheseniorMancinisawthembeatingupanotherman,he’dmadeacallto911.
Unfortunately,hewasdiscoveredandshotwhilestillonthephone,waitingforthepolicetoarrive.

Thatwasthetheory,anyway,goingofftheknowledgeCarloRossioftendidbusinessthere.The

descriptionfit,butwasvagueenoughitcouldfitalotofmenandtherewasnoevidencetotieCarloor
hismentothescene.Nobodieshadbeenfound—neitherMancini’snorwhoeverthey’dbeatup—andthe
copsdidn’thaveenoughtodoanythingbutquestionCarlo.He’dplayedtheLawyerCard,andoncethe
shystershowedup,Carlowalked,thewaytheslipperybastardalwaysmanagedtodo.

That’dbeensixyearsago,andnodoubtthereasonGiodecidedtogointoacareertakingdownbad

guys.ThatmadeGiomotivated,plushespokeItalian,whichcameinhandywhenlisteningtotapsor
possiblyinfiltratingtheorganization.Theywerestillgoingbackandforthonwhethertohavehimtryto
workhiswayintothedrugring.

“Notmuchonthenephew,”Giosaid,pullingupVinceDaMarco’sfile.
“Justpettystuff,allbeforehewaseighteen.Itmightjustmeanhe’sgottenbetteratnotgettingcaught,

buthespendsaconsiderableamountoftimerunningtherestaurant.Hisbrother’sbeenpickedupseveral
timesforpossession,buthealwaysmakesbailandwithonlyaminorslaponthewrist,thecharges
disappear.Hedoesn’tevenliveinJerseyrightnow,sohe’snotabigpartoftheorganization,ifany.”

“Whatelsedowehaveinplace?Taps?Surveillance?”
“Yesandyes.Wedon’thavethemanpowerforthesurveillanceI’dlike,andIthinkoneoftheguys

spottedatailacoupleofmonthsago,becausetheiractivitiescametoascreechinghalt.It’sjustnow
startingtopickbackup,andiftheyseeus,they’llpullbackagain.ButI’lltellyourightnowtheattention
todetailonthiscaseiswaningmoreandmorebytheday.Guysaresickofsortingthroughhoursofcalls
andsittingincarswithnothingtoshowforit.Wealmostlostourtapsbecausewe’vehadthemsolong
withoutgaininganyusefulinformation.”

Mancininodded,hismouthinagrimline.
“ButIhopehavingyouonthecaseisgoingtopumpnewlifeintoit.Oneofourfemaleagentsalsoput

inanapplicationforaservingpositionatRossi’s,sincetheyrecentlyhadanopening—I’llcirclebackto
thewaitresswhousedtoworkthereinaminute.Ouragent’salreadymadefriendswithMia,thewaitress
who’sdatingDante,sohopefullythat’llhelpgetherhired.Dante’saknownphilanderer,too,soifweget
reallucky,hepissesheroffandshedecidestospilldetailsthatcouldhelpuslandsomethingsubstantial.

“We’vegotthephonetapsonthetopguys,butthey’recareful—they’vebeenatthisalongtime,and

they’regoodatit.”

GioliftedthefileonCassandraDalton.“Isthisthewaitressyoumentioned?”
Jimfilledhiminonheraccidentandsubsequentmemoryloss.“Ispentafewdaystailingher,butallI

sawwasagirlgoingfromhernewjobtohome.”He’dbeensodeterminedtotalktoheraftershe’dbeen
dischargedfromthehospital,butthenexttimehesawher,hedecidedtojustobserve—thatwayhe
wouldn’texposeeitheroneofthem.“Eithertheygottohersowellthatshefooledallthedoctorsand
nursesandthey’vedecidedtoleaveheralone—”

“Unlikelyifsheknowssomethingreal,”Giosaid.
“Iagree.Somostlikelyshedoesn’tknow—oratleastdoesn’trememberknowinganything—andisa

deadend.We’vealreadygotalotofgroundtocoverandnotenoughmanpower,soIpulledback.Figured
ifshegoesneartherestaurant,orifanyoftheguyspaysheravisit,webringherinforatalk.”

JimsatontheedgeofMancini’sdeskandidlythumbedthroughthestackoffilesheknewbyheart.

Maybethekidwouldseesomethingnew.“Basicallywe’rejustwaitingforsomeonetoslipup,butwe
can’tpushtoohardorthey’llduckandcover,andweneedsomethingbigenoughtotakeCarloRossi
down.Idon’twanthimslippingawayfromusagain.”

“Iunderstand,”Giosaid,afiercedeterminationhardeninghisfeatures.“Iwanttotakehimdown,too.

Anddon’tworry.I’mnotgoingtoletmypersonalfeelingsgetintheway.I’mgoingtousethemtogetthis
guyputawayforlife.”

***

WithinsecondsofsteppinginsideCarlo’soffice,VincehadSalpinnedagainstthedarkwoodenpanels,
hisforearmagainsthiswindpipe.

“Whatthehell?”Salsqueaked,hisvoicesatisfyinglyweakashetriedinvaintowiggleloose,his

toesbarelybrushingtheground.

“That’swhatIwanttoknow,”Vincesaid.“SomegoonsshotatCassielastnight.WhileIwasrightby

her.”Hepressedharder,watchingSal’sskinreddenastheoxygenstoppedflowing.

“Whatishetalkingabout?”Carloasked.
“I…”Salgasped.“It…”Heclawedatthearmcuttingoffhisairsupply,butVincedidn’tloosenhis

grip.Theangerpulsingthroughhimscaredhim,becauseitalsointriguedhim.It’dbesoeasytopusha
littleharderforafewmoresecondsandtobedonewiththepezzodimerdaforgood.

“Vince,lethimdown.”Carlo’svoiceleftnoroomforargument,butVinceheldSalagainstthewall

foracouplemoreseconds,justtogivehimsomethingtorememberhimby.Salgaspedandsputteredashe
raisedahandtohisfreedthroat.

“Itcouldbeworse,”Vincesaid.“YoucouldhavetwoUzispointedatyourheadrightnow.Getthe

fullexperienceoftryingtododgethatmanybulletsatonce.”

“Sal,”Carlosnapped.“Itoldyoutocallthatoff.Imadeitveryclear.”
Sal’seyeswidened,andhepressedbackagainstthewallhe’dbeensodesperatelytryingtogetaway

fromonlysecondsago.“Itried,Boss.Ileftamessage,but…Theycalledlastnighttotellmeitwas
done.”

“She’sdead?”CarloswunghisgazetoVince.“Cassie’sdead?”Hewantedtosay,Yeah,youguysgot

her.Noneedtokeeptrying.Butwithherrunningaroundthecity,that’dproveproblematictosaythe
least.

IfIcouldgethertoleavethecity,noquestions…Evenstill,Carlowasn’tstupid.He’dwantproof.

Andshe’dwanttoknowwhyshehadtoleaveandwhyshealsoneededtochangehername,whichwould
leadtomorecomplications.Besttostickwiththeoriginalplan.Well,nottheoriginal,originalplan,but
thebestonehecouldthinkoftokeephersafe.

“Webothmadeit,butbarely.”VinceshotanotherglareatSal,satisfactionpumpingthroughhimwhen

thetwerpflinched.“Didyoureallythinkanoisydrive-byinaniceneighborhoodwouldn’tgounnoticed?
Youjustputunneededattentiononallofus.”

ThemusclesinCarlo’sjawtightened,andhegaveSaladeadlylookthatmadeVince’sbloodfreeze

inplace,sohecouldonlyimaginetheimpactonSal.“YouandIaregoingtohaveatalkinafew
minutes.”HeturnedtoVince.“Sowhat’sthestatuswithCassie?”

“Ithinkit’sbesttotalkaboutthiswithouthim”—VincetiltedhisheadtowardSal—“here.He’s

alreadyscrewedituponce.”

Carlopressedhislipstogetherandtappedafingertothem.Thiswouldbesomucheasierwithout

anyoneelsechiminginonthesituation.VincesilentlyurgedhimtotellSaltoleave.

“Don’tgofar,”Carlosaid,notevenbotheringtolookatSal.
AsSalstartedpast,Vincesteppedintohispath.Hespokeinalow,make-no-mistakevoice.“Cross

meagain,andit’llbethelastthingyoudo.”

Salmanagedaweaksneerandthenlefttheoffice,headhanginglikeascoldeddog.Perfect.
“Soiftheydidn’tkillher,”Carlosaid,usingasimilarno-threattone,“whydidn’tyoufinishthejob?”
Wheretostart?It’dhelpifCassie’sfacewouldstopflashingintohismind,makingithardtostay

detached.Hecouldn’tlookweakrightnow,butatthesametime,heneededtoappealtoCarlo’s
sympatheticside.“Ifoundoutheraccidenterasedhermemory.Shedoesn’tremembertheincidentbehind
therestaurant,orevenworkinghere.RememberhowSalsaidshelookedrightathimbutactedlikeshe
didn’tknowhim?Shedidthesamethingtome.

“Iwatchedherforacoupleofdays,andallsheeverdidwasgobetweenworkandhernewplace—

whichIfoundoutshe’dalreadyplannedonmovingintobeforetheaccident.”That’dtakenabitofdigging
atheroldplace.“Iapproachedher,andwhenitwasclearshedidn’tknowwhoIwas,Istruckupa
conversation.IwaswalkingherhomesoIcouldfindoutmoreabouthercondition.Noone’sfollowing
her,either—nocops,nofeds.”Hegrittedhisteeth.“JustSal’sidiots,whowereincompetentenoughto
reportthejobasdone.”

Vincehopedthatwouldn’tcompelCarlotosendmorequalifiedpeople,becausethetruthwas,ifhe’d

spottedthatgunevenasecondlater,heandCassiewould’vediedthereonthesidewalk.

Carlotappedhisfingersonhisdesk.“Shedoesn’trememberanything?”
Vinceshookhishead.“NotaboutNewJersey.Notaboutus.Look,yousaiditbefore.Youlikedher—

wealllikedher.She’sjusttwenty-fouryearsold,withherwholelifeaheadofher.There’snoreasonto
killhernow.”

Carlostrokedhisgoatee,hiseyessofteningafraction.“You’resureshe’snotacting?”
“Iwasthereinthealleythatday.Sheneverwould’vetalkedtomeifsherememberedwhoIwas,and

wetalkedforawhile.Thensheleftwithme.Noamountofactingcouldkeephercalmthatlong,andlikeI
said,I’vebeenwatchinghercloselyforacoupleofdays.”Hepurposelyleftoutthefactthatsomeone
elsemight’vebeenwatchingher,too.

“Isn’titpossibleforpeoplewithamnesiatosuddenlyremember?Whatdidthedoctortellher—do

youknow?”

“Hesaidit’sunlikely.Iftheydon’tcomebackrightafter,they’reusuallygoneforgood.”Nowhewas

justtalkingoutofhisass,hopingitsoundedlegit.

“Whatpercentagedidhegiveher?Becauseevenifit’sfivepercent,thatfivepercentmeansprisonfor

me.”Carloletoutasighandshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkIcanriskit.Ifyou’renotabletodothejob,I
understand,butI’llhavetogetsomeoneelse.”

Hisgutclenched,alarmscreechingthroughhisveins.“Look,shetrustsme.I’llstickclosetoher.If

sheremembersanything,I’llfinishthejob.”

Carlowentbacktostrokinghisgoatee,andVincesearchedforanotherwaytogethimonboardwith

thisplan.

“Killingherrightnowwouldactuallybemoreofarisk.Saythepolicelookintoherdisappearance.

Wherearetheygoingtogoforanswers?They’llseesheusedtobeemployedatRossi’sandcome
charginginherewithawarrant—they’vehadahard-onforareasontosearchthisplaceforyears.”

Carlo’shandstilled.Clearly,thatstruckachord.
“Thisiswhyyouhavemetakingcareofthis.Youwantitdoneright,notsloppy.Ithinkthingsthrough,

whereyourothergoons…”Vinceletithangintheair,hopingtodrivethepointhomewithoutpissinghim
off.“Well,I’llhandleitwithoutaddingadozenmoreproblemstothepile.”

AnostalgicgleamflickeredthroughCarlo’seyes,andonecornerofhismouthliftedinahalf-smile.

“You’resomuchlikeyourdad.Whenyou’reinfrontofme,talkinglikethis,it’slikeIhavehimback.”

Eventhoughhedidn’twanttofeelsoproudoverthecomparison,Vincecouldn’thelpit.Dadgot

thingsdone.Peoplerespectedhim.He’dbeenhisheroformostofhislife,anduntilthedayhe’dbeen
provenwrong,Vincethoughthewasuntouchable.

“Youthinklongterm,too,justlikehedid,”Carlocontinued.“You’dmakeahelluvanumbertwo.I

neverpromotedanyonetoUnderbossafteryourfather,tellingtheguysthepositionwasunnecessary.But
thetruthis,Inevertrustedanyoneelseenough,andIalwayswantedtokeepitinthefamily.”

VinceknewitwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeCarlobroughtitup.Inanotherweekorso,hisuncle

wouldcasuallymentionBobbytogivehimmoreincentive.JustwhenIthinkI’mout,hethoughtwryly.
“I’llthinkaboutit.”

Carlonodded,asmugcurvetohislips,andthensmackedthetopofhisdeskwithanopenpalm.“The

restaurant’srunningfinewithoutyou,soyoujuststickclosetothatgirlforawhile.”

Nodoubthisunclethoughtaddingthatjabwouldhelpswayhimintoacceptingtheofferedposition.

Buthe’dseenthethingsthat’dbeenforgottenonhiswaybacktotheoffice—he’djustbeentoo
bloodthirstythinkingaboutSaltostopandtelltheemployeestofixthem.

“I’llreiteratetomyguysthatCassie’snottobetouched,but,Vince…”Carloleanedforwardinhis

chair,hisgood-humoredmoodfadinginaninstant.“Ifsheremembersanything,youkillherandhidethe
bodysoshe’sneverfound.Capisce?”

Vincedidn’tmove,didn’tbreathe,simplystaredstraightintohisuncle’seyes.“Ifitcomesdowntoit,

I’lldowhatneedstobedone.”

ChapterFourteen

Daylight,librarynearby,Vinceevencloser—allreasonsCassieshouldfeelsafe.Shedefinitelyfeltsafer
withVincethanshewould’vewithouthim,yetshecouldn’thelpbutflincheverytimeacardroveby.

Withoutaword,Vincereachedoverandtookherhand.Thepanicclawingatherinsideseased,

allowinghertotakeafewhalf-breaths.Whenthenextcardrovepast,shedidn’tflinch,simplyheldonto
Vincealittletighter.Herlungsinflatedanddeflatedasnormal.Progress.

“Wemadeittothepark,”hesaid,givingherhandalightsqueeze.
Trees.Grass.Water.Nostreetsthatallowedcarstocomewhizzingpast,whichaddedanothercouple

ofsafetypoints.ThelastofthetensioninherbodyfadedasVinceguidedherfartherinsideGeorgePage
Park.She’dexpectedswingsetsandkidsrunningaround,buttherewasonlyalargestretchofgrass,trees
withleavesinvaryingshadesofyellowandred,andastream.

Shelengthenedherstrideandstompedonafewoftheleavesthat’dalreadyfallen,thesatisfying

crunchgivinghermorecourage.TheamusedsmileVinceshothermadeherforgetwhyshe’dhesitated
overhissuggestiontotakeawalkinthefirstplace.

Thesoundofacarmadeherspinaround.Atleasttwentyyardsandseveraltreesseparatedthemfrom

thebluesedan,butshestillwatcheduntilitturneddownanotherstreet.Okay,somaybehecouldn’thelp
herentirelyforget,buthissmilewasanicerewardforgoingoutdespiteherfear.

Vincedidn’tsaymuch,simplyheldherhandandscannedthearealikeasilentsentinel.Sunshine

warmedthetopofherhead,andshewantedtostretchoutlikeacatandabsorballshecouldbeforeupper
sixtiestemperaturesdisappearedforseveralmonths.

Thepathwayledthemtoanoldmetalandwoodbridge.Theirfootstepsechoedagainsttheplanks,

alongwithanoccasionalcreak.

“I’massumingthisisanoffshootoftheDelaware.”Cassiewrappedherfreehandaroundthecool

metalsupportsandpokedherheadovertheside.Theslowmovingwaterbelowcouldn’tbemorethana
coupleoffeetdeep.“What’sitcalled?Doyouknow?”

“AssunpinkCreek,”Vincesaid.
Cassienarrowedhereyes.“Ass-a-what?Areyoumessingwithmebecauseofmymemoryproblems?

Becausethatwouldbesonotcool.”

Thesmileshe’dexpecteddidn’tcome.Shethoughtbacktothismorning,whenheaskedifshe’dever

gethermemoriesback—askeditlikesomuchrodeonit.Onlyshecouldn’ttellwhichwayhehopedfor.

MaybeIansweredthewrongwayandnowI’mjustremindinghimI’vegotissues.Notlikeshe

coulddomuchaboutit.Shenudgedhimwithherelbow,tryingtolightenthemood.“Iwaskidding.”

Finally,hislipscurved,butonlyafraction.“Hey,Ididn’tnameit.”
Shewatchedthewateruntilitfeltlikethebridgewasmovingalongwithit.Slightlydizzy,she

glancedatVince.Shewonderedwhetherlongstretchesofsilencebotheredhimornot.Shewasusedto
them,butshedidn’twantittoreachtheawkwardlevel,especiallysinceherattempttoteasehimhadn’t
gonesowell.

“Youknow,withallthecrazinesslastnight,wesortaskippedtheget-to-know-youtalk.”Lastnight’s

neardeathexperiencemadeherautomaticallyfeelbondedtohim,andshewantedtoexplorethat
connectionandseeifitrandeeper—shecertainlyhopedso.“What’syourlastname?”

“DaMarco,”hesaid.
“Mine’sDalton.Okay,sowhatdoyoudoforwork?”
“I…managearestaurant.”

“Hmm.”
Hisshoulderstensed.“What’sthehmmfor?”
Sheshrugged.“Nothing.JustnotwhatIpicturedyoudoing.Iexpectedyoutosay,like,bodyguard.Or

professionalgymrat.Somethinglikethat.”

Thistimeshegotthefullsmile,anditwarmedherfromtheinsideout.
“Themanagerthingexplainswhyyouweresointerestedinmyjoblastnight,though,”Cassiesaid.

“What?Checkingoutthecompetition?”

Vincepulledherinfrontofhimandwrappedbotharmsaroundherwaistsothatherbackmethisfirm

chest.Hiswhiskerstickledherearwhenhesaid,“Itoldyou.Iwasinterestedinyou.”

Thebloodinherveinsturnedtoliquidfire,andjustlikethat,theywerebacktowhereshewantedto

be.Foramomentshe’dbeenafraidheonlyfeltresponsibleforher.Orthattheywereturningintofriends,
andshedefinitelyhadmore-than-friendlyfeelingsforhim,commonsensetellingherhewaswayoutof
herleaguebedamned.

Shebrushedherthumboverthecoarsehaironhisforearmandleanedbackintohisembrace.“My

manager’sabit…Ican’tthinkoftherightword.‘Eternallygrouchy’isprettyaccurate,althoughhetooka
chanceonme,soIcanputupwithalittlegrouchiness.Whatkindofmanagerareyou?”

“I’dliketosaythatI’mtheperfectblendofgrouchyandfriendly.”Hislowvoicerumbledthroughhis

chestandechoedinhers.

“Idon’tthinkthat’sablend,”shesaidwithasmile.“So,what’sthenameoftherestaurant?Notthat

I’llknowitunlessit’sachainthat’sbeenaroundforawhile.”

Hisfingerssplayedacrossherstomachandelectricityzingeddownhercore.“I’mactuallytakinga

breaknow.Lookingtomaybegetintoanotherpositionsomewhereelse.Thinkyourgrouchymanageris
hiring?”

Cassielaughed.“Ithinkthat’dbeabadidea.Youdon’tseemlikethetypetotakedirectionvery

well.”

Hislipsbrushedherneck,theintoxicatingscratchofwhiskersfollowingrightafter.“I’mnot,”hesaid

againstherskin.

Thoughtsgrewfuzzyandshewashavingahardtimefocusingontheconversation.Sheturnedinhis

arms,herchestrisingandfallingagainsthis.She’dneverfeltsodrawntosomeoneshe’djustmet,and
insteadofitscaringher,shewantedtodiveinandenjoytherush.

Hiseyesdarkened,andheseemedtobefightingforcontrol.Shewishedhe’dstop.Whoneeded

controlrightnow?

“Cassie…”
“What?AmImakingyounervous?”Sheleanedcloser,hercarpe-the-hottiemottorunningthroughher

head—itwasdefinitelytimetoseizeallthethings.

“Always,”hesaid,andthenhetookholdofherhandandstartedacrossthebridge,leavingherwith

hormonalwhiplash.

***

Holyshit.Vincekepthiseyescarefullyforwardashestrodeacrossthestupidbridge.Thewomanfried
thelinkbetweenhisbrainandtherestofhisbody.

Firsthe’dtoldherhewasarestaurantmanager.Heshould’vethoughtupabettercoverstory,buthe

alsoknewtellingmostlytruthswasthebestwaytonotgetcaughtupinyourlies,andhiswerequickly
stackingup.

Thenhe’dtriedtodistractherfromthefactthathehadn’treallyansweredherquestion,onlytoget

distractedhimself.Stayingawayfromherhadbeeneasierwhenhe’dhadtherestauranttokeephimbusy.

Butwithnothingelsetodo…

Youhavesomethingelsetodo.IfshegetshermemoriesbackorifCarlodecidestogivethekill

commandanyway,you’regoingtoneedaclearhead.

“Arewespeed-racingthroughtherestoftheparkforanyparticularreason?OrareweonadeadlineI

don’tknowabout?”

Heslowedthepaceanddaredaglanceather.“Sorry.Justdon’twanttomakeyoulateforwork.”

Luckilyshedidn’tlookannoyedormad.Justconfused,whichmadehimfeellikeadick.Damnedifhe
did,damnedifhedidn’t.

Maybeheshouldjustdoit,then.Gatherhertohim,coverherlipswithhis,andgetlostinherfora

while.Everyminutehespentwithher,themoreattachedhegrew,andheknewonekisswouldneverbe
enough.

Therewasjustnowaythiswasgoingtoendwell.
IfCarloevensuspectedVincefeltafractionofwhathedidforCassie…Heshudderedatthethought.

AndifCassieevergothermemoriesback,she’dfeellikehe’dusedher.Sayhegotluckyandtheywere
permanentlygone,she’dstillbehorrifiedifsheknewallthethingshe’ddone.Hell,onlyafewhoursago,
he’dwantedtochokethelifeoutofSal.Justifiablysoafterhe’dnearlykilledthem,buthedoubtedCassie
wouldseeitthatway.

WhatIwouldn’tdotostartover.Justforgetaboutmyscrewedupfamilyandstartawholenewlife.

IfanyonecouldhelphimstartoveritwouldbeCassie.

Toobadthatwasafantasyandnothingmore.
“Iwasjustthinkingaboutyourlostmemories,”hesaidastheycamearoundthefinalloopofthetrail.

“Maybeyou’rebetteroffwithoutthem.”

Twocreasesformedbetweenhereyebrows,andherstepsslowed.“Whenyouhavethem,Ithinkit’s

easytofeelliketheydon’tmatterthatmuch.I’lladmitIevenhadthismomentshortlybeforeIleftthe
hospitalwhenIthought,ofallthememoriesthatcouldbeerased,whywasn’titwatchingmydadget
worseandworse?”Sheputahandoverherheart,rubbingitlikeshewastryingtosoothetheache
underneath.“ButifIlostthose,Imight’velostallofhim.Orhadtofindoutthathewasgoneandthen
spendtherestofmylifefeelinglikeIdidn’tgettosaygoodbye,evenifIhad.MymomdiedwhenIwas
younger,sohewasmywholeworld.Andthethoughtofnotknowinghim…”Hervoicecracked.

Anotherbrickofguiltaddeditselftothepilethat’dformedinhisgut.“I’msorry.Ididn’tmean…Ijust

thoughtit’dbenicetoforgetafewofmymemories.”Hestaredoffintothedistance,wishinghecould
erasetheimageofDadsputteringforairashebledoutonthelawn.ThememoryoffindingMomandher
bottleofpillsandcallingtheambulanceeventhoughheknewitwastoolate.OfhowBobbyhadgone
fromasharpkidtoaguyforeverlookingforhisnextfix.

Somuchhe’dliketoforget.
Cassieliftedtheirjoinedhandsandkissedthebackofhis.Longingfloodedhissystem,sostronghe

couldhardlyfocusonanythingelse.

“Idon’tdeservethat,”hesaid,turningtofaceher.“YouthinkthatI’msomebodyguarddo-gooderguy,

andI’mnot.”Consideringheneededtostayclosetoher,heprobablyshouldn’thaveconfessedthat.

“Ialsogavegymratasanoption,andthattypeisusuallyfullofthemselvesandplantheirlives

aroundtheirworkoutschedule.”Atinysmileghostedacrossherlipsbeforeblowingawaywiththe
breeze.“Sodon’tworry,Ifullyexpectyoutotellmethatyouneedtogobecauseyoujustremembered
youhavetopumpsomeiron,ordothepersonaltrainingthingorwhatever.EventhoughIknowyou’ll
reallybeleavingbecausethingsgottooreal,andyou’renotreadyforthatorinaplacetostarta
relationshipwithagirlwhohasaweirdmemorything.”

Thevulnerabilityswimmingthroughherfeaturesslayedhim.“Cassie…”
Sheclosedhereyeslikeshefearedshecouldn’thandletherest.Inaway,itmadeiteasierforhimto

saywhatheneededto.

“Mypastismessy,andmycurrentlife’snotmuchbetter.Youshouldknowthatgoingin.”
Hereyesslowlyopened,thepalegreentranslucentandshiningwithhope.“Sothere’san‘in’we’re

goingto?”

Sayno,sayno,say…
Shesteppedcloserandputherhandonhischest,andtheneverythought,everythumpofhisheart,

theyallfilledupwithher.

Heslidhishandbehindherneckandbroughthislipsdownonhers,likehe’dwantedtoformonths.

Hetookinhergaspandpartedhersoftlipswithhistongue,takinghistimesohecouldmemorizethe
floodofsensationsandsweettasteofhermouth.

Butthenshewrappedherhandsaroundhisbiceps,hernailsdiggingintohisskinashermouthmoved

againsthis,andtheneedtobecloserturnedintoaliving,breathingthing.Themoanthatescapedher
drovehimovertheedge.

Hebackedherupagainsttheclosesttree,bracinghishandsagainsttheroughbarkashekissedher

again,hungry,desperate,andcompletelyconsumed.

Rightnow,inthismoment,shewashis.
He’ddealwiththeguiltlater.

ChapterFifteen

Astheclockwounddownonhershift,Cassiegaveherselfaninternalpep-talkabouthowshewasa
strong,independentwoman,whowasn’tgoingtoletarandomactofviolencedeterherfromlivingher
life.

Still,shehadamomentofweaknesswhenshewishedforherbeastofacartotakeherhomeandeven

consideredcallingacab,butbythetimeshepushedoutofMcCarthy’s,herresolvehadreturned.Nowif
herwobblylegswouldjustgetmessage,that’dbegreat.

She’donlytakentwolongstridesdownthesidewalkwhenherstepsfaltered.Notfromfear,butthe

devastatinglysexyguysittingonthenearbybench,armsstretchedacrossthetopofit.Theireyesmet,and
heremotionsswitchedgearssoquicklyherkneesnearlygaveout.

Vincestood,andshefoughttheurgetorunoverandflingherselfintohisarms.Workhadbeen

especiallylong,herfearsaboutwalkinghomealoneleftherfrazzled,andallshewantedwastogohome
andcurluponhercouch.Preferablywiththeguywho’dkissedhersothoroughlyintheparkitfeltas
thoughhewereimprintedonherforgood.

Hidinghersmilewasfutile,sosheaimeditathimasshestartedhisway.“Youknow,ifyouwere

scaredtowalkalone,allyouhadtodowasask.”

Onecornerofhismouthkickedup,andherheartskippedacouplebeats.“Veryfunny,”hesaid,taking

slow,deliberatestepsinherdirection.“Now,getoverhere.”

Shehaltedinplace,leavingacoupleoffeetbetweenthem.“Oh,onemakeoutsessionintheparkand

youthinkyoucanjust—”

Vinceyankedhertohimandcoveredherlipswithhis,sendingtherestofhersentencerightoutofher

head.Shegrippedthesidesofhiswaistsoshewouldn’tmelttothesidewalk,nochanceofevergetting
upagain.Evidentlyhe’ddecidedtostopholdingback.Shewasfullyonboardwiththatdecision.

“Hey,”hesaid,hislipsbrushinghersashespoke.“ThoughtI’dgiveyouaridehome.”
“Okay,”shesaid.
VinceledhertoablackJeepthatlookedlikeitateotherJeepsforbreakfastandopenedthepassenger

door.Hiscolognehungintheairoftheinterior,woodsyandmusky,thesamescentthatinvadedher
sensesearlierinthepark.Sheliftedherfingerstoherstill-tinglinglips.She’dneverbeenkissedtheway
hekissedher—deep,urgent,andpossessive.

Vinceclimbedintothedriver’sseatandfireduptheJeep.“Howwaswork?”
“Itwasokay,butwaytoolong.TyrapickedaleafoutofmyhairwhenIfirstgotin.”Shetwisteda

strandaroundherfinger.“Iwonderhowitpossiblygotthere.”

Vince’sheatedgazeslidoverher.Herbrainwastellinghertonotgotoofast,butthelustpumping

throughherbodydidn’twanttolisten.Okay,I’llinvitehimupsowecangettoknoweachotherbetter,
butIshouldatleastdatehimforalittlewhilebeforeIeventhinkabouthavingsexwithhim.

AsVincepulledontothestreet,shestudiedhisstrongprofile,thewaythemusclesinhisarmsstood

out,howeverymovementhemadewassosure.

He’ddefinitelybeanadventure,andIamtryingtohavemoreofthose.Assoonasshehadthe

thought,shetriedtoquicklydismissit.Adventureornot,shedidn’twanttoopenherselfuponlytobe
hurt,andshedidbarelyknowtheguy.

Vincewrappedhishandaroundherthigh,andherhormoneswentintooverdrive.Thiswaswhat

happenedwhenyou’donlyeverhadsexwithonegangly,semi-awkwardguy,andit’dbeenyearsago.

Shefrowned,wonderingifthere’dbeenanyoneelseandhatingtheideathattheremight’vebeen.

Surelyshe’dsomehowknow,right?Herbrainflippedthroughimagesofguysshe’dcrushedoninhigh
school,skippedpastheroneandonlyboyfriendwho’dturnedintohersexbuddyandthenawkward
never-againex,andthenplacedherselfontheTCNJcampus.Eveninherimaginationitwashardto
pictureguysaskingherout,butshepushedharder,graspingatwispsthatmightormightnotbethere.

Ablackwallofresistanceandanoncomingheadachemetherefforts,andsheshookherhead,

abandoningherattempt.

“Where’dy—youokay?”Vinceasked.
Shepressedherfingertipstohertemples,massagingtheachethere.“Yeah.Ijustspaceoutsometimes,

andsincetheaccidentIthinkit’sgottenalittlebitworse.ButI’mback.”

Vincepulledupinfrontofherbuilding,lettingtheJeepidleinsteadofshuttingitoff.Maybehe’d

honestlyjustcometogiveherarideandnothingmore.Anotherworrypokedthrough.Whatifheneedsa
break?

Shedebatedsimplythankinghimandgoingupstairs,butdecidedtostopbeingawimpandjustgofor

it.“Myplansforthenightinvolvewatchingamovieonmyverypinkcouchanddiggingintoacartonof
icecream.Justputtingitoutthereincaseyouwanttojoinme.”

Vinceleanedovertheconsoleandkissedhercheek,andshepreparedherselfforhimtosayhe

neededtogo.“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”

***

ThetangleofnervestwistinginVince’sgutsentaspikeofirritationthroughhim.Really?Hewasnervous
togointoawoman’sapartment?

Onlythiswasn’tanywoman.ItwasCassie.Shewasn’tthekindofgirlyoujustsleptwithandthen

leftafter,whichwasgood,becausehecouldnot,underanycircumstances,sleepwithher.

Nottonight,anyway.
No,notever.
Assheunlockedthedoor,heranhisgazeupherlegstotheperfectcurveofherass.Histhoughts

driftedtothewayshe’dfeltagainsthimearlierandthethingsshedidwithhertongue,andallhisblood
rushedsouth.Fuck,whatamIthinking?Likeit’llbeeasytokeepfromcrossingthelinewhenshelooks
likethatandfeelsevenbetter.

Heneededtobewithhertokeephersafe,andyet,shewasn’tsafewithhim.
Temporary.It’salltemporary.That’dbehisnewmantra,toberepeatedatleastonceanhour

wheneverhewaswithher.

Herkeysclangedtogetherasshetossedthemonthekitchencounter.“Hey,Iforgottoaskaboutthe

police.”

Vincefrozeinplace,watchinghercloselyashisbraingraspedforwhatshemeant.Hadshefigured

outwhohewas?Wasthiswherehefoundouthe’dbeenconned,andshe’dactuallybeenundercoverthe
wholetime?“Thepolice?”

“Yeah,didyougetachancetoreportthedrive-by?Whatdidtheysay?”
“Oh.”Heslowlyletoutthebreathhe’dheldtrappedinhislungsandworkedtosoundcalm.Damn

lies.Onthebrightside,thepolicementionputhislibidoincheck.“Theysaidthey’dputanextrapatrolon
theareaandcheckoutthescene,butwithoutalookattheguysorthelicense,they’renotabletodomuch.
Butdon’tworry.”Heranhishanddownherarm.“You’vegotmetokeepyousafe.”

Theconcerninherfeaturesdidn’tfadeasmuchashe’dhoped.“Ijustfeelbadforeveryonewho

doesn’thaveapersonalbodyguard.”

“Don’tforgetthegymratpart.”
Sheflashedhimasmilebeforetippingontohertoesandgivinghimapeckonthelips.“I’mjustgoing

tochangeoutofmyuniformrealquick.Youalreadyknowwhereeverythingis,somakeyourselfat
home.”

Afewminuteslatershecameoutinskintightjeansthathuggedherhipsandtheasshewasquickly

becomingobsessedwith,andalacyblacktopthatshowedhintsofapinkbra.

Cassiereachedintothefreezerandpulledoutacartonoficecream.“Shouldwebotherwithbowlsor

justeatitoutofthecarton?”

Iseatingitoffyourbodyoutofthequestion?Heclearedhisthroat.“Carton.”
Shejoinedhimonthecouchandturnedonthetelevision.Itwaskittycorneracrosstheroom,offto

theleftofthewindow,andherememberedhertalkingaboutwatchingthesunset.Clearlysheputthatview
overherTVviewing—hedidn’tknowhowshecouldwatchforverylongwithoutgettingapermanent
kinkinherneck.

SheextendedhimaspoonanddugintotheNeapolitan.
“Ifeellikeachick,”hesaidafterhisthirdorfourthbite.“Isn’tthiswhatchicksdoafterbreakups?

Gettogetherandeaticecreamoutofthecartonwhilewatchingwhateverthisis…”Hegesturedtothe
dramaunfoldingontheTV.

“Yes.Anddon’tpretendyou’renotenjoyingit.”Cassielickedicecreamoffherlip.Agroanescaped

him,andsheslowlyclosedthedistancebetweenthempressedhermouthtohis.Herlipswerecold,and
whensheslidhertongueagainsthis,hediscovereditwas,too,inadditiontotastingfaintlylike
chocolate.“Ihardlyeverkissthem,though.”

Wantpumpedthroughhisbody,hismouthdroppedopen,andhegrewharderbythesecond.
“Andthat’showpredictableguysare,”Cassiesaid,avixensmileonherlipsasshepattedhischest.

Thesweetgirldefinitelyhadanaughtyside.Likesheneededanothertemptingfeature.

Shedugintotheicecreamagain.
“Whydoyoubotherbuyingthatkindwhenyouonlyeatthechocolatepart?”heasked.
“No,look…”Sheliftedthespoon.“Ijustlikemostlychocolatewithalittlevanillaandstrawberry.

WhydidyouthinkIreallyinvitedyouup?It’ssothatyoucanevenouttheotherpart.”

Heleanedforwardandstoleherbitewithallofthechocolate.
“Hey!”Shescoopedoutanotherspoonful,blockinghimwhenhemadelikehewasgoingtostealit.
Thenheobligedherrequesttoevenouttheotherflavors.
“Lookslikewemaketheperfectteam,”shesaidonceitwaslevel.Whenhewavedoffherofferof

more,sheputtheicecreambackinthefreezeranddisappeareddownthehallway.Shereturnedwitha
yellowandbluepatchworkblanket.“Theicecreammademecold,”shesaidasshescootednexttohim
anddrapedthequiltoverher,offeringhimpartofit.

“Didyoumakeit?”heasked,takingthecorneroftheblanketeventhoughcoldwasthelastthinghe

was.

“Mymomdid.BeforeIwasborn.”Shehuggedittighter,andhecouldtellhowmuchitmeanttoher.

Sherestedherheadonhisshoulder,andhedecidedherhairwaswhatalwayssmelledfaintlyofcoconut.
Mustbehershampoo.

Hecurledhercloserandkissedherforehead,enjoyingherhappysigh.Afterbeingshotatandhaving

intensediscussions—nottomentionhisthoughtsneverstrayingfarfromthefactthatifhefailed,someguy
namedJackhammermightcomeafterher—asimplemovienightcuddlingonthecouchendedupbeingthe
perfectwaytounwind.

He’dalwaysdonemoreofayourplaceorminethingwithwomen,whereeitherheorsheleftshortly

after.Suddenlyheunderstoodwhypeopledated.

Thisisonlytemporary,heremindedhimself.Withherfutureandhisinthebalance,heknewit

couldn’tlastforever,andatipinthewrongdirectionwouldbedisastrous.

Usuallyhepridedhimselfonhiscontrol,buthe’dcompletelylostitintheparktoday,andhedidn’t

caretogetitback.OnceCarlobackedoff,he’dhavetofindawaytoendthings,andhehopedhecould
doitinawaythatwouldn’tleaveCassiecrushed,eventhoughhehadafeelinghe’dneverbethesame
again.

Untilthen,hedecidedtojustenjoyit.
Callhimahypocrite.
Hewasowningbeingacompleteasshole,too.
Buthewasn’tstrongenoughtostayawayanymore.

ChapterSixteen

CassieandVincefellintoaroutine.He’dpickherupfromworkeverynightandstayatherplaceuntil
late.Notwantingtolosetheexerciseorchancetoenjoytheprettyfallcolorsandweather,shewalked
herselftowork,andeachdayshegotalittlelessjumpyaboutpassingcars.Shetoldherselfshecould
walkhomealoneinthedarkifshehadto,butshelikedthatshedidn’thaveto.

She’dalsoreceivedanemailfromAnnie,whosaidshewassorrytohearaboutheraccidentand

wishedheraspeedyrecovery.Accordingtoherformerneighbor,CassiedecidedonTCNJbecauseofthe
scholarshiptheyofferedher.Otherthanthat,shesaidtheyhadn’tkeptupverywell,somethingshe
apologizedfor,butshesaidherjobattherehabcenterconsumedmostofherdays.Sononewinformation
there,buttheybothpromisedtokeepinbettertouch.

AfteraweekofspendingprettymucheverymomenteitherworkingorhangingoutwithVince,Cassie

decideditwastimetostopputtingofftheotherpartofherlifeshestillneededtofigureout.Shegathered
everytextbookshehadatherdisposal,satonthecouch,andflippedthroughpageafterpage,tryingto
cramalloftheinformationshe’dsupposedlyalreadylearnedintoherbrain.

Inalittleovertwomonths,shecouldretakethecollegeclassesshe’donlygottenpartwaythroughthis

semester.They’dbehigher-levelcoursescoveringcomprehensivetopicsshecouldn’trememberlearning,
andthethoughtofitmadeherlungsconstrict.Butshetoldherselfshe’djusthavetostudytwiceashard.

Yeah,inallmysparetime.Defeatpressedagainsther,threateningtocrushherbeforeshe’deven

tried.Butbetweenworkandclassesandstudying,shewasn’tsurehowshe’dhaveanytimewithVince.

I’mnotseriouslyconsideringputtingoffcollegeforonemoresemesterforabrandnew

relationship,amI?Atthisrate,she’dneverfinishandactuallygetstartedon…whatevershedecidedto
be.Yetanotherquestionthatneededanswering.

Plus,shecouldn’tbeoneofthosegirlswhowrappedherentirelifeupinaguy.Evenifitwasrather

tempting,consideringwhattheguylookedlike—andhowhekissed.Shenearlypinchedherselfevery
timeheshowedupjusttomakesureshewasn’tdreaming.

Herphonerang,breakingoutofherhappyVincethoughts,andshefrownedattheunknownnumber

beforeanswering

“Cassie,it’sTomDuffy.Justcallingtocheckuponyou.”
Cassietoldhimshehadanewjob,hadsettledintoherapartment,andwaswell.Thesilenceonthe

otherlinemadehernerveendingsprickup.“Istheresomethingelse?”

Attheknockontheapartmentdoor,shesaid,“Justasecond.”Vincewascomingby,soshewassure

itwashim.Shenearlyopenedthedoorwithoutlooking,butlastminutepeekedthroughherpeephole,just
tobesafe.

Gah,he’ssodamnsexy.Sheswungopenthedoor,leanedinforaquickkiss,andthenpointedatthe

phoneandheldupafingertolethimknowshewasalmostdone.

“Sorry,whatwereyousaying?”Shereturnedtothecouch,pullingoneofhertextbooksontoherlapto

giveherhandssomethingtodo.

“I…I’dliketomeetupandaskyouafewfollow-upquestionsaboutyouraccident.”
Cassieclosedthebookinherhands.“Idon’tknowhowmuchhelpIcouldbe,consideringIdon’t

evenremembertheaccident.Didyouguysfindoutsomethingnew?”

Vincejerkedhisheadtowardher.Shewaveditoff,tryingtotellhimeverythingwasokay,even

thoughsomethinginTom’svoicegaveherpause.

“No,notreally,”Tomsaid.

“Whatdoes‘notreally’mean?”
Tomsighed.“Iwashopingwecouldmeetandchat.Completelycasual,noneedtoworry.Justone

friendtoanother.Areyoufreeforlunchtomorrow?”

Cassierolledhereyestotheceiling,workingtorecallherworkschedule.“Icoulddolunch.There’s

thiscutelittledelibywhereIworkifyou’dliketomeetthere.”

Theyfinalizedthedetails,andwhenshehungup,sheglancedatVince.Thedeadlyexpressiononhis

facemadeherswallowhard,andherheartforgothowtoproperlybeatforasecond.

“Whowasthat?”heasked,sittingdownnexttoher.
“OfficerTomDuffy.He’sthecopwhocametoseemewhenIwasinthehospital.We’regoingto

meetupforlunchtomorrow.Justonefriendtoanother,”sheadded,usingTom’swordstotrytosoothethe
angrymuscletighteningVince’sjaw.Whenthatdidn’twork,shesmoothedherfingeroverit,athrillgoing
throughherstomachatthebrushofroughwhiskers.“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dthinkyouwerejealous.”

“Maybeyouknowmebetterthanyouthink,”hesaid.Hisvoicecameoutallhotandgrowly,too,

whichshouldn’tcauseherpulsetorapidlyaccelerate,butitdidanyway.

“It’sjustlunchsohecancheckuponme.He’sareallyniceguy,andhehelpedmegetsettledwhenI

didn’tknowhowtopickupthepiecesofmylife,eventhoughitwasn’tpartofhisjob.”

“Yeah,I’llbet.”Vincegrinned,butthegrittedteethmadeitabig-bad-wolf-typegrin.“Sonowyou’re

goingtomeetupwiththepigatthelocaldeliandhaveanicelittlechat?That’sjustgreat.”

Sheraisedaneyebrow.“Benice.”
“What?”heasked,hisvoiceallfalseinnocence.“Sometimescopsarecalledpigs—maybeyoudon’t

remember,butIassureyou,it’strue.Lotsofpeoplecallthemthat.”

“Oh,I’maware,butIdon’tthinkthat’swhattheyprefertobecalled,soagain,benice.”
Hegrunted,andshedecidedtotakethatasitwascurrentlyunderconsideration.Helookedatthe

textbookslitteringthecouchandcoffeetableandpickedoneup.“What’sallthis?”

“I’mtryingtolearneverythinginthesebooksrealfastsoIdon’thavetostartoveronmyeducation.If

Idon’thurry,I’mgoingtobetheoldestpersontherebesidestheprofessors.MaybeI’lljusttelleveryone
I’mlaworpre-medsoitmakesmoresense.”

“Law?Likecriminallaw?”
Cassiestraightened,puttingonherbestseriousexpression.Shecouldn’ttellifhewasshockedor

intrigued.“What?Don’tIlooklikealawyer?”

“HottestlawyerI’veeverseen.”
Cassieshookherheadbutcouldn’thelpsmiling.“Andyou’veseenalot?”
“Ipleadthefifth,”hesaid,nudgingherwithhiselbow.
“Hey,Ialreadyknowthatonewithoutevengoingtoschool.I’mhalfwaythere.”Cassiepickedupthe

economicsbookshe’dskimmedthroughandtosseditaside—nothankyoutothatcourse.“Ican’tsee
myselfbeingalawyer.I’dliketothinkIcouldbeahardcoreprosecutor,butthat’snotreallyme,andI
couldneverdefendcriminals.”

Sheknewtherewereseveraltypesoflawyers,butnointerestsparkedwhenshethoughtaboutit.She

pulledtheheavyAccountingInformationSystemstextbookontoherlap.“EversinceIwasyoung,mydad
alwaystalkedabouthowimportantitwastogetaneducationandsetyourselfupinagoodcareerfield.
Hewasanaccountant—goodwithnumbers,notsomuchpeople.I’vethoughtaboutfollowinginhis
footsteps,andI’mnotthebestwithpeopleeither,so—”

“Areyoukiddingme?Peopleloveyou.Whenyou…”Vince’smouthhungopenforamoment,almost

likeheforgotwhathewasgoingtosay.“I’veonlyseenglimpsesofyouwaitressing,butyourcustomers’
eyeslightupwhenyoutalktothem.”

He’dcomeinafewtimesfordinnerordessertjustbeforeclosing,soshesupposedhehadseenherin

action.Shedidlikehowmanydifferenttypesshegottotalktoinaday.Shecoulddowithoutthe
complainersorthesnappers,butforthemostpart,sheservedhappy,interestingpeople,andwithoutthat,
she’dprobablyneverpushherselftointeractwithothers.

“Thetruthis,Idon’tmindwaitressingmostdays,”shesaid.“ButIneedacareer,preferablyinafield

withmoreroomforadvancement.”Sheranherhandovertheblueaccountingbook,tryingtogetexcited
aboutdiggingintoitscontents.“Whataboutyou?Yousaidyouwerelookingintoanotherposition.Did
youfindanewjob?”

“I’vebeendoingsomesecurityworkontheside,andI’mlookingintotransitioningintoitfulltime.

ButsometimesIthinkit’dbefuntostartmyownrestaurant.Buildaplacefromscratchandmakeagoof
it.”

“Well,one,thatmeansIwaskindofrightaboutthebodyguardthing,andtwo,ifyoustartyourown

restaurant,I’dtotallycomeworkforyou.”Sheloweredhereyebrows.“Unlessyouthinkthat’dget
weird?”

Nowshewasgettingaheadofherselfagain,alreadyworkingathishypotheticalrestaurant.
“I’monboardwithbeingabletobossyouaround.”Hetuggedthebookoutofherhands,tossedit

aside,andpulledherontohislap.“Kissme.Now.”

Shehoveredhermouthoverhis,pullingbackwhenhetriedtoclosethedistance.“Tobeclear,I’m

doingthisbecauseIwantto,notbecauseyoutoldmeto.”

Hereachedupandtwistedastrandofherhairaroundhisfinger.“I’mnotreallypickyastothe

reasons.”

Sheclosedthemereinchesofspacebetweenthem,sighingwhentheirlipsmadecontact.Maybe

tonightwillbethenight.I’llmakeanicedinner,openabottleofwine…

Vincemovedhislipstowhereherjawmetherneckandsuckedlightlyonherskin.Shedugher

fingernailsintohisarm,holdingonastheworldbegantospin.Hisarousaltwitchedagainsther,growing
harderbythesecond,andpassionsparkedandtookhold.

Maybewe’lljustskipdinner.
Hegrippedherbuttandhauledhertighteragainsthim,groaningintoherearwhensherockedherhips.

Thedeliciousfrictionmadehershudderagainsthim,andtheirlipsmetagaininafeveredkiss.

Hestrokedhertonguewithhis,andshesunkfartherintohislap,enjoyingthedeepgutturalsoundhe

madeinthebackofhisthroatandthewayitvibratedthroughher.

Butthenhisfingerswrappedaroundherhips,holdingherinplaceashisbreathsawedinandoutof

hismouth.Shelookeddownathim,helookedupather,andshedidn’tknowwhatjusthappened,because
they’dbeeninthemiddleofsomethingandevidentlyhewastryingtoputitonpause.

Hereachedupandtracedherbottomlipwithhisthumb,groaningagainwhenshenippedatit.“Baby,

Ithink…”Heclosedhiseyesandletoutaharshexhaleandanevenharshercurse.Whenheopenedthem,
hekepthisgazeoffher.“Didyouwannagooutfordinner?”

Shealmostsaid,No,Iwanttostayin.Buthisreactionhadhersecond-guessingherself.“Iplannedon

makingdinnertonight.”

“Wanthelp?”Stillnotlookingather.
Shetriedtoshiftintocookingmode,butherracingpulsedidn’tquitegetthememo.“Okay.”Slowly

sheclimbedoffhim,tryingnottoreadtoomuchintoit—obviouslyhewasaffected.Theevidencewas
stillthere,temptinghertotakeherboldnessastepfarther.

Butshechickenedoutandmovedintothekitchen.
“I’llberightback,”Vincesaid,andthenhedisappeareddownthehall.

***

Vincesplashedcoldwateronhisface—notthatithelpedmuch.Itwasn’tlikewatercoulderasethe
memoryofCassieontopofhim.

Overthepastweekandahalf,he’dcrossedseveralethicallines.Besidesthefewshiftshe’dputinat

Rossi’swhileCassiewasatworksohewouldn’tgocrazy,they’dspentmosteverysparemoment
together.Watchingmovies,kissing,cuddling,talkingabouteverythingandnothing,withafewnecessary
liessprinkledin.Morekissing.Morealmostcrossingthelineintotakingthingsfarther.

Tonighthe’dgottenlostinherforlongenoughtoalmostslipandignorehislastshakyethicallinein

thesandaboutsex.Shehadtodayoff,andhe’dbarelymanagedtowaituntilfivetocomeoversohecould
forgetwhohewasforawhile.Itwasaddictive.

Shewasaddictive.
Hestaredathimselfinthemirror,wonderinghowlonghecouldfacetheguyinthereflectionifhe

discardedhispatheticattemptatkeepingthingssemi-honorableandjusthadsexwithherbeforehelost
thechanceforever.

Whatwasonemoreline?Mightaswellgobigorgohome,right?
OrmaybeIshouldjusttellherIcan’tseeheranymore.Watchherfromadistancealittlewhile

longer,andthengiveinandtellCarloI’llbehisnumbertwosoI’mstillthefirsttoknowifanyone
bringsherup.

Heleanedhishandsonthesideofthesinkandlethisforeheadfallagainstthemedicinecabinet

mirror,goingbackandforth,weighingtheprosandcons.Hetriedtotellhimselfhecouldhandle
watchingfromafar,evenifit’dbetorturoustoseebutnothearherhappyvoiceorthefunnywayssheput
things…Tolookbutnottouch.

Whatitreallycamedowntowasthathedidn’twanttolethergoyet.
It’dhurther,too,andifevenahintofsadnesscreptintoherfeatures,he’dinstinctivelywanttodo

whateverittooktomakeitgoaway.

Shit,shit,shit.Onemoresplashofcoldwaterandthenhewipedhisfaceonhertowel,catchinga

whiffofcoconutwhichdidnothelphiscurrentsituation.Hefinishedpullinghimselftogetherandheaded
backintothelivingroom.

Cassiewasturnedaway,stretchedastallasshecouldgoasshereachedforacanonthetopshelfof

oneofherkitchencupboards.Hershirtlifted,exposingasexystripofskin.She’scertainlynotgoingto
makeiteasytodotherightthing.

Hewasabouttostepin,butthenshemanagedtogetholdofit.Shetossedthecanofcrushedtomatoes

intheair,bumpeditonherforearmandcaughtit,thenspuntothecanopener.Shedumpeditinasaucepan
that,fromthesmellofit,hadsautéingonionandgarlic,andthengrabbedasmallspicecontainerfrom
anothercupboard.Shetosseditendoverend,caughtitbehindherback,andthenpoppedtheredlidup
withherthumb.

“Wow.Dinnerandashow.”
Shestartled,thespicecontainerhittingtheovenandthenlandingonthefloor,sendingtinygreen

leavesoutinacircle.

Vincereacheddownandpickeditup.“Sorry.Didn’tmeantoscareyou.”
“Noworries.Justtossitover—Ididn’tactuallygetanybasilinthepan.”
Hethrewit,andshesnatcheditoutoftheair.
“AndIthoughtyourcookingmagicjustcamefromingredients,”hesaid.
Withalaugh,shestirredwhateverheavenlysauceshehadintheskillet.Anotherpotsatontheback

burner,bubbling,buthecouldn’tseeinsideofit.“Whenwefirststartedtossing,Idroppedeverything,

andourcanswouldn’topenrightbecausethelidswerealldented.”

“We?”
“Mydadandme.AftereatingMacandCheeseorRamennoodleseverynightforyears,Ifinallytold

himitwastimeforbothofustolearntocook.Rightaroundthattime,I’d…”Sheglanceddown,
embarrassmentcoloringhercheeks.“IfailedP.E.Like,itwasmeandalloftheoverweightkidslagging
behind,droppingballs,andhangingonthebarwithourarmsshakinginsteadofbeingabletodopull-ups.

“PartofitwasbecauseIneededglassesandjustdidn’trealizeit.”Shepushedherglassesupher

nose.“Butmostlymycoordinationwascrapandsportsweren’treallymything.”

He’dseenherbalancetraysmostserversdidn’tdaretakeon.Nottomentionthecantossing—he

wonderedifhecouldbumpituponhisforearmandcatchitlikethat.

“WhilemydadandIcooked,wetossedcansarounduntilIcouldcatchthem,flipthem,andmake

foodoutofthem.”Aproudsmilecurvedherlips.“ThinkI’vegotacareerasacook-slash-juggler?”

Vincemovedbehindherandwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaist,thinkingthatshefitperfectlyagainst

him.“I’mnotsurehowwelljugglingchefsgetpaid,butIthinkyoumightconsiderculinaryschool.You
obviouslyliketocook,andyou’regoodatit.”

Shespunaround,hereyebrowsallscrunchedup,andhethoughthe’dsaidsomethingwrong.Was

tellingawomanshecouldcooksexistthesedays?He’dsaythesamethingtoadudewhocouldcooklike
that.He’djustdoitwithoutthehuggingpart.

“Whydidn’tIeverthinkofthat?EverytimeIthinkaboutcollegeIalwayspicturemyselfendingupat

adesk,eventhoughitneverreallyappealedtome.IguessIfiguredtherightcareerpathwouldmagically
jumpoutatmewhenthetimewasright.Butculinaryschool…I’mtotallylookingintothat.”

Cassietippedontohertoesandkissedhischeek.“You’reagenius.”
“Noone’severaccusedmeofthatbefore.”
Shemadeacutelittlesquealnoiseandturnedbacktohersauce.“Salt,”shesaid,pointingatthe

shakernexttohim.Figuringthere’dbeamessifhehurledittoohard,heexecutedmoreofasoftlob.She
easilycaughtitandaddedseveralshakestothesauce.“Definitelymorefunwithtwojugglersinthe
kitchen.”

Afterafewminutesofstirringthesimmeringmixture,sheliftedoutaspoonful,blewonit,and

sipped.Thensheextendedittohim.“Doesitneedmore…something?”

Vincetastedtheredsauce—Rossi’sspecializedinItaliandishes,andCassie’swasstillthebest

marinarahe’deverhad.“It’sperfect.”

Shepressedherlipstogether,clearlydeepinthought,andthenhereyeswidened.“Needsjustahintof

fennel.Thenit’llbeextraperfect.”Thecupboarddooropenedabitrough—he’dhavetobringina
screwdriverandtightenthehinges—andshesearchedthroughalltheplasticandglasscontainers.

“SomedayI’mgoingtohaveafancyspicerackthat’ssuperorganiz—thereitis.”Shetookoutthe

fennel,flashedhimasmile,andflippedthebottleendoverendbeforeaddingafewshakestothesauce.

Andherealizedthatsometimeduringthepastweek,she’dturnedhimintooneofthosesappyfools

who’ddoanythingfortheirgirl.

ChapterSeventeen

ThehairsonthebackofCassie’sneckroseasshewalkeddownthesidewalk,theinstinctual,
unmistakablefeelingofbeingwatchedsettingoffalarms.Aquick,subtleglancerevealedasilversedana
fewcarsback.Hadn’titbeenparkedinfrontofherapartmentcomplexwhenshe’dcomeout?

MaybeI’mjustbeingparanoid.
Ofcourse,thelasttimeIthoughtthatIgotshotat.Shecutacrosstheblock,detouringfromher

usualroute—shewasmeetingTomattheDeli,butitwasonlyacoupleofshopsdownfromMcCarthy’s,
sothewalkwasthesame,justaboutfiveminuteslonger.

Sheglancedbehindherandletoutarelievedbreathwhenthecardidn’tfollow.Onemoreblock

down;shecheckedoverhershoulder.

Thesamesilvercarturnedthecorner.
Forgoingallattemptstobecovertorplayitcool,shejoggedtowardthebusierstreetupahead,her

heartbeatrisingtomatchtherapidthumpofherfootsteps.Aren’tyousupposedtoruninzig-zagsif
peopleshootatyou?

Notthatitwould’veworkedthelasttimeshe’dbeenshotat.
Holyshit,amIreallygoingtobeshotatagain?Abandoningallworryoflookinglikeacrazy

person,Cassiesprintedfullout.Shemadeasharprightandnearlyplowedintoafamilyoffour.

Cassieapologizedprofuselyandthenpeekedaroundthecornerofthebuilding,keepingherbodyas

coveredaspossiblebythesturdybrickwall.

Thesilvercarwasgone.
Sherolledflatagainstthewall,workingtogetherheartratebacktonormal.Herhandtrembledas

sheranithalfwaythroughherhairandresteditonthetopofherhead.IthinkI’mgoingcrazy.

Shehonestlydidn’tknowifthecarjusthappenedtobegoingherway,orifsomeonewaswatching

her.It’scompletelyirrationaltothinksomeonewouldfollowme,right?

Afterbeingshotat,hertrustinthegeneralpublicwasabitshaky,andyes,itcouldbeaffectingher

judgment.Butherinstinctsscreamedthatsomethingwasn’tright.Hadn’tbeenquiterightsinceher
accident,ifshewerebeinghonest.

IfIwould’vetakenVinceuponhisoffertocomegetme,he’dknowifthatcarwasfollowingme.

Thenagain,ifhe’dpickedmeup,we’dbeinhisJeepandthecarprobablywouldn’tfollowus.

Besides,Vincehadonlymadetheofferbecausehewantedtoloominthecornerwhileshetalkedto

Tom,andthelastthingsheneededwasforhimtostartafightwithacopovernothing.

HerthoughtsturnedtoVince,thewaytheytendedtodoalotthesedays,andshecouldn’thelp

replayinglastnight.Firsthe’dactedjealousandpossessive,thentherewastheamazingmakeoutsession
he’dabruptlystoppedwithnoexplanation,buttheneverythingwasfunandnormalagainasthey’dcooked
andatedinner.Yetwhenhewenttokisshergoodbye,itwasuncharacteristicallyquick.

Hewasstillholdingback,andshecouldn’tfigureoutwhy.
Maybehejustneedstime.Hopefullyhe’lleventuallyrealizehecanletmeallthewayinandwe

canmovepast…whateverweneedtomovepast.

Cassiecastonelastglancearoundandthenpushedintothedeli.Whileitwasabitcooloutside,the

heatpumpingthroughthedeliseemedextreme.Sheshedhercoatanddrapeditoveranarm.Tomwasn’t
thereyet,andshecheckedthetimeonherphone.Thankstorunninglikealunaticforpartofherwalk,she
wasafewminutesearly.

Thesoundoftheopeningdoormadeherturn.Tomwalkedinwearinghispoliceuniform.Forsome

reasonshehadn’texpectedtheuniform,whichmadeitseemsoofficial.Buthewasprobablyjustonlunch
break,whileshehadn’tevenstartedherworkday.

Hesurprisedherbypullingherintoahug.“It’sgoodtoseeyou,”hesaid.
“Yeah,youtoo.”
DefinitelyagoodthingVinceisn’there.Maybehe’dbefine,butthatscarygleamthatenteredhiseye

whenshementionedthismeetingtoldadifferentstory.She’dliketosayshewasabovehisjealousy
turningheronalittle,butshe’dbelying.

Anotherthingshe’dneverexperiencedwithanyotherguy.
Shepulledback,realizingthatinthinkingaboutVinceshe’dbeentheonetoextendthehugtoolong.
“Youlookgreat,”hesaid,shootingherawidegrin.“Asusual.”
“Thankyou.”
Tompulledoutaseatforheratoneofthenearbytables.Themenussatinthemiddle,andshelifted

oneandscannedthesandwiches,goingbackandforthbetweenacoupleofoptions.She’djustdecidedon
theclubwhensheloweredhermenuandnoticedtheverydistinctJeepparkedatthecurb.

Sheslappedthemenudownonthetable.Okay,Itakebacklikingthepossessiveness.He’sclearly

tryingtogivemeapanicattack.

“Everythingokay?”Tomasked.
Sheproppedhermouthintoasmile,hopingthathavingtoforceitdidn’tmakeherlooklikeacrazy

person.“Yeah.Totally.I’mjusthungryandcan’twaittoeat.”

Aftersheorderedhersandwichatthedelicounter—andwhileTomwasdistractedorderinghis—she

peeredthroughtheglassstorefrontofthedeli,intoVince’stintedwindow,tryingtorelaythatheshould
not,underanycircumstances,comeinside.

Butsinceshecouldn’tseehisface,shehadnoideaifhegotthemessage.

***

Fuckingcop.

HewasgoingtogetCassieintrouble—orworse.Vinceprobablyshould’vehungback.Been

discreet.Insteadhe’dparkedrightinfrontofthedeliwindow,sothatifanyoneelsewaswatchingCassie,
they’dhavetogetoutoftheircartodoit,andthenhecouldinterceptthem.

AsilverFordTaurushaddrivenbyandslowedinfrontofMcCarthy’s.Vincedidn’tlikeit,butright

nowhishatredwasmostlyaimedatthecop,whowasclearlythereformorethancheckinguponCassie’s
medicalcondition.

CassiehadseentheJeep,too,sohewasgoingtocomeofflookinglikeajealousboyfriend.Honestly,

hefeltlikeone.Thathuglastedwaytoolong,andifthepigputhishandsonheronemoretime…He
grittedhisteeth,hatingthisoutofcontrol,helplessanger.

She’sturningmeintoalunatic.ButifanyofCarlo’sguyssawherwithacop,Carlowouldgivethe

ordertotakeherout.Ishould’vecomeupwithagoodreasontokeepherfrommeetingwithhim,no
matterwhatittook.

He’dtried,buthe’dhadhishandsfullwithsmotheringtheurgetocarryherintoherbedroomandrip

offherclothes.

Don’tthinkaboutthat,either.Justsithereandstareatthepigwho’sgoingtogetherkilled.
Vincelookeduptheguythismorning,foundouthisoldmanwasaretiredcop,andrecognizedthe

picture.He’dbeeninthebackoftheseniorDuffy’ssquadcarbefore.Twice,actually.Onceforstealinga
coupleoffortiesfromaconveniencestore.Hewouldn’thavegottencaughtifBobbydidn’talsohaveto
grabone,onlytodropthebottletwostepsfromtheexit.Thecoptookthemdowntothestationandgave
themasternlecturehe’dbarelylistenedto,andthenCarlohadpickedthemup.

YesterdayCassieaskedifhe’dmetalotoflawyers.Theanswerwasonlyone—Carlo’sbalding

lawyerwhohadcometothepolicestationafterridenumbertwo.Vincehadhotwiredacarandtakena
joyride,mostlybecausehewantedtodriveaMustang.He’donlybeenborrowingitandfullyintendedto
returnit,onlyhegotalittletoodrunkandendedupstayingallnightattheparty,wherethepolicehad
spottedthe“stolen”car.

ThatoffenseearnedhimmorethanalecturefromtheseniorOfficerDuffy.Intheend,hereceiveda

fineandseveralhoursofcommunityservice.Beingundereighteenhadhelped.BeingCarloRossi’s
nephewandhavinghimpullstringshadhelpedevenmore.

WhenCassiefirstmentionedlawschool,forabriefmomenthethoughthecouldspinthatcareertohis

advantage.Convincetheguysit’dbegoodtohaveherintheircorner,andthenhewouldn’thavetolether
go.

Thatbubbleofhopepoppedwhenshedeclaredshecouldneverdefendcriminals.Whichofcoursehe

would’verealizedifhe’dbeenthinkingaboutitlogicallyinsteadofselfishly.Heevenlikedthatabout
her.Itwaspartofwhatmadeherdifferentfromotherwomenhe’dbeenwith,butitwasalsowhatmade
himsowrongforher.

Hisphonebuzzed,andheglancedatit.

Cassie:WTHareyoudoing?

Hegrinned.Evenwithabbreviations,shewentfortheless-vulgar,sweeterversion.

Vince:Justenjoyingtheview,sweetheart
Cassie:Thisisstraightupcrazy.Ican’tfocuswithyouthere.Goaway.
Vince:IwillassoonasIseeyousafelytowork.Unlessheputshishandson

you.Thenyou’llseemealittlesooner

Throughthewindow,hesawherglancedownatherphoneandshakeherhead.Surveillancejustgot

moreinteresting.Anothercarwould’vebeenmorediscreetwhenitcametoCassienoticing,butifanyof
Carlo’sboyspassedby,they’drecognizehisJeepandmoveon.Solikeitornot,shegothisstalker
personality.

Hetappedhisfingersonthesteeringwheelforamomentandthenliftedhisphoneandthumbed

anothertext.

Vince:Youlookhotbytheway

Hestaredathisscreen,nearlygivinguponareplywhenitchimed.

Cassie:YouandIareinafight.
Vince:Thisallcould’vebeenavoidedifyou’djustcanceled
Cassie:FIGHT!!!!

“Ah,shit.”Vinceleanedbackinhisseat.Hestillwasn’tmoving.Thepiggesturedwithhisarms,his

sandwichinonehand,andVincewishedhecouldhearwhathewassaying.Whatcouldpossiblybeso
importantthatitwasworthgettingherputbackonthemafiahitlist?Ofcourse,shedidn’tknowthatwas
arisk.

Possiblythepigdidn’teither.Fromthelooksofthings,hewasjustinterestedinCassie.
She’sprobablygoingtobeprettypissedIdidn’tleave.Ifshehadanyideahowmuchhewasholding

backtheurgetomarchinthere,tellthatfuckingcopshebelongedtohimbeforethrowingheroverhis
shoulderandcarryingherout,she’dcongratulatehimonhisrestraint.

***

Cassiethoughtaboutbringingupthedrive-by.Shesupposedsheshould’vethoughtofcallingTomthat
night,buteverythinghadhappenedsoquickly.

It’sprobablynothisdepartmentanyway.

“So,”shesaid,tryingtoignoreVince’shulkingpresence.Crazyhowshecouldsensehimsostrongly

eventhoughshecouldn’tseehim.“I’veenjoyedcatchingup,butwhenyoucalled,Igotthefeelingthere
wassomethingyouweren’tsaying.Aboutmyaccident?”

Tomshutteredhiseyes,aquickchangefromhowopenthey’dbeenonlyamomentago.“Nothingbig.

Justfollow-upquestionsaboutyourmemories.Like,doyourememberanythingrightbeforetheaccident?
Possiblywhyyouwereinsuchahurrythatyoudidn’tseeahugetruck?Hasanythingcomebackatall?”

He’dgoneintointerrogationmode,hisseriouscopfaceon.
“No,butIgotthiscreepyvibewhenIwenttotheareawhereIwashit.”Sheshudderedasthesense

ofwrongnessthathadherfleeingtheareaassoonaspossiblehitheragain.“Nomemoriesoftheaccident
oranyofmytimehereinJerseyhavecomebacktome.Ithinkthey’regoneforgood.”Shewipedher
fingersonhernapkinandfoldedherarmsacrossthetable.“What’sthisabout,Tom?”

“LikeIsaid,justabitoffollow-up.YoushouldseethepaperworkIhavetofillout.”Thesmilehe

pulledoutwasplastic.“Ifyourememberanything—anythingatall—willyoudomeafavorandcall?”

“Sure,”shesaid,botheredbyhissuddendodgy-ness.Whywouldn’thejustgiveittoherstraight?

Menandtheirirritatingneedtoholdback.

SheglancedatVince’sJeep.Hecouldusealittleholdingbackinotherareas—namely,the

showing-up-to-my-lunch-meetingone.

Tompushedthebrownpaperhissandwichhadcomeintothesideandleanedin,hisfeaturessoft

again.“Tobehonest,there’ssomethingelseI’vebeenmeaningtoaskyou…”

Cassie’sspinestiffened.Ohno.Thisbetternotbegoingwhereshethoughtitwas.She’dassured

VincethatTomwassimplyanicecopwho’dhelpedheroutandhadbecomeafriend.Vince’sskepticism
hadbeensoclear,andnowitlookedlikehewasright.

Andofcoursehewaswatchingitallthroughthefreakingwindow.Heavenhelpme.AndTom—he

mightneedhelp,too.AndVincewhenhegetsarrested.Betterjustgoaheadandhelpusall,andas
soonaspossiblewouldbegreat.

Tomcoveredherhandwithhisandjerkingitawayseemedtoorude,soshesimplystaredatit,acar

wreckwaitingtohappen.“Icareaboutyou,Cassie.”

“Yeah,I’msogladwe’refriends,becauseyouhelpedmethroughareallyroughtime.”Shehoped

he’dtakethehint.Backoff.SlowtheHolyShitTrainrightdown.

“Iwannatakeyouout.”
Aglintoflightcaughthereye—Vince’sJeepdoorswingingopen.Herbloodpressureshotintothe

dangerzone,andsheslidherhandawayandfoldeditinherlap.“I’ve,uh,beendatingsomeone.Ithasn’t
beenverylong,butit’sgettingprettyserious.”

Seriouslycrazywithacherryontop.
VinceleanedagainsthisJeep,foldinghismassivearmsacrosshischest,andshecouldfeelhissteady

stareagainsthertighteningskin.

Tomsighed.“GuessIshould’vemademymoveearlier.”
Cassiesimplysmiledatthat.Thetruthwas,sheprobablywould’vedatedhimandbeenperfectly

happy.Butnowshecouldn’timagineanyonebutVince.Eventhoughthesimultaneousurgetohithimwith
somethingrightthenwasstrong,andshedidn’tthinkshe’deverbeensomadatanyonebefore.

“Well,ifhegivesyouanytrouble,youcallme.Icouldevendoabackgroundcheckifyouwant.Make

surehereallyisagoodguy.”

Anervouslaughspilledfromherlips.“Oh,that’sokay.Anyway,Ishouldprobablygettowork,”she

said,jumpingtoherfeet,despitestillhavinganhourtokill.

Oraboyfriendtokill.Eitherone.

Beforeshecouldsidestepit,Tomgaveheranotherhug.“Youcallmeifyoueverneedanything.I

meanit.”

“Iwill,”shesaid.Afterall,afriendlyofficerofthelawmightcomeinhandy.“Andifthere’sany

changewithmymemories,I’lldefinitelyletyouknow.Thanksagain.”

Shegrabbedherpurseandcoatandpracticallyrantogettothedoorfirst.LuckilyTomwastakinghis

timebecauseshedoubtedshe’dmakeaverysturdylineofdefense.

ShestrodeovertoVince,herangergrowingstrongerandhotterbythesecond.“IntheJeep.Now.”

Sheroundedthehoodandclimbedintothepassengerseat,relievedwhenVinceclimbedinsideand
closedthedoor.

“Whatthehellwasthat?”sheasked,throwingupherarms.
“WouldyoubelieveI’mjustthatconcernedwithyoursafety?”
“He’sacop,Vince.Ithinkthatmakesmeprettysafe.”
“Well,Idon’t.Ithink…”Heclenchedhisjawandglancedattheceiling,asifhe’dfindpatience

there.Thenheblewouthisbreathandturnedhismulticoloredbrowneyesonher.Theconcerninthem
tooktheedgeoffherannoyance.“Ican’tjustsitback,Cassie.ThesecurityworkI’vebeendoinghas
mademecautious,andIneededtoseeformyselfthatyouweresafe.I’vealwaystriedtokeeppeopleata
distance,butyoubrokethrough,andnowI’mamess.”

Sheblinkedathim,warmthworkingitswaythroughherchest.Didhejustconfesstocaring?Tobeing

ascrazyaboutherasshewasabouthim?How’dshegetsoluckyforthisamazingguytoshowupatthe
perfecttimeinherlife?Herveryownprotector,andnowthey’dtiptoedintosomethingmore.

“IfyouevenknewhowbadlyIwantedtogointhereandmakesureheknewyouweremine…”His

eyeslockedontohers,thedark,possessiveedgetothemmakingherbreathlodgeinherthroat.“ButI
refrained.OnemoresecondtothathugandIwouldhavelostmyshit,butI—”

Cassiestretchedovertheconsoleandcrushedherlipstohis.Shepulledbackenoughtostudyhis

ruggedfeaturesandranherhanddownthesideofhisface.“Isoshouldn’tberewardingthisbehavior.”

“Don’tworry,”hesaid,leaninginsothathisbreathmixedwithhers.“Itotallylearnedmylesson.”

***

Jimliftedhisringingphone.He’dswitchedcarsandsatonthestreetafewblocksdownfromRossi’s,
waitingandwaitingforsomething,whennothingseemedtobetheonlythinghegot.

He’dhopedit’dbeMancini,callingtosayhehadasolidleadforthemtofollow,butthenumberwas

unfamiliar.“McVee.”

“It’sOfficerDuffy.”
Yesterdayduringendlesshoursofsurveillance,hepulledupCassandraDalton’saccidentreport

again.Hedidn’tknowwhyhecouldn’tquiteletitgo,evenwhenthefactspointedtoherbeingadeadend.
WhenhefoundOfficerTomDuffy’snameonthereports,heputinacalltohisprecinct.“Youtalktoher?”

“Wemetforlunch.”
Gettinginformationoutofhimwaslikeyankingteeth—actually,allthattookwaspliersandstrength,

sohe’drathergowiththat.Betweenhismentioningthathe’dpersonallyescortedCassandrafromthe
hospitalandgettingdefensivewhenJimaskedaboutherandhercondition,hesuspectedOfficerDuffy
hadgrownfondofMissDalton.“So?”

“Tellmewhatthisisabout,andI’llfillyouin.”
Jimsighed.“LikeItoldyou,it’sclassified.”
“Youfedslovetossingthataround,don’tyou?Makesyoufeelbigandpowerfulandmorequalified

thanthoseofuswhoareoutbeatingthestreetsalldaylong.Ifyoujustsharedinformation,maybewe’dbe
abletohelpeachother.”

“Look,I’mhappytogoquestionthegirlmyselfifyourefusetocooperate.Ithoughtyou’dbeless

invasive.”

“Justleaveheralone.”ThegrowlinOfficerDuffy’svoicewasmoresatisfactorythanscary;thecop

didlikethewaitress.“Herconditionhasn’tchanged.Shehasnomemoryoftheaccidentorwhat
happenedbeforeit,butshetoldmeshe’dcallmeifsherememberedanything.Ifthathappens,youbetter
letmeknowwhatthehellisgoingon.Ifshe’sindanger—”

“It’sjustprocedure.”Jimhesitated,goingbackandforthanddecidingalittlereassuranceneverhurt

anyone.Especiallyifhemightneedfavorsfromsaidanyoneagain.“She’snotindanger.”

Afterall,ifCarloRossiwasafterher,she’dbedeadalready.

ChapterEighteen

DuringthehourCassiespentwithVincebeforework,shewentbackandforthonwhethertotellhim
aboutthecarthatmightormightnothavebeenfollowingher.Obviouslyhetookhersafetytotheextreme,
slightlyjealouslevel,andshedidn’twanttomakehimanymoreof“amess,”ashe’dputit.

Butifshedidn’tsayanything,she’dbeamess.Sharingiscaring,evenifit’sparanoia,right?
“Ineedtotellyousomething,”shesaid,turningtofacehimjustshortoftheentrancetoMcCarthy’s.

Vince’sposturestiffened,andsheputherhandonhisbicepsandbrushedherthumboverthecurvetotry
toconveyacalmnessshedidn’texactlyfeel.“It’sprobablynothing,butwhenIwalkedtothedelitoday,I
thoughtthatmaybesomeonemightbefollowingme.”

“Didyougetagoodlookatthedriver?Whatwasthemakeandmodelofthecar?Didyouseeagun?”
“No.Idon’tknow,itwassilverwithfourdoors.AndIdidn’tseeagun.Ithinkthewindowswereup,

butIdidn’tstopforalook.”

“WasitasilverFordTaurus?”
Sheshrugged.“Maybe.AndlikeIsaid,Idon’tknowifitwasfollowingmeforsure.It’sprobablyjust

mebeingparanoidafterwhathappenedthenightyouandImet,butitturnedafterIdid,andIran,butthen
itwasgone,soit’sprobablynothing.”Shebitatherthumbnail.“Don’tfreakoutoranything,‘kay?”

Everylineofhisbodywentrigid,themusclesunderherhandturningrocksolid.
“Itlookslikeyou’refreakingout,”shesaid.
“Thisismenotfreakingout.IfIwerefreakingout,I’dhaulyoubacktotheJeepandrefusetoletyou

gotowork.NowthatIthinkaboutit,that’sagoodidea.”

Hereachedforher,andsheputahandtohischesttoholdhimback.“Youpromisedyouweregoingto

workonthepossessivethingandtrustingmyjudgment.Remember?”

“Yeah,thatwaswhenweweremakingoutinmyJeep,andIwastryingtokeepusoutofafight.I

neveractuallyagreed.”

Hermouthdroppedopen.Afterkissinghim,shethoughttheyhadaproductiveconversationabouthow

sheunderstoodwhyhemightbeoverlycautious,butforthingstowork,they’dneedtotrusteachother’s
judgmentandeachotheringeneral.“Iguessyoujustdelayedthefighttillnow,then.”

“Fromnowon,I’mtakingyoutoandfromwork.”Henoddedtohimself,andshewonderedifhe’d

evenheardherlastsentence.

“That’sjustsilly.Youcan’tputyourentirelifeonholdtobemybodyguard.”
“SureIcan.”
“Wejusttalkedaboutthis.”Sheexhaledafrustratedbreath,wishingshecouldgobackandun-

mentionthecar.“Let’sthinkaboutthisrationally.Whywouldanyonebeafterme?Itmakesnosense.
Look,I’lljustdrivemycarforalittlewhileuntilIstopseeingeveryoneasathreat.It’llbefine.”

Hewrappedhisarmaroundherwaist,drewhertohim,andpressedhislipstohers.“I’llpickyouup

tonight.Don’tleavewithoutme,okay?”

Shecurledherhandintohisshirt.“Don’tdoanythingcrazy.”
“Wouldn’tdreamofit,”hesaid.Thenhekissedheragain,takingamomenttolingeranddraghis

tongueacrossherlowerlip.“Anddon’tworry.AssoonasIeliminatethethreat,we’llhavelong
discussionsaboutboundariesandtrustandwhateveryouwant.Now,haveagooddayatwork.I’llsee
youinafewhours.”

Thenhewasoff,andallshecoulddowasgointoMcCarthy’sandhopethat“eliminate”wassecurity

codefor“calmlylookinto.”

***

AcoupleofphonecallsconfirmedSal’swhereabouts;ithadn’tbeenhimfollowingCassiethismorning,
becausenoonecouldbeintwoplacesatonce.VincehighlydoubtedSalwouldcrossCarloagainand
hireathird-partytodoit,buthecouldn’tbesure.

WhenCassiehadstormedoutofthedelianddemandedhimintotheJeep,eyesafire,he’dknown

betterthantotellhershelookedsexyashellpissedoff,eventhoughitwastrue.He’dbeensureshewas
abouttosolvehisdilemmabydumpinghimonhisass.Afterall,toher,hewasaguyshe’donlymetnot
quitetwoweeksago.

Thedreadthat’dimmediatelyrisenupmadeitclearbeingapartwouldn’tsolvehisconflictedfeelings

aboutbeingwithher.It’donlysendhimovertheedgethatmuchfaster.Underusualcircumstances,he
wouldn’thavefollowedher,andhewouldhave“trustedherjudgment,”butoncehe’dseenherwiththe
cop,thepossessivenesswasn’tanact.

WatchinghimputhishandonCassie’s,makingitclearhewantedmorethanfriendship,hadsenttoxic

jealousyburningthroughVince’sgut,andhe’dbeenoutofhisJeepbeforehecouldreignhimselfin.He’d
beenahairawayfromcharginginthereandknockingthepigout,hisentirebodybuzzingwiththedesire
todojustthat.

MaybeIamjustlikemydad,Carlo,andhisthugs.Angerandthedesiretousehisfistscertainly

camefasterthanitshould,whichmadehimthewrongguyforCassie.

Buttheself-analysiswouldhavetowaituntilhefoundwhoeverwasfollowingherandmakesure

theystopped.

Becausethatwasonejobhewasperfectlysuitedfor.
Hemadeapassaroundtheblock,checkingeverysilverfour-door—andtherewerealot,although

noneweremanned—andlookingfortheTaurushe’dnoticedearlier.Whenhecameupempty,heparkeda
fewblocksfromMcCarthy’ssohecouldwatchthestreetandtheonesthatfedintoit,andgotouthis
phonetocheckinwithCarlo.

“Yeah?”Carloanswered,andthen,“Youdidnotjustfuckingthrowaglassatmyhead.”
Amuffledshatteringnoisecamethrough,followedbyanangryscreamfromAllegra—Vinceassumed

anyway.Whenshescreeched,“Isthather?”itconfirmedit.

“There’snooneelse,angel.Youkeepmeasbusyasthreewomenwouldwithallofyour

personalities.”

Morecrashingcameovertheline,andCarloswore.“Justaminute,Vince.”
Ah,thealwaysfun“areyoucheatingonme?”fight.VinceandBobbywitnessedafewfirsthandwhen

theylivedinthehouse.Aboutonceayear,AllegradecidedCarlowascheatingonher,usuallybecause
oneofhiscapo’swivesorherotherfriendsfoundouttheywerebeingcheatedon,and/orhe’dbeen
workinglatenights.NotthatVincemadeitaprioritytoknowwhoanyofthemensleptwith,butanyone
couldseeCarloadoredAllegra.Shewashissecondwife,andwhilehe’dcheatedonthefirstwith
Allegra,asfarasVinceknew,hewasfaithfultoher.Despitethefactthatshewas,well,kindof
psychotic.

She’dresentedthehelloutofhavingtotakecareofVinceandBobby,eventhoughtheyweremostly

grownalready.Motherlyjustwasn’tinherskillset.

Vincewatchedthestreet,focusedonthepassingcarsandpeople,untilCarlocamebackontheline.

“Women.Itellyou,you’reluckyyou’veneverbeeninlove.Everything’scalmonedayandthenyou’re
walkingintoashitstormbecauseyouglancedatsomeoneinalow-cutdressduringdinner.”

Vince’sgazeautomaticallymovedacrossthestreetatMcCarthy’s.Yeah.Goodthinghe’dneverbeen

inlove,orwhoknewwhathemightdo.Maybesomethingcrazylikedodgebullets,spendadayon

surveillancelookingoutforasilvercar-shapedneedleinahaystack,andconsiderhowfarhecouldgetif
hetriedtorunawayfromhisfamily…

Theanswertothatlastoneimmediatelypoppedintohishead:notveryfarbeforeCarlocameafterthe

bothofthem.

“Soundslikearealpainintheass,”Vincesaid.“GuessI’llkeeponavoidingit.”
“Ah,there’sgooddays,too.Gottarememberthegooddays.So,didsomethingchangewiththegirl?

Angelosaidyoudidn’tcomeintoday.”

Vinceknewhepurposelydidn’tuseCassie’snameincasetheywerebeinglistenedto.“Ineededto

takecareofafewthings,andtherestaurantrunsfinewithoutme,right?”BeforeCarlocouldanswer,
becauseit’dinevitablyendinabackandforthaboutwhichsideofthebusinessheshouldbein,hemoved
on.“Thingsarethesame.”

HowlongwouldtheyhavetostaythatwayuntilhisunclewouldforgetaboutCassie,andshecould

liveanormallife?

“Good,good,”Carlosaid.“Youcanbackoff.Noneedtowasteyourtime.”
Vince’slungstightened.Easyenough…ifsomeoneelsewasn’ttailingher.“She’sgotafollow-up

doctor’sappointmentnextweek.ItoldherI’dgowithherformoralsupport.”

Therehewent,diggingtheholealittledeepersoitcouldcaveinlaterandburyhim.Yes,hewas

lookingoutforher,buthisreasonswereselfishaswell.Hedidn’twanttoletgo.Thesimplenightsather
place,herlaugh,thewayshemovedaroundthekitchen,andthekissesthatmadehimcravemore…Those
werethethingshe’dmissmost.

“Keepmeupdated,”Carlosaid.“Andmakesureyoufindouthowlikelysheistoregainher

memories.”

“Iwill.Ijustwanttobeasthoroughaspossible.”
MightaswelldigdeeperwhileI’matit.AtleastafternextweekIcantellhimthedoctortoldher

theyaregoneforgood,andshe’llbesafeagain.

“Assoonasyouwrapthatup,we’lltalkotheroptions.Youknow,ifyouweremynumbertwo,you’d

haveevenmoreprotection.Bobbywouldfallunderit,too.”

Andthereitwas.Anotherreasontodelay.

ChapterNineteen

“Canyoutakemytabletheirfood?”TyraaskedCassie.“Theguyissuchaperv,andIcan’ttakehis
staringanymore.I’msureyouwon’thaveanyproblems.”TheQueenoftheBackhandedCompliments
raiseddarkeyebrows.“Yesorno?”

“Sure,”Cassiesaid,takingtheextendedtray.Herthoughtsweretooconsumedwithworryingabout

VincetodebateTyra.MaybeIshouldn’thavetoldhimaboutthecar.

Shedeliveredthefoodandapproachedanelderlycouplewho’djustbeenseatedinherarea.
Thewoman,whohadtobeinherseventiesattheleast,woreabrightlycoloredhalter-topandared

skirtshorterthantheoneCassiehadon.Thetinystrapkeepinghertopinplacestretchedtightasshe
leanedforward.Wow,thewomanhadconfidence,Cassiewouldgiveherthat.Shejustwasn’tsureshe
wantedtowitnessherconfidence,especiallyifthatstrapgaveway.

Assheranthroughthespecials,shecouldn’thelpwonderingifthehusbandbraggedtoallhisfriends

thathiswifestilldressedsexy.Workingtokeepasnort-laughfromescaping,shefocusedontheirorder.

“I’llhavetheshrimppomodor,”themansaid.
Hiswifefrownedathim.“Youdon’twantthat.It’sgotchiliflakes.You’llgetheartburn.”
“I’lljusttakemypills.”
“Hedoesn’twantthat,”thewomaninsisted,turningtoCassie.“Bringhimthetroutwiththehoney

butterglaze.”

“IthinkIknowwhatIwant!AndIwanttheshrimp!”
Theywentbackandforth,withthewifepointingoutothermenuoptionsthehusbandcontinuedto

shakehisheadat.

Funnyenough,thishappenedalot,mostlyfromcoupleswho’dbeentogetheralongtime.Inastrange

way,Cassiesupposeditwasnicetohavesomeonewhoknewifyougotheartburnaftercertaindishes.
Shewonderedifthetwoofthemstartedoutarguingaboutthelittlethings,dayone,orifithappenedwith
age.

Maybeheusedtodemandhedropheroffandpickherupfromwork.Maybehesaidhe’dtrusther

judgment,kissedheruntilsheforgotshe’deverbeenmad,andthenturnedaroundanddidtheopposite.

HowdidyougetfrompointAtopointB?Shecouldn’thelpwonderinghowlongthiscouplehadbeen

together.Iftheyhadkidsandgrandkids.Sinceherparentsdiedyoung—hermomafteronlyfiveshort
yearsofmarriage—coupleswho’dgrownoldtogetherhadalwaysfascinatedCassie.Sometimesshe
wonderedifyougotcrazy-strongloveforalittlewhile,likeherparents,oryougotalowerbutsteady
flowthatlasteddecades.

WhichwouldIchooseifIhadthechoice?She’dseenhowmuchDadmournedMom,evenyears

after.Hesaidtherewasnopointineverdatinganyoneelse.Cassiealternatelywantedandvetoedhaving
thatkindofall-consuminglove.

SheandVincedefinitelyhadpassionatefireworks,bothintheattractionanddisagreeing,anditwas

alreadysointense.Butisittoointense?

HereIamturningacouple’sfightoverfoodintoahugeanalysisofVince’sandmybarely

relationship,whenIshouldbefocusingonthedilemmaathand.It’dbemucheasiertosolve,anyway.

“HowaboutIputinanorderfortheshrimp,butaskthemtoleaveoffthechiliflakes?”
Thatseemedtosatisfybothparties.Latertonight,she’dhavetousethosesamecompromisingskills

onVince.Maybeshe’duseherotherpowersofpersuasion,too.Cassiediscreetlycheckedthetime.Just
onemorehourtogo.

Abouttwentyminuteslatershesetthefooddowninfrontofthecouple,andthewomanwrinkledher

nose.“What’sthisgreenstuff?”

“Basil,”Cassiesaid.“Thesalmoncomesinabasilcreamsauce.”
Theladypokedatitwithafork.“Iwishitwasrosemary.”
Funnythatshereadtheentiredescriptionofherhusband’smeal,buthadn’tbotheredtoreadherown.
Well,atleastthecrowd’scolorfultonight.WhileCassiedidn’tmindthat,shethoughtagainabout

Vince’sculinaryschoolsuggestion.Sheconstantlyhadtoputherselfoutthereasawaitress,andshe’d
lovetobeintheback,creatingthedishesinstead.

ThatwaysomeonecouldbecomplainingI’dusedbasilinsteadofrosemary,shethoughtwitha

smile.

“Icangetyousomerosemaryifyouwant,”Cassiesaid.
“That’dbelovely.”
OnherwaytothekitchensheranintoTyra,becausethatwashowthisdaywasgoing.
“Whydon’tyoueverwearcontactstowork?”
“Ihaveissueswithstickingmyfingerinmyeye,soIdon’towncontacts.”
Tyragaveheracondescending,aren’t-you-precioustypeexpression.“Ijustthinkitwouldampup

yourwholelook.Ibetyou’dgetbettertips,too.”Withthat,shetookoff.

Culinaryschoolwaslookingbetterbythesecond.

***

FifteenminutesafterCassie’sshiftended,andVincestillwasn’tthere.Shewasn’tsureifsheshouldcall
orassertherindependencebyshowingshewasperfectlycapableofwalkinghomealone.

Tyraglancedathersittinginthewaitingarea,andCassiedecidedeitherway,sheneededtogetoutof

McCarthy’s.She’dspentherbreakandthelastfewminuteslookingintoculinaryinstitutes.

Hermindwasstillspinningwiththeinformationshe’dfoundwhenshesteppedoutside.Shescrolled

downtoVince’snameinherphoneasshestartedtowardherapartment.

Atthesoundsofyelling,shefroze.Adrenalinesurgedandshefranticallyglancedaround.
“I’mnotheretohurther,Iswear!”
Thevoicewascomingfrom…there.Vincehadadark-hairedguyhalfwayoutthewindowofasilver

car,hisfistsgrippingtheguy’scollaredshirt.

“Oh,crap,”shesaid,breakingintoajog.
Sheonlycaughtfragmentsoftheconversation.
“…aP.I,”thestrugglingguysaid.“I’vejustbeenhired…findher.”HelookedaboutVince’sage,with

similarfeatures.Darkhair,oliveskin.Notnearlyasripped,though,whichdidn’tbodewellforhimright
now.

“Vince!”sheyelled,andheglancedather.
“Hey,baby.Ifoundoutwho’sbeenfollowingyou.Shouldwefindoutwhoaskedhimtodoit?”He

leanedclosertotheguy’sface,menacedrippingoffhim.“Whohiredyou?”

“Ican’tdisclosethename.”
Vinceliftedtheguyhigher,themusclesinhisarmsflexing,andhisvoiceturnedhardassteel.“Wrong

answer.”

“Okay,okay.Itwasoneofherclassmates.Shestoppedshowingup,andmyclienthiredmetosee

whathappened.Iguesstheywerefriends.”

Vinceturnedtoher.“Whowereyourcollegefriends?”
Cassiestaredathim.Wasthisseriouslyhappening?Anyminute,someonewasgoingtocallthe

police.“Um,hello?Memorychallenged,remember?”

Vinceloosenedhisgripontheman’scollar,andheslidintothecar.“Right.”
“Look,I’lltellmyclientwhateveryouwant,”Mr.PrivateInvestigatorsaid.“Ifyoudon’twanttobe

found,that’sfine.”

Cassieleanedintotalktotheguy,andVinceheldhisarmout,keepingherback.“Youcangiveyour

clientmynumber,andI’lldecide.”

“No,I’lldecide,”Cassiesaid,buttheguyhandedthenotepadtoVinceforobviousreasons.She

turnedherhardstareonVince,addingcrossedarmsshehopedconveyedthatshewasserious.

“Fine,”Vincemuttered.“Buttheystillcallmynumberfirst.”HehandedthenotepadbacktoMr.

PrivateInvestigatorandgavehimagrinthatwasmoreintimidationthanhumor.“Youcanneverbetoo
carefulthesedays.”

Mr.PrivateInvestigatornodded.“Sure.”
“AndifIseeyourcaragain—”
“Youwon’t.CanI…gonow?”
Vincejabbedafingerthroughtheopencarwindow.“Youbetternotbelying,orournextmeeting

won’tgoaswell.”

Themannoddedagainandstartedhiscar,obviouslyinahurrytogetaway.
CassiegrabbedVince’sarmandpulledhimbacktothesidewalk.“So,howwasyourday?”she

asked,throwingasmuchsarcasmintoherwordsasshecould.

“Productive.Yours?”
“Sucky.AndthenIcomeoutsideandfindyoubeingatotalcaveman.Wasitreallynecessarytohaul

himhalfwayoutofthecarlikethat?”

“Yes.”HeputhishandonherbackandguidedherintotheJeep.
Shewasn’tsurehowtofeelaboutdatingaNeanderthal,butshehadtoadmitshefeltprettydamnsafe.

Well,she’dadmitittoherself.Vincedidn’tneedencouragement.

Whentheypulleduptoherapartmentcomplex,Vincekepttheenginerunning.“Itoldyoufromthe

beginningIwasn’tthedo-goodertypeandthatmylifewasmessy,”hesaid.“I’mnotdenyingit.ButIdo
knowhowtotakecareofproblems,evenifmymethodsarealittle—”

“Archaic?Caveman-esque?Crazypants?”
Hiseyebrowsdrewlowoverhiseyes.“Iwasgoingtosayunconventional.”
Sheshookherhead.“Unconventionalbarelyscrapesthesurfaceofdescribingyou.”
“Idon’tthinkI’veeverusedthetermcrazypants,either.”
AlaughslippedoutbeforeCassieclampedherlipsshut.
“DidIscrewitup?”Vinceasked,imploringherwiththosebrowneyesshehadsuchahardtime

resisting.

“Ithink…”Hisintensegazeandthewayitmadeherhearthammerherribcagemadeithardtoget

wordstocomeoutright.Sheclearedherthroat.“Well,Ithinksecurityisagoodfieldforyou.And
honestly,Iwould’vediedthatnightwewereshotatifyouhadn’tbeenthere,andit’sgoodtoknowI
wasn’tjustparanoid,thinkingsomeonewasfollowingme.”

“But?”
Cassieswallowedhard.Thetruthwas,Vinceterrifiedher.Notbecauseshewasscaredhe’dhurther

—notphysically,anyway.Emotionally,though?Shealreadyreliedonhimtoomuch,andshe’dopenedup
tohimmorethansheeverhadwithanyoneelse.Shewasstartingtofallforhim,andshedidn’tthinkshe
couldsimplyrecoverfromaguylikeVince.Theirvastdifferencesmadeherwonderiftheywerecrazyto
evenattemptarelationship.Buttheotheroptionwasendingthings,andthethoughtofthatmadeherlungs
constrict.

Sheranherfingertipdownthemuscledlineofhisforearm.“Butmaybeweshouldtryalittleharder

tohavedaysnotinvolvingbulletsorpullingpeopleoutofcars.”

Alopsidedsmilespreadacrosshisface.“AndIcouldtrustyourjudgmentalittlemore?”
“Exactly.NodemandingIhavetowaitforyoutopickmeup.Andhowaboutjustaskguyswhy

they’refollowingmebeforethreateningthem.”

“Peoplearesomuchmoremotivatedtoanswerthatway,though.”
Cassieraisedaneyebrowathim.
Hehelduphishands.“Okay.Foryou,I’lltryalittleless…archaicmethods.Areyouhappy?”
Shenodded.“Skeptical,buthappy.”
“Smartgirl,”hesaid.“Now,didyoueat?BecauseasmuchasIlovewatchingyoucook,IthinkIowe

youdinnerout.Somewherenice.”

“DoIgettochangefirst?”
“Likeanygoodapologydinnerbribe,yougetwhateveryouwant.”
ShestartedoutoftheJeep,thenabruptlyturnedbackandputherhandonthesideofhisface.“Justso

youknow,VinceDaMarco,Iseeyou.Therealyou.Evenifyoudon’t.”

***

JimsatinacornerboothfacingthedooroftherestaurantsohewouldseeMancinicomein.Hisgaze
bouncedfromthebrightcoloredsombrerostothesunburstsandpicturesonthegoldenwallsandthen
backtothedoor.

Whenhispartnercalledandsaidtheyneededtomeetup,hesoundedlikehe’ddownedacaseof

Redbulls.SincetheywerebothinTrenton,they’ddecidedonalocalMexicanjointinsteadofmakingthe
drivetoheadquartersinNewark.Thetripwasanhouringoodtraffic,anditwasgettingolddayafterday,
especiallywhentheystillhadnothingtoshowforit.

Thedooropened,andManciniwalkedin.HechargedoverandsatacrossfromJim.“Iscrewedup.I

thinkIscrewedupbig.”

Jimautomaticallysethishandonthebuttofhisgun,checkingitwasthere,eventhoughheknewit

was.“Issomeonefollowingyou?”heasked,glancingatthedoor.

“No.Imadesure.ButI…Well,youmentionedthewaitress,andsoI’vebeenpokingintoherpasthere

andthere.TodayIwasinherneighborhoodaroundthetimeshegoestowork,soIfollowedher…”
Mancinireachedforthebasketofchipsandtookone,buthetappeditagainstthetableinsteadofeatingit.

“And?”
“IthoughtIwasbeingcareful;Iwassofocusedonher.Ithinkshemight’veseenmethismorning,soI

backedoff.ButwhenIwaswaitingforhertogetoffwork…”Hewenttotappingthechipuntilonly
crumbsremained.

Jimclenchedhisjaw,tryingnottoshoutatthekidtospititout.“Whathappened?”
“Iwassittingthere,mywindowdown,andoutofnowhere,thisguyhaulsmehalfwayoutofthecar

andstartsgrillingmeaboutfollowingCassie.Iwassothrownittookmeafewsecondstorealize
CassandrawasCassie,andtheguyyellingatmewasVinceDaMarco.”

Jimleanedforward,hisheartquickeningatthepossiblelead.“VinceDaMarco’swatchingCassandra

Dalton?”

“I…I’mprettysurehe’sdatingher.IwasfumblingthroughastoryaboutbeingaP.I.whenshecame

outofMcCarthy’s.YesterdayItrackeddownsomeofherclassmatesandaskedthemafewquestions,so
whenhedemandedtoknowwhohiredme,Itoldhimitwasoneofherfriendsfromcollegewhojust
wantedtofindher.”

“Thatwasgood,thinkingonyourfeetlikethat.”Jimtossedachipinhismouth,tryingtomakeheads

ortailsoftheinformation.“OfficerDuffymetwithhertodayandclaimedshestilldidn’tremember
anything.YouthinksheandVincehavebeendatingthewholetime?Thatshe’sjustgotthecopfooled,
alongwiththerestofus?”

“Idon’tthinkso.WhenVinceaskedabouthercollegefriends,shementionednotrememberingthem.

Noneofherclassmatesknewmuchabouther.Theyjustsaidshewasquietandgotgoodgrades.Afewof
themmentionedherjobatRossi’s—they’dobviouslyheardrumors—butwhenIaskedifsheever
mentionedanythingstrange,theysaidshegotmadifanyoneimpliedherbosswasconnected.”

“Thinkshewascoveringforthem?”
Mancinishrugged.“Idon’tknow.Butshelookedprettyworriedformewhensheranover.I’m

actuallygladsheshowedup,becauseI’mnotsureVincewould’veletmeoffsoeasilyotherwise.She
calmedhimdown,andIgotthehelloutofthere.Hedidgivemehisnumbertogivetomyimaginary
client.Thequestionisdowehavesomeonecall?”

“Youtrustoneofthosecollegekidstonotscrewupthestory?”
Mancinisighedandshookhishead.“No.OnesharpwordorlookfromVinceandthey’dcrackand

confessall,andthenwe’dreallybescrewed.Andifheseesmeagain…”Heswallowed,makingitclear
theguyhadshakenhim.

VinceDaMarcowasclearlycapableoffollowingthroughonthreats,buthespentallofhistimeatthe

restaurant,whichmadeJimdoubthewasveryhighupinthechainofcommand,ifhewasamademanat
all.

Maybehewasintheprocessofchangingthat.HishoursatRossi’shadtaperedoff,andhewaseither

datingorwatchingCassandraDalton.Possiblyboth.Thequestionwas,howmuchdidsheknowabout
him?

Nothingmadesense.Itwasliketheyhadallthepiecestothepuzzle,buttheystilldidn’tfittogether.
“Dowebringherin?”Manciniasked.
“Ifwedo,wemightjustendupgettingherkilled.”Jimgrabbedanotherchip,theloudcrunchmixing

inwithhisloudthoughts.“Hell,Idon’tknowwhichwayisupanymore.”

“DidourundercoveragentgetanythingfromDanteCosta’sgirlfriend?”
“No,andshehasn’tgottenacallfromRossi’saboutthewaitressposition,either,soitlookslike

havingherworkthereasamoleisabust.”

Mancini’sshouldersdeflated,andJimfoughttheurgetoletdefeattakehisdown,too.“Don’tworry,

kid.Littlethingsleadtobigthings.Wejustgottastepupourgame.”

Ontheoutsidehetriedtoconveythewe’ll-get-themvibe,butinsidehewasstartingtothinkthey’d

nevercatchabreak.

AlotofthreadsledtoCassandraDalton—toomanytobeacoincidence.WithMancinimade,Jim

wouldhavetofindatimewhenshewasn’twithVinceDaMarco.Maybehe’dswingbythatrestaurant
wheresheworked,seehowmuchsheknewaboutherboyfriend.Ifshewasclueless,he’dshedalittle
lightonthesituation.Thatshouldmotivatehertohelp,butifsheendedupbeinginonit,he’dfindaway
toexploitthat,too.

NomorebeingscaredtomakeamoveforfearofspookingCarloRossiandhisboys.Itwastimeto

takethingstothenextlevel.Createalittlechaos,letthesharkscircle,andassoonastheygotadropof
evidence,attackwitheverythingtheyhad.

ChapterTwenty

Eventhoughhehighlydoubtedhe’dseeanyoneheknewinthisneighborhood,Vincestilldidaquick
sweepoftherestaurantasthehostessledhimandCassietoatable.

Hersexyblackdressclungtohercurves,andherstrappyheelsmadeherseveralinchestaller,adding

extradefinitiontoheramazinglegs.Hehelpedherintoachairandangledhisseatsohecouldseethe
entranceliketheparanoidlunatichewasbecoming.Thatwaswhathappenedwhenyoususpectedthe
“privateinvestigator”wasn’tcompletelyhonest.Thatguyreekedofcop.Freshcop,butstill.

SomecopswenttheP.I.route,butusuallyafteryearsofbeingontheforce.Hisstoryabouta

classmatetryingtofindCassiedidn’tmakesense,either.Yes,she’dmovedandhadanewphone,but
surelythey’dhaveheremailaddress.Eveniftheydidn’t,whatcollegekidwouldshelloutmoneytofind
agirlwhosuddenlystoppedgoingtoclass?Unlessitwassomedudewhowasmadlyinlovewithher,
whichhehadnoproblembuying,butVincefiguredhewould’vestoppedbytherestauranttofindher,and
hewould’vedefinitelynoticedthat.Samethingifshehadaclosegirlfriend.

Theguy’sstorydidn’taddup.Thequestionwas,hadhebeenwatchingCassietogettohim,orjust

tryingtogettoCassie?Andwhy?

Ishouldn’thavequestionedhiminfrontofher.WhatwouldIhavedoneiftheguysaidCarlosent

him?Buthisunclewouldneversendapig,evenaformerone.Vincehadbeentoofocusedonfindingout
whohewastothinkthingsthrough.

Something’snotright.
“Hey?Where’dyougo?”Cassieasked,wavingahandinfrontofhim.
“That’smyline,”hesaidbeforerememberingitwasn’tanymore,becauselasttimeittriggeredadéjà

vusensationfromher.

“Andzoningoutisusuallymything.”
Hereachedacrossthetableandbrushedhisthumboverherknuckles.Thethinstrapsofherdress

lookedlikethey’dsnapwithaquicktug,andhedesperatelywantedtotryit,evenasheremindedhimself
heshouldn’t.Thebrightpinknecklacematchedtheinsideofherglassesandherattention-grabbingshade
oflipstick.“Well,I’mbacknow,andholyshitismydatehot.”

Ablushcreptacrosshercheeks.“Theglassesdon’truintheeffect?”Shepushedthemuphernose.

“DoyouthinkI’dlookbetterwithcontacts?Thentheglasseswouldn’tgetintheway,say,whenwewere
kissing,either.”

Nomorewatchingherslideherglassesuphernose?Helikeditwhentheywereslightlycrooked

afterhekissedher,too.He’dseenherwithoutthem,ofcourse,likewhenshetookthemofftocleanthe
lenseswithhershirt,soheknewitwasawin-win.Healsoknewenoughaboutwomentotreadlightly.

“Ithinkyou’resexywithandwithoutthem.”Wouldshefindthehotlibrariancomparisona

compliment,orwouldshebeoffended?Whenindoubt,avoid.“AndI’magoodenoughkissertowork
aroundthem,”hejoked.“Butwhatevermakesyouhappy.”

“Iknowtonsofpeoplehavecontacts,and—intheory—I’dgetusedtothem,butitreallyicksmeout

thinkingofstickingmyfingerinmyeyeandhavingthisobjectfloatingaroundinthere.”

“Thenkeeptheglasses.LikeIsaid,hot.”
Awaitercameandtooktheirfoodorder.Onceheleft,Cassieleanedin,testingthestrapsofherdress.

“So,sinceIhadabitofacrapdayatwork,Istartedthinkingmoreaboutyoursuggestion,andIlooked
intoculinaryschools.Getthis,ifIwenttotheCulinaryInstituteofAmerica,IcouldsayIgraduatedfrom
theCIA.Wouldn’tthatbecool?”

Hegrinnedandthenquicklyglancedaround.Yeah,aslongasnooneheknewthoughttheCIAwas

gettinginvolved,itwascool.“CanCIApeopledateguyslikeme?Idoubtit.”

Shelaughed,hereyessparkling.“It’safouryearprogram,butatleastI’dbeworkingtowardacareer

Ilikeinsteadofjustspinningmywheels.TheCIAisinNewYork,though.Asaremostoftheother
culinaryschools.”Hersmilefaded.“NewYork’soveranhouraway.It’dbealongcommutefromhere,
evenwithAmtrack,so…”

Thewayshelookedathimmadeitclearshewasfactoringhimintoherdecision.Thebestpossible

thingforherwastogetfar,farawayfromhere.“Arethereotherlocations?”

“CaliforniaorTexas.”
“Thoseplacesareniceandwarm.IbetthecostoflivingislessthanNewYork.AtleastinTexas.

Probablylesscrime,too.”

Shenodded,herdisappointmentclear.“ButI’dmissfall.Andcrime-freecitiesareafairytale.”She

fiddledwiththelinennapkinonthetable.“I-IgetthatNewYorkwouldbeexpensive,andit’sabitofa
drive,but…”

Whenitcametogettingawayfromthemesswithhisuncle,hermovingwastheperfectsolution.Out

ofsight,outofmind.Heshouldnot,underanycircumstances,thinkabouthowitmeantshe’dbefaraway
fromhim,wherehecouldnevercheckonher.

HethoughtaboutthatmomentintheJeepwhenshesaid,“Iseeyou.Therealyou.Evenifyoudon’t.”
She’dslayedhimalloveragain,slicinghischestrightopen.Hewasafraidshedidanddidn’tallat

thesametime.Hewantedtobewhoshesaw,buthejustwasn’t,andhedidn’tknowhowtobreakitto
her.Especiallywhenshe’dseenatleastsomeoftheevidenceand,bysomeamazingmiracle,hadn’trun.

Thewaiterchosethatmomenttobringtheirfood,draggingouttheelephantintheroomtothepointit

wasstandingonthetablebetweenthem.Oncetheywerealoneagain,hereclaimedherhand.

“Ithinkweshouldgo,”hesaid.“CaliforniaorTexas.Whencanweleave?”
“You’renotserious,”shesaid.
Hell,amI?AlifesomewhereelsewithCassiecalledtohim.Maybeifhecouldfindawaytoleave

afterCarlogotwrappedupinbusinessasusualandforgotabouther.Shecouldgogetsetup,andhe’d
followheracoupleofmonthslater.Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,picturingit.Alittlehouse.Coming
homeeverydaytoher,listeningasshefilledhiminonhowher“CIA”trainingwasgoing,watchingher
juggleingredientsinthekitchenasshetestedoutthenewdishesandtechniquesshe’dlearned…

Eventuallytheycouldstartuptheirownrestaurant.He’ddothemanagement,she’dcook.
ButwhatwouldhappentoBobbynexttimehelandedhimselfintrouble?Vincedidn’tevenknow

wherehislittlebrotherwasrightnow,whichalwaysworriedhim.PartofhimwantedtosayBobby’dhad
enoughchances,butitdidn’tchangethefactthathewaspartiallytoblameforgettinghimintothat
lifestyle,orthathisscrew-upscouldgethimkilledifVincewasn’ttheretointervene.

Evenwithouthimintheequation,hedoubtedCarlowouldwishhimwellandlethimleavewithouta

fight.

Everywayhetriedtospinit,beingwithhimputherinmoredanger.
VinceliftedhiseyestoCassie’s.“Iwanttobe.But…Ihaveabrother.I’mnotsureIcouldleavehim

behind.Honestly,Ionlyhearfromhimwhenhe’sintrouble,whichhegetshimselfintofrequently,andifI
wasn’theretohelphim,Iworryaboutwhatwouldhappen.”

Shenodded,herdanglysilverearringscatchingthelight.“SomaybejustNewYork?Reallythisis

justthedreamstageoftalking,wheretheidea’sshinyandnew,beforerealitystepsinandtellsmeIcan’t
getin…oraffordtuitionevenifIdid.”

“You’regoing.”Hesqueezedherhand.“Cassie,promisemeyou’llmakeithappen.Pleasedon’tlet

meholdyouback.”Sheopenedhermouthandthenclosedit,likeshewaslookingforanexcuse.
“Promise.”

“IpromiseI’lltry,”shesaid.“That’sthebestIcando.”Thefiercelooksheaddedmadehimthinkshe

wastellinghimthatifsheacceptedhimforhim,hehadtoacceptherforher.

Assoonashebrokethingsoff,she’dbemoremotivated.Maybeevengoforthefartherlocation.It’d

bebestforherintheend.

“Vince…”Sheslippedherfingersbetweenhis.“Idon’tknowhowtosaythiswithoutitcoming

acrossastoomuch,andIdon’twanttofreakyouout.ButI’menjoying…”Withherfreehand,she
motionedbetweenthem.“Whateverthisis.Ifeellikeyou’retheonlypersonIevenknow.I’msousedto
beingalone,andit’snicetonotbe.Evenifit’sjustforalittlewhile.”

Thewordsstung,eachoneadarttothechestthatradiatedguilt.Becausewhilesheknewhimbetter

thananyoneinalotofways,shedidn’treallyknowhimatall.

ChapterTwenty-One

AllegrawassuffocatingCarlo,andafterthreedaysofneverleavingthehousesohecouldproveheonly
hadeyesforher,heescapedtoRossi’s.Mostrestaurantsweren’tequippedwithofficesthislarge,which
madehimallthemoregratefulforitwhenheneededspace.Hisgreat-grandfatherboughttheolderbrick
buildingwhenhefirstsettledinNewJersey,andit’dworkedverywellforthefamilybusiness—boththe
legitimaterestaurantsideandthelesslegal,higherpayingside.

Carlohadjustleanedbackinhischairandclosedhiseyestoenjoytheblessedsilencewhenthe

knockonhisdoorjerkedhimupright.Chepalle,whatisitnow?

Salpokedhisheadinside.Oh,good.Thegnat.
Hestrolledonin,satinthechairacrossfromCarlo,andproppedhisfeetonhisdesk.
CarlostaredatthebootsuntilSalgotthemessageandremovedthem.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“IwasjustwonderingwhereVincewas?Salcould’vetakencareofCassieinaday.”
“Whydon’tyoudoyourjobandletmeworryaboutVince?AndCassieforthatmatter.”He’dputSal

onalltheshittyjobsforaweekafterhislaststunt,butinsteadofcomplainingtheentiretime,he’dbrought
intwentypercentmoremoney.Sowhileheneededtoberemindedofhisplaceonceinawhile,Carlo
couldn’tdenyhegotthingsdone.

“Surething,Boss.”Heleanedforwardandplacedhiselbowsonhisknees.“It’sjustIgotto

thinking…”

Carlogrippedthearmsofhischair,alreadyregrettingthis.Hewasabouttotellhimtogetthehellout

andnotbughimagainwhenSalsaid,“DidyouevernoticethewayVincelookedatCassie?”

Carlonarrowedhiseyes.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Salhelduphishands.“Itmightbenothing.Imean,Iaskedherout,too,andweallagreedshewasa

prettygirl.ButIthinkVincehasathingforher.He’sinsistedonstayingoutofthebusiness,andthen
suddenlyCassie’sinvolvedandhe’svolunteering?Nowhe’sspendingallthistimewithher.Aren’tyou
worriedhemightgethisallegiancesmixedup?”

ThesuggestiondugunderCarlo’sskin,leavingititchyandirritated.“Vincedoesn’twanthertosuffer.

AsentimentIshare,”hesaid,althoughnowhewastryingtorememberhowVinceactedaroundher.He’d
seenthemtalknowandthen—normalconsideringthey’dworkedtogether—andshe’dlaughedand
smiled,butshewasafriendlygirl,likethatwitheveryone.Itwaswhyhiscustomerslikedhersomuch,
too.“That’salsomynephewyou’retalkingabout,soyou’rewalkingafineline.YouthinkIdon’tknow
myownfleshandblood?”

“JustthoughtIshouldmentionitincaseyoudidn’tknow,that’sall.”Salstoodandwrappedhishands

aroundthebackofthechairhe’dvacated.“He’sneverkilledanyonebefore,either.Noticehealways
stepsawaybeforeithappens?Ijustdon’tthinkhehasitinhim.”

“I’mprettysurehewould’vekilledyouifIhadn’tpulledhimoff.”
Sal’shandwenttohisneck,andangerflickeredthroughhiseyes.Thiswasaboutrevenge.Vincehad

triedtosquishthegnat,sohe’ddecidedtocomebuzzing.

Carlopulledtheremoteoutofhisdesk,eyeingtheflatscreenhe’dinstalledlastyear.“LikeItoldyou

boys,Cassie’stobeleftalone.Vinceisonit,andthelastthingweneedrightnowistodrawextra
attentiontoourselves.Itdoesmenogoodtogetarrestedforconspiracytocommitmurdertoavoida
murderrap,doesit?YouthinkIgottowhereIambymakingbadcalls?”

“No,Boss.”
CarloleveledSalwithhishardstare.“Youfuckingrememberthatnexttimeyoucomeinhereand

kickyourdirtyshoesuponmydesklikeyouowntheplace.”

Salscurriedoutoftheoffice,andCarloslammedhisfistdownonhisdesk,makingtheremotejump.

Allhewantedwastendamnminutestohimself.Nowhehadtositandsecond-guesstheoneguyheknew
hecouldrelyon.

Hedugintohisdesk,tookoutacigar,andlitit,givingthehealthcodethemiddlefinger.
Heleanedbackandheldinthesmokebeforeslowlyblowingitout.Angelogavehimtherestaurant

reportslastnight,andwhilethey’dbeenmessyasshit,Rossi’shadn’ttakeninwhatitusuallydidsince
Vincecutbackhishours.

SoifhegothiswayandVincetookhisrightfulspotathisside,he’dneedtohireacompetent

manager.Hemadeenoughthroughtheothersideofthebusinessthatitdidn’tmattermuch,butthebetter
therestaurantdid,theeasieritwastonothavetohidethefactthathehadmoney.

Hedidn’tliketohideit.
Afterafewmorepuffsofhiscigar,hereturnedtotheVincequestion.IswearItalkedtothatgirl

morethanVincedid.I’mtheonewhohiredher,too.He’dconductedanimpromptuinterviewwhenshe
droppedoffherapplicationbecausetherewasjustsomethingabouther.Thebashfulsmile,thewayshe
tookthejokeshemadeinstrideandquippedback,evenifitwasathalf-volume.DespitewhatAllegra
refusedtofullybelieve,he’dneversteppedoutontheirmarriage.Cassiewasprettyandassweetasthey
came,butherwaitressingexperiencewaswhyhemadeasnapjudgmentandhiredheronthespot.

Cometothinkofit,Vincewasallputoutwhenhetoldhimhehiredsomeonehimself.Laterhis

nephewadmittedshewasthebestwaitresstheyhad.Thathardlytranslatedintohimbeinginterestedin
her,though.

WomenflockedtoVince,buthe’dneverbeenthesettlingdowntype,anotherthingthatmadehim

perfectforthisbiz.Hewouldn’thavetodealwithglassesbeingthrownathisheadwhenhenoticed
anotherwoman,asiflookingwerethesameastouching.

Carloshookhisheadandreturnedtothepoint.AmIfishingforareasontonotlookcloseratVince?

OrtonotkillCassie?

Honestly,hewasrelievedwhenVinceassuredhimshedidn’trememberanything.Mostpeoplehe

killedhaditcoming.Onceinawhile,peopleweresimplyinthewrongplaceatthewrongtime,andhe
hadtotakecareofit,regardlessofhispersonalfeelings.

IfSalhadbasicallyaccusedhimofbeingsoftinthatarea,whatweretheothermenthinking?

Kindnesslookedlikeweakness.

CarlodebatedforamomentandthentookouthisburnerphoneandcalledVince.
“Hey,”hesaidwhenVinceanswered—niceandquick,whichwasagoodsign.“What’sthenameof

therestaurantwherethegirlworks?”

Thesilencetookmoretimethanheliked.
“Sorry,Igotdistracted.Sheworksataseafoodandsteakplacedowntown.”
Carlotappedtheashesofftheendofhiscigar.Purposelyvague?Ordistracted?“What’sthename?”

heaskedagain,holdingbackhisangertoavoidraisingsuspicion.

Damngnat,makingmebaitmyownnephew.
“Uh,McCormick’s.”Arustlingnoisecameovertheline.“Look,I’mhandsdeepintheJeep’sengine

rightnow.Istheresomethingyouneed,orcanwetalklater?”

“Justwantedthatinformation.”
“Buteverything’sonholdtillafterherdoctor’sappointment,right?”
Carlotappedafingeragainsttheedgeofhisdesk.“Didyoumakeadecisionaboutmyoffer?”
“No.Buthonestly,Imissrunningtherestaurant.Ifeelathomethere.”

Carloclenchedhisjaw.Mostguyswouldjumpattheopportunity.HegotthatVince’sdaddiedright

infrontofhim,butthatwastheworldtheylivedin.He’dbeenpatient,waitingforhimtocomearound,
buthewassickofbeingpatient.

TheclangingofmetalagainstmetalmadeCarlopullthephonefromhisear.Vincesworeandthe

phoneclattered,thenthelinewentdead.Hedidn’tdoubtthathisnephewwasworkingontheJeep.But
Vinceseemedalittletooconcernedabouthiswantingthatrestaurantnameandthattheplanwasstillto
wait.

Ormaybehewasreadingtoomuchintoit.Buthedidn’tgettowherehewasbybeingstupid.
NowhewastryingtorememberthelasttimeVincehadafemalehangingaround.Oneusuallyshowed

uphereandthere.Attherestaurant.Atfamilygatherings.Nothingthateverlastedlong,justcasualsemi-
relationships.Buthecouldn’trecalltherebeinganyonesinceCassiestartedatRossi’s.

Swearingunderhisbreath,Carlorestedhiscigarontheashtrayandturnedtohiscomputer.Whenhe

typedin“McCormick’s,”hefoundalinkaboutspicesandarestaurantcalledMcCormickandSchmick’s
SeafoodandSteak,buttheyonlyhadlocationsinAtlanticCityandBridgewater,NewJersey.NoTrenton.

HedidasearchforrestaurantsinTrenton,gettingmoreandmorepissedashescannedthroughthe

resultswithoutseeingit.Finally,hepickeduptheburnerphoneandcalledSal.

“It’sme,”hesaid.“What’sthenameofthatplacethewaitressworksnow?”
“Cassie?”Salasked,andCarloclenchedhisjawandprayedforstrength.Carlomighthaveaclean

phonebutSalwasonhisregularcell.Beforehecouldsayanythingmore,Saladded,“McCarthy’sSteak
andSeafood.”

“Okay,that’sallIneeded.”
“Issomethinggoingon?”Salasked.Thiswaswhyhe’dwantedtheinformationfromVince—no

followupquestions.

“Justtakecareofyourrounds.”Carlohungup.Foramomenthewonderedifhe’dheardwrong,but

hewassurehehadn’t.MaybeVincehadslippedupsincehewasdistracted—hecertainlydidn’tcallback
toclearitup,though.Thenagain,hehadtoknowhoweasyit’dbeforhimtofindout.

Carlorakedhisfingersthroughhishair.
Well,intentionalornot,hewassickofplayingthisgame.Timetotakesomeoptionsaway.He’dbeen

gettingatonofcomplaintsfromNewYorklatelyaboutBobby,angrycallsaboutnotbeingabletoteach
thekidalessoninrespect.

Carloheldthemoff,butputtingoutthemessagethatBobbywasn’tunderhisprotectionanymore

wouldsendthesharkscirclingthebloodywater,fightingtotakethefirstbite.

Withinadayortwo,Vincewouldbebegginghimtotakethembothin.
AndwhilehewasbusywithBobby,maybeCarlowouldmakeavisittoMcCarthy’shimselfandsee

justhowmuchCassieremembered.

ChapterTwenty-Two

VincewaspullinguptoMcCarthy’stopickupCassiewhenhisphonerang.Hedidn’trecognizethe
number,butbetweentherestaurantandCarloandhiscrew,thathappenedalot.Eversincehisuncle’sodd
phonecallyesterdayhe’dbeenonedge,dreadgoingthoughhimwheneverthephonerang.

Maybethatwaswhyasenseofforebodingunfurledinhisgut.HeclimbedoutoftheJeepandhitthe

lockbuttononhiskeyfobasheanswered.“Hello?”

“Vince,it’sme.”
Thatfamiliarvoiceexplainedtheforeboding.Vincecouldn’trememberthelasttimehisbrother

calledwithoutthattingeofpanicinhisvoice.HeleanedagainstthepalebrickexteriorofMcCarthy’sand
pinchedthebridgeofhisnose.“Whathaveyougottenyourselfintothistime,Bobby?”

“What?Nonicetohearfromyou?”Offensedrippedfromhiswords,buttheybothknewanysecond

he’dgettothepoint,andit’dbebad.“Fine,you’reright.I’mintrouble.”

“Whichcityjailareyouinnow?Idon’tevenknowwhereyou’vebeenlivingthesedays.”
“NewYork.AndI’mnotinjail,butapparentlyI’mnolongerunderCarlo’sfamilyprotectionplan.

Didyouknowaboutthat?”

TheedgesofthephonedugintoVince’spalmashegrippedittighter.Beforehecrackeditinhalf,he

forcedhimselftorelax.“He’stryingtogetmetojoinhimagain.Ididn’tthinkhe’dgothisfar.”He
swallowed,scaredtoaskbutknowinghehadto.“Howbadisit?”

“Iowesomepeople.Badpeople.Ijustneedalittleloantogetmeby.I’llpayyouback,Iswear.”
“TheonlypaybackIevergetisbeingindebtedtoCarlo.Youlethimbailyououtandpayoffyour

debts,thenyoudisappearandIendupdoingjobsIreallydon’tlikejusttokeepyoualive.Younever
learnbecauseIkeepsteppingintosaveyourass.You’regoingtohavetogrowupsometime.Now’sas
goodatimeasany.”

“Ican’tgrowupwhenI’mdead.”Thepanicmergedwithdesperation,transferringthroughthephone

untilVince’snervesstretchedpaper-thin.“IalreadycalledCarlo,andhesaidhewasdonewithme.That
hewouldn’tlendmeadime,andifIwantedthattochange,I’dhavetotalktoyou.”

AngryheatwoundthroughVince’sbody,andhegrittedhisteethuntilhisjawached.Somuchfor

thinkinghisunclewasn’taheartlessbastard.He’dneverresortedtomethodsthislowbefore.Either
somethingbadhadhappened,orCarlowassickofwaitingforananswer.Bothspelledtroublefor
Vince…andevenmoreforBobby.

VincepeeredthroughthelargewindowofMcCarthy’s,searchingforCassie’sblondhead.Itprobably

didn’tpanoutsowellforher,either.

“Howmuch?”Vinceasked,holdinghisbreathashewaitedfortheundoubtedlyshittyanswer.
“Tenwillbuymesometime.Twentywillkeepthemoffforgood.”
“Twentygrand?WherethefuckamIsupposedtogettwentygrand?”
“Ijustneedten.I…I’llfindawaytogettherest.Somehow.”
Surehewould.Morelikehe’dusethetimetogetaheadstartatrunning,thencallVincewhenthey

caughtup.Thenit’dbetwentyalloveragain.

“Ifyouwanttoletthemkillyouronlybrother,Iunderstand,”Bobbysaid,althoughpanicpinchedthe

words,leavinghisattemptedlightheartednesstooflat.“Atleastnowyou’llknowwhyIstoppedcalling.”

Vincelethisheaddropagainsttheunforgivingbrickwall,knockingitbackthreetimesbeforeresting

itthereandlettingoutanexhale.“Ineedtothink,andifyoukeepingsayingstupidshitlikethatI’lllet
themridmeofyouforgood.Callmebackinanhour.”

WhyIstoppedcalling,myass.LikeBobbyevercalledforanyreasonbesidesoneslikethis.Vince

thoughtofhissavingsaccount—theaccountthatwassupposedtobehispossibilityforsomethingelse.
Lately,he’dbeenthinkingofpossibilitiesthatinvolvedCassie.Thatdamnedfictionallittlehousein
CaliforniaorTexaskeptpoppingup,eventhoughhe’dtoldhimselfitwasn’tanoption.

Butit’ddefinitelynotbeanoptionifhedidn’thavehissavingstokeepthemafloat.
Takeawaytwentygrandandtherealmofpossibilitiesnarrowedconsiderably.Carlowouldhavethat

muchinthesafeinhisoffice.AllVincehadtodowaswalkin,tellhisunclethathewasin,andhe’dhand
overthemoney.Actually,he’dprobablymakeacallandsettleforhalftheamountandnoonewouldever
touchBobbyagain,nomatterhowdeephegotinwithdrugdealers.Butthistime,payingbackBobby’s
debtswouldn’tmeanacoupleofmonthscollectingmoneyfromlocalbusinessownersfor“protection”
andshakingthemdowniftheyrefused.It’dberunningdrugsandbeingon-calldayandnighttowhatever
Carlowantedhimtodo.

It’dbekeepingtheguysinline,usinghisfistsonaregularbasis,andbeingonboardwithsellingdrugs

tokidswho’denduplikeBobby.

Knowingwhenhitsweregoingdownandexecutingthem.
Withinamonthorso,he’dprobablybecomenumbtoit.Comehomeandkickbackwithabeerasif

it’dbeenjustaregularworkdaylikeDadusedtodo.Eventuallysettledown,haveacouplekids,and
teachthemtoplaycatchuntiloneofhisorCarlo’senemiesgunnedhimdown,ifthebackstabbingmenin
hiscrewdidn’tgettohimfirst.

Vincepushedoffthebuildingandpacedupanddownthesidewalk.He’dneverpullCassieintothat

life,andshe’dneverstandforit,soshe’dbeoutofthepictureforsure.

She’soutofthepictureanyway.
Forabriefmoment,heentertainedthethoughtofgivingin.Ifhecouldn’thavewhathetrulywanted,

hemightaswellgetthebenefitofmorepowerandmoremoney.Justembracewhohewasandownit.

ThedoorofMcCarthy’sopened,andCassiesteppedout.Sheshothimaheart-stoppingsmileasshe

walkedupandloopedherarmsaroundhisneck.Herlipstouchedhis,andheclosedhiseyes,soakingher
inwhilehecould.

Whenshepulledback,hereyebrowsscrunchedtogether.“What’swrong?”
Heshookhishead,wavingoffherquestion,butthensheputherhandonthesideofhisfaceand

movedincloseenoughthatherchestbumpedhis.“Vince,Icantellsomething’swrong.Talktome.”

Hecrumpledlikeatwo-dollarbill.“It’smybrother.He’sintroubleagain.”
“Youneedtogohelphimoutofit?”
Hegaveacausticlaugh.“Youmeangoenablehimsomemore?”Nomatterwhat,Bobbywasallhe

had,andhewashisbrother.Hecouldn’tletpeoplehurthim,regardlessofhismanychancesandscrew-
ups,andhowmanytimesit’dhappenagain.“I’mallhe’sgot.Ican’tjustleavehim.”

“See?”shewhispered.“Goodguy.IsthiswhereIsayItoldyouso?Oristhatinsensitiveunderthe

circumstances?”

Despiteeverything,hesmiled.Thenhegatheredhertohimandhuggedher.Asfuriousasitmadehim

tothinkofhisbrothertossingeverythingasideforhisnextfix,herehewasdoingthesame.Onlyhisdrug
ofchoicewasawoman.Heranhisnoseacrosshercheekandpressedakissunderherear.Sheshivered
andclungtightertohim.

“You’restillwrongaboutthat,butrightnowIdon’treallycare.”
Oncehereleasedher,shereadjustedherglasses.“So,whereishe?”Shewinced.“Jail?”
“He’dprobablybesaferinjail.”ItslippedoutbeforeVincethoughtbetterofit,butitwasthesad

truth.“He’sinNewYork,andheowespeoplealotofmoney.”

“I’msureit’snoteasyknowingwhattodo.Butwhenitcomestopeoplewelove,we’vejustgotta

helpthemandbelievethatsomedaythey’llchange,right?”Cassiewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistand
restedherheadonhischest.Hewonderedifshecouldhearthewayhisheartbeatquickenedwithher
there.“Yougotakecareofit,andwhenyougetback,I’llcookyoudinner,completewithlotsoftrick
tossingandcatching.Youthinkit’lljusttakeaday,orwillitbelonger?”

It’dtakeatleastthreehoursofdrivingbackandforth,andwhoknewhowlongtotakecareofthe

peopleafterBobby,soprobablymostoftomorrow.AndVincewoulddefinitelyhavetogothere—if
Bobbyevenattemptedtocomehere,they’dthinkhewasrunningandbeathimtothebrinkofdeath,ifnot
sendhimonover.Afterall,it’dbewhatCarlowoulddointhesamesituation.

AngersparkedagainashethoughtaboutCarloputtinghimandBobbyinthissituation.Hewasn’t

goingtogivehisunclethesatisfactionofjoininghisranksafterhe’dusedBobbyasadisposablepawnin
hisgrandchessgame.

HeranhishanddownCassie’sback,pressinghercloser,andthoughtaboutleavingherhere,

unwatched.Unprotected.

TherewasthesupposedP.I.incidentthatstilldidn’tsitrightwithhim.Andwhatifthatpigwhowas

inlovewithherdecidedtoshowupandoneoftheboyssawherwithhim?

OrCarlo,heavenforbid.Hissuddeninterestinwheresheworkeddugathim,ascabhehadn’tbeen

abletostoppickingatsinceyesterday.Heprobablyscrewedupwhenhedodgedhisquestionandfudged
thenameoftherestaurant.

DoeshethinkIdon’thaveithandled?
He’dneedhisheadinthegametosaveBobby’sass,buthowwashesupposedtodothatifhewas

constantlyworriedaboutCassie?Seriously,wasanyonenotwatchingherrightnow?

Maybeifshestayedhometheentiretime?Yeah,likeshe’lllistentomejustbecauseIasknicely.And

demandingwon’twork.She’lltellmeIneedtotrustherjudgment.

Hetrustedherjudgment.Hejustdidn’ttrustalltheshadypeoplewhowerewaytoointerestedinher

rightnow.It’snotlikeCarloorhisboyscouldn’tfindtheirwayintoherplaceiftheyweredetermined
enough.

Ontheotherhand,ifCassiewentwithhim,Carlomightthinkshewastryingtorun.ButwhatifSal

decidedtopullafastone?WhenVinceranintohimatRossi’s,theguymadenoattempttohidehewas
holdingagrudge.

I’mtotallyfuckedeverywhichway.
Well,theonethinghewascertainofwasthatCassieneededtostayawayfromMcCarthy’swhilehe

wasgone.“Cassie,IneedyoutogotellMr.Brownyouneedtomorrowoff.”

“Areyoukiddingme?He’llfreakout.”
Vince’sgazezeroedinonthedoor,hisfeetpropellinghimtowardit.“ThenI’llgodoit.”
“Wait,wait.”CassieputahandonVince’schest;itwaskindofcuteshethoughtthatwouldstophim.

“Howcrazypantsareyougoingtobeoverthis?”

“Onascaleofonetoten,I’dsayatwenty.”
“I’llgoseeifanyonewillcovermyshift.You…”Shepushedhimbackagainstthewall.“Stay.”
Healmostgrowledthathewasn’tadog,buthesupposedthatwould’vebeencounterintuitive.She

alsosoftenedthecommandwithakiss,soheletitslide.

Whenshestillhadn’tcomeouttenminuteslater,hestraightened,readytogoworkhispowersof

persuasion.Butthenshepushedoutthedoor,herlipsinapoutyfrown,andheaskedwhoseassheneeded
tokick.

“Noone’s.Tyraswitcheddaysoffwithme,butonlyaftermakingmepromisetotakeoneofhershifts

inthefuture.”Cassieshuddered.“IfeellikeIjustsoldmysoul.”

Vincesweptherhairoffherfaceandsoftlykissedthosepoutylips.“Atleastwe’reonasemi-level

playingfieldnow.Isoldmysoulyearsago.”

Nowhejustneededtofigureoutifhewasgoingtotrytoconvincehertostayhomeandlockher

doorsuptightordraghertoNewYork,wherehe’dmostlikelyhavetodealwithshadydrugdealersor
loansharks.

Thiswaswhatitallcamedownto,right?Thethinghe’dbeenconflictedaboutfromthevery

beginning.Sweatprickedhisbrowandacidburnedthebackofhisthroatasherealizedtherewasnoway
hecouldkeepBobbyandCassieprotectedatthesametime,andhe’dinevitablyhavetochoosebetween
thegirlofhisdreamsandhisbabybrother…

ChapterTwenty-Three

Carlo’sdonsensestingled.Itwashisbusinesstoknowhisguys,knowhisterritories,andknowwhen
somethingjustwasn’tright.

Hesworeheheardaclickonthehomephonelastnight.Then,rightafter,duringthemeetingatthe

docks,hethoughtoneofhismenwasbaitinghim,askingquestionsaboutpastguyshe’dsnuffedoutand
wantingin-depthdetailsofthenextshipment.HeinstructedDantetotakehimonadriveandmakesurehe
wasn’twearingawire.

Danteclearedtheguyandtoldhimtostopaskingsomanyfuckingquestions,butthatdidn’teasethe

paranoiathathadCarloglancinginhisrearviewandwatchinghiswordsoverthephone.Heswepthis
home,office,andcarforbugsthismorningandcameupemptyonthatend,too.

Buthedidn’tgetthisfarbyignoringhisinstincts,andhewasn’tabouttostartnow.Sohecalleda

meetingandtoldMiatheyweren’ttobedisturbed.“Evenifit’smywife,”hemadesuretoadd,sinceher
lastpop-intotherestauranthadstartedawholesnowballofshit.

Theywerestillshortawaitress,andAngeloclaimeditwaswhytheyhadn’ttakeninasmuchmoney;

peoplewerecomplainingabouttheslowserviceandlookingatthewaittimeandleaving.Carloalmost
hiredoneofMia’sfriendswho’dputinanapplication,butlastminutedecideditsimplywasn’tworth
havinganyuntrustedearsaroundorhavinganotherincidentliketheonewithCassie.

Finally,hisfourcaposweregatheredinhisoffice.Theyweren’tthebrightest,buttheyweresomeof

thehardest.PartofthereasonhewantedVincebyhissidewastogetabetterbalance.Hisnephewknew
howtousehisfists,buthealsoknewwhentotalkhiswayout.Tothinkahead.Tonotusefuckingnames
overthefuckingphone.

Carloleanedhispalmsonhisdesk,sweepinghisgazeacrosshismen.“Youboysarewatchingfor

tails,right?Keepingyourphoneconversationsclean?”

Theyallnodded.
“LatelyI’vebeenfeelingadditionaleyesonme.Beextracautious.Getyourworkdone,butif

somethingsmellsbad,movelocations.Keepdetailslastminute.Don’tsayanythingthatcouldleadback
toyourselvesortome.YouallknowIrewardloyalty.Ifyouthinkyou’vegotarat,takecareofit.”

Hismenassuredhimthey’dbecautiousandreportanythingoutoftheordinary.Carlodismissedthem,

floppedintohischair,andrubbedhistemples.Thestresswasstartingtogettohim.

HepulledouthisphoneandtriedVince,butallhegotwashisvoicemail.
Maybehe’dmerelyslippeduponthatrestaurantname,butCarlodidn’thavetheluxuryofhoping,

especiallynowthattheheatwasbeingcrankedup.

He’dexpectedacallfromVincebynow.Eithertoaskformoneyorprotectionorboth.Hewassure

he’dtakeofftoNewYorktogetBobbyregardless,becausenomatterhowmanytimesthatkidscrewed
up,Vincedroppedeverything.HealwaysgaveBobbyalengthylectureashewassavinghisass,which
waswhythekidhadstartedtocallCarloinstead.Whylistentoaspielthat’dmakeyoufeelguiltywhen
yourunclewouldbailyououtandthencollectfromyourbrotherwhenyoudisappeared?

Underusualcircumstances,Carlowould’veneverputupwithsomeoneskippingoutinsteadofpaying

himback,buthe’dletitslide.Partlybecausethekidwasbloodandhisfatherhadbeenkilledworkingfor
him,butmostlybecauseitkeptVinceclose.

Thatwasbloodforyou—madeyoudothingsyounormallywouldn’t.
Isitmakingmesoft?Ican’tdosoft.Heshould’vedeniedVince’srequesttoruntherestaurantand

pushedharderfromthebeginning.NowVincehadgoneandforcedhishand.

Thekidwouldthankhimlater.Hemightneedtolearnahardlessonfirst,andCarlowouldgiveitto

him.

Hestrokedhisgoatee,workingoutaplanofaction.Ifthefedswerecircling—thewaytheytendedto

doeveryfewyears—heneededtomakesurehehadallhisducksinarow.Coveringhistracksandno
loosethreadswerewhythefedsnevergotanythingonhim,andwhytheyneverwould.

HismindcircledbacktoCassie,theonlyloosethreadhe’deverletlive.Witheverythingelsegoing

on,he’dnearlyforgottenabouthisplantocheckinonherthisafternoon.HetoldhimselfVincewastaking
careofit,andmaybeitwastheextraparanoiatalking,butsuddenlyhewonderedifhewasjustdragging
outtheinevitable.

Possibleattentionversusadeadpossiblewitness?
Attentionhecouldhandle;awitness,notsomuch.
Whichwaswhyadeadpossiblewitnessalwayswon,handsdown.

***

CassieapproachedherbeastofacarandturnedtoVinceasshepattedthehood.“Doyouwanttotakemy
cartoNewYorkinstead?I’vebeenneglectinghimlately,andhe’ssuperimpressive.Goesfromzeroto
sixtyin,like,fiveminutes,andeveryonewillstareatus.”

Shegotthesmileshe’dbeenhopingfor.Eversincehisbrotherhadcalledyesterday,stressradiated

offhiminwaves.AfterswitchingshiftswithTyrawithoutareasonwhy,they’dheadedtoherplace.
WhenBobbycalledagain,Vincesteppedintothehallwaytotalk.She’dtriednottobehurtbyit.She
understoodhewasaprivateperson,butshe’dbasicallyspilledherentirelifestorytohimoverthepast
fewweeks,andshewantedtohelphim,whileworryinghe’dneverlether.

Butthesecondhe’dsteppedbackintoherapartment,hermainconcernhadswitchedtotakingaway

theworrycreasinghisfeatures.She’dwrappedherarmsaroundhimandtoldhimshewasthereforhim,
whateverheneeded.

Thenhe’dsaid,“IwantyoutocomewithmetoNewYork.I…Ineedyouwithme.”
Andeventhoughitwasfastandpossiblyfoolish,shefellalittlebitinlovewithhimrightthere.
“Youroffertotakeyourvehicleisvery…well,it’sverysomething,”Vincesaidnow,puttinghishand

onherbackandguidinghertothenextspotoverwherehisbadassJeepsatreadytotakedownothercars
thatdaredcomenear.“ButI’mgoingforanonymitytoday.”

“Sorry,Idon’tthinkyoucanpulloffanonymity.”Shemadeacircleinfrontofhisface.“Notwiththe

wholesexy-hotness-lookyou’vegotgoingon.”

Heshookhishead,butflashedanothersmilethatdemonstratedexactlywhatshemeant;itlefthera

littlebreathlessandalotenchanted.“You’reonetotalk.”Heopenedthedoorandmadeasweeping,
gentlemanlygestureforhertogetin.Thenhesmackedheronthebuttasshemovedpast.

Sheglancedoverhershoulder,andhegaveanunapologeticshrug.Andallshecoulddowasgrinat

himlikeanidiot.I’vecompletelylostmymind.

Evenworse—ormaybeevenbetter—shedidn’tcaretogetitback.
VincefireduptheJeepandwrappedhishandaroundherthigh.Obviouslylastnighthismindhad

beenonhisbrother,andsheunderstood,butlatelyshewashavingone-trackthoughtsaboutsex.Every
gesture,everyheatedlooksaidhewantedher,soshedidn’tunderstandwhyhealwayspulledaway.She
didn’twanttomakeafoolofherself,butmuchlongerandshewasgoingtoresearchseductiontips.

Hisfingerstwitchedonherthigh,anditshotajoltstraightthroughhercore.Okay,makethatany

longer.

“So…”Hervoicecameoutbreathierthanshewould’veliked,andshereachedforthewaterbottle

she’dbroughtandtookalargegulp.

Vinceraisedonedarkeyebrowather.
“Iactuallydon’thaveanythingtosay.”Shepushedherglassesuphernose.“It’sjustalongdrive,and

it’llbesuperlongifthere’stotalsilence.”

“Ilikelisteningtoyoutalk,”Vincesaid.
“AndIappreciatethat,Ido,butwealwaysfocusonme.Whataboutyou?”
“No,let’snotdome.”
“ButwhatifIwantto…doyou?”
TheJeepswerved,andthecarnexttothemhonkedasVincestraightenedoutthewheel.“Holyshit,

Cass.”

Sheclampedherlipstogether,tryingnottolaugh.Atleastsheknewshecouldelicitthatkindof

reaction.“Wouldyourathertalkaboutyou,then?”

Heslidheradarklookthatsentthetemperatureofthecarskyrocketing.“No,I’ddefinitelychoosethe

other,butI’msortofinthemiddleofdriving,andapparentlyyou’retryingtokillusboth.”

Sheshruggedinnocently,andhisthroatworkedaswallow,hisAdam’sapplebobbingupanddown.
Forafewminutesonlytheradiofilledtheair,thenVincesaid,“IknowI’mgoingtoregretthis,but

whatdoyouwanttoknow?”

Shebarelyresistedjumpingupanddownonherseatlikeaneagerpuppy.“Well,Ididn’tevenknow

youhadabrotheruntiltheotherday.Whataboutyourmom?Youneversayanythingabouther.”

“Aftermydaddied,shedecidedshe’dratherjoinhimthanstayherewithmeandBobby.”
Cassie’sstomachbottomedout.Shehadn’texpectedthat.
“Myuncletookusin,butI’dalreadybeengettingintotrouble.Itwasn’tlikeanyonewastheretostop

me.Bobbyfollowedinmyfootsteps,andthenIdecidedtocleanupmyact.Hedidn’t.Thereasonhe’sin
theplaceheisnowisbecauseofme.”

“Youcan’tblameyourselfforthat.Youwereakid.”
“Iwasoldenoughtoknowbetter.”
“Ididn’tknowaboutyourmom,”shesaid.“I’msorry.”
“Notyourfault.Butthat’swhywedon’ttalkaboutme.”
“I’dratherknow.”Cassiereachedoverandranherfingersthroughthehairathisneck.
“I’mnotafanofconversationsbettersuitedforaleathercouchandadoctorwho’llhandyoutissues

asyoucry.”

“Yes,heavenforbidyoupretendtohaveemotions.”
Hescowledather,asifeventheword“emotions”madehimneedtothrowsomething.
“WhenIlostmydad,Icompletelyshutmyselfofffromeveryone,”Cassiesaid.“Foralongtime,I

thoughtitmademesafe.ThenIwokeupinthathospitalaloneandrealizeditjustmademe,well,alone.”

Keepinghiseyesontheroad,hebentcloserandkissedhertemple.Thenhegaveherahalfsmile.

“We’rekindofasadduo.”

Shelaughed,becausewhileitwastrue,itwasn’tatthesametime.“Whenyouthinkaboutit,it’s

actuallyincrediblewefoundeachother.”

“IguessthatmeansImust’vedonesomethingright.”
Itamazedherhowtheycouldgofromtopictotopic,sadonemoment,flirtingthenext,andhavinga

heart-to-heartrightafter.She’dneverexperiencedanythinglikeitwithanyoneelse.

Shetestedthelimitsofherseatbeltandkissedhischeck.
Hesighed.“IwishIcouldforgetabouteverythingelseandstartoverwithyou.”
“Youcan,”shesaid.“We’llbothstartover.”
Hishandwentbacktoherthigh,andhegrippeditlikehemeanttoneverletgo.Heatpooledlowin

herstomachandbutterfliesswarmedherheart.

Forthismoment,she’dcoverahundredofTyra’sshifts.
Yep.Comingonthistripwastotallyworthsellingmysoul.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Eachturntookthemdownanevenmoredesolateroadwithrundownbuildingsthatshouldbe—and
probablywere—condemned.Thereweren’tmanypeopleout,andtheoneswhowerelookedhomeless.

Whatthehell,Bobby?Thingsmust’vegottenreallybadifhisbrothercalledthisroughneighborhood

home.

Cassie’sfaceremainedcarefullyneutral,despitethefactthatshemostlikelyfeltthesamethinghedid

—thatinstinctualtugtellingyoutogetthehelloutofthere.

“Ishould’veneverbroughtyouhere,”Vincesaid,easingofftheaccelerator.“Letmetakeyoubackto

wherethebuildingsdidn’tlooklikedeathtraps.Youcansetupinalibraryoracoffeeshop,andI’ll
come—”

“I’mherealready,”shesaid.“AndI’mnotgonnaletyouleavemebehind.Let’sjustgetitdoneand

thengetout.”

Shehadtobescared,butsheputonsuchabravefront.Hekeptthinkingabouthowshe’dsaiditwas

incrediblethey’dfoundeachother.Eventakingawaythereasonhesearchedheroutafterheraccident,it
wasamazingthey’dfoundtheirwaytoeachotherinthefirstplace.

Theycouldn’tbemoredifferent,yettherewerethingsthattiedthemtogether,morethanjustlosing

theirparents.Whenhewaswithher,hefeltastrongsenseofpurpose.Sheputthingsinawaythatmade
sensetohim,andeveninthequietmoments,somethinginsideofhimspoketoher.Thegirlhadgotten
underhisskinandletlooseeveryemotionhetriedtoholdback,andinsteadofshyingawayfromthemor
backingoff,sheunderstoodandpulledhimcloser.

Hereachedforherhandandintertwinedhisfingerswithhers.HewasstilltemptedtoflipaUandget

heroutofthere,eventhoughheknewshe’dputupahellofafight.Heshould’vehadBobbymeetthem,
buthewastooworriedsomeonewouldseehim,andthenhe’dbedraggedintohisdrugdealerbefore
VincegottoNewYork.Thenthey’dbothbescrewed.

“Youhaven’tsaidmuchaboutyoursecurityjob,”shesaid.“Areyoustillthinkingthat’sthewayyou

wanttogo?”

Sincerightnowhissecurityjobwasher,hedidn’tknowhowtoanswer.Asforthesecondquestion,

ifCarlothoughtthisstuntwithBobbywouldmakehimmoreeagertojumpintothemafia,hewassorely
mistaken.Hegrippedthewheeltighter,carefulnottodothesamewiththehandholdingCassie’s.
“Becauseofthenatureofmyjob,Ican’treallytalkaboutit.”Truthmixedwithlies.Moreguilt—you’d
thinkhe’dbeusedtoitbynow,buteverydamntimehehadtogiveherhalf-truthsitcame.Adddriving
intothemiddleoftheghettoforhisbrother,andself-loathingquicklyfollowedonguilt’sheels,wantinga
turnathim.“Idomissrestaurantmanagementsome,butI’mgoodatthesecurityside.Italldependson
howmycurrentjobgoes,really.”

“Thatmakessense.”Shelookedoutthewindowatthedecrepitbuildings.“IfIgototheCulinary

InstituteofAmericainNewYork,maybeIcanaffordaplacehere.Whatdoyouthink?Anicewreathon
thedoorandit’llbeasgoodasnew,yeah?”

Asurgeofaffectionwoundthroughhim;shecouldmakeeventheshittiestsituationsbetter.“Awreath.

That’swhat’smissing.”

“You’llcomeover,right?”
“Dependsonthewreath,”hesaid,andshelaughed,thehappynoiseechoingthroughhischest.God,he

wasgoingtomissherwhenthiswasallover.Justthethoughtmadeapitopenupinhisgut,suckingall
happinessintoit.

“Ithinkthat’sit,”Cassiesaid,checkingthemaponherphoneandthenpointingatthebuildingup

ahead.

Theapartmentcomplexlookedlikeit’dbeenmadefromcementandscrapmetal,moreindustrialthan

homey.Cardboardstoodinplaceofglasswindowsandtherewasmorespraypaintthanoriginalpainton
thewalls.VinceputtheJeepinparkbutkepttheenginerunning.

Cassierubbedsoothingcirclesoverhisshoulder.“It’llbeokay.”
Hehuffedoutalaugh.“Iloveyouroptimism,baby,but…”Hisgazedriftedoutthewindshieldagain.

“Ididn’texpectthis.”Heshookhishead.“Ihadnoideahe…”Alumprosetohisthroat,andhefoughtfor
control,unsurewhethertoholdontotheregretorswitchbacktoanger.

VincereachedoverCassieandpulledhis.40caliberBerettaoutoftheglovebox.Helookedather,

tryingtogaugeherreaction.He’dhopedhewouldn’thavetopullitoutuntiltheytalkedtotheguysBobby
owed—Cassiewoulddefinitelybetuckedawayforthat—buthedidn’tdaregointoaplacelikethis
unarmed.

“Iactuallyfeelbetterknowingyouhaveit,”shesaid,answeringhisunaskedquestion.
Hecurledhisfingersaroundthedoorhandle.LastsecondhespunbacktoCassie,whowasalready

startingoutherdoor.Sheturnedatthehandonherarm,andhetuggedhertohimandplantedahardkiss
onherlips.“Stickclosetome,okay?”

“Okay,”shesaid,andthentheyclimbedoutoftheJeep.
Thericketymetalstaircasecreakedastheymadetheirwayupittothesecondfloor.Vincestoppedin

frontofthedoorwithachippedthirteenonitandknocked.

“Unluckynumberthirteen,”Cassiemuttered.
Vinceshiftedherbehindhimanddrewhisgun,justincasetheymetsomeoneelselookingforBobby

instead.

Thedoorcrackedopen,thechainontheinsidelockpullingtight,andBobbypeekedout.“Jeez,Vince,

putthegunawaybeforeyoukillsomebody.”

Thedoorclosed,themockwoodmufflingthesoundofthechainslidingfreebeforeBobbyswungthe

doorallthewayopen.TakingholdofCassie’shand,Vincecastonemoreglancearoundandledher
inside.

***

Cassiecouldn’thelpstaringatBobby.HeandVincehadsuchsimilarfeatures,onlyBobby’swere
pinchedandpale,andhewastooskinny,hischeekssunkenin.EventhoughhewasyoungerthanVince,he
lookedolderbyseveralyears,andthewholeeffectwaseerie.

“So,thisiswhatyou’vebeenuptolately,”Bobbysaid,lookingCassieupanddownandelicitinga

lowgrowlfromVince.Heextendedahandandshotherasmilethatsoftenedhisfeaturesandhintedatthe
charmhiddenunderneaththestrung-outappearance.“I’msureyou’veheardaboutme,theno-good
brother.I’mBobby.”

“Cassie,”sheanswered,shakinghishand.
“Sorryyougotdraggedouthere,Cassie.”BobbyfurrowedhisbrowandturnedtoVince.“Whythe

helldidyoubringher?It’snotexactlyanicearea.”

“Ididn’trealizeyoulivedinacrackdennow.Sillyme.Imean,seriously,Bobby.Hasitgottenthis

bad?”

“Whoa,”Bobbysaid,throwinguphishands.“I’mjustsquattinguntilthingscooldown.Oneofthe

guysI…”HeglancedatCassieandthenbackatVince,wideninghiseyes.“Anyway,heowedme,soI’ve
beenherethelasttwonights.Noteventheguysaftermedarecomehere,andyoubringBlondierightin.”

AveinpoppedoutinVince’sforehead,andCassiewrappedherarmsaroundhiminasidehug.

“Blondie’sjustfine,butthanksfortheconcern.”Shealsocouldn’thelpnoticingtheneedles,blackened
spoons,andlightersonthefilthycoffeetable.

Herknowledgeofdrugswasprettymuchlimitedtodon’tdothem,butshe’dwrittenapaperon

addictionsandrecoveryinhighschool.She’dneededasubject,andsinceAnnie’sworkattherehab
centerhadalwaysinterestedher,sheusedherasasource.Basicallyshelearnedthatitwasalong,hard
roadfullofalotofdownsbeforeyougottotheups.

“Youintroducehertothefamilyyet?”Bobbyasked.
“No,becauseIactuallylikeher.Rememberhowwe’renottalkingaboutmybusinessorthefamily?”

ThewayVincesaiditmadeherthinkthey’ddiscusseditoverthephone.

Vincemovedlikehewasgoingtositonthecouch,butthencurledhislipatthestained,used-to-betan

materialandwrappedhisarmtighteraroundherwaist.

“Anyonewantadrink?”Bobbyasked.
Cassiepeekedthroughtheopenarchwaytothekitchen.Dishessatinthesink,andjudgingfromthe

faintsmellofoldfood,they’dbeenthereawhile.“I’mgonnapass.”

“Stopstalling,andlet’sgetthistakencareofsoweallcangetoutofhere,”Vincesaid.
“Fine.Didyoubringthemoney?”AhungrygleamenteredBobby’seyeashelookedatVince,peering

athispocketslikehewastryingtoseehiddenwadsofcash.

“You’regoingtocalltheseguysyouowe,andyou’regoingtosetupameeting.”
Bobbyshookhishead.“That’snotagoodidea.”
“Yeah,well,neitherisusingthedrugsyouweresupposedtosell,butthatdidn’tstopyou.IfIgive

youthemoney,Ihavenoideaifyou’lldecideyoucandoubleitwithacoupleofbets,useittorun,buy
moredrugstomakeaprofitdowntheroad,or…whateverdumbassideayou’vegotrollingaroundinyour
skull.”

Cassieflinchedattheharshtoneandwords.Shegotit,becauseitobviouslywasn’tthefirsttime

VincehadbailedBobbyout,butshecouldn’thelpwantingthebrotherstohugandjustbehappytheyhad
eachother.She’dalwayswishedshehadasibling.

Bobbylookedtoher.“Ishealwayssoserious?Heusedtobefun.”
Cassie’sdefensesprickled.ItcostVincealottocomesavetheday,andtheguycouldshowanounce

ofgratitude;nowonderthere’dbeennohugging.“He’sactuallyveryfunwhenhe’snotsavinghis…how
didyouputit?No-goodbrother?”

Bobbymimickedaknifetohischest,butthenhegrinnedather,hisdrylipscrackingslightly.“Iwas

wrongaboutyou,Blondie.You’retougherthanyoulook.”HeclappedVinceontheshoulder.“Nowonder
youlikehersomuch.Ialwaysfiguredyouforahitandrunguywhenitcametowomen.”

Vincegaveasighthatcarriedtheweightoftheworldwithit.“Doyouwantmyhelpornot?BecauseI

swearI’mabouttowalkoutthatdoorandletyousortitoutyourself.”

“Relax,bro.I’mjustbustingyourballs.Iwantyourhelp.”HestraightenedandsalutedVince.

“Reportingforduty,sir!”

Cassiecouldn’thelpbutlaugh.Vincescowledather,andsheshrugged.“He’ssortofcharmingina

yippee-dog-typeway.”

Bobbyflashedheramegawattgrin.Thedrugs,theconstanttrouble,thejabsatVince—shewantedto

dislikehimonprinciple,butsomethingabouthimmadeithardtocompletelywritehimoff.

“Timetotellmewhowe’redealingwith,”Vincesaid.“Nomoregames.I’mgoingwithyou,andI

can’tgointhereblind.”

Bobbyscuffedhisshoeonthedingyfloor.“It’s…”hemumbled,andVinceleanedinandaskedhimto

repeatthat,buttoactuallysaythenamethistime.“It’sBigAl,okay?”

ThemusclesinVince’sjawwentrigid.Heranbothhandsthroughhishairandmutteredastringof

curses—EnglishmixedwithItalianthatsheinstinctivelyrecognizedasswearwords—ashepacedthe
lengthofthetinyroomtwice.

HesnatchedBobby’sphoneoffthecoffeetableandshoveditathim.“Setitup,butdon’tmentionme.

Whenwegetthere,you’regoingtoletmedoallthetalking.I’dactuallyliketomakeitoutofthemeeting
alive.”

ChapterTwenty-Five

Cassietriedcrossingherarmstighter—sheeventriedascarierscowl—butVince’sjawremainedset.

“Baby,pleasedon’tfightmeonthis.”
Everytimehecalledherbaby,tinglywarmthswirledthroughher,andthatmadeitevenhardertohold

ontoherattemptatstone-coldintimidation,whichbigsurprise,hadneverbeenherstrongsuit.

“It’snotlikeIwanttogointothemeeting,”Cassiesaid.“Ijustdon’twantyoutogo,either.Aren’t

yousupposedtomeetsomewheresuperpublic?Inallthemoviesthey—”

“Theclubispublic,”Vincesaid.
“AndaccordingtoBobby,ownedbythem.”
BobbywavedfromhisseatinthebackoftheJeepwhentheybothglancedathim.Theyspenttheday

drivingaroundNewYorktokilltime,andVinceeveninsistedonstoppingattheCulinaryInstituteof
America.Thepeopletheretoldherabouttheirprogram,aswellastheiradmissionsinformationsession
inDecember,whenprospectivestudentscouldspendaweeklearningaboutthecollege.

Allsupercool,buttheirimpendingmeetingstayedinthebackoftheirminds,puttingadamperonthe

fun.EventheNewYorkpizzahadn’thelped.Whiletheguysscarfedseveralslices,shecouldhardlytouch
hers.

ThenVincewentintohisbankandcameoutforty-fiveminuteslater,mumblingabouthowhe’dhad

morepleasantinterrogationsatthepolicestation,andCassiewasn’tonehundredpercentsurehewas
joking.Hercuriositywheelsspun,butshedidn’taskhowmuchmoneyhe’dwithdrawn,notonlybecause
itwasapersonalquestion,butalsobecauseshewasscaredtoknow.

Vincewrappedhishandaroundherthigh;hemustknowshehadtroublethinkingwhenitwasthere.

“WhenBobbysuggestedsomewherebesidestheclub,theygotpissedandstartedupwiththethreats,and
I’dratheratleaststartthemeetingcalm.ButIdon’tevenknowwhatI’mwalkinginto.”

“You’rewalkingintoameetingwithdrugdealers,”shehelpfullysuppliedwitheveryounceof

sarcasmshehadatherdisposal.

Vincesighed.
“Isthatayou-regret-bringing-me-alongsigh?BecauseIcan’tjustnotbeworriedaboutyou.”
“It’smoreofasighthatmeansIlovethatyoucare,butIneedyoutobemorecooperative.Asfor

bringingyoualong,itwasstupid,becauseitputyouindanger.Ididn’tlookbeyondwantingyouwithme,
whichIdo.”Hiseyeslockedontohers,thesteelydeterminationinthemclear.“ButIwon’ttakeyouintoa
situationIknowwillberough.It’sbadenoughyou’llbeintheclubatall.”

Can’twejustsendBobbyintherewiththemoney?Guiltimmediatelyfloodedher.Hewasn’tabad

person.Justapersonwithaseriousproblem.Maybemorelikeproblems.Regardless,shecouldtellthere
wasagoodpersonalityundertheaddiction.Unfortunately,itdidn’tmakeherlessworriedaboutVince.

“Whydon’twejustcallthecops?”sheasked.“Sendtheminthereto,like,discoverthestashofdrugs

inthebackandarrestthemall?”

BothVinceandBobbylaughedatthat.SheshotVincealook,andheclampedhislips.“Ifwe’renot

outinthirtyminutes,leavetheclub.ThentaketheJeepanddriveuntilIcallyouandtellyouwhereto
meetus.”Heputthekeysinherhand,andwhenshesimplystaredatthem,hecurledherfingersaround
them.Asifshe’dsimplyforgottenhowtoholdkeys.

“Ifyou’rereallyhurt,thencallingmeisgoingtobeextratricky.”Cassiecouldn’tevengototheplace

wherehewasmorethanhurt.

“Fine.Ifafterthirtyminutes,afteryou’realsooutoftheclub,youcancallthecops.Seriously,whatis

itaboutyouandpi—cops?”

“Iguessit’stheirmustaches.Ormaybeit’sthefactthattheyhavegunsandtraining.”
“Ihavethelasttwothings,andI’llgrowamustacheifyou’resosetonone.”Hisexpressionturned

deadlyseriousagain.“Now,backtothepoint.Promisemeyouwon’ttrytogetintothebackoffices.”

Itwassounfairthathecouldpulloutthedeep,deliciousvoicetotrytoswayher.
“Iwon’t,”shesaid.
“Won’tpromise,orwon’tgointhere?”
Damn,he’dcaughtthatplayonwords.Sheraisedaneyebrow,refusingtoexpand,andhesworeunder

hisbreathandrubbedhisfingersacrosshisforehead.

“Ishould’veleftyousomewhereinthecity.IfIdidn’tthink…”Hedidn’tfinish,butshehadafeeling

hewasthinkingtheymayneedtomakeaquickgetaway,whichwasn’texactlyreassuring.

Bobbyclearedhisthroat.“AsmuchasI’veenjoyedwitnessingyourrelationshipdrama,I’mgoingto

havetopointoutthatifwedon’tgetintheresoon,we’llbelate.Thenthey’llbeevenmorelikelytobeat
theshitoutofusforfun.”

Vinceshothimaglare,andthentheyallbailedoutoftheJeep.CassiegrabbedVince’sarm,just

abovetheelbow.“Pleasebecareful.”

Henoddedandpressedaquickkisstoherlips.Ashestartedtopullaway,shegrabbedafistfulofhis

shirtandgavehimaproperkiss,puttingeveryounceofconcernandaffectionchurningthroughherintoit.

Bobbywhistledandheatrosetohercheeks.
Vincerestedhisforeheadagainsthers.“Ignorehim.”
“Actually,Iwanttotalktohimbeforeyougoin.Andyouneedto…notlisten.”
Hisglowermight’vescaredherafewweeksago,butnowitjustmadeherwanttoholdhimtighter.

Shedidherbesttoputonasternfront,though.

“Wouldyouratherresumeourfightaboutmeattendingthemeetingwithyou?”
HegruntedandthenwalkedovertoagiantSUVafewparkingspotsdownandleanedagainstthe

hood.

Stern-frontinplace,CassiespuntoBobby.“MaybeI’mwastingmybreath,andlook,Iknowyouhad

alotofshittythingshappenwithyourparentsandall.I’vehadmyfairshare,too,ashavealotofpeople
inlife.Thereareotherwaysofdealingwithitthandrugs.AndhowmanytimesdoyouthinkVincecan
swoopinandbailyououtbeforeoneofthesemeetingsgoesbad?”

Herthroattightened.Pleasedon’tletitbethismeeting,pleasedon’tletitbethismeeting.
“Youknowwhat’sreallyfunny?ImovedtoNewYorktotrytogetclean.IthoughtifIgotawayfrom

our—”Bobbysuddenlyclampedhislips.

“What?”
Bobbyputhishandonhershoulder.“Idon’twanthimtogethurt,either.It’sgoodhefoundsomeone

likeyouwhocaresabouthim.Maybehe’lldoabetterjobbreakingawaythanIdid.”

“Don’tjustgiveup.Thefirststepiswantingtochange,andI’maskingyouto…wantto.Totry.You

needprofessionalhelpandastrongsupportsystem.You’vegotVince,andIknowyoubarelyknowme,
butIcanhelp,too.AtleastIknowpeoplewhocan.There’sagoodpersonintheresomewhere.It’dbea
shametolosehimcompletely.”

“I’mprettysurehe’salreadygone.”
“Youandyourbrother!Justacceptyou’regoodguysandproveit.Andwhenpeoplewanttohelpyou,

justletthem.Butnotlikethis.Like—”

“Igetit,”Bobbysaidwithasmile.
“Good.Sothat’smyspeech.”Despiteherbestattemptstokeepupherstrongfront,itcrackedand

tearssprungtohereyes.“Now,domeafavorandbringVincebacktome.Iwon’tbeokayifyoufail,you
understand?”

Bobbysurprisedherbyhuggingher.ItapparentlysurprisedVince,too,becausehewassuddenlytwo

feetaway,loomingandseemingconflictedastointerveneornot.

Astheynearedtheentrancetotheclub,thebouncereyedtheirclothes;apparentlytheywere

underdressed.Vinceidentifiedhimself,andheletthemthrough.

Sinceitwasfairlyearlybyclubbingstandards,thedancefloorwassparse,thebarareaonlyfaringa

bitbetter.VincegaveCassie’shandonelastsqueeze,andthenshesplitofftowardthebarasheand
Bobbymadeabeelinefortheback.

Agiantbaldguymetthemandledthemoutofview.
ThenallCassiecoulddowaswait.

***

Carlodidanothersweep,eventhoughhe’dalreadymadesurehewasn’tfollowed.Theconstantchecking
tooktime,butitwasbetterthansittinginacell.

HepushedintoMcCarthy’sSteakandSeafoodrestaurantindowntownTrentonandtookinthejoint.

RitzierthanRossi’s,buttherewasn’tanyofthatoldcountryappealthatmadetheplacefeellikeahome
awayfromhome.

Thehostessseatedhim,andheliftedthemenu,watchingoverthetopofitforCassie.Sofar,he’d

seentwowaitressesandonewaiter,butnoneofthemwerehisformeremployee.Healsonoticedanother
manseatedalone.TheguyhadahardedgeabouthimthatmadeCarlogivehimasecondlook.Darkhair
thatwasgrayingatthetemples,probablyabouthisownage,maybealittleolder.

Themanglancedinhisdirectionandthendroppedhisgazetothetable.Alittletooquickly.
Carlonarrowedhiseyesandstudiedhimcloser.Hedidn’tlookfamiliar.Hisclotheswereolder,

nothingtailoredorfancy,buthesupposedthatwasn’tacrime.Noteveryonetookasmuchprideintheir
appearanceashedid.Theguyhadbeenherefirst,too,sothatruledhimoutasbeingatail.

Carlohadn’ttoldanyonehewasgoingtocheckonCassie.Cometothinkofit,theguyhadprobably

lookedawaybecauseCarlowasstaringhimdown.Peopletendedtobeuncomfortablewhenhedidthat.
Smartpeople,anyway.

Man,Ireallyamgettingparanoid.Staringdownsomemanwhojustcameinforaquietearly

dinner.Awaitresscameover,andCarloorderedtheirmostexpensivewine.Hewasabouttoaskabout
Cassiewhenhisphonerang.

Mostlikelyit’dbeAllegra.Thepastfewdayshadbeenrough,soinsteadofcontinuingtodenyher

accusations,hebroughthomeadiamondnecklaceandearringsetlastnight.Itcosthimaprettypenny,but
thingsonthehomefronthadcooled,andshe’dbeencallingtowhisperdirtythingsinhisearallday,soit
waswortheverycent.

CarlofrownedwhenthedisplayidentifiedthecallerasBigAlFerrigno,oneoftheunderbossesin

NewYorkheoccasionallydidbusinesswith.Theywerefriends—well,thekindoffriendswhodrew
territorylines,scratchedeachothers’backsfromtimetotime,andotherthanthat,stayedthehelloutof
eachothers’way.Carlo’sterritorymightbelesspopulated,buthehadmoresquarefootageandplentyof
firepower.Plus,hewastightwiththedonwhoownedthelargersectionofNewYork.

LatelyBigAlhadtakentocallingtocomplainaboutBobby,andhewasthefirstpersonCarlohad

calledwhenhe’dretractedBobby’sprotectedstatus.Insteadofansweringhiscell,hetookouthisburner
andcalledback.

“Yournephewsjustgottotheclub,”BigAlsaid.“NotjustBobby,butVince,too.Bobbyagreedto

comeinandsettlehisdebt.”

“Isn’tthatwhatyouwanted?ItoldyouifyoushookdownBobbyyou’dgetpaid.Youlayhandsonmy

nephewswhilethey’remakinggoodonthatpromise,andyou’regoingtohaveahellofafightonyour
hands.”

“Hey,Irespectthefamily.Iwasmorecallingasacourtesy.Andtomakesureitisjustameeting

aboutthedebt.Ididn’texpectVince.”

VincewastoosmarttosendBobbyinalonewiththemoney,andapparentlyhewashell-benton

payingoffthedebthimself.Disappointingwhenitcametoneedingsomethingtoholdoverhim,yet
anotherreasonCarlowantedVinceonhisside.Resourcefulinabadsituationandcoolunderpressure
wasinshortsupplythesedays.

“AslongasIgetpaid,I’vegotnoproblemwithyou,”BigAlsaid,suspicionclippinghiswords.He

wasfishing…andworried,whichCarlocouldn’thelpenjoyingafterwhatapainintheasshe’dbeen.
“Justwantedtomakesurethatwasclear,ifIhadn’trelayedthatinmypreviouscalls.”

Carlorolledhiseyes.Dramaqueens,thelotofthem.“You’llgetyourmoney.Stophoundingmeall

thetime,andthere’snoreasonwecan’tkeepgettingalong.”

“Sorry,butyouknowhowitis.IfwordgetsaroundIletoneofmydealersgetawaywithnot

paying…”

“Ihearya,fuhggedaboutit.”
“Grazie.Oh,andtheyalsobroughtawomanwiththem.Young.Blond.Lookslikeshedoesn’tbelong.

Justseemedweird,soIthoughtI’dmentionit.”

NowwhywouldVincegoandtakeCassiewithhim?Carlosupposeditcouldbeanotherblonde,but

hedoubtedit.Shecertainlywasn’tatworktoday.

“Yougoteyesonherrightnow?”Carloasked.
“Yeah.She’ssittingatthebarintheclub.Why?Whatdoyouwantustodo?”

ChapterTwenty-Six

“Goodjob,kid,”JimsaidtoMancini,clappinghimontheback.Thishadbeenquitethedayof
interesting,unexpectedturnsintheRossicase,andhecouldn’thelpbutbeoptimistictheywerefinally
gettingsomewhere.

“Hopefullythismakesupforblowingthesurveillanceonthewaitress,”Mancinisaid.
“Thismakesupforanythingyoumight’veeverdonewronginyourlife.”Jimslowedatthedoortothe

interrogationroom.He’dsatforseveralhoursatMcCarthy’s,waitingforCassie,whodidn’tshow.
ImaginehissurprisewhenCarloRossihimselfmadeanappearance.Jimhopedheplayedoffhisshock
quicklyenough.Thetemptationtomovecloserandattempttooverhearthatphonecallhadnearly
overwhelmedhim,buthe’dforcedhimselftoplayitcool.Despitealsowantingtostaylonger,hepaidhis
billandtookofftoavoidbeingmade.

Meanwhileacrosstown,ManciniwatchedDanteCostaloadhiscarupwithenoughdrugstogetan

armyhighandcalledforbackup.Theyfollowedhim,hopingtocatchhimsellingred-handed,andmiracle
ofmiracles,that’sexactlywhathappened.Sotheybroughthimdowntooneofthelocalstations.Between
oneotherarrestforpossessionandanassaultcharge,thismadestrikethree,andthatmeantserioustime.

Withanyluck,theycouldturnhimagainstCarloRossiandusethisasthedominopushthattookdown

theentireorganization.Ifnot,well,Dantecouldenjoyprison,andCarlowouldhavetoscramblefor
someonetoreplacehim.Disorderalwayshelpedcreatemistakes,andthey’dbetheretocatchthem.

“Ready?”Jimasked,andMancininodded,practicallybouncingontheballsofhisfeet.“Getyour

gamefaceon,then.”

Mancininarrowedhiseyesintoslits,andnowJimwastheonefightingasmile.Nocountingchicks

beforetheyhatched.Firsttheyhadtogethimtotalk.Beforeheinsistedonalawyer.

Jimopenedthedoor,andheandMancinistrodeintotheroom.Dantesatinachairontheothersideof

thetable,hishandscuffedtothebarinthecenter.Asnaketattoocoiledaroundoneofhismassivearms,
andwhenhemetJim’seye,thebastardgrinned.

Whathewouldn’tdotobeabletoknockthatsmuglookrightoffhisface.Insteadhecasuallysat

oppositehim.“Lookslikeyou’velandedyourselfinabitoftrouble.”

Danteshrugged.“Notmyfirstrodeo.”
“Iknow.It’syourthird.Maybeyou’veheardthatNewJersey’sgotathree-strikelaw.Theytakeit

prettyseriously,too.”

Thattookoffthearrogantedge.Hiseyeshardened.“It’sonlytwo.Thatassaultchargewasdropped.

Didn’ttheyteachyoutoreadintheacademy,copper?”

Jimfoughttheurgetorunoutandretrievehisfiles.Notthattheywereinthisstation;theywereback

atFBIheadquartersinNewark.He’dlookedatthemsooften.Howhadheforgottenthat?Nodoubtthe
assaultchargesweredroppedwiththethreatofanotherassault.

Hismindspun,searchingforsomethingelseusefulonDante’srapsheet.“You’reforgettingthe

restrainingorder.Notwhatajudgewantstosee.”

“Thatbroadiscrazy.ShewasjustpissedIdumpedherbonyass.”Dante’ssmuggrinreturned.“Soas

funasthishasbeen,I’lljustwaitformylawyertogethere.”

“Ifthat’sthewayyouwantit,”Mancinisaidwithashrug.“Ofcourse,ifyoulawyerup,it’llbehard

toprotectyou.”

“Fromwho?Youguysgoingtoroughmeup?Goaheadandtry.Mylawyerwouldeatthatshitup.”
“FromCarlo.”Mancinitippedhischairback,thefrontlegscomingafewinchesoffthefloor.“We’ve

gotaninsideman,andhe’sgoingtobetellingthebigguyyou’veturnedonhim—stirthepotalittle,you
know.Callitafunexperiment.Willheshootyou?Willhebeatyouuntilhebelievesyou?Eitherway,it’s
noskinoffmynose.”

Jimsatstill,carefultonotbetrayMancini’sbluff.
Dantetriedtokeepupthetoughfaçade,butthewheelswerespinning.“Thebosswouldn’tbelieve

that.I’moneofhismostloyalmen.”

“So’sourinformant.”Mancinismiled.“He’sbeentalkingallaboutyou,too.I’msurewe’llfindstrike

three,andevenwithoutit,you’regoingtobeputawayforlongenoughtocompletelyforgetwhatit’slike
tobewithawoman.”

Nicetouch,consideringhisfondnessfortheladies.ThelinesinDante’sforeheaddeepened.They

weresoclosehecouldtasteit.

“What’sitgonnabe?”Jimleanedin,foldinghisforearmsonthecoolmetaltable.“Buttick,tock.We

gotcriminalstocatch,informantstolistento.”Heglancedathiswatch.“It’stimeforyoutopick.You
goingtoratorrot?”

***

VincetossedthepaperboundbillsonBigAl’sdesk,physicallyillassoonasitlefthishands.Forsomuch
money,itdidn’tlooklikemuch,justaboutfourinchesofcrisphundreds.

Hardcome,easygo.
Ifitwasjustmoney,he’dgetoverit.Butitputahugedentinhischanceofchanginghislife,ofbeing

something—someone—different.

“Bobby’sout,”hesaid.“He’snotsellingforyouanymore.”
BigAlhandedthetwostackstothemanbehindhimandtheguyautomaticallythumbedthroughit.He

hadanothergoonflankinghisotherside,thethick-neckedsurlytype.“Isaywhenhe’sout.”

“No,Isay.Youdon’tusehimtosell,andyoudon’tselltohim.”
BobbywhippedhisheadtowardVince,paniccreepingintohiseyes.Wantingtobedoneandhaving

yoursupplierandsourceofincometakenawayweretwodifferentthings.

“Iagreedtogivehimachancetopaybackhisdebtwithoutretaliation,butI’mnotlosinghimorhis

regulars.”BigAlsmoothedahanddownhisblacksilktie,puttingonaboredair.“He’snolongerunder
Carlo’sprotection,incaseyoudon’tremember.Soheneedstogethisassbackoutthere,movethe
product,andaslongashepaysmeontime—”

Vincedoveacrossthedesk,grabbedthefuckingtie,andusedittoyanktheassholeforwardashe

drewhisgunandjabbedthebarrelunderthefatman’sribs.Theunmistakablesoundofgunsbeingcocked
registered,andBobbyswore.Vincewoundthetiearoundhishand,tighteningthemakeshiftnooseashe
dugthegunintoAl’sfleshalittledeeper.“Tellthemtodroptheirweapons,niceandslow,andyouput
yourhandsonthedeskwhereIcanseethem.”

BigAlturnedthreeshadesofredandclampedhislips.
Vincecurledhisfingeraroundthetrigger.“Theymightgetme,butyou’llgofirst.”
“Dropthem,”BigAlsaid,blowingairoutofhisnostrils.Heputhismeatyhandsflatonthedesk.
“Now,likeIsaid.Bobby’sout.He’sundermyprotection.I’lldiscussitwithmyuncle,andmakeno

mistake,he’llbebackunderCarlo’sprotectionsoon.SounlessyouwantawarwithusJerseyboysand
yourneighborstotheeast,allyouhavetodoistakeyourmoneyandleavemybrotheralone.”

“Youknowhoweasyit’dbeformetograbtheblondefromtheclub?Oneofmyguysiswatchingher

rightnow.”

VincetiltedthegunupandletthefuryshowthroughsoBigAlwouldknowhewasn’tbluffingabout

pullingthetrigger.“Yourheartwouldhavetobebeatingtodoit.”

Onesilentsecondpassed,thentwo.Bythreethetensionwassothickitsmotheredtheair.“Fine,”Big

Alsaid,hisfacesoredit’dmorphedintopurpleterritory.“Takeyourbrotherback.Allhedoesisusethe
supply,anyway.Uselessfuckingjunkie.”

“Forextrareassurance,Bobby’sgoingtotakealltheguns,includingyours.We’llleavethemwiththe

bounceronourwayout.”

BigAlgrittedhisteeth.“Ifyouweren’tCarlo’snephew—”
“Ah,butIam.”OnceBobbycollectedtheguns,Vinceslowlyreleasedhisgriponthetie.“Nicedoing

businesswithyou.”KeepinghispistoltrainedonBigAl’sforehead,heandBobbyslowlybackedoutof
theroom.Hedidn’tdoubtthereweremoregunsinthenearvicinity,buthehopedhe’dmadeenoughofa
point,andtheywerescaredenoughofCarlo’sretribution,thatthey’dletthemgrabCassieandgetthehell
outofthere.

***

Cassiecheckedthetime.

IfVinceandBobbydidn’tcomeoutinsevenminutes,shewassupposedtoleave.ButhowcanIjust

leavenotknowingifthey’reokay,orintrouble,or…Herlungsdeflated.Stillbreathing?

Sheconsideredduckingoutandcallingthecops.Thirtyminuteswaswaytoolongtoexchangemoney.
Thefeelofahandonhershouldermadeherturn.She’dexpectedVincebutgotanenormousbald

bouncerinstead.“Ineedyoutocomewithme,”hesaid.

Cassieswallowed.“Nothanks.”
“It’snotreallyaquestion.”
Herhearttookoffonahigh-speedchase,batteringtheinsideofherribcage.Shereacheddeepdown,

foundeveryounceofcourageshecouldmuster,andwrappedheranklesaroundthebarstoolsothatifhe
usedphysicalforce,she’datleastbeabletocauseanoisyscene.“Well,myanswer’sstillthesame.”

Hismassivehandclampedontoherarm.Hetuggedandherstoolrocked,alongwithherjumpy

nerves.Justasshewasabouttoreleaseascream,afamiliarvoicesaid,“Ifyou’dlikethatarmtoremain
attachedtoyourbody,Isuggestyouletgo.”

Thebouncerturned,andVincegavehimadeathglarethatmadehimreleaseher.Thehandwrapped

aroundthehandleoftheguntuckedintohisjeansprobablyhelped,too.

“Ithinkyou’llfindyourbosshaschangedhismindaboutwhateverhetoldyoutodo.”Vince’sgaze

remainedonthebouncerasheextendedhisfreehandtoher.“Cassiebaby,we’regoing.”

Sheleaptoffthestool,abandoningherbarelytoucheddrink,andslappedherhandinVince’s.They

rushedtowardtheexit,andrightbeforetheyleft,Bobbyhandedthreegunstothebounceratthedoor.
“Yourbossneededyoutoholdthese.”

Utterconfusioncreasedhisfeatures,buthetooktheguns.
VinceglancedatBobbyastheysprintedtotheJeep.“Didyou—”
“TheclipsarebehindthatuglysculpturebytheVIPlounge,”Bobbysaid.
ThesecondtheywereallinsidetheJeep,Vinceslammedonthegas,thetiressquealingastheypeeled

outoftheparkinglot.Hedroveoutoftheneighborhoodinahurry,constantlycheckingtherearview
mirror.

Assoonastheholy-crapsensationfadedabitandthefreewaywasinsight,Cassiestretchedacross

theconsoleandkissedVince’scheek.“I’mgladyou’reokay.”

“I’msafe,too,”Bobbysaidfromtheback.“Don’tyouwanttoshowmehowhappyyouarethatI

madeitout?”

Withoutlooking,Vincereachedbackandsmackedhisbrother.ThetensionintheJeepbrokeandthey

seemedtoalldrawabreathatonce.

“So…it’sdone?”Cassieasked.
“Youshould’veseenVince,”Bobbysaid,pokinghisheadbetweentheseats.“Ithoughthewasgoing

togetuskilledthereforasecond,buthescaredtheshitoutofthoseguys.Theyjuststoodtherewith
dumfoundedlooksontheirfaces.ExceptBigAl,whowasmorepissedthanI’veeverseenhim,andI’ve
seenhimreally—”

“Okay,that’senough,Bobby.”Vinceshotherasidelongglance.“Heexaggerates.Ijusttookcareofit;

they’llleavehimalonenow,andthat’swhat’simportant.”

Cassielookedfromonebrothertotheother.“IfeellikeI’mmissingpiecesofthestory.”
“I’dratherwejustputitbehindus.”ThefinalityinVince’svoicemadeherswallowherother

questions.Notbecauseshethoughthe’dgetmad,butshecouldtellhefeltconflictedabout…whatever
happenedintheclub,andhe’dratherhernotknowwhathe’dhadtodo.Honestly,shewasn’tsureshe
wantedeverydetail.Theentiredaydidn’tevenseemreal.Ifoneofhergirlfriends—well,ifshehadany
—toldhertheyweredatingaguylikeVince,she’dprobablytellthemtorun.

Butsinceshewastheonedatinghim,andhe’dprovenjusthowfarhe’dgotokeephisbrotherand

hersafe,sheknewthatdespiteeverything,shewantedhimmorethanever.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Vinceeasedofftheacceleratorandhitthecruisecontrol.Withthecityinhisrearviewmirror,hewas
finallyabletobreathe.

Cassiereachedoverandplayedwiththehaironthebackofhisneckinthatwaythatcalmedand

revvedhimupatthesametime.BringinghertoNewYorkwasahorribleidea;sheprobablywould’ve
beensaferinJersey.Theentireexperiencejustprovedthatthesoonerhecutthingsoff,thesafershe
wouldbe.

Anydaynowhe’dgettheballstodoit.
HekeptthinkingabouthowclosehewastopullingthetriggerwhenBigAlthreatenedher.Theonly

thingstoppinghimwasthenhe’dbedeadandsowouldBobbyandmostlikelyCassie,becauseshenever
would’veleftthatdamnclubwithouthim.Crazywoman.Crazy,amazing,sexywoman.

“So,Bobby,”shesaid,glancingoverhershoulderathim.“Needmetolookupplacesforyoutogoto

narcoticsanonymousmeetingsinJersey?”

“Itwon’tbeanonymous,then,becauseyouguyswillknowI’mthere,”Bobbysaid.
“Well,Iwon’ttellanyone,andVincedoesn’ttalkaboutanythingthatmighttiptoeintoemotional

territory,soyou’llbesafethere,too.”Shegavehimaplayfulpinchonthearmandthenimmediately
kissedthespot.“OrIcouldalwayscallmyfriendwhoworksattheParkerValleyHoperehabcenterin
Parker,Colorado.Smalltown.Nothingbuttimeandspacetogetclean.Nobadinfluencestotemptyou
intooldpatterns,lotsofsupport,andpeoplewhoknowwhatthey’redoing.MyfriendAnnieworksthere,
andshe’samazing.Icouldtellhertosaveyouaspot.”

“I’llgotothedamnmeetings,”Bobbysaid.
AtriumphantgrinspreadacrossCassie’sface.“Great.I’llgiveyouaridethere.Mycar’ssosexythat

you’llbegforrideseveryday.”

“Man,she’sapersistentlittlething,isn’tshe?”
Vinceglancedather.Shecertainlywas.Tougherthanhe’dexpected,too.Hardertoscareawayas

well,andhewasn’tsurethatwasagoodthing.Hopeshoneinherfeatures,andheworriedaboutthe
crashshe’dexperiencewhenBobbywasn’tsogoodatfollowingthroughonhispromisetogetclean.
HowdidshekeepseeingthegoodineveryoneafterbeingshotatandnearlytakenbyoneofBigAl’smen
intheclub?

Onedaytrustingthewrongpersonwasgoingtogetherintrouble.
Therealizationhemightbethatwrongpersonhithimlikeapunchtothegut.
Bythetimehepulleduptoherplace,itwasjustaftermidnight,andshe’dfallenasleepwithherhead

onhisshoulder.“Baby?”

Shestraightened,blinked,andcoveredayawnwithherhand.“IguessI’llseeyouboyslater?”
“I’llwalkyouup,”Vincesaid.
“It’sokay.”
“You’reright.Itisokay.Thankyouforagreeingwithmeforoncetoday.”Hetookthekeys,because

whilehelovedhisbrotherandhopedhewouldn’ttakeoffwithhisJeep,trustwasstilltricky.“I’llbe
backinafew.”

“AfterthelastplaceIslept,thebackseatoftheJeepispracticallyasuiteataluxuryhotel.Littlecold,

though,sodon’tbesolongIturnblue,‘kay?”

VincetossedhisjacketatBobbyandthenwalkedCassieinsidehercomplex.Whensheturnedtotell

himgoodbyeinthelobby,heputhishandonherbackandguidedherintotheelevator.Hesteppedinside

herapartmentforaquickcheckaround;shelookedathimlikehewascrazy,buthe’dratherbecrazyand
suretheplacewassecure.

Onceheclearedeveryroom,hewalkedbackintothelivingroomwhereshestood,obviouslytired

butasbeautifulasever.Hebrushedherhairoffherfaceandcuppedherneck.“HowbaddidIscareyou
today?”

“Prettybad,”shesaid,andhisheartsnagged,afraidtotakeanotherbeat.Shesmackedhisarm.“Don’t

evergodealwithshadydrugdealersinthebackofaclubandtakesolongagain.”Thecutedirtylookshe
addedtotallyundidhim,sendingeveryoneofthewallshe’dbuiltcrashingtothefloor.

“ImeanthowbaddidIscareyou?”
Shetiltedherhead,andhecouldtellherthoughtswerespinningbuthadnoclueastothedirection.

“Aftermyaccident,Ihadthisgoaltobebolder,tolivelifefuller.Tohavemoreadventures.Butmaybe
I’dlikejustasmidgenlessadventureinthefuture.I’mthinkingmorelike…trythatThaiplacedownthe
streetthatlooksinteresting.Skiing.Rollercoasters.Thatkindofthing.”

Hedidn’tknowwhethertolaughoryellatherfornotkickinghisasstothecurbthesecondtheyleft

theclub.Buthowcouldhebeupsetatsomeonewhousedtheword“smidgen?”Itmadehimwantto
scoopherintohisarmsandneverletgo.

“So,yes,Iwasalittlescared,andI’dratherneverdothatagain.Butyou?Youdon’tscareme.”She

tippedontohertoesandkissedhisjaw,leavingherlipstherewhensheadded,“IknowI’msafewith
you.”

Heneededtocontradictthat.Neededtocomeclean.Neededtorun.Hell,hedidn’tknowanymore.
“Iknowyou’llbebusygettingBobbysettled,butgivemeacallwhenyoucan,okay?AndI’lldrive

himtomeetings—youtellhimImeantthatandI’mridiculouslystubbornwhenIwanttobe.”

“Whenyouwanttobe?Soallthetime?”
Shegrinned.“Po-tay-toe,pa-tah-toh.”
Vincepeeredintoherprettyface,catchingaglimpseofhislove-struckreflectioninherlenses.He

barelyrecognizedhimself,anditawedhimthataftereverythinghe’ddonetoday,shecouldstillbringout
thatsideofhim.

Withouther,he’ddrift.
Staywithher,andhe’ddragherdown.
Inthreemoredays,thesupposeddoctor’sappointmentwouldhappen.He’dcallCarlo,reportthatthe

docsaidshewasnevergettinghermemoriesback,andthenhe’dhavenoexcusetowatchheranymore.In
fact,beingaroundherwouldendangerherevenmorethanhisactionstodayhad.

Threemoredays.
Tippingherchinupwithhisthumb,hesoftlykissedherlips.“Whateverhappens,justrememberthe

timeItoldyouIlovedyouandknowthatImeantit.”

“Whatdoyoumeanwhateverhappens?”Shegotanadorablecrinklebetweenhereyebrows.“Andis

thisthetimeyou’retellingme?I’dhatetomissit.”

Hisinsidesturnedtomush,andhesmileddownather.“Yes,thisisit.Iloveyou.”Hebrushedhis

lipsagainsthers.“I’msorryifIscrewitupdowntheroad.”

Shewrappedherhandaroundhiswrist.“Sometimesyoutalklikeyoucanseethefuture,andyouonly

everseebadthings.”

“IwishIcouldseethefuture.Itwouldmakethingsaloteasier.”
“JusttellmeI’minit.”
Hedrewhercloserforanotherkiss.Sheputahandonhischest,stoppinghislipsjustbeforetheymet

hers,andhethoughthewasgoingtogetintroublefornotdoingassheasked.Butthenshesaid,“Ilove

you,too.”

Andtheworldhethoughtheknewcompletelycrumbledaroundhimasshesealedthewordswitha

mind-blowingkiss.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

NooneknewwhereDantewas,andhewasn’tansweringhisfuckingphone.Carlopacedfromthedining
roomtothekitchenashetriedhimagain,clenchinghisteethtokeepfromyellingoutinfrustrationwhen
hedidn’tanswer.Healwaysanswered.

Dantewasoneofhisbest,most-trustedmen.Theyoungergenerationwasgettingsoft,anditwasn’t

easytofindguyswho’dtakecareofthegoodandthebadwithoutcomplaining.Everyonewantedtobe
numberoneandmakeatonofmoneytheirfirstday,respecttheirlastpriority.

ButDanteknewhisplace.HisdadhadservedasoneofCarlo’scaposuntilanunfortunateheartattack

lastyear,andCarlopromotedDantetotakehisposition.Whilehetendedtogethimselfintroublewith
theladies,hewassolid.

Infact,ifVincerefusedtheunderbosspositionafterthispush,Dantewashisnextchoice.Carlocould

useafilterbetweenhimandeveryonewhocamecryingwithalltheirproblems.Vincewoulddoabetter
jobofbeingfair,takingtimetothinkitoverinsteadofalwaysresortingtoviolence,butatthispoint,
maybesomeofthemneededsmackingaround,areminderofwhowasincharge.

Ofcourse,beforehecoulddealwiththat,heneededtofigureoutwhatthehellwasgoingon.He’d

pumpedeverysourcehehadforinformation,includinghispolicecontactswhoworkedbothsidesofthe
line,andsofar,noonehadanythinguseful.

GuessI’llusethistemporarylulltocheckuponmyprodigalnephews.He’dbeenbusy,buthe’d

alsobeendelaying,notsurehewasreadytohearthetruth.Becausethatmeanthe’dhavetofigureout
whattodoaboutit.

BigAlansweredafterthethirdring.
“Yougetyourmoney?”Carloasked.
“Igotit,”hesaidwithaninordinateamountofspiteforsomeonewho’dgottenpaid.“ThenVince

chokedmewithmyowntie,jabbedagunundermyribs,andtoldmeBobbywasdone.”

Ah,thatexplainedtheanger.BigAltoldhimVinceandBobbytookhisandhismen’sguns,andwhile

hesoundedpissedasacatinadunktank,prideradiatedthroughCarlo.ThisisexactlywhyVince
belongsatmyside.

Hetoneddownhissmugnesssoitwouldn’ttransfertohiswordsandaskedthequestionhedidn’t

wanttoaskbuthadto.“Andthegirl?How’dhereactwhenyoumentionedher?”

“Henearlypulledthetrigger,sothanksforthat.LasttimeIdoyouafuckingfavor.”
Trepidationreplacedthepride.Carlowantedtocomeupwithifsandmaybes,butlatelyhewas

comingupwithfartoomanyofthoseforVince’sbehavior.“Ioweyouone.”Noneedtogetyourpanties
inatwist.I’mtheonewiththeproblem.

Hehungupanddialedhisnephew.
“Youdidn’tcallmebackyesterday,”CarlosaidassoonasVinceanswered.
“IwasbusygettingBobbyoutoftroubleinNewYork.I’msurethatdoesn’tcomeasabigsurprise

consideringyouwithdrewyourprotection.”

“Youforcedmyhand.”Nomorebeatingaroundthebush.Timetocleartheairandseewherethey

stood.“Weneedtomeet.”

“I’llbeatRossi’sinaboutanhour.”
“Atthehouse.Noon.Don’tbelate.”Withthat,heendedthecallandscrubbedahandoverhisface.

He’dhopedthiswouldgosmoother.Insteadeverythingwascomingundoneatonce.

ThedoorleadingtothegarageopenedandAllegrastrolledin,grocerybagshangingfromherarms.A

low-cutblacktopshowedoffhernewglitteryjewelry.Shesetdownthebagsonthekitchencounter,and
Carlostartedtowardher,thinkinghe’dbeabletogetlostinherforawhile.Helptaketheedgeoffallthis
stress.

“DidyouknowthatDante’sinjail?”sheasked,puttingherhandsonherhipsandsplayingfreshly

paintedredfingernails.“IjustranintoMrs.Costaatthegrocerystore,andsheaskedmewhatmyhusband
wasgoingtodotogetherboyout.Shemadeascene,tuggingonmysleeveandbeggingformetotalkto
you.”

NoonegotfireduplikeItalianmothers.Whichwaswhyhehadn’tcalledhertoaskafterDanteyet.

“Thatexplainswhyhe’snotansweringmycalls.”

Carlo’sphonerangagain,andhesighedashepulleditoutofhispocket;it’dpracticallybeengluedto

hisearallday.

“We’renotdonetalking,”Allegrasaid,steppinginfrontofhim.“Issomethinggoingon?ShouldIbe

worried?”

Carlowavedoffherquestions.“Justtheusual.Don’tworryyourprettylittleheadaboutit.”Turning

awayfromher,heansweredhisphone.AnysecondAllegrawouldprobablystartflingingplatesathis
head.MaybeheshouldstarttakingawayaluxuryatatimelikehedidwithAngelososheknewwhowas
boss.Everyoneseemedtoneedremindingofthatlately.

“Imadesomecalls,anditturnsoutDantegothimselfbustedforpossessionandintenttosell,”Sal

said.“Forsomereasonhehasn’tlawyeredupyet.Itseemsodd…Weallknowthedrill.”

“Let’sgethimoutofthere.PutinacalltoUffiziandtellhimtogetdowntothestation.”
“Surething,Boss.Ohand,Boss—”
“Isitimportant?”
ThepausehadhimcrossinghisfingersSalwouldletitgo.Hedidn’thavethepatiencetodealwith

anotherthingrightnow.“I’lltalktoyouaboutitlater.”

CarloendedthecallandturnedtoAllegra.“I’mworkingongettinghimoutnow.Don’tworry,if

there’sanyoneIcantrusttoholdupunderfire,it’sDante.”

Allegra’sshouldersrelaxed.Shesashayedoverandwrappedherarmsaroundhisneck.“I’msorry,

babe.Ijustgetsoworriedaboutyou,andeveryonealwayscornersme,asifIcandoanything.Whydon’t
wegosomewherewarmandtropicalwhereIcanslipintoatinybikiniandwecanspendtheweekinthe
sand?”

“Tempting,butwecan’tjustrunaway.It’lllooksuspicious,likewe’rescared.”Heranhishands

downherarms.“Wewatchourbacks,findtherats,andthentakecareofit.Thecops,feds—whoever’s
tryingtostiruptrouble—they’llbepainsintheassforawhile,butwhentheycan’tmakeanythingstick,
they’llbackoff.Sameasalways.”

No,hedidn’trun.Hemadetheharddecisions.Peoplejustdidn’tunderstandhowdifficultitwasto

makethem.Everyonewantedtobethebossuntiltheheatwason.

***

ThecallfromCarlomadearockforminVince’sgut,anditgrewlargerandheavierthemorehethought
aboutit.

Bobbysethissteamingmugofcoffeeonthetableinfrontofthecouch.Helookedlikeshit.Dark

circles,paleskin,andsweatbeadinghisbrowallmeanthewasthinkingabouthisnextfix.

“When’sthelasttimeyouused?”
Bobbysniffed.“FinishedoffmystashacoupleofhoursbeforeyouandCassieshowedup.Careto

stayaroundforthepukingstage?”

“I’vegottagomeetwithouruncleandseeifhekillsmefirst,butthenafter,I’llrushrighthome.”

Bobbyliftedashakyhandandranitthroughhishair.“Soyourgirldoesn’tknowaboutCarlo?Or…

therestofit?”

“No.I’vetriedtokeepheroutofit.She…”VincewantedtospillitallandgetBobby’sadvice.Ten

yearsago,hewould’ve.Maybeevenfive.Butnowhecouldn’ttrusthisownbrother.Theonlypersonhe
couldconfideinwasCassie,andhe’dbeenlyingtoherforweeks.Sinceconfidingeverythingwouldget
herkilled,thatwasn’teventrue.“She’stoogoodforme.”

“Yeah,”Bobbysaidwithashrug.“Butyesterdaysheprovedshe’stougherthanshelooks.Andshe

thinksI’mredeemable.”Hescratchedathisarmandglancedaround.“Youshouldhangontoher.”

Vincetossedhimapackofgumtotrytohelpwiththetwitchinessandcraving,althoughheknewit

wouldn’tworkforlong.“Shewasrightaboutyouneedingprofessionalhelp.It’sgoingtotakemorethana
fewmeetings.Iprobablyshouldn’thavebroughtyoubackherewhereyouknowtoomanypeople.Ijust
didn’thavemuchofachoice,consideringleavingyoutherewould’vegottenyoukilled.”Ahotburstof
angermixedinwithhisever-growinganxiety.“DamnCarlo.”

“It’sfunnybecauseIalwayswantedinandyoualwayswantedout.Buthedoesn’twantmeandhe

wantsyou.”

“Yeah.Fuckinghilarious.”
Bobbyshovedastickofguminhismouthandwenttotownonit.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“There’sonlyonewaytokeepyouandCassiesafe,andthat’stogiveinandjoinhim.I’llhaveto

breakupwithCassie,ofcourse.Ican’tpullherin.Forone,shemakestoogoodofleverageagainstme,
andIwon’tputherinthatkindofposition.AndIcan’thavehimusingyoueverytimehefeelslikeit,
either.”

“ShementionedthatplaceinColorado.Parker,wasit?”Bobbyrolledthegumwrapperbetweenhis

fingersuntilitwasatinysilverball.“MaybeI’lljustgo.Checkintorehabandgiveitarealshot.‘Course
I’dneedsomemoney.”

Vince’sskinprickled.HemetBobby’sdesperation-filledgaze.“Moneyforrehab?Well,that’sanew

one.”

“I’mserious.”
Vincecrossedhisarms.“DoyouthinkI’mstupid?”
“Cassiebelievesinme.”
“Yeah,shebelievesinme,too,”Vincesaidwithabitterlaugh.“Shebelievesineveryone.”
“That’sprobablytrue.ButhavinghertellmeIcoulddoitwhilelookingatmelikeIwassomeone

worthsaving…itmademewanttoproveherright.Acoupleofnightshidingoutinthatdumpalsoshowed
mewheremylifewasheadedifIdidn’tchange—thethingsthatguy’sdonetopayfordrugs…”Bobby
shuddered.

“Nowyou’retalkingaboutjoiningCarloandgivingupCassie—thegirlwhopulledmeasideand

demandedIbringyoubacktoher—justtokeepmesafe.”Bobbyshookhishead.“Idon’twantthistobe
whoIamanymore.Idon’twanttoriskmylifeforonemorehitandthenruinyoursbecauseyouhelpme.”
Heunwrappedanotherpieceofgumandshoveditinhismouth.“ButI’vealreadytriedquittingonmy
own,anditdidn’twork.”

“Arehabcenterwon’tdoalltheworkforyou,youknow.It’snotgoingtobeeasy.”
“Iknow.”Bobbyswipedhissweatyforeheadandthen,muchquieter,said,“Believeme,Iknow.”
Vincenodded,wishinghecouldbelieveitwouldbedifferentthistime.Whilehisbrotherhadnearly

gottenthemallkilledyesterday,hemissedhim.HerecalledCassie’syippeedogcomparison,andthe
happinessthatroseuphelpedtaketheedgeofftheshitstormgoingoninsidehishead.“We’lltalkifyou’re
stillherewhenIgetback.

HisnervesstretchedthinagainwhenheclimbedinsidetheJeep.Hetookadeepbreath.He’dfucked

thingsupwithCarlo,slippingwhenheknewbetter.Thismeetingwasgoingtobeaturningpoint,nodoubt
aboutit.

HisonlyoptionwastoassureCarlohisallianceswerestraight.Otherwiseeverythingwouldfall

apart,andattheendofthisplayingpretendperiodwithCassie,hewouldn’thavealifelefttogetbackto.

***

CarloexpectedVincebutgotSalinstead.Hewalkedhimoutthroughthebackpatiodoorandcrossedhis
armsagainstthechillintheair.“Whatdidyoufindout?”

“Uffiziwenttothestation,”Salsaid.“They’reinsistingonholdingDantethemaxamountoftime

beforeofficiallycharginghim,justbecausetheycan.”

“Dante’sstraight,right?”
“Hewon’ttalk,Boss.ButMariogotpickedupthismorning.Iknowhe’sasmallfish,butwithtwoof

ourguysincuffs,therestoftheboysaregettingjumpy.”

Carlopattedhispocketforhislighterandthenpulleditoutandlithiscigar.“Iwasn’tawareofwhat

abunchofdonnasIwasworkingwith.We’vebeenthroughthisbefore.Wejustgottalielowandcover
ourtracks.”

Salkickedatthegrass.Clearythegnatwasgettingreadytobuzz.“Idon’tmeannodisrespect,butI

startedthinkingaboutthewaitress,wonderingifit’sagoodideatoriskkeepingheralivewiththelaw
comingdownonus.”

“I’malreadytakingcareofit.Yougocalmdowntheboysandtellthemtokeeptheirnosesclean.

Oncewefindoutwhatthey’rechargingDantewith,we’llmakeournextmove.”

Thepatiodoorslidopen,andAllegrausheredVinceoutside.Hisjawtightenedwhenhiseyesliton

Sal,andthetwoofthemglaredateachother.

“Sal,youcango.Watchyourbackandmakesureourfacilitiesarelockeduptight.”
Henoddedandtooktheside-gateexit.
VincesteppeduptoCarloandlookedoutoverthebackyard.“It’sbeenawhilesinceI’vebeenover.

EvenlongersinceIcameouthere.MakesmethinkofallthebarbequesweusedtohavewhenIwaskid.
BackwhenmyparentswerealiveandbeforeBobbywasalwaysintrouble.”

Carloblewaringofsmoke.“Look,I’msorryaboutBobby.ButIneededyoutoseewhatcould

happenifIstoppedbeingsotolerant.Ineedadecision.”

“ItoldyouIwasthinkingaboutit.Idon’tdogoodwithultimatums.”
“Idon’tdogoodwithnos.”
Vinceshookhishead,thecornerofhismouthcurvingup.“Youdon’tsay.”
Thetensionfaded,andthingsfeltliketheymightbeokayafterall.“So,McCormicks…?”
Vince’seyebrowsdrewtogether“TheplacewhereCassieworks?Whataboutit?”
“It’sMcCarthy’s.”
Heshrugged.“Ialwayscallitthewrongthing—allthosedamnIrish“Mc”namesblurtogether,and

thenIthinkofthosespicesandflubthename.Why?Didyouneedtheaddress?It’sjustdowntown,right
nexttoadeli.Goodsteak,butnotnearlyashomeyasRossi’s.Theytakethemselvesalittletooseriously
ifyouaskme.”

Carlostudiedhisnephew.Nohesitation,andhethoughtthesamethingwhenheatethere.Itmust’ve

trulybeenaslip.“AndNewYork?How’dthatgo?”

Vinceletoutaharshexhale.“Imight’vepissedoffsomeoftheNewYorkboys.IpaidoffBobby’s

balanceandtoldthemhewasout.WhenBigAlrefusedmyterms,Irenegotiated…bypullingagunon
him.”

“Iheard,”Carlosaid.
“I’massumingyouheardItookCassie,too?”
Good.Hehadn’thadtopryitout,althoughVincewassmartenoughtorealizehewouldknow,sothat

didn’thelpmuch.“Thoughtitwasstrange.”

“Shewantstogotoacollegethere.WhenItoldherIwasgoing,sheaskedtotagalong.Ithoughtit’d

begoodtoseewhereshe’dbe,justincase.Plus,thefartherawaysheisfromhere,thelesstriggersfor
possiblememories.”

Alllogical.
“Ididn’trealizeit’dgetsorough,ofcourse,”Vincesaid.“Didn’thelpthatIwastryingtokeepwhatI

wasdoingthereonthedown-low,andoneofhisboysdecidedtothreatenher.Luckily,shejustthoughtthe
bouncercameoverbecauseofthedresscode.”

Vinceswitchedhisweightfromonefoottotheotherashisgazewenttothegrillwherehisdadused

toflipburgersandhotdogsalmosteveryweekend.Slowly,hereturnedtothepresentandshiftedhis
attentionbacktoCarlo.“Look,I’min,okay?Onafewconditions.BecauseofBobby,Idon’twanttodeal
withthedrugside.Infact,I’mhopingtogethimintorehab,butImightneedaloan.Asforthejob,I’ll
collect,I’llconsult,I’llintimidate.I’dratherworkmoreasyourconsiglierethantheunderboss.Ifallof
thatworksforyou,yougotme.”

Anadviserwhoalsocollectedanddealtwiththeshithedidn’twanttodealwithanyway?Carlo

couldworkwiththat.Heextendedhishand.“Welcometothefamily,”hejoked,andVincelaughedasthey
shookonit.Carlopulledhiminandgavehimahugwithahardslapontheback.

“Don’tyouworryaboutyourbrother.We’llgetthebesttreatmentmoneycanbuy,andit’sonme.Least

Icando.”

“Thanks,Carlo.”VinceglancedatthegateSalexitedthrough.“What’sgoingon?Icanseetheworry

hangingonyou,andSallookedlikesomeoneshovedastickuphisass,soI’mguessingsomething’sup.”

“PrettysureSal’sthingwasbecauseyounearlychokedhimoutinmyoffice.”
“Man,whatadonna.”
Carlochuckled.WithhimandVincesquaredaway,balancewasfinallyrestored.Assoonastheygot

thelawofftheirbacks,they’dbestrongerthanever.“Dantegothimselfbustedfordrugs,andthey’vebeen
holdinghimawhile,whichmeansthefedshavesteppedin.I’msuretheyspentalotoftimetryingtoflip
him.”

“Sowelaylow,wewatchfortails,andwe’remorecarefulwithcalls.Theywon’tgetus;theynever

do.”

Theuseof“us”sentawarmswirlofsatisfactionthroughCarlo.“Thefedsarebreathingdownmy

neck,andIdon’thavetheluxuryofmakingamistakeorlettingpersonalfeelingsgetinthewayofwhatI
knowneedsdone.”Hetossedhiscigaronthesidewalk,stompedonit,thensquaredoffinfrontofhis
nephewsohecouldcloselywatcheverytickofhisface.“I’massorryasanyonetohavetomakethis
call,butIcan’tleaveanylooseends.Cassieneedstobetakencareof.Now.”

“Isitworththeriskofitbeingtracedbacktoyou?Iassureyou,shedoesn’trememberathing.As

yourconsultant,I’lltellyouIdon’tthinkit’snecessary.”

“There’snowayaroundit,Vince.Iunderstandifyou’vebecomeattached.Iwon’tthinkanylessof

you,butit’sgottobetakencareof.CanIcountonyou?”

Vinceranhisfingersacrosshisjaw.“I’mnotgonnalie,Ihatethethoughtofdoingit.”
Carlonodded.“Isuspectedasmuch.It’shardtogetthatcloseandnotfeelsomething.”
“ButlikeIsaidwhenIfirstvolunteered,ifithastobedone,Iwanttomakesureit’squickand

painless.I’dstillratheritbemethansomeoneelse.”

“Ithastobedone.I’msorryaboutit,Iam,butIjustcan’triskit.Notwithsomuchontheline.”
Vinceswallowedhard.“Okay.”
“Itneedstobetonight,beforethefedsgetmoreorganizedandnoneofuscantakeapisswithout

someonebreathingoverourshoulder.Capisce?”

“Consideritdone.”

ChapterTwenty-Nine

CarlostayedoutinthebackyardforseveralminutesafterVinceleft.Whenheheadedinside,heclicked
onthetelevision,butwasunabletosettleonanythingforlong.Afteragoodhourofmindlessstupidity,he
flippedthroughthechannelsagain…

Tryingtoridhimselfofthedoubthedidn’twanttohave.
HewantedtostartthisnewpositionwithVinceoffright,buthekepthearingSal’snasallyvoice

tellinghimthatVincealwayshadathingforCassie.HethoughtofBigAlrelayinghowangryVince
becamewhenhethreatenedher.

Blindtrustwasjustthat—blind.He’dalwaysneededtoseethingsforhimself.SurelyVinceknew

there’dberepercussionsifhefailed.Bobbywasintown,mostlikelycallingoldcontactsalready,looking
forafix.

AslongasVincedidwhathewassupposedto,he’dkeephisword,payforBobby’srehab,and

ensurenothinghappenedtohim.Hell,maybeit’devenstick.Honestly,Carlofeltlikehe’dfailedthem
both.Afterall,themanwhoshotdowntheirfatherdidittogetbackathimforkillinghisbrother.Assoon
asCarloheardaboutAntony,hesuspectedretaliation,andwhenhefinallygotholdofEnzoPaggiohe’d
confessed…afterCarlohadtakenacoupleoffingers.

Carlo’ssister,Teresa,hadalwaysbeenalittletoofragile.ItwaswhyhewasgladthatAntonyhad

falleninlovewithher—well,truthbetold,atfirsthewaspissed.Butthenherealizedhisbestfriend
wouldtakecareofher.

WhenAntonywasmurdered,shefellapart.Betweenthedrinkingandthepills,shefinallymixeda

powerfulenoughcocktailtoleavehertwoboysbehind.

Vincewassixteen,Bobbyfourteen.Carlohadtriedtodorightbythem.
Hestillwantedtorightbythem.
Butthatwashisheartoverrulinghisheadagain.Stopbeingapussyanddowhatyouknowneedsto

bedone.

Heemptiedhispockets—fuckingfedsmakinghimneedtwophoneseverywherehewent.Usinghis

brand-newburner,hecalledSal.ItwasasaddaywhenhewastheonlyoneCarlocouldcall.Why
couldn’tthegnatbesweatingitoutinacellinsteadofDante?

“Sal,”Carlosaidassoonasheanswered.“Ineedyoutolistenverycarefullytomyinstructions,andI

wantthemfollowedtoaT.Vinceistakingcareofthewaitresstonight,but…”

Histhroattriedtocloseonhim.Washereallydoingthis?Heranahandthroughhishairandsat

forward.“Iwantalittleextrareassurance,justincase.Don’tsendJackhammer.”Hesearchedhisbrain
fortherightguy.Quickandquietandwouldneverpointthefingerathim,evenifhegotcaught.Someone
Vincewouldn’tseecoming,either.

Justincase,hementallyreassuredhimself.It’salwaysagoodideatohavebackup.
Finally,hecameupwiththebestoptionhecouldunderthecircumstancesandgavethedetailed

instructionstoSaltorelaytothehiredthirdparty.

“WhatifVincegetsintheway?”Salasked.
Carlo’sgutclenched,andhebreathedoutthroughhisnose,forcingtheweak,affectionatesensation

away.“Justhavehimdowhatneedstobedone.”

Bloodwasthickerthanwater,butifhisbloodtriedtocrosshim,it’dbethelastthinghedid.

***

CassiehadthefirstshiftatMcCarthy’stoday,butsinceitwassuperslowandherconcentrationwas

subparanyway,Mr.Brownletheroffearly.Shedecidedtheperfectwaytocelebratewastobuythedress
she’dhadhereyeon,getallfanciedup,andmakeanicedinnerforherandVince—he’dcalledearlier
andsaidhe’dbeoverassoonashecould.

Tonightwasgoingtobethenight.YesterdaysheandVincehadpushedpastallthebarriers.

ExchangedIloveyous.Sonomorewaiting.Sheseasonedthechicken,andwhileitwasmarinating,
changedintohernewracyhot-pinkdress.Thefirsttimeshepassedthewindowdisplayfeaturingit,she
fellinlovewiththebrightcolor,butdecideditdidn’thavenearlyenoughmaterialforhertoactually
wear,evenwithhermore-bold-and-adventurousgoalinplace.

ButthewayVincelookedathertheothernightwhensheworeherlittleblackdressgaveherthe

confidencetobuythestrapless,mid-thighnumber.Shemightneverwearitoutsideofherapartment,but
she’drockittonight.Shecurledherhairinloosewavesandslippedonfour-inchnudepumps.Hopefully,
thecombinationwouldprovetobemorethanVincecouldresist,becauseshewassooverresisting.

She’djustsprinkledfreshbasiloverthechickenwhentherewasaknockonthedoor.Cassiewiped

herhandsonthekitchentowelandansweredit.

Vincestoodthere,deliciouslyscruffy,hisdarkhairabitmessierthanusual,wearinghisgreenarmy

jacket.Hehadalargeblackduffelbagoverhisshoulder.Hopetingledthroughher—maybeheplannedon
stayingthenight.Ortheweek,consideringthesize.

“That’sabigbag,”shesaid.“IthinkIcouldfitinit.”
Helookedather—ormorelikethroughher.“It’sallmyworkstuff.Ididn’twanttoleaveitinthe

Jeep.”

“Well,I’mabouttoputdinnerintheoven.Icanopenabottleofwineifyoulike,oryoucankickback

onthecouchforafewminuteswhileIwrapthisup,andthenI’lljoinyou.”

“I’mgonnagowashup,actually.”Hewalkedovertothetelevision,turnediton,andthenwalked

downthehall,stillcarryinghisduffelbag.

Weird.ShewonderedifitwasBobbyorifsomethingatworklefthimso…detached.
AndwhydidheturntheTVupsoloud?
Hehadn’tnoticedheroutfiteither,whichwasdisappointingtosaytheleast.Maybehejustneedsa

fewminutestounwind.We’llhavedinner,gettoaneasyflirtyplacelikewealwaysdo,andthenight
willgetbackontrack.Justaminorsetback,nothingmore.

Cassiepulledoutacuttingboardandgrabbedatomato.Shebounceditonherforearmandcaughtit.

Tomatoesgotwimpythrowsbecauseotherwiseyouendedupwithmashedtomatoes—notnearlyasgood
asmashedpotatoes.Unlessofcourseyouweremakingmarinara,whichshewasn’t.

Shepickedupaknifeandglideditthroughthetomato,makingthin,evenslicestoplaceontopofthe

chicken.Afterthatshe’dsprinkleParmesancheeseoverthetopandbakeitforforty-fiveminutes.Adda
saladandtheloafofcrustybreadandthey’dhaveanamazingmeal.

Sheletoutalongbreath,tryingtoexhalehernervesandherworryoverwhateverwasupwithVince.

There’snotmuchfoodcan’tfix.

TheblareoftheTVcutthroughhercookingZen.Mustbeacopshow,becausetherewasyellingand

shooting.

Cassieleanedoverthecounter,tryingtogetalookatwhatalltheracketwasaboutwithoutgettingher

dressmessy.Sheneededtobuyanapronnowthatshehadareasontocookfullmeals.

Onscreen,amanhadaguntrainedonanotherguywhohadhishandsupandwasbeggingforhimnot

toshoot.

ApricklingsenseofwrongnesscreptupCassie’sspineandsentgoosebumpsacrossherskin.

Admittedly,she’dneverlikedviolentmoviesorshows,butthiswas…Thatodddéjàvusensationthat

occasionallypoppedupsincewakingupinthehospitalhitherfullforce.

Anacheworkeditswayacrossherforehead.
Shewantedtolookaway,justleanbacktowhereshecouldn’tseetheTV,yetshestood,transfixed,

waitingtoseewhat’dhappen.Themanwiththegunpulledthetrigger,andCassiejumped.

Theguyfellbackwardandhittheground,abulletholeinhisforehead.Cassiesawanimageinher

mind,sosimilar…

Juicefromthetomatosqueezedbetweenherfingers,andwhensheglanceddownattheredrunningin

streams,shesawblood.

Amanpleadingforhislife.
Vince’sface.
Theman’sheadsnappingback.
Blood.So,somuchblood.
Askullwithaholeblownoutthebackofit,somisshapenandwrong.
Themanwho’dpulledthetrigger…
Asharppainshotacrossherhead,andthenthememorybarreledatherlikeitmeanttopinherin

placeandneverletgo.

CarloRossi.Therumorsabouthimbeingamobbossweretrue.Herheartratehitchedupanotch,

eachpumpsendingaburstoffearthroughher.

AndVince.Theonepersonshethoughtsheknew.Themansheloved.Betrayalturnedthebloodinher

veinstoice,slicingthemopenandspreadingitthroughherentirebody.

Hehadbeenthere,too.

ChapterThirty

Jimhungupthephoneandrubbedhisburningeyes,bouncingbetweencautiouslyexcitedandexhausted.
HedownedthelastofhiscoldcupofcoffeeandwavedatMancini.“Apparentlyoneofthetechguys
foundsomething.Let’sgotakealisten.”

Jimtriedtoshakehimselfawake.EversincetheypickedupDanteCosta,heandMancinihadbeen

pushinghard,pullinglatenights.Dantetoyedwiththem,notlawyeringupuntilthelastminute,then
flippingthemoffastheyofficiallychargedhim.

Lookedlikehewasgoingtomakebail,too.WiththecatabouttobeoutofthebagthattheFBIwas

watching,itwastimetomakeaHailMarypass.Iftheycouldn’tbringRossiinonsomethingmajor,might
aswellscrewwithhislivelihoodasmuchaspossible.

Thebastard’sslippingthroughourfingers.Thatsameworrywaswrittenalloverhispartner’sface.

Whilethetechguysoftengotexcitedovertinythingsthatdidn’taddmuchtothecase,Jimdecidedtotry
onoptimismforonce.

Maybethistimethey’vefoundsomethingincriminatingenoughtouseagainstRossiincourt.Orat

leastleadtoastakeoutthat’lltakehimdown.

AndthenI’lldoacartwheeldownthehall,noworryaboutthrowingmybackout.
Jimpausedatthedoortothetechroom,almostscaredtogoin,becauseitcouldbenothingagain,and

heandMancinicouldn’thandleonemoredayofnothing.TheyboththoughttheyhadDante;they’dbeenso
close.

Closecountedinhorseshoesbutearnedyoujackshitindetectivework.
JimheldthedooropenforManciniandfollowedhimin.“Youhavesomethingforus?”
Kent,oneofthetechagents,turnedupthespeakerstohiscomputer.“WepickedupthisoffSalvatore

Esposito’scell.It’sfromearliertoday.”Hepushedplay,andtheylistenedtoaconversationbetween
CarloandSalthatsoundedsuspiciouslylikeahithadjustbeenordered.

“Howlongagodidhemakethatcall?”Jimasked.
Thetechguywinced,andJimknewitwasn’tgoingtobegood.“We’vegotsomanycalls,andwe’ve

beenfocusingmoreonCarl—”

“Thetime,Agent.”
“Itwasaroundfour.”
Jimglancedathiswatchandswore.“We’vegottogettoCassandraDalton’splace.Mancini,callfor

backup.”Hepushedoutthedoor,checkingthathisweaponwasinitsholster,despitethefactthathe
nevertookitoffwhilehewasonduty.

“Wecan’tletthatgirldie,”hesaidasheandMancinisprintedtowardthebuilding’sexit.
Butwithhowlateitwas,heworriedtheywerealreadytoolatetostopit.

***

VinceclosedthedoortoCassie’sbedroomandworkedthezipperontheduffelbag.Hewishedtheyhad
timetoenjoyonelastnighttogether.

Whilehewaswishingforshit,hewishedeverythingcouldbedifferent,actually.Nowhehadtorip

awaythefutureshe’dplanned,andhehadafeelingshewasn’tgoingtomakeiteasy.He’dturnedonthe
TV,hopingtodrownoutthenoiseifshestartedyellingandfreakingout.

Whatwashethinking?Ofcourseshewasgoingtofreakout.Maybeheshouldgothetranquilizer

route.Slipsleepingpillsintoherdrink.

Ifhe’dgonethroughwiththeoriginalplan,itwould’vebeeneasier.Nowthereweresomanymessy

emotionsinvolved.

Heroundedthecornerofthehallway.Cassie’sgazewasonthesmashedtomatoinherhand,her

featurescompletelydrainedofcolor.Shehadthekniferaisedlikeshe’dforgottentoslice.

“Cassie?”
Sheswungtheknifetowardhim,thebladeglintinginthelight.“Don’tcomeanycloser.”Hervoice

trembled,andatearrandownhercheek.

Vinceputhishandsupinfrontofhimandtookaslowstepinherdirection.“What’swrong?”
“Stoprightthere!”
Hefroze,tryingtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.He’dexpectedyelling,justnotquitesosoon.She

shouldn’talreadybemad.Unless…

“Whydoyoulooksoconfused?”sheasked,hervoiceanopenwound.“Yourememberwhat

happened,right?Ijustdid.Mr.Rossiblewthatguy’sheadoff,andyoujuststoodthereandwatched.He
pulledthetriggerlikeitwasnothing,likehe’ddoneitbefore.”

Herchestroseandfellwithrapidbreaths,andacouplemoretearsslippeddownhercheeks.
“Lookbaby,it’snotwhatyouthink.”Vincetookanotherstep,andshethrusttheknifeinhisdirection.

Itwasn’taverybigknife,maybefourinches,buthe’drathernotgetslashedwithitallthesame.

“Don’tyoudarecallmebaby!Haveyoubeen…what?Playingwithme?Itoldyoueverything.Ifellin

lovewithyou.”Hereyesdartedwildlyaroundtheroom,fromthecountertoherlefttotheoneonthe
right.Shedidn’tlookbehindher,butshewasnodoubtrealizingthefridgeandwallblockedherin,no
possibleescaperoute.

Workingtokeephisvoicecalm,hesaid,“I’llexplain,butwedon’thavealotoftime.I’mguessing

youremembereverything?”

“Yeah,unfortunatelyforyouIdo.”Sheglancedatthedoor,mostlikelycalculatingherchancesof

leapingacrossthecounterandmakingittherebeforehedid.Shewouldn’t.Especiallynotinthatsexy
getup.

“Listentome,ifyouleavehere,you’redead.I’vegotaplan,butyouneedtoletmeexplain.”
Hecouldseethecracksforming—shewantedtobelievehimbutwasn’tsureshecould.Hethought

he’dfeltguiltbefore,butitwasnothingcomparedtotheoverwhelmingrushheexperiencedrightnow.
“DoyourememberlastnightwhenItoldyouthatIloveyou?Imeantthat.Cassie,you’vegottobelieve
me.ItthemosttruthfulthingI’veeversaid.”

Herbottomliptrembled,andanothertearslippeddownhercheek.Itmadehimfeellikethelowest

pieceofshitever.

“Ialwayslikedyou,evenwhenweworkedtogether,”hesaid.
“Younevershowedanyinterest.”
“ItalkedtoyouwheneverIcould.Inearlyaskedyououtadozentimes.SurelyyounoticedthewayI

lookedatyou?”

Aflickerofdoubtcrossedherfeatures,andhegrabbedontoit.
“Butyouweresmartandsweet,andIdidn’twanttoinvolveyouinmylife,withmycrookedfamily

andthebusinesstheyrunontheside.Hell,Ididn’tevenwanttobeinvolvedinmylife.”

“Isthatsupposedtomakeitokaythatyouallkillpeople?Like,well,atleastyoudon’twanttodoit.”

Shetookastepbackward,andhefoughttheurgetoclosethedistanceagain.Ifhecouldjustgethertoa
placeshefeltsafe,hecouldtalkherdown.Makehersee.

“I’veneverkilledanyone.Irantherestaurant—thelegitimatebusiness.ButwheneverBobbygotinto

trouble,Carlowouldbailhimout,andthenhe’ddisappearbeforepayinghimback,soI’dhavetorepay
hisdebtsbyconvincingpeopletopaytheirs.MostwerescaredenoughofmethatIdidn’thavetoget

physicalwiththem.Istillfelthorribleeverytime,andItoldmyuncleIdidn’twanttobeinvolvedinthat
sideofthebusiness.Butwhenyougotoutofthehospital,Ioverheardhimandhisboystalkingabout
killingyou.”

Cassie’seyeswidened,andshegrippedtheknifetighter,herarmshakingwiththeeffort.“CarloRossi

sentyouheretokillme.”

Notaquestion.Sheknew.Mightaswellgiveitalltoher.Thenhopefullyshe’dbelievehim.“I

volunteered,actually.”

Shepressedherlipstogether,herchestcavinginonitselflikethewordsstruckher.“Thisjustkeeps

gettingbetterandbetter.”Withherfreehandshewipedathertears,butthekniferemainedaimedathis
chest.

Healmostpointedoutthathecouldeasilygrabamuchbiggerknifefromtheblockimmediatelytohis

right,buthedoubtedthatwouldbecomforting.“ItoldhimIwantedtodoitsoitwouldbequickand
painless,butIplannedontakingyousomewhere,changingyouridentity,andmakingsureyouweresafe.It
wasalwaystheplan,Iswear.

“ButwhenIranintoyou,youdidn’tevenrememberme.SoItalkedCarlointolettingmekeepaneye

onyou.Thegoalwastoconvincehimtojustletyouliveyourlife.I…Ididn’tmeantogetsoclose.But
beingwithyouletmeforgetwhoIamforalittlewhile.Ialreadylikedyou,andIjustfellharderevery
day.Iwantedtoprotectyou,butIalsojust…wantedyou.”

“Iwanttobelieveyou,butIdon’t.Allyou’vedoneislieandhidewhoyouare.You…”Pain

flickeredthroughherfeatures,andhewantedmorethananythingtopullherintohisarmsandtellherhe’d
fixit,whateverittook.

“Iwasgoingtoexplaineverythingtonight,”hesaid.“Iknewit’dbehardtoconvinceyouandthat

you’denduphatingme,butweneedtorun,Cassie.TheFBIisclosinginonCarlo,whichmeanshewants
youdead.Assoonashetoldmetodoit,Ispenttherestofthedaygettingthingsready.Butweneedtogo
now.Idon’tknowhowlonghe’llgivemebeforesendingsomeoneelse.”

Sheshookherheadoverandover.
Heheldhishandsupalittlehigher.“LetmegrabmyduffelbagandshowyoutheforgeddocumentsI

hadmadesoyoucanstartover.Youwon’tmakeitoutofthecitywithoutme,butonceIgetyououtof
Trenton,youcanleavemebehind.Justletmegetyoufar,farawayfromCarlofirst.”

Hestartedtomoveforthebag,andshelungedforward,stillwieldingtheknife.“Don’t,”shesaid.

“I’msureyouhaveaguninthere,andI’mnotgoingtoletyougetitoutsoyoucanshootme.”

Fuck,thatstung.“YoureallythinkI’dshootyou?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’treallyknowyouatall,doI?”
Thestingingdeepenedtoaslicing,stabbingpainthattookoverhisentirechest.Hestraightenedand

debatedmoreexplanationversusgrabbingherarm,twistingitaround,anddisarmingher.Explanation
wasn’tgettinghimanywhere,yethehatedtohurther.She’dalsokickandscream.It’dbesomucheasier
ifhedidn’thavetocarryheroutofthebuildingthatway;that’ddefinitelyattractattention.

Thenagain,theydidn’thavetimeforthis.
Finally,hewentwithhisinstinctsandtooktwolargestridestowardher.“There’snowayoutbut

throughme.Whatareyougoingtodo,baby?Stabmeandflee?”

“Yes,”shesaid,andhedidn’thavethehearttotellhershewastheworstliarever.
Areddotflickeredoverhershoulder,movingtowardher,andcoldblackdreadseizedhim.“Cassie,

getdownnow!”

Whenshedidn’tmove,hehadnochoice.
Hedoveontopofher.Theknifeslidintohissideasabullethitthefridge,rightwhereshe’dbeen.

Whenheliftedhishead,Cassie’snosenearlytouchedhis.Hereyesfocusedontheknifeinhisside.

“Ididn’tmeanto,”shesaid,herwordsrunningtogether.“You—”
Anothershothitthefridge,lowerthistime.Onthefloortheywereoutofthelineofsight,butthat

didn’tmeanthesniperwouldn’tgetluckywithafewblindshots.

VincegrimacedasCassiepulledtheknifeout.Eitheritwasn’tthatdeeporadrenalinemaskedhow

baditwas.Maybeacombinationofboth.“Staylow,followme.”

Vincearmycrawledaroundthecounterandgrabbedhisbag.HemotionedforCassietomove,and

thankGod,sheactuallydid.Placinghisduffelandthenhimselfinfrontofher,theycrawledtowardthe
door.

Piecesofthewallexplodedandsentplasterrainingoverthem,andwhateverCassiehadontopofthe

counterslidoffandshattered.Vincestretchedanarmuptoopenthedoor,andabullethitsoclosethatthe
woodcrackedandsplintered,andtheknobcameoffinhishand.

Heswungthedooropenwithhisfoot.“Go,go,go!”heyelled,shovingCassietowardtheexit.

Anothershothitthedoorframe,onlyafewinchesaboveherhead.Sheletoutasquealbutkeptmoving.
Vincethrewhimselfintothehallafterherandkickedthedoorclosed,eventhoughitdidn’tlatch.

Evenwithhisadrenalinerunningatfullspeed,thewoundinhissidestartedscreamingforattention.

Vincescootedawayfromthemangleddoor,breathingheavyandtellinghimselftogetup.

Hepushedtohisknees,shoulderedhisduffel,andthenreacheddowntocheckthecut.Whenhelifted

hisfingers,theycamebackslickandcoatedinred.

***

Cassiedidn’twanttobeholdingthebloodyknife,butnothavingaweaponseemedlikeabadidea,soshe
keptatightgriponit.Shesatbackagainstthewall,stillintoomuchshocktoyellorscreamorrunor…
whateversheneededtodorightnow.

Thegunshotsmustnothavebeenveryloud,becausenoneofherneighborsopenedtheirdoorsand

pokedtheirheadsouttoseewhatwashappening.Thenagain,alotofherneighborswerepracticallydeaf
andmostlikelyalreadyinbed.

Vincepoppedtohisfeet,grabbedherhand,andyankedherup.“Wegottamove,”hesaid,starting

downthehall.

Shedraggedherheelsuntilhespunaround.
“What?Whyaren’tyoumoving?”
Shejerkedherhandawayfromhimandcrossedherarms.“Don’twhatme.Istilldon’tknowifIcan

trustyou.”

“Whichoneofusisbleeding?”heasked,andhergazedroppedtotheoozingwoundinhisside.That

sickening,suckingnoisetheknifemadeasitexitedhisbodywouldprobablyhauntherforever.“Why
don’tyousavedecidingwhetheryoutrustmeforafterIgetyououtofherealive?Becauseourshooter’s
notgoingtowaitwhileyoufigureitout,andhemight’vebroughtbackup.”

Well,whenheputitthatway,shedidn’thavemuchofachoice.Shequickenedherpace,runningfor

theelevatorandcursingthefactthatshechosetonightofallnightstowearhertallestheels.Vincepushed
heron,towardthestairwell.“We’llbesittingducksintheelevator.Weneedtotakethestairs.”

Assoonastheysteppedintothestairwell,heunzippedhisduffelbagandtookoutapistol.“Youwant

toputyourknifeinhere?”

“I’llkeepit,thanks.”
Vinceshookhishead.“Comeonthen,Rambo.”Hetookherhandandstarteddownthestairs.Ten

flights.Noproblem.Onlyherdamndressdidn’treallyallowforstairs.Theseamoftheskirtrippedafew
inchesasshestretchedittoitslimit,andshewentaheadandusedherknifetohelpitalongsoshecould

movebetter,tryingnottothinkabouthowthedarkredonthebladewasVince’sblood.

Vinceleftasplattertrailofitastheyran,butbeforeshecouldthinktoomuchaboutit,henudgedher

forward.Herbreathsturnedshallow,onecomingafteranotherasherheartpumpeddouble-time.

Floorfive.
“Youknowhow…theotherday…”Speakingatthispacewasnearlyimpossible.“IsaidIwantedour

adventurestobelessscary?”

Gunout,Vincelookeddownthestairwell.Heputhishandonherelbowandstartedthedescenttothe

nextfloor.

“Ifwegetoutofthisalive,”Vincesaid,hisbreathingbarelyaffected,“we’llgosomewheresuper

boring.Youcangetyourdegreeandcreateculinarymasterpieces.”

“AslongasI’mnevershotatagain,I’llworkwherever.”Shealmostmissedastairandbarelycaught

herselfontherailingwithherfreehand.Sheallowedherselfonequickinhaleandpushedpasttheburning
inherthighs.

Onemorefloortogo.
“I’mguessingthereasonwewereshotatthenightIfirstmetyou—well,metyouforthesecondtime

—wasbecauseIwitnessedtheshootinginthealley?”

“Yeah,Salgotalittleexcited.That’swhyIbecameyourshadowforthepastfewweeks.NotthatI

didn’tenjoyit.”Hecastheraquickglance,andthesoftnesstheremadeherwanttocryalloveragain.
Shewasstilldrawntohimbutconfusedaboutifsheshouldbeanymore.“It’salsowhyItriedtoconvince
youtogotoaculinarycollegefarawayfromhere.”

“Farawayfromyou.”
“Yes,fromme.Frommyfamily.Safefromeverything.”Hestoppedsoabruptlyshenearlycrashed

intohim.Finally,they’dreachedthegroundfloor.

Vincekepthisbackagainstthewallandeasedthedooropenacrack.Hescannedtheground,andthen

hisgazemovedupward.“Idon’tseehim,butsincewe’retalkingaboutasniper,it’snotlikehe’llbe
sittingintheopen.”

Cassiepressedafisttoherside,hopingit’dhelpwiththestichthere.“That’scomforting.”
“Hesetupontheothersideofthebuilding,andit’dtakehimtimetomove.Weshouldbeokay.”

Vinceletthedoorcloseandspuntofaceher.Heputhishandonthesideofherneckandpeeredintoher
eyesasifheweretryingtosilentlyconveysomethinghedidn’tknowhowtosaywithwords.Atornado
ofemotionsroseup,andshedidn’tknowwhichonetograbonto,orifsheevencouldholdontoonefor
morethanacoupleofsecondsbeforetherestsweptheraway.

“Thismightgetrough.Stickcloseaswemovearoundcars,nostopping,nostraightline.”Heranhis

fingersdownherarmandgaveherhandaquicksqueezebeforeturningbacktothedoor.

Shetriedtoremainplasteredtohisbackwithoutpushinghimover.Hedrewhisgun.“Ready?”
No.“Yes.”
Theyburstoutofthedoorandran,footstepsslappingthepavement.Cassie’svisiontunneledinonthe

Jeep.Justafewmorefeet.TheheadlightsflashedasVinceunlockeditwithhiskeyfob.

Theglowfromthenearbystreetlightspilledoverthem,andwhileshewantedtohidefromthe

illumination,italsohighlightedthedarkstainofbloodonVince’sside.

“Ishoulddrivesoyoucanstopthebleeding,”shesaid.
“I’mfi—”
“Justdon’targueforonceandletmedrive.”
“Iguessthat’llbebetterifIneedtoshoot,too,”hesaid,handingoverthekeys.
Waytotakeittothescarierlevel,shethoughtassheclimbedin.Vincegruntedashetossedtheduffel

intothebackseatandclimbedintothepassengerside.

Theenginegrowledtolife,andCassieslammedthepedalsoharditthrewherbackagainsttheseat.

Theylurchedoutoftheparkinglot,andshetookahardright.

Vincewaddedthebottomofhisshirtandusedhisforearmtopressittohiswound.“Areyougoingto

drivemetothepolicestationandtellthemtoarrestme?”heasked,buthedidn’tsoundveryconcerned.

SheeyedthesignthatguidedthemtoRoute1.“Iguessyou’llhavetowaitandsee.”Atleastwithher

memoriesback,sheknewthecityagain,aswellasthefreewaysandwhichstatestheyledto.Driving
alsogaveherasenseofcontrolshedesperatelyneededrightnow.

Vincepulledouthisphone,andshetensedashemadeacall.Yes,he’dsavedhertonight.No,that

didn’tmeansheautomaticallytrustedhim.

“Bobby?YoudowhatIaskedyouto?”Vinceletoutarelievedsigh.“Juststaygone.Dumpyour

phone.RememberwhatItoldyou.”HeglancedatCassie.“Yeah.PissedashellandI’mprettysureIcan
considermyassdumped,butshe’sokay,whichisallthatreallymatters…You,too.”Heloweredthe
phone,brokeitapart,anddugoutthebattery.

“HowmuchdoesBobbyknow?”
“Obviouslyheknowsaboutouruncle’sbusiness,butIwasscaredtotellhimmuchaboutthewhole

situationwithyou.HejustknowsIthinkyou’reindanger,thatIwasgoingtodosomethingcrazyandrisky
tokeepyousafe,andthatIneededhimtogetasfarawayfromNewJerseyasfastaspossible.”Vince
rolleddownhiswindowandtossedhisphoneoutoftheJeep.Hewaitedseveralsecondsbeforethrowing
thebattery.“Youdon’thaveyourphoneonyou,doyou?”

“IfIhadmyphone,I’dhavecalledthepolicealready.”Shebitherlip.“Yousurethat’snottheright

move?”

“Carlo’sgottoomanycontacts.Idon’ttrustthem.”
“ItrustTom.Icancallhimand—”
“Please,Cassie.Justtrustme.”Hereachedforherthighandthenseemedtorememberhedidn’tgetto

touchherlikethatanymoreandrestedhishandontheconsoleinstead.“ThefartheryougetfromNew
Jersey,thebetter.”

“Trustyou?”sheasked,unabletohelpherself.
“IsupposeIdeservethat.”Vinceranahandthroughhishair.“DoesitmatterthatIliedtokeepyou

safe?Ihopedyou’dneverrememberthatshooting.IwishIdidn’t.”

CassieshudderedastheimageofthatmandyinginthebackalleyofRossi’shitheragain.
Vincereachedoverandtookherhand,apparentlydecidingitwassaferterritorythanthethigh.She

thoughtaboutjerkingitawayandtryingtostaymad,butitfeltsodamngoodandprovidedthecomfortshe
cravedrightnow.Sosheslippedherfingersbetweenhisandheldontight.

Apassingtruck’sheadlightslituptheJeep’sinteriorforamoment,andCassienoticedhowpale

Vincewas.“Thenexttown,we’llgetyoutoahospitalandtheycanstitchuptheknifewound,”shesaid.

“It’snothing.Mucheasiertolivethroughthanabulletwound.”
“Still,Ifeelhorrible.Youjustdoverightonme,eventhoughyouhadtoknowit’dgetyou.”
Hecurledhisfingerstighteraroundherhand.“Itwasthatorwatchyoudie,andthatwasn’tan

option.”

Alumproseinherthroat.“I’msorry.IwishIcouldtakeitback.”
“Itdidn’tgothatdeep,andifit’llsoftenyouuptothepointthatyoumighteventuallyforgivemeone

day,I’llcallitawin.”

Shegaveahalf-laugh,half-cryandthenclenchedherjaw,becauseifsheallowedanycrying,she

mightneverstop.

ChapterThirty-One

Vincecheckedtherearviewandsidemirrors.Inthedark,itwasnearlyimpossibletotellonesetof
headlightsfromanother,buttheyhadn’tbeenfollowedoutofJersey.HehadCassietakeafewrandom
freeways,skimmingnorthofPhiladelphiaandheadingthatwayforawhilebeforeturningsouthand
endingupintheAppalachians.

ThestrainshowedinCassie’sposture,andshekeptshakingherselfandreadjustinginherseat,stress

andfatiguetakingtheirtoll.He’dtakeaturnatthewheel,buthewasexhaustedaswellandfiguredthey
couldbothusetimetocatchtheirbreaths.

“Let’sgetoffatthisexit,”hesaid.“We’llfindalittletown,checkintoamotel,andcatchafewhours

ofsleep.”

Acoupleofmilesdowntheroad,asmallstripmotelcameintoview.“There.Pulloverandwe’llget

aroom.”

WhenCassieraisedaneyebrowathim,headdeda“please,”andsheturnedintotheparkinglotand

easedtheJeepintoaspaceneartheoffice.Afterhoursofnon-stopdriving,justbeinginoneplacewasa
welcomerelief.

Asharppainshotthroughhissideashereachedforhisduffel,butheignoreditandheftedthebag

ontohislap.Thenhepulledonhisjacket,zippeditallthewayupsoit’dcoverhisbloodyT-shirt,and
climbedoutoftheJeep.

HeshoulderedhisbagandreachedforCassie’shand,butshewasfocusedontryingtotugherskirt

closed.Theseamhadrippedallthewayup,exposingmostofherthigh.“AsifIneededtoshowanymore
leginthisdress.”

“Personally,Ilikeit.”
Shelookedupathim.Hewantedtoseeinhereyesthattheywereokay,buthe’dsettleforherbeing

okay.Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,hecouldn’tgetareadonher.Shehadtobeclosetobreaking—he
figuredit’dcomeoutaseitherangeroryellingortears—butherfacewasblank,onlyahintofexhaustion
inherprettyfeatures.

Theywalkedtotheoffice,andVinceheldthedooropen.Cassiepushedpasthim,herbareshoulder

brushinghischest.Theroomwastinyandwarmwithapamphlet-filledstandonnearbyactivities.As
luckwouldhaveit,themotelclerkatthedeskwasfemale—that’dmakethisaloteasier.

Thebrunette’sgazeremainedfixedonthephoneinherhand,butwhenVinceclearedhisthroat,she

lookedup.Hereyeswentwide,andthenasmilespreadacrossherface.

“Weneedaroomforthenight,”hesaid.
TheclerkglancedatCassie,seemingtonoticeherpresenceforthefirsttime.Cassieranahanddown

herhair.Afterbeingshotat,fleeingforherlife,andalongdrive,shewasstilltheprettiestthinghe’dever
seen.Hisgazemovedtothatslitandthecreamyexposedskinofherthigh,andthenhegotdistracted,
thinkingaboutrunninghishandupherleg.

“Name?”
Vincejerkedhisattentionbacktothegirlbehindthedesk.“MarkJones,”hesaid,producinga

driver’slicensewiththatalias.Theyonlyhadtwovacantrooms,bothwithkingbeds.

Hetoldherhe’dtakeonewithoutcheckingtoseehowunhappyCassielookedaboutthenews.Ifhe

hadto,hecouldsleeponthefloor.Whentheclerkaskedforacreditcard,hehandedhercashinstead.

“I’msorry,butweneedacreditcardforincidentals,”shesaid.
“I’llpayacashdepositifIneedto.Idon’thaveacreditcard.”

Thegirlglancedaroundnervously,asifsomeonewouldappearoutofthinairandtellherwhetheror

notthatwasokay.ThenshelookedatCassie,andunderstandinglithereyes—thewrongunderstanding.
Vinceflinched,hopingCassiewouldn’tnotice.

“Roomseven.”Sheslidakeycardacross.“Haveanice…stay.”
HeandCassieexitedtheofficeandwalkeddownthesidewalk,checkingthenumbersonthedoorsas

theypassedthem.

“Toobadshedidn’taskformyname,”Cassiesaid.“BecausethenIcould’vetoldheritwasBambi

andconfirmedherassumptionthatIwasaby-the-hour-typedate.”

VincestoppedinfrontoftheirroomandshotCassieasmile.“Don’tworry,Bambi.Ijustwannatalk.”
Sheshovedhiminthechest,butthecornersofhermouthliftedinasmile.
Theroomwasn’tasbadashe’dexpected.Outdatedbutclean,withasturdysecondlock.Carefulto

notmovetoomuch,heshookoffhisjacketandresteditonthetinycirculartableinthecorner.

Cassieliftedhisshirt,grimacingwhenitstuckbeforeslowlypeelingfree.
“It’sreallynotthatbad,”hesaid.
“Isawagrocerystoreacrossthestreet.Yougetintheshowerandcleanitout.I’mgoingtogetsome

bandagesandsupplies.”

“Whateveryousay,Bambi.”
Cassieshookherhead.“IthinkIpreferredRambo.”
“I’mcomfortablewithmymasculinityandall,butI’mafraidthatcrossesalineforme.”
Hegotthesmilehewashopingfor.Aslongashecouldkeepherjokingandhappy,maybehecould

stoptherealityofthesituationfromcrushingher.Nowtobreakthenewsthathecouldn’tactuallyfollow
herdemands.“It’snotsafeforyoutogoanywherealone.I’llcomewithyou.”

Aninvoluntarygruntcameoutashereachedforhisjacket,hishandautomaticallygoingtohisinjury.
Cassienudgedhimtowardthebed,andhiskneesbuckledridiculouslyeasyoncetheyhittheedgeof

themattress.“We’remilesawayfromanywhereandthatwoundneedstakingcareof.”Shegavehimher
hardstare.“Don’tmakemestabyouagain.”

Hewantedtofighther,butlightheadednesssetin.
“Smallproblem…”Shetwistedapalestrandofhairaroundherfinger.“Idon’texactlyhaveany

money.”

HeconsideredsayingGood,thenIwin,andwebothstayput.Butshewasrightabouthiswound

needingcleaning,andhe’dmadesuretheyweren’tfollowed.“Yourpurseisinmyduffelbag.Ihopeyou
don’tmindItookyourstashofcashfromyourdrawersandshoveditallinthere,butIknewyou’dneed
it.Wecan’tusecreditcardsfromhereonout,okay?Nothingtheycanusetotraceus.”

“Okay.”Sheopenedtheduffelbag,dugaround,andcameupwithherpurseandtheframedpicture

fromhernighttable.Huggingittoherchestshespuntohim.“You…”Hervoicecracked,andtears
borderedhereyes.

“Iwould’vebroughtthequiltandyourhotpinkcouchifIcould,butthatwastheonlythingIcouldfit

inwithourclothesandothersuppliesIthoughtwe’dneed.”

Sheleanedoverandkissedhischeek.“Thankyou.”

***

Tony“theTrigger”Castellanowasn’ttalking.Thelocalboysinbluecaughthimrunningoutofthe
buildingacrossthestreetfromCassandraDalton’splace.JimandMancinihadburstintoCassandra’s
complexandrushedtoherfloor,planningontakingherintoprotectivecustody.

Onlywhentheyarrived,thedoorhadaholeinsteadofadoorknob,therewerebulletholesinthe

fridgeaswellasthecounterandwall,andbloodwasonthefloorofthekitchen.Cassandra’scarsatin

theparkinglot,butshewasnowheretobefound.Theyputincallstothelocalhospitalsandtalkedtoher
neighbors,whohadn’theardanything.Notallthatsurprising,consideringtheblaringTVandthefactthat
sniperrifleswerequiet,unlessthethingtheyshotwasrightnexttoyou.Noneofherneighborsseemedto
knowmuchaboutMissDaltoningeneral.

HeandMancinialsoquestionedthepeopleatherworktoseeifshewaswithanyofthemorhad

contactedthem,butnodice.Oneofherco-workerstoldhimaboutVinceDaMarcoandhowheand
Cassiehadbeenseeingeachother.

TherewasnosignofVinceDaMarco,either.
TriggerCastellano’slawyershowedup,andbigsurprise,hehadthesamelawyerastherestof

Rossi’sboys.Theycouldn’tchargehimformurderwithoutabody,butuntiltheyfoundoutiftherewas
one,theycouldholdhimonsmallercharges.Theyshouldprobablyapplyforajudge’sapprovaltohold
himforlongersothey’dhavemoretimetoinvestigateCassandra’sdisappearance.

MancinislammeddownthephonewithenoughforceforJimtoknowwhateverleadhe’dbeen

pursuinghadn’tworkedout.Hesatbackinhischairandscrubbedahandoverhisface.“IfVincekilled
her,”hesaid,“why’dTonyshoot?”

“Idon’tknow,”Jimsaid,shakinghishead.TheconnectionbetweenCassandraandVincehadnever

mademuchsensetohim.“ButIdoknowIwanttogetmyhandsonhimandaskhim.”

“Ijusthope…Ihopehe’snotonhiswaytodisposeofthebody.Themoretimehehas…”Mancini

didn’tfinish.Hedidn’tneedto.

CassandraDaltonwaseitherdeadorinjured,andtheyneededtofindhersoon,forhersakeandfor

theircase’ssake.Pleaseletherjustbeinjured.

Hewantedhertobeokay,hedid,becausehedidn’twantinnocentpeopletodie.Diditmakehima

badpersontoalsowantheralivebecauseshecouldbethekeytotheirentirecaseagainstCarloRossi?
They’dbeabletomakeadecentcaseagainstconspiracytomurder.Ofcourse,theslipperybastardhad
Salgivetheordertokeephimselfclear.

Jimturnedandpunchedthewalluntilhisknucklesthrobbedandstung.
Mancinisimplywatched,notattemptingtostophimortellhimtocalmdown.Helikedthataboutthe

kid,eventhoughhisknucklescould’veusedanintervention.“Feelbetter?”

“No.”Rightnowthecasefeltsodamnedimpossible.
Mancinileanedbackinhischair,crossingoneankleovertheother.Hegaveoffagoodfake

everything’s-gonna-be-okay-vibe,buttensiontightenedhisjaw,andhisfistswereclenched.“Once
forensicsisdonewithwhattheyfoundatthescene,theypromisedtosendustheinformationASAP.And
wesentoutanAPBonCassandraandVince.”

“Wegotdoublethemanpowerforsurveillancenow,too,sowe’llpushhardwhilethey’retryingto

covertheirtracks.”

Mancininoddedandsighed.“So,nowwejustgottawaitandsee.”
Jimstudiedhisred,scrapedknuckles.“Problemis,I’veneverbeenmuchfor‘waitandsee.’”

***

Cassiefrownedatthemanytypesofbandages,notsurewhatsheneeded.Theyalwaysseemedto
magicallyknowinthemovies.Thatortheyhadthelucktohaveadoctorstashedsomewhere.Hospitals,
cancertreatments,wakingupfrommassiveheadinjuries…shecouldtellyouloadsaboutthat.Butflesh
woundsconfoundedher,andshecertainlydidn’thaveadoctorstashedsomewhere.

Shetossedsuppliesintoherbasketatrandom.Gauze,tape,butterflybandages,hydrogenperoxide,

andNeosporin.Thatshouldcovermostofthebases,justshortofactuallygoingtothehospitaltoget
Vincestitcheduplikeshe’dprefer.Hekeptinsistinghewasfine,butshesawthewayhewinced

wheneverhemoved.NottomentiontheamountofbloodstaininghisT-shirt.

Tryingtofocusonhappierthoughts,despitethefactthattheywereinshortsupplyatthemoment,she

movedtothenextaisle.ThesleevesofVince’sgreenjacketfelloverherhandsasshegrabbedIbuprofen.
Sheopenedherpurse,pushedasidethewadsofcashshe’dneedtoorganizewhenshegotachance,and
sawshestillhadafewpainpillsleftoverfromheraccident.Thatshouldgetusby.Andfood.Wenever
gottoeatdinner,andI’mstarving.

Afterloadingupwithsnack-typefoodsandtuckingacaseofwaterbottlesunderherarm,shetookher

itemstothecheckstand.Theolderwomaninfrontofherglancedback,hereyebrowsarchingslightly,and
Cassiepreparedherselfforbeingsilentlyaccusedofbeingahookerforthesecondtimetoday.Vince’s
jacketatleastcoveredherskimpy,torndress,butitalsokindofmadeherlooklikeshewaswearingonly
thejacket,withamerefewinchesofhotpinkshowingatthebottom.Thenthereweretheheelsshe
couldn’twaittoabandon.

Thewomangaveheracompassionatesmile.“Areyouokay,honey?”
Cassieblinkedbackunexpectedtearsattheconcernfromastrangerandassuredthewomanshewas,

inspiteofdoubtingshe’deverbetotallyokayagain.

Balancingeverythingwasabittricky,andassheexitedthestore,shesuddenlyrememberedevery

movieshe’dwatchedwherethebadguywasoutsidewaitingfortheunsuspectinggirlwho’dbeendumb
enoughtogosomewherealone.

Sheglancedaround,tellingherselfthatnoonecould’vepossiblyfollowedthemorguessedthatthey’d

pickedWhateversburg,Pennsylvaniatostaythenight.Still,sherushedtotheJeep,shovedthesupplies
intotheback,andreleasedanexhaleonceshewassafelylockedinside.

Whenshereenteredthemotelroom,Vincehadclearlyjustgottenoutoftheshower.Hishairwaswet,

dropsofwaterclungtohisgloriouslybaretorso,andhehadonapairofblackboxerbriefsthatleftlittle
totheimagination.Cassie’sheartstutteredashereyestracedthesmatteringofhairthatcoveredhistoned
chest,rippedabs,anddisappearedintothewaistbandofhisboxers.

Betweenhismusculararmsandthewayhisthighsfilledouthisjeans,she’dknownhewasripped.

Butknowingandseeingfirsthandweretwodifferentthings,andthelattershort-circuitedhermind,
makingithardtorememberwhatshe’dbeenthinkingaboutbeforewalkingthroughthedoor.

“Iwasn’tsureifyou’dcomeback,”Vincesaid.
Shelickedhersuddenlydrylips.“Somehow,Idoubtyouwereveryworried.”
“Iwas,actually.ThenI’dhavetohuntyoudown,andyou’dbepissedalloveragain.”Thepupilsof

hiseyesnearlyovertookthebrown,thepredatorystaresendingherpulseskittering.Wasitbadtowantto
behunteddown?

Theweightoftheplasticbagsinherhandsregisteredastheybecameheavierbythesecond.Oh,

yeah.I’msupposedtobebandagingtheknifewoundIgavehim.

ShesetthebagsonthetablenexttoVince’sduffelbag.Sinceshenowfoundherselfextremelywarm,

sheshedhisjacket.Shekickedoffhershoes,sighingatbeingflat-footedagain,andthentookoutthe
medicalsupplies.

“Sit,”shecommanded,andVincesatontheedgeofthebed.Hisdarkeyestrackedherevery

movement,andherbreathscameoutshaky.Sheextendedhimawaterbottleandoneofherpainpills.

Onedarkeyebrowquirkedup.“Tryingtoknockmeout?”
“Yes.Iplanontakingadvantageofyoulater.Nowtakeit.”
Hischestroseandfellinahypnoticrhythm,andthenhetossedbackthepill.They’dmadeherabit

loopy,butsinceheweighedquiteabitmore,theyprobablywouldn’taffecthimasstrongly.Hopefully
they’dtakeawaythepainhewaspretendingnottobefeeling.

Cassiespreadthemedicalsuppliesonthesouthwesternmotifbedspread.“Ihopeyoulikeitrough,

becausethisisprobablygoingtohurt.”

Vincereachedupandwrappedhishandsaroundherhips,hisfingersdigginginandsettingtheskin

underneathablaze,despitethelayersoffabric.“Keeptalkinglikethatandwe’llnevergettothe
bandagingpart.”

Withahandtohischest,Cassiepushedhimbackuntilhewasflatonthebed.“Howdeepdiditgo?”
“Ididn’tmeasureit,”hesaid,andthesmartassremarkmadeherfeelalittlelessbadaboutpouring

hydrogenperoxideoverthegash;shefiguredit’datleaststinglessthanalcohol.Heletoutaharshexhale.
“Ithinkitwentmoreupinsteadofdeep,soit’sjustashallowcut.Ikeeptellingyoutostopworrying
aboutit.”

Shescowled,readytoarguethatitwasafreakingknifewound,forgoodnesssake,butthenhesat

halfwayupandcuppedhercheek.“ButIlikethatyoudo.”

Allowingherselfaquickmoment,sheclosedhereyesandsoakedinthecomfortingwarmthofhis

hand.Thensheeasedhimbackdown.Oncethebubblingfromtheperoxidesubsided,sheleanedcloserto
studythecut.Itwasacoupleofincheslongandgapingabit,butitwasn’tbleedinganymore,soshetook
thatasagoodsign.Sheusedtwobutterflybandagestocloseittogether,putgauzeoverthewholething,
andtapeditinplace.

“Goodasnew,”hesaid,sittingupandproppinghimselfonhispalms.Theireyesmetandheld.Then,

oneslowinchatatime,Vinceleanedinandpressedhismouthtohers.Thekisswasmorereservedthan
theonestheyusuallyshared,morelikeatentativekisstocheckwheretheystood.

Inanswer,shepartedherlipsanddeepenedthekiss.Heslidhistongueintomeethers,everystroke

sendinganotherwaveofheatcrashingthroughher.Hetuggedherdownsothatshestraddledhim,her
rippedskirtbunchingaroundherhipsandexposingmostofherlegs.Shesankfartherontohim,letting
looseamoanwhenhishardnessmethercenter,thethinmaterialoftheirunderwearhardlyabarrier,and
yetitstillfeltliketoomuchofone.

Vinceslidhishandsupherthighs.“Iwantedyoufromdayone.ItoldmyselfevenifIcouldn’ttellyou

everything,untilIhadtheballstotellyouwhoIreallywas,Icouldn’thavesexwithyou.I’dresigned
myselftothefactthatitwasnevergoingtohappen.ThatI’dhavetoletyougo.”

Cassiereachedupandgrippedthehandleofthezipperthatrandownthesideofherdress.“Well,

nowIknoweverything…”Shetuggeddownthezipper,andVince’seyestrackedthemovement,darkening
evenmore.“Includingwhoyouare.”

“Andyoustillwanttobewithme?”
Shepeeredintohiseyes,anddesirefloodedhersystem.Itwasanurgentphysicalneed,butitwas

deeperthanthat,too.Thiswasn’tfakeintimacyorjusttheneedtonotbealone.Despiteeverything,she
lovedhim.Andthewayhelookedbackathersaidhetrulylovedher,too.

Sheranherhanddownhischest,resteditoverhisrapidlybeatingheart,andnodded.Justasshewas

abouttopushhimbackonthebedsoshecouldhaveherwaywithhim,sherememberedhisinjury.“Butif
you’retoohurttohavesextonight,thenwecanwa—”

Inonefluidmovement,herolledhertoherbackandkissedherlongandhard.“Nomorewaiting.I’m

sorryIneversaidanythingaboutyourdressbefore,either,becausedamn.”Heskimmedhishandacross
thetopofit,thedragofhisroughfingertipssendinggoosebumpsacrossherskin.“IfeellikeI’m
unwrappingapresent.”

Hetuggedthezipperthelastfewinchesandpeeledthepinkfabricdownaroundherwaist,exposing

herblackstraplessbraandmostofhertorso.

Thesofttouchofhislipsonherneckmadeherbreathcatchinherthroat.Hekissedhiswaydown,

acrosshercollarbone,totheswellofherbreast.

Dizzyingsensationsracedupanddownherbody,eachonescreamingformoreattention.Vince’s

warmmouthcamedownonthelacecoveringhernipple,thesensationoftheroughfabricandhiscircling
tongueleavingherpanting.

Withaquickflickofhiswrist,herbraslidfree.Thenhemovedtotheotherbreast.Ajoltshotdown

hercore,andsheclosedhereyes,soakingineveryexquisitesensation.Shearchedagainsthim,rolling
herhipsagainsthiserection,andhehissedoutasharpbreath.

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthisforsolong,”hesaid,hisvoicehusky.“You,me.Justlikethis.”Heran

hishandsoverherasifhewasmemorizingeveryinch,andthenheslidherdressdownherlegsand
tosseditaside.

Hehookedafingerinthestringofherunderwear,tracingallthewayaroundtotheback,andgripped

herbutt.“Damn,baby,ifI’dknownyouweregoingaroundwearingthongs,Ineverwould’velastedthis
long.”

“Well,Iplannedonseducingyoutonight.”
Hegrinnedandthenhislipshitherskinagain,rightbelowherbellybutton,ahotexhaleofbreath

followedbythesoftpressofhislipsanddeliciousscrapeofhiswhiskers.Hetuggeddownher
underwear,andshelostherselfinaseaofeuphoriaashemovedhistongueoverhercenter.

Shethreadedherhandsthroughhishairashedroveherclosertotheedgewithhismouth,gaspingas

hiswhiskersdraggedacrossherthigh.Justwhenshedidn’tthinkshecouldtaketheonslaughtofamazing
sensationsanylonger,onelaststrokeofhistonguesentherrightover,theorgasmtinglingthroughevery
inchofherbody.

Theroomspunandherlimbsfellintoauselessheaponthesheets,nolongerrememberinghowto

work.

WhenVinceliftedhimselfoffthebed,sheattemptedtoprotest,butallthatcameoutwasajumbled

messofconsonants.Fortunately,hecamerightbackwithacondom.Helookeddownather,anawestruck
expressiononhisfacethatsentawholenewkindofwarmthcoursingthroughherveins.

Heloweredhimselfontoher,andshewrappedherarmsaroundhim,baskinginthecombinationof

skinonskinandthewayhisweightpressedagainsther.“IcompletelylosemymindwithI’mwithyou,
youknowthat?”heasked.“You’resexyandamazing,andforyoutolookpasteverything…Idon’tknow
howIgotsolucky.”

“Likeitornot,you’reagoodguy,VinceDaMarco.”Sheraisedherheadandkissedhim,finishingit

offwithagentlebitetohislowerlip.“Andyou’remine.”

“Always,”hesaid.Helacedhisfingerswithhersandpinnedherhandstothemattress.Shecriedout

asheenteredher,andastheykissed,theirtonguesmimickingthemovementoftheirbodies,shereached
anotherlevelofblissshedidn’tevenknowwaspossible.

Hisnametumbledfromherlipsasshecameapartagain,andhisorgasmfollowedontheheelsof

hers.Thentheyfellontothemattress,amessofsweaty,tangledlimbs.

Vincewrappedhisarmaroundherandpulledherbackagainsthischest.Hesweptherhairaside,

kissedthebackofherneck,andwhispered,“IpromiseI’lldowhateverittakestokeepyousafe.”

ChapterThirty-Two

AsCassieblinkedawaythehazeofsleep,lastnight’seventscamerushingback.Thesniper,therunning,
andthen…

Vince.Thesex—callingitamazingdidn’tevendoitjustice—andhispromisetokeephersafe.
Sometimeinthenightthey’dshifted,andherheadwasnowonhischest,whichshedecidedwasthe

mostcomfortablepillowever.Infact,shewasneverbotheringwiththelesssuperiorfeatherorcotton
versionsagain.Shefeltcementedtohisbody,andshehesitatedtoleavehiswarmthbehind.

Butthenherstomachgrowled,remindinghershe’dgottendistractedwithother,moredeliciousthings

beforetheycouldeatanyofthesnacksshe’dbought.

Withthesheettuckedaroundherbreasts,shepushedherselfoffVinceandstareddownathim.Thehot

darkwhiskers,strongjawline,andbrokenslopeofhisnose…Hewassoperfectlypeacefulinsleep,all
thattestosteronerestingjustunderthesurface.Honestly,shecouldn’tbelievehewashers,evenwiththe
addedcrazinessbeingwithhimbrought.

Ofcourse,someofthecrazinesswasfromherbeinginthewrongplaceattheverywrongtime.
Lastnightshehadnightmaresaboutthemurderinthealley—sawtheguybegginginvainforhislife,

hisbodycrumplingtotheground,themisshapenskullanddeadeyes.Withthatmemoryrisinguptohaunt
her,shekindofwishedshecouldgobacktonotremembering.

Aquickshakeofherheaddidn’tcompletelydislodgethosethoughts,butithelped.Shethrewbackthe

coversandscootedtowardtheedgeofthebed.Anarmshotout,wrappedaroundherwaist,andthen
Vincehauledherbacktohim.“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”hemumbled,hisvoicestillthickwith
sleep.

“Shower,thenfood.”Sheglancedoverhershoulder—hiseyesweren’tevenopen.Hemustbepart

ninja.“Howdoyoufeelthismorning?”

Hegrunted.
“Solikeyourgirlfriendstabbedyouinthegut?”
Hecrackedoneeyeopen.“SheandIhaveacomplicatedrelationship,”hesaid,andaslowsmile

spreadacrosshisface.“Butwe’reworkingitout.”

Hekissedhershoulderandslidhishandoverherhip,dippinglowerandlower.Atthestrokeofhis

capablefingertips,ajoltofpleasureshotthroughhercore,andshemeltedagainsthim.“Wantcompanyin
theshower?”heasked,strokingheragain.

Theabilitytospeaklefther,soshenodded.Hestood,fullynakedandobviouslyreadyforaction,then

scoopedheroffthebedandcarriedherintotheshower.Thoughtsoftheirdangeroussituationtriedto
pushforwardandremindhertheyweren’tsimplyonsomekindoffuncouplesretreat.Thattheydidn’t
havealotoftimeandshouldprobably—

Vincebackedherupagainsttheshowerwallandkissedher,hishardnessnudgingherslick,ready

entrance.Hereachedoverandturnedonthehotwater,andasthesteamenvelopedthem,sheclosedher
eyesandletVincetakeherawaytoaplacewhereeverythingwasperfectanddangerdidn’texist.

***

“Thefoodwasagoodcall,”Vincesaidashepolishedoffanothermuffin.“Notnearlyasgoodasyours,
butwe’llfindyouaplacewithanicekitchenandgetyoubackinbusinessassoonaspossible.”He
waddedthewrapper,tosseditinthetrash,andgatheredwhatlittlethey’dunpackedandshoveditintohis
duffelbag.“I’mthinkingweheaddownthroughWestVirginiatoday,unlessthere’sanotherrouteyou’d
prefer?”

“Thatworks.Itdoesn’treallymakemuchdifferencetomewherewego,aslongaswe’retogether.”

Cassie’shairfelloverherfaceasshebentdownandtiedthesneakershegrabbedfromhercloset
yesterday,andhecouldn’thelpbutadmirethewayherperfectassfilledoutherjeans.Theimageofher
tinythongpoppedintohisbrain,andhisheartgaveahardthumpinhischest.

Lastnighthadbeenincredible.Sohadthismorning.He’dalreadybuiltuphavingsexwithherso

muchinhismind,andthentherealthingblewhisfantasiesoutofthewater.Therewasnogoingback
now.He’dreachedthehighestofhighs,andheneverwantedtoknowwhatitwasliketocomedown.

Beingontherunwasn’tideal,butthey’dworkitout.Likeshesaid,aslongastheyweretogether,it

didn’tmatterwheretheywent.He’dfindajobtosupportthemasshewentthroughculinaryschool,and
theycouldstartover,justlikehe’dalwayswantedto.Eventually,thisentiremesswouldbeabadmemory
theyputbehindthem.

Withher,anythingwaspossible.
Cassiegatheredherhairintoabun,andhefoughttheurgetothrowheronthebed.Hissexylibrarian

hadawildside,andhisaddictiontohermorphedintowhatevercameafteraddiction.Reliance,maybe.

Hereyesmethis,andeverythinginsideofhimunraveled.Somethingwaswrong.Heclosedthe

distancebetweenthemandcuppedherchin.“Whatisit,baby?”

Shebitherlip,andapprehensionclenchedhisgut.Wasthiswhereshetoldhimshecouldn’tdoit?

Thathe’dcrossedtoomanyethicallinesandshecouldn’tbewithsomeonelikehim?

“I’mgoingtoaskyousomething,andIwantyoutotellmethetruth,”shesaid.
“Okay.”Hebracedhimself,scaredofwhatshe’dask,andtellinghimselfthatfromhereonout,he

wouldn’thideanythingfromher.

“ThatguyMr.Rossishotinthealley?Tellmehewasabadperson…Thathedeservedit.Orevenif

hedidn’tdeserveit,perse,becausenoonetrulydeservestodiethatway,thathewasacriminal,andthe
worldisbetteroffwithouthim…sellingdrugs,or…doingwhateverelsecriminalsdo.”

Vincesighedanddraggedhisthumbacrossherjaw.“Doyouwantthetruth,ortohearthathewasa

badperson?”

“Iguessthat’sanswerenough.”Thedevastationwrittenacrossherfacemadeitclearonceagainthat

shewastoogoodforhim.Hedidn’tagreewithCarlo’sactionsthatday,buthecouldcompartmentalize,
thewayhe’ddoneforoveradecade.

“HewasfallingbehindonthepaymentsintheprotectionracketCarlorunsintheChambersburg

neighborhood,wherealotoftheimmigrantshaveshops.DanteandSaloncesteppedinwhensomethugs
triedtorobthestore,sotheydidatleastprotectit.ButEduardohadasondowninMexico,andhe
alwayssentmoneytohim,sohekeptcomingupshortonhispayments.”

Cassieflinched.
“Sorry.Iprobablyshouldn’thavetoldyouhisnameorabouthisson.Itmakesitworse.”Thatmuchhe

knew.

“No,Iwanttoknow.ButIdon’t.ButI’dratheryoutellme.”Cassierestedherhandsonthesidesof

hiswaist.“So,whycouldn’ttheyjust…stopprotectinghim?”

“Itdoesn’tworklikethat.Carlo’smenarewillingtotakecareofplacesthepolicewon’t,butthey

don’tmakeitoptional.Ifonestoreownerthinkshecandoithimself,otherswouldfollow.Evenifthey
didn’t,hisshopwouldbefairlysafesimplybecauseit’sbetweentwoofCarlo’sprotectedbusinesses,
andhewantsmoneyforthat.AndasImentioned,he’dalreadypreventedonerobbery.

“Eventhen,thingsprobablywouldn’thavegottensooutofcontrol,butonedaywhenSalwentto

collect,Eduardogotangryandpulledashotgunonhim.I’dbelyingifIsaidIwouldn’thavelovedtosee
that.”

Cassieshuddered.“Yeah,Salalwaysmademyskincrawl.Heconstantlyhitonmeandtalkedingross

innuendoes.”

HeatcoursedthroughVince’sveins;ifhewould’veknownthat,hewould’veheldthefigliodi

puttanaupagainstthewalluntilhe’dpassedout.

“Vince?”Cassie’svoicebroughthimbacktothepresent.
“Anyway,Salwantedtogointhereandretaliate,butCarloheldhimoff.Hepersonallycalled

Eduardoandtoldhimtheycouldworkoutadifferentdeal,butheneededtomeethimattherestaurant.

“I’dgoneoutbacktolookforAngelo,maybeaminutebeforeyoucameoutwhichwaswhythedoor

wasn’tblockedoffbetter.ItriedtoconvinceCarlotogivetheguyanotherchance,but…well,yousaw.
Hewantedtomakeanexampleoutofhim.He’salwaystalkingabouthowinhislineofworkhecan’t
evershowsoftness,ortherestofthemwouldeathimalive.Thesadtruthis,he’sright.Halfhisguys
wouldturnonhimiftheythoughttheycouldtakehisspot.Sohedoeswhathehastodo—”

Realizinghe’dnearlydefendedhisuncle,evenafterhisattemptedhitonCassie,Vinceamendedhis

statementto,“Whathethinkshehastodo.He’swantedmetojoinhimsinceIwaseighteen,andI’ll
admit,I’vebeentemptedmorethanonce.”

Vincecametherestofthewayclean.FromhowtheclubincidentinNewYorktiedbacktohim

refusingCarlo,agreeingtobehisnumbertwosohecouldgetherandBobbyoutofthecity,tohowhis
dadwasCarlo’sunderbossuntilthedayhewasshot.Thedetailsofthatdaycameout,too,everythingina
messydisplayforhertoseewhohetrulywas.

Assheblinkedathim,hethoughtfull-disclosuremightnothavebeenthewaytogo.
“Vince,that’s…horrible.I’msosorry.”
Heshruggedasifitwasn’tabigdeal.“Ifthathadn’thappened,I’dprobablyberighttherewithCarlo,

doingallthesamethings.Nowyouseejusthowfuckedupmyfamilyis.HowfuckedupIam.”

Sheloopedherarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhim.“Notyou.You’vegotmenow.Youcanbreak

freeandleaveitallbehind.”Sheshookherhead.“IdefendedCarlotopeople.Ican’tbelieveIthoughthe
wasaniceperson.”

“Hecanbewhenhewants,andhedefinitelyknowshowtocharmpeople.He’sgotsomany

connections,Cass,andhe’sgoingtobesopissedyouandIgotaway.I’llbehonestrightnowandsay
we’llalwayshavetobecareful.Itmightmeanmovingaroundalot.”

Ashesaidit,therealityoftheirsituationslammedintohim,withouttherosylensesthistime.Alife

ontherun.Worryinganytimeshewasn’twithhimorwasmorethanafewminuteslate.WhatifBobbygot
desperateformoneyandendedupgoingtoCarlowiththeirlocation?

No,hewouldn’tdothat.
Vince’sguthitthefloor.Notsober,butifhewasusing…Heranahandoverhisface,tellinghimself

hecouldworkthatalloutlater.Oncetheywerefartheraway,hecouldthinkmorestepsahead.

“I’mgoingtocheckthemessagesonmyphonerealquick.SeeifIcanfindoutwhat’sgoingon.”He

pickedupthehotelphone,dialedhiscellnumber,andthenpunchedinthevoicemailcode.

Carlo’svoicefilledhisear.“Whatthefuck’sgoingon,Vince?Didyoutakecareofthewaitress?I

knowthingsgotscrewedup,butjustcomein.Wecanfixitifyoucomein.Ifnot,youknowwhatI’m
goingtohavetodo.Pleasedon’tmakemedoit.Ishould’ve…Ishould’velistenedtoyou.Peopleare
breathingdownmyneckand…justcallme.”

Vinceskippedtothenextmessage.ItwasBobby.“Iknowyoumightnotgetthis,butifyoudo,tell

yourfriendIlookedupherfriend,andI’monmywaytocheckin.Shebelievesinme,andI’mdoingit.”

TellmyfriendIlookedupherfriend?Whatishe…?VinceshiftedtofaceCassie.“Bobbysaidhe

lookedupyourfriend,andhe’scheckingintorehab.Anyway,Ithinkthat’swhathemeant.”Morethan

anything,hewantedittowork,butheknewhavingBobbystuckinarehabcenterforhowevermany
weekswouldonlymakeiteasierforCarlotofindhim,evenifheusedafakename,whichVinceprayed
he’dbeensmartenoughtodo.

Ofallthetimestoberesponsible…pleasedon’tletitgethimkilled.
“Annie’sthebest,”Cassiesaid.“Ihopehegoesthroughwithit.Justknowthatalotofpeoplehave

relapses…”

Hehungupthephone,notbotheringtolistentothenextmessagefromCarlo.“What’sgoingon?

SuddenlyI’mtheoptimistandyou’rethepessimist?”

“Ijustdon’twanttogiveyoufalsehope.I’mjust…Ican’t…mymind’ssortofatmaximumcapacity

withallmythoughtsandworriesrightnow.”Shetookhishandandsqueezedit.“I’msorry.Ofcourse
he’llmakeitthrough.ThenbothofyouwillhaveshownCarlowhatyou’remadeof.Well,without
actuallyshowinghim,sincehemightkillyou.”

Herfacedarkened.“Iwishtherewasawaytoensurehedoesn’tgetawaywithit.Especiallykilling

thatguy—killingEduardo.”Shesaidhisnamewithquietreverence.“Ithinkofhisfamily,hissonin
Mexico,anditeatsatmyconscience.Idon’tknowifit’lleverstop.”

Vincepulledhertohimandkissedtheconcernedcrinkleonherforehead.“We’llthinkofsomething.

Butrightnowweneedtohittheroad.”

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhim,hugginghimtightly.“Okay.Wecandothis.We’llstartover,just

likeyousaidyouwantedto.”

Asheheldher,hismindspunoverexactlyhowhewasgoingtokeepthepromisehe’dmadetoher

lastnight.WorryforBobbymixedin,muddyingeverypathhecouldthinkof,andaplanhereallydidn’t
wanttoconsiderworkeditswayintohishead.WithBobbystuckinoneplace,evenifhe’dcoveredhis
tracks,itwasonlyamatteroftimeuntilCarlofoundhim.

Hecouldn’tleavehisbrotherwithoutprotectionrightwhenhewasworkingsohardtoturnhislife

around.AndheandCassiecouldrunforever,andshe’dstillneverbesafe.

Therewasonlyonewaytokeephertrulysafe.
Anditmeantthathecouldn’tbetheonetostartoverwithher.

ChapterThirty-Three

CassiecheckedoutofthemotelandcollectedthedepositwhileVincewentacrossthestreettothe
grocerystore.Apparentlyheneededafewmoreitems.

“Wegoodtogo?”sheaskedassheclimbedintotheJeep.
“Goodtogo,”hesaid,hiseyesfixedontheroad.
TheymergedontoI-81andheadedsouth.ShekeptthinkingVincewastooquiet,buthe’dneverbeen

especiallychatty,soshetookoverforbothofthem.Shecommentedonthesceneryandaskedforhis
opinionondishessheknewhowtomakeorwantedtolearnhowtomake.

Aftershe’dexhaustedthatlineofquestions,shefellquietandjustletherselfsoakinhisrugged

profileandthestronghandshe’drunoverherbodylastnightandthismorning.Forabriefmomentafter
theyhadsexintheshower,sheworriedshe’duseditasanescape,thewaysheusedto,andshedidn’t
wanttorepeatherpastmistakes.ButthensherealizedsexwithVincewasacompletelydifferentkindof
gettinglost.Becauseshewasn’trunningfromherlife,shewasmovingtowardit.

Unconditionalunderstandingandlovewasalsoinvolved,nofakeintimacyaboutit.
WhenthesplitforI-70cameup,sheexpectedVincetoheadwest,butheturnedeastinstead.“I

thoughtweweregoingtoWestVirginia,”shesaid.

“Minorchangeofplans.JustasmalldetourintoMaryland.”
“Why?”
HelookedacrosstheJeepatherandeveryoneofherorgansturnedtostone.“Vince,why?”
“TheJeep’stoodistinctive,andairlinesaren’tgoingtotakecashnomatterhowmuchyouorIflirt

withthedeskclerks,nottomentionflightsaretooeasytotrack.SoI’mheadingtothenearestGreyhound
station.”

Herpaniceased,everythinginsideherbodyslowlyfiguringouthowtofunctionagain.“Youscared

methereforasecond.Jeez.”

Hereachedoverandwrappedhishandaroundherthigh.“IwishIwould’vehadenoughtimetoget

creditcardswithournewidentities,butthepeopleIknowwhocoulddoitalsoknowCarlo,socashwill
havetodofornow.”

Sheplacedherhandonhis.“We’llmakeitwork.”
Therewasasadedgetohissmile,andshewantedtodowhateverittooktocalmhisworries,theway

hedidhers.Shetookastabatwhatwasbotheringhim.“I’msorryIwasn’tmoreenthusiasticabout
Bobby.It’sreallygreat.Isaywebothbeoptimistic,glass-fullpeoplefromnowon.Startingover’sgoing
tobeanadventure,too,andyouknowIvowedtohavemoreofthose.”

Shecouldn’tstoprambling,butshegotthisstrangevibe,likeifshestoppedtalking,stoppedhoping,

theneverythingwouldcrumble.

VincepulleduptotheGreyhoundstationinFrederick.Hehandedherabulgingpalepinkandgray

backpack.“Theydidn’thavebrightpink,butIfigurewe’regoingforinconspicuous,anyway.Yourclothes
andyourpicturesareinit.Justsortingoutthingsabittomakeiteasier.”

“Oh.Okay,thanks.”Shegrabbeditwithonehand,butquicklyaddedtheotherwhenitendedupbeing

heavierthanshesuspected.“Andpalepinkisstillawesome.”

VincecamearoundtheJeepandopenedthedoorforher.Thefrigidwindslammedintoher,andshe

tuggedthejacketshe’dconfiscatedfromhimtighteraroundherselfasshetookhisextendedhand.

“Aren’tyougoingtogetyourbag?”sheaskedastheystartedtowardthestation.
“It’sgotalltheweaponsandit’sheavy,soI’mleavingitherewhilewecheckthebusschedule.”

Weapons.Right.WhenCassiesearchedtheduffelforherpurseshe’dseenanotherpistolandaknife

thatmadeherslookwimpyincomparison.Hmm.Myknife’sprobablystillsomewhereinVince’sJeep.
Goodriddance.

Oncetheysteppedintothestation,Vinceledhertoarowofseats.“SitherewhileIfigureoutwhere

weshouldgoandthenbuytickets.”

“Whydon’tIjustcomewithyou?”
“Please,”hesaid.“Afterwhathappenedinyourapartment,peoplemightbelookingforyou.Ineed

youtostayoutofsightasmuchaspossible.”

Sheresenteditandrefusedtosay“okay,”butshesatdownandcrossedherarms.Vincegaveher

anotheroneofthosesmilesthatdidn’treachhiseyesbeforeheadingovertotheticketbooth.

He’sdefinitelyactingweird.Cagey.Shetriedtotellherselfitwassimplythestressandhavingto

workouttheirnextmove,butanominouswrongnessmadeherskinfeeltootight.

Afewminuteslater,Vincewalkedoverandsatnexttoher.Hetookherhandandleveledherwithhis

browneyes.“Youtrustme,right?”

Thetightnessgotworse,andabandformedaroundherchest,squeezingalittlemorewitheachbreath.

“YouknowIdo.”

“You’releavinginfifteenminutestoOklahomaCity.”Heunzippedthefrontpocketofherbackpack

andpulledoutpapersandadriver’slicensethatidentifiedherasKateJones.“Iwantyoutogetoffatone
ofthestopsalongthewayandchangeyourdestination.You’llprobablyhavetobuyanewticket,butit’s
worthit.Don’tsettleinwhatevercityyoulandin.Getacarandpickanothercity.Somewherefairlybig,
sothatevenifsomeonelearnsyourfakename,you’llgetlostwiththerestoftheKateJoneses.”

Cassie’smindraced,andthebandaroundherchestgotsotightherlungsstoppedtakinginair.“I

don’tunderstand.You’renotcomingwithme?”

Hebrushedherhairoffherfacesettledhishandbehindherneck.“Youwereright.It’sabouttime

Carlopaysforhiscrimes.I’mgoingtomakesurethathappensbeforehehurtsyouorBobby.”

“ButImeantweshouldfigureoutsomethingtogether.”Hysteriaraisedhervoiceanoctavehigherthan

usual.“Ifyougoback,he’llkillyou.”

“Don’tworry,I’vegotaplan.IfIwentwithyounow,itwouldmakeitmoredangerousforyouand

putBobbyatrisk.SinceCarlowon’tstopuntilhekillsyou,I’mgoingtoconvincehimyou’redead.
Promisemeyou’llgosomewhereelseandstartover.Gotoculinaryschool,becomeachef.Liveoutyour
adventures—theskiing,rollercoasterkind.Iwon’tbeabletodowhatIneedtodoifI’mworryingabout
you,too.”

Heleanedcloserandsaidinalowvoice,“Iputapistolinthebottomofyourbag.Thesafety’sonand

theclip’sout,butIwantyoutolearnhowtouseit.”

“I’mfromColorado.Mydadtaughtmehowtouseagunbeforehetaughtmetodrive.”
Agenuinesmilehithislipsthistime.“Good.Thatmakesmefeelbetter.”
Tearsburnedhereyes,evenasshetriedtoblinkthemback.“Howareyougoingtofindmeafter

everything’sfinishedwithMr.Rossi?”

Themusclesofhisjawtightenedandsodidthehandholdinghers.“Thepointisfornoonetobeable

tofindyou.Notevenme.”

Sheopenedhermouthtoargue,andhepressedafingertoherlips.“Ishould’veconvincedyouto

changeyournameandgetasfarfromJerseyassoonaswesurvivedthatdrive-byinsteadofpretending
everythingwouldworkoutsimplybecauseIwanteditto.Morethananything,Iwantyoutobesafe,and
that’llneverhappenwhileyou’rewithme.”

“Ionlyfeelsafewithyou,”shesaid,andawarmtearrandownhercheek,immediatelyfollowedby

another,soherattemptstonotcryhadtotallyfailed.

Vincewipedthemawaywithhisthumb.“Pleasedon’tcry,baby.Ialreadyfeelbadenough.”
“Idon’twanttogobacktobeingalone.Youruinedme.Ican’tgobacknowthatIknowwhatit’slike

tobewithsomeoneIcanbemyselfaround.Someonetosharedreamswith.”

Heclosedhiseyes,justforaquickmoment,andthentheymethers.“Findanothersomeone.Someone

better.”Hewoundastrandofherhairaroundhisfinger.“Maybetrytofindsomeonewhoseboss—whose
uncle—hasn’tsentthemtokillyou.”

“Isthatsupposedtobefunny?Ican’tjustfindanothersomeone.”Moretearsspilleddownhercheeks.

“You’reit.Iloveyou.”

“AndIloveyou.That’swhythere’snootherway.”
TheannouncementthatthebusforOklahomaCitywasnowboardingcameoverthespeaker.“You

needtogo,”Vincesaid.“You’vegotallofyourcash,plusIputmostofmystashinthebackpack.Iwishit
wasmore,butbetweenbailingoutBobbyandgivinghimmoneyforrehab,it’snotasmuchasI’dhoped.
Butitshouldatleastgetyoustarted.”

“Idon’twantyourmoney.Iwanttocomewithyouandhelp.I’dratherriskbeingshotthanstartover

again.”

“Well,I’mnotwillingtoriskit.”Hegrabbedthestupidpinkbackpack,pulledheroutofherseat,and

startedtowardthebusloadingarea.Thestubborndonkeyphilosophyseemedasgoodasany,soshe
draggedherfeetandpulledagainsthim.

Unfortunately,Vincewasstrongenoughthatshewasn’tsureheevennoticed.“DoIhavetocarryyou

ontothebus?BecauseIsweartoGodIwill.”

“Ifyoutryit,I’llstartscreaming.”
Vincespunaroundandtuggedhertohim,sofastherchestbumpedintohis.“Pleasedon’tmakethis

harderthanitalreadyis,Cassie.Iloveyou,andifyouloveme,you’lldothis.”

“You’renotplayingfair,”shesaid,andafreshwaveoftearsroseup.
Vincecrashedhismouthoverhers.Thekisswaswild,reckless,half-torture,allpleasure.Histongue

memorizedhers,andherbodymoldedtohis,thefloodofsensationsnearlysendingtoherknees.

Whenhebrokethekiss,bothofthemweregaspingforair.Astherestoftheworldpushedin,she

realizedthey’dgainedtheattentionofeveryonearoundthem.Vinceleanedin,andhislipsbrushedher
ear.“You’rethebestthingthat’severhappenedtome,”hesaid,andthenhestrodeawayandneverlooked
back.

ChapterThirty-Four

Atleastthebushadn’tbeencompletelybooked,allowingforafewemptyseats.Cassiewould’vefelt
sorryforanyoneforcedtoendurehercrying,sniffling,andsubsequentstormymood.

Fourmiserablehourshadpassed,andshehadn’tbotheredstretchingherlegsatthefirsttwenty-minute

stop.ButbythetimetheypulledintoPittsburghfortheirdinnerstop,herbodyachedtomove,andher
stomachprotestedskippingthechancetoeat.Shefrownedatthesignannouncingtheirlocation—
consideringshe’dleftthestatethismorningtogotoMaryland,onlytocomeback,itfeltlikeshewas
goingincircles.

Onautopilot,shewalkedintothedinerandsatatthecounter,whichonlyremindedherhowaloneshe

was.Whenthewaitresscameby,sheaskedforaclubsandwich.

“Excuseme?”
Aneatlydressedwomanwithastylishwhitebobsmiledwarmly,whilethemannexttoherlooked

likehewantedtobolt.Ifshehadtoguess,she’dputthecoupleinthelatesixtiesagerange.

“Now,Maude,rememberhowwe’regoingtostayoutofotherpeople’sbusiness?”heasked,gently

nudginghertowardatable.Oratleasttryingto;Maudewasobviouslybetteratdraggingherheelsthan
Cassie.

“Thanksforthereminder,Harold,butIjustwanttochatwithherforaminute.”Shemadeashooing

gesture.“Gohaveaseatandordermethespecialwhentheycomeby.”

Haroldshookhisheadandmadehiswayovertoabooth,mutteringunderhisbreath.Maudesatonthe

stoolnexttoCassie.“I’mMaude,andIcan’thelpbutnoticeyou’vehadaroughday.”

“It’sbeenalittlerough,butI’mfine,really.”Cassieevenattemptedasmile,butitdidn’tfeelright.
TheskepticalpressofMaude’slipstoldhershewasn’tbuyingit.“Myhusband’sright.Igetintoother

people’sbusiness,butIliketothinkIhelp,andyou,missy,looklikeyoucanusesomehelp.So,unload.
Yourantorcry,andI’lllisten.Afterwehashitout,we’llorderasliceofpie,andyou’llfeelbetter,I
guaranteeit.”

CassiewonderedhowMaudewouldreacttohertellingthetruth—shewasontherunfromtheMafia

becauseshe’dwitnessedamurder,andtotopitoff,she’dfalleninlovewiththemanwho’dbeensentto
killher.Oh,andhealsohappenedtobethebadguy’snephew.ShedoubtedMaudewouldsay,“Myfriend
Gladyshadthesamethinghappentoher!”

Atleastit’sanoriginalproblem,shethought,notsurewhethersheshouldlaughorcry.
“It’sthatguy,isn’tit?Thewholestationsawthatgoodbyekiss,letmetellyou.”Maudefannedher

face.“Areyoumissinghimalready?”

“Yeah,”Cassieansweredtruthfully.“TheproblemisthatI’llmisshimforever.Thatwasgoodbye.”

Tearsgotcaughtinherthroat,andsheswallowedthemdown.Nomorecrying.

“Oh,Idon’tbelievethat.Itmightseemimpossiblenow,butyoutwoobviouslyhavesomething

special.You’llworkitout.”

“Sometimesit’smorecomplicatedthanthat.”
“HaroldandIhavebeenmarriedforforty-threeyears.There’sbeenplentyupsanddowns,butwhen

youfindtheoneyoulove,youdowhateverittakes.You’llfindyourwaybacktoeachother.”

“Maude,”HaroldsaidintheloudestwhisperCassiehadeverheard.Hiswifepretendednottohear

him.

“So…?”Mauderaisedhereyebrows,andCassierealizedshewaswaitingforhername.
“Ca—Katie.”HerlicensesaidKate,butsinceKatiewasclosertohername,shefiguredit’dbe

easiertoanswerto.

“What’skeepingyouandyourmanapart,Katie?Amilitarydeployment?Longdistancerelationship?”

sheasked,hereyebrowstwitchingupmorewitheachquestion.“JusttellmeifI’mgettingtoopersonal,
andI’llgoovertoHaroldbeforehehasastroke.”

Cassiehidasmilebehindherfist,surprisedtofindsheevenhadtheabilitytoformoneafterthis

hellaciousday.“Thankyousomuchforcheckingonme,butI’mreallynotreadytotalkaboutityet.”

“Sure,sure.”Maudepattedherarm.“Ifyouchangeyourmind,letmeknow.Idon’twantyoutofeel

likeyou’reallalone.”

Alone.Herheartknotted.Thatwasexactlywhatshefeltlike.
Maudeheadedbacktoherhusband,andthewaitressplacedCassie’sfoodinfrontofher.Suddenly

eatingnolongerappealedtoher,butsheforcedherselftotakebites.

Foralongtimeshe’disolatedherself,butbetweenthewomaninthestoreyesterdayandMaude’s

goingoutofherwaytocheckonher,Cassierealizedtherewerealotofkindpeopleoutthere.After
everythingthat’dhappened,andwithhermemoryofthemurderinthealleyback,it’dbetemptingtogive
uponpeopleandhidefromtheworldagain.

Thenshewouldtrulybealoneforever.Sheknewsheneededtobecareful,butshepromisedherself

she’dgetoutthereagain.Totry,eventhoughthethoughtofstartingovermadeherwanttocurlupinaball
andnevermoveagain.

SheglancedatMaudeandHarold,whowereseatedonthesamesideofthebooth,cozyandsmilingat

eachother.Itmadeherthinkabouthertheoryonthekindoflovethatlastedfordecades.Obviouslythey
didn’tagreeoneverything,butthefeistinessandlovewasstillthere.Shemighthavetore-thinkherstance
onthetwotypesoflove.Maybeitdidn’thavetobeoneortheother.

ApangwentthroughherassherealizedwithherandVince,it’dbeenthecrazy-strongtype,and

they’dalreadyhadtoletitgo—anotherpointforheroriginaltheory.Shepressedahandoverheraching
heart,hopingit’deventuallyhealtoabearablelevel,eventhoughsheknewit’dneverbecompletely
wholeagain.

Ifhecan’tbewithme,I’llsettleforhimbeingsafe.
Justplease,please,don’tlethisplanendupgettinghimkilled.

***

Withthefedswatching,Carlowouldbehardatworklookinglikealegitimaterestaurantowner,soVince
headedtoRossi’s.

Homeshittyhome,hethoughtasheparkedtheJeepatthecurb.NewJerseywassofarfromwherehe

wantedtobeitmightaswellbeanotherplanet.Timetoshovethosefeelingsasideandputonhisgame
face.OnthedrivefromMaryland,he’dgoneoverthestoryinhisheaduntilheknewitbackwardand
forward.

NowhejustneededCarlotobuyit.
Thenheneededtogohomeandnumbhimselfwithasmuchalcoholashecouldgethishandson,

becauseeveryinchofhimachedlikehe’dneverachedbefore,andithadnothingtodowiththestab
woundinhisside.

ForCassie,forBobby.ForCassie…
Heclosedhiseyesagainstthesqueezeinhischest,butthatonlymadehimseeherbeautifulcrying

faceashe’dleftherinthatbusstation.He’dcampedoutwherehecouldseethebusestomakesureshe
gotonone,andit’dnearlykilledhimtonotgoafterher.Ifitweren’ttheonlywaytokeephispromiseto
keephersafe,hewould’ve.

“Heregoesnothing,”hemutteredtohimselfandgotoutoftheJeep.Snowflurriesfellfromthesky,

givingthenightapeacefulsnowglobeeffectitdidn’tdeserve.Thetinyspecksofwhitemeltedassoonas
theyhithisbarearms.Coldwasgood.Maybeit’dfreezethetangleofthoughtsandemotionsraginginside
ofhim.

Liftinghischin,hestrodeintoRossi’slikeheownedtheplace.Miastoodbehindthehostessstand,

herusualgreetinghalfwayoutbeforehereyeswidened.“Vince.Hey.”

Shemust’vebeenwarnedtowatchforme.“IsCarlohere?”
“Yeah,he’sinhisoffice.Youwantmetotellhimyou’rehere?”
Vinceignoredthequestionandmadeabeelinetowardtheback.Hesuddenlyhatedeverytable,every

chair,everyconnectedmanthatfrequentedtheplace,andthewholebuildingingeneral.

HestormedintoCarlo’soffice,andwhenhisunclelookedup,hisexpressionwasalmostidenticalto

Mia’s.Underothercircumstances,itmightbesatisfyingtoseehimsoshocked.

Carlo’shandmovedunderhisdesk;he’drecoveredandgottenhishandaroundagun,nodoubt.

“Vince?Whathappened?I’vebeentryingtocallyou.”

“WasthatbeforeorafteryousentsomeonetokillCassiewhileIwastryingtotakecareofthings?”

Heslammedhisfistsdownonthedeskanddidn’thavetofaketheangernowthatCarlowasafewfeetin
frontofhim.“WhoshouldIthankforalmostkillingme?I’mguessingitwasafavorcalledintoNew
York,butasyouknow,Ihavenoproblemheadingdownthereandshakingthingsup.Whydon’tyougive
methename,becauseI’dlovetoreturnthefavor.Ormaybeyousenthimforme,too,andI’mthedumbass
whocamestrollinginformore.”

“Youknowhowitis,”Carlosaid,tryingthesoothing,understandingvoicetacticVincehadseenhim

useahundredtimes,usuallybeforeheusedhisfistsorbrandishedaweapon.“Ihadtobesure.Whydon’t
youjustcalmdown?Let’stalkaboutwhathappenedlastnightandgofromthere.Firstthingsfirst,isit
done?”

TheslighttwitchinCarlo’sarmtoldVincethathe’dtiltedupthebarrelofthegun,readytofire

throughthedeskifhe“needed”to.

“IfyoumeanisCassiedead,thenyeah.MessierthanIwantedittobe,thankstothesnipermuckingit

up,butit’sdone.”HehadnoideawhatthehiredthughadtoldCarlo,whichforcedhimtowalkatricky
line.“So?Theshooter?I’mseriousabouthavingatalkwithhim.”

“TriggerwasjustdoingwhatIpaidhimtodo,andI’morderingyounottogoafterhim.You’re

supposedtobethecool-headedone,remember?”

Vincepacedtheoffice,shakinghishead.“Rightnowbeingthecool-headedoneseemsoverrated.He

fuckedupmywholeplan.”

“Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,hegothimselfpickedupbythepolice.Hewon’ttalk,butI’mnotsure

he’llwalk.Now,backtoCassie.Tellmeexactlywhathappened.”

Vinceranahandthroughhishair.“ItwastougherthanIthoughtit’dbe,andIdidn’tgoatherashard

asIshould’ve.Soshefreakedandpulledaknifeonme.Bitchevenstabbedme.”Heliftedhisshirtafew
inchestoshowCarlohisinjury.ThankstoCassie’sgenerousgauzeandtapejob,itlookedevenworse
thanitwas.Heforcedawaythoughtsofherandgotbackintocharacter.“Thatmadeiteasier.

“ButrightasIgotmyhandsaroundherneck,theshootingstarted,”hesaid,pickinguphispacing

again.“Shetriedtogetaway,andIwentafterher.Theassholesniperkeptfiring,soIgottododgebullets
asIchasedherdown,tackledherinthehall,anddraggedherouttheside-exitofthebuilding.Tenfucking
flightsofstairs.BytheendIwassomad,Ijustwantedittobeover.Butthereweretoomanypeople
around,andIsawthecoplights,soIknockedherout,shovedherinmyJeep,anddroveuntilIcouldfind
anisolatedplacetodoit.Imadeitquickandclean,abulletrightthroughthehead.”

Heswallowedbackthetoxicmixoffearandfurythatimagesentthroughhim—hehadtosellthis.No

cracks,nomakingthemistakeshehadthefirsttimehe’dliedtokeepCassiesafe.Thiswasthewayto
ensureadeathlikethatneverbecameareality.

“Sowhereisshe?”Carloasked.
“IburiedheroutintheNewJerseyWildlifeandGamerefuge.Idugthegravedeep,too.Noneofthat

sloppystuffthatgetspeoplecaught.Noonewilleverfindher.”

Carloletoutanaudiblesigh.“Good.Icanbreatheeasiernow.”Thereliefonlylastedamoment,and

thenhiseyesnarrowed.“Tookyoualongtime.Whydidn’tyouansweryourphone?”

“Itossedit.Yousaidthefedsweresniffingaround,andIwasprobablyjustgettingparanoid,butI

thoughtIhadatailforawhileyesterday.Didn’twantthemtrackingmetoCassiebeforeIcouldtakecare
ofher.Andthegroundwasrocksolid—tookforevertodigthegrave.

“Then,assoonasIgothome,IfoundBobbydetoxinghardandreadytocrack,soIdrovehimtoa

rehabcenterjustoutsideofBaltimore.Weusedafakenamesonoonecouldtracehimthere,butIhadto
gethimhelpbeforeheruinedallofhisprogress.”

VincesankintothechairacrossfromCarloandrubbedathiseyes.“Let’sjustsayit’sbeenalong

nightandday.”

“Soundslike.ButI’mgladyougotBobbyhelp,andhey,I’llpayyoubackforwhateveryoufrontedto

checkhimin.ItoldyouI’dtakecareofthat.”Carloranbothofhishandsthroughhishair—finally
abandoninghisgriponhisweaponwasagoodsign.“Man,thatwastoocloseforcomfort.Butnowit’s
done,andDante’sbail’sbeenposted,sohe’sout,andUffiziwilltakecareofthedrugchargesathiscourt
date.

“Thereforabit,Iwasafraidhe’dturned,”Carlosaid.“Thefedsclaimedtohaveaninformantonthe

inside,sohewastryingtogetenoughinformationtofigureoutwhoitwas.Hefinallydecidedtheywere
justbullshitting,usingittogethimtotalk.IthinkiftheFBIhadanythingreal,they’dhavearrestedme
already.I’mnotsayingwedon’thavetobecareful,becauseI’msurethey’llkeepwatchingmefora
while,butIthinktheworstisover.”

“That’sarelief.I’mnotsureIcanhandleanymoreproblemsrightnow.”Vincerubbedathisside.

“Shegottheknifeprettydeep,andtheshovelingtoreitopen.Imightneedadayortwotorecover.”

“Restup,youdeserveit.YoustraightaboutNewYorkandTrigger?Idon’twantyougoingand

causingtroubleoverthere.”

“I’mstraight,”Vincesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Stillpissed,butI’llgetoverit.EspeciallywhenI

thinkabouthimsittinginacell.”

Carlochuckled.“Good,good.AndVince,forwhatit’sworth…Ididn’twanttosendthesniper,butI

hadtobesure.I’mjustgladitallworkedoutintheend.”

Yeah.Yourdefinitionof“allworkedout”andmineareabitdifferent,consideringyouobviously

didn’tcareifIlivedordied.

Vinceleanedhisforearmsonhiskneesandlookedattheground,hopinghewasn’toverdoingit.

“Honestly,afterspendingallthattimewithCassie,Igotalittleattachedtoher.Evenaftereverything,
includingherstabbingme…Itwasn’teasypullingthetriggeranddealingwithherbody.Iwanttomake
youproud—makemydadproud—butmaybeIjustdon’thavewhatittakes.”

“Thefirstone’sthehardest,andthenahardoneonlycomesalongonceinawhile.”Carloswipeda

handthroughtheair.“Yougetusedtoit.Andifweneedto,Iknowaguy.Orten.”Helaughed,andVince
smiledasacidatethroughhisinsides.“Lastnightyouprovedyoudogotwhatittakes.Buttellyou
what…Ifaftersixmonths,youwannagostraight,therestaurantwillstillbethereforyou.”

Itwasalie.Onceyouwerein,youwereinforlife,evenifCarlomadeitashortone.“Soundsgood.”

Vincestoodandrubbedahandoverhisface.“I’mdeadonmyfeet,andmybed’sbeencallingmyname

forhours.I’llgetanewphonetomorrowandcallyouwiththenumber.Willtherestaurantbeokay?
BecauseIcould—”

“Everythingwillbeokay.You’llsee.”
No,you’regoingtoseethatyou’renottheonlypersoninthisfamilywhoshouldn’tbecrossed.

ChapterThirty-Five

ThebuswasfinallyonitslastlegofthetriptoOklahomaCity.Cassiehadhardlysleptduringthepast
twenty-fourhours.Partlybecausethebusmadefrequentstopsthatjarredherawake,butmostlybecauseit
wasdifficulttogethermindtostopspinning.

Withhermemoriesback,shestartedwonderinghowshecould’vemisjudgedMr.Rossisogreatly.

Howmanyofhismeetingshadinvolvedhurtingpeople?Nowsheknewthemajorityofthemhadrevolved
aroundillegalactivities.She’dbeentoofocusedonhercollegeclassestoseetheredflags.Well,classes
andVince—thinkingstraightaroundhimhadneverbeenanoption.

IjustlethimleavetotakeonanentirearmoftheMafiaandhisownuncle.Allbecauseofmy

conscience.Shecouldn’thelpthatshewantedMr.Rossitobeheldresponsible,butshedidn’twantVince
tobetheonewhopaid.

Whatifhegetshimselfkilled?Shemightneverknow,andthethoughtofthattorturedher.
“Hey,Katie,”Maudesaid,sittingintheseatnexttoCassie.Itstillthrewherofftobecalledthe

wrongname,andshewonderedifshe’deverlearntorespondbeforelettingacoupleofsecondstickby.

LastpitstopshefoundoutthatMaudeandHaroldHurstlivedinTulsaandhadbeeninMaryland

visitingtheirdaughterandherfamily.Neitherofthemcoulddriveverywellinthedark,andHarold
refusedtotakeaplanebecausehedidn’ttrustanobjectthatheavytoremainairborne,sotheywentmost
everywhereviabus.NotthemodeoftravelCassiewouldchoose,butMaude’skindnessandthecouple’s
funnyinteractionsmadethetripmorebearable.

“Harold’sasleepandIthoughtI’dcomechat.”Maudepulledoutknittingneedlesandaspoolofred,

yellow,andgoldyarnthatremindedCassieoffall.“Helpswiththearthritis,”shesaidasshestarted
workingonwhatlookedtobeascarf.

Withhersittingthisclose,Cassienoticedafewrebelliousstrandsofblondinthewoman’shair.Talk

ofherthreechildrenandfivegrandchildrenaccompaniedtheclickofneedles.Afterabouttwentyminutes
ofthat,MaudeloweredherknittingandglancedatCassie.“IknowyousaidyouweregoingtoOklahoma
City,butTulsa’snice,andwell,Ilivethere.Yousaidyou’veworkedasawaitress,right?”

Maudepriedthatoutlastmealstop—well,shenoticedhowCassietreatedtheirserverandguessed.

Lyingaboutthatpartofherpastdidn’tseemimportant.“Right,”Cassiesaid.

“Haroldboughtarestauranttheyearwemarried.LittleplacecalledFrontRangeSteakhouse.Spent

mostofourlivesworkingthere,too,andwhenwegottooslowtokeepup,mysonLevitookover.Owen,
myoldestgrandkid,worksthereaswell.Icouldeasilyputinagoodwordforyou.”

“Oh,that’sokay.”
AttheutterlydistraughtlookonMaude’sface,Cassiesaid,“Imean,I’llthinkaboutit.It’sjustthatI

mightnotbestoppinginOklahomapermanently.”

She’dalreadyignoredVince’sinstructionstotransfertoanotherdestinationatoneoftheconnections.

ShemeanttodoitinMissouri,butMaudeandHaroldhadropedherintoeatingbreakfastwiththem,and
shedidn’twanttoleavetheirfamiliarfacesbehindquiteyet.Nottomentionshe’dbeentooexhaustedto
dealwithchangingtheticketanyway.ShefiguredOklahomawasasgoodaplaceasanytopickanew
destination.

Andmaybe,justmaybe,sheheldouthopethatifshedidn’tveertoofarfromheroriginalpath,Vince

wouldfindhersomeday.

He’dprobablysaythatmeantanyonecouldfindher,butwhowouldknowshewasgoingunderKate

Jonesbesideshim?Sincehewasn’thereinpersontodemandshefollowhisinstructions,either,thenit
wasjusttoodamnbadforhim.Technically,stoppingearlyinTulsawassorta,kindafollowinghis
instructions.Shealsohatedjobinterviewswithapassion,andthisonewasprettymuchbeingofferedup
onasilverplatter.

“Youknowwhat?I’dloveajob,”Cassiesaid.“Aslongasyouthinkyoursonwillbeokaywithit.”
“He’sokaywithwhateverItellhimtobeokaywith.”MaudepattedCassie’shand.“We’llgetyou

settledandallfixedup,justyouwait.”

HavingaplancalmedCassie’sfrayednervesabit,andsheneededeveryounceofcalmshecouldget.

Ajobwouldn’tfixeverything,butitwasastart.Besides,shedidn’tthinkshe’dfindanotherMaudeout
there,andshewasalreadybecomingattached.

IftheoptionswerestartfromgroundzerototallyaloneorgetalittlehelpfromMaudeinaplacethat

didn’tveeroffthebuspathveryfarandmightmakeiteasierforVincefindheroneday,theriskseemed
worthit.

***

VinceparkeddowntheroadfromRossi’s,waitingforCarlo’stail.Carlopulleduptotherestaurantand
headedinside.Acoupleofminuteslaterabeat-upbrowncarwithtintedwindowsturnedontothestreet
andparkedafewblocksdown.

WeretheyseriouslyjusthopingtospotCarlodoingillegalactivitiesthroughthebrickwallsofthe

restaurant?Ordidtheythinkhewouldn’tnoticethemandgodowntothedocksinthemiddleofthedayso
theycouldgetitallonvideo?

Whatevertheyweredoing,itobviouslywasn’tworking.Theyalsohadanunmarkedcarwatching

Vince’shouse—notsurprisingconsideringCassie’ssuddendisappearance.Enoughpeopleknewhe’d
beenwithhertoleadpoliceorfedsorwhoeverwaslookingintoittoatleastquestionhim.Sincehe
didn’twantthattohappenquiteyet,he’dstayedinacheapmotellastnight,withnoCassietokeephim
company.Talkaboutaddinginsulttoinjury.

Vincepulledthebillofhisbaseballcaplower,walkedovertothebrowncar,andtappedaknuckle

onthedriver’ssidewindow.Itunrolledacoupleofinches,revealingamanwithahardlooktohim,the
kindthatsuggestedhe’dseenhisfairshareofactionovertheyears.Healsohadhishandonthehandleof
hisgun.

Thepassengercranedhisnecktogetapeek,andVinceimmediatelyrecognizedhim.“Ifitisn’tmy

favoriteP.I.Fancyseeingyouherewithafederalagentasapartner.Guessyou’removingupinthe
world.”

Vincesteppedback,liftedhisshirt,andspunaroundtoshowthemhewasn’tarmed.Thenheleanedin

again.“Whydon’twetakearideandhavealittletalk?”

“Funny,becauseI’vebeenwantingtotalktoyou,”thedriversaid.“Ithinkit’smoreofadownatthe

stationtalk,though.”

“That’sfineifyou’rehappywithhowyourinvestigation’sgoing.Ifnot,I’dsuggestchoosingtheride

option.Justknowthelongeryouthinkitover,themorelikelysomeonewillseemetalkingtoyou,and
thenwe’llbothbeSOL.”

Thelocksdisengagedwithaclick,andVinceduckedintothebackseat.Mr.FakeP.I.turnedandaimed

agunathimasthedriverpulledawayfromthecurbandtookthenextsidestreet.“I’mSpecialAgent
McVee,”thedriversaid,glancingathimintherearviewmirror,“andmypartner’sAgentMancini.”

“Youguysaren’tbeingasconspicuousasyou’dliketobelieve,”Vincesaid.“Ispottedyoufroma

mileaway.Samewiththecarwatchingmyhouse.”

Mancinilookedlikehewantedtoarguebutkepthismouthclosed.Itwasn’tlikeVincethoughtthey’d

giveawaytheirsecrets,buthewouldliketoknowhe’dchosencompetentpeople.Notsomegreenagent
he’dbeenabletoeasilysneakupon.Atleastthedriverseemedbetter.Buthedidn’tneedbetter.He
neededthebest.

McVeepulledoffinanalleyandtwistedinhisseat.“So,Mr.DaMarco.Idon’tsupposeyouknow

whereCassandraDaltonis?”

“Let’sskipthebullshitandgetrighttoit.”Despitewhathejustsaid,thewordsweren’taseasyto

forceoutashe’dexpected.HecouldhearCarloandhismenreferringtoratswithdisgust.Evenoutofthe
biz,he’doftenwonderedwhatkindofpersonturnedontheirfriendsandfamily.Dadhadtoberolling
overinhisgraverightnow—thatdugathimthemost.

Sorry,Dad,buthewentafterBobbyandmygirl.
“YouguyswantCarloRossi,andIcanhelpyougethim,”Vincesaid.“Youjustneedtopromise

you’llmakeitstick.I’mnotgoingtoputmylifeonthelineforhimtoturnaroundandeasilywiggleoutof
thecharges.”

McVeepushedMancini’sarmdownsothatthegunwasnolongerpointedatVince.“Dependsonwhat

youhave.”

“Icantellyouhowherunshisprotectionracketandwhichstoreownerswouldbethemostlikelyto

turnonhim.Iknowthenamesofhisdealersanddistributers,aswellaswherehekeepshisproduct.If
yougetawarranttosearchtherestaurant,you’llfindhisandhismen’sunregisteredweaponscollection
thatI’msurecouldbetiedtoseveralcrimes.AndIpersonallywitnessedthemurderofEduardoAlvarez.
Idon’tknowtheexactplacehe’sburied,butIknowaroundwhere.”

ThankstoSal’sbigmouth,VinceoverheardhimandDantetalkingaboutwheretoburytheguywho’d

daredpullaweapononhim.“Getafewdogsandateamofdetectivestothearea,andyoushouldbeable
tofindthebody.Butyouguysneedtobackoffuntilyou’vegotenoughtoarresthim,orhe’llburyevery
scrapofevidencebeforeyougettoit.He’shigh-strungrightnow,andwhilehe’sproud,he’llrunifhe
thinksheneedsto.He’sgottheresourcestodoit,too.”

“Ibethe’sbreathingeasiernowthatMissDaltonhasdisappeared,”McVeesaid.
Vinceignoredit.Firsthe’dsolidifythis,andthenhe’dtalkaboutCassie.
“Howdoweknowwecantrustyou?”Manciniasked.“Thatyou’renotjustgettingustobackoffso

youcanhideevidence?”

“Youdon’t.Butifyoudon’tbackoff,I’mnothelping.I’mnotgettingmyselfkilledfornothing.Ifyou

letmedothingsmyway,you’llcatchtheguyI’mguessingyou’vebeenafterforyears.Idon’tthinkyou
haveawholelotofoptions.Ifyoudid,youwould’vearrestedhimalready.”

“Allright,”McVeesaid.“We’lldoityourway,butifyouscrewusover,we’llreturnthefavor.AndI

wanttoknowwhathappenedtoCassandra.Whatmadeherrunintothestreetlikethat,andwhereisshe
now?”

Mancinifoldedhisarmsacrossthebackofhisseat.“Weknowyouweredatingher.Oratleast

pretendingto.”

Vincesatbackwithasigh.“IwaskeepinganeyeonherforCarlo.ShewitnessedtheEduardo

Alvarezmurder,butafterheraccident,shehadnomemoryofit.Itriedtoconvincehimtoletitgo,and
yes,whileIwaswatchingher,sheandIgot…close.ThenyouguysstartedpushingCarlo,andhegot
worriedaboutlooseends,sohetoldmetokillher.”

Heswallowedhard,andhisemotionsweren’tallforshow.Thinkingabouthertorehimupinside

everydamntime.“HesentbackupjustincaseIfailed,andsinceyou’veobviouslyseenherapartment,
youcanguesshowthatwent.WhichmakesyouasresponsibleasIamforherdeath.Goodluckliving
withthat.”Infact,hecouldreachovertheseatrightnowandknocktheguys’headstogetherforputting

herindangerthewaytheyhad.Onlythat’dmakeithardertogettheirhelp.

McVee’sfacefell,leadingVincetobelievehecaredaboutkeepinghersafe.Itmadehimlikehima

littlemore.“She’sdead?”

“Thesniperhitherrightinthegut.Itriedtogethertoahospital,butitwastoolate,andIknew

there’dbetoomanyquestions.ThenCarlowouldjustcomeafterme,soIdecidedI’dmakesurehepaid
forherdeathinstead.”

McVee’ssharpeyesstudiedVince.“You’rerightaboutusseeingherapartment.Wegotthereshortly

aftertheshotswerefired—fastenoughtocatchTony“theTrigger”Castellanocomingfromtheother
building.”

“Good.Chargehimwithherdeath,too.”
“Ithinktherewould’vebeenmorebloodiftheshotwasfatal.Idon’tthinkyou’rebeingcompletely

honestwithus.”

“Well,everyone’sentitledtotheiropinions,”Vincesaid.“Icarriedthatgirloutofthebuilding,and

believeme,Isawplentyofherblood.”

“Where’sherbody,then?”
Vinceclenchedhisjawandblewabreathoutofhisnose.“Iputhertorest.”
McVeepressedhisfingerstohisforeheadandmadeatired,frustratednoise.“We’dhaveabettercase

withherbody.”

“That’stoodamnbad.I’mnotlettingyoudigherup.You’llhaveplentyofevidence,andshewent

throughenough.Now,doyouwantmyhelpornot?”

***

JimwatchedVincecutacrossthealleyanddisappear.

“Youthinkhe’stellingthetruth?”Manciniasked.
“AboutCassandra,no.Forensicsgotherbloodtypefromthehospital,andtheysaidthebloodatthe

scenewasn’thers.Myguessisit’shis,butIdon’tthinkhe’llreadilyagreetoabloodtest.AboutRossi,
though…IthinkVinceisourbestbetatgettinghim,whichmakesmewanttobelievehim.Maybealittle
toomuch.”

“AsmuchasIhatetosaythisaboutthebrutewhopulledmeoutofawindow,he’ssmarterthanthe

restofCarlo’sguys.”

“Yeah,he’lleithergiveuswhatweneed,ordestroyourwholecase.”JimliftedthecoordinatesVince

gavehim.Hecouldn’twaittocallitinandseewhatthedogsandCSIcouldfind,anddespitetryingto
keephimselffromputtingtoomuchstockinthistip,he’dalreadystartedseeingvisionsofarrestwarrants
dancinginhishead.

***

Carlowasoutbackenjoyingoneofhiscigars,whenVincesteppedoutthebackdoor.“Ithoughtyouwere
gonnatakeafewdaysoff.”

“Hardtorelaxwhenthere’sapigparkedoutsidemyhouse,”Vincesaid.“SoIstayedawayandthen

gotridofyourtail.Toldthemitwasharassmentwhentheydidn’thaveanythingonyou,andthatwe’dcall
ourlawyerifweneededto.”

“Andwhatdidtheysaytothat?”
Vinceshrugged.“Bunchofbullshitcopstuff,butIcouldtellIhitanerve.Idoubtthey’llbefollowing

youanymore.”

“DidtheyaskyouaboutCassie?”
“Yeah.Iwishyoursniperhadn’tmadesuchafuckingmess.ItoldthemsheandIhaddatedabit,butit

wasnothingseriousandIhadn’theardfromherinawhile.Theyever-so-predictablyaskedmeifI

wantedtofinishtheconversationatthestation.ItoldthemI’dloveafreeride,butI’dbecallingthesame
lawyerIwasgoingtohavelookintotheirharassment,andtheybackedoff.Theymightpokearoundabit
more,buttheywon’tfindanything,andwithnobody,they’llneverbeabletoproveanything.I’mnot
worried.”

Carlostudiedhisnephewinthefadingafternoonlight.LastnightwhenVincehadfirstburstin,he

didn’tknowwhattothink.ButashetalkedaboutcarryingoutthehitonCassie…Heknewthathaunted
look.Itwasthelookyougotwhenyou’ddonesomethingyou’dhatedtodoandyouweren’tsurehow
exactlytolivewithityet.Mostofhismenwoulddenyit,butthey’dallhadhardhitsthatshookthemup
likethat.Itcamealongwiththeterritory,andVincehaddonewell,carryingthingsoutdespitethehiccup.

CarloalsopeekedoutthewindowasVincedroveaway.HistiresandthebottomofJeepwereboth

coatedindriedmud,moreevidenceconfirminghisstory.

Triggermust’vegottenalittletrigger-happy.OrmaybeSalthoughthe’dpayVincebackandtakea

cheapshotathimwhilehecouldgetawaywithit.Ishould’veknowntotakecareofthecallmyself.

Iftheheathadn’tbeensohigh,hewould’ve.
“Anyway,justthoughtI’dupdateyou,”Vincesaid.“Iftheydon’tbackoff,letmeknowandwe’ll

comeupwithanewplanofattack.Maybeevensicthatoverpricedlawyeryou’vegotonretaineronthem
andmakethemdizzywithpaperwork.”Onecornerofhismouthtwistedup.“That’dbefun.”

“Yeah,Ineverthoughtoftheharassmentangle.Evenifitdoesn’tstick,wecanatleastmakethem

chasetheircurlylittletailsawhile.Fuckingpigs.”

“Fuckingpigs,”Vinceechoed.“Anyway,I’mgoingtoseeifIcangobacktomyhousenow.Ifnot,I

mightletthemtakemedowntothestationjustsoIcangetanap.”Hegaveashortlaugh,clappedCarlo
ontheback,andthenheadedbackinsideofRossi’s.

AsCarlotookthelastfewpuffsofhiscigar,hewonderedhowmanyofhismenwouldhavetheballs

towalkuptoataillikethat.Andtothink,Vincewasn’tsureifhewasmadeforthis.Itwasinhisblood,
andhewasalreadybetterthanmenwho’dbeenatitforyears.

He’dstillhavetowatchhim,becauseheknewtherewassomebitternessleftoverfromeverything

thathappenedwithBobby,andit’dprobablyincreasedwhenVincefoundoutCarlohadgiventheorderto
takehimoutifnecessary.ButhecouldalwaysuseBobbyagainifVinceneededextramotivation,and
clearlyhisnephewhadrealizedwhowasinchargeanddecidedhemightaswellcomeovertothe
winningside.

Hemightnotbecompletelyoutofthewoods,butthepieceswereallstartingtocometogether.Andif

anythingoranyonegotintheway,he’dtakecareofit.Justlikehealwaysdid.

ChapterThirty-Six

Jimstoodinthemiddleofthewoodedarea,shiveringdespitehisthickcoat.Novembernightscouldbe
unforgiving,andfromthefeelofit,thesnowthey’dgottenearlierthisweekwasgoingtolooklikeajoke
whentomorrow’sstormhit.

Itraisedthestakes,weatherandtimeteamingupagainsthimandtherestofthesearchteam.They’d

beenatitsincefirstthingthismorning,andwiththesunallbutdown,moralewaswaning.Ofcourse,this
wholethingcouldjustbeawildgoosechase,andVinceandCarlocouldbedisposingofevidence
rightnow.

Jimshovedthatthoughtaway,becauseitwouldn’thelpanything.Notthesearchorhisfrustrationor

frozentoes.Helikedtothinkhereadpeopleprettywell,andwhilehedidn’tthinkVincewascompletely
honestaboutwhathappenedtoCassandra,hewascertainhecaredforher.Manciniagreed,citinghisfirst
run-inwithVinceasproofhetookhersafetyseriously.

Wasawomanreallyenoughtogethimtoturnonhisownuncle?
Hehopedso.
Aloudbarkbrokethesilence,andJimrushedinthedirectionitcamefrom.Therestofthecrew

graduallymadetheirwayover.Theystoodinalargecircle,waitingtoseewhatthecadaverdoghad
found.

Afreezingeternitylater,theteampreparedtopullthebodyoutoftheground.Jimsetasidethecupof

coffeethatstoppedwarminghishandsandinsideslongagoandmovedascloseastheforensicteam
wouldallow.

Ashorribleasitwastofeelreliefoveradeadbody,Jimcouldn’thelpit.Thiscouldbethesmoking

guntheyneededtoarrestCarloRossiformurder.WithwhatVincealreadygavethemontheracketeering
sideofthebusiness,theycouldthrowtheRICOActathimandhisboys—andtheywould—butthe
sentenceswereoftenbargaineddowntolesserones,andhewantedCarloputawayforlife.

Mancini’sneedtodojustthatpracticallyvibratedoffhim.TheStyrofoamcupinhishandwasnowa

mangledmess.

Jimclappedhimontheback.“Thisisgoingtosinkhim.We’regoingtogetthebastard.”Hethought

abouttellinghimthathisdadwouldbeproud,buthedidn’tknowifthatwastoomushy.

TwoCSIguysliftedthebodyontothenearbytarp.BileroseupasJimtookinthesizeoftheexit

woundinthebackoftheman’sskull.WhatfeatureshecouldseematchedthepicturefromEduardo
Alvares’sdriver’slicense.Ofcourse,theymatchedalotofpeople,especiallyafterthismuchtimeinthe
ground.

Whichmeanttheyhadtodomorewaiting.

***

Carlosatinhisofficeattherestaurant,thinkinghowniceitwastohavehisfreedomsback.Thefeds
hadn’ttailedhimforacoupleofdays,Allegrawascontenttoshopandgreethimwithakissattheendof
theday,andhecouldfinallyjustsitback,relax,andenjoyaplateofcannoli,uninterrupted.

Tomorrowhe’dputthesqueezeonafewofhisbusinessesthat’dtakenadvantageofhisrecent

distractions.KillingEduardowassupposedtosendamessagetotheothermerchantstofallintoplace.
Instead,severalofthemthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatoformaneighborhoodwatchprogramandtake
careoftheirownprotection.

He’dtakeSal,Dante,andsomeoftheotherboyswithhimtomakesuretheneighborhoodwatch

memberswouldn’tbeabletowatchanythingforaweekorso.Acoupleofswollenblackeyesshoulddo

it.That’dbetheirwarning,andhehadnodoubtpeoplewouldfallinagain.

Carlo’scellphonerang,andDante’snamepoppeduponthescreen.
“What’sup?”Carloanswered.
“WhileIwassweatingitoutinjail,oneofourdealersranoffwithafewkilosofcocaine.Don’t

worry,I’llfindhimandletyouknowoncehe’stakencareof.ButIwantedyoutohearitfromme.”

“Justtakecareofit.Jeez,onefuckingweekandthepeoplestartrevolting.Where’stheloyalty?”He

lickedcreamoffhisfingers.“WhataboutSanji’sMarket?Hepay?”

“Tookalittleroughingup,butIgotit.”
“Good.We’llhitafewmoreplacestomorrow.”He’dautomaticallyskippedVinceoutofhabit,but

nowwasasgoodatimeasanytogethimintotheswingofthings.“I’msendingVincewithyoutomorrow.
Keepaneyeonhimforme.Tellmeifyounoticehimgoingtoosoftonthemerchants.Justbetweenme
andyou,capisce?”

“Yougotit,Boss.”
Noiseeruptedfromthediningarea,andCarlodisconnectedthecall.OccasionallyRossi’sgotaloud

partyofpeoplethatgotlouderthemoretheydrank,buttheroarsoundedlikethreerowdypartiesatonce.

Withascowl,Carlopushedawayfromhisdesk.Heheadedtowardtheheartoftherestauranttosee

whatwasgoingon.

“Freeze!”Avoiceyelled.“CarloRossi,you’reunderarrestfor—”
Carlodartedintothehall,planningonduckingoutthebackalley.Acoupleofpigscuthimoff,guns

aimedathischest.Oneofthemlookedfamiliar.Ittookhimamomenttorealizehe’dseenhimin
McCarthy’srestaurantthedayhewenttocheckonCassie.Obviouslyhewasn’tasparanoidthatdayas
he’dthought.

“HandswhereIcanseethem,”thepigsaid.“Ifyouchoosetorun,mypartnerwouldbegladtoadd

resistingarresttoyourrapsheet.Youwannatryit?”

Smugbastard—he’dmakehimpay.Itwasn’tlikehehadn’tbeenarrestedbefore.“Sure,boys.Careto

tellmewhyI’mbeingarrestedtoday?”

“Racketeeringtostartwith,conspiracytocommitmurder,andmurdertotopitoff.We’llgettothe

officialsinamoment,butlet’sjustsay,I’mconfidentyou’llneverseetheoutsideofaprisoncellagain.”

ChapterThirty-Seven

AlittleovertwoweeksafterbeingdumpedoffinaGreyhoundstation,KatieJoneshadajob,an
apartment,andaroommatewhoalsoworkedattheFrontRangeSteakhouse.

Cassietriedtocelebratehersuccessatmanagingallthreesoquickly.Sheputonagoodfrontaround

otherpeople,butwhensheretreatedtoherbedroomaloneatnight,everythingsheheldatbayduringthe
dayrushedheratonce.

Vince’sabsenceglaredather,thisbigemptyspacethatshouldbefilledwithabigruggedguy.Before

fallingasleep,sherelivedeverymomenttheyhadtogetherandletherheartachewashoverher.Probably
counterproductivetotrulymovingon,butassomeonewho’dlostmemories,thethoughtofhavingthose
strippedfromhermadeherholdonthatmuchtighter.

Unfortunately,badmemoriesleakedintoherdreams,turningthemintonightmareswhereshewatched

EduardoAlvarez’smurderagainandagain.Occasionally,Vince’sfacewouldreplaceEduardo’sright
beforeCarlopulledthetrigger.

Thenshe’dwakeupinacoldsweat,thrashingatthesheetsbindingherlegs.Morethanonceshe

wonderedifshewasbeingridiculouslystubbornforstayinginOklahomaandnotdoingmoretohide.She
considereddyeingherhair,butshe’dalreadymeteveryoneasablondandfiguredshemightaswellstay
thatway.AsearchontheKateJonesesintheareacameupwithoverseventylistings,whichmadeher
feelbetteraboutherodds.

Soshe’dtriedtostopsecond-and-tripleguessingherdecisions,forcedherselftopretendherway

throughstartingover,andtoldherselfthateventually,herheartbreakwouldlessenandhernewlife
wouldn’tfeelso…blackandwhite.Thatshe’dgoanightwithoutnightmares.Thatshe’dlearntowalk
downthesidewalkwithoutflinchingatpassingcars.Thatonedaycolorandfullfeelingwouldreturn.

Attheknockonherbedroomdoor,sheproppedthecornersofhermouthintoasmileandcalledout,

“Yeah?”

Herroommate,Deanne,pokedherheadinsideandflashedherawidegrin—shewasoneofthesunny

spotsinhernewlife.Highenergyandasbrightastheredappliancesinherkitchenandthebootsonher
feet,herenthusiasmhelpedkeepCassiefromcrashing.“Readytogo?”

CassiereachedintoherclosetandskimmedherhanddownthesleeveofVince’sarmyjacket.It’ll

justremindMaudeshestillhasn’tgottenthefullstory.Withasigh,shegrabbedtheblackcoatshe
recentlyboughtinstead.MaudeinsistedsheandDeannecomeoverforSundaydinner.Apparentlyitwas
tradition,andCassie—orKatie,asitwere—wasnowgoingtobepartofit.

Atthefrontdoor,Deannebentoverandshookoutherdarkhair,thewayshealwaysdidbeforethey

leftthehouse.Thensheflippedupherhead,herwavesnowtwicetheirusualsize.Sheappliedalayerof
pinkishgoldlip-glossthatcomplementedherbronzeskintone,andtheywereofficiallyreadyfortheir
grandexit.

OntheirwaytotheHurst’s,DeannechattedaboutTrevor,oneoftheotherserversshehadacrushon.

“Whataboutyou?Youalwaysstayquietwhenmeortheothergirlstalkaboutguys.Ooh,whatabout
Owen?”

“Like,Maude’s-grandson-and-our-managerOwen?”
“Thatdoesn’tmakehimanylesscute.He’sstudyingtobeavet,youknow.What’scuterthanaguy

whowantstosaveanimals?”

Yes,whenCassiethoughtaboutitobjectively,shesupposedOwen,withhissandy-coloredmessy

curls,blueeyes,anddesiretosaveanimals,wascute,ifalittleonthescrawnyside.Sincearrivingin

Oklahoma,she’dreallyonlylookedateveryguyasnot-Vince.Speakingof,it’dbeenalmosttwenty-four
hourssinceshecheckedtheTrentonnews.Uponherarrivalhere,she’dchosenthecheapestusedphone
withinternetaccessshecouldget,andforthefirstfewdays,sherefreshedtheTrentonnewspapersonce
anhour,asifthenewswouldmagicallychangeduringtheday.

Notseeingthestoryshewantedmadehermoodyontopofherusualmoodiness,sosheonlyallowed

herselftodoitonceaday.Whentheyreturnedhomefromdinner,she’ddoherdailysearch.Sherealized
ittooktimetobuildacase,butshewantedtoseeCarloRossi’snameinprintwiththewords“charged
with”or“arrested”orwhateverittooktomakeVincesafer.

“AllI’msayingis,Ithinkhelikesyou,”Deannesaid.“Hewasstaringatyouyesterdayatwork.”
CassieturnedtoDeanne,tryingtoconnectthedots.Whathadtheybeentalkingabout?Oh,right.

Owen.“Ijustgotoutofarelationship,soI’mnotreallylooking.”

“Hello?Thatdefinitelycallsforarebound.”
“WithMaude’sgrandsonwhoweworkwith?That’swhoyouthinkIshouldreboundwith?”
TwocreasesformedbetweenDeanne’seyebrows.“Goodpoint.Okay,we’llfindyouarebound,and

thenafteryougetdonewiththatguy,youcangoforOwen.”

Cassieshookherhead.Thegirlwasn’tverygoodatbeingsteeredawayfromanideaonceshesether

mindonit.Itwashowtheyendeduplivingtogether.Cassiementionedshewasstayinginamotel,Deanne
saidshewaslookingforaroommate,andwithintwodays,theywereroomies.

TheypulleduptoMaude’sandHarold’s,andCassieranherthumbacrossthephoneinherpocket.

Wouldlookingatthenewspapersafewhoursearlybesobad?

“Areyoucomingorwhat?”Deanneasked,andCassiereluctantlyreleasedherphone.
Fine,I’llwaitafewmorehourslikeI’msupposedto.ButwhenIlookatyou,news,youbetterbe

good.

***

ThebarinNewBrunswicklookedlikeanyotherdivebar.Dimlighting,cluttered,undustedpictureson
thewall,andafewlonelypeoplewho’dprobablybeensittingatthebarsinceitopened.Totopoffthe
abandon-all-hopevibe,asadgarbledsongplayedthroughtheancientspeakers.

Vincehadmadesurehewasn’ttailed.WithmostofCarlo’smenarrested,theoddswereinhisfavor,

buthedidn’tbelievein“toocareful,”especiallywitheverythingatstakerightnow.Thefedseventook
himinduringtheraidtohelpkeepsuspicionoffofhim,sinceherefusedtojumpintothewitness
protectionprogram.Heneededtobeclosesoheknewwhatwashappening.Neededtothinkabout
Bobby.Afewoftheotherguysmadebailalready,butwiththepolicewatchingandCarlobehindbars,
everyonewasontheirbest,mostpretend-to-be-law-abidingbehavior.

NewBrunswickwasmiddlegroundbetweenTrentonandFBIheadquarters,andMcVeeandMancini

insistedtheyhadsomethingtheyneededtotalktohimabout.

Henoticedthetwofedssittinginthebackcornerandslidintothebooth,gladforthehighwallsthat

addedprivacy—thelastthingheneededwassomeoneseeinghimwiththesetwo.Sometimesitfeltlike
theyweretryingtogethimkilled.“Whatwassoimportantitwasworthriskingameetrightnow?”

McVeepulledoutalaptop.“Wejusthadacoupleoffollow-upquestionsaboutCassandraDalton,and

asacourtesy,wedecidedtomeethereinsteadofthestation.”

Vincecrossedhisarmsandsatback.“Afraidyouboysarewastingyourtime.Itoldyoueverything

already.Ifyou’dlikemetotellyouagainatthestation,wecandothatsonganddance.”

“It’sjustthatwegotacallfromacopinFrederick,Maryland.AfterCassandrawentmissing,weput

outanAPBonyouandher.”

Boredexpressioninplace,Vincecontinuedtolookacrossthetable,buthisgutchurnedwithworry.

Tellmeyoudidagoodjobofgettinglost,Cassie.Otherwisewe’rebothgonnabescrewed.

Carlo’sboyswerebehavingforthemoment,buttheyhadplentyofcontactswho’dhavenoproblem

carryingoutahit.

“We’reabitconfusedbythisvideowegot…”McVeespunthelaptopscreenaround.Agrainyimage

ofhimselfandCassiegreetedVince.TheagentpushedplayandVincewatchedtheirpowerstruggleinthe
busstation.Therewasnovolume,butanyonecouldseetheywerearguing.

Thenhewatchedhimselfkisshergoodbye.
Longingroseupandwoundthreadafterthreadaroundhisheart,aslicingreminderofwhathe’dlost

thatday.

McVeepauseditsotheimagecouldsitthereandtorturehim,andsaid,“ItwouldappearthatMiss

Daltondidn’tdiefromagunshotwound.”

“Huh,”Vincesaid.
Bothagentsfrownedathim.Theycouldfrownalltheywanted.Whatweretheygoingtodo?Arrest

theirstarwitness?

McVeepushedasidehiswaterglassandleanedhiselbowsonthetable.“Whydon’tyoutelluswhere

sheis?”

“I’msureyoulookeditupintheirsystem,”Vincesaid,fishingforhowmuchtheyknew.
“AndI’msureyouknowthere’snotarecordofaCassandraDaltonbuyingaticket.Look,wejust

wannatalktoher.ThemorewitnesseswehaveagainstCarloRossi,thebetter.Letmeplayyousomething
else.”

Vince’smusclestensedashewaitedtoseeCassieonscreenagain.OnlythefileMcVeepulledupwas

anaudioone.ArecordedconversationbetweenSalandCarlo,givingtheordertokillCassie.

“WhatifVincegetsintheway?”Salasked.
Therewasapause,andthenCarlo’svoice.“Justhavehimdowhatneedstobedone.”
“That’salltheproofyouneedthatRossididn’tcareifyoulivedordiedthatnight,”McVeesaid.

“Don’tyouwanttoputhimawayforthat?”

Vincebarkedalaugh,andbothagentslookedathimlikehe’dlosthismind.“Iwasthere.Inearlygot

shot,soIdon’tneedprooftotellmehegavetheordertokillmeifnecessary.Wasthatreallyyourplan?
PlayarecordingtogetmetogiveyouinformationonCassie?Nowonderyoudidn’tgetanyofCarlo’s
mentoturnonhim.”

Mancini’snostrilsflared,andhismusclescoiledlikehewasgoingtoleapoverthetable.Bringit.

WiththeoverwhelmingsensationofmissingCassietumblingthroughhim,hecoulduseafightrightnow.

McVeeputhishandonhispartner’sshoulderandshothimalookthatmadehimsitbackwithascowl.

“WhataboutthefactthatyourfatherwaskilledbecauseCarlotookoutoneofhisrival’sbrothersovera
moneydispute?Yourdad’sdeathwasaretributionkilling.DidCarloevertellyouthat?”

Vinceworkedhardtonotreact,butsincehehadn’tknown,heprobablyfailed.
“Weknow—orIguessweshouldsaywehighlysuspect—hekilledtheguyforit,butyourdad’sdead

becauseofCarloRossi,”McVeesaid.

Shock,relief,disbelief—Vincewasn’tsurewhichtoletovertaketheothers.Butthenherealizedit

didn’tchangethepast,orthefactthatDadknewtherisks.Whatgoodwouldithavedonetoknow?Would
VincehaverefusedtomoveinwithCarlowhenheandBobbywerekidswithnootherplacetogo?Taken
Bobbyawayfromherealongtimeagoandpreventedhimfromturningintoajunkie?Movedawayand
livedacompletelydifferentlife?

Maybe.
Butagain,itdidn’tchangeanything.HelpedabitwiththeguiltandfeelinglikehewaslettingDad

down,though.“Well,nowthatIhavethisnewinformation,IguessI’llstilltestify.Goodjob.”

McVeeranahandthroughhishair.“Cassandracouldhelpputhim—”
“IfyouandtheUSAssistantAttorneycan’tputhimawaywithwhatyouhave,you’renotverygoodat

yourjobs.I’llneverchangemymindaboutCassie.”

“Twobuseswentoutatthattime,”Mancinisaid.“Wesentherpicturetoeverystopalongtheway.It’s

onlyamatteroftimebeforesomeonerecognizesher.We’llkeepyouintheloopaboutitifyoucooperate
withus.”

Vincegrittedhisteethandclenchedhisfists,comingdangerouslyclosetolosinghistemper.“Ifyou

wantmycooperation,you’llleaveheroutofit.Idon’twanttoberesponsibleforgettingherkilled.I
knowyouidiotsthinkyoucanprotecther,butIdon’thaveanyconfidenceinthesystem.Carlo’sgottento
witnessesbefore,andifshedies,Ihavenoreasontotestify.She’stheonlyreasonIevencamebackto
helpyougetmyuncleoffthestreets.”

Manciniopenedhismouth,andVincetalkedrightoverwhateverhewasgoingtosay.“Threatswon’t

workonme,sodon’tbother.Andthefactofthematteris,Idon’tknowwhereshewent.She’ssmart,andI
madesureshehadeverythingsheneededtogetlostforgood.Icouldn’tevenfindherifIwantedto.”

Nowhewasgoingtohavetomakesurethatwastrue.Ifhedidfindher,he’dhavetogoandyellat

herfornotdoingagoodenoughjob.Afterhekissedher—he’dhatetobetoomean.

Ofcourse,thenhe’dneverhavethestrengthtowalkawayagain.Damnthatvideofootage,anddamn

theseassholesforrefusingtoleaveherinpeacesoshecouldliveanormallife.

GoaheadanddamnCarlo,too,forcausingthistobenecessaryinthefirstplace.
Vincestood,fightingtheurgetousephysicalforceonthefedssotheyunderstoodjusthowserioushe

wasaboutleavingCassiealone.Hecouldn’tmakesureshewassafefromprison.“We’redonehere.Oh,
andifyouwantmetolivelongenoughtotestify,I’dsuggestnothavinganymoreofthesepointless
meetings.”

***

Maude’sfamilymembers,hernext-doorneighbor,Cassie,andDeannesurroundedthemassiveoaktable
intheHurst’sdiningroom.Basically,ifMaudemetyouandyoudidn’thavefamilynearby,shetookyouin
andfedyou.Insteadofthecrazycatlady,shewasthecrazypeoplelady.

Theamazingfoodandjovialconversationcreatedacomfortingcocoonaroundthem,blockingoutthe

restoftheworldforawhile.Butwhenevertherewasalull,Cassiethoughtaboutthephoneinherpocket,
andhowmanynewspapersshecouldpullupwithacoupleoftaps.Yesterdayshe’dseenthewords
“severalarrested”andheradrenalinehadspiked,alongwithherhopes.Thelastwordsoftheheadline
endedupbeing“inaprostitutionring,”andherhopehadcrackedandcrashedtotheground.

“So,Katie,how’sOklahomacomparingtoMaryland?”Owenasked,andsheglancedupintimefor

alleyestoturntoher.AtleastshewasgettingbetteratansweringtoKatie.Heshotheracrookedsmile.
“Andyoumightwannarememberyou’resurroundedbynatives.”

“Ah,sonopressure,”shesaid,andchuckleswentaroundthetable.“SofarI’maTulsafan,sono

needtogetoutthepitchforksjustyet.”

“Happytohearit.Whatmadeyoumovehere,anyway?”
“Yourgrandma.”CassiesmiledatMaude.“ShemademeanofferIcouldn’trefuse.”
“ButwhatmadeyouleaveMarylandinthefirstplace?Ineverheardthatpartofthestory.”
Herdefensesprickled.Shewantedtotellhimshedidn’tcomeovertobeinterrogated,butOwen’s

expressionheldmoreinterestandcuriositythanchallenge.Relax.He’sjusttryingtomakeconversation.
Tryingtogettoknowyou.

Unfortunately,thatwasn’tanoption.She’dalwayshavetohidepartofherself,andfromnowon,she

neededtokeepbettertrackofeverylieshetoldorshe’dtripherselfuponthem.Asmuchasbeingaloner
sucked,itmightbethewaytogo.Themoreinvolvedshegotwithnewpeople,themorecomplicated
thingsbecame.

“Ijustneededachange.”EventhoughIdidn’twantone.“Afreshstart.”Thatwassupposedtobe

withVince.“AndIwanttogetadegreeinculinaryarts.PlattCollegehasaprogram,soI’mlookinginto
enrollingthere.”

Shehopedthecollegetopicwouldmovethemawayfromthewhy-she-came-hereone,eventhough

shecouldn’thelpbutthinkofhowVincewastheonetoleadhertolookintoit.Forgoodmeasure,she
added,“Ihearyou’regoingtovetschool.”

Luckilythatshiftedtheconversation,andthetensioninherbodyeasedasdinnerturnedbackintoa

casual,lightaffair.Aftertheypushedawayfromthetable,Cassiesnuckawaytodoherinternetsearch.

She’djustpulleduptheTrentonianwhenMaudefoundher.“Areyoutextingyourman?”
Cassieloweredherphone.“Idon’thaveaman.”
Maudeplacedherhandsonherhipsandtwistedhermouth,likeshewastryingtofigureouthowto

saywhatshewantedtosay.Sinceshenormallyblurtedoutwhatevershethought,Cassieheldherbreath,
waitingforwhateveritwas.“I’vetriedtogiveyoutime.Ifiguredyou’dcomeoutwithitsoonerorlater,
butwhenareyougoingtotellmewhathappened?Andwhenisthatmangoingtocomeandmakeupwith
you?”

“Itoldyou.I’mnevergoingtoseehimagain.”Onceagain,shewasreconsideringhermovehere.As

muchasshehatedtoleavesuchanicesituation,maybesheshouldmoveonbeforeshegotanydeeper.

“Oh,Idon’tbuythat.YoukeepforgettingIwastherewhenyousaidgoodbye.”
“’Goodbye’beingtheoperativeword.Hewasintownonbusinesswhenwemet.Ourrelationship

progressedquickly.”Cassiepaused,thinkingofhowshecouldputit.“Ifoundoutlaterthathehadn’t
exactlybeentruthfulthewholetime.Hehadtogobacktotakecareofhisfamily,andIfeltlikeIcouldn’t
trulystartoverunlessIfoundanewplacewhereourmemoriestogetherwouldn’tconstantlydragme
down.”

AngerflickeredacrossMaude’sfeatures,andCassietriedtofigureoutwhatshe’dsaidthatcould’ve

causedsuchastrongreaction.“Hisfamily?Youmeanhewasmarriedalready?Didhehavekids?”

Cassiewantedtosay,“Ofcoursenot!”ButthensherealizedthequestionsaboutVincewouldstopif

sheletMaudebelievetheconclusionshe’djumpedto.“IwasheartbrokenwhenIfoundout.Theywere
separatedwhenwefirstmet,but…well,hefeltheowedittohiskidstogiveitanothershot.”

Guiltranthroughher—overlyingtoMaudeandsayinganythingbadabouttheguywhosavedherlife

againandagain,andhadgonebacktodoitonemoretime.

Maudepulledherintoabone-crushinghug.“Ihadnoidea.Don’tworry.You’llfindsomeoneelse.”
“Thanks.Andthanksfortakingmein.Ithelpstohavesomefriends.”
“Well,you’vegotsome.Now,let’sgetdessert.That’llmakeeverythingbetter.”
Cassiehadn’tknownMaudelong,butshewasquicklyrealizingthatshethoughttherewasnothing

dessertcouldn’tfix.

Ifonlyshewereright,lifewouldbesomucheasier.
AsMaudeheadedtothekitchen,Cassietooktheopportunitytofinishhernewssearch.Hereyes

skimmeddowntheheadlines.Shewassousedtonotseeinganythingthatshenearlymissedit.Butthere,
ontherightside,underthemostpopularheadingwasthethingshe’dlongedtoseeeversincehermissing
memoriescameback.

FBIARRESTFIFTEENMAFIASUSPECTS,INCLUDINGALLEGEDNEWJERSEYMAFIABOSS,CARLOROSSI…

ChapterThirty-Eight

Thiswaitingstuffwasbullshit.TheNewJerseyprisondidn’thavehiminanorangejumpsuit,butthetan
coloredonewasn’tmuchbetter.Helikedhisclothesonthetailored,expensiveside,withfabricthat
caressedinsteadofirritated,andrightnowhelookedlikeasackofpotatoes.

Hecouldhardlybelievehewasstuckinprison,baildenied.He’dalwaysdisposedofwitnesses.He

wasbeyondcareful.Someoneratted,obviously,andhewantedtotakecareofhimbeforethisbecamehis
permanentresidence.Problemwas,toomanyofhisboyshadbeenarrested.

LasttimeAllegravisited,heaskedhertogetaholdofVinceandhavehimcomein.Hewastheonly

oneofhisguyswhodidn’thavearapsheetamilelongandhadn’tbeenchargedwiththeRICOAct.Right
now,Carlowasgladhisnephewhadkepthisnoseclean.Inordertohaveachanceofgettingoutofhere,
Vinceneededtogethishandsdirty.

Ihatethishamster-trapped-in-a-fucking-wheelfeeling.
Thedoorswungopenwithascreechofmetalagainstmetal,andUfizzistrolledin.Betweenhisbald

head,hookednose,andscrawnybuild,theguyremindedhimofMr.BurnsfromtheSimpsons.Buthis
lawyergothimandhisboysoutoftroubleagainandagain,sowhilehemightnotlooktough,hewasa
viperincourt.

“Iknowyoudidn’tfighttheexpeditedtrialdatetheDApushedforatyourarraignment,butIcouldfile

amotiontoextend.Ireallythink—”

“Thatwhat?IshouldrotinhereforafewmoreyearsbeforeIgetatrial?Iwantitoverwithassoon

aspossible.Justdoyourjob,andgetmethehelloutofhere.”Luckilyhisreputationmeanttheother
inmateslefthimalone.Heevenhadafewprotectinghimandsneakinghimcigars.Justtobesafe,hespent
hisfreetimeworkingout.He’dbeenhavingtoomanydinnersanddessertsattherestaurant,butamonthin
hereandhisgutwasquicklyshrinking.

“Fine,we’lljustgettoit,then.”UffizirattledoffthechargesCarlowasalreadywellawareof,but

theystungalloveragain.SometimeshethoughtUffizireadthemeverymeetingsohecouldaddmore
billablehours.

Consideringhisfrozenassets,itwasgoingtobeaproblemsoon,especiallysinceAllegrahaddipped

intohisstashfor“underduressshopping.”Tohearhertellit,shehaditworsethanhedid.

“Justgettothewitnesslist,”Carlosaid.
“We’restillinthediscoveryprocess,whichiswhy—”
“Iswearifyousuggestputtingoffthetrialagain,I’llreachacrossthetableandsmackyou.”It’d

almostbeworththeguardcominginandcuttingthemeetingshort.

Uffizipoutedforamomentbeforepullingfilesoutofhisbriefcase.“Asforhowtheyfoundthebody

ofEduardoAlvarez,there’snowitnessstatement,justthataconfidentialinformantledthemthere.I’ll
fighttogettheidentitydisclosedandI’llwin,butthey’llprobablywaituntilthethirty-days-before-trial
mark,justbecausetheycan.”

Sonotforacouplemoremonths.Thirtydayswasstillplentyoftimetooffsomeone,althoughCarlo

didn’twanttowaitthatlong.“Iwantyoutofindoutwhotheirinformantis,andIwantitdoneyesterday.”

Uffizinoddedandthensaid,“I’vebeenbuildingalonglistofcharacterwitnesses.Therearealotof

peoplewillingtotestifyaboutwhatagenerousmanyou’vebeentothemandtheircommunity.You
contributedthefundstobuildthatextrawinginthehighschool.That’lllookgood.”

“Yeah,murderversusbuildingschools.Iwonderwhichwillstickoutinthejurors’minds.”
Uffizikeptonleafingthroughhisfile,asifthemagickeytoeverythingwassimplyburiedinthepages

heluggedaround.“TheweaponsfoundatRossi’sareprettydamning.We’llarguethatanyonewho
workedtherehadaccesstothem.Givereasonabledoubtthatthey’reyoursatleast.Whoelsehasaccess
tothesafe?”

“Vince,Sal,Dante.”
“Wecouldsuggestitwasoneofthem.Vincedoesn’thaveanypriors.Well,notanyafterhewas

eighteen,whichiswhat’simportant.Iftheychargehim,I’llfindawaytogetthemtodismissitlater.”

Carlohatedtoeventhinkaboutit.ButifUffizicouldmakesureVincedidn’tactuallygetpunishedfor

it…Dantewasalreadyonhisthirdstrike,sowhatwasonemoreminorchargetohim?Hecoulddeal
down.ThentherewasSal.ThegnatwouldprobablyvolunteerifCarlospunitright.

“Let’sholdoff.”Carlohopedhewouldn’tgetdesperateenoughtoconsiderit.Itwasn’twhohewas.
Thenagain,neitherwasbeingaprisoner.

***

Cassieputinfoodordersfortwoofhertablesandthentookaquickminutetocatchherbreath.TheFront
RangeSteakhousewashoppingtonight,thecountrymusicblaringlouderthanusual.Goodthingshespent
somuchofherfreetimeatthegymlately,orshemightnothavetheendurancetomakeitthroughtherush.
Itwaspartofher“just-in-case”plan,thepartshehatedmost.Although,shemightnotfailP.E.ifshetook
thephysicaltestsnow.She’dalsotakenself-defenseclassesandevendraggedDeannealongwithher.

Anelbowtothenoseorkicktothegroinwouldn’thelpmuchwhenitcametosnipersordrive-bys,

butsheneededtodosomethingthatmadeherfeelincontrol.Thesessionsattheshootingrangealso
helped.Shewasagoodshotbefore,butnowshecouldhitthebull’s-eyeeverytimewiththesubcompact
Glock27Vincehadgivenher.

Whenshewasn’tatwork,thegym,ortheshootingrange,shewasscouringtheinternetforcoverage

onCarloRossi’supcomingtrial.Thelackofinformationfrustratedher,soshetriedtopushhersearchto
onceeveryotherday.Sofarshe’dmadeitexactlyzerotimes.

Thecookyelledthatoneofherorderswasup,sendingherbackintomotion.Atleastthebusynights

helpedthehourspassfaster.Balancingthetrayoffoodinonehand,sheweavedherwaythroughthe
restaurant,placedtheplatesinfrontofafamilyoffive,andaskediftheyneededanythingelse.

She’djustturnedtogiveoneofhertablestheirbillwhenshecaughtsightofthreeItalianmenatthe

frontwholookedliketheywerestraightfromJersey.

HerheartpoundedassheduckedbehindawoodenpostandwatchedAllie,whowasworkingas

hostesstonight,leadthemintohersection.Shit,shit,shit.Iwasn’tcarefulenough.Vincewasright.I
should’vemovedmore.

Surelytheywouldn’tjustshootmehereintherestaurant?
No,they’llwaituntilafterwardwhenI’mleavingwork.Orfollowmehome.Thepoundingofher

heartkickedupseveralnotches.Shewalkedintheoppositedirection,tryingtocomeupwithaplan,and
nearlyransmackintoOwenassheroundedthecorner.

“Areyouokay,Katie?”heasked,puttinghishandonherarm.
Forthepastmonth,everyonefromMaudetoDeanneandtherestofthewaitstaffwastryingtopush

herandOwentogether,soshe’dtakentoavoidance.Noteasytodowithaguywhohappenstobeoneof
yourbosses.“Totally.Iwasjust…goingtogetdrinksandrealizedI’dforgottenwhatoneofthepeople
wanted.ButthenIremembered,so…yay!”

Hiseyebrowsdrewtogether.“You’rebeingweirderthanusual.”
“Hey!I’mnotweird.”
“Okay,dodgy.Yougetdodgysometimes,whichiskindofweird,tobehonest.”
Cassiecouldn’thelpbutlaugh,butsinceshewasstillfreakingoutaboutthegroupofItalianguys,it

cameoutabithystericalsounding.“Well,guessI’lljustdodgetothedrinkstationnow,then.Seeya!”

Abandoningallattemptstoappearsane,shecrouch-walkedfromposttopost.Whenshereachedthe

othersideoftherestaurant,shepeekedoveraboothatthegroupofmen.Shedidn’trecognizeanyfaces,
butthatdidn’tgivehermuchcomfort.

MaybeIshouldjustgrabmybackpack,runoutthebackdoor,andmoveagain.Deannehadasked

whyshetookherbulkybackpackeverywhere,andthiswaswhy.Soifshehadto,shecouldfleeata
moment’snotice.

Someonetappedherontheshoulder,andshespunaround,readytoemployherdefensemoves.Allie,

thebouncyhostesssaid,“You’vegotagroupattableten.”

“Didtheyaskaboutthewaitresses?”
Allieblinkedather,confusioncrinklingherforeheadevenassheheldhersignaturebeauty-queen

grin.“No,butI’msuretheywantone.Howelsewouldtheygettheirfood?”

Cassielikedtothinkshedefiedblondstereotypes;Allieepitomizedthem.Decidingitwouldbemuch

moreeffectivetotalktosomeonewithalittlemoregoingonupstairs,shewalkedalongtheedgeofthe
diningareaandfoundDeanne.

“Hey,Ineedabigfavor,”Cassiesaid.
“Surething.TalkasIgrabtheserefills?”Deanneliftedthetwoemptyglassesshehadinherhands,

andCassiefollowedhertothedrinkstation.

“CanIswaptabletenforoneofyourtables?Iftheystartaskingaboutthewaitresseshere,bereally

vague.Andthencometellmerightaway.”

“You’reactingreallyweird.”Deannetiltedherhead.“Andyoulookscared.”
“It’salongstory.I’llfillyouinafterwork,butIjustneedtonotgooverthere.”
DeanneputherhandonCassie’sshoulder.“YouknowI’myourgirl,whateveryouneed.”
Cassiehuggedher,nearlyspillingthefreshlyfilleddrinksintheprocess.Whenhadshebecomea

hugger?Shewasn’tsure,butitmadeherrealizejusthowattachedshewastothepeoplehere.Shestill
missedVincewithaconsumingamountoflonging,butshehadamakeshiftfamily,andshedidn’twantto
leavethem.

Morethananything,shedidn’twanttoputthemindanger.
Unfortunately,allofCassie’stableswereinthesamevicinityasthepossibly-sent-here-to-kill-her

guys.Sheusedtraystoblockherview,walkedsideways,andtriedtoobservefromafarwhenshecould.

Asshequicklypassedthetableshewasdoingherbesttoavoid,shethoughtsheheardhername.Her

realname.Shequickenedherpaceandheadedtowardthekitchen.

“Hey,you.Waitasecond,”aguysaid,hisJerseyaccentsothickshecouldhardlywadethroughit.
Cassiefroze.Run?Scream?Kick?Punch?Nomatterhowmuchairshetriedtosuckin,herlungs

refusedtowork.

Ahandcamedownonhershoulder,andherpanicscreechedintothree-alarmterritory.
Shewhippedaroundandtookagiantstepback.Herpulsehammeredthroughherheadasshelooked

foraweapon.Notinhishands.Hisshirtwastightenoughshedidn’tthinkhecouldhideit.Unlesshehad
itathisback…

“Where’sthebathroominthisjoint?”heasked.
Ittookamomentforhertoprocessthequestionandanotherbeforehermouthrememberedhowto

work.“It’sbackthere,rightaroundthecorner.”Forsomereason,shebrokeouttheOklahomatwangextra
heavy.“Justlookforthegentssign.”

Themanwalkedpastherandhurriedtowardtherestrooms.Shetookafewdeepbreathsandtriedto

calmdown.Okay,nowI’msureI’mgoingcrazy.

Justnotsureenoughtofullyrelax.

ChapterThirty-Nine

Vincestaredatthecomputerscreeninthelibrary.ThiswashissecondattemptatdiggingintoKateJones.
HelookedinOklahomaandalsodidasearchwheretheCulinaryInstitutesofAmericawerelocatedin
CaliforniaandTexas.

Everytimehescannedthroughtheresults,hehopedhewouldn’tfindCassie,whilehopinghewould.

Itmadenosense,butneitherdidhisliferightnow.Hewas“hidinginplainsight,”runningRossi’slike
nothinghadeverchanged,wheneverythinghad.

AgentsMcVeeandMancinikepttellinghimhe’dhavetogointothewitnessprotectionprogramright

beforetheyreleasedhisnameandtestimonytoCarlo’slawyer.He’dconsideredtellingthemtojustlet
peoplecomeafterhim,becausethenhecouldslowlyweedthemoutuntilCarlodidn’thaveanyoneto
send.

Onlyifhefailed,hecouldn’ttestify,andCarlomightgetawaywitheverythinghe’ddone,andCassie

mightneverbesafe.

SohewouldplayalongwiththeFBI’srequestwhenhisnamewasreleased,butafterthetrial,hewas

outofhere.He’dtrackdowneverysingleKateJonesuntilhefoundCassie.Ifshe’dstartedanewlifeand
washappy,hewouldleaveheralone—andhetoldhimselfthatwaswhathewanted.Andthathecould
actuallyleaveheralone.Butifnot,he’dfindawaytomakeherhappy.

Hisphonevibratedinhispocket,theringermuted,andheglancedaroundbeforepullingitout.

Allegra.Again.She’dleftamessagethatCarlowantedhimtovisitandwasprobablyfollowinguponthe
request.

Vincesupposedheshouldgoseehisuncletokeepsuspicionoffhimself,buthe’dalreadyexperienced

enoughconflictingemotionsoverturninginCarlo.He’dtestifyinordertokeepCassieandBobbysafe,
buthewasn’tgoingtositdownandplaypretendwithhisuncleanddeepenthebetrayal.

Heclearedhissearchhistoryandloggedoffthecomputer.Ashepassedthebookshelveshepaused.

MaybeagoodbookwouldhelphimpassthetorturouslyslowhourswhereCassiecrossedhismindmore
oftenthannot.Withafingerontopofoneofthespines,heslidoutthebookandglancedattheexposed
halfofthecover.

Aromancenovel.Ofcourse.
OneofhisgoodmemoriesofMominvolvedhertellinghimandBobbystoriesaroundthedinner

table.Mostoftheminvolvedamoreprimavista.He’dthoughtloveatfirstsightwasacrockofshit,but
hecouldstillrememberthefirsttimehelaideyesonCassie.Anelectriccurrenthadtwistedthroughhis
body,firingevenhotterwhenshesmiledandpushedupherglasses.Heshould’veknownhewasagoner
rightthenandthere.Turnedoutamoreprimavistawasn’tcrapafterall.

Herepeatedlytoldhimselfthatstayingwithherwould’vebeenstupid,becauseitmeantriskingboth

oftheirlives—aswellasBobby’s—butrightnowhefeltevenstupiderfornotleavingasurewaytofind
her.

She’llbebetteroff.Me,notsomuch,buther…Heshovedthebookbackinplace.Nothingcould

keephismindofCassie.

Whenhereturnedhome,henoticedfootstepsinthesnowthat’dfallenthismorning.Therewashisset

goingout,buttherewasanothersetgoingin.Hereachedforhisgun,thumbedoffthesafety,andslowly
openedthedoor.

Hesteppedlightly,carefulnottomakeanysound,andswunghisguntowardthecreaktohisleft.
“Jeez,Vince!Putthatawaybeforeyoushootsomeone,willya?”Bobbygrinnedathim,hisusualgrin,

butwiththeaddedcolortohisfeaturesandextraweightonhisbones,itwasagrinhehadn’tseenin
years.

Vincestrodeoverandthrewhisarmsaroundhisbrother,andthereinthekitchen,theyclungonto

eachotherforasolidminute.Bothofthemwouldtakeittothegrave,buthecouldtellhewasn’ttheonly
onechokedup.Theyslappedeachothers’backsafewtimestoregaintheircontrol.

“I’mgladtoseeyou,man,butIdon’tthinkyoushould’vecomebackhere,”Vincesaid.
“Iwascareful.ButIhadtoseeifyouwereinJersey.”Bobbyleanedagainstthecounterandcrossed

hisarms.“Now,tellmewhat’sgoingon,becauseitlookslikeeverythingwenttoshitthesecondIleft.”

***

CassietoldOwentopleasetellDeanneshe’dmeetherathome.Theytriedtoworkthesameshiftssothey
couldridetogether,asCassiedidn’tcurrentlyhaveacar.Theyusuallygotthem,too,becausetheywere
tightwiththeowners.

Owendecidedtobedifficultandaskedwhyshecouldn’ttellDeanneherself,soshejustyelled,

“Thanks,bye,”likeshehadn’theardhim,andtookoff.

Asshepushedoutthesideexitoftherestaurant,Cassiereachedintoherbackpackandwrappedher

fingersaroundthehandleoftheGlock.Shewalkedasquicklyasshecould,watchinghersurroundings
andcheckingforatail.Sheknewshe’dgetintroubleforcarryingaconcealedweaponwithoutalicense,
andshewasgoingtotrytogetoneeventually,butshefigureditwasbettertobearmedthansorry.

WhenthegroupofItalianmendidn’temergefromtheshadows,andshe’dmadeitahalf-milewithno

onetryingtoshoother,sherelaxedafraction,butdidn’treleasehergriponhergun.Sheskimmedher
gazealongthetopofbuildings,eventhoughshedoubtedshe’dseeasniperbeforeitwastoolate.

Asusual,brain,thanksfortakingmyworriestothenextlevel.
Finallysatisfiednoonewaslyinginwait,shehailedacab.Theentirewayhome,shewatchedthe

vehiclesbehindher,whichwasn’teasytodointhedark.Onceshearrivedatherapartment,shecleared
theroomsthewayshe’dseenVincedo,hopingshewasdoinganokayjobofit.

Aftereverynookandcrannywascleared—eventheonestoosmallforapersontohide—Cassie

grabbedDeanne’slaptop.Shecouldn’tfindanythingnewontheupcomingtrial,justthesamearticlefrom
before.Eventhoughshe’dreaditadozentimes,hereyesstillscannedthroughtheparagraphaboutCarlo.

Thefifty-three-year-oldheadoftheclan,CarloRossi,wasarrestedalongwithhisclosest

associates.Theaccusationsincludemurder,conspiracytocommitmurder,drugtrafficking,and
racketeering.

TherewasmentionofconfiscatedassetsandthetheorythatmostofthemwouldbechargedwithThe

RacketeerInfluencedandCorruptionOrganizationsAct(RICO).Cassiehadsearchedupeverythingshe
couldfindonRICO.She’dsmiledwhenanarticlesaidthatNewJerseytookRICOveryseriously,then
scowledatthescreenwhenfirst-degreeracketeeringchargeswereonly10-20yearsinprisonandafine
upto$200,00.

Notthatshewantedtoservetwentyyearsorhadthemoneytopaythatkindoffine,butitdidn’tseem

likeenoughforaguywhothreatenedpeoplewithviolenceandguns,dealtdrugs,andshotaperson
beggingforhislifepoint-blankinabackalley.

WhatifCarlodidn’tgetconvictedofmurder?Itdidn’tseemright,andthentenyearsfromnow,she’d

beconstantlylookingoverhershoulder,thewayshehadtotonight.

WhatifVince’stestimonyisn’tenough?Icouldhelp.
ThesoundofakeyslidingintotheknobjerkedCassieintoaction.Sheclearedhersearchhistoryand

pulledupGooglesoshecouldpretendtobelookingupsomethingnormal.

Whatwasnormalthesedays?Shefeltsooutoftouchwiththeconceptofnormallately,eventhough

shesupposedthepastsixweeksshe’dlivedalifethatmightbedescribedthatway.Allexceptfortonight
whenshegotareminderthatseveralpeopleouttherewantedherdead.

Deannegaveherastern,crinkled-foreheadglareshe’dneverseenbefore—usuallyherroommatewas

allsunshineandrainbows.“KatieJones,whatthehell?Yougivemeoneofyourtablesandthenleave
withoutme?Tellmewhat’sgoingonwithyou,andyoutellmerightnow.”

“First,tellmeifanyoftheguysatthetableaskedaboutawaitress.”Cassieheldherbreath,terrified

oftheanswerandwonderingwhatshe’ddoiftheyhad.Deannewouldn’tknowtolookfortails.Cassie
thoughtabouthergun,nowwaytoofarawayinhernightstand.

“Theyjustorderedtheirfoodlikeanormalgroup,”Deannesaid.“Theywereabitrowdyandhiton

Allieapparently,butifwedidn’tserveanyoftheguyswhodidthat,we’dbeturningpeopleaway
constantly.Whydidyoulooksoscared?”

“TheyjustremindedmeofsomepeopleIusedtoknow.ItbroughtbackbadmemoriesandI…Ijust

freakedoutalittle.I’msorry.”

Thesternexpressionfaded,andDeannesatnexttoheronthecouch.“Weallknowsomethingbad

happenedtoyou.”

“We?”
“Maude,Owen,me.Harold,too,probably,butyouknowhowheisabouttryingtostayoutof

people’sbusiness.”

Cassie’sheartclenched.Insomeways,theirconcernwasnice—inalotofwaysactually.SinceDad

hadpassedaway,shehadveryfewpeoplewhocheckedinonherwellbeing.JustAnnieoccasionally,
andthenVince,whocaredsomuchthathe’dlefthertotrytokeephersafe.Whilesheunderstood,how
exactlyshefeltabouthisdecisiondependedontheday.Todayshewantedhimnexttohermorethan
anything.Shewantedhimonthesidewalk,watchingfordanger.Wantedhimtowrapherinhisarmsand
kissheruntilsheforgotdangerexisted.

Butontheothersideofthatconcernwasthedownsideofhavingtolietothosepeople.Morethanshe

wantedto.

“Wannatalkaboutitoverdessert?”Deanneasked.“We’vegotapintofmintchocolatechipandyour

Neapolitan,althoughIthinkthechocolatepartofit’slookingkindofscarce.”

Yeah,Iusedtohaveaguytohelpmelevelitout.Asharppainjabbedherheart.Sixweeksandshe

knewtimewouldneverbeenoughtohealtheholeVincehadleft.

Cassieforcedthebestsmileshecould,diggingdeepsoDeanne—whowasstartingtoknowherall

toowell—couldn’tseethroughit.“Nowyou’restartingtosolveproblemslikeMaude.”

Deannelaughedandwentfortheicecream.
Cassietriednottothinkabouthowsheonlyhadalittlemoretimetosoakinnightslikethiswithher

roommate.

NotsurehowI’mgoingtodealwithmissingherafterIleave,butIknowit’sgoingtoroyallysuck.

ChapterForty

ThreemonthsofworkingatFrontRangeSteakhouseandspendingSundaysattheHurst’shadsomehow
gonebyforeverslowandtooquicklyatthesametime.There’dbeenThanksgivingandChristmasand
NewYear’s,andCassiespentthemallwiththeHurstsandDeanne.

Besidesworkingonstayinginshapeandkeepinguphershootingandself-defenseskills,shedevoted

aconsiderableamountoftimetostudyingtrialsofformermobstersandhowthecourtsworkedingeneral.
Carlo’strialstartedinalittleoveramonth,andafterthinkingshe’dnevermakeitthislong,itwas
suddenlyalmosthere.

WhilefrequentlybreakingherruleabouthowoftenshecouldsurftheinternetfornewsinTrenton,she

mixedinafewsearchesonVinceDaMarco.TheonlythingshefoundwasatinymentionofRossi’s.She
wishedshe’dinsistedonseeinghisplacewhiletheyweretogethersoshecouldsendhimaletteror
something.ShesupposedshecouldsendittoRossi’s,buttherewastoobigariskofitgettingintothe
wronghands.Givenwhatsheplannedondoing,he’dprobablygetmadandtellhernoanyway.

Thisway,hecouldn’tsayno.He’djusthavetodeal,likeshehadtowhenheleftherattheGreyhound

station.

Occasionally,sheworriedVincemight’vemovedoninthepastseveralmonths,butregardlessof

wheretheystood,thatdidn’tchangethefactthatCarloRossihadmurderedinnocentpeople.SoifVince
hadmovedonwithsomeonenew,she’ddealwithit.That’swhatshetoldherself,anyway.

ShewashelpingdishgiantslicesofchocolatecakewhenMaudeputherhandonhershoulder.“Katie,

dear?”

Cassiereachedforthesilverwaredrawer.“Needmetograbtheforks?”
“No.Ineedyoutostopforasecondandlookatme.We’reallworried.You’vebeen…disconnected

lately.AndwhenyoufirstarrivedinOklahoma,youweretalkingaboutculinaryschool,butsuddenlythat
stopped.YouknowLeviandOwenwouldworkaroundyourschedule.Infact,I’mprettysureOwen
wouldgiveyouanythingyouasked.”

Cassiewinced.SheandOwenhadbecomefriends,butshesensedhewantedmore.Heshowedupat

herapartmentlastweekandinsistedtheywatchamovie.Theyhadanicenight,filledwithgreat
conversationandlaughs,andsheworriedshe’daccidentallycrossedintoflirting.Themoretimethey
spenttogether,theharderitwastodrawlines.“Idon’thavetotellyouthatOwen’sagreatguy—”

“No,youdon’t,”Maudesaid,herno-nonsensetoneinfullforce.
Treadcarefully…Cassiedecidedtoswitchtopics.“Asforschool,I’msavingupmymoneyfirst.

Thissemesterjustdidn’tseemlikeagoodtimetostart.”

Maudecrossedherarms.
Damn.Ishould’veknownitwouldn’tbethateasy.
“It’sthatguystill,”Maudesaid.“Don’tthinkyou’vefooledmethathe’snotsomehowinvolvedin

this.Youthinkifyougobackhe’llleavehisfamily?Isthatreallywhatyouwant?TheKatieIknow
wouldn’tdothattoafamily,andshewouldn’tsettleforsomeonewholiedtoher.”

CassiewishedsheneverletMaudeassumethataboutVince.Thelyingcommentstung,too.Atfirst

she’dbeensofuriousandhurtbyallofVince’slying,buthewasrightaboutthetruthsometimesbeing
dangerous,andwhiletheguiltovernotbeingcompletelyhonestateather,itwasnothingcomparedto
whatwouldhappenifthesewonderfulpeoplewho’dtakenheringothurtbecauseofher.

“Ifyou’djusttrytomoveon,you’dseethatit’spossible,”Maudesaid.“There’sabetterguyoutthere

foryou.Now,Iwon’tlieandsayIdon’thopeit’ssomeoneyouandIbothknowquitewell,butI’mtrying

tostopmyselfbeforecompletelyoverstepping,evenifHaroldthinksmylinesaretoofaroutthere.”

Cassienearlylaughedatthat—oversteppingwasMaude’smiddlename.Itwaswhyshewasstanding

inthiskitchenrightnow,attachedtothewomanwhowouldn’ttakenoforananswerfromthedaythey
met.

“Look,I’mglady’allworryaboutme…”Cassietriedtoignorethefactthatshe’dsaid“y’all.”

Oklahomawasstartingtoworkitswayin.“ButI’mnotusedtosomanypeoplequestioningmyevery
move.Iwasalonerforalongtime.Iholdthingscloseandsometimesneedtoretreatintomyselfalittle
bit.Ineedyoutorespectthat.”

“Well,don’tbegonetoolong,”Maudesaidandhandedheracoupleofplatesofcaketopassout.

“Wemissyou.”

AdullacheformedbetweenCassie’sribs.Thethoughtofleavingwasstartingtohurtalmostasmuch

asneverseeingVinceagain.I’llmissyou,too.

***

Jimhadchewedhispenlidtoamangledplasticmessthatnowresembledawadofbluegum.Usuallyhe
likedtodrive—likedthecontrolofit—butMancinihadofferedtodrivetherentalcar,andJim’snerves
werejumpinghighenoughhegladlytookhimuponit.

AsbothsideswerepreparingforCarloRossi’strial,he’dchasedleadsonCassandraDaltoninhis

sparetime.Nothingwasquiteaspowerfulaseyewitnessaccounts.Vince’swouldbegood,but
Cassandra’swouldsealthedeal.

Sohelookedintoeverystopalongthetwopossiblebuses’paths,callinginfavorstopoliceineach

city.Henearlygaveup—infact,hehadforalittlewhile—becausethetrailwasicycold.

ButthenapairofpoliceofficersinTulsa,Oklahomafoundaclerkwhonotonlyrecognizedher,but

saidshe’dlookedfriendlywithanoldercouplewhooftenmadetripsfromthestation.Asluckwould
haveit,healsoknewaboutarestauranttheyusedtorun,whichgaveJimenoughinformationtofindtheir
names.

AtfirsthewasgoingtohavelocalauthoritiesquestionMaudeandHaroldHurst,butitwasthefirst

leadinages,andhedidn’twantanyonescaringCassandrabeforehegotachancetotalktoher.His
instinctstoldhimthiswasareallead,sohedecidedtotrustthem.

“Vincewouldtrytotakeonthebothofusifheknewwhatweweredoing,”Mancinisaid.
“YouscaredofVinceDaMarco?”
Hispartnerpshawedthesuggestion,buthiseyeswentabitwiderthanusual.“I’mjustsayingthat

we’regoingtopissoffourstrongestwitness,andifwedofindCassandra,we’regoingtowanttobe
armedwhenhefindsout.Somethingtellsmehewon’tcareallthatmuchaboutassaultinganofficer.And
ifwechargedhim,it’dmakehistestimonyweakerbecausethey’dbringthatupasamarkagainsthis
character.Juststatingtheobvious,sowe’repreparedfortherepercussions.”

“ForanotherwitnessagainstCarlo,I’lldealwithit.”Jim’sGPSinstructedthemtomakearight.They

turneddownadrivewayandparkednexttotheothervehiclescrowdedinfrontofthetwo-storyhouse.
Everywindowglowedwithwarmyellowlight.“Lookslikethey’rehavingaparty.”

Jimclimbedoutofthecarandranahanddownhissuitcoat.Aftertheplanerideandthedrive,he

wasabitcrumpledandalottired.Ifthistripturnedouttobeawasteoftime,hemighthavetothrowa
tempertantrumthat’dimpressatwo-year-old.

HeandManciniwalkeduptothefrontdoorandknocked.Afriendlywomanwithakind,wrinkled

faceopenedthedoor.“MaudeHurst?”heasked.

“Yes?”
“I’mSpecialAgentMcVeefromtheFBIandthisismypartner,AgentMancini.”Theybothdisplayed

theirbadges.“We’dliketoaskyouandyourhusbandafewquestions.”

“Whatisthisabout?”sheasked.
“We’relookingforsomeone,andwethoughtyoumighthaveseenher.Hername’sCassandraDalton.”
Thewomancontinuedtostare,notevenaflickerofrecognition.Shoutsandcheerscamefromdeep

insidethehouse,awholemessofthematonce.

“Where’syourhusband?”Jimasked.
“Watchingthegame,ofcourse.ItisSunday,isn’tit?Look,Idon’tknowanyCassandra,andhegets

mightycrankyifIinterrupthimduringthegame.Itisplayoffs,youknow.”

“Weunderstandagoodfootballgamejustlikeanyoneelse,ma’am,”Mancinisaid.“Butthisisreally

important.Thisgirlwe’relookingforusuallygoesbyCassie.Hernamemightnotringanybells,but
maybeherpicturewill;shemightbegoingbyadifferentname.”

ManciniheldupapictureofCassandra.“WeknowyourodethesamebusfromMaryland,andafew

peoplesawyoutalkinginthestationinTulsa.It’sveryimportantwefindher,andwewerehopingyou
mightknowwheresheis.”

Mrs.Hurstopenedthedoorallthewayandgesturedtheminside.“Comeonin,andI’llgogetmy

husband.”

ChapterForty-One

Afterdinner,OwenhadaskedCassietotakeawalkwithhimtolookforgolfballsonthecoursethat
backeduptoMaudeandHarold’shouse.WhensheaskedtheHurstsiftheygolfed,they’dbothlookedat
herlikeshewascrazyandtheninformedhertheyweretherefirst.Thestretchesofgreenandtreesmade
foranicebackyard,eventhoughshewonderediftheyweretechnicallytrespassing.

ApparentlyOwendidgolf,andheclaimedhehuntedforlostballsonthecoursesohecouldusethem

atthedrivingrange.Cassiesuspectedhewantedanexcusetotalktoheralone,andforthatreason,she’d
almostrefused.Buteveryoneelsewaswatchingthegame,awalkinthealmost-springsunshinesounded
nice,andMaudeandDeannehadprettymuchshovedheroutthedoor.

Aftertheymadeitaconsiderabledistancefromthehouse,Owengrabbedherhand.“Katie…”
“Owen,whateveryou’regoingtosay—”
“No,I’vewaitedlongenough.Youneedtohearit,andthenyoucandecide.Mygrandmatoldme

you’vebeenhurtbeforeandI’dhavetobepatientwithyou.I’vetried,andIdon’tmindtakingthings
slow,butIlikeyou.I’mjustaskingyoutogivemeachance.”

LikeOfficerTomDuffy,hemight’vestoodachancebeforeshemetVince.
Tom.Ibethe’dknowmoreaboutthetrial.
Cassieshovedthatthoughtawayforlater,becauseOwenjustpouredhisheartout,andsheknewit

couldn’thavebeeneasy.

Thefactofthematterwas,shehadsomehowstartedover.She’dbemuchsaferifshecontinuedon

beingKatieJones,wenttocollegeassheworkedatFrontRangeSteakhouse,anddatedfuturevetOwen
Hurst,noquestionaboutit.

Admittedly,ithadcrossedhermindacoupleoftimes.Whatwoulditbeliketodropherobsessive

searching,fullyembracebeinghere,andtrulymoveon?

Shecertainlydidn’trelishthethoughtofgoingbacktoaplacewhereshe’dbeindangerasshewaited

totestify.Bigsurprise,beingshotatwasn’tfun.Butwhileitwouldbeeasiertostaygoneinalotofways,
shewouldn’tletfearofCarloRossiandhismenscareherawayfromdoingwhatsheknewinherbones
sheneededtodo.

Shecouldn’tletVincefaceitalone,either.
Shecouldn’tbethatgirl,evenifthatgirlwouldbesafer.
“Owen,you’reagreatguy—”
“Notthegreatguyspeech.I’mahorribleguy,actually.Youknowthosebadboysyourparentswarn

youabout?That’sme.”

Shelaughed,andluckilyhesmiled,too.“IfIwasn’tinlovewithsomeoneelse,you’dbethebadboy

I’dgofor.Thetruthis,I’mleaving.TomorrowIwasgoingtoputinmytwoweeksnotice.It’stimeforme
tomoveon.Timeformetomakethingsright.”

Sheknewsheshouldsimplyleaveonedaysothere’dbefewerquestions,butshedidn’twanttoleave

themshorthandedaftereverythingthey’ddone.

Owenopenedhismouth,butDeannecametearingdownthepath,drawingtheirattention.Shestopped

infrontofthemandbracedherhandsonherkneesasshestruggledtocatchherbreath.

“Youguyscan’tgobacktothehouse.”Deannepoppedupright.“Therearetwomenlookingforyou,

Katie.”

CassieglancedtowardtheHurst’shome,whichwasnowonlyasmalloutline,andpanicroseupand

boundherlungs.“Describethem,”shesaid.

Deanneshookherhead.“Ididn’tsee.Maudecameintothefamilyroom,toldus,‘Nooneknows

Katie,nomatterwhatanyonecallsher,’andtheninstructedmetomakesureyouandOwenstaygoneuntil
shecomesandgetsyou.”

TheimageofMaudeandHaroldbeingtorturedbyCarlo’smenpoppedintoCassie’shead,andshe

startedforthehouse.Armscamearoundherwaistandpulledherback.Forsuchascrawnyguy,Owen
wassurprisinglystrong.

“Youdon’tunderstand,”Cassiesaid,tuggingagainsthim.“You’vegottaletmego.Iftheyhurtanyone,

I’llneverforgivemyself.”

“Betweenmydadandmygrandparents,theycanhandlewhoeveritis.”
“Theyaren’tpeopleyoucanjusthandle.”Cassiewishedforhergun,cursingherselfforleavingitat

home.ShewonderedhowmuchOwenwouldhateherifsheusedanelbowtohisnosetomakehim
releaseher.“Weneedto…dosomething.Maybeevencallthepolice.Beforeit’stoolate.”

“Maudewascalm,”Deannesaid.“Idon’tthinkit’sanyonescary.”
“No,they’reallcharmatfirst.”CassielookedoverhershoulderatOwen.“Pleasetellmeyouhavea

guninyourtruck.”

***

OnceHaroldHurstcameintotheroom,Jimhandedhimthepicture.“ThisisCassandraDalton,andit’s
veryimportantwefindher.YouguysrodethesameGreyhoundbusseveralmonthsago.”

Mr.Hurstsquintedatthepicture.Heglancedathiswife,andhiseyebrowsarched.
Jimleanedforward.Heremembersher.Wefinallyfoundher.
“Wasn’tthisthatgirlyoutalkedtoonthebus?Andthensheaskedfordirectionsto…Wherewasit?”

Mr.HurstturnedtoJim.“Shewasprettyclosedoff,butmywifetalkstoeveryone,whethertheywanther
toornot.”

Mrs.Hurstshotherhusbandadirtylookbeforeturningasugarysmileassweetastheicedteashe

broughtJimandMancinitheirway.“Idoliketotalktoeveryone.Ithinkit’scalledbeinganiceperson.
Andnowthathementionsit,shedidaskfordirectionsto…”Shetappedherlip.“Sorry,memory’snot
whatitusedtobe.”Anothercoupleoftapsandthensheheldupafinger.“Ohyes.DirectionstoLittle
Rock,Arkansas.Wasn’tthatit,Harold?”

Heshrugged.“Itunedyououtlongbeforetheconversationgottothatpoint.”
Mrs.HurstgaveaLord-give-me-strengthsigh.“Anyway,Itoldhershe’dwanttogetontheI-40and

goeast.Sheseemedlikesuchasweetgirl.”Sheleanedinconspiratorially.“She’snotacriminal,isshe?”
Sheshovedherhusband’sshoulder.“Itoldyoucriminalsridethatbus.Thisiswhyweshouldfly.”

“Ifabusrolls,we’vegotachanceofsurviving,”Mr.Hurstsaid.“Ifwecrashinanairplane,we’re

dead.Unlessit’sthemovies,andwedon’tliveinthemovies.”

Astheylaunchedintoanargumentthey’dobviouslyhadseveraltimesbefore,Jimfoughttheurgeto

shoutatthemtostopbickeringandtrytothinkofdetailshecouldactuallyuse.

“She’snotacriminal,”Mancinisaid,althoughwiththefighting,Jimwasn’tsuretheyevenheard.

“Didshemaybegiveyouhername?”

Mrs.Hurst’seyebrowsdrewtogether.“Jeez,hon,notthatIremember.Weonlytalkedbriefly.Ifshe

gaveittome,Isuredon’trecallit.Imeetsomanypeopleonthosetrips.Sincemyhusbandrefusestofly.”

TheHurstsexchangeddirtylooks.
Whatawaste.Theflight,thedrive.Jimwantedanotherwitnesssobadlythathe’djumpedonthistiny

clueandranwildwithit.HepulledoutacardandsliditovertoMrs.Hurst.“Ifyourememberanyother
details,anythingthatmighthelpusfindher,pleasegivemeacall.”

“Surething.Didyouboyswantsomecakebeforeyougo?I’mfamous‘roundhereformydesserts.”

“Butthegame,”Haroldsaidinasorryexcuseforawhisper.
“We’llletyouguysgetbacktoyourevening,”Jimsaid.
Thescreechofthescreendoorpunctuatedtheirwalktotherentalcar.Thethoughtofcatchingalate

nightflightmadeJimwanttobanghisheadagainstthedashboard.“Mightaswellstayhereanight.
Unlessyou’reinabighurrytogethome.”

Mancinicoveredayawnwithhishand.“Maybewecanpokearoundtheareaalittlemoresince

we’realreadyhere?OrshouldweheadtoLittleRock?”

LittleRockwasacompleteshotinthedark.Thequestionwas,wouldtheirtimebebetterspenton

anotheravenue?ButhekeptpicturingCarlo’ssmarmylawyerincourtsaying“reasonabledoubt”over
andoveragain,andwantingsomethingthat’dcrushalldoubt.“Youthinkwe’llfindsomething?”

Mancinisighed.“Ijustknowthatwe’realreadyhere.”

***

TheguncommentprettymuchsentOwenandDeanneovertheedge.Finally,Cassieconvincedthemto
creepuptothehouseandcheckonthings.Theredtaillightsofacarheadingtowardthemainroad
seemedlikeagoodsign.

Maudeburstoutthebackdoor,makingallthreeofthemjump.
“Areyouokay?”Cassieasked,lookingheroverforsignsofbeingroughedupforinformation.
“I’mfine,butweneedtohaveaserioustalk.Owen,Deanne,ifyou’llexcuseus…”
“Iwanttoknowwhat’sgoingon,”Owensaid,juttingouthisjaw.
“Me,too,”Deannesaid,crossingherarms.
“LetmetalktoKatiefirst.”BothofthemcasthurtglancesatMaudeandthenCassiebeforegoinginto

thehouse.Oncetheywerealone,Maudelookedhersquareintheeye.“Who’sCassandraDalton?”

Cassiesighed.“Dependsonwho’sasking.”
“Iam,”Maudesaid.
“Ineedtoknowwhocamelookingfirst.IftheywerebigItalianguys,thenweallneedto—”
“TwoFBIagents.HaroldandIliedrighttotheirfaces.Prettysurethat’sfrownedupon,butyou’remy

family,Katie.Or…Cassandra?TheentiretimeItoldmyselfIknowyou,andyou’vegottohaveyour
reasons,butnowIneedanexplanation.Ideserveone,too.”

Cassie’smindspunoverthefactthattheFBIcamelookingforher.Theymadethearrests.Thiscould

beagoodthing.ButthenshethoughtofVincetellingherCarlohadtoomanycontactstotrustanyone.
“How’dtheFBIfindme?”

“That’swhatyouwanttosaytomerightnow?You’resimplyhorribleatexplanations.”
Cassieranahandthroughherhair.“Ijustneedtomakesuretherewon’tbeworsemencomingto

pokearoundnext.”

Afteranepicsigh,MaudeexplainedabouttheGreyhoundstationandthatsheandHaroldtoldthe

agentsthey’dgivenherdirectionstoArkansas.

Hopefullythatbuysmesometime.Priorities.First,Maude.Thengoodbyes,andthenIneedtoget

thehelloutofDodge.

“Mightaswelltalktoeveryoneatonce,”Cassiesaid.
Withinafewminutes,hermakeshiftfamilywasgatheredinthelivingroom.Shewantedtotellthem

everything,butshecouldn’t,sosheworkedthroughwhatshecouldandcouldn’tsay.

“Firstoff,thankyouallfortakingmeinsoeasilyandbecomingsuchamazingfriends…”Alumprose

inherthroat.Aftershemadeitthroughthisandwasonherwayoutofthecity,she’dletherselfcryover
thelossoftheseamazingpeople,whoshe’dmostlikelyneverbeabletoseeagain.“It’snotsafetotell
youeverything.AllIcansayisthatIwasinthewrongplaceattheverywrongtime,andsomebadpeople

wantmedead.Theyalmostsucceededatmakingthathappen—twice.”

Maudecoveredhermouth,andDeannereachedoutandtookCassie’shand.Cassieclungtoitlikea

lifeline.

“I’mguessingtheFBIwantsmefortheircaseagainst…thebadpeople.ButIdon’tknowifIcantrust

them.So,IhopedIwouldn’thavetoleavelikethis,butIalwaysknewIwaslivingonborrowedtime
here.I’llmissyouallsomuch.”Atearrolleddownhercheek,andshequicklyswipeditaway.

Deannejumpedupandhuggedher,thenMaudegotinonit,andOwen,Levi,andevenHaroldjoined

in.

“Thankyouagainforeverything,”shesaidasshesoakedinthehugsandthelove.
Thenshetookadeepbreathandgotreadyforhersecondroundoflifeontherun.

ChapterForty-Two

VincetuggedonhisT-shirtashewalkedintothekitchen.Bobbywasalreadyupandmakingeggs.

Burnt,disgusting-smellingeggs.Heslidaplateacrossthecountertohim.VincewantedBobbyoutof

town,evenashewantedhimthere,becauseatleasthehadhisbrotherback.Butheworriedwhatwould
happenwheneverythingcametolightaboutVince’sinvolvementinCarlo’sarrest.Honestly,heworried
Bobbywouldcallhimarat.Atraitor.Thathe’dhatehimasmuchasCarlowould.

NottomentionheworriedaboutBobbybeingtooclosetooldfriendsanddealerswhomightgethim

introubleagain.Buthewenttomeetingsconstantly,checkedinwithhiscounselorfromtherehabcenter
often,andhadalocalsponsor.Healsovolunteeredatananimalshelterandworkedasawaiterat
Rossi’s.Apparentlybeingbeyondbusyhelpedhimavoidthequiettimeswhenhestartedthinkingabout
howniceit’dbetoescapeforawhile.

Thisweek,Vincewouldhavetobreakittohimthathe’dneedtoquitanddisappearagain,andhe

hopedhavingtostartoversomewhereelsewouldn’tundoallofBobby’sprogress.

Vinceshoveledabiteofeggsintohismouthandtriednottogag.
“WhenareyougoingtotellmewhatreallyhappenedwithCassie?”Bobbyasked.
BurnteggbitsgotcaughtinVince’sthroat,andhedownedhalfaglassofwatertokeepfromchoking

onthem.“Itoldyou.AftereverythingthatwentdownattheclubinNewYork,IwasafraidBigAlmight
comeafterher.SoIgotheroutoftown,toldherexactlywhoIwas,andafterthatshedidn’twantanything
todowithme,whichwaswhatI’dhopedfor.”

“Yeah,yeah,yeah.AndIcan’tmentionhertoCarlobecausehe’dbemadyoutoldheraboutthe

organization.YoumustthinkI’mstupidandhighifyouthinkIactuallyboughtthatstory.”

Vince’sforkclatteredagainsthisplate.“IfyoutellCarlo,you’dputmylifeindanger.Andifyou

don’tcareaboutmylife,thinkaboutCassie.”Heknewheshould’vetoldBobbyadifferentstory.He
worriedfeedinghimthelieaboutCassiebeingdeadwouldsendhimspiralingsinceshewastheoneto
believeinhiminthefirstplace.Plus,he’dseenhowmuchBobbyimmediatelylikedCassie,andhedidn’t
wanttotellthatbigofalietotheonlypersonhehadleft.“Don’tthinkhecan’tgettoanyofusjust
becausehe’sbehindbars.IreallyneedCassieandmyrelationshiptobekeptbetweenyouandme.”

“Chill,bro.IthurtsmethatyouthinkIwoulddothattoyouortoher.Evenatmyworst,I…well,Iput

yourlifeatrisk.Iwasashittybrother,okay?ButIwouldn’tpurposelysendanyoneafteryou,knowing
thatthey’dhurtyou.”

Morethananything,VincewantedtotrustBobby.He’dnearlybrokendownandtoldhimeverythinga

dozentimessincehegotoutofrehab.Buttheriskofhimslippingandtalkingtothewrongpeople,evenif
hedidn’trealizehe’ddoneit,wastoogreat.

Vinceranhisfingersalonghisjaw.“SpeakingofCarlo,haveyoubeentovisithim?”
“Hellno.HegavecrazyNewYorkdealerspermissiontokillme.HecanrotinjailforallIcare.The

questionis,whyhaven’tyouvisitedhim?”Bobbynarrowedhiseyes.“Didyoutwohaveafallingout?I
knowsomething’sup.”

“Yeah,somethingis.You’vegottogettotheanimalshelter,andI’vegottogotoRossi’s.”Andact

likeeverything’snormal.

Puttingonafalsefrontallthetimewasslowlyeatingawayathim.Theyshouldarrestpeopleand

havetheirtrialsthenextmonthinsteadofdrawingoutthetorture.McVeesaidtheywereluckytogeta
datesoclose,butluckywasthelastthingVincefelt.Miserabledescribedhisstatethepastseveral
monthsperfectly.

Hetriedtokeephiscontactwiththefedstoaminimum,butiftheyweregoingtoinsistonprotection,

Bobbyneededtobeincludedinthat.Otherwise,VincewouldtakehischanceshidinghimselfandBobby
onhisown.

“You’reforgettingthatImetCassie,”BobbysaidasVincereachedforhiskeys.“Shewenttothatclub

withus,andshetoldmeshewouldn’tbeokaywithoutyou.Sheknewyou,andshelovedyouanyway.All
I’msayingisifIhadagirllikethat,Iwould’veforgottenaboutthisgodforsakenplaceandgonewith
her.”

Eventhoughhisbackwastohisbrother,heclosedhiseyes,tryingtoshutterawaytheclashof

emotionsrisinginhim.

“Youshouldgofindher.WithCarloinjail,it’stheperfecttime.”
Vincewrappedhishandaroundhiskeysuntilthejaggededgesdugdeepintohispalm.Divertthe

pain.Controlthesituation.

Afterall,theendwasalmostinsight.AssoonasCarlowasconvictedandmostofhisboyswere

behindbars,Vincewasleaving,takingBobbywithhim,andgoingonasearchthatmightnevergivehim
theresultshewanted.

Untilthen,ifBobbydidn’tstopbringingupCassie,hewasgoingtoneedanewplacetolive.

***

Thewaterinthetinyhotelshowerranbrownforacoupleofminutesbeforeitturnedclear.Cassie
shampooedandletthewaterrunoverherhairagain.Thebubbleswereabitbrown,buteventuallythe
waterranclearagain.

Shewrappedatowelaroundherself,usedtheblow-dryerhangingonthewallnexttothecream-

coloredvanity,andthenpickedherslightlysteamedglassesoffthecounterandstaredatherreflection.

Sothat’swhatChocolateTrufflecoloredhairlookslike.Buyinghairdyewhenyouwerehungrywas

abadidea.Everythingsoundeddeliciousinsteadoftoxic.

Afterthesob-festthatsayinggoodbyetoeveryoneattheHurst’sbroughton,Cassiereturnedtothe

apartmentshesharedwithDeanne.Sheshovedtheessentialsinherbackpackandeverythingelseshe
couldfitintoasmallsuitcaseandhuggedDeanneuntiltheybothranoutoftears.Thenshehadtohavea
fightwithOwen,who’dshownupandsaidhewasgoingwithher,beforefinallycompromisingalittle
andlettinghimdrivehertoacarrentalplace.

ShedrovelongintothenightandmadeitthroughmostofMissouribeforehereyesandbodyhad

screamedforsleep.Summoningeveryounceofherenergy,shemadeastopatatwenty-fourhour
drugstorewhereshegrabbedthehairdyeand—thankstothesubliminalnamesontheboxes—abagof
chocolate.

Thenshecrasheduntileleven,wokeup,andgottoworkonhertransformation.Shepickedupthe

scissors,debatingwhatexactlyshewasgoingtodowiththemforaminuteortwo.Herhairhadgrown
quiteabitinthelastfewmonths,whichshouldhelpwiththedifferentlookshewasgoingfor.

Hmm.Howtochangeitupevenmore…Shecutherselfathickside-sweptbang,andstudiedherself

again.Withherlensesnowclear,shenoticedherbloodshoteyes.Fabulous.

Speakingofeyes,Ineedtofindaneyedoctor.Sheshudderedatthethought,butshemightaswellget

itoverwithassoonaspossible.Itwasn’tliketherewasevergoingtobeabettertimetostartstickingher
fingerinhereye.

Sheglancedatthephoneonthenightstand.Towait,ortofindoutasmuchaspossiblenow?Thecard

theFBIagentgaveMaudewasinherpurse,butbeforeshedecidedwhetherornottomakethatcall,she
wantedtotalktosomeoneshetrusted.

Shepickedupthephoneandchanted,“Pleasedon’tgotovoicemail,pleasedon’tgotovoicemail.”

***

“Wegotit!”UffizistrodeintotheroomandsatacrossfromCarlo.“Wegotthecompletelistof
witnesses.”

Carlocouldn’tbelievehislawyerhadwantedtodelaythetrialanddragthisprisonstintoutlonger.

Hewantedout,andhewanteditnow.Wantedthiswholethingtobedonewith.He’dsitinfrontofthat
jury,charmthem,causeplentyofreasonabledoubt,andgetonwithhislife.

Ifpeopleonthewitnesslistneededmotivationtochangetheirtestimonybeforethatcouldhappen,he

neededtogetonit.It’dbemoredifficultwithmostofhismenindicted,buthestillhadplentyofcontacts.

“So,let’shaveit,”Carlosaid.Uffizicameinactinglikehepossessedagoldenticket,andnowthathe

wasseatedacrossfromhim,heseemedtoreconsiderhisexcitement.

Uffiziopenedhislargebriefcase.“Everysingleoneofyourguysisonthelistasapotentialwitness.”
“Allmyguysareturningonme?”
“No,buttheprosecutioniscoveringtheirbases,sayingtheywanttherighttocallanyoftheseguys.

Sal,Dante…”Uffizilistedtherestoftheguys,fromthetopofhisorganizationtothebottom,andacouple
ofCarlo’sotherassociates,aswellasafewforensicsexpertsandFBIagents.“Oh,andsomewoman.”
Uffiziliftedthelistandsquintedatit.“CassandraDalton.Notestimonyonrecord,buttheyhaveherlisted
asapotentialwitness.Knowanythingabouther?”

“SheusedtoworkforRossi’sasawaitress.”
“Well,theymustthinkshehassomedamningevidence.Iknowthefedsarelookinghardforher—got

thattipfromoneoftheinsideguys.”Uffizileanedin.“Hedidn’tcomecheapeither.”

“Well,inexchangeformylifeorfiftyyearsbehindbars,I’llpay.AsforCassandra…Shewon’tbea

problem.”

“Howcanyoubesure?”
“Youdon’twanttoknow.”Thankgoodnesshehadhertakencareof,orhemightstarttoworry.
Uffizihelduphishands,likehedidn’talreadyknow.Buttherewasknowingandhavingthewords

said.Uffizilikedtokeephishands“clean.”KindoflikeVinceusedto.

“Andthat’sthegoodnews.”Uffizi’sliptrembledabit.
“Wow,I’mafraidtoaskforthebadnews.”
SweatbeadedonUffizi’sforehead,andherubbedhispalmsonhischeapslacks.Whatwasthepoint

inmakingallthatmoneyifhewasgoingtobuyapoorlymadesuit?

“Thephotographicevidenceofthebodytheydugupisquite…graphic.”Uffizislidoverafile.
Carlosortedthroughthepictures.Abulletthroughtheheadatthatcloseofrangedidn’tresultina

wholelotofpretty.

“Alvarez’swifeisonthewitnesslist,too.OfcourseshemainlydealtwithSal,sowecanpaintitlike

Salmightbetheonewhocarriedoutthehit.It’sjustthatthestatementfromtheirkeywitness…Well,in
othergoodnews,theprosecutionhasofferedadeal.Thirty-yearsentence,withthechanceofparolein
twenty.Butit’soffthetableoncethetrialstarts.”

“Youreallyneedtoreassesstheword‘good,’becauseIdon’tthinkyouknowwhatitmeans.
“Itissomethingtothinkabout.”
Carlo’stemperwasquicklyreachingthebreakingpoint.“Gettothekeywitness.Now.”
Uffiziscootedouthischairandglancedattheguardbehindtheglasswindow.
Carlocurledhishandsaroundthearmsoftheuncomfortablemetalchair.Ican’twaittofindout

who’sgoingtodieintheworstpossibleway.Hisvisiontookonaredhueandwhite-hotfurypumped
throughhisbodyataratehe’dneverexperiencedbefore.He’ddonethingshedidn’texactlywanttodo
before,butthis?Well,hisonlyregretwashecouldn’tbetheonetopersonallytortureouteverylast

glimmeroflifebeforeextinguishingitcompletely.“Thename.Don’tmakemeaskagain.”

Uffiziswallowed,hard.“ItwasVince.Yournephew’stheonewhogavethemalltheinformationthey

neededandhe…”Heslidoverasignedstatementandthenyankedhishandawaylikeasnakemight
strike.“He’sgoingtotestifythatyoukilledEduardoAlvarezinthealleybehindRossi’s.”

ChapterForty-Three

Wasitweirdthatbetweentestifyingagainstamobsterwhotriedtokillhermultipletimesandseeing
Vince,shewasmorenervousaboutVince?

Cassieletoutalongbreath,chasedhercontactoutofthelittlepoolofsolution,andforcedherselfnot

toblinkassheputtheplasticdiscinplace.She’dnearlygottenusedtoit.Inthewaythatshehatedit
everytimeandoftenpsychedherselfout,butmanagedtogetthedamnthingsinplaceatleastbythe
secondorthirdtry.

Todayshegotitonthefirsttry,andshetookthatasagoodomen;shecoulduseallthegoodshecould

get.Forafewseconds,shehadonepalegreeneyeandonemurkybrown.Theladywhohelpedherwith
thecontactsaskedifCassiewassureshewantedtocoversuchaprettycolorofgreenwithbrown.Since
shecouldn’texactlyadmitsheneededthemforadisguise,shesimplysmiledandnodded.

Theotheronetooktwotries—stillnotbad—andthensheaddeddramaticeyelinerandaMarilyn

Monroemoleforgoodmeasure.Shewantedtolookcompletelydifferentfromheroldself,yetblendin
enoughthatshecouldgounnoticedaslongaspossible.Notexactlyaneasycombo.Sheslippedintoa
nicefittedbutboringblackpantsuit.Asshe’dlearnedmoreoftenthanshelikedatMcCarthy’s,exposed
legsgotattention,sotheywerecoveredup.

Toobad,becausewhenVincenoticedthelegs,itsuddenlyseemedlikeabonus.Herheartgavea

coupleoferraticthumps,hermoodalternatingbetweenexcitedandoh-holy-shit-this-is-really-happening.

“Well,IlooklikeareporterandcompletelydifferentfromtheoldCassie,”shetoldherreflection.

“SojustwhatIwasgoingfor.”Afewweeksofcrappymotelsandlittleconversation,andshe’dstarted
talkingoutloudonceinawhilesimplytohearavoice.She’dunderestimatedhowbadlyshewouldmiss
Maude,Harold,Deanne—man,shemissedher—andevenOwen.

ButmissingVinceeclipsedallofthat.
Iknowit’sbeenmonths,buthebetternothaveanewgirlfriend.Otherwise,he’sgoingtofindout

he’snottheonlyonewithawickedjealousstreak.

Afterhermanygymsessions,shemightevenbeabletodragagirloutofacarwindow,thewayVince

haddonewiththatP.I.Cassiegruntedasshepickeduphersuitcase.Thenagain,maybenot.Goodthingit
hadahandleandwheels.

Onemoreexhaleandsheleftthelastcrappymotelsheplannedonstayingataloneandclimbedinto

the80seraToyota.AfterrunningpoorAgentMcVeeincircles,aportionofhernerveswerereservedfor
meetinghimandhispartner.Firstshe’dcalledTomDuffy,askedhimnottotellanyonethey’dmade
contact,andpumpedhimforeveryounceofinformationshecouldget,includingifAgentMcVeewasone
ofthegoodguys.

TombrokedownandtoldherAgentMcVeehadcontactedhimabouthermissingmemoriesshortly

afterheraccident,sohealreadyhadexperiencewiththeguy.AftergivingTomadaytodomoredigging,
shegavehimanothercallfromadifferentlocation.JimMcVeehadalong,solidrecordwiththeFBI,so
CassiecalledtheagentfromapayphoneatatruckergasstopjustoutsideofLexingtonandlaidouther
terms.

Shewantedtoensureshewasonthepossiblewitnesslistsoshedidn’triskgoingbacktoJerseyonly

tobeunabletotestify—luckilyMcVeehadalreadyinsisteduponthat,longbeforeshecalled.Shealso
wantedtoarriveintownlastminute,rightbeforethetrialstarted.AgentMcVeegotallriledupoverthat
andtoldherhecouldgetasubpoenasent.She’drepliedthatifhefoundanaddress,hecouldgoright
aheadandpopitinthemail.

Inallofherlife,she’dneverbeensodemandingorimmovable,andadmittedly,itfeltrather

awesome.Italsogaveherthesenseofcontrolsheneeded.

Afterhegrumbledabouthowdifficultshewasbeing,Cassietoldhimherlastrequest,andwhilehe

hadn’texactlylikedit,either,he’dfinallyagreed.

FromKentuckysheheadedbackuptonorthernOhio.Thatway,ifAgentMcVeewentlookingdespite

hispromises,he’dbeonthewrongrouteandcouldstillhonestlysayhehadn’tfoundheryet.Itwasa
pain,butshe’dhadtimetokillanyway.

OnceshearrivedinColumbus,sheturnedinherrentalcarsonoonecouldtraceKateJonesfrom

Tulsa,andthenshehitchedaridetoCleveland—neveragain,eventhoughthetruckerwasperfectlynice
andshehadhergun.FromtheresheboughtausedcarwithcashandzigzaggedherwaytoNewJersey.

Andnowhereshewas,pullinguptotheClarksonS.FisherFederalBuildingandU.S.Courthouse.

HopefullyAgentMcVeewouldhonorherlastrequirement.Otherwiseshe’dsimplysitandstarewhen
theyaskedherquestionsuntiltheygaveherwhatshewanted—no,needed.

Shedidn’tcareaboutrulesorgrayareaanymore.Ifanyonetoldhershe’dfeelthiswayayearago—

orthatshe’dbemakingdemandsofFBIagentsinsteadofnervouslyspillingherguts—shewould’ve
laughed.

Assheclimbedoutofthecar,Cassie’snervesbouncedaroundinherstomachliketheywereina

tumblingcompetition.IfAgentMcVeedidaspromised,Vinceisinthatbuildingrightnow.

Admittedly,sheadmiredtheagent’srefusaltogiveherinformationaboutwhereVincewasstaying,

eventhoughheknewtheirhistory.ItmeanthetookVince’ssafetyseriously.

Cassiepoppedthetrunkandloweredherwell-wornbackpackintoit.Shekeptholdofthestrapfora

moment,findingitharderthanexpectedtouncurlherfingersfromthepalepinkmaterial.Forweeksshe’d
hadhergunwithinreachingdistanceatalltimes.

Sincetakingitintoacourthousewasprobablyagoodwaytoendfacedownonthefloorinhandcuffs,

sheletgoofthestrapandslammedthetrunk,havingtodoitagainwhenitdidn’tquitelatch.

Witheachstepshemadetowardthebuilding,thethrobbingpulsebehindhertemplesincreased.By

thetimeshereachedthemetaldetectors,herhandsshooksomuchthatshefumbledwithherKateJones
ID.

Shenoticedtwoguysinsuitsstandingofftotheside,eagleeyesoneverypersonwhocamethrough,

andthepinktiesnaggedherattention.AgentMcVeehadn’tseemedveryhappyabouthercolorchoice,but
sheneededonenotmanymenwouldweartocourt.HisgazeskimmedoverCassietoablondwoman,
whoheassessedanddismissed,andthenmovedtothenextperson.

Score,mydisguiseworks!Shestrodeovertothetwomen,andAgentMcVee’sbrowfurrowedashe

triedtolookaroundher.Thenhiseyesbuggedoutalittle,andshecouldn’thelpbutsmile.Hesmacked
hispartner’sarm,andthenbothofthemstaredather.

“ThoughtI’dtakeafewextraprecautions,”shesaid,swipingherbangsoffherface.“Hateforanyone

tospotmetoosoon,youknow?”

“Ican’tdecideif‘nicetofinallymeetyou’fits,”AgentMcVeesaid,extendinghishand.“Butgladto

seeyoudefinitelydoes.”

Cassieshookhishand.“Well,you’vebeenapaininmybutt,too,ifthatmakesyoufeelanybetter.”
Hechuckled.“Itdoes,actually.AndIthoughtVincewasstubborninhisnegotiations.Ifyouwant

braggingrights,youearnedthem.”

Cassie’sheartskippedabeatatthementionofhisname.“He’shere?”
“Youknowthisisn’texactlyethical.Imustbeinsanetoevenletithappen.”
“Notinsane,”Cassiesaid.“Motivated.Whenitcomesdowntoit,weallwantthesamething—tosee

CarloRossigotojailforlife.Now,ifyou’llkindlynotquite‘findme’untilafterItalktoVince,I’ll
answeranyandeveryquestionyoucaretoask.”

***

Vincesatatatablethattookupmostofthesmallroomatthecourthouse,wonderingwhythehellthefeds
haddraggedhimdownherebeforehewassupposedtotestify.Heleanedbackinthecushychairand
closedhiseyesforamoment.

Hehadn’tbeensleepingmuch.HeandBobbywereholedupinatwofamilyhousewithaUS

Marshal,andthetrialweighedonhismindconstantly.

HetriedtofocusonhowfarCarlohadpushedhim,thetimeshe’dusedBobbyagainsthim,andhow

he’dbeenpartiallytoblameforDad’sdeath,butonceinawhilememoriesoflivingatCarlo’shouse
wouldcropupinstead.Dinnersunderhisroof.Watchingballgamesonthecouchtogether.

Thenhe’dhavetoremindhimselfthatifCarlohadhisway,theliehetoldaboutshootingCassieand

buryingherbodyinthewoodswouldbeareality,andhisresolvewouldstrengthen.

Bobbykneweverythingnow,includingwhathappenedwithCassie.HesurprisedVincebytellinghim

he’ddowhateverheneededtohelp,eventestify.Butputtinghimonthestandmeanthisarrestsanddrug
usecomingtolight,sotheAssistantUSAttorneyfeltlikeitmightdomoredamagethangood.Thelawyer
addedhisnameasawitnessjustincase.Hesaidyoucouldneverhavetoomanypossiblewitnesses.

Vinceopenedhiseyes,lookedattheblankwallacrossfromhim,andrappedhisfingersonthetable.

Nothavingajoboranythingelsetododidn’thelpwiththeantsy-ness.Theonlythingkeepinghimgoing
wastheideaofleavingJerseyassoonasthiswasalloverandfindingCassie.

Hedidn’tlethimselfthinkaboutwhatwouldhappenifCarlodidn’tgotoprison,sincethatmeant

beingwithCassiewouldonlyputherindangeragain,andthesamewithnotbeingabletofindher.
Becauseifheletthosethoughtscreepinandtakeroot,hedidn’tknowifhecoulddowhatheneededto
overthenextweekormonth,orhoweverlongthistook.

They’dalreadyselectedthejurors.PeoplehadbeenhesitanttoservegivenCarlo’sreputationandthe

natureofthecrimes.Noonewantedtobehisnexttargetorputtheirfamiliesatrisk,sothejudgeruled
thatthey’dbesequesteredandknownonlybynumber.Openingstatementsandthedisplayofevidence
wouldbepresentedtoday,andassoonastomorrow—butdefinitelywithinthenextfewdays—Vince
wouldbetestifying.

Thetickingclockintheroommadeaninordinateamountofnoise.Notthathehadanythingbetterto

do,buteachtickremindedhimthathislifewasslowlybeingdrainedasecondatatime.

Theselawtypeslovethehurryupandwaitgame.Ifthistrialdragsoutforverylong,I’mgoingto

beinsanebytheend.

He’djustfoldedhisarmsonthetableandrestedhisheadonthemwhenheheardthedoorcrackopen.

Heeledfootstepsfollowed,andhegaveahalf-glanceinthewoman’sdirection.“Anotherlawyer?
Really?”

“Youcouldalwaysuseonemorepersononyourside,don’tyouthink?”
Vince’smusclesstiffened.Hemustbegoingcrazy,becausethenewlawyersoundedlikeCassie.He

lookedatheragainasshetookanothersteptowardhim.I’mdefinitelycrackingup.Shedoesn’teven
looklikeCassie.

“Justaskyourquestionssowecangetthisoverwith,”hesaid.
Herhandcamedownonhisshoulder,andhetensedagain.Lawyersweren’tnormallysointimate.
Andtheywouldn’tsendsomeonenewwithoutlettinghimknow.
Hegrabbedherhand,spunashestood,andpinnedhertothewall,lookingforaweapon.

***

BeforeCassiewasallowedinside,aguardhadsearchedherforweapons.Hercheekshadgrownhotas
hefriskedher,certainhewasgoingaboveandbeyondwithhisverythoroughexamination.

Vince’sfriskingsentanentirelydifferentkindofheatthroughher.“Nicetoseeyou,too,”shesaid.“I

forgothowhands-onyouare.Guessyoudon’tneedanextrabodyguardafterall.”

Vince’seyessnappedtohers,andheblinked,thecrinkleofconfusionandsuspicionsosexyshe

stoppedbreathing.Whoneededoxygenanyway?

Eversoslowly,hereachedupanddraggedhisfingertipsdownthesideofherface,hisdisbelief

clear.“Youshouldn’tbehere,”hesaid,butbeforeshecouldrespond,hecapturedhermouthwithhis.

Thefamiliar,intoxicatingbrushofwhiskerscombinedwiththetouchofhissoftlipssenttheworld

spinningoffitsaxis,everythingblurringaroundthemuntiltheonlythingthatexistedwasthereacquainting
oftonguesandlimbsandbodies.Shenolongerknewwhichbreathswerehersorhisorwhereshe
stoppedandhebegan,onlythatforthefirsttimeinmonths,everythingwascompletelyright.Shefigured
iftheyneverstoppedkissing,theycouldcallitonekiss.Thentheywouldn’thavetodealwithanyofthe
suckystuffthatwouldhappenafter.

“Youneedtogobeforeanyonefindsoutyou’rehere,”hesaid,buthegrippedherbutt,boostedherin

hisarms,andkissedheragain.“Ishouldyellatyou.”Anotherkissashepressedheragainstthewall.“Of
allthestupid”—hislipstouchedherneck—“reckless…”Henippedatherear,andsheclungontohim,
sureshe’dfallifshedidn’tholdon,eventhoughhehadherfullypressedagainstthewall,notenough
spacetoslip.“Butwe’llsetupameetingspotthistime.Forafterthetrial.Thenjustwaitforme.I’llbe
thereassoonasIcan.”

Sheopenedhermouthtorespond,andheplungedhistongueinside,sweepingitagainsthersuntilshe

didn’trememberhowtotalk.

Thenthestupidknockonthedoorinterruptedeverything,andbeforeshecouldeventrytorearrange

herdisheveledclothing,AgentsMcVeeandManciniwalkedin.

“Ah,CassandraDalton,”AgentMcVeesaid.“Imaginefindingyouhere.We’vebeenlookingforyou

everywhere.”

ChapterForty-Four

VincepushedherbehindhimasifheplannedonfightingthetwoFBIagentsiftheycameanycloser.Shit,
heprobablydid.

Cassiewrappedherhandaroundhisbiceps,tryingnottogetdistractedbytherock-solidmuscle

there.“It’sokay.They’retheonlyreasonIgottoseeyoufirst.I’mtestifyingagainstMr.Rossi.”

“No.”Vincespunandtookherfaceinhishands.“Baby,it’stoodangerous.”
“Whatgooddoesitdomeifyouputeverythingonthelineandhestillgetsawaywithmurder?I’m

heretoensurethatdoesn’thappen.Ifyouloveme,you’llletmedothis.”

Hescowled.
“Notsoeasytobeontheothersideofthatstatement,huh?Look,Itriedtostartover,butIrealizedit

wastoolate.Can’tstartoverwhenyourheartissomewhereelse.”Heatcreptintohercheeks,andshe
triednottothinkabouttheiraudience.Howcouldshesayeverythingshewantedtoinsuchashorttime?

We’llhavemoretimelatertonight.Andoncethisisdone,we’llhavenothingbuttime.
Sheplacedherhandsonthesidesofhiswaist.“Iknowbeinghere’sdangerous,butwe’llhave

constantprotection.Andhey,atleastthistimeIrememberwhypeoplewanttokillme.”Vincedidn’t
seemtofindthatveryfunny.Sheleanedinandpressedaquickkisstohislips.“We’llgetthroughthis
together.”

AgentMcVeeclearedhisthroat.“Look,we’rewalkingafinelinehere.Ifweblurtherulestoomuch,

therecouldbeamistrial.Iwon’tletthathappen.WeneedtogetCassandra’sstatement,andthenshe
needstomeetwiththeAUSAwhenhegetsoutofcourtandrepeatittohim,sowecanworkitintothe
planassoonaspossible.”

CassiegaveVince’shandaquicksqueeze.“Don’tworry.I’llseeyoutonight.Youjusthavetotell

AgentMcVeethatit’sokayformetoknowwhereyouare,andthatyouwantmetobeunderprotection
withyou,andhe’lllettheU.S.Marshalsknow.ConsideringtheshakedownIgot,I’massumingyou’ve
clearedme?”

Finally,shegotasmile.Thenheleaneddownandwhispered,“Justtobesafe,webetterschedulea

privateoneinmyroomlatertonight.”

***

VincepacedthepartiallyfinishedlivingroomoftheplaceonMonmouthStreetwhereheandBobbyhad
beenstayingforthepastmonth.TheU.S.Marshalspickedthespotbecausetheywantedthemtobeclose
tothecourthouse—aquickfourorfiveminutedrive—butnotwalkingdistance,orcloseenoughsomeone
couldeasilystumbleacrosstheirlocationiftheywerecanvasingtheneighborhood,likeCarlo’s
associatesprobablywere.

Red,squishedtogethertownhousesthathadbeenaroundforatleastahundredyearslinedtheother

sideofthestreet.Theyweretryingtocramafewupdatedtwo-familytypehousesonthisside,andthe
green,in-progressonetheywerecurrentlystayinginhadn’thadanyoccupantsyet.

DeputyFlorez,theformerlinebackerresponsiblefortheirsafetyduringthetrialsatinthecorner,his

gazetrackingVince’sprogressacrosstheroom.Theguywaschillenough,butVincestillhatedthethought
ofbeingguardedatall.He’dalwaystakencareofhimselfjustfine.

“Bro,relax,”Bobbysaid.“You’regoingtowearaholeinthebrandnewfloor.
“Iftheydon’tbringCassieoversoon,I’mgoingtopunchaholethroughthedoorandgohunther

down.”It’dbeenhourssinceshesurprisedhimatthecourthouse,andrightnow,itseemedmorelikea
dreamthansomethingthathadactuallyhappened.He’dstaredatherfacethinkingnothingwasquiteright,

yeteverythingwasfamiliar.Hervoiceandthewayshedeliveredthelineshelpedhimseethroughthe
changes,despitethedifferentcoloredeyesandhair,andthefactthatshe’dthinneddownabit,eveninher
face.

Ishould’veinsistedonstayingatthecourthouseuntilsheleft,nomatterwhatanyonesaid.
Thesquealofbrakescaughthisattention.Hookingafingerintheblinds,hepulledthemdownand

peeredoutthewindow.RelieffloodedhimwhenCassiesteppedoutofthecar.Irritationfollowedwhen
henoticedthecopwithher.OfficerDuffyobviouslywantedhisnosebroken,becauseheputhishandon
thesmallofCassie’sback,whereVince’sshouldbe.ThepinkandgraybackpackVincegaveherallthose
monthsagohungoffoneshoulder,andDuffygrabbedholdofablacksuitcase.

DeputyFlorezunholsteredhispistol.
“It’sjustCassieandanannoyingpigwhofollowsheraround,”Vincesaid,movingforthedoor.

DeputyFlorezshothimasternlook—mostlikelyfortryingtobreakprotocolandthepigcomment.The
deputyinsistedonansweringthedoorandfinallyletinCassie.

Vincedidn’twasteanytimepullingherintohisarms.Real.Here.Herdeterminationwaswritten

acrossherfeaturesearliertoday,sohefiguredhe’dsimplyholdoninsteadoflecturingher,eventhough
hestillwantedtoscoldheroverwhatanunsafemoveshe’dmade.

SheturnedtoBobby,andthebeautiful,familiarsmilethatspreadacrossherlipswasanother

reminderthatdespitethechanges,itwashisCassie.“Bobby!”Shetooktwolargestepsandhuggedhim.

Bobbyreturnedthegestureandthenranhisgazeupanddownher—inmoreofaconfusedwaythan

checkingherout,soVincedecidedtoletitslide.“Youlook…completelydifferent.Ididn’tthinkIwas
thatmessedupwhenImetyou,butweren’tyoublond?”

Shelaughed.“Youlookprettydifferent,too.Sobertotallyworksforyou.”
“Yeah.Iwon’tblameyouifyoudecidetoleaveVinceforme.”Bobbyranahanddownhisshirt.

“Rehabtookmykillerlooksandpushedthemintoirresistibleterritory.”

“Veryfunny.”VincetuggedCassiebacktohim,wrappinghisarmsaroundherwaistandpullingherso

shewasagainsthischest,facingout.HelookedoverherheadatDuffy.“She’sgood,soyoucangonow.”

“VinceandBobbyDaMarco,intheflesh,”Duffysaid.“Weren’tthetwoofyoualwaysinthebackof

mydad’scopcar?”

Vincetensed,andCassiegrippedhisarms,keepingthemaroundher.“RememberwhatIsaidabout

beingnice,Tom?”SheglancedoverhershoulderatVince.“Thatgoesallaround.”

Duffyreachedforthedoorknob.“MypartnerandIwillbeinanunmarkedcaronthestreetkeeping

watchallnight.Butyou’vegotmynumberifyouneedit.”Henoddedatherandfinallyleft,andDeputy
Florezwenttoworklockingtheplaceuptightagain.

“Ihadtocallhimforinformationbeforemakingmyplanstoreturnforthetrial,andheaskedtobeput

onthedetail,”Cassiesaid.

“Ididn’tsayanything,”Vincesaid.
“Butyouwerethinkingaboutit.”Shespuninhisarmsandkissedhim.Hetwistedastrandofherhair

aroundhisfinger.Hecouldn’tgetoverit.Shestilllookedsexy,blondorbrunette,butadmittedly,he
didn’tlikethathereyesdidn’tlooklikehers,evenasheadmiredhowfarshewenttotransformherself.

“Youlearnedtostickyourfingerinyoureye.”
“ApparentlyI’lldocrazythingstogetbacktoyou.EvendoareverseClarkKentandshedtheglasses

forgrosseye-touching.”Cassiedroppedherbagonthefloorbythecouchandpulledhimtositnextto
her.

“Soyou’reSupermannow?”Vinceteased,nuzzlingherneck.
“Superwoman,thank-you-very-much.”Cassiepattedthespotnexttoher,instructingBobbytositand

tellherhowherfriendAnniewasdoing,andthethreeofthemspentseveralminutescatchingup.

VincecouldtellbythewayshetalkedaboutthepeopleshemetinOklahomathatshe’dbeenhappy,

andhewasinaweshestillcamebackforhim.Godhelovedher.

Whentheconversationslowed,sherestedherheadonhisshoulder.
Hecurledhercloserandkissedherforehead.“Ifyouboyswillexcuseus,CassieandIneedtohavea

privatemeeting.AndyoumightwanttoturnuptheTVwhilewehaveit.”

RedflaredacrossCassie’scheeks.“Vince!”
“What?It’snotliketheydon’tknowwhat’sabouttohappen.”
“Keepitup,andit’sgoingtobenothing.”
Helacedhisfingerswithhersandpulledhertoherfeet.“Incaseanyone’swondering,I’mgoingtogo

showCassiehowyoucanseeapartofAssunpinkCreekfrommybedroomwindow.Wevisiteditonone
ofourdates,sothenwe’llprobablyjustsmileateachotherforawhileaswereminisceonthatspecial
memory.”

Sheblushedagainandshookherhead.He’dmissedthewaythecolorbledintohercheekslikethat.

Missedeverythingabouther,actually.Sheturnedhimintoasappyfool,andhedidn’tevencare.

Theyclimbedthestairs,andassoonastheyreachedthelanding,hescoopedherintohisarmsand

carriedherintohistemporarybedroom.Hekickedthedoorclosedandtossedherontothebed.

Atinysquealescapedherashedoveontopofher.Hekissedher,takingtheextraminutestheywere

deniedearlier.Onebyone,shelostthejacket,shoes,andpants.Atthesightofherlacyredthonghegrew
evenharder,strainingagainstthezipperofhisjeans.

Hepeeledoffhersilkytanktop,revealingamatchingredbra.“Damn,Imissedyou.AndI’mnotjust

sayingthatbecauseyou’realmostnaked.ButImissednakedyou,too.IdokindoffeellikeI’mcheating
withthebrunetteversionofyou.”

Thecornerofhermouthkickedup,andheslippedoneofherbrastrapsoffhershoulder.“Wait,”she

said,pushinghimawayashereachedforherotherone.“Youhavetocatchup.”

Heloweredhiseyebrows.“Catchup?”Didn’ttheyalreadydothatdownstairs?
“Onnakedness.”Shescootedoutfromunderhim,satonherknees,andgrabbedthehemofhisshirt.

Shelifteditoverhisheadandtosseditaside.Shetracedthepuckeredpinklinewhereherknifehadgone
in.“Ishould’vemadeyougetstiches.IstillfeelsobadthatI—”

Hecutheroffwithakiss.“Don’tworryaboutit.Chicksdigscars.”
“Notwhenthey’retheoneswhogavethemtoyou.”Cassiebentdownandpressedherlipsoverit.
Hegroanedinreliefandanticipationwhensheundidthebuttonofhisjeansandloweredthezipper.

Dizzinesssetinasshecuppedhimoverhisunderwear.Thenherfingerstraveledup—toohigh—andshe
draggedherfingertipsovertheskinjustabovethewaistbandofhisboxers,teasinghimuntilhecouldn’t
takeitanymore.

Withagrowl,hegrippedherhips,digginghisfingersintotheskin,andpulledherflushagainsthim.

Hekissedher,rediscoveringeveryinchofhermouthwithhistongue.“I’mneverlettingyougoagain.”

“Lasttimeyousaidwe’dstartoverandthatyouweremine,andthenyouleftme.Justknowthatifyou

evertrythatagain…”Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandlockedeyeswithhim.“Justdon’t,okay?
Myheartcan’ttakeit.”

“Iwon’t,Iswear.Mylifecompletelysuckedwithoutyou,andIalreadyhadplanstofindyou,no

matterwhatittook.”Hebrushedhisthumbacrossherbottomlip.“Andforwhatit’sworth,Inever
stoppedbeingyours.I’llalwaysbeyours.”

Asatisfiedsmilespreadacrossherface.“Iloveyousomuch.”
“Iloveyou,too.Afterthismessisover,we’llstartovernew.Together.”

“Soundsperfect.”Awickedglinthithereyesasshedraggedherfingernailsdownhischest,sending

thewavesofdesirethat’dbeenbuildinginsideofhimcrestingandcrashing.“Butfornow,Ithinkwe
shouldtakeadvantageofallthisuninterruptedtimetogether.”

Sherolledherhipsasshesuckedhislowerlipintohermouth,andthentheworldblurredintoskin-

on-skin,moans,months’worthofpent-uplonging,andcomingtogether,onlytoworkuptheenergytodoit
alloveragain.

ChapterForty-Five

ThetestimonyVincegaveasAssistantUSAttorneyBirchquestionedhimwasthesmooth,expectedpart.
SeeingCarlowasfarfromeasy,butVincelaidoutthefacts.

WhenCarlo’sslimylawyerstoodtocross-examine,Vinceremindedhimselfheneededtoremainas

calmaspossible,nomatterwhatUffizisaid.Thelawyerbroughtuphisfather’sdeathandtalkedabout
how,eventhoughCarlotookhimin,Vincewasanuncontrollable,angrykidwhostolealcoholandcars.

“Borrowedonecar,”Vincesaid.“WhenIwasseventeen.Andthechargesweredropped.”Thanksfor

that,asshole.

Uffizicontinuedonwithhisspiel,paintinghimassomeonewhowantedtotakeoverhisuncle’s

businessandwasbitterwhenhewastoldhecouldn’thaveRossi’sRestaurant,becauseitwasCarlo’s
mainsourceofincome—hah!ThebonesinVince’sjawachedfrombitingdownsohard.Hekepthearing
AUSABirchtellinghimitwasoftheutmostimportancehedidn’tlosehistemper,nomatterhowmuchthe
othersideprovokedhim.

Uffizistoppedhispacinginfrontofthewitnessstand.“Isn’tittrueyouhadaccesstothesafethatheld

theweaponsinRossi’s?”

“Iknewwherethesafewas,andCarlohadshownmeafewoftheguns,yes.”
Uffizimadeabigdealabouthowatanytime,Vincecould’vegottenintothesafeandusedthe

weapons.

“Ialsohavetwowitnesseswho’llsayyou’retheonewhokilledEduardoAlvarez,”Uffizisaidwitha

smuglookVincesincerelywantedtopunchoffhisface.

SalandDante,nodoubt.“MostofCarlo’sguyswouldsayanythingforhim,”Vincesaid.“That’swhat

happenswhenyou’readonintheMafia.”

Uffizistrodeforward,ignoringthelastcomment.“Buttherewasanotherwitness,wasn’tthere?A

waitresswhoworkedatRossi’s?Ms.CassandraDalton?”

AlongexhaleleakedthroughVince’sclenchedteethashefoughttheurgetokeepCassieoutofit.His

stubborn,amazingwomanhadtakenawaythatoption,andsoonshe’dbeinhisplace,addingher
testimony.

“Infact,youtoldmyclientyoukilledCassandraDalton,didn’tyou?Remember,you’reunderoath.”

Uffizigrinnedathim,andVincegrinnedrightback.AsmuchashewantedCassiefar,farawayfromthis
mess,hecouldn’twaittoseethelookonUffizi’sandCarlo’sfaceswhentheprosecutioncalledherto
takethestandnext.

“Itoldhimthatsohe’dstoptryingtokillher,”Vincesaid.“He’daskedmetokillhertwice,andhis

capo,SalEsposito,hiredthugstomowherdowninthestreet.Shebarelysurvivedthedrive-byshooting,
andthenthere’sthesniperCarlosenttokillher.Ithinkthere’sarecordingofhimorderingthathit,isn’t
there?Andpicturesofherapartmentafterward?”

Uffizi’seyesnarrowed.“Convenientthatshehasn’tbeenseenformonths.”
“Actually,gettingheroutofthecityalivewasextremelyinconvenient,consideringwewereshotatas

wetriedtoflee.ButIhelpedhergetoutofJerseyandtoldhertorunandneverlookback.ThenIcame
backandliedtoCarlo,becauseIknewhewouldn’tstopgoingafterheruntilshewasdead.”

“Andwe’rejustsupposedtobelieveyou’renotlyingnow?”
Vinceleanedclosertothemicrophoneinfrontofhim.“RightnowI’minacourtroomandunderoath,

notstandinginmyuncle’sofficewithagunpointedatme.”

“Didyoutradeyourtestimonyinexchangeforcriminalchargestobedropped?”Uffizihadtoalready

knowtheanswertothat.

“Nope.LikeItoldthecourtearlier,Irefusedtojoinmyuncleandrantherestaurant.Heusedmy

brotheragainstme,andIstayedfortoolongbecausehewasfamily.Butit’stimeformetotellthetruth
aboutwhoheisandwhohe’skilled,andforhimtopayforhiscrimes.”

HedaredabriefglanceatCarlo,whohadacarefullyneutralexpressioninplace.ButVinceknew

himwellenoughtoseethemurderousgleaminhiseye,andhehadnodoubtthatgiventhechance,he’d
stranglehimwithhisowntwohands.

Uffizistoodinthemiddleofthefloor.Hisexpressionheldahintoffrustration,butheobviously

thoughtshowingVince’saccesstotheweaponsandthesupposedothereye-witnessaccountswouldbe
enoughtoplantreasonabledoubt.Cockybastards,bothhimandCarlo.Theytrulythoughttheycouldget
outofanything,nomatterwhatevidencewasstackedagainstthem.

Finally,Vincewasexcused.Ashestarteddownfromthewitnessstand,AUSABirchsaid,“I’dliketo

callCassandraDaltontothestand.”

Andhehadafrontrowseattotheshockedandhorrifiedexpressionshe’dsobadlywantedtosee.

***

Cassie’shandsshookasthebailiffescortedherintothecourtroom.Luckily,thefirstfaceshesawwas
Vince’s.Heshotherareassuringsmilethatsteeledhernerves,andshestrodetowardthestand.

HerstepsfalteredwhenCarlolookedherway.“That’snotCassie,”hemuttered.“I’veneverseenthat

girlinmylife.”

AsCassiewasswornin,shenoticedafrantic,whisperedconversationgoingonbetweenCarloand

hislawyer.

Shesatandstatedherfirstandlastnameasasked.
Carlo’sscrawny,baldlawyershottohisfeet.“Yourhonor,wewerenotawareofthiswitness.”
“Shewasonthelist,”AUSABirchargued.
“Yes,butnoone’sseenherformonths.Myclienthasn’tlaideyesonhersinceshesimplystopped

showingupforwork.Irequestarecesstoprepareforthisunexpectedsurprisetheprosecutionistrying
topullonus.”

Cassiewantedtoarguethatshehadn’tshownupbecauseshewatchedthedefendantblowsomeone’s

brainsout,butthejudgepulledthetwolawyersupforasidebar.Morefranticwhisperingensued.AUSA
Birchturnedredasheargued,obviouslydoinghisbesttoletthecourthearhertestimonyrightnow.But
Carlo’slawyerarguedrightback.Thenthejudgetoldbothofthemtoreturntotheirtables.

“We’llrecessforjustshyofforty-eighthours,”thejudgesaid.“Proceedingswillstartthedayafter

tomorrowatninea.m.”

“Ineedmoretimethan—”Carlo’slawyerstarted,butstoppedwhenthejudgeglaredathim.
“I’mbeinggenerous,”thejudgesaid.“Youalreadyhadhername,andwehaveajurywhocan’tgo

hometotheirfamilies.Isuggestyouusethisrecessmorewiselythanyou’veusedyourdiscoverytime.”
Hebangedhisgavel.“Untilthen,courtisadjourned.”

***

Carlosatacrossfromhisattorneyfortheiremergencymeeting.Tosayhewasstunnedwhenasupposedly
deadgirltookthestandwouldbeanunderstatement.He’dalternatedbetweenlividandfloored.Evenas
they’dswornCassieinhe’dstared,thinkingitwasn’ther,andtheprosecutionwastryingtoputanactress
inherplace.

Finally,hesawthroughthedifferencestothegirlhehiredallthosemonthsago.Someofthesweet

hadwornoffher,butitactuallywasCassie.HecaughtthewayshelookedacrossthecourtroomatVince
whenthejudgeallowedtherecess,anditwassofuckingcleartheywereinonittogether.

Hisnephew’sbetrayalandlies—liesheshould’veseenthrough—sentangercoursingthroughhis

veins.IdeservesomefuckingloyaltyaftereverythingI’vedoneformynephews.Insteadtheyturnon
me.

Despitehisbestefforts,familyhadmadehimsoft.Butthesoftsideofhimwaslonggonenow.
“Isitdone?”Carloasked.
Uffiziglancedaroundasifsomeoneelsemightmaterializeinthisshittyroomtheygottomeetin.“I

didexactlywhatyoutoldmetodo.”

“Don’tworry.Myfriendswilltakecareofeverythingelse.Aslongastheygotthelocation?”He

archedaneyebrow.

“Yourinformantdidalotofdiggingandhadtotailapairofcopswhoarewatchingthestreet,buthe

foundthem.IfanyonefindsoutIwasinvolved…”Uffiziwipedthesweatbeadingathisforeheadwiththe
sleeveofhissuit.Repulsive,evenifitwascheapmaterial.

“Noonewillfindout.Ishould’vejustcalledJackhammerthefirsttimearound.Thenit’dalreadybe

done.”Carlotoldhimselftherewasnogoingback,soitwaspointlesstothinkofwherehewouldbeif
he’ddonejustthat.Cassiewould’vebeenlonggone,andhe’donlyhavetodealwithanoccasional
twingeofregretoverhavingsuchasweetgirlkilled.Nowhehadtodealwithsuffocatingregretallday
longashesatinhiscell.

Thejurydidn’tseemascharmedbyhimashe’dhoped.Forthefirsttimesincethiswholeordeal

started,heworriedhemightbeconvicted.Well,eveniftheworst-casescenariohappened,he’dgodown
swinging,andhe’dhavehisrevenge.

“Ican’thavethatgirltestifying—she’llruinthedoubtsyouraisedwithVince,”Carlosaid.“AndI

can’toverlookthewayheturnedonme.Yougotaverbalconfirmation,right?Notjustamessage?”

Uffizinodded.
“Andtheyknowtotakeinalotoffirepower,thatVinceisn’ttobeunderestimated?”
Hislawyernoddedagain.
“Good.Relax.Bytomorrowmorning,yourjobofdefendingmeisgoingtobethatmucheasier,and

I’llbehappiertoboot.It’sallwinforyou.”

Duringthemanyyearshe’dworkedwithUffizi,thelawyerhadalwaystakenthelargesumsofmoney

anddoneasasked,noqualms.Thequalmsovercarryingoutthisrequestwerewrittenalloverhisface.
Moreproofthateveryonethoughttheywantedthetopspotuntiltheyhadtogettheirhandsdirty.

RightnowCarlowishedhecouldgethishandsdirtier.Hepreferreddishingoutvengeance

personally,buttheguyshehadUffizicontactwouldtakecareofeverything.Andaftertheyweredone,
everyonewouldknowthatevenbehindbars,CarloRossiwasn’tsomeoneyouwantedtocross.

ChapterForty-Six

Cassielayinbed,wishingshecouldsleep.Vincehadnoproblemdriftingoff—he’dbeenasleepfora
goodhournow.Formostoftheday,hetriedtodistractherfromtheshockofbeingsoclosetotestifying
onlytohavetowait.

I’lltestifyonFridaymorning,andMr.Rossiwillstillendupbehindbars.Andassoonasthe

trial’sover,VinceandIcanmoveonandhaveanormallife.

Thatwasoneofthewayshedistractedherassherantedaboutthecrappysituationandtheextrahours

ofstress.Hetoldheraboutthelittlehouseheimaginedlivingintogether,andhowhe’dmakesureithada
nicekitchenforhertoworkhermagicin.Talkingdidhelp,soshetoldhimmoreabouttheHurstsand
DeanneandOklahoma,andhowtheyneededtostopbyandtellthemshewasokaywhentheycould.

ThenVincetookherupstairstothebedroomanddistractedherwithhishands,mouth,andbody.
Anicybreezefloatedoverher,makinghershiver.Afterallthecrazyhotsex,Cassiedidn’tthink

she’devercooldown,soshe’dcrackedthewindow.Thetemperaturehaddefinitelyplummetedinthelast
hourorso.Sheeyedtheopenwindow,debatingifitwasworthscootingoutfromunderVince’sarmto
closeit.Maybeshe’djustsnuggleintighter.

Shefoundthecornerofthebedspreadandpulleditoverherasshewiggledcloser,herbacknow

flushagainsthiswarmchest.Finally,hermusclesrelaxedandhereyesdriftedclosed.

Rightbeforeherbodytippedovertheedgeofsleep,tothatmagicalplacewhereherbodybecameone

withthemattressandthesexyguyshewassharingabedwith,sheheardabriefshout.Followedbya
deafeningsilence.

Sheshotupinbed,andthehaironthebackofherneckprickled.Shelistened,butonlyheardtheusual

soundoftrafficinthedistance.

“Whatisit,baby?”Vinceasked.
“IthoughtIheardsomething.Itmightjustbesomeoneoutside,but—”
Vincesprangintoaction,notevenwaitingforhertostateherworries.Hesteppedintohisjeansas

shethrewonclothes,andthenhegrabbedhisgun.Shepickeduphersandtookoffthesafety.

“I’llgocheckitout,”Vincesaid.“Youstayinthecorner,gunout,andshootanyonewhocomesinthat

youdon’t—”

“Noway.I’mnotgoingtositherewhileyougoandgetyourselfkilled.We’reinthistogether.You’re

goingtoneedsomehelp,andIcanhelp.”Cassieslippedonherbackpack.“Now,let’sgetBobby,andif
weneedto,we’llfindanotherplacetohideoutuntilthetrial’sover.”

Forallofhertoughtalk,hergutdroppedastheyexitedthebedroom.Ifsheheardwhatshethoughtshe

had…

Justfocusonthehereandnow.Worryaboutwhomightbehurtlater.
VincecrepttoBobby’sroomandeasedopenthedoor.“Bobby,”hewhispered.
Noanswer.
KeepingCassienexttohim,theywentintotheroom.Bobby’sbedwasunmade,buthewasn’tinit.

WhatiftheshoutwasfromBobby?

Cassie’sbreathscamefasterandfasteruntiltheywererightontopofeachother,andsheforced

herselftocalmthem.She’dhopeditwouldnevercometothis,butshe’dreadiedherselfasmuchas
someoneevercouldforasituationlikethis.

Anyway,that’swhatshetoldherselfasshegrippedhergunandmovedintothehallwaybehindVince.
Theystarteddownthestairs,andthenVincepushedherbackasmutedshotsrangout,thebullets

punchingholesinthewalls.Oh,great.Thebadguy’sgotasilencer.

Footstepspoundedupthestairs,andVincepushedherbehindhimandtrainedhisgunonthelanding.

Anoisemadeherturn,andshecaughtsightofaguyswingingthroughthewindowsheshould’velocked.
Herolledtothefloor,thebednowcoveringhim.

“Um,Vince—”
Theshooterhidingbehindthestairwaywallstuckhisgunaroundthecornerandblindlyfired.Vince

shotback,andCassiecaughtmovementinthebedroom.WithVince’sattentionontheotherguy,she
leveledhergunontheopendoorway.Theguystartedout,gunraised,andCassiefired.

Thefirstbullethittoohigh,andtheguyclearlyhadn’texpectedit.Hisfingertwitchedonthetrigger,

andshefiredagain,hittinghimsquareinthechest.Hestumbledback,hittheedgeofthebed,andthenhis
limpbodyslumpedtotheground.Foramomentshecouldonlystareinshock.She’dtoldherselfshe
coulddoitifherlifedependedonit,but…

Ijustkilledsomeone.
“It’sokay,baby,”Vincesaid,tuggingherbacktohim.“Youdidgood.”Hemotionedforhertoget

low,andwhenshecrouched,hecreptclosertothecornerofthewall.Theguystuckhisgunoutagain,and
Vincegrabbedhiswrist,yankedhimforwardanddrovehisfistintohisface.Theguytriedtoraisehis
gunagain,andVinceblockedandshot.Theguyfellbackandtwitched,makingahorriblegarbledchoking
noisebeforegoingcompletelystill.

“Twodown,”Cassiewhispered.“Howmanydoyouthinkwehavetogo?”
Whatfewlightswereoninthehousedied,sendingeverythingintodarknessandshadow.They’djust

cutthepower.Great.

“Lookslikeatleastonemore,”Vincesaidinadeathlylowvoice.
Cassie’sfeetdidn’twanttomove,butsheforcedthemintomotionagainandtheymadeittothe

bottomofthestairs.Shetrippedoveradarkobject,andwhenVincemovedtograbher,aguydoveontop
ofhim,sendingallthreeofthemcrashingtothefloor.

DeputyFlorez—hewastheobjectshe’dtrippedover.Thestreetlightsfilteredinthroughthewindow

andlithisdeadeyes.Fearroseup,alongwiththebileinherthroat.

Idon’thavetimetofreakout.Self-preservationkickedin,andshegrippedhergun,levelingiton

Vinceandtheattackerhewasexchangingblowswith.

TheriskofhittingVincewastoogreattopullthetrigger.Vinceslammedhisfistintotheguy’sgutand

followedupwithalefthookintothesideofhisface,soitlookedlikehehaditundercontrol.

“Cassie?”sheheard,thevoiceweak.Shelookedaround,keepingatightgriponhergun.There.Near

thebackdoor.Someonewasdown.Heliftedhishead,andCassie’sheartdropped.

“Tom.”Sherushedoveranddroppedtoherknees,realizinglastminutethatwhatshe’dthoughtwasa

shadowwasapoolofblood.

“Triedto…warn…Yougotta…”Tom’sbreathescapedinapuff,andhisheaddroppedbacktothe

floor.“Go.”

Cassiesearchedhisbodyforthesourceofthebleeding.Thereweretwoshotsintheback,butshe

didn’tthinkthey’dpuncturedhisvest.Justunderneaththevestonhisleftsideshefoundthebulletwound.
Shegentlytippedhimupafewinches,hopingshewasn’tdoingmoredamagethangood.Theexitwound
inthefrontofhislegwashuge,bloodleakingoutatanalarmingrate.

Shesawahandtowelhangingfromtheoveninthekitchenanddoveintheretograbit,tryingtojuggle

itandhergun.

WhenshecrawledbacktoTom,shesetherguntothesideandpressedthetoweltothewound,trying

togetitintoplacesohisweightwouldhelpkeeppressureagainstit.

Aloudgunshotsplittheairandthreeorfourbreath-robbingsecondslater,Vincesteppedaroundthe

corner.

“It’sTom,”Cassiesaid.“He’ssho—behindyou!”
Vincespunaround,armraised,buttheotherguyfiredfirst.TheshotdroveVinceback,intotheliving

roomwhereshecouldn’tsee,andadarkoutlinedartedafterhim.

CassieslidherhandsoutfromunderTomandreachedforhergun.Rightasabootedfootcamedown

onherhand.

Shecriedout,tryingtoinchherfingersforwardandgetthemaroundthehandleofhergun,andhe

twistedhisfoot.Theacheofgrindingbonestraveledallthewayuptohershoulder.Thenalargeforearm
wrappedaroundherthroat.

TwomoreshotsrangoutfromVince’svicinity,loudonesthatmadeherhopetheycamefromhisgun.
“Ihopedyou’dbetheonetostopforthecop.”Thearmaroundherthroatsqueezedtighteraswhoever

ownedithauledhertoherfeet.Shestruggledagainsthim,tryingtogetenoughleveragetotryoneofher
defensemoves,buttheguywassostrong,andwithheroxygenquicklyfading,herlimbsweren’tworking
liketheyshould.

Thebarrelofhisgunpressedagainsthertempleandpanicreplacedwhatlittleairwasleftinher

lungs.

“I’mJackhammer—Icameintotherestaurantonce.Wouldn’thaverecognizedyouwithouttheupdated

description,though.Let’sseehowmuchtimewehavetogetacquainted.”

Hislipsbrushedherearanddisgustcreptacrossherskin.Shemadeherselfassmallasshecould,

tryingtoputmorespacebetweenthem.“BeagoodgirlandyellforVince,sowecanseeifhe’stheone
whomadeit.”Heincreasedthepressureofthebarrelagainsthertemple,pushinguntiltearsstungher
eyes.“Onlymakeitsoundlikeeverything’sallrightorI’llpullthetrigger.”

Heloosenedhisgriparoundherneck,andshegulpedinaquickbreath,theoxygenaclashofburning

andcoolrelief.

“Goon,”hespat,jostlingher.Shekeptherlipsclamped,refusingtolureVinceintoatrap.
Jackhammerspunheraround,andsheimmediatelyrecognizedhisface—itwasn’toneyoueasily

forgot.Riddledwithscars,completelyflatnose,andalargecaveman-typeforeheadsheimaginedhe’d
slammedintopeoplebackwhenhewasaboxer.WhenhecameintoRossi’s,MiahadcalledhimJackand
toldCassieheusedtobeNewJersey’sprideandjoyfighter.

“Yougetonemorechance.”Hegrippedherarmuntilthebonesprotestedandthenbackhandedher

withhisgun.Painexplodedbehindhernose,darkspotscreptintohervision,andshewould’vefallen
overifhehadn’thadholdofher.

“Thatwasn’tevenoneofmygoodpunches.”Hemaneuveredherbacktotheiroriginalposition,her

bodyinfrontofhis,onlywithhisarmacrosshershoulders.Shetastedblood,fromhernoseorherlip,
shewasn’tsure.Everythinghurt.

Tearssliddownhercheeks,andshedidn’tknowwhethertocallouttoVincetotellhimsheloved

himonelasttimeortotellhimtorun.Eitheronewouldonlybringhimtoher,unlesshewas…

Herbrainshutthatpossibilitydown.Nogoingthere.Justthethoughtsentagonyrushingin,theinternal

achefightingformoreattentionthanherexternalinjuries.

Hervisionblurred,andsheclosedhereyes.Itwasworthitforalittlemoretime.
Iloveyou,Vince.
“I’llmakeyoupayforthislater,”Jackhammersaid,takingthegunfromhertempleandpointingit

aheadofhim.

“Vince!Ifyou’realiveandyouwantyourgirltostayalive,comeonout.”Jackhammerswunghisgun,

alwayskeepingherbetweenhimandthelivingroomwhereVinceandtheothermanhaddisappeared.“I
canseewhyyoulikeher.She’sfeistierthanIexpected.Pretty,too.Evencoveredinblood.”

ChapterForty-Seven

Vincemust’veblackedout.ThebastardshothimintheshoulderbeforeVincekilledhim,andraisingthe
gun…that’swhenhefadedforamoment.Ormaybeabitlongerthanamoment.

Hescrambledforhisgunwhenhecameto,grittinghisteeththroughthepain,andthenJackhammer

hadcalledout.IcespreadthroughVince’sbodyasthewordscoveredwithbloodechoedthroughhis
head.

Aquickpressofhisthumbthatshouldn’thavehurtasmuchasitfuckingdidreleasedtheclipinhis

Beretta.Twomorebullets.Ifhedidn’ttakedownJackhammer,theformerheavyweightwouldkillhim
andCassieboth.Theguygrewupusinghisfistsandhelikedtousethemuntilhisopponentscouldn’t
swingback.

Thebodyofthebastardwho’dgottenaroundoffbeforeVinceshothimsprawledonthefloor,empty

eyesontheceiling.Vincegrabbedthedeadguy’sgunandpushedtohisfeet.

“I’mcomingout.”Vincetuckedthesparepistolintothebackofhisjeansandgrippedhisowngun.

Withhisrightshoulderonfire,thatentiresidewasuseless.Heswitchedtheguntohisleft;itdidn’tfeel
ascomfortable,buthecouldlifthisarm,whichmadeitthewinner.

Gunout,hesteppedintothehallway.HeswungthebarreltowardJackhammer,whowasusingCassie

asashield.Theuglyassholequicklyturnedhisgunonher,pressingittothesideofherhead.

EverythinginsideVinceturnedtorageandstoneashelookedintoherbloody,frightenedface.His

fingertightenedaroundthetriggerofhisgun.I’llfuckingkillhim.

Hejustneededtobesmart.Findawaytogetthembothoutofherealive,regardlessofhowshitty

theiroddslookedrightnow.

Cassie’seyeswidenedasshetookinhisappearance,theconcerninthemclear.Hedidn’tdarelook,

buthecouldfeelthebloodrunningdownhisarm,andthebloodlossorpain—ormostlikelyallofit—
madehimdizzy.ItwasjustlikehertobeworriedabouthimwhenJackhammerhadaguntoherhead.

“YouthinkCarlo’sgoingtopayyou?”Vinceasked.“Hisassetshavebeenseized,andI’vealready

givenmytestimony.There’stonsofevidenceagainstCarlo,andhe’sgoingtojail.Icouldpayyoudouble.
I’lldowhateveryouwant.Justlethergo,andyouandIcanworkoutadeal.”

“Nicetry,butIdon’tdealwithrats.AndaccordingtoCarlo’slawyer,Cassiehere’samorereliable

witness.”Hegrippedoneofherbackpackstraps,securinghertighteragainsthim.Hisgleefulgazelocked
onVinceashelickedthesideofherface.“I’mheretomakesureshedoesn’ttestify.”

RedtingedVince’svision,andJackhammer’sgrinwidened.Hegotoffonfearandanger.Vince

wishedhecouldhidehisandnotmakethismorefunforhim,buthewasbeyondplayingitcoolnow.

Ijustneedanopening.Acoupleinchwindowtosendabulletthrough.Withhisrighthand,he’dfeel

moreconfidentabouthowlittlethatwindowcouldbe.Hetoldhimselfhecoulddoitwithhisleft,butif
hehitCassie,he’dwelcomedeath,becausehislifewouldtrulybeover.

Sparksoflightdancedacrosshisvision.Heblinkedthemback,keepinghisarmraisedandfrowning

whenthebeadonthebarrelwobbledaround.Damnbulletwoundwasgoingtogetthembothkilled.

“Iwon’ttestify,”Cassiesaid,thedesperationinhervoicecuttingVincetothecore.“I’lldisappear.

Justletusgo,andnoonewilleverhearfromusagain.”

“Nicetry,sweetheart,”Jackhammersaid,andCassiewincedashepressedthemetalagainstherhead,

sohardthathernecktiltedfromthestrain.ItgaveVinceaonesecondalmostopening,butthen
Jackhammerduckedhisheadbehindhers.“Dropyourweapon,Vince.OrI’llpullthistrigger,andyou’ll
gettowatchherdie.”

AfterIdropit,he’llrelaxhisguardashestartspreparingwhatevertorturehe’sgotinmind,andI

canusethegunatmyback.

Vinceloweredhisgun,squattingtowardthefloor.Hisvisionclouded,andCassiemouthedsomething.

Heblinked,andshemoutheditagain.“I’lldrop…”Hereyesshowedhimherintendedpath.“You
shoot.”

“Cassie,”Vincesaidasthesecurityofthegunlefthisfingersandthemetalclunkedonthehardwood

floor.“Iwantyoutohanginthereanddoexactlywhathetellsyouto.”Please,pleasedon’tgetyourself
killed.

Jackhammer’sattentionhadswitchedtoVince.Wantingtokeepitthere,Vincemadeabigshowof

grabbinghisrawshoulderasheinchedhisfingersclosertotheotherweapon.

CassiestompedonthearchofJackhammer’sfoot,swungherelbowintohisgut,anddropped,

slippingoutofthebackpacktheassholewasclingingonto.

Vincedrewtheothergun,ignoringthewhite-hotpainthateruptedinhisshoulder,andfired,twoshots

insuccession.ShotshadcomefrombehindJackhammer,too,maybeasecondbeforehis.

Vincekeptthegunlevel,evenashisshoulderscreamedtodropit.
ButwhenJackhammercrumpledtotheground,BobbywastheonewhostoodacrossfromVince,

Cassie’sGlockinhishand.Hisbrotherwasshirtless,hisswimmingtrunksdrippingwaterontothefloor.

Withasighofrelief,Vinceloweredhisgun.Cassierushedtowardhim,andhecaughtherwiththe

armthatdidn’tfeellikehamburger.

“Youokay?”heaskedher,andshenodded,despitehersplitlipandbloodiednose.Theroomswayed

asheglancedatBobby.He’dhopedthestaggeringpainwouldfadenowthathewasgivinghisshouldera
break,butitseemedtobespreading,takingoverhislungs.“You?”

“Icouldn’tsleep,soIsnuckovertotheemptyplaceacouplehousesover.”Bobbypointedhisthumb,

asifthedirectionweretheimportantdetail.“They’vegotahottub.IthoughtIheardshots,soIwaved
downsomepeopleandtoldthemtocallthepolice.ThenIsnuckintothebackdoorrightasJackhammer
calledforyou.IwasjustwaitingfortherighttimetograbCassie’sgunandmakemymove.”

“Youdid…good.”Vincetriedtotakeasteptowardthebackdoor,butstumbledintothewall,

accidentlytakingCassiewithhim.Shetriedtosteadyhim,butshedidn’tweighenough.

Sirenssoundedinthebackground,andCassieputherhandonhisface.
“Vince?Vince?”
Herfaceswaminandoutoffocus,andthenitwasjustasmearofcolor.
“Iloveyou,”shesaidassheloweredhimtotheground.“Holdonforme,okay?Youpromisedwe’d

startovertogether.Shotornot,I’mholdingyoutoit.”

Hetriedtosmile,buthedidn’tknowifitmadeittohislipsbeforetheworldwentblack.

ChapterForty-Eight

CassiepacedtheflooroftheER,Bobby’sandAgentMancini’sgazesfollowingher.She’dbeenwearing
outthesamegrooveinthetilesincetheyshoweduptwohoursago.

“Ihatehospitals,”shesaid.“DidImentionhowmuchIhatethem?Thesmellandthebeepingand…”

HorriblememoriesofwatchingDaddisappearlittlebylittleslammedintoher,robbingheroftheability
tobreathe.

Shefelltoherknees,bringingherhandstohereyesasthetearsthat’dsomehowheldoffrushedoutof

heratonce.Theshockhadbeensoall-consumingatfirst,andthenshe’dmadesureVincewastakencare
of,evenastheparamedicsfussedoverherinjuries.

Somewherealongtheway,she’dthreatenedaFBIagent.AgentsMcVeeandManciniweretwoofthe

firstpeopleonthescene,acoupleofambulancesrightbehindthem.OnetookTom,andsheandBobby
squeezedintoonewithVince.

Whenshe’dfirstseenVincecomeoutofthelivingroom,thebloodrunningincrimsonstreamsdown

hisshoulder,she’dnearlypassedout.Survivalinstinctskepthergoing—notonlyforherself,butforhim.

He’dseemedokay…untilhewasn’t.
Theentireridetothehospitalshe’dgrippedhishand,wantinghimtosqueezeback,justsoshe’d

knowhehadsomefightleft.ShekeptthinkingthataslongasthedoctorscouldfixVince,theycouldfix
everythingelse.

Oncethey’darrivedattheER,theywouldn’tletherorBobbygobackwithhim.She’dcauseda

scene,shoutingthatsomeonemightcomeinandtrytokillhim.AgentMcVeesworetogoinandprotect
him,andthat’swhenshetoldhimshe’dhunthimdownherselfifhedidn’tkeepVincesafe.

AgentMancinihadstayedwithherandBobby.EventuallytheERstaffhadinsistedontreatingher

injuriesbeforesendingherbacktothewaitingroom.

Andnowshewasdownonthecoldtilefloorasfearandworrywrappedsuffocatingtentaclesaround

her,pullinghertowardthedarkplacewhereVincedidn’tmakeitoutallright.

Armscamearoundher,andshelookedthroughtear-blurredeyesatBobby,hisfacesolikeVince’s.“I

can’tlosehimagain,”shesaid.“Ifinallygothimback,andhe’sprotectedmefromthebeginning,and
everything…Ijust…”Asobcutofftherestofherwords,andBobbyhuggedhertohimandpattedher
back.

“He’llbeokay,”hesaid.Overandoveragain,untilshe’dcriedeveryounceofsaltwatershehadonto

hisshirt.

Foranotherthirtyminutes,Cassietriedtoholdontohope,butthenwordcamethatTomDuffyhadn’t

survived—toomanyinternalinjuries,toomuchbloodlossfromhisfemoralartery.

Afreshwaveoftearsemerged,andshecrashedalloveragain,guiltslammingintoheralongwiththe

sorrow.She’dpulledhimintothiscase.

Hevolunteeredforwatchdutytoprotecther.
Everyonearoundherdied.Thepeopleshelovedmosthadbeenrippedawayfromher.Sothenext

timethestarkhopelessnessthatwantedhersobadlycalledtoher,shedidn’tfighttheicyarmsthat
wrappedaroundheranddraggedherallthewaytorockbottom.

ChapterForty-Nine

GentleshakingjarredCassieawake.Shewasn’tontheflooranymore,butinachair,andBobbywas
sayinghername.

“IsVince…?”Therestofherwordscaughtinherthroat.
“He’sthroughtheworst,”Bobbysaid,andherheartjoltedintomotion,takingafull,satisfyingbeat

forthefirsttimesincetheshootingstarted.“Surgerywentwell.Thebulletdidn’tbreakanyofhisbones,
butheneededatransfusionhalfwaythrough.Theyhadhiminrecoveryforawhile,buttheyjustmoved
himintoaroom.”

AgentMancinisteppedinfrontofthem.“I’lltakeyoutoseehim.Fromnowon,youguysneedtohave

escortseverywhereyougo—evenjusttothebathroom—andwe’vecalledinafewU.S.marshalswho’ll
guardVince’sroomatalltimes.Fromnowuntiltheendofthetrial,we’retriplingtheprotection.”

“Thatmeansmorepeoplewillknowwhereweare,”Cassiesaid.“Abiggerchanceofsomeone

talking.”

“AgentMcVeefoundtheleak.Hedidn’tsleepallnightbecausehewassoangryaboutit.Trustme,the

personwillbepunishedseverely.Iassureyou,we’vecheckedeveryonewho’scomingonboard.The
marshalsalreadylostDeputyFlorez,andthatmakesthemevenmoremotivated.Theywantsomeoneto
payasmuchasyoudo.”

Cassiewishedthatprovidedmoreassurance,butherfirsthandexperiencewithCarlo’scontactsand

justhowfarhisreachextendedmadeherwarytorelaxherguard.

Allthingsshe’dworrymoreaboutlater.Shestoodandwinced.Hernoseandlipsfelttwicetheir

usualsize,andherentirebodyached,butnoneofthatmatteredaslongasVincewasgoingtobeokay.
“Leadtheway.”

Asshe,Bobby,andAgentManciniwalkedthewhitehallsofthehospital,hesaid,“Wedoneedto

checkinwiththecourtthismorning.Ifyouwanttopostponeyourtestimonyuntilyou’vehealedabit—”

“Iwanttotestifyonschedule.Letthemseemybeatupfaceandaddthattomytestimony.”Sheturned

toBobby.“IassumeIlookalittlerough?IfitfeelsthisbadandIdon’tevenhavebruises,I’llfeellike
suchawimp.”

“Alwaysadangerousquestionfromagirl,”hesaidwithasmile.Hewrappedanarmaroundher

shoulders.“Butyoudon’tneedtofeellikeawimp,ifthatanswersyourquestion.”

Cassiesmiledandthenhertonguewenttothesplitinherlip.Ouch.
AgentMcVeegreetedthemoutsideofVince’sroom.Cassiewantedtobelieveeverythingwouldbeall

puppiesandrainbowsnow,butshe’dseenthebloodyholeinhisshoulder.Nodoubthe’dneedalotof
recoverytime,soshetoldherselftokeepherexpectationsincheck.

“IwasabouttocallMancini.VincejustwokeupandtoldmeIhadfiveminutestoproduceyoutwo

orhe’dripouthisIVandhuntyoudown.He’sgotrealcharmingmanners,Itellyou.”

“That’swhatfirstdrewmetohim,”Cassiejoked,andtheagentsmiledandpulledopenthedoor.

Insteadoflettingthefamiliarbeepofmonitorsandantisepticsmellpsychherout,sheremindedherself
thatwithouthospitalsandthepeoplewhoworkedthere,shemight’veneverrecoveredfrombeinghitbya
truck,andVincewould’veprobablydiedlastnight.

Shestillhopedtoneverhavetocometooneagainafterthis.
Vincelookedupassheenteredtheroom,andsherushedovertohisbedside.Hewrappedhisleftarm

aroundherwaistandhauledherontothebedwithhim.

Tearseruptedagain,amixofreliefandjoyandregretatallthebadthat’dhappenedlastnight.She

pressedherfacetothecrookofhisneckandheldonforallshewasworth.“IwassoscaredIwasgoing
toloseyou.”

Hesqueezedhertightertohim.“Ijustgotyouback.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”
Aftershegotherselfsemiundercontrol,sheraisedherheadandkissedhischeek,leavingherlips

restingagainstthestubble.Heturnedhisfaceandkissedhersoftly.Withafrown,hereachedupand
gentlytracedhernoseandthecutonhermouth.

“I’mokay.It’lllookgreatincourt;don’tyouthink?”Sheplacedherhandoverhisheart,taking

comfortinthesteadythumpunderherpalm.“Whataboutyou?How’sthepain?”

“Nottoobad.”Obviouslyhewaslying.Hisfacewaspalerthanusual,andhe’dbeenshotandhad

majorsurgery.HelookedoveratBobby.

Theydidn’texchangewords,justaseriesofnodsthatsaidtheylovedeachotherintheirownway,

eveniftheydidn’tcomeoutandverballysayit.

Sinceshedidbelieveinsayingit,shetookVince’shandandthenreachedforBobby’s.“You

DaMarcoboysaremyfamilynow,andIloveyouboth.Thanksforsavingmelastnight.”

Bobbyshruggedandgaveheralopsidedsmile.
WhensheturnedbacktofullyfaceVince,hekissedherandthenmovedhislipsnexttoherear.

“Thanksfornotdying.”

“Rightbackatyou.It’stheleastIcoulddo,really,”shesaid.Butsheplannedtodoalotmore,

startingwithmakingsuretheguywho’dcomeafterherfamilyspenttherestofhislifebehindbars.

***

VincelookedatCassie,shelookedbackathim,andthenhetookherhandastheyenteredthecourtroomto
awaittheverdict.

He’dbeensoproudasshegavehertestimony—thenurseshadmarkedhimasdischargedagainst

medicaladvicewhenheleftthehospitaladayandahalfafterbeingshot,buttherewasnowayhewas
goingtomisshertestifyingagainstCarlo.Herbruisednose,slightlyblackenedeyes,andcutlipearneda
lotofwide-eyedlooksandevenafewgaspsfromthejury.Yetshe’dstilllookedbeautifulaseverasshe
answeredbothlawyers’questions,nofear.

OfcourseUffizitriedtoargueherinjurieswouldunfairlypersuadethejury,butthejudgehadshutthat

down.ThentheassholetriedtomakeitsoundlikeshewasinfatuatedwithVinceandwaslyingforhim.

SherespondedbytellinghimexactlyhowmanytimesVincehadsavedherfromCarlo’sattemptson

herlife,includingtheirrun-inwithJack“Jackhammer”Mangano.Thedefensestilltriedtopresenttheir
caseafterthat,butitwasliketryingtodiffuseabombafteritwentoff.Anyway,thatwashowitlookedto
Vince,andhehopedthejuryfeltthesameway.

Inafewminutesthey’dknow.
“Ready?”heaskedCassie,slidinghisfingersbetweenhers.
“AsI’lleverbe.”
Forweeksthey’dlivedinlimbo,sleepingwithgunsbytheirbeds,alwayswaitingforsomeoneto

comeafterthem.Hisrightarmwasstillinasling,andhisshoulderachedplentybutgotbettereveryday.
Cassie’sfacehadfullyhealed,andshe’dgonebacktowearingherglassesmoreoftenthannot.

Astoughasshe’dbeenthroughtheprocess,ithadstillbeatenherupprettybadly.Sheexperienced

boutsofguiltoverwhathappenedtoTomDuffyandDeputyFlorez,alongwithoccasionalnightmaresthat
involvedthemurdershe’dwitnessedandthenightwithJackhammer.

Vince’sguiltmostlycamefrompullingherintohismessylife,buthisloveforhereclipsedit.He

decidedinsteadoflettingregretfillhim,hewoulddowhateverittooktobeworthyofherchoosinghim.

BobbysatonVince’sotherside.“They’llseeit,”hesaid,andCassieandVincebothnodded,because

noonewantedtothinkaboutwhatwouldhappeniftheydidn’t.

Thecourtroomwastwiceasfulltoday,reportersandpeoplefromthecommunityouttoseehowthe

trialthat’dmadetheirliveshellturnedout.Thenofcoursethereweretheusualsuspects—Carlo’sfamily,
friends,andassociates,whotookturnsglaringathim,Bobby,andCassie.

Everyonestoodasthejuryentered,andVince’sgutwenttochurning.Thejudgeinstructedeveryoneto

haveaseat.Hesaidheunderstoodthey’dreachedaverdict,andthejuryrepliedthattheyhad.

Carlostood.
CassiegrippedVince’shanduntilcirculationtohisfingerscutoff,butheletherholdonastightas

shedamnwellpleased.

“OnthecountoffirstdegreemurderinthecaseofEduardoAlvarez,howdoesthejuryfindthe

defendant?”

Thejuryspokespersonstartedtoanswer,buthadtoclearhisthroat.Someoneretrievedaglassof

water,andhetookabiggulp.Thewholethingseemedtogoinslowmotion,andVincehadtorefrain
himselffromyelling,“Justtellusalready!”

Themanclearedhisthroatagain.“Guilty.”
Theaudiencegasped,somerelief,someshock,andCassieturnedandhuggedhim.Heheldontoher

asasensationhehadn’tfeltinalongtimewentthroughhischest.Hope.Genuine,honest-to-Godhope.

We’veactuallygotashotatstartingover.Theywouldstillhavetobecareful,becausethere’dbe

peoplewhotookoverhereandassociatesinNewYorkwho’dbehappytogettheirhandsonthem,butit
justgotthatmuchharderforCarlotodoit.

Thejuryalsocamebackwithaguiltyverdictforconspiracytocommitmurderandthecountsof

racketeeringandextortion.Thejudgecheckeditwastheirtrueverdictsandsetadateforsentencing.

Thecourtroomstartedtoclear,andVince,Bobby,andCassiestoodtoleave.CarlocalledVince’s

name.

Hefrozeforamomentbeforeturningaround.Hewasn’tafraid—hisunclecouldsaywhateverhe

wanted.Toomuchhadhappenedforhimtofeelguiltyaboutturninghiminanymore.

“Itookyouinlikeyouweremyown,”Carlosaid.“Iaskedyoutobemyright-handman.Iwould’ve

givenyouwhateveryouwanted.Thingscould’vegonesodifferently.”

“Youwantedtocontrolme.ToforcemeintoalifeIneverwanted.ButIcould’veletitgoifyou

would’vejustletCassieliveandleftmybrotheralone.Weallmakedecisionswehavetolivewith.I’ll
livejustfinewithmine.”

AtinybitoftheangerdrainedoutofCarlo’sexpression.NothingtomakeVincefeellikethey’d

resolvedtheirissuesortheywereevenclosetocool,butmorelikeaglimmerofunderstanding.

ThenthebailiffcametotakeCarloawaytohisnewhome.Allegracalledafterhim,hercriesturning

towails,andVince’sfocusreturnedtogettingBobbyandCassieoutofheresotheycouldleavethisplace
andthislifeintherearviewmirrorforgood.

TheU.S.Marshalswho’dbeentheirconstantshadowsusheredthemoutofthecourtroomandtoward

thebackexit.CassielacedherfingerswithVince’sandsqueezedhishand.“Thisisgoingtobethestartof
ourluckystreak,Icanfeelit.”

Vincesmileddownather.“MyluckystreakstartedthedayyouwalkedintoRossi’s.”
“Areyousureyou’renotthinkingofunlucky?SincethenI’vebeenhitbyatruckandlostmymemory,

we’vebeenshotatseveraltimes,you’vebeenhitonce,andIdon’tevenwanttothinkaboutthestab
wound.”

“Yeah,butIgotthegirl,mybrothercleaneduphisact”—heshotagrinatBobbyandhereturnedit

—“andIgettostartoverinanewplacelikeIalwayswanted.”

Theyclimbedintothebackofablackcarwithheavilytintedwindows,andCassietuckedupherknee

assheturnedtofacehim.“Okay,butlet’sstartanewluckystreak,whereeverythinggoeswellandnoone
attemptstokillus.”

Vincewrappedhishandaroundherthigh,gladshe’dwornaskirttoday,andrubbedhisthumbacross

hersoftskin.“Oh,comeon.We’vestillgottohavealittleexcitementnowandthen.”

Cassieleanedinandbrushedherlipsacrosshisbeforekissinghimsquareonthemouth.“Well,that’s

whatI’mkeepingyouaroundfor.”

Epilogue

Cassiestaredoutthewindowandwatchedtheoceanwavesinthedistance.Thelackofatrueautumnin
Oceanside,Californiamadeherwonderaboutsettlingthereatfirst,butthenshefellinlovewiththe
ocean.Calmorcrashingwaves.Earlymorningorwhenthesunsetandmeltedintothewater.

She’dalsofalleninlovewiththesmallrestaurantshe,Vince,andBobbywererenovating.Theguys

werehandywhenitcametoknockingdownandbuildingthings,wiring,andgeneralrepair,andshewas
goodatsaying“there”,“notthere”,andpickingoutappliancesandpaintcolors.

Atfirstsheworriedthatsinceshehadn’tgonethroughculinaryschoolyet,she’dbelosttryingto

workthekitchenofarestaurant.Butthey’dhiredanotherchef,andshewasgoingtolearnfromherand
takeclassesontheside.Rightnowthefocuswasbuildinganewhomebase.

TheU.S.Marshalsrecommendedcuttingtieswitheveryacquaintance;theytoldthemthepeoplewho

didthingstheirwayhadaone-hundredpercentchanceofnotbeingfound.Butaboutaweekafterbuying
therestaurantandrentingacutelittlehouse,CassietoldVinceshewantedtomakeaquicktriptoTulsa.

Hedidn’tbataneyeortellheritwasabadidea,justwentrighttomakingthearrangements.
LastSundaynight,asthey’dpulledupnexttothefamiliarbarrageofvehiclesparkedinfrontofthe

Hurst’shouse,excitementhadtingledthrougheveryinchofherbody.Cassierangthedoorbellwhile
VinceandBobbystoodbehindher,noideawhattheywereinfor,regardlessofherattemptstoprepare
them.

MaudescreamedrightinCassie’sfaceandthennearlyknockedheroverwithahug,tellinghershe

hadn’tstoppedworryingsincesheleft.Thenshe’dturnedonVinceandyelledathim,andCassiehadto
quicklyclearuptheassumptionabouthisbeingmarriedandhavingkids.

Maudetooktheminside,andCassiedidanotherroundofhugsandintroductions.Shetoldthemwhat

shecould,skimpingontheexactdetails.

Vincethankedthemfortakingcareofherwhenhecouldn’t,andMaudeinsistedtheystayfordinner.

WhenVincementionedthatCassieputonquiteashowwhileshecooked,everyoneendedupcrowded
intothekitchenassheandMaudemovedaroundthecounterandstove,andMaudeevengotinonthe
jugglingact.Onecanhadendedupdentedbeyondthecanopener’sabilities,butCassielaughedsohard
shegotastitchinherside.

DeanneandBobbyhadflirtedthewholetime,CassieandOwenhadanicechatthatVincetriedto

remainneutralabout—he’devengrowledthathe“trustedherjudgment”beforegivingthemtenwholefeet
ofspace.Theentirenightwouldgodownasoneofthebestnightsofherlife.

OfcourseitmadeCassiewanttobreaktherulesandsay,“Hey,y’allstopbyournewplaceifyou’re

everinCalifornia.”Butintheend,shedidn’twanttoriskthelivesofpeopleshecaredabout.Despite
howcrazyhardit’dbeentosaygoodbyealloveragain,theclosurewasgoodforher.

Thedoortotherestaurantbangedopen,andBobbycamein,phonetohisear.“Okay,I’llgetherand

bethereinaboutten.”Hehungupandlookedather.“I’vebeeninstructedtotakeyouhome.”

Cassieloweredhereyebrows.“Youboyshavebeenactingweirdallday.What’sgoingon?”
“Ijustfollowtheorders,ma’am,”Bobbysaid,salutingher,andshelaughed.Theyclimbedinto

Bobby’struck,andashortdrivelater,hepulleduptothethree-bedroomrancherthatwasnowhome.She
expectedhimtoturnoffthetruckandcomein,buthekepttheenginerunning.“I’vegotameetingtoget
to,”heexplained.

“Later,then.”Cassiewalkedupthesidewalk,noideawhattoexpect.Justbeforeshesteppedinside,

shetookadeepbreathoftheoceanbreeze.Yeah.Thisplacewasperfect.

Thedoorswungopen,andVinceleanedagainstthedoorframe.Speakingofperfect…
“I’vegotasurprise,”hesaid.“Closeyoureyes.”
Shedidasinstructedandthenheguidedherintothehouse,cuppinghishandsoverherglassesand

walkingherinthedirectionofthelivingroom.“Hmm.Iexpectedthebedroom,”shesaid.

Hiswarmbreathhitherneck,sendingapleasantchilldownherspine.“I’llgiveyousomethingelse

intherelater,Ipromise.”Hepulledhertoastop.“Ready?”

“Ithinkso?”
Hedroppedhishands,andthere,afewfeetinfrontofher,washerhotpinkcouchwithhermom’s

quiltdrapedacrossonecorner.Sheblinked,thinkingithadtobeamirage.Tearssprangtohereyes,and
warmthradiatedthroughherchest.Shewalkedoverandranherhandacrossthefamiliarcushions,then
pickedupthequiltandhuggedittoher.

ShespuntoVince.“How?”
“AgentMcVee.Guesstherearesomegoodpigsoutthere,”hesaidwithasmile.“WithCarlo’sother

menofficiallygoingawayfortentotwenty,Icaughthimjustbeforehisretirementparty.Heput
everythingunderafakename,andthenIhadtodrivetoLAtogetit.Justtobesafe.”

Vincecameoverandrubbedhishandupanddownherback.“Iwanttostartoverwithyou,butIalso

wantedyoutohavethestuffyoucaredaboutfromyourpast.”

Shesetdownthequilt,wrappedherarmsaroundVince,andkissedhim,throwingeverythingshehad

intoit.“Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou.”

Heboostedherintohisarms,andshewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist.Lipsneverbreakingcontact,

hewalkedthembackwardtothecouch.Shethoughthe’dsitdown,butthenheshiftedherontoahip,one
handstillfirmlyplantedonherbutt.

“Also,IshouldprobablyletyouknowthatyouandIaregettingmarried.”Hedugintohispocket,

pulledoutabox,andflippeditopen,revealingadiamondring.

“Oh?Ihavenosayinthematter?”
“Nope.Butifyouwantadifferentring,letmeknow.I’llalsoletyoupickthedate.”
“Howgenerous,”shesaid,andthenshepressedherlipstohis.
“Isthatayes?”heasked.
“Apparently,youdon’tneedit.”Shebrushedherfingersacrosshisjawandkissedhimagain.“But

it’sadefiniteyes.”

Acknowledgements

Thisbookhasbeenthroughmanydifferentversions,butwasalwaysonethatwouldn’tletmego.I’mso
gladthatit’sfinallygoingtobeoutintheworldforpeopletoread,evenifitalsomakesmystomach
churnalittle.LOL.Bigthankstotheseawesomepeoplewhohelpedmemakeitshine:MollyLee,
EvangelineDenmark,AshleeCowles,BrandyVallance,&BobSpiller.Youguysareallsosmartand
lovely,andworkingwithyouhasmademeabetterwriter—hugs!

ThankstoCassieMaeforthemadcopyeditingandformattingskills,andforjustbeinganallaround

awesomefriend.ThankstoAlliefromMakereadyDesignsformyawesomecover.I’malwaysso
impressedwithwhatyousendbackaftermyramblingemailsofmadness.

HugethankstoLaurieEnglishforhelpwiththeinformationabouttrials,witnesslistsandtestimonies,

andhowtheDA’sofficeworks,andthankstoLisaHarmsenforgettingmeintouchwithherwhenIput
outthecallforhelpwithmyresearch.WhileItriedtobeastruetolifeaspossible,I’vetakensome
libertieswithlegalsystem’stimelineforthesakeofthestory.

HugethankstoLindaRussellfromSassySavvyFabulousforpublicityhelp,keepingtrackofmycrazy

schedule,andfordroppingnotestojustcheckin.I’msogladImetyou!

RebeccaYarrosandGinaMaxwell,thanksforkeepingmesaneandkeepingmegoingwhilewriting

andeditingandjustallthethings.Iheartyouguyssomuch!

Shoutouttoalloftheawesomebloggersandreaderswhoreviewandsharemybooks.Youareso

appreciated!ShoutouttothepeopleinmyFacebookgroup,CindiMadsen’sCorner.Ifyouwanttojoin
us,wehaveatonoffun,andyougetfirstpeekatwhat’sgoingonwithmywriting.

Andofcourse,asusual,bigthankstomyfamilywhoarenotonlysupportive,butaresomeofthe

coolest,mostfunpeopleIknow.

Thankyoutomyreaders,forreading,forreviewing,foryourawesomemessagesthatalwayscome

rightwhenIneedthem.Youallseriouslyrock!XOXO

AbouttheAuthor

CindiMadsenisaUSATodaybestsellingauthorofcontemporaryromanceandyoungadultnovels.She

sitsathercomputereverychanceshegets,plotting,revising,andfallinginlovewithhercharacters.

Sometimesitmakesheracrazyperson.Withoutit,she’dbeevencrazier.Shehaswaytoomanyshoes,

butcanalwaysfindareasontobuyaprettynewpair,especiallyifthey’resparkly,colorful,orsupertall.

Shelovesmusicanddancingandwishessummerlastedallyearlong.ShelivesinColorado(where

summerismostdefinitelyNOTallyearlong)withherhusbandandthreechildren.

YoucanvisitCindiat:

www.cindimadsen.com

,whereyoucansignupforher

newsletter

togetalltheup-

to-dateinformationonherbooks.

FollowheronTwitter@cindimadsen.

AlsobyCindiMadsen

theHopeSpringsseries

SecondChanceRanch

CrazyfortheCompetition

TheBadBoy’sBaby

theAccidentallyinLoveseries

FallingforHerFiancé

ActLikeYouLoveMe

ResistingtheHero

AnOfficerandaRebel

foradultreaders

CinderellaScrewedMeOver

JustJilted

12StepstoMr.Right

fornewadultreaders

GettingLuckyNumberSeven

AnatomyofaPlayer

CrazyPuckingLove

forteenreaders

AlltheBrokenPieces

LosingRomeo

TheCipherseries

DemonsoftheSun

Document Outline

Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Cindi Madsen

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