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Maria took a step back, pulling her little girl to her side. She had a look of recognition in her eyes. “You’re Carmella Lupini.”

“Well, I’m Carmella Banderas now. I’m married to your brother.”

She tilted her head and I noticed a flash of indignation or even anger. But she tried to hide that as well. “Why are you helping us?”

I knew exactly what she was referring to. How could I give a shit about anyone since my father was a murderer? “I’m a doctor, Maria. I’m not in the organization.”

“You could have fooled me.”

Okay, wow. This wasn’t going to be easy. But I couldn’t say I blamed her. “I’m sorry you were put in this position. It’s the last thing Alejandro would ever want.”

She snorted and looked away. “Sure. Whatever.”

“Are you okay?” I tried to follow her lead, keeping my voice calm, admiring the little girl who had her rapt attention on a book in her hands.

“We’re fine. Just fine.”

I remained closest to the door, studying the two of them. The little girl had dark hair, the woman sitting in front of me a striking blonde. But that meant nothing. I had no idea why I’d purposely placed myself in harm’s way. There was no reason other than I had some sense that whatever was happening was more involved than just typical syndicate wars.

They were usually straightforward, even with the use of computers and social media. The feeling had grown stronger over the last twenty-four hours. What bothered me was how terrified I was of what I’d discover. The last thing I could tolerate was having my world turned upside down yet again.

Maybe because I actually cared about Alejandro more than I’d wanted to or believed possible. There were no sounds coming from outside the walls, only Maria’s heavy breathing matching my own.

“Jessica. This is Carmella. She’s a special friend.” Maria was definitely choosing her words carefully.

Jessica finally dragged her attention away from her books, lifting her pretty little head. Staring back at me were a lighter but vivid shade of green, her eyes exactly like… Alejandro’s. My breath caught and I feared the shiver coursing down my spine.

“Hi,” I managed. “What are you reading?”

“Wed Widing Hood.”

“Oh, an amazing story.” And in a weird way, how appropriate.

“Why?” Maria drew my attention away from the startling moment.

“Why?”

“Why tolerate the life?”

I almost laughed. “Because I have no choice. But I do live a different life in another town. I have a pediatric clinic.”

“Oh, really?” She still didn’t believe me. “Where did you go to school?”

“Duke University. I graduated with honors. I interned at a hospital in Boston before working for a doctor outside of Chicago for three years. When I had an opportunity to open my own clinic, I took it. Owning my own place of business is a challenge, but well worth it. Only I miss my patients.”

Boom!

The loud noise brought a yelp from Maria. She slapped her hand over her mouth.

“The room is soundproof,” I reminded her, although obviously not to the sound of close gunfire. That didn’t bring much comfort, but I did see a softening in her eyes as if she believed what I was telling her.

“They’ll find us.” Her words were barely whispered.

“Alejandro knows what he’s doing.”

“He just thinks he does.”

Pop! Pop!