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“No one in our world is innocent, brother.” He takes a slow sip of scotch. “You of all people should understand that by now.”

Memories flash through my mind—Clara’s smile, her father’s blood on my hands, the way her eyes hardened when she learned the truth. I push them away. That’s not why I’m here.

“Leo has nothing to do with our world,” I say. “He’s a child.”

“And yet here you are, dragging him into it.” Nicolo’s voice turns sharp. “By marrying a cop, no less. What were you thinking, Ezekiel?”

“Leave Eve out of this, and tell me where he is.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” He sets his glass down with a soft clink. “She’s part of the family now, isn’t she? Which makes her my concern.”

“She’smyconcern,” I growl. “Along with everything else in Columbus.”

“Ah, yes. Columbus.” He smiles thinly. “Such a … quaint little operation you’ve built there. The nightclub, the vigilante activities—sabotaging my operations—very creative. But ultimately insignificant.”

I force myself to stay still, to keep my breathing even. I should have known he’d figure out I was the one behind the subtle attacks on his operations. I don’t respond. He’s trying to bait me, to make me lose control. It’s an old game, one he taught me himself.

“What do you want, Nicolo?”

“The same thing I’ve always wanted.” He leans forward, suddenly intense. “For you to take your rightful place in this family. To stop playing hero in the Midwest and come home.”

“That’s not happening.”

“No?” He spreads his hands. “Think about it, Ezekiel. Your problems in Columbus would disappear overnight. The Costa family would fall in line—under your rule of course. Your wife and nephew would be under my protection—thefamily’sprotection.”

“Like Clara was under your protection?”

His eyes narrow. “That was different.”

“Because she knew too much?” I take a step forward. “Or because she made me question my loyalty?”

“Because she made you weak.” He stands, all pretense of warmth gone. “Like this cop of yours is making you weak. Love is a luxury we cannot afford in our world, brother. I taught you that.”

“You taught me a lot of things.” Another step. “Like how to identify a lie.”

“Oh?”

“You want me to believe you had nothing to do with Leo’s kidnapping?” My voice drops to a dangerous whisper. “That Alessandro just happened to have the resources and the intelligence to hire a professional impostor? The surveillance capabilities to track Eve’s movements for weeks? You know where he is, just tell me so I can go home.”

A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “Perhaps Alessandro’s more resourceful than you give him credit for.”

“Or perhaps you’re losing your touch.” I meet his gaze. “The Nicolo I knew would never be so sloppy. Leaving a paper trail back to New York? Having Alessandro contact me directly? Amateur mistakes.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He moves back behind his desk, putting the barrier between us. “But I’m sure I could help you for a price.”

Ice slides down my spine. Is this all part of his master plan? “What do you want from me?”

“I’m giving you a choice.” He pulls a folder from his desk drawer. “Your old position is waiting for you. Full authority, unlimited resources, my complete trust. All you have to do is say yes.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then you go back to your little kingdom in Columbus.” He shrugs. “But don’t expect my help when it all falls apart. And it will fall apart, Ezekiel. You can’t protect them forever—not without my support.”

“You underestimate me.”

“No.” His voice softens with something like regret. “I think I estimated you perfectly. Why do you think I let you play your games for so long? I knew eventually you’d need me. Eventually someone hungry for power would invade your territory. Eventually you’d realize that there is no escaping who you are, who I made you to be.”

“You didn’t make me anything.” The words come out like steel. “I made myself.”