Page 29 of Arranged Addiction

My hand is shaking. I stare down at the note.

My name’s written in very neat, perfectly formed letters.

“What the hell is that?”

“Declan believes Natalie’s killer left it.”

“Why does it have my name?”

“Open it, please.”

I don’t move. I’m trembling all over. Natalie was murdered. My parents were gangsters, and they were murdered too.

Now there’s a note with my name on it, and the killer left it at a crime scene.

“I don’t want to,” I whisper.

“Be strong, Casey. We’re nearly at the point. Please, open it.”

Slowly, I reach down and unfold the page. Inside is a message, written in that same handwriting.

I read it out loud. “The past is never dead. Senesi.” I look up at Sheila. “Who the hell is Senesi and what does this mean?”

She fumbles with her glasses again. “We believe Vincenzo Senesi is the man who killed your parents. And now Declan is afraid he’s back.”

I sink down into my chair. I stare at the note, totally numb. “I didn’t see this.”

“You were in shock last night. I doubt you noticed much.”

She’s got a point. The memory of Natalie’s apartment is already a blur.

“You’re telling me… this really was my fault?”

Sheila reaches out. She grabs my hand fiercely. “Absolutely not. That isnot what anyone is saying, and don’t you dare start thinking it. You’re completely innocent in all this. You’re a victim too, Casey.”

“I’m not dead though. Natalie’s the one who got murdered.”

“You had nothing to do with it and it’s not remotely your fault. If this Senesi is the one who did it, then he’s the one to blame. Not you. Never you. Do you hear me?” Her voice is firm and she tightens her grip on my hands. “Tell me you understand.”

I nod numbly. “Why did he kill my parents?”

“I don’t know,” she admits, releasing my hand. “I don’t have all the details. Just pieces.”

“Where’s Declan?”

“He should be back shortly.” Her voice softens and she leans in closer. “Casey… did he give you a ring yesterday?”

I pull back sharply. My mouth goes dry. Panic slams into me. “How do you know about that?”

She grimaces and looks pained. “I guessed. Can I see it?”

I almost forgot about the ring. With shaking fingers, I take it from my pocket.

“It’s nice,” she says with a long sigh. “Listen to me now. I won’t be able to say any of this again.”

“What’s going on, Sheila?”

“There’s a lot you don’t understand. There’s so much you don’t know, and I can’t say anything. Your mother made me promise. And he’ll know if I do, and then…” She trails off, looking over her shoulder, and I swear she seems afraid. “If he asked you to marry him, then our time is almost up.”