Page 111 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

Roman is offering protection, but he’ll need to keep a low profile as there’s no doubt that Blackwood and his men know him as well as Marco.

In order for this to work, Blackwood needs to think I’ve snuck away to meet him, so he can’t see any protection detail.

Marco drives me to a boutique store and drops me off. “Watch yourself, Gabriella.”

“Don’t worry.” I blow him a kiss as I exit the car.

He drives off, although I doubt very far.

I look for the rideshare I’ve ordered, all a part of the ruse to make it look like I’ve told Marco I’m shopping but am instead sneaking off to see Blackwood.

Fifteen minutes later, my ride pulls up to the café.

As I get out, I’m hit by the reality of what I’m doing.

I’m pretending to betray La Corona to the FBI while actually trying to gain information.

One misstep and this could go sideways.

I enter the café, order a large mocha, and take a seat in the corner.

I don’t see Roman, but I have no doubt he’s around.

I busy myself with paperwork so that I don’t look like I’m waiting for someone.

"Ms. Monti.”

I look up to see Agent Blackwood in his signature dark suit carrying a cup of coffee.

“Agent Blackwood. Stalking me?” On the chance that someone else who works for a La Corona family is watching,

I need to make this look like an accidental meeting. After all, only the Dons and Roman know what I’m up to.

Anyone else will think I’m betraying the families.

"I've brought what you asked for." Blackwood sits across from me and slides a manila folder across the table. "The immunity agreement for your father. Full protection in exchange for your cooperation against Calabresi."

I open the folder, scanning the legal language while my stomach twists.

The document is cleverly worded.

It promises protection for my father, but only if the case against Marco ends with a conviction.

That’s not unexpected.

What I don’t like is that anything the FBI learns about my father and his business during my cooperation could be used against my father if the case against Marco fails.

"This isn't what we discussed." I keep my voice low. "You can’t ask me to provide you with information that could implicate my father and then use it against him if you and the prosecution aren’t talented enough to put Don Calabresi in jail.”

Blackwood shrugs, taking a sip of his coffee. "Standard procedure. We can't offer blanket immunity without guarantees that the information you provide will lead to conviction."

"So my father remains vulnerable unless Marco goes to prison? Information I give could then be used against my family." I flip through the pages, frustration building.

"It's the best I can offer." His eyes narrow slightly. "Unless you're having second thoughts?"

I meet his gaze. "I'm trying to protect my father. If this agreement can't do that, then what, exactly, am I risking everything for?"

"Justice, Ms. Monti." He leans forward. "Or would you prefer to watch Calabresi take everything your father built while his mind crumbles? Because that's the alternative."