Page 113 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

His brow furrows, as it should. We invented this title specifically to see if Blackwood already knows who's pulling the strings.

“You think there’s someone else involved in all this.”

I blink at him. “Don’t you?” I lean forward to speak in a lower voice. “I know you have someone looking into Don Vitale. Plus, I know Marco’s captain, Salvatore Abruzzo, once worked with you. Look where that got him.” Roman came up with that tidbit, saying he knew Salvatore’s brother had been talking to the Feds, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to think Salvatore had been as well before Roman killed him.

I straighten as if I just realized how dangerous my actions are. “I should go.”

“No. Where did you hear about Abruzzo working with me?”

“So it’s true?”

He shakes his head, but I don’t believe him. “Abruzzo killed Don Ferraza’s wife, didn’t he? I imagine that’s why he’s gone missing.”

“I think you’re being dishonest with me, Agent,” I say. “I think you know there’s a larger conspiracy going on. You used Abruzzo and his brother. You tried to use Isabella Ferraza, and she was nearly killed for it. I’m risking my life to protect my father. The least you can do is tell me what you know.”

He sucks in a breath as he sits back.

His eyes watch me, assess me, and I’m worried I’ve overplayed my hand. “I believe Marco Calabresi is working to bring La Corona down or replace it with just one family.” He pauses. “I don’t know an ‘architect’, but I’d suspect it’s Calabresi. He’s his father’s son, after all.”

His statement takes me off-guard. “What do you mean by that?”

He shrugs and sips his coffee. “His father was power hungry. Felt La Corona was holding him back. He lacked what his son has—charisma and patience. Marco Calabresi is slowly dismantling La Corona. He’s got a leg into Ferraza’s business by marrying his underboss to Ferraza’s daughter. Ferraza has no sons, so where will his business go when he dies?” He lets that statement sink in for a moment.

“And he’s slowly taking over your father’s business. Soon it will be Don Vitale, unless you help me stop him.”

When he puts it that way, Marco does look suspicious.

“I’ve given you what I know, except that they’re planning a meeting.” I drop the final piece of bogus information. I slide a slip of paper to him. “This is the date and location.” I stand. “That’s all I can do. Don’t contact me again.”

“What about your immunity agreement?”

“That’s not worth the paper it’s printed on.” I shake my head, showing disappointment in him. “You’re not much better than the men you’re trying to bring down when you offer shady deals like that.” I turn and walk away, pulling out my phone to order a car.

When it arrives, I climb in and give him my father’s address.

Then I text Marco to let him know that the meeting is done.

A moment later, my phone rings.

“You okay?” Marco asks when I answer.

“Yes, of course. You’re lucky I don’t still think you’re an asshole. Blackwood paints a convincing story that you’re the one behind the attempts to bring down La Corona.”

“Fucker.”

“Indeed.”

“Roman’s following you, and so far, everything looks okay.”

“I’m going to my father’s house. He’s hosting Christmas this year and I want to help get that set up.”

There’s a long pause. “Since you don’t think I’m an asshole anymore and I know you’re not really talking to the Feds, you can return home… I mean… there’s no reason for me to be your guardian.”

My heart stutters in my chest.

This is it? We’re done?

“If you’re ready for your privacy?—”