Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
“They wouldn’t have any business taking him through the shadows with a severe injury,” Geno objected. “They’d know better. He would lose massive amounts of blood.”
“They would expect him to suicide if he was caught by another rider,” Elie pointed out. “They wouldn’t want a trail leading home. They would take him through the shadows and, if he survived, come up with an explanation for his injuries.”
“That doesn’t explain the Croatia riders,” Stefano pointed out. “Unless their parents had a tie to the Archambaults. This many years later it would be difficult to find it, especially if the council refused to answer any questions.”
“It isn’t even the same individuals on the council,” Elie pointed out.
“I’m not eager to share my family history with the council at this moment,” Geno said. “Nor do I want them to dictate to Amaranthe based on what they conclude if we share partial information. I want her to stay with me and give our relationship a chance.”
“I think you’ve just about compromised her shadow in every way you could, Geno,” Stefano pointed out. “Even the Archambaults can’t argue with that.”
Geno couldn’t help the feeling of satisfaction that swept over him. Amaranthe rubbed at her head again and he needed to shut this down so she could rest. “I think she needs to lie down in a dark room for a little while. We can meet for dinner in a couple of nights and pick up where we left off. That will give us time to think about what we do know and what we need to know. Stefano, that gives you a chance to go home and see Francesca, and Elie, you can be with Brielle. I know both of you dislike being away from your wives for too long.”
Stefano rose immediately. “Forgive me, Amara. I should have noticed you were getting tired. I think Geno has devised an excellent plan.”
Geno frowned. He had known Stefano his entire life, and for the first time, his cousin appeared uneasy and eager to leave. Geno had the impression he wanted to tell him something but was holding back.
Stefano? Do you know more about this situation and don’t want to say anything in front of the others?
Stefano didn’t look at him. Didn’t even glance at him. He continued walking toward the elevator. No. I’m not sure why you would think that.
Geno’s unease increased, his gut knotting in the way it did when things weren’t right. What was he thinking? Stefano was the best man he knew. If he had any suspicions, he would want to check them out before he presented them to Geno.
He knew Amaranthe had caught his brief prickle of unease, and before she could say anything, Geno called after his cousin. “As always, Stefano, you came when I needed you. I appreciate you. Elie, thank you, from both of us. Tell Valentino and Dario I’ll explain as much as possible to Amara and will formally introduce them in a couple of days.”
He ignored the way Amaranthe went very still in his mind, as if he, once again, had come under suspicion just by mentioning Valentino Saldi and Dario Bosco. He couldn’t really blame her. It wasn’t as if those names weren’t in the news—and not in good ways. He didn’t point out to her that the members of the Ferraro family were assassins, but the law would treat them as murderers just as quickly. They might look like glamourous playboys flying around the world in private jets, drawing as much attention to themselves as possible to make headlines, but Geno had learned they weren’t all that much different from Valentino and Dario.
* * *
• • •
I’d like to see your home if I’m going to be staying here,” Amaranthe told Geno after the others left them.
She was certain Geno had given them some silent signal, but she hadn’t caught it. He wanted them gone because he knew she had a blazing headache. She wasn’t used to anyone looking out for her, and that made her nearly as uncomfortable as sharing the information they passed back and forth with the two men.
She got that Stefano was his cousin and he was there to help Geno solve the murders—and prevent any others—but at the same time, for her entire life, it had been drilled into her that she was never to give out information. She was to suicide before revealing details on any mission. Every cell in her body rebelled against sharing with anyone other than Geno. She knew it was impossible to keep details from him. Their shadows were tied together. Already, he was in her mind and could pick up information without her verbalizing.
“The others had been staying downstairs. I own a triplex apartment with a full-time doorman and concierge. The apartment encompasses the eighth, ninth and tenth floors and has eleven thousand square feet of living space. The eighth floor has four guest bedrooms with en suite baths. There’s a recreation room with a terrace overlooking the water.”