Page 8 of Stalking Ginevra

“Well, I’ve been waiting for the day she finally stopped tolerating Joseph’s philandering—” He clutches his chest. “Forgive me for speaking ill of the dead.”

Blood roars through my ears, muffling a long-winded speech about how he’s always loved Mom and how she’s been the object of his desire since before I was born. I can barely concentrate on the words because I know exactly where he’s going.

Throughout this, Mom gazes at Bossanova as if he’s the second coming of Christ. There’s a second glass in her hand, which she’s already emptied. I didn’t notice when that slimy old bastard handed back his cocktail.

“Ginny,” he says, his voice pulling me out of my horrified stupor. “Will you give me your blessing to marry your mother?

FOUR

BENITO

I would have stayed all day watching Ginevra sleep, but someone needs to take care of the family business. Instead, I observe her from the app on my phone. She’s as still as death, which is understandable, considering she’s under the influence of the sedative-infused patch I placed on her skin.

It was a necessary precaution to stop her from awakening when Reaper sent his best tech geek to install the cameras. They’re dotted about in her bedroom, bathroom, closet, and car. Once she and her mother leave the house, we can complete the rest of the interior.

Music pumps in through the closed door, ruining my concentration. The downside to having the bulk of our assets still in the hands of the Capello family is running an empire from the back of our nightclub.

A knock on the door pulls me out of my musings. “Enter.”

Nick Terranova strolls in, clad in a tired black suit that has seen better days. There are more streaks of gray in his beard, and he’s lost more of his hairline each progressive year since losing his license to practice law.

He’s a second cousin, once removed, and another casualty of our enemies. While Frederic Capello was scheming with Ginevra’s father to swindle Dad of his most valuable assets, Ginevra’s father was also ousting Nick from their law firm.

“Benito.”

Nick slopes into the office, his movements etched with exhaustion. While he’s unable to practice law, I’ve got him working around the clock, tracing the family’s stolen assets.

I wait for him to sit before asking, “How are things going with your appeal to the Supreme Court?”

“The last petition for reconsideration was denied,” he replies with a sigh. “Maybe things will be different now that Di Marco is dead.”

I send Reaper a text, summoning him to the office.“It’s time for you to claim back your father’s firm.”

His brows pinch. “How?”

“As the Practice Manager. You’ll run HR, admin, finances, client relations, marketing, compliance, and risk management.”

The smile Nick gives me is incredulous. “Practice Manager?”

“Did Di Marco ever pay for your share of the firm?”

“No.”

“Then you’re owed at least a job.”

Nick leans forward, resting his forearms on the table. “You’re telling me I just walk in and take over?”

“You walk in with a small army of my interns and take over.”

A knock sounds on the door, and Reaper enters with four young men from Mortis House. Nick rises off his seat, facing the newcomers, his posture stiffening.

“Meet Rimaldo, Bianchi, Marino, and Capri,” I say. “All four of them are students at Alderney State University, majoring in law. They’re armed, trained, and loyal to the firm. March in with them today, and put yourselves on the payroll.”

Nick gazes at the quartet, his features slack with astonishment. “You’re serious?”

I lean back in my seat. “The Montesano family is about to reclaim its assets. Who better to serve our interests than the Terranova Law Group?”

Breath quickening, he turns to me with a smile, already looking ten years younger. “This is brilliant,” he says, his words choked with gratitude. “I can’t thank you enough.”

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