Page 57 of Wretched Choices

“Is that the man who was at our wedding? The one that spoke of you as his son?”

“Yes, and a traitor.”

“Are you going after him?”

“No. I now know where he’s hiding. I sent Dante the information. He will take care of it. I have better things to do. I’m taking you out for lunch.”

twenty-three

Salvatore

We ended up eating hotdogs and walking in the park.

Peaceful.

Normal.

No enemies lurking in the shadows. I could avoid everyone because I wasn’t wearing a suit, and a cap covered my head. Driving an old Toyota, no one would know who I was.

Letting my guard down was a relief. Having fun and laughing was something I didn’t expect when I forced Isabella to choose. Her laugh brought a smile to my face. Her love for discovering secrets and how excited she is when she discovers a new thing makes me feel satisfied.

For the first time, I want something other than to be the don of the Cosa Nostra.

For the first time, I feel I’m not my father’s son.

Isabella laughs, and I look at her. She is lying on her back on the grass, reading something her coworker sent her.

“What’s funny?”

She groans before turning off her phone. “The guy who does background checks is in Bali. It’ll be a week before he comes back.”

“I have a tech guy. If you want, he can help you.” The word leaves my mouth before I can think.

“I can’t use your guy. It would be unethical.”

“Why?”

“You are one of the people I investigated, not to mention who you are. I already feel like a hypocrite.”

A burst of laughter escapes me.

She gets into a sitting position, looking me dead in the eyes. “Why are you laughing?”

“Well, you are a hypocrite. You’re in bed with an enemy. I offered to help you, but your pride and hate at what I represent cloud your judgment.”

“I just want to make sure my work has no connection with you. If something happens and I can’t do my work, there are people who will pick up after me.”

“Fine, but if you need help, my tech guy will leave no trace to me.”

“I’ll wait.” She crosses her legs. “Isn’t your tech guy Marco?”

“Yes, how do you know that?” I look skeptically at her.

“Clara, the girl who planned our wedding, talked about him. Is he one of your friends?”

“I don’t have friends.” That is not a lie. I like to call them my family.

“What about Gabriel and Dante?”

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