Page 25 of Shattered Choices

Marco is connecting the dots within the information he has, while I’m making sure my wife is safe. I ignore the fact that Pino is following her around. Even if she trusts him, I do not. When it comes to Bella, I don’t trust anyone.

Rocco has contacted his connection within the Carabinieri in the hope of finding out how Isabella got on their radar.

At this stage, I doubt we will find anything. Whoever sold her out is careful.

The business regulations she integrated are new. Her plans for leading legal business more than illegal were not welcomed by everyone. The first thing she did was give power back to the girls working in the club. No more pimping them or controlling them. They are in charge; they sell their services to whoever they want. She turned the strip club into a nightclub and is working on the financial side of the construction company her father uses for money laundering.

Following her around and not being near her is killing me. Seeing another man’s hands on her makes me want to break them. Even if that man is Pino, her alleged fiancé. But for her sake, I need to stay away until I find out who wants her behind bars. Her safety is my priority.

I sit in my car and wait near the beauty salon, where she has an appointment every week at the same time. The passenger door of my car opens, and Rocco slides in.

“We should add stalking to our family business.”I turn slightly toward him. “And who are you stalking?

He shrugs. “At the moment, no one. I used to, but she got away.”

I chuckle. “Then you were doing a lousy job.”

He shakes his head. “I should have just snatched her when I could and locked her in my house.”

“Why didn’t you?”

He shakes his head. “I was trying to give her options. You know, like normal people. She, however, said being with a man like me was not something she wanted. I have something she needs, though, so I thought she would come on her own. She never did.”

I nod, understanding what he means. I’m still wondering about the woman he is talking about because for my cousin totake this much interest in a woman is questionable. Nobody has ever held his attention for more than a couple of months. “What is that you have? I mean, not all women are the same. You can't buy all women with your money.”

His eyes darken. “It’s not the money she needs. It’s worth more.”

“I don’t think I want to know what that is. But if you ever need any help, you know I will with no questions asked.”

He chuckles. “Ah, cousin, I would be careful if I were you. What I want could be called a conflict of interest. So, I will pretend I didn’t hear what you said.” He shrugs. “For the sake of our friendship.”

My eyebrows furrow. “I see. Very well. It’s your choice.”

“Look!” Rocco motions to the woman lurking in front of the salon. “Isn’t that one an officer of ROS working on Isabella’s case? I’m sure I had her picture sent to you within the copy of Ruggeri’s file that I got from my contact.”

“I think you’re right, but what is she doing?”

“Waiting for the right moment to tail your wife.”

I take my phone and type.

Salvatore: There is a woman outside. She is an agent.

Isabella: Thanks. I’ll be careful.

The woman doesn’t stay outside for long. After a few minutes, she enters the salon, and knowing Isabella has been warned calms me a little, but I will not be completely calm until that snitch is caught and she has the Carabinieri off her back.

I will not be calm until she is back with me where I can keep her safe, no matter how badass she is.

The next hour is the longest one since I started following her around, as I anticipate what the woman wants, and if Isabella will exit the salon and not be arrested.

“I need to know who the snitch is,” I say as I watch Isabella get into the car waiting for her, with her usual driver behind the wheel.

I start my car, ignoring Rocco’s grunting, and follow her as she drives away.

“We could do it the old-fashioned way.”

“No, we can’t. Isabella needs to get out of this untouched.”

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