Page 113 of The Cute Psycho

Lina nods. "Yes, she knows."

"Then don't you think it would be... a conflict of interests so to say?" he asks, forcing a smile.

I hold myself still, trying not to laugh at the euphemism.

"You were a lawyer," I point out.

"Yes, but lawyers can be..." He trails off, glancing uncomfortably between Claudia and Venezia, "On the other side of the law too."

"Well, can't detectives be on the other side of the law, too?" I retort cheekily, watching Marcello try to find a reply, especially as he seems to be concerned about Venezia and Claudia hearing his answer.

I'd watched Vlad's interactions with the law enough to know there are dirty cops everywhere. Why, he even has a game he plays with NYPD, as he'd happily recounted to me. Every time there's a new detective in town, Vlad likes to taunt them and test their loyalties, offering them temptation and waiting to see if they crack. More than half the time, they do, which speaks volumes to people's integrity when incentives are involved.

"You'd like to be a detective on theotherside of the law?" Marcello raises an eyebrow at me.

I look at him intently, not knowing how much to reveal.

"I don't particularly care which side I'm on," I admit. "It's still investigative work. Truthfully, I am interested in murders," I add tentatively, "and seeing that both goodandbad people die, does it really matter what side I'm on?"

"Interesting approach. Does any of this have to do with what happened at Sacre Coeur?" He continues, and Lina purses her lips, giving him a look that saysdrop it.

"Partly," I reply. This is the first real conversation I've had with Marcello, and while heisputting me on the spot, I can't help but behappy that he's at least treating me like an adult. "It's certainly awakened my interest," I say, taking a sip of water.

"If you're serious about it, then I can point you in the right direction. Adrian, my best friend, has experience on the force," he comments just as the next course arrives.

As we're about to dig in, the sound of someone clapping draws our attention to the entrance.

"What a bighappyfamily." Vlad claps his hands, slowly nearing the table.

My hands still on my cutlery, my expression one of shock as I see the one person I didnotexpect here tonight.

"Vlad," Marcello mutters, his jaw clenched, his entire body stiff with tension.

"A party," he whistles, reading the birthday wish on the wall, "and you didn't think to invite me? 'Cello, 'Cello, you ought to read up on friendship etiquette," he tsks at my brother, looking around the room disinterestedly. "And whose birthday are we celebrating?" He smiles, plopping himself on a chair at the table, right next to Marcello.

"It's Sisi's birthday," Lina replies, her hand on Marcello's arm.

"Is that so..." He narrows his eyes, his gaze sweeping around the table until it finds mine. "Happy birthday." He takes a glass, pouring himself some red wine. Holding it forward in a toast, he gives me a smile as he downs it, his eyes never leaving mine. "I have to say, my dear Marcello, you have spared no expense. Vintage, 1996. Not bad."

"Since when are you such a wine expert?" Marcello snorts at him.

"It's red." Vlad shrugs, barely taking his eyes off me as he's talking with my brother. "Like blood."

"Vlad." Marcello doesn't look too happy to have Vlad here, and suddenly I worry about a potential conflict.

"Why don't we eat?" I interject, hoping this would give everyone something to do.

A waiter comes to bring Vlad a plate, and for a moment everyone is quiet as they start eating.

"How did you find us here?" Marcello asks, his fist on the table.

"The same way I can find you anywhere." Vlad winks at him. "Haven't you told them that we used to be soulmates?" Vlad asks, aninnocent expression on his face. I narrow my eyes at him, not understanding the purpose of his visit.

Did he come here just to ruin my birthday dinner?

"Soulmates?" Lina asks curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Ahh, good question! You see, Marcello and I go way back. What is it, twenty years?"

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