Page 16 of Royal Sin

“And I can’t launch a full-scale war on the mob, Alfred. They cover their tracks well. There’s no legal route to take them out.”

“No legal route? Raid their businesses! You’ll find all the nefarious evidence you need.”

My heart, which had only just calmed down on the drive home from the date from hell, began to patter wildly again. I sank deeper into the shadows, peeling my ears for any drop of information.

“And if I can’t find anything, this will backfire on me with the public, and, what’s worse, put a target on my back from the mob,” Mr. Parkers insisted.

After a moment’s pause, my father snarled, “Then we’ll plant something. You owe me this, Jeffry.”

The mayor sighed. “I know I do.”

Having heard enough, I turned and bolted. Back in the garage, I slid behind the wheel and gunned the engine. Growing up, my father always had something to say about dirty politicians, sleezy businessmen, and yes, the mob. I found it only too funny that my best friend belonged to a crime family, and my father never knew. But tonight, I might just be able to save her.

Chapter 7

“What the devil is so important that you had to see me?” Serena snapped, wrapping her pashmina tightly around her shoulders to ward off the late-night chill. The calendar might say summer was a few days away, but the breeze coming from the east was cool enough to send shivers down my spine.

I paced along the length of the back patio. “I’m fine, thanks for asking.”

Serena sighed. “I know you are. If something was wrong with you, you wouldn’t say anything.”

I gave her a skeptical look.

“You’re tough like that.” My friend grinned, all teeth, feral and lupine—just like her mob boss brother. “Now! What’s this about?”

I stopped in front of her. The secret that I knew stuck in my throat, like a piece of food that wouldn’t go down or come back up.

“Anna?” Serena’s voice suddenly filled with concern. “What the hell is wrong?”

“Your brother is in trouble,” I whispered, starting with the most important, and working backward to the whole truth.

“My brother?” she repeated slowly.

I nodded. “To the world, he’s a businessman, right? A rich recluse who doesn’t socialize. I always wondered why, and I made it my mission six years ago to find out.”

Serena jerked back. Her hard breathing filled the space between us. “You snooped through his stuff?”

I nodded again. “But I never told anyone!”

“Yes, including me!” Serena shook her head, disgust twisting her face. “You’ve known all this time? About my family? And you never said. I thought we were best friends.”

I reached for her hands, but she pulled away. “It didn’t change anything between us.”

“It changed everything!” Serena's voice cracked. “All these years, you’ve been carrying this secret, judging us, pitying me—"

“No!” I stepped closer, desperate to make her understand. “Never pity. Never judgment. You’re my best friend, Serena. Your family circumstances don’t define you.”

She wrapped her arms around herself, turning away slightly. “What kind of trouble is he in?”

I lowered my voice, though we were alone on the patio. “My father was meeting with the mayor. They’re planning to target mob businesses. Plant evidence if they have to. They didn’t single out Alessandro by name, but he needs to be on his guard.”

The color drained from Serena’s face. She sank onto a nearby bench, her fingers gripping the edge so tightly her knuckles turned white. “Why would the mayor agree to that?”

“I don’t know exactly. Something about promises made.” I sat beside her, keeping my voice low despite the privacy of the garden. “But they’re planning something soon. Your brother needs to know.”

Serena stared at the house. I let her have a minute, biting my lip to keep back any more words.

“Thank you for telling me. I’ll…drop a hint somehow.” Serena rose. “But you need to go now, Annaliese.”

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