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She glanced over her shoulder, obviously very nervous.

“What is it?” I pressed.

“Don Santorelli didn’t die of a heart attack. I mean not officially. I’ve yet to run tests, but I’m certain of my findings.”

“Which are?”

“He was poisoned. I’m almost certain of it.”

“What the fuck? How?”

“The same way I drugged your men.”

I took a deep breath, once again ensuring we were fully and completely alone. “This needs to stay between us until we’re certain. Agreed?”

The heavy anxiety bearing down on her was evident by the pained expression on her face. This was the moment when she would either work with me or against me.

“Agreed.”

CHAPTER29

Carmella

Death was inevitable. In the world that I’d grown up in, I’d known two dozen men who’d died, none by natural causes.

It was a dangerous profession and that’s why so many of the soldiers within at least my father’s regime had lived and partied as if it was their last day. It always could be.

However, I’d never really thought about death until recently. It was always there since I was a medical professional. I’d had required classes on how to deal with patient loss and grief, even guilt. But nothing ever prepared you for facing mortality.

I’d done so twice in one night and remained somewhat shellshocked.

However, the bombshell I’d dropped had to be proven without question or all hell would break loose.

With Santorelli gone, both Alejandro and I knew it was only a matter of time before other syndicate leaders began sniffing around the man’s holdings, likely already laying claim to his territories. I had no idea if news of the alliance had enlightened any of the other half dozen criminal organizations. I hadn’t been told about the politics or wanted to grill Alejandro on the particulars.

And now?

Now I could barely think straight, other than focusing on discovering the truth about Don Santorelli’s death and keeping my child safe. However, the fact Alejandro had a daughter and a sister, both also needing protection, was never far from my mind. He’d told me that Luis Santorelli had a heart condition, but I wasn’t buying his death had been his heart giving out. I’d stake my reputation on it.

“You’re certain you can trust her,” Alejandro said as he pulled up in front of a medical lab facility.

“She’s my roommate from medical school. She and I were very close. I would trust her with my life.” I wasn’t saying anything that wasn’t true. Yet I hated to put her in the middle, but what choice did I have? Alejandro refused to allow me to return to White Plains and my clinic for testing. I couldn’t walk into a traditional facility and not expect news to get out.

Including to the police.

No matter the circumstance or what had occurred or even the truth surrounding Alejandro, I wasn’t stupid enough to want any member of law enforcement involved. That would mean incarcerations if not death for many.

“Ensure she doesn’t talk to anyone. Tell her this is vital without providing her with any details.”

A slight hint of amusement rolled through me. I turned my head, noticing the heavy concern on his face. His brows were furrowed, his gorgeous eyes hooded. I’d never seen him so strained. “Alejandro, I wasn’t born yesterday. I do know what I need to do and what’s important. Okay?”

He softened somewhat and grinned. “I keep forgetting you have many talents.”

“Well, I suggest you don’t do it again.”

“What about the results? How long are we talking about?”

“She has a lab inside. I should be able to get the results within a few minutes.”

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