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“In White Plains? Surely, you’ve told her you won’t allow that.”

His old ways would never die. “As I said, she’s her own woman and I’m determined to support her.”

He sighed. “I will never understand the need for full equality in a marriage.”

“Well, it’s all about how much you care about someone and I adore your daughter. I would die for her, but I think you already know that.”

The man wasn’t stupid. He studied me with a look of caution in his eyes. “What do you need to say to me other than that you love my daughter?”

There was no easy way around the situation or the truth. I’d held back. I’d thought the scenario through. I’d lost sleep over how to handle it. In the end, I’d finally come to the conclusion that I had no desire to ruin Carmella’s family.

I pulled the file I’d brought in closer, pulling out two photographs. They were clear, shot with a wide-angle lens that had captured every nuance of the two meetings. One had been held inside a restaurant and the other in a park similar to the one where I used to meet Louis for our meetings.

Matheas picked them up and I noticed his hand was shaking. His posture immediately changed, the large man slumping in his seat.

“I assure you they haven’t been doctored.”

I hadn’t allowed Carmella an opportunity to see her father pictured with Gio long before the alliance had been entered into or with the head of operations of the DEA when he’d cut a deal to sell his soul.

And that of his alliance partner, Don Santorelli.

“As of this morning, various degrees of damning evidence were delivered to federal prosecutors. By this time tomorrow, I suspect a minimum of eight DEA agents along with the head of operations will be behind bars. Based on an anonymous tip of course. Now, I chose to keep these photographs as well as a few damning others from the box of evidence. But of course, that could change if necessary.”

He gritted his teeth. “What do you want?”

“It’s simple. Peace. Tranquility in both households. I think we can work together brilliantly to keep the Bratva from sliding into either one of our territories. I also think we can enjoy family gatherings as done by normal families. In turn, you’ll give me your promise that no one in my family, including Michael and Amber will be cornered, threatened, abducted, or hurt in any way as long as they are still breathing on this earth. In addition, when you die, I’ll be appointed the new head of the Lupini Empire. Don’t worry. I’ll make you proud of what I do with your organization.”

Oddly enough, there was no hatred in his eyes. There was admiration.

“Anything else?”

“Just one more thing.” I rose to my full height, buttoning my jacket. What a shame I wouldn’t be able to savor the coveted glass of scotch. “I demand respect.”

* * *

Two months later

Carmella

“I think the air conditioning is on the fritz.”

I laughed as Zoe wiped perspiration from her face. “You do know it’s like eighty degrees outside. Summer is here.”

“Not officially,” she whined.

“I’ll call an HVAC guy, but I think being overheated has more to do with your condition.” I grinned as I left my office.

“What condition?”

I’d missed so much in the three plus months of being away from my home, my clinic, and my friends. Including being able to share in Zoe’s pregnancy. I hadn’t even known how serious she’d gotten with her on-again, off-again boyfriend turned fiancé.

“Very funny. At least you’re glowing,” I told her.

“This isn’t glowing. This is being fried alive.” We’d had a shorter day, one of many early summer festivities happening only blocks away. Everyone I knew planned on attending. Me included.

As long as my date arrived in time.

“What about the new nurse you promised me? I could go into labor at any time.”

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