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That could lead to an unwanted war.

But between who?

“Well, I think you’re off the hook unless you’ve taken to enjoying recreational drugs.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning you were right, but it appears that the substance used was a high dose of Ecstasy.”

“Ecstasy. You’re certain.”

Marsha nodded. “I ran two different tests. If your victim did have the typical issues often related to heart disease such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, even a moderate dose could prove lethal. If you want to know if and what the substance was cut with, that will take additional tests.”

“I don’t think matters at this point.” I looked away. “I’m right in that Ecstasy can be crushed into a powder and is soluble in liquid.”

“Absolutely. Another reason never to leave your drink unintended if you go to a bar.”

I sensed she was watching me very closely. Alejandro had also mentioned Don Santorelli usually had a cognac before going to bed. Every. Single. Night. Anyone inside the household could have slipped the powder into his drink and he would have never known. “Thank you for your help. I owe you.”

“Yeah, you do. How about lunch in a few days?” Marsha asked in her usual friendly voice, but I sensed she was picking me apart with her mind.

“I’d love that. Now, I hate to say it, but I need to go. I have someone waiting for me.”

“That handsome husband of yours?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.”

“You better introduce me soon.”

We laughed and I waited as she returned the vials. I couldn’t allow any possible evidence to be left anywhere. “I will. Keep this between just the two of us.”

“You never told me much about your life, Carm, but I’ve lived in this city for long enough now to understand the woman I know as my friend isn’t the kind of woman who can thrive let alone survive in a world of violence. When I was goo-goo-eyed over my handsome professor, willing to follow him anywhere, you gave me a piece of advice. Do you remember what it was?”

“Why do I have the feeling you’re going to remind me?”

“Because you know me far too well. You told me that if I lost myself and my beliefs within the relationship, then I’d end up unhappy and very much alone. I’ve never forgotten that. I’m going to pay it forward and tell you the same thing. Trust in your instincts first long before you fall victim to your heart.”

I studied her for a few seconds before hugging her goodbye. “I’ve missed you, girlie. We’ll do that lunch.”

“I hope so.”

As I head out of the building, her words lingered in my mind. Sadly, if I followed my instincts then I’d run far away.

And never look back.

Maybe she’d seen something in me until now I hadn’t realized.

I was already following my heart.

CHAPTER30

Alejandro

Ecstasy.

Drugs were often a problem within any crime organization. They’d been forbidden for personal use within the Santorelli crime syndicate. Any infractions and the asshole was fired without chance of appeal. If he’d done anything stupid, his fate was much worse.

While cocaine and heroin would always be popular among the party crowd, especially in the upper echelon of society, drug pushers had achieved incredible financial wealth by selling a high percentage of opioids and fentanyl.

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