Page 48 of His Prize

“Or not,” I said flatly.

The tall, thin one spoke first. “Miss Moretti, we need to ask you a few questions.”

I closed the door. “Then, be my guest.”

The paunch one spoke next. “What can you tell us about Branson Baker?”

I turned to face them. “Not much, I’m afraid.”

Lanky’s eyebrows rose. “Nothing?”

Paunchy chuckled. “Even when your family owns that entire business? You can’t tell us anything about the general manager your uncle hired to run the place?”

I shrugged. “No more than what’s already out there on the news. I don’t have any familiarity with the pet grooming place or with Mr. Baker, as much as it pains me to admit it.”

Lanky snickered. “Cut the shit, Miss Moretti.”

Paunchy slapped his partner in the chest. “What he means is—”

I smiled. “That since I’m the only heir to this Moretti family or whatever, that I suddenly must know everything there is to know about a business I have the intentions of taking over. Right?”

The two men blinked, but they didn’t say anything. And it gave me time to put on an even cooler demeanor. Despite how much I was panicking inside.

“Gentlemen, I’m sorry you wasted a trip over to this side of time. But, I can assure you that the only thing I’ve been working on are a couple of charity events I’ve wanted to throw for quite some time now.”

Paunchy barked with laughter. “Charity? The Moretti family?”

I cocked my head. “Why not? I mean, it’s obvious the reputation my family has. And I don’t doubt that the reputation has merit, given the kind of man my uncle is. But, it doesn’t shock me that he’s led you two here.”

Lanky furrowed his brow. “Led us here?”

I snickered. “Oh, come on. I’m not stupid. I just got done disowning my uncle downtown, and then a body miraculously washes up, and the two of you are curious as to whether or not I did it?”

Paunchy gawked. “You disowned your uncle?”

I licked my lips. “In a manner of speaking, yes.”

Lanky sighed. “Is Mr. Israel Rossi here by any chance, then?”

Not so fast, idiot.“He’s not, I’m afraid. Why? I thought you came to see me.”

Paunchy cleared his throat. “We came to speak to you. But, we also came to speak to him.”

My eyes locked with his. “I’m sure you did.”

I didn’t know how to save Israel. I didn’t know what to do. With two detectives standing here, clearly sent by Pava, I had to choose my words wisely. I had to choose their focus carefully. But, it was clear to me that these men were two bulldogs I wouldn’t get rid of so easily.

“Well, Miss Moretti. Whenever Mr. Rossi does get back, tell him to give me a call,” Paunchy said. He pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to me.

“I will do that, Detective. Thank you,” I said.

Lanky leveled me with a stare. “But, once we’ve got evidence, we’ll be back to speak to the both of you. Together. Even if we have to haul you downtown to do it.”

Paunchy grumbled. “Will you cut the tough guy act? Please?”

I kept a soft smile on my face. “Well, if there is any evidence to be had, then we can talk.” I nodded and smiled at both detectives before I reached behind me. I opened the door and ushered them out, listening as they cursed underneath their breaths. I closed the door behind them and let out a soft sigh.

But, when I heard footsteps padding softly down the hallway, I closed my eyes. “You know, the Esposito’s have enough money to buy your innocence, Israel.”

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