Page 104 of Declan's Dove

“You killed one of Mr. Cusenza’s greatest suppliers. Hmm,” Vincenzo hums. “If you worked for me, I would consider that a punishable offense.”

“What Marco doesn’t know won’t hurt me,” Swanson says, sounding smug.

“Tell me, James. Do you watch the news at all? Or rather, have you watched it lately?”

Swanson takes a step forward, and Matteo matches his movement. “What are you talking about?”

“We have the kid in the cage,” Caleb says in our ear.

“Get the fuck out of here,” Gabe replies. We all hold our position and wait for the opportune moment to take this fucker down.

“It seems one Daniel McBride of the Children’s Protective Services was found in a dumpster near the edge of Crestview, beaten, blindfolded, and with his fingers and toes burned to a crisp.” Matteo leans in, saying something into Parisi’s ear. “Oh. That’s right. His teeth were forcibly removed while he was awake to ensure he felt every painful moment. It was only fair. But the most fulfilling part of his demise were the photos they found stuffed into his now otherwise empty mouth. Would you like to know what was in the photos?”

“McBride had nothing to do with me. He was just a supplier. A kid peddler. I don’t have anything to do with that side of things. So, it doesn’t matter. Where’s my wife?” He roars.

“McBride may not have had anything to do with you, but he did have photographic evidence of you partaking in an evening of debauchery with an underage girl at a party to which he was in attendance.” Vincenzo turns toward the tree line where we’re all waiting. “That girl was found dead in a dumpster, in the same gruesome manner as your Mr. McBride. I wonder if anyone would think those two things are linked? Do you?”

“Violet!” Swanson shouts. “Get out here, you bitch, or I’ll gut the boy right here in front of everyone. You want me to let him go, then you better get your ass out of the goddamn car.” Swanson takes one more step, raising his gun. Two shots are fired, and everyone takes cover. As soon as Swanson’s ass drops to the ground, Matteo is on him. Swanson continues grunting in pain and spouting his empty threats until Matteo has seemingly had enough and knocks him out with the butt of his gun.

“All clear,” Gabe calls over comms. We all come out of our hiding spots, and I have to admit I’m feeling disappointed with the way things turned out.

As soon as I clear the trees, the front car’s door flies open, and Violet is running straight for the house shouting for Carter. I take off after her, calling her name, but she doesn’t stop. She’s still screaming Carter’s name when I catch her around the waist, banding my arms tightly around her just as she enters the front door.

“He’s safe, baby. Caleb took him home already. He’s safe,” I repeat until she finally calms down enough to let it register.

“Oh, thank God. I was so scared he had—that James had?—”

“Shh. I know, baby. I know. But he’s fine. Carter is fine. I promise.” She turns, folding into me and sobs. Nuzzling her neck, I take her scent inside me and revel in all that is Violet. Mine.

“Jesus, Parisi,” Gabe calls out. We walk out and I help Violet down the steps, pulling her into my side and kiss her forehead.

“My apologies for the anticlimactic ending to the evening, Gabriel,” Vincenzo says sarcastically. Violet turns her head into my shoulder to hide her giggle.

“He can be such an ass,” she whispers. “It’s amazing no one has shot him for half the shit he says.” I kiss the side of her head to hide my smile.

“Don’t think the thought hasn’t crossed my mind. These two together are the ultimate cock fight.” That gets her laughing harder.

“Don’t put that image in my head.”

I growl low in her ear. “The only cock you better be imagining is mine, Dove.” She takes a couple deep breaths, then raises her head to meet my eyes.

“Thank you.” She has no need to thank me, and I’ll tell her as much, but first I need to get us away from this place and the pissing contest going on here.

“Well now, what do you plan to do with him?” Gabe asks.

Vincenzo opens his arms wide and smiles, “Consider him my gift to you. I’m sure Mr. O’Malley would like to have a few words with the man.” He cocks a brow at me, and I nod.

Hell fucking yes, I do.

Mack whistles, catching my attention. When we make eye contact, he gives one curt nod. I know what he’s saying without the words.

“You got any plans later, Mack?” His eyes light up with excitement.

“I do now.”

Gabe crosses his arms over his chest. “This doesn’t change the original deal, Parisi. You promised me two traitors.”

The backdoor to the third SUV opens and out steps a tired and feeble looking Nate Hawkins.

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