Page 88 of Sins of Bliss

“I’m not sure. She didn't say. Why? What’s going on?” His voice is calm, but I sense he hears my panic, as his tone haschanged, taking on a certain professionalism, as though he’s speaking to me like a client.

“When was the last time you spoke with your brother?”

“Sly, what is going on?” he demands, wanting answers.

“Vinnie told me she would be home around three-thirty. It’s almost four-thirty, and she is not answering her phone. Her office phone has been switched to voicemail. She always communicates with me, and she’s never more than a few minutes late.” I drop my voice, pinching my finger and thumb to the bridge of my nose. “Something feels off. I can sense it, Luciano. When was the last time you spoke to Joseph?” My voice cracks slightly at the mention of his name.

“I haven’t seen or heard from him since last weekend at my parents. I’m coming over. Stay there.” He hangs up, and as I pull the phone from my ear, I see a message banner appear. Clicking it, I’m brought to the group message.

Sully

Vinnie’s late coming home and Sly’s worried. Anyone passing by her office on their way here?

Nixon

I’m not, but I could swing by.

Enzo

I’m already on this side of the park. I was planning on showing up early.

Sully

Nixon, if you could.

Nixon

Sure thing, just drop me the address as a pin.

Sully

You’ve got it.

“Grazie,” I say to Sully. “Luciano is on his way, too. I’m going to ride over to her apartment and see if she’s there. Will you stay here and let him in?”

“Yeah, of course. Do you want to call her friends? See if they’ve seen her?”

“Good thought,” I say, pulling up Raina’s contact information.

She answers on the second ring.

“Hey, Sly,” she greets, confusion thick in her voice. I’ve never called her before, so I’m sure this comes as a surprise.

Rather than engage in small talk, I simply get to the point. “Is Vinnie with you?”

“No, she isn’t…”

Shaking my head at Sully, I race to the front door, first stopping to grab my gun and my helmet from the coat closet. “Okay, grazie,” I tell her, and hang up the phone.

It is rude, but the only thing I can think of is getting to Vinnie’s apartment.

“Sly, take a breath,” Sully says as I race around, grabbing my things. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

“My gut tells me otherwise,” I snap, pulling my helmet on. I’m out the door before I can hear a response.

Not bothering with the elevator, I race down the stairwell and out into the parking garage of my building, and hop onto my Superleggera. The faster I arrive at her apartment, the faster I have peace of mind.

Or so I pray.

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