Page 57 of Dangerous Kiss
Cosimo smiled. “I did no such thing. I raisedmyson. Nicco ismychild regardless of whose DNA he shares. If these past few weeks has taught me anything, it’s that family doesn’t mean sharing blood. It’s more profound than that. You are my family, ’Frido, so the fact you and Grace…I don’t care. Nicco is my son, and I love him more than anything.”
“Apart from Biba?”
“On par with Biba. I’m not saying finding out he wasn’t my biological son wasn’t a shock, but by God, ’Frido, I could not be prouder of Nicco and the man he’s becoming.”
Sifrido ran his hand through his hair, still not believing what was happening. “I’m sorry about Grace. It was a moment of weakness, and we both felt awful afterward. I don’t think she knew about Nicco. I truly believe she thought Nicco was yours.”
Cosimo got up and hugged his friend. “Do you want to tell Nicco?”
“I don’t know. Would he rather not know?”
Cosimo pondered the question. “I’ll ask him.”
He called Nicco a little while later and told him that he found out who his father was.
“Yeah,you,” said Nicco, “but I suppose I should know whose DNA I got.”
Cosimo was relieved when Nicco took the news well. “Better than expected,” Nicco said, “at least ’Frido’s a friend.”
“That’s what I said.”
“Although I will have to pound on him just a little bit for messing with my mom.”
Cosimo chuckled, knowing Nicco was joking. “I guess that’s your prerogative.”
“How’s Biba?”
Immediately the weight in Cosimo’s chest returned. “On her way to Reggie’s mom’s cabin.” He checked his watch. “And her protection is late calling in. Nic, I have to go.”
“Sure, Dad. Give Beebs my love.”
“I will.”
Cosimo ended the call and dialed Steve’s cell phone. Even if he were driving, Steve should have hands-free, but the phone rang and rang. After ten rings, it went to voicemail.
It’s okay, don’t panic, everything is okay.He sucked in a deep breath, telling himself to relax.
After three hours, however, he knew. Something was terribly wrong. He went to find Lars and Channing. “Guys,” he said in a grim voice. “I’m calling the police. Both of you—get on the phones and find out everything you can about Reggie Quinn. I think our killer was hiding in plain sight all this time.”
