Page 27 of Betrayed in the Dark
“When Vincenzo called to arrange this meeting, I had my suspicions about what it was regarding.” He holds out the folder for me. “This contains everything I’ve gathered over the past few months concerning Alastor. Every loyal person in his life, every financial transaction concerning Manacorda Enterprises, every flight taken on our family’s private jet—even his goddamn tee time. You name it, it’s all here. Maybe some fresh eyes can help find something worth noting.”
I take the folder and skim through the contents. “Who would you say is closest to Alastor?”
He scoffs. “That would be his guard, Tony Amante. Wherever Alastor goes, he goes. If anyone knows something, it would be him.”
“Have you tried questioning him?” Leo asks.
“Unfortunately, in my position, I’m not at liberty for that kind of activity anymore.”
“Leave it to us then.” A malicious grin spreads across Leo’s face. “Our specialty is interrogation.”
“I figured you’d be up for the challenge.” Enzio smirks in amusement. “If you can get him alone, I’m confident you can get something out of him.”
Leo rubs his chin. “And if he goes missing…”
Enzio waves a dismissive hand. “People go missing all the time. It’s no skin off my back.”
“Tell me something,” I say as I continue skimming through the documents. “How close are you to your cousins, the Vasilievs?”
His head tilts to the side, his brows furrowing. “You know them?”
“We’ve had dealings with them,” Leo answers. “Mostly with their father.”
“Heard he died.”
“He did.” Leo leans forward. “I killed him.”
Enzio sits back, waiting a minute before he speaks. “I never cared for my uncle. Never cared for anyone in that family, to be honest. The way they conduct business is not up to my standards, but my brother and father show no disapproval of their methods. As long as they bring in money, they don’t care how things get done. Oil is my family’s legacy. It’s what we’re known for. But the Vasilievs always seem to have a way of obtaining it where others can’t. Probably through force or other barbaric methods. But over the years, they formed a partnershipwith my father and Alastor where they secure the lands, and Alastor and my father send a team out there to produce as many barrels as they can, ensuring very profitable margins from countries like Russia, Saudia Arabia, Iraq, Brazil… Just to name a few.”
He taps his index finger thoughtfully against his desk. “I’m not sure this will be of any use, but the oldest brother, Mikhail, has had several private meetings with Alastor over the past year. For what? I’m not quite sure. Maybe scheduling a meeting with him and his brothers isn’t such a bad idea for you to consider.”
I close the folder and look at Leo. Meeting with the Vasilievs is dangerous and, quite frankly, the last fucking thing we want to have to do, but if it ensures putting an end to this wedding, then we’ll do what needs to be done. “We’ll look into that.”
Enzio sits up straight, his expression turning grave. “But I must warn you: the Vasiliev family is not one you want to make enemies with. They steal, kidnap, torture… They don’t leave any survivors in their path of destruction.” He glances at Leo. “You may have had dealings with their father, but the five brothers are an entirely different story. If they discover you’ve interfered with any of their business or family matters, they will bring a war to your front door when you least expect it.”
Leo nods. “Let them.”
I check the time on my phone and stand, suddenly anxious about returning to Madeleine’s house. I’ve been away for too long. “Keep us informed of any new information, and we’ll do the same for you.”
Enzio dips his chin. “I’ll be in touch.”
Chapter seven
Madeleine
Someone just kill me and take me out of my misery.
As my eyes scan the opulent room at Le Noir, one of my family’s many restaurants, I take in the horror before me.
Scarlett appears by my side, her blue eyes trailing over the space. The scrutiny on her face matches my own as she tucks her long blonde hair behind her ear. “It looks…”
“Like Pepto-Bismol threw up in here,” I finish for her.
Pink flowers. Pink tablecloths. Pink banners. Pink centerpieces.
Pink. Pink. Pink.
Scarlett grimaces. “I tried to suggest she tone down the pink, but she thought you would like it.”
