Page 65 of His Enemy's Daughter
“And if we refuse?”
“Then you release that evidence publicly, Sabino mobilizes every resource he has to kill you both before you can testify, and even if you somehow survive, he still might walk on technicalities because evidence obtained illegally is inadmissible in court.” Her voice hardens. “I’m offering you a way to actually win, Mr. Barone. Question is whether you’re smart enough to take it.”
Regina’s moved close enough to hear now, her expression shifting from concern to something that looks like recognition.
“Detective,” she says, loud enough for the phone to pick up. “My father used to rant about an incorruptible detective who refused his bribes. That’s you, isn’t it? Detective Borghese?”
“Miss Picarelli.” Warmth enters Borghese’s voice. “Yes. Your father has offered me money, threats, career advancement—everything except what I actually want, which is to see him in a cell.”
“How do we know you’re not working with him? That this isn’t some elaborate trap?”
“You don’t. But consider this—if I wanted to trap you, I’d have shown up with a SWAT team, not a phone call. And I’d havemoved against you last night when you were bleeding and vulnerable, not given you time to rest and think clearly.”
She’s right, and I hate that she’s right. I meet Regina’s eyes, seeing my own suspicion reflected back mixed with something that might be hope.
“Let’s say we’re interested,” I begin carefully. “What’s your timeline?”
“Fast. Sabino knows you have his ledgers. He’s already mobilizing—I’ve heard chatter about a twenty-five-million-dollar bounty on your heads. We need to move before he either finds you or destroys enough evidence to make prosecution difficult.”
“Define ‘move.’“
“Meet me tomorrow. Neutral location, I come alone, no wires, no backup. You bring the ledgers, I bring the federal immunity agreements and detailed prosecution plan. We coordinate our moves so when we strike, we strike everywhere simultaneously—legal, criminal, financial. Sabino won’t know what hit him.”
Regina’s hand finds mine, squeezing with an intensity that communicates volumes. She wants this. Wants the legitimacy, the finality, the certainty that her father can’t wriggle free through violence or corruption.
“We’ll need additional assurances,” I say, mind already working through logistics. “Verification of your federal contacts. Proofyou can actually deliver immunity. Insurance that this isn’t just you building your case on our corpses.”
“Reasonable. Simeone can verify my credentials—he’s the one who connected us after all. And I’ll bring documented proof of my federal contacts when we meet.” She pauses. “But Mr. Barone? You need to understand something. I’ve spent eight years on this case. Eight years watching Sabino destroy lives while I built evidence brick by brick. I’m not risking that for some half-assed attempt at glory. When I move against him, it will be airtight and permanent.”
The conviction in her voice is either genuine or she’s the best liar I’ve encountered. Given that I’m talking to someone who’s survived eight years investigating Sabino Picarelli, my money’s on genuine.
“I’ll call you back within six hours with a meeting location.” I disconnect before she can respond, immediately pulling up Simeone’s contact.
He answers on the first ring. “She called you.”
“You gave her my number.” It’s not quite an accusation, but close. “Want to explain why I’m talking to a cop,fratello?”
“Because Elisabetta Borghese is the real deal.” No hesitation in his voice. “I’ve been vetting her for two months since she first approached me about coordinating against Sabino. She’s clean, Mauricio. Actually clean. One of maybe three cops in this entire territory who can’t be bought.”
“That’s a hell of an endorsement.”
“It’s an honest assessment. She has federal connections, documentation going back years, and a legitimate burning desire to see Sabino Picarelli in prison for life.” He pauses. “She can give you what violence can’t—permanent legal destruction instead of just death.”
Regina tugs my arm, impatient for information. I put the phone on speaker so she can hear.
“What about Regina’s immunity?” I ask. “Borghese claims she can guarantee protection.”
“She can. I’ve seen the preliminary agreements. Federal witness protection, full immunity for any crimes committed under duress, even financial support if needed.” Simeone’s voice carries weight of someone who’s done his homework. “This is legitimate, Mauricio. The best chance you have of actually winning and ending this. It’s a way for you two to get a fresh start. A happy ending.”
“And what’s your interest?” Regina asks, speaking for the first time. “Why coordinate with law enforcement when you could just let us handle this your way?”
“Because Loriana asked me to.” Warmth enters his tone. “She wants Alessandro growing up in a world where problems get solved legally sometimes. Where justice doesn’t always mean violence. Call it domestication, call it evolution—I’m trying to build something different.”
I exchange glances with Regina, seeing my own uncertainty reflected in her green eyes. This is either the smartest play we could make or the stupidest trap we could walk into.
“We’ll meet with her,” I finally decide. “But on our terms, our location, with backup plans in case this goes sideways.”
“Smart. Though for what it’s worth, I don’t think it will.” Simeone pauses. “Mauricio? You’ve waited fifteen years for justice. Maybe legal justice is actually worth more than bloody revenge.”
