Page 67 of The Mafia's Christmas Baby
My mouth goes dry.
“Are they still there?”
“No. But they said they would be back in the morning. They left a card. They asked about you.”
“Keep the card. Say nothing. Move anyone who needs moving. Lock the side doors.”
I hang up and look at Elisa.
She is watching my face.
She knows enough to wait.
“What is it?” she says.
“The FBI was at St. Adrian’s. They will be back.”
She draws a slow breath and nods.
No panic.
No noise.
Good.
I open the car door for her and scan the block again.
The trattoria door closes behind us.
The lights in the windows go soft.
I get in, start the engine, and pull away from the curb.
Dinner was for peace.
The call is for war.
I keep my hands steady on the wheel.
13
ELISA
We don't talk on the drive.
His jaw is tight.
My hands stay flat on my knees.
When we turn onto my block, he checks the mirrors twice, then pulls in under the streetlamp.
“Upstairs,” he says. “Lights on inside. Hall light off.”
I nod and lead the way to my apartment.
Once inside, I click on the kitchen lamp.
The room is small and clean.
