Page 21 of Secret Revenge

I could feel the weight of my responsibility, the burden of upholding my family’s honor while ensuring the well-being of those who sought refuge within our walls. It was a precarious balance, but one I would strive to maintain.

“Thank you, Liliana,” Jocelyn whispered, relief etched across her features. “For everything.”

“Your gratitude is appreciated, but there’s no need for it,” I replied, my voice gentle yet unwavering. “You and Abby are under our protection now. That means we do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

Jocelyn nodded, her fingers nervously twisting the napkin in her lap. “Where do you think we should go? I’ve never lived outside of New York.”

“Perhaps somewhere quieter, more suburban,” I suggested, my thoughts drifting to idyllic towns and peaceful landscapes—a stark contrast to the dark underbelly of our city. “A place where Abby can play outside without fear, and you can rebuild your lives away from the chaos that has haunted you for so long.”

“Somewhere with good schools, too,” Jocelyn added, her voice cracking ever so slightly.

“Of course,” I agreed, making a mental note to research potential locations once our conversation concluded. “We will find a community that provides both safety and opportunity for growth.”

Chapter 10

Nicholas

Istood in the shadows, my breath misting in the cold night air as I awaited Turner’s arrival. Two meetings in one week seemed excessive, but he said he had the answers I was looking for. The parking lot behind the school was deserted and I felt exposed. I should have said no to this location. The trees behind the playground could hide a dozen men – watching and waiting to take us out.

“Nicholas,” Turner’s voice came from behind me, making me tense. He had a knack for appearing without a sound. “I’ve got information on the police mole you need to know.”

“Speak,” I commanded, keeping my tone curt. Trusting Turner wasn’t easy, especially after the lies he’d spun about my father killing Liliana’s mother. Yet, here we were, sharing secrets like old friends.

“Joshua Clemmons,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid the walls themselves might be listening. “He’s been playing both sides, setting up the department to be taken over by Bianchi so he can bring down all the other families.

Joshua Clemmons. I knew that name. In the two weeks Liliana and I insisted we take to get to know each other, I had her and anyone she spent time with, investigated. Clemmons had dated my wife’s best friend Sophia last year. I didn’t know Sophia well, but I knew she deserved someone better than a man with shifting loyalties and a new one-night-stand every night he didn’t spend with Sophia.

“Are you certain?” I asked, my voice tight with restrained fury.

“Positive,” Turner replied, his eyes meeting mine with steely resolve. “I’ve seen the files he’s been collecting. Everything you do is being watched and documented. He’s got junior officers all over town watching your businesses.”

Betrayal gnawed at my gut, the bitter taste of deceit creeping across my tongue.

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention,” I said, forcing a semblance of gratitude through gritted teeth. “We’ll deal with Joshua accordingly.”

“Nicholas, be careful,” Turner warned, his expression grave. “He’s not going to go down without a fight.”

“He almost caught me and he’s getting suspicious,” Turner continued, eyes darting around the parking lot. “You need to be careful.”

Careful had become second nature to me, a lesson learned through years of navigating the treacherous waters of the mafia world. But I appreciated Turner’s concern, even if it was driven by self-preservation. I nodded, my gaze fixed on his anxious features.

“Thanks for the warning, Turner. You watch your back too.”

The silence that followed was shattered by the screech of tires and the roar of engines. A black SUV skidded into the parking lot, its headlights blinding us momentarily. I shoved Turner behind my car, gun drawn and ready.

“Looks like our friend Joshua isn’t wasting any time,” Turner muttered, his breath ragged with fear.

“Stay down,” I ordered, my voice strained as adrenaline coursed through me. I could hear my own heartbeat, feel the sweat trickling down my spine despite the chill in the air.

Clemmons emerged from the vehicle, weapon in hand. The sight of him ignited a fire within me, rage boiling below the surface as I prepared for the confrontation.

“Nicholas Romano!” Joshua bellowed, his voice dripping with arrogance and misplaced confidence. “Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”

“Seems you’ve been quite busy, Joshua,” I replied, my tone deceptively calm. I needed to buy time, to strategize and find a way to turn the tables.

“Clemmons, you traitor!” Turner spat venomously. “You’ll pay for your betrayal!”

As the first shot rang out, I dove behind my car, feeling the sting of shattered glass against my skin. My mind raced, searching for a plan, while my heart hammered in my chest.

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