Fidelity (Infidelity #5)

Arrogant was a term often whispered in the darkest of corners. No one dared say it aloud or to his face.

From what I’d heard, everyone was watching and waiting for the time Luca assumed his father’s role. No one questioned Luca’s birthright. He’d paid his dues, some of them to the federal penitentiary. But like many before him, nothing stuck. His incarcerations were short. Even from behind the walls, Luca retained his position as underboss.

Things had quieted in the recent past. Legitimate businesses comprised the main revenue stream. However, it was Vincent’s boisterous temper and growing waistline that caused many to project that the transition of power could happen sooner rather than later.

“Tell me,” Vincent Costello demanded.

“I’m here to help,” Eva replied.

My eyes met Lennox’s as we both jumped to our feet heading straight to the pocket doors closest to the entry and quietly enclosing the dining room. Though we couldn’t see the people in the foyer, we could hear them, loud and clear. I eyed the other two doorframes before turning to the guard. “You let him in?”

“Sir, he insisted.”

My jaw clenched as Vincent’s voice continued to boom, each phrase as loud as the last, oblivious to listening ears. Then again, perhaps it wasn’t that he was unmindful, but rather that he didn’t care. I turned to Lennox. “Get them all upstairs.” I motioned toward Adelaide. “She’s tired and can’t manage the stairs without help.”

“I’m fine. I can,” Adelaide countered. “What’s—”

“Is that Vince—” Lennox asked interrupting Adelaide.

“As soon as I distract him—them,” I said, “I want everyone upstairs.”

“You’re not facing him alone.”

“I am,” I contested. “After all, I’m the one who called him.”

“What? You called him? Why?” my son asked, eyeing the people at the table. “You did it for them.”

It hadn’t been a question, but I nodded in return.

“Then it’s my responsibility,” Lennox said.

“No. I called. I’ll talk to him.”

The only thing on my mind was keeping Vincent Costello away from Adelaide Montague. The history was too real. Adelaide didn’t know it, but Vincent would. He’d connect the dots and I couldn’t predict his reaction.

Once a job was done, it was done.

What would he say or do if he knew that I’d pursued the wife of my first job?

It wasn’t a confrontation I wanted to experience. As my pulse raced, my only goal was getting Adelaide Montague, the widow of Russell Collins and daughter of old man Montague, upstairs and away from Vincent. If I could sweep her from the chair and carry her upstairs myself, I would. Unfortunately the path would take us straight to Vincent.

I turned as Silvia eased the other two entrances to the dining room closed.

Safest room.

That’s what I told myself as I exhaled and prepared for the inevitable meeting. Never in all my life had I seen Vincent or his father when he’d been alive, alone. Undoubtedly there was someone else out there with him watching his back. I suspected it was either Jimmy or Luca.

God, let it be Luca.

Stepping forward I reached for Lennox’s arm. “It would be better if you and I discussed this situation with our guest or guests in the office.” My words came clipped. “After you make sure everyone is upstairs.”

Lennox’s eyes narrowed. Within the blue I searched for understanding and too late, realized its absence was my doing. I’d spent most of my life keeping my son away from this part of his heritage. Even though Angelina and I’d shielded him, he was an intelligent man; innately, he had to know that it was serious.

Deloris stood. “Lennox, Isaac is here. I can contact him to come inside.”

My son’s jaw clenched as he gazed from me to her. He looked from Adelaide to Alex and exhaled. “No. The guest…” He emphasized the title. “…will listen to Oren and me. Let’s not complicate this any more than it already is.” Again his eyes narrowed, lengthening his brow and silently admonishing my decision to include family.

At the moment, his approval wasn’t my concern. Protecting Adelaide and concentrating on the impending meeting was. That family reunion sure as hell wasn’t happening in the dining room, and if I didn’t move soon, Vincent would come to find me.

“Give me a minute to escort them to the office before you go upstairs.”

“Sir, I can take them to the office,” the guard offered. I think his name was Paulie. He was part of the crew I’d borrowed from Vincent. It was no wonder he’d bowed to Vincent’s demands. Everyone within the organization did and most people outside of it would too.

“Accompany me,” I said.