“No,” Uncle Joey said. “Cole’s one of the best, so the guy was good to get past him. But Cole’s convinced it was a hit. Did you pick up anything about who ordered it?”
“No. The guy was just thinking about stabbing me in the back and then getting out of there. After he missed, he was swearing quite a lot, but that’s all I got before he disappeared.”
Uncle Joey’s lips pressed together. He’d already made up his mind. He couldn’t take this lying down. The deal was broken, and now he would take over Milo’s businesses. He’d take out Milo Bilotti first, and relished the coming confrontation when Milo realized he was finished for good. Using Milo, he’d set an example that the others weren’t likely to forget. They’d know better than to cross a Manetto.
Yikes. This was bad. “Uh… before you do that, I wondered if I could do a little poking around.” My request surprised him. His right brow rose, and his lips thinned even more, so I quickly continued. “I think the answer to the murders I’m working on with Detective Hawk is on that boat. I was hoping you could put off retaliating against the Bilottis until I had a chance to find out who killed the women. Also…” I glanced at Ramos. “Did Ramos tell you what I picked up from Tony?”
“What part?” he asked, thinking that Ramos always told him everything. He expected the same from me.
“Uh, right. So Tony was thinking that you were working with the police to bring Milo down. I thought Tony made a good point, so why not do that? You know? Take them out that way? Then he can’t retaliate against you.”
Uncle Joey knew that was an option, but it wasn’t how he normally did things. Still, since I was the one who’d been targeted, he’d hear me out. “How do you propose to do that? What makes you think the murders are linked to the boat anyway?”
This was the part that didn’t make sense to him. Why had I been on a boat owned by the Bilottis? What had led me to that boat? What was the lead I’d been following? Ramos hadn’t really gone into that. Usually a good cop had evidence, like a money trail or something. So what was it I was following?
I realized that Ramos hadn’t told Uncle Joey my other secret of picking up thoughts from dead people. Crap. I glanced at Ramos. He held my gaze, thinking this was the perfect opportunity for me to come clean, so I’d better not screw it up.
He was right, even if I didn’t want to tell Uncle Joey. How would he take it, especially since it was a secret I’d been keeping from him? I heaved out a sigh and spoke. “Uh… there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, but the time was just never right, you know?”
Surprise and confusion came over Uncle Joey. I’d kept something from him? What the hell?
“Uh… before you get upset, just hear me out. Sometimes I hear things… you know, because of my mind reading. And… well, I heard a song in my mind… and… I know this is hard to believe, but one of the dead women was singing it. She was the woman who was in Miguel’s cast from Aladdin.”
“What?” He sat up straight. “In Miguel’s cast? What are you talking about?”
“Oh… I thought I told you.” He closed his eyes, and I hurried to explain before he got even madder than he already was. “One of the murdered girls was in “Aladdin”—but don’t worry, she wasn’t murdered because of Miguel.”
He shook his head, wondering how these things always happened to me. “Go on.”
“When I went to her apartment with the detective, I heard her singing row, row, row your boat. It turned out that her roommate’s name was Merilee—so that went with the song. Anyway… Merilee’s the one we investigated, and we found out that she was on a party boat the night she was murdered.
“Once Hawk and I got on the boat, I heard the singing again, so I knew it was the right boat, but I had no idea the boat was owned by the Bilottis. Anyway, that’s how I know they’re linked.”
Uncle Joey could hardly believe it. I heard singing from dead people? And I’d kept this secret from him? Had this been going on since the beginning and I hadn’t told him? Holy hell. “When did this start?”
I shrugged, trying to keep things light. “Oh… not that long ago. And it’s not just singing. I’ve heard words a few times too, but it’s only come from the victims of the murders I’ve investigated, and it’s just been a couple of times. I didn’t tell you because… well… it’s kind of weird, and it doesn’t happen all the time. And… uh… it doesn’t seem to make a difference in how I help you, because if it did… I’d definitely tell you about it.”
Oh crap. If I didn’t tell him about his grandfather singing to me, I was in so much trouble. But how could I explain it without sounding absolutely nuts?
“I see. Does the detective know?”
“Uh… no. Dimples doesn’t know.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I meant the one here. Hawk.”
“Oh him… yeah. I had to tell him, but he just thinks it’s part of my premonitions.”
“So he believes you.” At my confirming nod, Uncle Joey let out a breath, flabbergasted that I’d kept something from him for so long. “Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”
“Uh… maybe.”
“Shelby,” he growled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, that’s hard to explain. I’m afraid you’ll think I’m nuts.”
His left brow rose. He wasn’t prone to outbursts of anger, but I was trying his patience. “Why would you ever think that? I’ve been there from the beginning. Don’t you think reading minds is nuts? But I know you can do that. Besides, we’re family now. You shouldn’t be afraid to tell me anything.”
The knot in my chest loosened. He was right. We’d been through a lot together. If he couldn’t take what I had to tell him, then it wasn’t my fault.
“Okay. But just keep an open mind, all right?” He nodded and I began. “When I came here with Miguel last April, I heard a man singing in Italian. At first I thought it was Miguel, because he had such a beautiful voice, but when I asked Miguel about it, he said it wasn’t him. Anyway, when Maggie told me about your grandparents, she mentioned that your grandfather was an amazing singer, and that Miguel took after him.”
I swallowed and met Uncle Joey’s gaze. “I’ve heard your grandfather singing every night that I’ve been here.”
Uncle Joey’s breath caught. What? What the hell did that mean? He remembered his grandfather singing all the time. Mostly it was something he did while he worked, but he always sang for the family when they were all together, like at Christmas or Easter. He had a beautiful voice.
Just thinking about him brought back memories of his childhood, before his father and uncle had their falling out. Sending his son away must have broken the old man’s heart. Then he was murdered, right here in this hotel. Was that why I’d heard him? Was he still here because his death had never been avenged?
“I don’t think that’s it at all,” I said, not wanting Uncle Joey to go down that path.
“How do you know?”
“Because he’s singing such beautiful songs. None of them would make me think they were a clue to avenging his death. Although, the song I heard after our first meeting with Milo was from Rigoletto. Do you know that opera?”
He shook his head. “Not well.”
“I didn’t either, so I had to look it up. Apparently, it’s about revenge. Rigoletto hires a hitman to kill his enemy, the duke, but his daughter ends up getting killed instead. So… if I were to guess, I’d think your grandfather doesn’t want you to kill anyone for revenge. I don’t know why, but it might be that it would put Miguel in danger… plus… killing people isn’t always a good idea. I mean… you could get arrested and go to prison.”
Uncle Joey caught my gaze. Was this for real? Or had I just made this up to keep him from killing Milo? He knew the Bilottis were the ones responsible for his grandparents’ murders, but he hadn’t narrowed it down; although he had his suspicions that it was tied to Milo. Either way, none of the Bilottis had been brought to justice by the police or the
Manettos.
“I didn’t make it up, I promise.” While Uncle Joey considered it, I continued. “So, why don’t we talk to Tony like we were planning to do this morning? At least it would give us other options, right?”
Uncle Joey couldn’t let it go that I’d actually heard his grandfather singing. It boggled his mind. If the dead could speak, it sort of made sense that I’d hear them but… “You only hear the victims, right? Victims of murder?”
I nodded. “Yeah. At least, so far.”
“I suppose I can wait until we’ve had a chat with Tony before I move against the Bilottis. But their threat to you has to be answered soon. I can’t let them get away with it without some form of reprisal.”
He still thought killing Milo Bilotti made the most sense, even if I’d heard his grandfather singing a song about revenge. Maybe he was singing that song because he wanted revenge against Milo, and I’d misread the clue. Didn’t most ghosts stick around until their deaths had been avenged or their murderer found?
Before I could answer that thought, Ramos spoke up. “I agree. If he put a hit on Shelby, she won’t be safe until he calls it off, so we need to take care of it before they try again.”
Uncle Joey nodded and glanced at Ramos. “Get Tony on the phone and tell him to meet me at Vinny’s in one hour.”
Ramos pulled his phone out to make the call. After speaking with Tony, he had everything arranged. “He’ll be there. Now I need to make sure Vinny’s is secure. I’ll head over there now.”
“Thanks. We’ll see you back here in forty minutes.”
Ramos stood to leave. He sent me a tight smile, and I picked up his astonishment that I’d heard Uncle Joey’s grandfather singing. It was a little disconcerting that I could do that. He could understand why I’d kept it a secret, but I should have told Manetto. It made Ramos wonder if there were other things I did, or that I’d picked up, that I hadn’t shared with either of them.
I wasn’t about to answer that, at least not in front of Uncle Joey. But, since Uncle Joey was wondering the same thing, it probably didn’t matter. So what was I going to tell him?
After the door closed behind Ramos, Uncle Joey caught my gaze. “Since you’ve been keeping secrets, I have to know if there’s anything else you want to tell me.” I hesitated a little too long, and his eyes narrowed. “What is it?”
Damn. Now what? If I told him that he was right, and that Milo Bilotti had killed his grandparents, he’d kill Milo, no matter what his grandfather wanted. My mouth went dry. “Well… here’s the thing. Hypothetically speaking, let’s say you know something that would be bad for someone you cared about to know. This secret wouldn’t change anything, but knowing it could make them do something they shouldn’t. So you might decide that, for their own good, it would be better if they didn’t know.”
“Shelby,” Uncle Joey snapped. “I pay you to tell me things, not to pass judgement. I may have claimed you as part of the family, but you work for me first, and I expect you to do your job.”
My heart picked up speed. Was he giving me an ultimatum? “Well, then maybe I’ll have to stop working for you.”
The breath went out of him, and his eyes widened with shock. “What did you say?”
I licked my lips and tried to swallow, but my mouth was so dry it was like gulping sand. “I don’t want to stop working for you, but this is something I don’t think you should know.” I dared to catch his gaze. “And I’m not going to tell you.”
His face turned into stone, and his jaw jutted forward, while he swore prolifically in his mind. No one had ever defied him like this before. But it was me. The rules didn’t apply to me like everyone else, but he needed to do something. He couldn’t stand for insubordination from anyone, whether they were family or not.
Seeing a way out for both of us, I quickly spoke. “I’ll tell you what it is… I promise… I’ll tell you everything. But not right now. That’s a good compromise, right?”
Compromising went against every instinct he had. Why did I insist on keeping this secret from him? It must be something that would make him furious. And it probably had something to do with the Bilottis. Shouldn’t he know for his own benefit? “Are you sure this won’t backfire on me? I’d hate to make a bad business deal because you thought I needed protection for some reason.”
I shook my head. “If that was the case, I’d tell you right now. But this is something that can wait. Okay? Please? Can you trust me on this?” I wanted to remind him that it was for his own good, but I had a feeling that would be the wrong thing to say.
“But you’ll still tell me.” At my nod, he tapped his fingers on the desk. “Fine, but I’m not happy about it. I’ll agree for now. But I insist you tell me before we leave New York. Understand?”
“Okay, sure. I can agree to that.” It wasn’t much, but it was still a reprieve. Relieved, I jumped up from my chair. “I think I’ll go change my…” The world tilted to the side and I grabbed the back of the chair using my injured arm. Pain shot through my arm and I gasped, nearly stumbling to my knees.
“Shelby!” Uncle Joey’s strong arm came around my waist, and he helped me back into my chair. “What the hell happened?”
“I’m fine. I just got a little dizzy. I think I stood up too fast.”
Uncle Joey sighed, thinking it was because I was trying to get away from him. Guilt that he may have been a little hard on me washed over him, especially considering I’d nearly been killed today. Deep down, he knew the reason I wouldn’t tell him was because I cared about him, even if it was ill-advised. “You probably need something to eat.”
I nodded. “Yeah. But I think what I really need is a Diet Coke.” That brought a slight twist to his lips, and, inside where it didn’t show, I jumped for joy. “I’m fine now.”
I got to my feet more slowly this time, grateful when nothing went out of focus. “There. I’ll come back when you’re ready to go. Just send me a text.”
Uncle Joey stepped to the door and opened it for me. “Get something to eat while you’re at it.”
“I will.” I sent him a soft smile and shuffled to the elevator. He watched me go to make sure I got there without any mishaps before he turned back into the office. Inside the elevator, I leaned against the wall for support. Whoa. That was intense, and now I was totally drained.
At least he hadn’t fired me… or worse, wanted me dead. I may not be on his good side for the moment, but there was time to figure this out. Still, I hoped nothing like that ever happened again. I hated confrontation, and confrontation with a mob boss was never a good idea.
I got to my room and tried the door. Of course it was locked, and I’d forgotten my room key. Chris opened it, and I fell into his arms. “That bad, huh?” he said.
“No, I’m just being dramatic.” I wasn’t ready to tell Chris what had happened, especially with the kids listening. “Although I am hungry. Are there any leftovers?”
“There’s half a sandwich and a soda,” he said, leading me to the couch. “Will that do?”
“Yes.” I sat on the sofa and popped open the can before taking a big swallow.
“I hope we’re staying. I really don’t want to go yet,” Savannah said.
“Don’t worry. We’re staying for now.” I smiled at Savannah, but she looked at me like I’d grown two heads. “What? Did I spill something?” I glanced at my shirt, but it was fine. Then I picked up Chris’s panic and realized I’d messed up. Big time. I set down my soda, trying to decide how to cover my mistake. But I came up empty.
“Where’s the sandwich?” I asked.
“Right there,” Chris said, picking it up from the wrappers on the coffee table. “We wrapped it up to keep it fresh.”
“Thanks.” I grabbed the sandwich and took a bite while listening to Savannah’s thoughts. She was still shocked that I’d answered her thoughts. That was just so weird. Maybe it was because of my premonitions? But this seemed different.
“So what happened?” Chris asked. “What�
�s the plan?”
I watched his mouth to make sure he’d said that out loud before answering. “Well, for now we’re going to talk to some people and try to figure out what’s going on. Once we know more, we’ll have a better idea of what to do about it. I don’t know what will happen after that. Sorry it’s so vague, but that’s all I’ve got.”
“When are you talking to them?”
“In about an hour.”
Chris nodded, thinking that left him and the kids behind again. If we needed to stay inside, maybe we should just go home. It had to be better than sitting around here worrying.
“I don’t think the meeting will take long. If all is well, maybe we can do something fun tonight?”
“Really?” Savannah asked.
“Sure. We can even ask Maggie what she thinks we could do.”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to change my clothes. I’ll be back in a minute.” I stood up slowly, just to make sure I didn’t get light-headed again, and wandered into my bedroom. I noticed some splotches of dried blood on my tan shorts and slipped them off to soak in the bathroom sink.
I glanced in the mirror and did a double-take. I looked terrible. It didn’t help that I’d been up late last night, but my face was so pale that I looked sick. I splashed warm water on my face and reapplied some makeup, paying special attention to the dark circles under my eyes.
Next, I wet my hair down to get rid of the ponytail mark, and then fluffed it up with the hair dryer. Feeling better, I rummaged through my dresser drawer for something to wear. Wanting comfort over style, I pulled on my comfy jeans and found a short-sleeved shirt that covered up my bandage without touching it.
Since I needed a special pick-me-up, I spritzed on my favorite perfume and enjoyed the scent for a moment. Nearly ready, I made sure my stun flashlight was fully charged before slipping it into my purse.
As I applied my rosy lip gloss, Chris came inside and stopped short. Wow. I looked so much better. My hair wasn’t limp, and it was amazing what a little lip gloss would do for my pale, washed-out face. I even smelled good.
Ghostly Serenade Page 18