Bellini and I watched as Crane hauled the belligerent woman back to the cell block. After they disappeared from view, I turned to Bellini.
“Do you have a good case besides my testimony?”
“We aren’t complete idiots, Vinnie. After all, you do train our officers to investigate, don’t you?”
A smile played around my lips. I finally grinned at him.
“I do, indeed. In the future, I shall appreciate your prodigies, Detective.”
We walked down the hallway toward the elevator as Bellini explained how the woman would be processed and sent to the women’s prison to await trial.
Relieved that this chapter in my life was over, I bid Bellini good night. I drove home with a smile the size of Montana on my face.
Chapter 27
Things were looking up. Thanksgiving Day arrived without any more mishaps, catastrophes, or much else in the way of my usual lifestyle. I rose and showered as the coffee perked. After I dressed and poured a cup of brew, I checked my email and shuffled through the pile of mail on the desk.
Nothing of great importance surfaced as I read and tossed the mail in the trash. A rap on the door proved to be Marcus. I answered his knock with a grin and held him tight when he embraced me. Yes, life was good, I thought, while I inhaled his aftershave. The pungent smell turned me on and I could only think of one thing - getting this man into bed.
“What has you in such a great mood?” His grin was a bit wolfish.
“Detective Bellini has the woman who murdered those people under arrest. He and I spent some time together this week as he interrogated her.”
“Is that all you have to tell me?” Marcus smiled again.
“Isn’t that enough?”
“How about Giovanni’s problems, any relief there?”
“He will return home soon. His affairs are once again straightened out and so is the art theft we spoke of.”
“Really?” He moved closer to me, kissing my neck.
Chills rolled up and down my spine as my lower parts warmed.
“Mmm, really,” I murmured against his mouth and backed into the bedroom.
“We’re going to be late for dinner at your parents’ house, you know.”
“Mmm, I know. I’m not hungry for turkey, though.”
His chuckle turned wicked, and I grinned.
Later we drove toward Cranston, arriving in time for dessert. My mother’s face held an admonishing glare. My father said nothing, and the twins gravitated toward Marcus.
Tina showed off the diamond on her ring finger and bragged about the upcoming nuptials. Gina rambled on about the arrest of the murderer who’d made my life miserable.
Giovanni watched the whole family in a detached manner as though he didn’t fit somehow. I felt his discomfort as he turned toward me.
He drifted over, slung an arm around my shoulder, and whispered in my ear.
“It’s time for me to go home.”
“I know, but we still love you, Giovanni.”
When I looked up, I noticed Marcus taking in the scene while Gina and Tina chattered away on either side of him. He smiled and nodded.
Life was good, very good.
Dead Wrong Page 22