The Toil and Trouble Trilogy, Book One

by Val St. Crowe

  * * *

  I’m coming out of the deli, invisible and with my pockets stuffed full of cash, when I realize the hole in my plan. My car. I wasn’t thinking when I parked it in plain sight in the deli parking lot. So no one may be able to see me, but they can see my car. They know I’m here. And as I come out of the deli, I see that my car is surrounded by Josh and several more of my guys—the ones who’ve been selling my charms since Guido died. They used to be loyal to me, but no one would cross my father.

  I’ve opened the door, and they’ve all looked up at the sound.

  Damn it.

  “Olivia?” calls Josh. “Are you here?”

  What do I do? Do I run? Do I abandon my car? If we don’t have my car, how are Nonna and I going to get anywhere?

  “Olivia, it’s okay,” says Josh. “There are orders afloat to bring you in to your father, but we signed on to work for you. If you’re here, show yourself.”

  Do I trust Josh? He’s one of my guys, it’s true, but my father is terrifying. Crossing him is suicide. Wait. Josh and his “special skills” might come in handy. What if I didn’t have to run? What if I could get Josh to help me? Can I trust him? Oh. What the hell?

  I pull the invisibility charm over my head. “I’m here,” I say.

  Josh sees me and a grin breaks over his face. “I knew you were here. You okay?”

  I descend the steps outside the deli and approach him. “So, Josh, I think I have an idea. I might need your skills.”

  His grin widens.