“I thought we could have some dessert.”
“Sure. Why not?” He took the bowl and walked into the living room as she carried their drinks. “Did you end up calling your dad today?”
“Yes. A few minutes after you left for the gym.” She sat next to him on the couch.
He crossed his ankles on the coffee table, loathing himself for playing games with her—for asking her questions he already knew the answers to. “How’s he doing?”
“Pretty good. They officially think he’s well enough to go home tomorrow.”
He hooked his arm around her shoulders. “That’s awesome.”
“It is.” She snuggled in, resting her body against his. “They said his labs are better.”
“I want to go with you.”
She shook her head. “You don’t have to. I usually cook for him and visit for a while. Then I come home.”
“I can give you a hand—run errands or whatever.”
She stared at him. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “We’re in this together, remember?”
She smiled. “I’m still getting used to that.”
“Get used to it.” He tucked her damp hair behind her ear. “We’ll get him hooked up with food and meals for a few days.”
Grinning, she grabbed a strawberry and brought it to his lips. “You’re too good to me.”
“Not even close.” Plucking up a grape from the bowl, he fed it to her. “How about The Office?”
She pressed play and settled back against him.
He laced their fingers, hating that there was no way around the lying, that he was stuck living a double life, but he couldn’t tell her what was going on. In the long run, all of this was going to keep her safe when Vinny helped him keep Alfeo where he belonged. Deceiving Bella was the last thing he’d ever wanted to do, but at this point, it was his only choice.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“I can’t believe he was murdered,” Bella said, looking at Reed as he drove them north on the 405. “He was such a nice man—funny, very jovial. Luisa’s absolutely devastated.”
He reached for her hand, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. “It’s tough. I’m sorry Luisa’s going through such a hard time.”
“I feel bad that the media’s making this so much worse. How can they say such horrible things about Mr. Asante?” She huffed out a breath, still as angry as she was heartbroken for her friend. “The charming man I met wasn’t some gangster. There’s no way he’s a mafia man—or rumored mafia man.” She rolled her eyes.
Reed made a sound in his throat as he changed lanes, moving past a slower vehicle.
“The funeral’s on Saturday.” She nibbled her lip. “I’m thinking about going.”
His gaze left the road, meeting hers through his amber-tinted lenses. “That’s a long trip.”
“I know, but Luisa needs me.”
“What about your dad? Do you think this is a good time to be leaving him?”
“No.” She sighed, shaking her head. “He needs me too—more.”
“We can send flowers. And she can talk to you on the phone anytime she wants.”
That was hardly enough, but it would have to do. Her traveling days were over for the foreseeable future. She would never be able to forgive herself if something happened to Dad while she was gone. As it was, she’d barely given any thought to his homecoming, which was completely unacceptable. “I wish there was more I could do to help.”
“I know you do.” He kissed her fingers.
“Have you ever heard of the people the news was talking about—the Caparelli crime family?”
“Everyone in New York law enforcement has heard of the Caparelli crime family, Bella. They’re one of the original five families of La Cosa Nostra.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know what that is—La Cosa Nostra?”
“It’s Italian for Our Little Thing. They’re organized crime. Most of the families lost a lot of traction after the Feds indicted them in the eighties. All of the bosses were put away when they were convicted on RICO statutes—except for Patrizio Caparelli. They couldn’t get much to stick on him.”
“How come?”
“Bribes, threats. They’re powerful, brutal—extremely dangerous. The Caparellis are the most ruthless of the bunch.”
“So what’s a consigliere, then? The thing they’re saying Mr. Asante might have been?”
“Uh, it’s kind of like an advisor to the boss of the family. They’re a pretty big deal—usually well-respected.”
“And a boss is the same thing as a Godfather?”
“Right. They’re the head honcho of each family. If what they’re alleging is true, Dino would have been Patrizio’s advisor. Eventually, Patrizio ended up going to prison for orchestrating a hit that killed a man who worked for the family.”
“So what happened to the Caparellis after that?”
“Other people in the organization took over.”
She rested her head on the back of the seat, trying to take it all in. “RICO statutes, bosses, shootings. It’s hard to believe that stuff is real.”
“Oh, it’s real.”
“I still don’t see how Luisa’s family could have anything to do with that. They’re good people.”
“We’ll have to see what shakes out in the investigation.”
She nodded and glanced over her shoulder, smiling despite her mood as she looked at Lucy lying in the bed of the truck with her ears flapping and her face tilted up to the sun. “She’s having the time of her life.”
“Of course she is. The wind’s blowing in her face; she’s smelling all kinds of new smells: doggie paradise.”
She laughed.
He merged over, taking the Reseda exit. “What do you think your dad’s going to think of her?”
“I think he’ll love her. Everybody adores Lucy.”
“But there’s no bias there,” he teased.
She grinned. “Not even a little.”
He made it through one green light, then another, and turned in to North Medical Center. “I bet he’s ready to get out of here.”
“It’s always nice to be home. I wish he would come stay with me. He keeps turning down my offer, but I think it would be good for him.”
He pulled into a parking spot and turned off the ignition. “It’s probably good for him to have a sense of independence for as long as he can.”
She felt herself frown. “I never thought about it like that, but you’re right. I guess I’m being selfish—”
“You are not selfish, Bella.”
“Sometimes.”
He shook his head. “Nope.”
She smiled. “Of course I am. We all are.”
He shook his head again as he unbuckled his belt and tugged her closer. “You’re perfect.”
“No.”
“You’re perfect,” he said softly as he leaned in and kissed her.
She wrapped her arms around him. “I’m glad you think so. And I like when you wear your hat like this.” She touched the rim at the back of his head. “It’s sexy.”
“Oh, really,” he said, wiggling his brow.
“Mmm-hmm.”
“I’ll have to keep that in mind.”
Who knew that ball caps worn backward, sleeveless T-shirts, and athletic shorts would be the attire that sent her pulse into a frenzy? “I think you should.”
He snagged her bottom lip playfully, then drew away. “Do you want to go spring your father from this place?”
“I imagine he would like nothing more.”
“I’ll wait here with Lucy.”
“Thanks.” She kissed him this time. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Call me when you come down and I’ll pull up to the front.”
“You’re the best.” She walked toward the entrance in far better spirits than she’d been in when she’d gotten the call from Luisa half an hour after she’d woken up this morning.
~~~~
Reed filled a glass with
water at Vinny’s kitchen sink, studying the slightly pathetic digs of a man who’d once belonged to a family worth millions. He breathed in the remnants of stale cigarette smoke on his way back to the tiny living room, understanding perfectly why Bella reeked every time she came home from Reseda. Stopping by the couch, he lifted his brow, watching Bella tuck Vinny in on the threadbare cushions with a blanket.
“Here we go,” she said. “How’s that?”
“Fine, but I’m feeling much better. The medicine did the trick.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She touched his forehead and cheeks with the back of her hand, then glanced at her watch. “You’ll need another pill before Reed and I leave.”
“And I’ll happily take it.” Vinny settled more comfortably against his pillows. “I don’t like feeling like shit.”
“Good. I’m going to pick you up some probiotics while I’m out. We need to get your healthy bacteria back in balance.” She bent down again, tucking the blanket more securely around Vinny’s legs.
Vinny frowned. “Bella, I’m fine.”
“I know, but I want to make sure your feet stay warm.”
“Bella.” Reed snagged her by the elbow and nudged her back, even though he couldn’t necessarily blame her for playing mother hen. Vinny was home, but he wasn’t looking so hot. “He’s good.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m hovering.”
He held up his thumb and index finger an inch apart. “A little bit.” Smiling, he winked and held out the glass to her. “One glass of water—no ice.”
She grinned, taking it from him, and set it on the coffee table. “Thanks.”
“No problem.”
“I guess we should probably think about heading to the store—”
“Reed can stay here with me and Lucy. We’ll play a round of cards.” Vinny eyed him—as he had several times since they’d picked him up half an hour ago. “I could use the company.”
Bella looked at Reed. “Does that work for you?”
“Yeah. Definitely. Lucy and I’ll help hold down the fort.”
“All right, then.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Um, Dad, is there anything specific you want?”
“The juices go down easy.”
She nodded. “I’ll pick some of those up.”
“That’s a big help.”
“You know I don’t mind.” She kissed Vinny on the forehead, then closed the distance between her and Reed, settling her hands on his waist. “I’ll be back soon.”
“We’ll be fine here.” He handed over the keys to the truck.
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Have fun.”
He slid his palms down her arms, lacing their fingers before he let her go. “We will.”
Bella grabbed her purse and headed for the door. “Oh, can you open some of the windows for a little fresh air?”
“Sure.”
“See you soon.” She closed the door behind her.
Vinny yanked the blanket off himself as he sat up. “You’ve got one hell of a nerve touching my daughter like that.”
“I’m pretty sure she touched me first.” He made quick work of opening the living room windows, then settled himself in the chair next to the couch, paying close attention to where Vinny kept his hands. He was mostly sure Vinny wasn’t planning on pulling a gun from beneath the cushions, but he couldn’t be one hundred percent certain. “I already told you I’m not going anywhere.”
“You’re a bastard.”
“You’ve mentioned that.”
Vinny narrowed his eyes. “A cool son of a bitch. I bet you were real good at your job.”
“The alternative was death, so it paid to make a solid effort at keeping a level head.”
“How do I know you’re not playing my little girl?”
“You don’t. But I’m not. You’ll have to trust me.”
Vinny let out a scoffing laugh. “I don’t see that happening.” He grabbed the deck of cards off the side table and slapped them down on the table. “Remind me again why I’m not putting a bullet in your head.”
Reed scooted closer and started shuffling. “Because I care about Bella, and I’m going to be here to keep an eye on her after you’re gone.” He met Vinny’s hostile gaze as he dealt them each ten cards. “You said you wanted to see me today. I hope you’re planning on doing more than trying to intimidate me. Game’s gin rummy, by the way.”
“You mention one word about any of this to her and I will end you. I promise you that. Any arrangement you and I make is over the second you open your mouth to Bella.”
“I don’t want her involved in this any more than you do. I’m confident we can get this done without her ever knowing anything about it.”
Vinny looked at his cards. “They took out Dino.”
He followed Vinny’s lead, noting that he didn’t have much of a hand to work with. “I saw it on the news. Bella was asking questions. She’s friends with Dino’s daughter.”
A look of horror filled Vinny’s eyes as his gaze whipped to Reed’s. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Luisa, the woman she went to visit in Bensonhurst. That’s Dino’s daughter.”
He shook his head. “Bella said her friend’s last name is De Vitis.”
“Luisa Asante De Vitis.”
“Son of a bitch.” He sat back against the cushions. “What did you say to her?”
“I told her the truth. She wanted to know about the Caparellis from someone with a law enforcement background. I kept it vague but truthful.”
“They’ll kill her if they find her.”
“We’ll have to make sure they don’t. Who knows about Bella?”
“Walter Hodds did.”
“What about Salada and Upshaw?”
He shook his head. “They didn’t mention anything when they darkened my doorstep, so I’m assuming no. Walter promised he would never say anything—kept tabs on her for me through the years.”
Reed wondered if Walter had ever mentioned that Bella’s childhood had been less than ideal. “You trusted him to do that?”
“We had an agreement. He would keep my daughter safe and I would make sure I didn’t have to hurt his family.” He picked up a card from the draw pile and set one down. “Although threats were never necessary with Walter. He was always good to me.”
Reed picked up a two of diamonds for his run. “You disappeared on him.”
He shrugged. “Bella was mostly grown and doing fine. It was better if I vanished.”
“It’s quite a coincidence you two live an hour away from one another.”
“True coincidences are a rare thing.”
Picking up a card, he set another down, not paying all that much attention to the game. He and Vinny both new gin rummy was nothing more than a prop while they felt each other out. “You followed her.”
“I’m dying. I needed to see her again.”
“But not reach out to her.”
“Like I said, she’s dead if they ever link her to me.”
Reed shook his head. “I’m not going to let that happen. I’ll take my last breath before they touch her.”
Vinny held his stare, scrutinizing. “I almost believe you.”
Reed set his cards facedown. “Let’s clear something up right here and now, Vinny. I’m a straight shooter. I won’t promise things I can’t deliver. I won’t lie to you.”
“Just to my daughter.”
He clenched his jaw. “I don’t have any more choice in that decision than you do, but my relationship with Bella is one hundred percent real. She’s all that matters—the only thing I want out of this whole deal. Taking down Alfeo’s just a bonus.”
Vinny studied him again. “Why?”
He sat back, relaxing some as their conversation found an easier rhythm. “I’ll be assuring Bella’s safety.”
Vinny’s eyebrow winged up. “You’re doing all this for my daughter?”
That hadn’t been the original plan, but protecting Be
lla had quickly become more important than paying Alfeo back. “He killed my family.”
Vinny’s eyes sharpened on his.
“I was the kid in the back seat of the sedan leaving the Mets game when your brother’s hit team came along and blew my father and grandfather’s brains out. While they were taking care of that, another team knocked on my uncle’s door and did the same thing to him in front of his wife.”
“Well, Jesus Christ. How old were you?”
“Five. I’ve been waiting twenty-six years for this. Hopefully you’re going to help me.”
Vinny set down his cards and sipped his water. “I don’t know what I have to give you.”
“You give me everything you’ve got and we’ll see what we can make stick.”
“It’s been a long damn time.”
“You gave the Feds enough to lock your brother up for the 1989 murders.”
“That’s the deal we made. That should have put him away for life. It did my father.” He shook his head. “Slick bastard.”
“Which means there’s all kinds of things you haven’t shared. And we won’t have to worry about double jeopardy.”
“It’s been a long time,” Vinny repeated.
“There’s no statute of limitations on class A felonies in New York. You tell me everything you can and my friends and I will take care of the rest.”
“Friends?”
“My former partner and a FBI Special Agent—her grandfather and mine were partners. She’s my good friend.”
“I don’t like friends.”
“Joe’s pretty much my brother, and I played with Skylar when we were kids. They’re both solid. I wouldn’t bring them in if I wasn’t absolutely certain.”
“If I’m doing this, I’m working with you—and only you.”
“We can play it that way, but we need someone on the outside if we’re going to get an indictment. I don’t have a badge anymore.”
“So I’m just supposed to spill my guts about anything and everything?”
He nodded, petting Lucy when she came to sit by his side. “Pretty much. I also want you to look at the letters Alfeo’s written over the years and listen to phone calls the penitentiary’s recorded. We think they’re coded, but we’ve never been able to figure anything out.”
Deceiving Bella: Book Eleven In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series Page 32