Infidelity: Inheritance (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by T. C. Winters

  I hadn’t considered this. “Good call. I’ll do that first, then go check on the girls.”

  I found most of the staff in the kitchen. After a lengthy discussion about the extra work, I trudged back up the stairs and knocked on Serafina’s door. “Sera. May I come in?”

  “Yes,” came the muffled reply. “We’re just resting.”

  All three of them were huddled on the bed, but the red patches on their cheeks implied no one had been resting. Treading lightly, I entered the room and closed the door behind me. “Deloris thinks family and friends will be arriving soon. Would you like me to extend your regrets?”

  Sera sat up and dragged her arms from around my sisters who whimpered at the loss of their mother’s closeness. “No, Dante. For the eyes of the world, we will be the gracious hostesses.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Please let us know when the first guest arrives. We will be ready.”

  We had yet to discuss our shared loss, but no words existed to describe my feelings. Antonio Costello was a Vietnam War veteran, an astute businessman, a philanthropist…my dad. My thoughts faltered, and I hung onto the back of a chair to steady myself. My imagination wandered to his horrid manner of death. I wanted no one to see his remains, especially the girls and Sera. I didn’t want to view the remains, preferring instead to remember him as the vibrant man who loved the symphony, loved his friends, and adored his family. Since we were no longer members of the Catholic Church, I would do my best to convince Sera to have him cremated.

  Pushing away from the chair, I hurried to my private suite at the other end of the house for a quick shower and a fresh change of clothes. I returned to the main level where people had begun to congregate.

  From my vantage point in the doorway, I surveyed the gathering crowd. Neighbors, members of our church, and close friends stood shoulder to shoulder, nibbling on snacks no doubt carried in by many of the attendees. Off to the right stood my cousins Luca and Lennox along with a beautiful woman I didn’t recognize. The woman appeared to be about my age and she had the physique of a bodybuilder.

  Up until a few months ago, Lennox and Luca never would have been in the same room together, but the family dynamics changed when Lennox met Alexandria, his wife. I’d been immersed with an art show and didn’t know the specifics, but favors had been exchanged and the past had been buried.

  Luca was Vincent’s son and Lennox was the son of my father’s deceased cousin, Angelina, and Oren Demetri. They were both around thirty and over six-feet tall, with the same dark, good looks, but Lennox had startlingly blue eyes whereas Luca’s were brown. I shared their height and the dark complexion, but I was younger by at least five years, kept my hair longer in a Bohemian style, and was at least fifty pounds lighter. My cousins made a practice of working on their physiques. I worked on my paintings and forgot to eat.

  The noise level was muted, as if speaking too boisterously would cause the same misfortune our family experienced to somehow befall those who were gathered. Making my way to my cousins, I was waylaid by people who expressed disgust at my father’s murder. Off to the right, in a secluded corner, stood my uncle, Vincent. Aunt Bella wasn’t by his side, but knowing her, she was at home preparing a feast for the wake. I avoided Vincent’s gaze and pushed through the crowd to my cousins.

  Lennox touched my shoulder, but said nothing. I understood. Nothing anyone could say would make the situation improve. Luca embraced me in a hug and kissed both cheeks in the manner of the Old World. Of the two, I’d always preferred Lennox.

  Luca broke contact, then leaned back and studied me. “My cousin, as a gesture of good faith, I want to provide you with men to guarantee your safety.”

  I held up my hand to protest, but Luca shook his head and continued. “You are anti-anything involving my family. This I understand, but allow me to do one small favor in your time of need. I worry for your safety. You shouldn’t be outside this house without protection.” He slapped my arm, and I tried not to wince from the force of the blow.

  Lennox lifted a brow, his gaze boring into mine. “Having a professional to watch your back couldn’t hurt.” He drew the woman to his side. “This is Elena Flores. She’ll stay close to your stepmother and your sisters. They’ll need another woman around to help them cope with what’s to come in the next few days.”

  Elena was almost as tall as me, which was remarkable given my height. The way her slacks hung low on her hips made concentrating difficult. Her thick black hair hung to her waist, and her heartbreakingly blue eyes dared me to protest.

  Because Deloris worked for Lennox, he was well aware that she’d already provided protection. I couldn’t imagine what my cousin was up to, but despite being dark and brooding, Lennox was honest and hardworking. I had the utmost respect and trust for him. Luca—considerably less so. He was in too deep with his father’s crime world. If Lennox thought having Luca’s men outside the house and a female to stay with Sera and the girls was a good idea, I wouldn’t object.

  “Luca, your offer means the world to me. Thank you.”

  From the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Lennox’s nearly imperceptible nod.

  “Please excuse me, miei cugini and Ms. Flores, I must attend to the other guests.” I wandered toward a group of local politicians and spent several forgettable minutes making small talk.

  I went in search of Deloris and found her still hunkered in the office. Before I could question her about the additional security measures, Elena sauntered in behind me. Her presence annoyed me. “Deloris, have you vetted,” I waved a hand in Elena’s direction, “this person?”

  Deloris nodded. “I know her, Dante. She’s trustworthy and reliable. She wasn’t my idea, but I think it’s a good one.”

  Elena’s mouth lifted, but she made no effort to defend herself against my derogatory comment instead, she gave me a wink. The effect on my body was instantaneous—my breath hitched and my groin tightened. I charged out of the office, slowing as I neared the dining room and parlor where people were gathered. Bettina and Cat were charming our guests near the fireplace.

  The room seemed too bright for such a somber occasion, but when Bettina sidled up beside me and put an arm around my waist, my mood lifted.

  “Dante, you are so sad. You’ve said nothing about your feelings. We’re all in shock and must help each other grieve. We’re family.”

  I leaned my forehead against hers and sighed. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to him.”

  “I just close my eyes and remember how good he was to us.”

  Her quiet voice and simple declaration should have calmed me. Instead, my rage increased. My family didn’t deserve to suffer. My father hadn’t deserved to suffer. “I can’t do that yet, Bettina, but for you, I will try.” I wouldn’t rest until our father’s murderer learned firsthand about suffering.

  She pulled away and smiled. “No you won’t. Revenge is etched in every inch of your body. Papà wouldn’t want us to hold that kind of hate in our hearts.” She patted my cheek and left me.

  I scanned the room and my gaze fell on Oren standing next to Lennox—both tight jawed and grim. Lennox professed to hate his father, but I’d always thought they were alike. Oren had fought hard to stay out of the “family business” so Lennox wouldn’t be involved. He’d succeeded in keeping Lennox out, but Oren was stuck half in and half out of the underworld. Lennox and Oren ran Demetri Enterprises together, endeavoring to keep the business legal.

  My father had also chosen to run a legitimate business. Like Oren, he’d ensured I would never be chained to the hierarchy of the Costello family business. His decision hadn’t earned him Vincent’s respect. Vincent’s vision was of my cousins and I taking our rightful places as the Costello princes. Luca was the only one who had embraced the crown, whether by choice or by my uncle’s design, I didn’t know.

  Serafina interrupted my musings. “Dante, may we speak privately? You will only be away from our guests for a few minutes.” Her diminutive stature and soft
voice belied her strong temperament. Only twenty years my senior, we’d manage to forge a friendship despite my teenage antics when she’d married my dad.

  One look at her distress and blurry visage and I would have parted the seas if that had been her desire. “Of course.”

  In a serpentine fashion, we weaved our way through the visitors who were drinking, eating, and chatting as if our lives had not been forever changed. I wanted to rid myself of the resentment, but the desire for vengeance blocked every emotion.

  The hallway was empty, but she closed the office door behind us. Deloris was no longer ensconced at the desk and she’d taken all signs of her research with her.

  Inhaling, Sera said, “Do you want the girls and me to leave here and go back to my home country?”

  “No. Why would you ask such a thing?” The way she’d blurted out the question jolted me, leaving little time to process.

  “The house belongs to you. You seem so angry. Perhaps if the girls and I were no longer in the way, you could have a family of your own. I do not wish to add to your distress.”

  My gut clenched at the idea of my sisters moving to Italy. “You are my family, Sera. I couldn’t bear being separated from Bettina and Cat. I am angry, but my anger has nothing to do with you. I’m angry you’re alone. I’m angry Bettina won’t have our father to walk her down the aisle. I’m angry Cat is afraid of what she calls the mop or that she even knows the…mop exists. But mostly I’m furious at the monster who murdered Dad.”

  Her shoulders slumped and tears streaked her cheeks. “You are a good man, Dante. We have always had an easy relationship. I am happy this will not change. I love you like a brother.”

  Not caring about the awkwardness, I rushed to her and held her tightly. “We’ll always be a family. You’re always welcome in this house, even if I marry or you remarry.”

  She jerked and her voice changed. “I could never remarry. I would not dishonor your father’s memory.”

  I squeezed her shoulders. “You’re young. Papà wouldn’t have wanted you to be alone.” I slowed my breathing in an attempt to control my rampant emotions. “This is a conversation we should save for later. Just know you’re welcome in this home.” With her high cheekbones and Mediterranean good looks, she’d be fighting off advances within a year.

  She separated herself from me and plodded toward the closed door. “Thank you.” With her hand on the doorknob, she said, “Dante, please allow the police to find justice for Antonio. Do not seek justice on your own.” She left the door open behind her.

  I wasn’t sure justice could be found on the right side of the law.

  I plopped into the leather chair behind the desk, then leaned back and laced my fingers over my chest. In my mind I could still see my parents together—pushing me on a swing in the park, smiling over the candles on my birthday cake. Later—after my mother’s death—Dad fussing with my tie at my graduation, waving goodbye as I left for college.

  In the silence, I focused on my surroundings—the home my grandparents had built. The ornate woodwork and marble tile could be attributed to my grandfather who’d sought prestige and wealth. The coziness and warmth came from my grandmother who longed for stability and a place for her family to put down roots. Their combined vision created what had been my home for the past twenty-six years. With the exception of Serafina, Bettina, and Caterina, nothing much had changed. I’d never been groomed to run our corporation, but I’d been educated in business before I honed my artistic skills. I had no idea what provisions had been made for the business in my father’s will, but I knew with certainty that this old house was about to experience massive changes.

  Pushing away from the desk, I ambled back out to our guests. Elena Flores leaned against the back wall and her gaze roved around the room, as if observing the crowd. More people—and more food—had arrived in my absence. Our family attorney waited near the makeshift bar in the parlor. He first offered his condolences before saying, “I reviewed the latest will. No real changes from the last one, but he left letters for you and the girls. What would you like me to do with them?”

  “Give them to Sera.” I searched the room for my stepmother, but she wasn’t in sight. “Would it be possible to meet tomorrow morning? I need to make arrangements for the funeral, and I’d like to know if he had any last wishes.”

  The attorney nodded. “Yes. Yes, of course.”

  Luca and Lennox approached as the attorney hustled off in search of Sera. Luca’s gaze followed the man’s departure. “Did you inherit your father’s business?”

  Luca and I had never been close, so the timing of his question surprised me. “I haven’t read his will, but I assume my sisters will be equal partners, maybe even Sera. Why do you ask?”

  His shoulders rose in an offhand shrug. “Just wondering how this would affect your career as an artist. I get a real kick out of telling people the great painter, Dante Costello, is my cousin. I’d hate to see you lose everything you’ve worked so hard for.” He picked at a hangnail on his thumb as he spoke.

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” My cousin’s concern warmed my heart. Maybe I’d been wrong in my harsh assessment of him. “We meet with the attorney tomorrow. Afterward, I’ll have a better idea of what needs to be done.”

  The hangnail broke loose and a tiny spot of blood dotted his skin. “You can’t afford to lose the contacts you’ve made in the art world. I can make some calls if you give me names and numbers. Maybe give your people a warning about what’s happening and that you’ll need a little time off.”

  Luca’s desire to help came as a shock given our fathers’ dislike of one another. When he and Vincent had arrived this evening, I assumed their presence was just for show—a case of never-air-your-dirty-laundry—but he seemed genuine. “Thank you. Everything has happened so fast, I’ve not had time to think. When my mind clears, I’ll be able to decide.”

  “My offer stands. That’s what family is for. Right Lennox?” He glanced at Lennox and smiled.

  Lennox’s lips were tight, and he blinked rapidly. “Right. To help.” His gaze settled on Vincent before turning. “Dante, we think you’re in danger. Antonio’s death was meant as a warning. Luca’s people will be with you at all times, and Deloris will determine who is responsible for your father’s death. In addition to Elena, I’m leaving a few key people here. We must remain vigilant or someone else will die.”

  “Discovering that your father was dragged to death has a tendency to get one’s attention. I’d say I’m about as vigilant as I can get, but I don’t recall anything in the past few days that suggested Dad was worried.” I dug deep inside my brain in an effort to clear the fog. “Owning a custom ironworks shop doesn’t usually lend itself to being slaughtered.”

  Luca shot a glance at his father. “Are you certain he didn’t say anything? Maybe a minor incident? Anything unusual?”

  “I’m getting the feeling the two of you know more than I do.” Luca was the Costello family underboss and was anticipated to replace Uncle Vincent someday. He’d been in a federal penitentiary before marrying and having kids. By all indication he was now a law-abiding citizen, but he wasn’t second in command because he was a saint. “Luca, was someone trying to get to you or Uncle Vincent through my father?” I closed the distance between us and stopped within inches of him.

  Lennox pushed against my chest, moving me backward. “We don’t know anything. The only buzz we’re hearing is that the Bonetti family from New Jersey may have been involved. If that’s true, this could be the first move in a conspiracy to control the Costello territory.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Or to extort an alliance between our families.”

  Maybe Lennox and Luca considered this possibility, but I couldn’t comprehend why anyone would kill a member of my family to gain power over, or extort, Vincent’s crime family. “Dad and Vincent haven’t spoken for years. Other than the last name they had nothing in common.”

  Neither of my cousins appeared ready to give up th
e idea. Lennox’s brow furrowed as he focused on Luca’s face, and Luca on his. Catching their silent communication, I clenched my jaw. “What? You know something. My father was shredded like a piece of beef. How can you justify not telling me what you know?”

  Lennox exhaled sharply and focused on me. “Right now everything is speculation. We’ll keep our ears to the ground, and Deloris will keep her ears to whatever the hell it is she does. If the Bonetti family wants something, they’ll make a move soon.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “In the meantime, we’re leaving more people inside the house with you.”

  Indignation rose and burned in my chest. “The girls need privacy—just our inner circle. They shouldn’t have to bare their emotions in front of strangers.” I peered across the room at Elena. “I’ll allow her inside because the girls may need someone, but that’s all.”

  Another silent communication passed between them. Luca lifted his chin. “Fine. Our fathers will stay inside.”

  I snorted. “Are you purposely being dense? Your father had nothing to do with my family for years. We don’t want him here anymore than he wants to be here.” I ventured a glare at Vincent, still sequestered in a corner. He stared back as if he’d heard every word.

  Luca followed my line of vision. “Either them, or Isaac and Jimmy.”

  Isaac was Lennox’s personal bodyguard. I didn’t want to endanger Lennox by taking away his protection. Jimmy was a hard ass and Vincent’s right-hand man. I’d stew in hell before I’d let that man stay in my house. “Vincent and Oren can use the guest rooms in the basement. With the girls and Sera on the upper level, everyone will have their privacy. I’ll figure out where to put this Flores woman.”

  “No.” Luca and Lennox spoke in unison.

  Lennox held up a palm. “Not good enough. They need to be with the family.”

  “Do you know how to shoot?” The question came from Luca, but he watched his father, and the words were barely audible.