"You have no idea."
"How did you react?"
I laughed, almost spitting out the remnants of my wine. "I refused. I would turn thirty eventually and honestly, I just didn't care."
"And?" he asked, tipping his head.
I tried to remember his exact words. "He said it was life or death. What in the hell? His life? Maybe someone is threatening him? He refused to answer, blew it off by saying it was my duty to marry as required."
"Perhaps his life is in danger, but I have a feeling there's more to this."
"I was disgusted at the entire proposition. I even left the restaurant after telling him he was a crazy old fool. Then my father actually did something he'd never done before. He threatened me."
"Threatened you?"
"Not overtly. Just... so subtly that I really didn't realize it for a full day. I could see something haunted in his eyes. Then the pressure was on, Vincenzo sending flowers every day. Treats. Beautiful clothes. He tried to woo me, but I could see right through him, the pompous ass."
"Then why?"
I fiddled with the wine, swirling the glass back and forth. "I guess honor. At the end of everything, I respected my father and his wishes. The old way."
"Yes, the old way."
I heard the sound of his phone and hated the interruption.
"I'll be right back," he said after yanking the phone from his pocket. He didn't even answer the phone until he was out of the room.
Spying on him wasn't in my best interest, but while he may want to know the truth, so the hell did I.
I moved to the door, tiptoeing and trying to listen in. His conversation was muffled but fairly animated and short. It was also riddled with fury.
"God damn it!" Michael swore.
The pounding thud I heard made me jump.
I shifted back to the stool, barely sitting down before he sauntered back into the room. His gait seemed heavy, despondent.
"We're going to have a visitor."
"A visitor?"
He hissed, pacing the floor. "A damn cop."
I held my breath, waiting for him to explode.
Michael took two long strides closer, enough so I could feel his heated breath. "You're going up to the room and staying put behind closed doors. If you as much as utter a peep, you know what will happen. I have no time for childish games. The police can't help you. I own the police. Only I can solve this riddle."
For some crazy reason, I believed him. "I'll be good."
"See that you are. Go. The officer won't be staying very long."
He was furious, fuming to the point beads of sweat had formed along his hairline, his face beet red. Whatever the reason for the visit, he was worried. I headed up the stairs, able to see approaching headlights through one of the windows. Should I attempt to let the police know I was being held hostage?
My instinct was telling me no. I had no doubt the Cappalini connections were everywhere.
My brain was telling me otherwise.
I moved into the bedroom, sliding against the wall but keeping the door open. When the doorbell rang, I shifted even further into the shadows.
"Shane. What are you doing here?" Michael asked, obviously surprised.
"I've been assigned exclusively to your father's case. I think this will work out much better for you and your father."
They obviously knew each other.
"Well, that does give me some level of comfort. What are you doing here?" Michael's voice still held an edge. I heard the front door close then footsteps as he drew the officer into the kitchen.
I crept closer, still keeping out of sight and straining to hear what was being said.
"One of the surveillance cameras caught the shooter at the restaurant. It's grainy given the weather conditions, but I thought it was worth you taking a look to see if you recognize the person." The detective seemed very calm, matter of fact.
There was silence for a few seconds then Michael cursed. "Not even remotely."
"Yeah, that's what I thought, but worth a try."
"Any other details?" Michael asked.
"Not really. Not even much shit out on the street, which is unusual. Well, except that your name has been mentioned a few times. I think they know you're in charge. Are you in charge, Michael, because if you are, I may have to be reassigned?" The officer's tone had changed.