Not a great sign.
I said nothing as we drove in silence toward my parents’ mansion, the long iron gates already pulled open like a mouth expecting tribute. Cars were scattered everywhere—black sedans, security SUVs, drivers lingering too close to doors.
When we pulled in, my dad was already stepping out onto the front walk, greeting Nixon Abandonato like they were old friends instead of old enemies with shared history.
And then I saw it.
Louis took one look at the gathering—all the old bosses present—and quietly slid the box back into the rear seat.
Relief rushed through me so hard I nearly sagged.
Okay. Not now.
Not during my mother’s birthday.
Too many eyes.
But that just raised another question.
If not now… then when?
I hated this game ofClue. Hated it with a passion. I didn’t want to guess who would be dead by dessert.
I pushed the thought away and jogged ahead, throwing my arms around Nixon before he could say a word.
“Hey!”
My uncle laughed and pulled me into a crushing hug. “You’re growing too much. Stop it.”
He really did age like fine wine. It was mildly horrifying how everyone in our family looked like they belonged on magazine covers—but the kind that came with tattoos, weapons, and warnings.
Nixon smacked my dad on the back. “You’re getting old, Dante. Gonna be a grandpa soon?”
My father choked. “She doesn’t have sex. Ever.”
I stared at him, horrified.
Louis chose that exact moment to walk up behind me and laugh. “Sure. Okay.”
Dad lunged.
Nixon caught him by the arm, chuckling. “Circle of life. She understood it when she cried duringThe Lion King. Give it a rest.” He glanced at Louis. “Besides, we’re celebrating your wife’s beauty—and her clear lack of intelligence for marrying you.”
I snorted despite myself.
Louis slid an arm around my waist, fingers pressing just slightly too firmly. A silent message.
Stay close.
And as the doors opened and the house swallowed us whole, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the celebration wasn’t for my mother at all.
It was a cover.
And whatever Louis had planned…
It was already in motion.
22