Luca nodded, but not because he agreed that’s what was happening. He needed to press Ralph until he admitted something or contradicted what the police could prove. That would be more difficult if Ralph became defensive. “How did you hear about them in the first place?”
Destiny stroked a hand down his arm. Ralph said, “Here and there, at the country club or at wine club. Anywhere that the Renegade elite congregates, you will hear rumors of powerful people in charge. Guys like me can’t seem to get ahead easily. There’s always some kind of block. It has to be them stopping us from taking what they consider to be their territory.” He sighed. “I must have got too close, which was why they trumped up all that evidence indicating I was the one behind everything. Now innocents are dead, and I think I’m going to be next.”
Luca didn’t want this going back to him being a victim, so he said, “Do you have any specific names of people you think might be part of it? Anyone at all that you suspect?”
Destiny’s hand on his arm stilled. “If we went around pointing fingers, that would put Ralph in even more danger. All this is happening because he told you about the Shadow Syndicate in the first place. If he’d kept his mouth shut, we wouldn’t be here.”
“Now, dear. We can’t just do nothing in the face of all this corruption.”
“I see.” Luca nodded. “So you don’t care that they tried to kill you before, or now. All you care about is standing up for justice.” He paused. “That night when we rescued you, we heard you saying that you hurt people. That you did everything they asked.”
“I was a victim. I just told them whatever I thought they wanted to hear. I played along.” Ralph swallowed, sucking in a choppy breath. “They’re bullies. They shouldn’t get away with what they’ve done anymore. Hurting innocent people.”
Luca shifted his weight, trying to figure out how to salvage something from this conversation. “I’ve been trying to gather details and figure out who they are, but so far, my investigation has come up empty. Unless you have any proof that Jenkins was connected to them that I can look into? Or have they ever threatened you directly since, or sent some kind of warning?”
“Not unless you count almost being run off the road a few weeks ago.”
Luca worked his mouth back and forth. “If you haven’t filed a police report, I think you should do that now. Every time something happens. If you even suspect that someone is deliberately trying to hurt you or kill you, then you need to take measures for your own protection.”
Destiny nodded. “That’s an excellent idea.” She looked at her husband, turning to face him. “We should hire somebody to keep you safe. Like a bodyguard. Someone who will make sure nobody does anything like this again.”
Ralph said nothing. He glanced at Luca.
“It doesn’t mean you can’t protect yourself,” Luca said. “It just means you want to ensure your safety and also get on with your life.”
Destiny turned to Luca. “What do you say?”
“Excuse me?” He glanced between her and her husband. Given the look on Ralph’s face, he had no intention of hiring protection.
“We can hire you as Ralph’s bodyguard. He knows you, and we both trust you because you’ve saved his life before. So what do you say? Because I think you’re the perfect person to keep my husband safe.”
“I have a number of cases and clients currently on my desk.” He needed a better reason to turn her down. He waited for Ralph to tell her no or argue with her, but the guy said nothing.
“I’ll pay you double to get rid of them.”
“I’m afraid one of the jobs is with federal law enforcement, and it’s time sensitive. But I can find someone with the same level of training as me who is available, if you’d like me to do that.” He looked at Ralph, wondering if the guy would speak up at all.
Luca had no intention of protecting a guy mixed up with the Shadow Syndicate. And he would put money down that Ralph didn’t want Luca in his business either.
No matter what his wife said.
Destiny frowned. “But I wouldn’t trust them. I trust you.” She lifted her chin, as if that was enough for him to rearrange his entire schedule.
“I’ll inform hospital security that there’s a possibility the two of you are in danger. Make sure they come by regularly and ensure you’re safe.”
He hoped that would placate her for now and prevent her from convincing herself he was her only option. Luca needed to come up with a good plan B for these two.
“Until tomorrow.” Destiny nodded, certain of what she said. Convinced that he was going to figure out a way to personally protect Ralph.
He stepped out of the bay and almost collided with Kira. She had sweat across her hairline and was breathing hard. He reached for her, but she shifted away from him. “Is everything okay?”
Her mouth opened, but she said nothing. Still trying to catch her breath.
Luca held out a hand. “Come on, we can find somewhere quiet to talk about whatever it is.”
She shook her head. “Why would I want to do that?”
Kira turned and walked away.