“Of course, he agreed. Enrico, by then, was desperate. Riordan showed him a way out and together they devised the plan and locked it away, one key for each daughter that could only find the lock if the terms of will are met.”
She glances at me with a twisted smile.
“I wonder if they have been?”
Tiffany blushes as Priscilla laughs.
“Where does Malik Karim fit into this?”
I ask because I’ve been curious ever since Tiffany got the message from Eliza. The meeting with Walter was easily explained, but why does he require us to find Priscilla if she is meant to be hiding?
“Because I asked him to.”
She shrugs. “Via Riordan of course.”
“But why are you here? Surely you are safer with your husband?” Tiffany asks.
“I’m not, darling. None of us are safe and I include you in that. All the time Morgan Sorcusi breathes, the contracts stand. You, your sisters, me and the Ravera mafia are in danger because that woman wants what she has put so much into the past ten or so years. The company is worthless. You are her only asset and I am a threat. The Ravera mafia is standing in the way of her pocketing millions by selling you and your sisters toRaphael Demitri and declaring you dead when you wash up one day after having served your purpose. Then Morgan gets it all.”
“But there is nothing left.”
I add more for interest than anything and Priscilla grins.
“Not in the business for sure, but the game isn’t over until the last move is made.”
She leans forward, and this time stares at me with a hard expression.
“Kill Morgan Sorcusi and then wait for Tiffany’s twenty-fifth birthday. If she has no child, you will never discover what the Diamond Dynasty is really all about.”
“Then tell us.”
“I wish I could, but you must forgive me, Mr. Ravera. I have played this game for a long time and I’m not about to bend the rules to suit someone new to it. Do what you must. It will set me free from this prison at least and perhaps we can salvage something of a future when that disgusting woman is partying in hell.”
She turns to Tiffany.
“Be strong, my darling, you are a Van Der Hudson after all. You know where I am now, but please do not visit me again. For your safety, not mine. Come back when Morgan is dead. I will be waiting.”
She points to the door.
“You should leave and make certain to scrub your names from the visitor’s book. Rather careless if you signed it in your real names. You must do better next time.”
She stands and I’m astonished at how alike the two women are. Tiffany is beautiful and her mom is elegant and attractive.
“I don’t deserve to ask this darling, but may I hold you?”
I’m surprised when her lip quivers. The only indication there is any emotion in this woman at all and Tiffany’s eyes sparkle as she nods and approaches her mother.
As they embrace, something hits me hard, emotion for sure, happiness for my wife. Luck had a part in bringing us together, but many years of practicing my craft will bring an end to their suffering. Only one woman will suffer and it’s a good job we are heading there first thing in the morning.
CHAPTER 43
TIFFANY
After a very surreal experience, we head home. I’m still shocked about seeing my mother for the first time. I didn’t expect that – expect her. She was nothing like I imagined. I suppose I wanted to hate her, to feel nothing at all, but all I saw was a strong woman dealing with a life nobody would ever have asked for.
“Are you okay, angel?”
Joseph grips my hand like he did throughout the visit, and I was so grateful for his support.