It was also two days ago that I learned my call to him probably saved his life. Not in the way I would have expected, but I’m not complaining. It took me a hot minute to calmdown when I first saw him covered in blood. Once he explained about his nose and the other guy’s stab wound, I was able to celebrate his return. The whole family is celebrating now that it’s somewhat safe. Zuzu is hosting a get-together for her family, and it means I get to meet Renzo and his wife. I’m looking forward to the evening, but we have a quick stop to make on the way. One that’s long overdue.
“I’m still not thrilled about this,” Tommy grumbles as we walk toward the place where we first met.
“I know, and I appreciate you supporting me anyway.”
Tommy grunts.
The man waiting for us outside the police station doesn’t smile when we approach. Tommy doesn’t either. It’s odd since Tommy said meeting with Detective Malone was his only prerequisite to this happening. I figured they were friends, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
“Malone.”
“Donati.”
They nod heads at each other like boxers squaring off in a ring. It’s a little ridiculous, so I choose to ignore them.
“Hi there, I’m Danika.” I smile warmly as I offer my hand. He accepts with a dimpled grin in return and holy hotness is he a cutie.
“I understand congratulations are in order,” Malone says. “Though, I’m not sure what a ray of pure sunshine is doing with this surly bastard.” He motions toward my husband, making me laugh.
Tommy, on the other hand, isn’t remotely amused. I can feel the chill of his glare wafting over my shoulder.
“Love works in mysterious ways.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Malone murmurs. “Tommy said you’ve got something you wanted to show me?”
“Yeah, um. It’s this.” I hand over the canvas I’ve been carrying and feel an intangible weight lift from my shoulders in the process.
Malone’s entire demeanor transforms in a heartbeat. “That’s Biba Mikhailov,” he says in a low, guarded tone.
“Yeah, and I know this isn’t a lot of good now that he’s dead, but I wanted the family to have closure, if they needed it. I was too scared to say anything before,” I admit with no small amount of embarrassment.
“You were there.”
I nod. “And a while back, I was in the station and saw the victim’s photo on the wall of honor, three over from the left. I had no idea who he’d been until I saw the photo.”
Malone dips his chin and lowers the painting. “Thank you for this. I’m sure his family and all of us at the force are grateful.”
Tommy decides it’s his turn to interject himself. “Don’t even think about asking for a statement. The painting is all you’re getting from her, and you can count yourself lucky you’re getting that much.”
Malone smirks. “Come on, Donati. The guy’s dead now. He’s not gonna care.” He’s giving Tommy a hard time, though I don’t think my husband is seeing the humor.
“He might not, but those prick sons of his might.”
Malone sobers. “I hear their outfit’s total chaos right now with the two of them fighting over control. Still can’t believe Reaper took him out. The whole department’s pretty worried about that character.”
“Probably should be,” Tommy agrees in an eerily cool tone.
I’ve been told word on the street is Reaper set up the hit on Biba, and the Italians have been more than happy to let that narrative continue. Makes me wonder how Reaper feels about the situation, though I’m content to never have an answer. We’re hoping the power vacuum will keep Reaper and the Russiansfighting among themselves and leave us be, which brings us back to quieter times and family dinners.
“Well, we better get going,” I cut in. “We have a dinner to get to, but it was a pleasure meeting you, Detective.”
Malone’s grin is back and better than ever. When we shake hands, I notice he’s not wearing a ring and wonder what the story is there. I imagine he’s got to have a full-blown fan club of women chasing him.
“It’s been a very unexpected pleasure. You ever need anything, you feel free to get in touch.”
I toss a glance at my glowering husband and smile. “I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.”
We both laugh. Tommy snarls. We laugh even harder.
