Page 9 of She Belongs to Me

“Georgine would have been so happy,” he said with the same sadness I noticed in his eyes.

“She’s looking down from heaven with a smile on her face.”

He tried to smile, but it was still tough for him after six months. To have his beloved wife, a woman we’d play fought over during our last two years in college die in childbirth had nearly broken him. I’d done what I could to be a support system, but other than a quick trip, I’d had to do so from afar.

To this day, I felt guilty.

“Thank you for agreeing to be her godfather.”

“It’s my honor,” I said. And it was.

While Gregory wasn’t particularly religious, he had grown up Catholic like I had. He’d once told me that his love of the law made it impossible to believe in a higher being. I hadn’t argued.

Only ten minutes later, the christening ceremony began. It had been a long time since there’d been a birth in my family, my brother and sister yet to have children. I doubted I ever would. My cousin had been the last, almost ten years before. We were a large family, but the huge number of children born including cousins had drifted into a more modern approach to women and their responsibilities. I still found it fascinating.

There was something so hallowed about hearing the words, being asked if I agreed to be Alexandra’s godfather for the rest of her life.

“Yes, I do,” I said, and it was funny. I had a hard time recognizing my own voice.

Gregory was beaming, real happiness crossing his face. When he’d called and asked me to accept such a great honor, I’d almost choked.

As Alexandra was placed into my arms, she opened her big blue eyes and I had to admit I melted a little bit. I was a hard man, ruthless to most, but a man could be brought to their knees by a tiny smile. And when she gripped my finger, I was certain I was going to lose it.

The christening came to a conclusion and Gregory rose to his feet first from our kneeling position. He was ready to give out cigars and toast with cognac. And I would be thrilled to join him.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Screams rang out in the church, people scattering in horror. I held Alexandra close, trying to figure out what the fuck was going on. My two Capos rushed toward me, trying to guide me away.

“Take the child. Make certain nothing happens to her.”

“Yes, sir.”

As the chaos continued, I pulled out my weapon, scanning the area, unable to see where the goddamn gunman had been. When I looked down, my heart sank and I dropped to my knees.

Gregory had been mortally wounded, still trying to talk. Blood was everywhere. He’d been shot at least twice, once in his neck. I knew he was dying.

“Don’t speak. I’ll get you some help.”

He managed to shake his head slowly. “No time. Promise me.” Blood spewed from his mouth.

“Anything.” I was furious, determined to find the person responsible. And when I did, they’d regret the day they were born.

“Take… care of… my little girl.”

The memories were ones I’d tried to ignore for years. I’d searched for Gregory’s killer over the years with no success. My friend’s death didn’t make any sense whatsoever. He’d just been a defense attorney trying to reach greater heights. I’d searched high and low, the assassination-style killing well planned. One day I would find the asshole even after twenty-five years.

Why did I have a terrible feeling it was all going to come to a head once again?

CHAPTER 4

Alexandra

Relax.

I continued to tell myself that even though hours had passed. I knew several men were watching the motel, the three-story location not the prettiest on the block, but providing adequate coverage for my car. I’d dared stop at a Wawa, grabbing a few waters and junk food to tide me over. I’d checked on my aunt, ensuring she was okay, but in truth, I was terrified to use the phone.

Or sleep.