Page 76 of Single Malt Drama
“Just spit it out.”
“Fine. Gabe told me you were married to Nicolina Lazio.”
“That’s right.” I glanced at my frowning wife.
“You told me about Nico a few times, but you never used her last name. I didn’t put two and two together until today.”
“I’m not following you.” In fact, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know whatever it was she was trying to tell me. “Nico and I are married. Happily married.”
Her voice rose. “That’s great, but her name stood out to me because I overheard Sophia Abruzzo telling her people they’d get paid when Lazio’s payments arrived.”
I sank into a chair and rested my elbows on the dining room table. “I see. Did you mention this to Gabe?”
“No. I wanted to talk to you first…you know. Since you’re involved with a Lazio. Is it the same person Sophia was talking about? Could she be playing you?” Tara had always loved a conspiracy theory. Normally, I’d humor her, but I was fresh out of patience.
“I appreciate your concern, but it’s not the same person.”
“Are you sure? I mean, we talked, what? A month ago. You didn’t mention you were even dating anyone, and now you’re married.”
“Because it’s none of your fucking business.” I drew in a breath and forced myself to calm down. “Let it go.”
Nico’s eyes widened. I knew that she was upset, but any doubt vanished when she slid into a bathrobe and white knuckled the cloth belt.
Tara gasped. “It is my business. I care about you—”
“Care? You care so much about me that you spied on my family for years? My brother is dead because of you. You’re lucky to be alive.”
“I’m sorry,” she squeaked out the words. “I didn’t know they were going to hurt Joe and Rebecca.”
Nico moved behind me and rested her hands on my shoulders.
“That’s just it. You don’t know what you don’t know, and it’s going to get you or other people killed. Stay out of my business.”
Tara started to say something, but I disconnected the call.
Nico slid her arms around me and whispered into my ear. “Breathe in and out. Slowly.”
I hung my head. “How much of that did you hear?”
“Not much.” She rested her cheek on my shoulder blade.
“Tara overheard Sophia telling her men they’d get paid once your father’s money arrived.” I turned to face her. “She could have it wrong.”
“Or she could be right.” Nico caressed my cheek.
“Why would your father hire Sophia Abruzzo to do his dirty work?” I didn’t know either of them, but something about the situation didn’t seem right.
“A better question is, why would Sophia Abruzzo work for my father?” Nico plopped into the chair across from me. “Remember when you asked me how I knew so much about the business?”
“Yes.” My stomach soured. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like where this conversation would lead.
“Like me, Sophia and her sister, Francesca, grew up in the mafia.”
“So did my brothers and I, but that doesn’t mean—”
“No. You don’t understand.” Nico shook her head. “You moved to the States when you were still young. Plus, it’s different with boys. You grew up with the understanding that Joe would take your father’s place. He was groomed to have a seat at the table, to join the Fratellanza. Girls are taught how to smile and look pretty.”
She had a point, but I didn’t like it. “Go on.”