Chapter 40
DANIKA
I’m going to kill your father.
When Tommy said those words to me a few days ago, he was concerned I’d have some sentimental tie to the man and reject the idea.
The only thing I was worried about was the danger to Tommy.
And when Gran told me there was a leak about the meeting, I was terrified Biba knew it was a double cross and had something planned in retaliation.
Lucky for us, that wasn’t the case. Tommy’s plan worked perfectly.
Biba Mikhailov is dead.
No matter how many times I say the words in my head, it still doesn’t seem real.
I’m not naive enough to think all traces of danger are gone.
Biba has sons. Loyalists. And there’s always a degree of threat that comes with being part of the Moretti Family.
Our lives will always be woven with danger, but one of the most vile, cancerous threats has been extinguished.
I have been over the moon since Tommy came home two days ago and told me the news.
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 calm down 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 Russians fighting 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.
“You make it too easy. You know that, right?” I ask Tommy once we’re back in the car.
“Make what too easy?”
“Ruffling your feathers.”
He grumbles something about gonna ruffle his internal organs as he pulls away from the curb. I shake my head because I know he’s only kidding. I’m pretty sure. I mean, he wouldn’t, right? Nah.
“Dinner at the Donati’s was awesome,” I tell Mom and Gran the following day. Now that Biba is gone, we’re helping them move back home.
“Who was there? He’s got a brother and two sisters, right?” Mom asks while zipping up her suitcase.
“Yeah, his brother and wife were there along with his sister. The other sister is married with two kids and lives out of state, so she couldn’t make it.”
“That’s too bad.”
“The smaller group worked better for me, and we had so much fun, except for when I made his mom cry.” I bite back a smile, knowing I’ve baited my mom.
“Danika, what did you do?” she demands with wide eyes.
“I gave her a portrait I drew of Tommy. She was super grateful—all good tears.”
She smacks her hand over her heart. “Oh, thank God. Not that I was worried, but a good first impression with new family is important.”
“Eh,” Gran says, joining us. “If they can’t get along with our sweet Dani, they can take a long walk off a short pier.”
I raise my chin haughtily at my mother. “So there.”
“There you two go again, always ganging up on me,” she grumbles playfully. “Tell me about the others. How were the brother and sister?”
“Well, I thought Tommy’s brother Renzo was a lot more like him than he realizes, but I’d never tell him that. Renzo’s wife, Shae, is due to have a baby in a couple of weeks—not that you could tell. She’s some sort of martial arts expert and barely has a bump.”
“Martial arts? That’s interesting.” Gran’s eyes light up.
“I didn’t get the whole story, but from what I can gather, she was part of the Irish Byrne family.” I raise my eyebrows meaningfully.
Mom frowns. “Huh, I didn’t realize they cross-mojinated like that. Italians and Irish. Now you. These are strange times.”
“Shae was hilarious, and together with Tommy’s sister Rina and his mom, we laughed so much my stomach hurt. I can’t wait for you guys to meet.”
Gran beams. “Me too! It’s been just the three of us for way too long. I miss big family gatherings.”
“I get the sense there’s quite an extended family—lots of little kids, too.” I agree with Gran that it sounds fun, though the reality of it might be more overwhelming than I’d like. I’m still not a fan of crowds.
Tommy peers around the bedroom doorway. “You ladies going to wrap it up, or are we all moving in here permanently?”
Gran salutes. “Yes, sir. Ready for duty, sir.”
I struggle so hard not to laugh that I snort, sending Mom and Gran into their own fits of laughter. Gran starts crying that she’s wet herself, and we all laugh even more. Even Tommy cracks a grin.
A half hour later, we pack up the car with their suitcases and head back to their apartment in Brooklyn.
As much as I love spending time with them, I’m excited to wrap up the move because I’ve got a surprise waiting for Tommy at home.
He’s either going to love it or hate it, and I have no idea which one it’ll be.