Kon (Trassato Crime Family Book 2)(52)

I backed into the stool sitting at the edge of the counter. Too many questions banged around in my head, and I didn’t know where to start. “Do they know who did it or was it random?”

“They don’t know, but Gian has put everyone on this. He’ll figure it out.” She picked at a loose thread on her jacket. “I need to ask you something and I don’t want you to freak out, okay?”

“I already know what you’re thinking, so don’t bother trying to sugarcoat it. I didn’t have anything to do with this and I’m ninety percent sure Dad didn’t either.”

“Can you ask him?”

“Fuck, Evie. He’s a prick, but he doesn’t do anything unless it’s in his financial interest, and hurting Carmela would guarantee he never did business with the Trassatos.”

I disregarded the conversation I had with him when he found out about her pending engagement to Nico. While he might lash out if he didn’t get what he wanted, it hadn’t come to that yet, and I had no intention of letting her marry Nico. Ever. Thinking about Nico touching her made me want to put a bullet in his head.

“I believe you.”

I snorted. “Yeah, right.”

“Kon, I know things have been strained between us, and I hate it. Maybe it can change at some point.”

I wasn’t in the mood for this right now. I needed to see Carmela with my own eyes and make sure she was okay.

“Can I see her or will your husband try to kill me?”

“I was wondering when you’d ask.” A gentle smile broke across her face, and she pulled a piece of paper from the pocket of her jacket. “Gian has a guard outside her room, but there’s a shift change between midnight and one. Carlo will be on duty and he’s lazy. There’s a fifty percent chance he’ll abandon his post for coffee or the bathroom.”

“Great. Now I have to make sure Gian’s guys do their job.”

She smacked me on the arm. “Be nice. I’m helping you.”

“Why exactly are you helping me? I thought you hated me. I thought you didn’t trust me around your friend. I’m toxic, remember?”

She shrugged and a rose-colored blush dusted her cheeks. “I guess you probably heard that.”

“I’m not admitting to anything.”

“Yeah, well the jury is still out on you.”

“Fine.” I took the folded piece of paper from her hand. “Is hospital and room number on here?”

“Not so fast.” She grabbed it back from me. “First, you have to tell me what was going on with that woman because if you’re screwing around with Carmela’s emotions or playing games, I’m not letting you anywhere near her. Ever.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“Then you’re not getting anything out of me.”

“Look, Evie. Carmela’s important to me.”

“Important enough to stop playing games and tell the truth for once? Because I’ll tip Gian off if I think you’re dicking her around.”

“Jesus Christ.” I struck the countertop with the palm of my hand, the stinging sensation vibrating up my arm. “I don’t want to talk about Laney. We have a long, sad story, but here’s a short and sweet summary. We dated years ago. It ended when I found out she fucked around behind my back and got pregnant. She showed up out of the blue tonight, and I only answered the door because I was hoping it was Carmela. Is that enough information for you? Or do you want me to spill some blood and tears too?”

She blinked. “I’m not trying to be judgmental, Kon.”

“Then stop,” I snapped.

She slid the paper across the countertop. “I don’t believe you’re fully invested in your relationship with Carmela. Not entirely anyway, but she begged me to tell you what’s going on, and I respect her right to do what she wants with her life even if I think it’s a mistake.”

“Thanks. That’s a backhanded compliment if I’ve ever heard one.”

“Don’t hate me for being skeptical. You did a lot of crappy things, and in spite of them, I still came to your house tonight.” She glanced at the floor. “Look, I haven’t forgotten the person you were before you got sucked into Dad’s world. Maybe he’s still in there somewhere. Carmela seems to think so.” She tapped her finger on top of the paper. “Everything you need to know is on there.”

My muscles unwound and I blew out a choppy breath. “Thanks, Evie. I owe you.”

“Don’t make me regret this.”

I pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. “I won’t. I promise.”