Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“Is this the only evidence you think they currently have?”
He shrugs again and looks between me and his uncle. “What? I don’t know. I think so.” Silence fills the room. “Well, you’re the best, aren’t you? You can still get me off, can’t you?”
I look at Andreas, my jaw tightening.
“Do you realize how much you’re costing me? I might be tempted to throw your ass in jail myself after all of this.” Andreas grabs him by the back of the neck and hoists him up as if he is nothing but a young pup. “Leave us for a moment.”
Matteo eyes us once more before begrudgingly leaving the room. Andreas watches him the whole time. “He hasn’t exactly been the same since his father was killed a year ago.”
I roll my shoulders and reposition myself, my back straighter as he sits across from me. I really don’t care if this meeting extends, considering the minutes that roll by add to my bankroll. I’m more than happy to listen, but not for too long.
“I heard something interesting,” he says. “I heard that the man who shot down your boss was a Monti.”
I clasp my hands together, casually resting them in front of my face. “And here I thought I was being paid to ensure your nephew doesn’t go to prison. I didn’t know gossip was something the Torrisi family likes to entertain.”
He chuckles at that with a rueful grin. And that’s when I’m reminded of the type of men I work with—those who underestimate me because I’m a woman. They expect answers when questioned. I’ll be fucked if I’m going to let someone interrogate me in my own office.
He wags his fat finger at me. “You’re a smart woman. I’m sure you know not to get caught up with the wrong type of criminals.”
“It’s not my job to differentiate between tier levels of crime and ego. Only who’s signing my next paycheck.” I stare at him over my knuckles and plaster on an insincere smile. “An official statement went out at the start of the week. The criminal is already in jail.”
“I heard he was killed on his first day there,” Andreas says.
That’s news to me.
“Well, looks like you know more about it than I do,” I say. “I look forward to seeing you in our next court meeting,” I add dismissively.
He rolls his tongue in his cheek with a tight, arrogant smirk. Men like this think they can buy anything or anyone. I don’t shift my gaze or tight smile.
A low knock on the door interrupts us. Andreas nods and opens the door, where Mr. Luca waits. He looks between us, the tension palpable.
“Have a lovely evening, Miss Ricci,” Andreas says as he exits my office.
“Is everything okay?” Mr. Luca asks once Andreas is gone.
I look over my white knuckles at him. “It’s fine. How can I help you, Mr. Luca?” I ask, now packing up the last of my items. A few of us are going out for a drink after work to celebrate a closed case that had been worked on over the last year and cost me most of my free time.
He closes the door behind him. “I just wanted to know if you’d thought any more about the new role.”
My hand freezes for a moment before I continue packing. “I thought the board was giving me a month to decide.”
“They are, but I thought you would’ve jumped at the opportunity. I’ve watched you for years. You’re ruthless in court and the very best at what you do. So why the hesitation? Do you have concerns that what happened to Brian might happen to you?”
A tense laugh escapes me before his eyebrows crease in confusion. “Sorry,” I say, shaking my head. If only he knew what type of woman I really am. “No, I don’t think I’m going to get gunned down.” Maybe any other male I look at twice will, though. “I just need to shuffle a few things around, that’s all.” And shuffle a certain someone out of my life.
“Okay. I just wanted to make sure,” he says, seemingly unconvinced. “If you need anything, you’ll let me know. Yes?”
“Of course.” I nod, somewhat irritated. Why is he scrutinizing me? We didn’t have much involvement prior to this. Sure, he has shares in the firm, but there isn’t any need to check up on me personally. “If that’s all you need, I’m going to join the others,” I say, walking past him. He moves out of the way, leaving the room so I can lock my office door behind me.
“Have a good evening,” he offers before walking away.
I feel the ping of my phone in my suit jacket.
I pull it out and read the email.
Dear Miss Ricci
I’ve been unable to stop thinking about you on your hands and knees. It’s been rather distracting, and I hope you’ll take responsibility for such matters.