ssi

ing behind a cold, diamond-hard resolv

n family. The dim lamplight of my bedroom cast long shadows over my splinted arm. "We use

r trembling fingers clutching her rosary. "We have bled

arp, aged eyes calculated the suicidal risk of my plan against t

tepping forward to guide my weeping grandmother away

ir, a heavy reminder of the bindings crushing my

softness vanished from my eyes. "The crash. We don't mention Falcone's

ly. "A formal complai

with the *Associates* and rival Consiglieres. Let them think Chicago

the room. He didn't know the whole truth-that my knuckles still ached

f Cuban cigars and fine British wool at Luigi's Tailors. My ribs still ached, but

elvet sofa near the three-way mirror

careless, aristocratic boredom. "Makes me wonder about that twin sister

y of an unmarried mafia princess was a profound disr

the distance between us in two strides. Before Colin could blink, I twist

opping my voice to a lethal, gravelly barito

ine murder in my eyes-the fury of a brother, the ruthlessness of a C

cushions, my chest heaving

as high-strung as they say Cobb is. You hear the whispers? That he ran you down for spor

bove the tailor

vy silence that followed wasn't just quiet; it was the breathle

stood in t

-piece suit. His dark hair was swept back, and those deep, char

the terrified tailor who had frozen in

ing tightly around a throat. He took a slow, deliberate step onto the P

t breaking out across his forehea

I knew Damien wasn't here for Colin. He was

ir and the Don of Chicago. I met Damien's predatory stare,

n, Mr. Cobb," I said, my voice s