ter

to relax despite the tension clawing at my spine. My uncle sat there, still as

shoulders, taking a step forward, I forc

ooth despite the undercurrent o

tudied me with a forbearing patience that wa

oke, "Francesca Andrea Marino" his voice

did that when I was in serious trouble. I tilted my head to one s

Francesca. I know you're the one who's been committi

mile was trying to pull at my mouth. "That's a pretty seriou

get a chance to reply, he continued. "I met with some of the mafia

or the dead, but because they wish to know if the killer is a

ing his gaze steadfast

omething more raw, more personal. "All you've done since your parents died is chase ghosts, dra

ss intense. "Don't be irresponsible, kid. All I've ever attempted to do is look after you and yo

hem away. "Don't worry yourself about me," I said, sitting bes

with unspoken horrors. And then, finally,

ever so controlled, blazed with

. "I tortured those men and before

my words sink in between us and when he had

nzo Lo

me dancing in his head l

tly. "The name rings a bell, but I d

cted, and deadly. And now,fate brought him

frightened even. "

site him. "The Hospital referred me to him today," I explained. "His man was inj

to me, this is a mistake. Working that close to him

d my he

a hard line. "You'r

way from this, Uncle. You know who he is now. I have searched for an

. You've done enough locating him, d

will not leave this job, let me be your informant. I'll supply you

e stared at me, seeking to spot a weak

ne," he growled. "But you need to be careful, F

a brow.

k you're there on business. If he even gets a

at him. "

recesses of my mind, I knew, s

y uncle still echoed in my head as I flopped

eyebrows. But that was what I wanted, wasn't i

use a

, stripping off my clothes and dropping them in

y mind refused to settle. I was thinking about Lombardi. About his weakness

sn't the pl