Dirty Trouble (24 page)

His face turned thoughtful as he stared at me. “If I provide the answer to your question, what will you do with it? I can’t afford to have you interfere with the ongoing investigation, especially at this stage.”

To avoid his question, since I didn’t know what to answer, I asked another.

“How far into the investigation are you? Also, do you have any idea who put my obit into the newspaper?”

Eyebrows arched and a smirk covered his face. “Someone actually did that?”

“Indeed, one of my students saw the article. Should that intimidate me? Is someone looking to make my demise an actuality?” My hand cupped my chin as I leaned on the arm of the chair. I felt his eyes on me as my long, wavy hair fell forward.

“As far as the investigation goes, you know I’m unable to share. This newspaper imprint could be a joke – a poor one – but a joke all the same. No one has mentioned it to me. I’d be on guard if I were you. It doesn’t hurt to stay aware of your surroundings, right?”

“Uh huh. So you’re not worried by this?”

“I didn’t say that, but let’s not over-react or let this grow out of proportion.” Aaron smiled. “Like I said, stay on guard, Vinnie.”

Relief fluttered across my nerves. No serious threat – then I’d be fine. Maybe he was only trying to reassure me. His words had done so, that was for sure.

“Have you had any encounters with Tony DeGreico?”

I nodded. “I ran into him on a few occasions, but he’s kept his distance. I think he enjoys making me uncomfortable. I’ve had about enough of it, too. I say that with certainty.”

“Oh? Does that mean he had better watch out, or what, beautiful?” A smile sneaked across his firm, full lips.

“I’m not sure what it means, but it just annoys me to have him ogle my chest and smirk as though he has a secret that I could never guess. To hell with him.”

“I can’t blame him for ogling your chest, Vin. But the smirk thing would get on anyone’s nerves. Try to ignore him. It’s the best defense, and you know it.” The square white teeth gleamed when he smiled. A seductive smile, one I thought was meant to mesmerize.

Foolishness, pure unmitigated foolishness, that’s what it was. I’d stepped into the lair of a gorgeous man who thought I was beautiful. He’d only answer my questions with questions of his own and I’d go away empty-handed, again.
If he made a pass at me, how would I react?
Marcus sprang to mind and I hefted my weight out of the chair.

“I’d better leave. This conversation isn’t helpful and I’m sure you won’t give me any worthwhile answers anyway,” I said with a grin. In bare feet, I padded across the rug to escape the temptation of him. I had too much wine, that’s all it was.

“What’s the hurry, beautiful? You’ve only asked me a couple of questions that I have no real answers to. Ask away and if I can help out, I will. After all, you shared your knowledge of Antonio, the businessman and his association with the seniors’ center.”

“Okay, I’ll have some coffee then.”
Was I about to tempt fate or what?

“Sure, coffee it is. Wait here, I’ll be right back.” A wide grin covered his face as he left the room.

Toes toasting in front of the fire, I leaned back in the chair and relaxed. I also considered what else I could inquire about that might end with some answers. My father’s latest actions couldn’t be revealed at any cost, that was for sure.

A tray balanced on one hand, Aaron entered the room and set it on top of the coffee table. I watched while he poured two cups and handed me one. His cup lifted in salute and I raised mine as well.

The brew was strong and scalding, but that was how I liked it. After a few sips, I set the cup on a nearby table.

Aaron watched in silence. I couldn’t read him to save my soul.

“What are your plans for the weekend?”

“Tomorrow afternoon when the tourists have cleared out of town, I’m headed to the cemetery to visit Aunt Livvy’s grave. I haven’t brought any fresh flowers lately, or chatted with her, and I should, you know?”

“That’s a good idea. Where’s the grave located?”

“At the corner on Silk Lane, I go straight past the house under the pine trees. The road leads right into the cemetery. Her grave is just down the hill, on the left, overlooking the reservoir.”

“So what else is going on this weekend? You’re expecting guests?” He smiled, knowing I’d bought an embarrassing amount of pastry that needed to be eaten.

“Usually a bunch of people I know wander around the art show and then stop in. When I first moved in they started coming by, and now it’s like an open door invitation.”

“What, no yard sale?” He chuckled. Everyone along the street had signs up and junk piled high on tables made from sheets of plywood resting atop sawhorses.

His manner was friendly and warm, but I figured he was trying to work me or make me relax. Either way, I was here for the duration…wouldn’t leave without some information. I arrived here with a mission, and I’d be darned if I’d give up without a good try.

I chuckled. “No, no yard sale. I’ll leave that for the neighbors. I think it’s just their way of unloading all the junk they’ve managed to collect. By the way, I think Lanky Larry will be here.”

Larry, the gay little meatball that he is, is a great friend who supported me through the death of my Aunt Livvy. My nasty cousin used him the summer before to find out about smuggled gems. Larry had also worked on this apartment with me to ready it before Aaron moved in.

The two men took a liking to one another. Larry thought Aaron had biceps worth swinging from, while Aaron considered Larry a fantastic artist.

Different to a fault, Aaron stood well over six feet, had a tan women would kill for, was way too handsome, and was built like a wrestler. Larry, on the other hand, stood a bit over five feet tall, was round as a soup bowl, and bald as a melon. Generous and extremely talented, Larry showed great artistic talent. We’d met in college and had been fast friends ever since.

“He will? That’s great. I haven’t seen him around since we arrested your cousins.”

“He’s been busy with his faux finishing business, but he shows up here every season without fail.”

“So what else is on your mind besides this art festival?” Broad shoulders leaned against the leather sofa and firelight flickered across his strong features.

“I was shoved to the ground outside the apartment last night and I wondered if you heard or saw anyone when you arrived home earlier in the evening?” My eyes never left his face as I waited to see if he knew anything at all. He never gave an indication of what he thought, just shook his head.

He poured another cup of coffee and sat back. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought he might want to see how I worked a person. He should know by now that I’m a tenacious sort.

“Did you see who it was?” he asked, after a long pause.

“No, I didn’t. I’m curious, though, since the person came out of nowhere. Kind of odd, to say the least,” I said. “So tell me more about Marianna Patroni.”

The coffee cup tilted, and Aaron caught it before the beverage could spill onto his slacks. As he glanced up, I realized he hadn’t expected to return to that topic. How interesting, how very interesting.
Why didn’t he want to speak to me about Marianna? Was she involved in his FBI probe? Hmm.

“I think you’re fishing, but I don’t know what you’re fishing for. I’m not at liberty to tell you anything, Vinnie.”

“Then tell me about Lou Anne,” I said, just a bit annoyed at his put-off attitude.

“Jesse told you about Lou Anne, huh?” His lips tightened, and his eyes darkened.

“You knew that but didn’t want to share. I figure this whole investigation is connected to my family somehow and I have a right to know. Now, what does Lou Anne have to do with my family?”

“She is Marianna Patroni’s daughter. She has nothing to do with your family. Satisfied?”

“Why did you get engaged to her if you knew she was related to the mob? I wouldn’t think it would be a wise move.” There had to have been more to it than a need for information.
Like love, for instance?

“Man, you are a news bag.” Aaron shook his head and set the cup aside. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, and stared at me.

“Yeah, I know. Now tell me.”

“We, the FBI, found out there was illegal betting taking place. Around that time, I’d been injured on the job and in recovery mode. My doctor released me to return to work, but nothing physically demanding. So, I took the assignment and went to work at the Gaming Commission.”

His strong hands ran through his dark hair as he leaned back. Silent for a few moments, I couldn’t tell if he was thinking about the whole scene, or what he was willing to share. I sensed he’d talk about Lou Anne if I just kept my mouth shut. As unlikely as it seemed, I did just that.

With a sigh, Aaron said, “I met her after my first week of work. She was good-looking and a bit crazy, but I was there for a purpose and that was that. After a few weeks, she hung around and made it obvious that she was interested in me. I took advantage of it and started to date her. One thing led to another, I was introduced to the family, and then everything came to a screeching halt.

“Not one single clue could I get about the how, where, and why of illegal betting. I was stumped, until I realized they were suspicious of me. It was then I took it upon myself to woo Lou Anne with a whirlwind courtship. All the while, my boss was climbing all over me.”

“So you used her for information on the family?” I asked in a soft voice. Was he using me to get information on my family? Did he think all Italians were mob related?

“Yes, I did. She’s a woman who probably suffers from an untreated bipolar disorder, I think. She would fly into a rage one minute and be fine the next. Man, it was a challenge at times. I never knew what to expect or when to expect it. I’m not proud of what happened.”

“You think all Italian families are related to the mob?” Now I leaned forward, my elbows resting on my knees. I needed to know if this man suspected my father of being a racketeer.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Vin. Of course I don’t think that. Why would you ask such a question?”

“Because you worked my mother for information. That’s why.”

“Did it ever occur to you that I worked your mother over for you? That maybe I would like to be more than your neighbor?”

Stunned, I sat back. Was this a lie? Had he tried to find out how best to approach my father?

“Surprised? I thought for sure you realized it.” The handsome devil sat back, his eyes agleam in the softly lit room.

“Indeed. I mean, well, we have gone out a few times, but I, well, um.” I stopped, took the foot out of my mouth before I choked on it, and sat back.
Cripes, what was I supposed to say? Dammit, how did I end up in these situations?

“Cat got your tongue?” He laughed. “That would be a first.”

I chuckled and nodded, too embarrassed to think of a quick response. He had asked me out several times during the summer, but I figured he knew I was involved with Marcus. Dang, didn’t this put a damper on my question and answer period? Uncomfortable and confused, I rose from the chair, and headed for the door.

“I won’t take up anymore of your time. Should you find out anything concerning my safety, I hope you’ll tell me first, not Marcus.” My hand on the doorknob, I turned back, smiled a goodnight, and nearly ran down the stairs.

The lock clicked as I scampered toward my apartment. I realized that Aaron had gotten rid of me with one sentence.
Wow, the man was good.
I hadn’t even seen it coming either.

Once the other doors were closed and bolted I slid the French door open a crack. I slopped some leftovers onto the paper plate on the deck for Evergreen and locked up for the night.

Chapter 22

Sunbeams crept through the crack in the bedroom drapes. The smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen caused me to thank myself for setting it on automatic before I went to bed. Catlike, I stretched under the covers then rose to have an eye-opening cup of java.

The rear hallway door opened, and knuckles rapped on the apartment door as I left the bathroom. The kitchen door swung open and I stepped aside to greet Marcus. His knock had become familiar. That was way too weird. Not only could I identify the sound of his cruiser and his truck, now I knew his knock as well.

The smell of coffee permeated the kitchen, and he sniffed with appreciation. Since he was in uniform, I realized he had to work and just stopped by to pick up the envelope and note card for further fingerprint tests. It deflated my ego to know this visit was strictly business.

“Good morning, Vin. Just get up?” He chuckled.

Did I look that bad?
Nah, I’d just combed my hair, washed my face, and brushed my teeth.

“As a matter of fact, I did. What do you want, Marcus?” I asked with my most sarcastic Italian attitude.

He grinned. “Sweet as ever, huh? I just stopped by for the note, some coffee, and anything else that’s available.” His eyebrows waggled.

“Here’s the note and the coffee,” I said with a smirk, pushing both in his direction.

“Nothing else, huh?”

“Nope, not today. When do you think the print results will be ready?”

“Later this afternoon. One of the guys is coming in special to run this test. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

He eyeballed the tray of Italian cookies on the counter. I tore open the cellophane and slid the delicacies toward him. His eyes lit up when he withdrew a sfogiatelle to go with his coffee. The clamshell shaped pastry crunched as he bit into sweet thin-layered strips, dusted with powdered sugar. The inside was filled with sweet-flavored, thick ricotta cheese.

“Mmm, this is heavenly. Did this come from En Croute?”

“Uh huh. I have more if you want to take some with you?”

“No, I can’t really. I have to get going. Stay out of trouble today, huh?”

“Will do,” I said, as he strode through the hallway.