“I don’t know yet, but my gut is telling me whatever you find will have something to do with why Reggie left. Illyria is getting Reggie’s academic file, and she is going to talk with the dean and some of his teachers. I want to know what happened because it had nothing to do with my car. I want the truth.”
“About time,” Antonio muttered, then added. “Are you sure about New York?”
I closed my eyes. I knew Antonio didn’t like the deal. None of the immediate family did, but I didn’t see any other way. I tried many times with the Golden Skulls, but I needed to find another port with their absolute refusal, and Grimaldi’s name came up.
“I’m not sure anymore.”
“Gio, you know how we feel. If you are having second thoughts, walk away. We have your back whatever you decide, you know that. If you want my opinion.”
“Always.”
“Give Illyria and me time to look into things. Besides, a little birdie told me who you have with you.”
I chuckled. “I’m going to beat Luc’s senseless.”
Antonio laughed. “No, you won’t. You’ve never laid a hand on any of us, and you won’t start now. Besides, Luciano is too soft, you know this. He’s all about his paintings. Which reminds me, I have to get going. I have to meet with some art dealer on the West Side. Apparently, he wants to give Luciano a show.”
“What about his show this weekend?”
“Apparently, Luciano is that good. I just don’t see it. I swear Gio, all I see is a bunch of paint splatter on a canvas, but these art people are going gaga over his work.”
“Alright, you keep me informed about the investigation and don’t let Illyria take over. Momma will kill us all if anything happens to her.”
“Not to mention what Sal will do to us,” Antonio said right before hanging up.
Putting my phone down, I looked over at Reggie to find him staring at me. He didn’t have to say anything. I knew what he was thinking. I could see it on his face.
Reginald frowned. “A family investigation?”
I nodded.
“Why?” He asked.
“I’ll tell you if you tell me who the beautiful woman really is.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Then I will keep the family investigation to myself.”
“Gio, don’t do this.”
“Don’t do what, cousin?”
“Leave it alone, please.”
“I can’t do that. I want my family whole, and if prying into the past to find the truth is the only way, then I will accept responsibility.”
“You won’t like what you find.”
“I never do.”
7
Giovanni
The plane landed in New York City at seven o’clock, on time. When the aircraft came to a stop, I unbuckled my belt and stretched. It was a long flight, and I was tired of being on this plane. I wanted off. I needed to stretch my legs and get some fresh air in my lungs.
“I’m going to check and see if the car is waiting,” Marko said as I nodded before rechecking my phone.