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“I’ve been awake for some time. Where are the others?”

“Getting dressed. They will be here soon.”

“And mother?”

“She left last night. Something about needing to get back to Chicago for the upcoming benefit.”

“I am not dating Henry Jamison,” Illyria said, gliding into the dining room as Antonio and Lorenzo teased her. “We just met up at the club. We had a few drinks and danced. That’s all.”

“You were plastered all over the jerk. I saw the paparazzi photos,” Antonio stated before coming to a stop and locking eyes with me. “Gio. You’re up early.”

“What?” Illyria gasped and turned, finally seeing me. “Good morning Gio.”

“Good morning,Bambina,” I replied, reaching for my coffee cup. “I hope you slept well.”

“I did. Thank you,” she said, looking from Sal to Antonio to Lorenzo.

Sal said nothing as he placed his plate of food on the table, his chair next to mine. Sitting, he had just put his napkin in his lap when he asked, “So why are you up so early, Gio?”

I took a sip of my coffee and placed it back on the porcelain saucer before answering. “Everyone, please sit. We have things that need to be discussed.”

Saying nothing more, I gave my siblings time to get their food, and when all were seated, I looked at Lorenzo and said, “Please get Luciano on the phone. He will need to be a part of this too.”

Lorenzo did as I asked.

“Do you have any idea what time it is here, Lorenzo? Unless someone is dead, I am hanging up.”

“Good morning, Luc,” I said clearly.

“Gio?” Luc replied, shocked. “What’s wrong? Why are you awake?”

“We need to have a family discussion.”

“Can’t it wait until the sun comes up? I just got in bed.”

“No,” I said flatly as all eyes turned to me. “How are things going in California? Any news on our newest family member?”

“Yeah,” Luc yawned. “The club is working hard to find out why Catarina was in the hands of Bianchi. There is some new information that came out and I’ve sent you a full dossier on it. It’s unbelievable, Gio. The Skulls are going to need our help with it and until the matter is settled, I am staying with Reggie and Catarina. It’s worse that we thought. So much worse. They are also compiling information on her ties to Gary Hughes.”

“The D.A of D.C?” Antonio asked.

“Yes, but that’s not what is worrisome. We know his wife, Gio. She’s been in our home.”

Looking at Antonio, he said nothing shaking his head. “All I know is that Gary Hughes married a woman named Linda. I’ve met her. She is charming.”

“Her legal name is Linda Brentwood-Lyons.”

“Oh my god,” Illyria said, looking at everyone. “She is on the board of several charities mother heads up. I’ve met her too. Antonio is right. Linda is a sweet woman. Linda’s mother, Abigail Brentwood-Lyons, is the head of the New York Children’s Gateway program that helps families reunite with displaced loved ones. She founded the project.”

“How did they get their hands on myfamiglia?” I asked.

“The Skulls are looking into that. Their tech Phantom said helping Reggie and Catarina wasn’t going to be easy. They are actually looking into legal ways to make things right. Reaper is considering all options, but it's not going to be easy from what they’ve found out so far. Gary and Linda are heavily connected and when this new information becomes public, the blow back could be huge.”

“What’s going on?” Sal asked.

“I sent the dossier’s an hour ago. Check your email. It’s too much to go into right now.”

I knew what Luc was talking about. I was shocked when I read the dossier. It wasn’t going to be easy. Looking at Antonio, I said, “I want you working on Reggie’s and Catarina’s case immediately. They are going to need a good attorney. Get with Marko if you need help. What else, Luc?”


Tags: Rebecca Joyce Crime