Chapter 15
Point Made
Dante
I sit in my office looking into the eyes of the detective who’s leading the investigation into Bethany’s murder. He looks as if this is the greatest inconvenience he has ever had.
“There are no leads, no prints, nothing. I think we’re looking at a lost cause. A part of me wonders if your wife drove out in front of them in her drunken state and caused the accident. Maybe they freaked and ran after,” he says dryly.
Right, because some random person was driving around with no plates and a scraped VIN. I bite back my frustration. They’ve been dismissing this case because of Bethany’s alcohol levels. I know she shouldn’t have been driving under the influence, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve justice.
“Well, thank you for coming to get us up to speed,” Gio says as he pats me on the back from where he stands beside me.
The detective nods. “Sure, no problem. You folks have a happy holiday. Oh, and Mr. Di Lorenzo. I’d keep an eye open, maybe get some security for your little girl, we still don’t know why your wife was targeted. A wealthy man like yourself, I’m sure you have some enemies you might not be thinking of.
“I know what you guys told my partner. You can’t think of anyone, but this came from somewhere and they were smart, so I’d say to watch your ass.”
He gives me a stern, knowing look. I have to wonder if he’s on the payroll and is taking the chance to give me a real warning or if he’s talking out of his ass.
I wait until he leaves and look up at Gio. He shrugs and rounds the desk to take the seat the detective had been in. My mind races. Could this be connected to the family? Is Bella in danger?
“Relax. I would never allow harm to come to Bella. You know you’re always guarded. I’m not worried about this. However, I’m questioning why Lizzy hasn’t moved into your place and why she’s still sitting at my new hire’s desk?”
“I’m not ready,” I mutter.
“Ready for what?”
“It’s only been a week since the funeral.”
“You have a trip coming up. You need to make the transition soon. The holidays are here and if she’s settled in the house, it may lessen the blow for Bella.”
“The trip isn’t until after the New Year. I have time. I’ll have Bella so busy with Christmas gifts, hopefully she won’t notice Beth isn’t there.”
He glares at me and tucks his phone into his suit pocket after finishing a text. “All bullshit and you know it.”
He crosses his leg over his knee and sits back. I lift a brow. He’s making himself pretty comfortable.
I don’t know why. He was only here for moral support while I spoke with the police. A knock comes at my office door.
I frown. No one should be knocking unless it’s one of my assistants with paperwork for me. Michelle is supposed to be on a break.
“Come in,” I call.
The door inches open and Lizzy pops her head in. I look to Gio to see a grin on his lips. Before I can speak, he beckons Lizzy in with two fingers.
“Come, have a seat, Lizzy. My brother has been so busy in his grief he has forgotten to have an important conversation with you.”
“Gio,” I growl.
“No worries, Dante. As your executive assistant, I’m on top of this. I have it all handled.”
Lizzy pushes her glasses up her nose and ambles over to the seat next to Gio. She sits and looks at me expectantly. I clench my teeth tightly. I’m going to kill Gio.
“Wait, maybe I need to handle this too. Lizzy, how soon can you move into Dante’s estate? I’ve secured a room on the first floor for your gaming studio.
“Your rig is set up and waiting. I had built-ins put in for your merch. The lighting was designed just for you, I hope it’s to your liking.
“It’s out of the way, so you don’t wake Dante or Bella when you’re recording, and they won’t disturb you either. Your bedroom, however, will be next to Bella’s.”
“That’s next door to mine,” I grunt.
“Yes, I’m aware. However, now that Bella will be relying on Lizzy as well as you, I thought it best to place Lizzy in the room between the two of you,” Gio says with a smug smile.
“I can move in as soon as I call the movers. It will depend on how soon they can get my things there, but if you need me sooner, I can take the things I’ll need for now,” Lizzy says, looking between the both of us.
“You’re sure about this? Bella needs to come first. There’s travel involved. I plan to bring her along with me for a while.”
“I’m ready to do my part. How is she? This must be so hard for her, for both of you.”