She Left Her Cheating Fiancé, Then Met the Mafia Boss Who Wanted Her novel · Chapter 16 of 24

Chapter 16: The Parking Garage

Ariella's POV

"Your call," Dominic said.

He said it standing in the hotel doorway with his coat already on, and he didn't move out of my way.

"I can send two men to stand at the garage exit. They won't come up. They won't be seen."

"No."

"Then I'll stay in the car at the curb."

"Dominic."

"Yes."

"You told me everything from now on. So here's me telling you everything." I put my phone in my bag. "I'm going alone, I'm taking the page, and I'll be back by six."

His jaw worked.

I saw him lift a hand toward my collar and stop it halfway.

"Six," he said.

The garage was behind the car dealership where Ethan had worked for four years.

I went up the concrete ramp to the third level with my keys between my fingers.

It was Wednesday afternoon and the lot was mostly full of cars with price stickers.

Ethan stood by a pillar at the far end.

He had not shaved. His good suit was creased, and his face had gone gray.

"Ari," he said. "Thank God."

"Don't say that."

"You came."

"I came for the page." I stopped ten feet from him. "Show me."

He held up his phone with both hands.

On the screen was a photograph of a ledger page, ruled in blue. The handwriting was small and tidy.

I knew it from the note in the gift box.

Regan, E. Principal 240. Settled in kind. The Hayes girl, to be collected at the Pell Street party. S.G.

Under it, in the same ink, a second line.

Guarantor page signed. Keep for leverage.

My mouth went dry.

"You photographed this," I said.

"I was in his office three weeks ago. He left the book open." Ethan's voice cracked. "I thought, if it ever came to it, I'd want something."

"To sell."

"To protect myself."

"You mean to sell me twice."

"No!" He took a step. "Ari, no. I'm giving it to you. I'm giving you everything. I just need you to say something to him. To Falcone. Tell him I'm helping. Tell him I'm on your side."

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