Page 56 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins
“Apparently, she needed access to information that couldn’t be accessed except through an official Nardone office.”
“Fuck. I didn’t think of that. Still, why is Benny on the loose?”
“That’s something I’m dealing with security on.”
There’s another long pause. "This changes things. If Benny's out there, maybe Vegas isn't the safest place for Gia anymore."
My grip tightens on the phone, knowing, dreading what’s coming next.
"I'm thinking I should bring Gia and the kids back to New York. She’ll be away from Benny. I’ll keep her at the house until he’s dealt with."
"No." The word comes out harsher than intended.
“What?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “We can’t be sure Benny is the stalker.” I can’t believe I’m repeating Gia’s words to Nic.
“He’s there, isn’t he?”
“He’s at a casino. That’s where Benny spends his life. I’ve watched the security footage. He was surprised to see her. He wasn’t lying in wait. Plus, the stalker taunted her with texts and calls. The messages she was getting were calculated, patient. Benny's never been either of those things."
“We don’t know that it isn’t him, either. Even if he just got lucky, he knows she’s in Vegas. I don’t like it.”
"Come on, this is Benny we're talking about." I pick up my pacing, feeling desperate to convince Nic to let Gia and the kids stay.
“Right now, all I know is my sister's stalker is still out there, and Benny just threatened her in your casino."
"Which means we're close to catching him," I cut in. "If I keep her at the compound, she’s safer than getting her to an airport, through Manhattan to your place, where anyone after her knows you live.”
Silence stretches between us. I can picture Nic rubbing his temple like he does when he's weighing options. Please, let the weight fall on my side.
“Listen, I know you, Max. You’re feeling like you fucked up letting Benny slide through your fingers. I know your vow to protect Gia is important to you, but?—”
“Then let me make this right, Nic. I promise, she’s safe. Besides, she and the kids are planning a big Thanksgiving event.They’ll be disappointed if I have to put them on a plane home. Trust me."
I wince at my choice of words. Trust. I want him to trust me while hiding the fact that I just fucked his sister in my office. That I’ve been fucking her in my bed almost nightly. That I can't bear the thought of her leaving. That my judgment might be compromised by feelings I shouldn't have.
"I appreciate everything you're doing, Max, but Gia's safety isn't up for debate." Nic's voice hardens with that tone I recognize. The one that says he's shifting from friend to Don.
The panic rises in my chest. "I've got all my men searching the city. We'll find Benny, figure out if he's connected to this. Just… give me time."
"Time isn't something I'm willing to risk when it comes to my sister."
"I'll handle this, Nic. You have my word." My voice remains steady despite the storm raging inside me.
“I’ll give you until Friday.”
That’s two days. It’s still not enough time. I realize that while I’ve known that someday Gia will have to leave, it was a distant concept. Not an immediate reality.
“When I find him, what do you want me to do to him? You want me to ship him to you?”
“No. Find out if he’s working with anyone, then dispose of him. I let him live the last time he hassled Gia. That’s where I fucked up. This time, we end him.”
Good. I’m looking forward to ending that motherfucker’s life. "Understood."
"Keep her safe." The line goes dead.
I set the phone down and stare out my office window at the Vegas skyline. The neon lights blur together as my mind drifts to Gia. Every protective instinct in my body screams to lockher away until this threat is eliminated. But the thought of her leaving afterward… it tears me apart.