Page 2 of Between Steel and Secrets
“The little boy, his family, their remains were all found in the fire. Unless you have actual evidence that the child is alive…” his voice trails off.
“This belonged to him. I’m sure of it.” I show him the dragon again. “Why else would a grown man keep it in his office?”
He’s silent, glancing at the stuffed dragon, unconvinced. He shifts in his seat. “What can you tell me about this mafia family that you spoke of earlier?”
Exhaling heavily, I bite down on my bottom lip. “The don is Dante Ricci.”
Morales’ gaze tightens and his face goes numb.
He’s heard the name before. There’s definite recognition that flashes across his features.
“How do you know Mr. Ricci?” the detective asks.
My gaze turns to my son. “Does it matter?” I rub the back of my neck, my skin prickling like tiny needles, anxiety creeping over me.
“Go home. Forget you ever met or heard of this Dante character and leave well enough alone. Men like him are dangerous.”
“Great,” I mutter, standing and taking the stuffed dragon with me. “Tell me something I don’t know. Come on, buddy.” I hurry over to Zeke and take his hand, letting him know it’s time to go.
On my way out of the police station, I head toward Luca’s car, when a woman comes barreling outside. “Miss!” She chases after me, slightly out of breath.
Did I leave something behind? I glance back at her as I’m putting Zeke into his car seat. I manage to buckle him in without much protest.
The brunette is about my age, maybe a few years older, wearing a pencil skirt and blouse. Running in that outfit and those heels takes courage and stamina. I turn around to face her, but my back is to Zeke, keeping myself between him and the stranger.
She hands me a business card. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I overheard you mention the Riccis, and it’s not exactly a secret who they are if you’ve lived in Breckenridge your entire life.”
I glance at the name on the card: Eagle Tactical.
“Eagle Tactical?” I repeat, unfamiliar with the company.
“My father runs a private investigation service in town. They do all sorts of private security work, but they’re your best bet. I can assure you they aren’t lining their pockets with Don Dante’s money. You might consider reaching out to them.”
I press my lips together and pocket the card. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Her blue eyes shine and she laughs. “Ma’am?” Her nose crinkles. “I’m not anywhere near thirty yet!”
Embarrassment floods my cheeks.
“I’m Izzie, by the way.” She holds out her hand to properly introduce herself.
“Harper.” I take her hand and give it a firm shake. “Thank you for the business card. I’ll reach out to your father.”
Izzie smiles. “Stay safe. You and your little boy.”
“Mama, I’m bored.” Zeke kicks his legs from inside the car seat. At least I managed to get him buckled this time.
He’s stolen my attention, and I lean in, planting him with kisses before I shut the back door.
“Thank you again.” I turn back, and Izzie is already gone, wandering to her blue sedan a few spaces over in the lot.
I take Zeke to the park, as promised, and then grab ice cream for him on the way back. I hide the stuffed dragon under the front seat in the car. Hopefully, no one goes looking for it.
Heading back to Dante’s isn’t exactly sitting right with me, but I can’t not show up; Luca will be worried.
As I approach the main entrance, there is a guard standing at the security post. Recognizing me, he opens the gate and allows us inside. I’ve seen him a few times wandering the property, but I don’t exactly know his name.
There are a lot of Dante’s men who roam the property, most of them familiar only at a glance. I couldn’t name all the men who work for him.
