Page 51 of Beautiful Ruins
Navarro leaned back in his chair, one arm draped over the side, posture deceptively relaxed.But his gaze stayed locked on mine, sharp and assessing, like he was watching not just to see if I’d take it—but how.
Information from a man like him was never free.
“You’re feeling generous,” I said coolly.
His mouth twitched, not quite a smile.
“I’m feeling efficient.”
The card sat there between us.Small.Ordinary.Laced with implication.
A name.A place.
I didn’t touch it yet.“If you’re truly out, stay out.”
Navarro stood.“I intend to.”
He paused before leaving.“And Cavalho—I’m sorry about what happened to your girl.A word of advice-keep her away from Azzopardi.He’s a leech.”
Then he walked out like he hadn’t just handed me a map to bloodshed.
I picked up the card and read it.
A Russian name.An address.And one big massive problem.
By the time I returned home, the sun was down again, and my house felt different—steadier.
Tone met me in the hallway.She looked tired.Angry.Guilty.
“She’s asleep.”
I nodded once.“Good.”
Tone studied my face.“You’re going to do something stupid.”
“I’m going to do something necessary,” I corrected.
Tone stepped closer, voice low.“Just don’t make it about your guilt.”
I stared at her.“It is about her.”
Tone didn’t smile.“Then bring her peace.Not more chaos.”
She walked away before I could answer.
I stood there alone for a moment, listening to the house breathe.
Then I moved down the hall and stopped outside Izzy’s door.
I didn’t go in.
I could picture her exactly—bruised, exhausted, still trying to convince herself she wasn’t a fool for trusting someone who didn’t deserve it.
The house was silent, but it wasn’t peaceful.It felt like something had flipped—like a line had been crossed that couldn’t be uncrossed.
17
Raze
