Page 113 of Once Upon a Lie

Because my gut won’t shut the fuck up.

“Because something feels off,” I admit. “I overheard a couple SWAT guys bitching about working overtime this weekend. Centennial Park. Tonight. Cordone Freight.”

Dom’s brows pull together. “So?”

“So, nothing,” I snap. “That’s the problem. No briefing yet. No details. Just extra bodies, last minute, and a whole lot of vague.” I rake a hand through my hair. “Mike said everything was handled. Wrapped. Done. And now there’s a SWAT presence where Valentina’s supposed to be in a damn evening gown.”

Dom exhales slowly. “You don’t know something bad is going to happen.”

“No,” I admit. “I don’t.”

“But you feel like it might.”

“Yes.” I sigh. “Wouldn’t you?”

Dom doesn’t answer, but I can tell by the look in his eyes that he would be on fucking edge too if he were in my position.

Louie skids to a stop between us, makes a few silly faces that earn tickles from both me and his father, but when he sprints off again, Dom looks over at me.

“You’re not wrong to be worried. I’d be worried too.”

Yeah. That’s probably why I feel so fucking sick right now.

“I was supposed to be her date,” I say. “I was supposed to be with her.”

Dom watches me for a long moment. “Then stop sitting here and acting like it’s over.”

I snort. “You make it sound real simple.”

“It’s not. It’s messy as fuck,” he agrees. “But you don’t get to pretend doing nothing is the noble option.” He lets out a deep exhale, and his smile is knowing. “If I do recall, there was once a time when I was pulled off an assignment, and when it felt like shit was hitting the fan, I didn’t stand by and listen to orders. I went straight into the shit. Because I’d do anything to protect Hannah.”

Fuck. He’s right.

He’s so fucking right.

“I don’t even own a tux.” I stand abruptly, grabbing my wallet and new phone off the coffee table and shoving them into my pockets.

“Huh?” Dom blinks. “Where are you going?”

I jog into the kitchen and snag my keys off the kitchen counter. “I’ve gotta find somewhere to rent one in the next couple of hours. You two can let yourselves out!”

He laughs as I head for the door. “Nice talk, man.”

I don’t answer. I don’t have time.

Because I don’t know what’s going to happen at that gala, but I know damn well I’m not going to sit on my couch while Valentina Cordone walks into something I don’t trust.

And if I’m wrong? Fine. I’ll live with that.

I’ll deal with whatever consequences come my way. Even if those consequences end with a real badge revoking and firing rather than a fake one.

But if I’m right, and I did nothing?

I’d never forgive myself.

42

Valentina