Fidelity (Infidelity #5)(56)

Oren and I stared at Luca. None of that was common knowledge. “How? How do you know that?” I asked.

“Family,” Vincent replied.

“What are you saying?” Oren asked.

“When family, even those we haven’t seen in years, is threatened in our backyard, we look into it.”

“Look into it?”

“We have friends. We have enemies. Sometimes threatening the most unlikely of targets can have the desired ripple effect.”

“You think Lennox was shot at because of the Costellos?” my father asked.

Vincent shook his head. “Not anymore. We had to be sure.”

“The woman you’re dating,” Luca said with his elbows now on his knees. “She’s from a good family?”

“I suppose that’s subjective,” I said. “Good as in wealthy. I don’t give a fuck about her money.”

Luca’s lips pressed together. “Not what I meant. I meant good as in sneaky as fuck.”

Adrenaline raced through my veins as my fists clenched. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve also been working with some high-powered people on some interesting drug deals.”

I scoffed. “You make it sound like I’m selling coke on the corner. It’s legal drugs.”

“Like alcohol,” Vincent interjected.

“Similar.”

“Not legal everywhere, not for recreational use,” Luca responded. “We were worried about our enemies, but Lennox, you have your share.”

“The shooting was aimed at me? You’re sure?” Part of me was relieved to know it wasn’t meant for Charli. Another part of me was furious as fuck. Who had the balls to shoot at me, especially with Charli present?

“Not without the shooter can we be sure. The shooter was a gun for hire. Not someone from around us. If it were, we’d know. The money trail has gone cold. The operation was well done—a professional. The entire operation. They knew your location. Their only mistake is that you’re still here.”

Oren stood. “Is that a threat?”

Vincent waved my father back to his seat. “No. It’s a relief. We’re still looking for the shooter. The bullshit on the news about the husband was genius.”

“Diversion,” I said.

“It was a good move.”

“Where do you think the money came from? Who put this plan into play?”

“I’m not sure about the money,” Luca answered. “As I said, the trail went cold. But that level of expertise can’t be found on Craigslist. Whoever hired the shooter knew who to contact, knew your schedule, and your vulnerability. My first area of concern is your inner circle. Do you walk through Central Park every day?”

I shook my head, my mind going through everyone on my personal security detail.

“Do you know anyone with those kinds of connections?” he asked.

I shrugged, mulling over my list of suspects. At one time I’d thought maybe it was Charli’s family, trying to scare her back to Savannah. It wasn’t only my concern, but one Deloris had mentioned. That was before we really knew Charli. Now that I do, I doubt that Alton Fitzgerald has those connections, and I was confident that Spencer wasn’t smart enough to pull it off.

And then I recalled advice Deloris had given me, telling me that around Severus Davis, a bulletproof vest was warranted. His expression when I appeared at the Senate Finance Committee had been one of surprise. It wasn’t enough proof, but it warranted investigation. “Let me give it some thought.”

Luca changed the subject. “This Chelsea Moore, was she seriously injured?”

“No broken bones, but her injuries aren’t all physical,” I replied.

“She’s a friend of your girlfriend, yet you’re responsible for her recent employment?”

“I’ve made mistakes.”

Vincent abruptly stood and extended his hand, first to Oren. “We will go now. My men are your men as long as you need them.”

Oren met him as we all stood. “Thank you.”

Vincent turned to me, extending his hand again. “My men need a name.”

“Vincent,” Oren began, “I think we’re working on it.”

With our hands still clasped, he said to Oren, “You’re not the only one who repays debts.” And back to me, “I’ve watched you. Despite the accomplishments you’ve achieved, the ones the world considers important…” His wide shoulders shrugged. “…those your mother surely thought important, college, business school, and even your fighting, I’ve not until tonight seen the man Angelina wanted you to be.” He nodded as a thin smile graced his thick lips. “She was proud of you, but I believe that she is even more proud now. Tonight, Lennox, you impressed me. Whatever you need, ask, call. Keeping your company scandal-free benefits us all. This woman, this girl, should not have been hurt. Give me a name.”

My gaze met Oren’s. If I did this, I knew what I was doing. I knew what it meant. I also knew I wanted Edward Spencer to pay.

“For a moment or for twenty years?” Deloris’s question came back.

Edward Spencer was in jail. Assuming the charges stuck, he would suffer for years to come. Did I want him to suffer for only a moment? Removing him from the equation wouldn’t be difficult while he was out on bail. We all knew that was coming.