Vito had even sent his wife, Francesca, Brittney’s mother, to Italy on an extended vacation to visit family. Reading between the lines, the situation was escalating. It was during her conversation with Vinnie that Carlita shared her plan to have the trio hide out at the Montgomery Hall compound, a virtual fortress with electric fences, trained guard dogs and armed guards, not to mention the estate was surrounded by water.
The prying eyes of the authorities would never find them there, at least that was Carlita’s hope. And since Tori was familiar with Carlita’s background, with the family, she’d contacted her friend, laying out the details of her dire situation.
Tori had immediately offered to take them in before Carlita could even finish filling her in, and she’d nearly burst into tears.
After making sure the coast was clear the following morning, Carlita and Brittney dropped Ricco and Luigi off at Pete’s restaurant to pick up their car. They were following in their sedan and stopped behind them as they approached the estate’s electronic gate and call box.
Carlita rolled down the window. “May I help you?” A robotic voice greeted them.
“Yes. This is Carlita Garlucci and family. Mrs. Montgomery is expecting us.”
There was a moment of silence before the gate swung open. The paved drive leading to the house was long and winding. Towering oaks, dripping with moss, lined both sides. Carlita rounded the circular drive and stopped in front of the courtyard’s massive wooden arched doors. “This is it.”
As if on cue, the double doors opened and a tall man, one who had scared the daylights out of Carlita the first time she’d met him, but who was now a dear friend, emerged.
Brittney’s mouth dropped open. “Who is that?”
“A good friend.” The smile never left Carlita’s face as she shut the car off and hopped out. She darted around the front. “Byron.”
“Carlita. It’s good to see you again.” He gave her a warm hug.
“You, too.” Carlita waited until Brittney and Vito’s men joined them to make the introductions.
Luigi shoved his hands in his front pockets, eyeing the tall man curiously. “You remind me of that tall spooky guy who rode around in an old hearse. Smirch or something.”
“Lurch from the Addams Family.” Brittney pressed a protective hand across her stomach. “I think he’s dead.”
Carlita caught a twinkle of mischief in Byron’s eyes. “I’m still alive and kicking. Tori has been anxiously awaiting your arrival.”
“Thank you.” Carlita stifled a laugh at Brittney’s expression. Byron was less of a threat than any of Vito’s henchmen.
Byron turned on his heel, his heavy steps crunching on the gravel drive as he led them through the double doors, past the meticulously manicured courtyard of gorgeous fall perennials, ones with deep hues of purple flowers.
They circled the tiered center fountain before reaching the home’s grand front entrance. Byron opened a second set of doors and motioned for them to step inside.
It had been several months since Carlita’s last visit to Montgomery Hall. The ornate entry never ceased to take her breath away. Arched wall cutouts lined a cavernous rotunda. Recessed lights circled the rotunda, accentuating extensive works of fine art.
Byron waited until they were in the grand entrance before closing the door, the sound echoing across the imported Italian marble floors. “Mrs. Montgomery will join you in the drawing room.”
“Holy smokes.” Luigi let out a low whistle. “This place is the bomb. What did you say the broad did for a living?”
“Broad?” Byron scowled at Luigi, and Carlita reached out to grab his arm. “He meant no harm.”
Byron shot him a hard look before leading them down a long hall. He stopped in front of a door near the end. “Mrs. Montgomery will be along shortly. Would you care for coffee or bottled water?”
“No. I…we’re good. Thank you, Byron.”
Byron smiled at Carlita, ignored the others and exited the room.
Carlita spun on her heel. “Please don’t insult my friends. They’re doing me a huge favor by taking you three in. The less talking you do, the better.”
“I was just makin’ conversation,” Luigi shrugged. “Who knew broad was a bad word?”
Carlita sucked in her breath, briefly closing her eyes as she prayed that she wouldn’t have to take advantage of Tori’s generous offer for more than a day or two. If not, she feared the trio would quickly wear out their welcome.
“Carlita.” Tori breezed into the room. “It’s so good to see you again.”
“You, too, Tori. I’ve been meaning to get in touch, but the businesses are keeping me hopping. Thank you for allowing my houseguests to hang their hats here for a couple of days.”
“Anything to help a friend.” Tori waved dismissively. “I’m happy I can be of assistance.”
Carlita made the introductions, and the women chatted while Ricco sauntered across the room to the animal heads mounted on the mahogany-paneled walls. Beneath the mounts was an array of weaponry. “Looks like you’re a big game hunter,” he commented. “You like to kill stuff. I like to kill stuff. We have a lot in common.”
“Ricco,” Carlita gasped.
He acted as if he hadn’t heard her. “Semi-automatic’s my game. It would take too long to do damage using one of these antiques.”
Ricco turned, eyeing Tori with interest. “You don’t strike me as the big game type.”
“I’m not. The weapons and mounts were my husband’s doing.” Tori offered the man a patient smile as if amused by the exchange. “I hang onto them for sentimental reasons.”
“You never used any of these weapons?”
“I have, but not for many years.” Tori’s lower lip trembled, as if she was trying to keep from laughing. “Of course, if
