Chapter 1
Carmine did not let Helena drive away.
He also did not let anyone drag her outside, threaten her, or turn the garage into the kind of family spectacle the Belluccis had spent generations mistaking for justice.
He called his attorney.
Then he called Leo’s pediatrician.
Only after both calls did he look at his cousin again.
“You stay in the guest sitting room until counsel arrives.”
Helena touched the side of her face.
“You struck me.”
“Yes.”
“In front of employees.”
“Yes.”
“You’re going to regret that.”
“Possibly.”
The answer unsettled her more than another threat would have.
Carmine was already regretting plenty.
His son sat wrapped in a dry blanket on the rear seat of an SUV while Maria helped him eat soup from a paper cup.
Leo ate too quickly.
The doctor who came to the estate told Maria to slow him down.
“Small amounts first.”
Carmine stood outside the vehicle.
“How long since he had a proper meal?”
Maria looked toward Helena’s car.
“Yesterday morning.”
Carmine’s expression changed.
“You knew?”
“I found out today.”
“What does that mean?”
Maria swallowed.
“Mrs. Bellucci changed his meal schedule two days ago. The kitchen was told you approved a discipline plan.”
Carmine stared at her.
“I approved nothing.”
“I know that now.”
“Why didn’t anyone confirm with me?”
Maria looked ashamed.
“Because she’s Helena Bellucci.”
That answer landed exactly where it deserved.
Carmine had built a house in which his surname could override common sense even when someone else was using it.
Leo reached for another piece of bread.
Carmine crouched beside him.
“Slow down, buddy.”
Leo nodded obediently.
Too obediently.
That bothered Carmine.
“Did Helena make you clean the car before?”
Leo looked at Maria.
Then at his father.
“Lots.”
“How many times?”
Leo held up four fingers.
Children’s counting was unreliable.
The fear was not.
“What happened if you stopped?”
“No snack.”
Carmine closed his eyes briefly.
Maria spoke.
“I’ve been bringing him food when I can.”
Helena’s voice came from behind them.
“That’s why he never learns.”
Carmine stood.
Two bodyguards immediately moved between them.
Helena had left the sitting room despite instructions.
Her attorney had not yet arrived.
Carmine looked at his security chief.
“Why is she here?”
“She said she needed her purse.”
Helena laughed bitterly.
“Listen to yourself. I’m family, Carmine.”
He looked at Leo.
“Not near him.”
The pediatrician ordered Leo taken inside, changed into dry clothes, and monitored overnight.
Maria started to follow.
Then stopped.
“Mr. Bellucci.”
Carmine turned.
She pointed toward Helena’s car.
“The scratch.”
“What about it?”
Maria looked uncomfortable.
“I cleaned that car Tuesday morning.”
“And?”
“That mark was already there.”
Helena froze.
Carmine looked slowly toward his cousin.
Leo had not scratched the car.
May you like
The punishment had required an excuse.
Someone had supplied one.
