Chapter 23

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Vincenzo

While everyone was keeping an eye on our surroundings, I was watching Aiden and he was glaring at the photographs. I couldn't see them but being positioned behind Fred, he could. Was he angry because the hitters' faces were out in the open and he was afraid it would lead to him, or upset because he wanted to kill them for hurting Fred and killing Sean and Aine?

"Do you know who these five guys are?" Fred asked as he went through them all.

"None of my guys. Gia didn't recognize them but once she found out they were on her territory, she's been searching."

"Rivals of yours?"

Albert snorted. "Nah. I'm thinking these are outsiders, not from these parts. A hit and leave."

"Why pin it on you, though?" Fred closed the folder and handed it to Aiden. I really wanted to see those faces.

"Had to blame someone, and I have good relations with your family…at least I thought I did."

"You do. This isn't me."

Albert nodded. "I know, but someone wanted everyone to turn against my people and start a war just so you, your uncle, and cousin would die. That's big."

"It is. Can I rely on you to relay any information you might come across? I can promise the same."

Albert regarded Fred for a moment before agreeing. "Quicker we end this, the faster these fuckers die."

"Agreed."

"I have a friend at the DMV—they're looking into how the registration was put into Richie's grandfather's name. Should have something on that soon." Albert had people that could maybe find things hidden under rocks. While Lex Talionis could as well, it never hurt to have more eyes on things.

Once again I watched Aiden for a reaction, and there was a slight twitch of the cheek but nothing more.

"I appreciate that, Albert." Fred stood and held out his hand.

"Stay alive, Fred." They shook.

"You too."

No one said anything until we were back in our vehicle. Even then, we were a mile from the port when I spoke.

"Can I see those files?"

Fred nodded. "Aiden, let Vincenzo check them out."

Aiden handed them to me, but not without a stellar glare.

"Thank you." I smiled sweetly, which only enraged him further.

I was about to open the file, but Aiden's phone buzzed and from my seat, I could only make out his profile. but it didn't seem as though he was happy with whoever was calling.

"Finn?" Aiden said. "Okay, yeah, I'll let Mr. Brennan know."

"What's going on?" Fred asked once Aiden ended the call.

"Some detectives have been poking around and asking questions, calling people in. They're asking if someone could get in touch with you to come to the station to answer some questions."

"Okay, I can go tomorrow. I want to sort through what Albert said, make a few calls, and I need to contact the hospital too. I'm sure the police have gone down there."

Aiden simply nodded, and it appeared he was texting.

"I'll let Finn know that you'll head there tomorrow so if they ask he can tell them. You and I can go after breakfast."

I wanted to state that more protection going anywhere was crucial and just the two of them going was unsafe, but I felt that conversation would be better as a one-on-one, and Fred hadn't commented.

We'd just pulled up to the house, so I tucked the folder close and exited the vehicle. "I'd like to look these over. I can run their faces through software Lex Talionis has. We use it often when we're trying to locate people."

Fred nodded and walked into the house behind me. "That's a great idea. The sooner we identify and find these guys, the better. We need more answers."

"When we're done with dinner, perhaps the two of us could discuss a few things."

Fred stopped walking and faced me, his eyes searching…as if he knew I had something to say but was unsure he'd like it.

"Sounds good. I'm going to go make those phone calls now." He left me in the foyer and went up the stairs.

I spun to go the other way and came face-to-face with Aiden.

"Can I help you?"

He glanced around me, seeing my exercitus, knowing he was outnumbered. "I don't know what game you're playing, but you won't win, Vincenzo. I've known Fred a very long time and I'm all he has left in the world. It's not a bond you can break."

I cocked my head. "Everything can be broken, Aiden. But I'd never sever a tie that had Fred's best interest at heart."

He hummed. "I don't trust you."

I chuckled. "Finally something we can agree on." I sidestepped him and made my way into the study. "I don't wish to be disturbed." I locked eyes with Aiden before shutting the door.

After sending everything over to Aurora I sat, relaxed, and got an update on things back home.

"Everything is going well here, Praeses. Quiet."

"Sounds lovely. And my sister?"

"Everett has been responsible for her meals and even convinced her to get outside more. She's fine."

"Has she wondered where I am?"

"No, Everett reported she often just talks about when she was younger, about the flowers, occasionally states how you're running Lex Talionis into the ground."

I huffed. "Sounds about right."

"We have no concerns here. Concentrate on what's happening there, and I'll make sure I contact you if anything comes up with these photos."

"Thank you, Aurora."

"Have a good night, Praeses."

I disconnected the call and stared once again at the faces of the five men. The images weren't super clear, but Aurora would be able to sharpen and run them. From what I could see, I didn't know them.

A knock on the study door shook me out of my thoughts. "Enter."

The door opened and Zion stepped in. "Dinner's ready. Everyone said you ordered to not be disturbed, but you must eat."

"Thank you." I stood, feeling the exhaustion from not sleeping well last night in every bone in my body.

I was the last to enter the dining room. Fred sat beside Aiden, Axel on his other side. Aiden wasn't contributing to conversation, but Fred and Axel seemed to be talking some medical jargon. Axel being educated in medicine, it didn't surprise me that he was following along with whatever Fred was telling him.

"Your dinner, sir." A plate of roasted duck, with seasoned potatoes and carrots was placed in front of me. The aroma alone made my stomach growl, and I realized I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.

I listened as everyone talked, far too tired to contribute. I'd be sure to take a cold shower to wake myself up prior to speaking with Fred. It couldn't wait; I didn't want him going to the station or anywhere alone with Aiden until I was one hundred percent sure he was innocent…but it would take a miracle to convince me of that.

Once I finished, I stood and walked over to Fred's chair. "I'm going to shower. Perhaps you can meet me in my room in thirty minutes?"

"Your room?" He quirked a brow.

Shrugging I said, "I'd like privacy to discuss something with you."

Fred nodded and went back to his conversation with Axel but before I walked away, I made eye contact with Aiden. Pure hatred burned in his gaze, and all I could do was smile.