They couldn’t hide that their sister-in-law met her death at the hands of foul play, however. Weaver had promised to keep as many details from the press as possible. Unfortunately, the papers would easily uncover enough to paint a pretty ghastly picture in their stories.
“Why...”
Her moan encouraged Roman to draw her in more tightly. “I don’t know, baby. I suppose it explains why the bastard was so easy to accept my uncle’s offer to take on mob hits. He was already doing uglier things than eliminating underworld scum.”
“Why did he kill himself?” Imani asked.
Roman shook his head against hers. “Probably realized who Giselle was once they put out the word about her missing. He had to know it was only a matter of time before Hump came after him for this. Especially when he gave him the job in his building.”
Again, Imani shivered. “You’ve been looking for him and all this time, Humphrey had him.”
Roman scowled. “He didn’t know that. Chances are, he had Kreel there to keep an eye on him, making sure he didn’t rat him out about that small potatoes shit in Chicago. Maybe if I’d confronted him about wanting Kreel instead of trying to hide it so I could nail him with it later-”
“Stop this,” Imani pushed against Roman, levering herself up to look at him. “It’s not your fault and there are more important things to think about now, like Gabriel and Brogue.”
“This is gonna kill, Grek,” Roman was the one shivering then. “How am I supposed to tell him this?”
“You aren’t supposed to do anything- not on your own.” She tugged on his shirt again. “You need all your brothers for this, Roman. It’s time you really settle your issues and come together for the family.”
Roman studied his wife’s face for a time and then nodded. “For the family,” he sighed.
~54~
“That’s why she wanted dinner? To tell us this?”
Roman nodded stiffly to Vale. He’d asked his brothers to meet in his office at Tesano HQ that evening. Humphrey and Vale sat stoically on the sofa they shared. Pitch claimed a corner of Roman’s desk and studied the tumbler of Jack Daniels he’d been nursing since Roman got to the point of the meeting.
Aaron had his back turned on the room. He stared out past the windows behind Roman’s desk. His beckoning features were set into unforgiving lines sharper than a knife’s edge. He hadn’t spoken a word since Roman told them why they were there. The others jumped when he called Roman’s name.
“Do the cops think it had something to do with who she was? Her secret?”
“No,” Roman didn’t hesitate on his response. “From the looks of the other photos, Kreel went for darker-skinned women. Giselle was different.”
“Yes, she was,” Aaron bowed his head and massaged the bridge of his nose. “And they’re sure it was Kreel?” He tacked on.
Roman nodded. “Aside from the pictures and...surgical tools, they found a box containing some of the women’s personal effects.”
Humphrey stood then, drawing everyone’s attention. “I’m so sorry, Ro,” he said. “I knew Kreel and he knew I...he knew I was in on Uncle Emilio’s Chicago scheme. I knew about the hits. Kreel could blow me out of the water if he ever wanted to,” he rubbed tired eyes before continuing the confession.
“Kreel told me that when he came asking for that job. I figured keeping him on staff at the building, I could keep an eye on him. He was little more than a part timer- making full time money.”
“He was blackmailing you?” Roman observed, jaw clenching when Humphrey nodded.
“I couldn’t let that come out,” Humphrey said. “I couldn’t disappoint Pop more than I already have. Hmph...some watchdog I turned out to be.”
“Don’t,” Roman ordered and then went to his oldest brother, dropping both hands to his shoulders and squeezing. “Giselle is gone and we’ve all got to be there for Gabe now.”
Humphrey shook his head, his eyes closing briefly. “This will kill him.”
“You’re right,” grim acknowledgement motivated Roman’s smile. “He came to me for help finding her, but I’m not sure that’s changed where things stand between us. It’s doubtful he’ll ever forgive us for hiding what we knew about Stone. We’re all going to have to work together to keep him sane. We aren’t the kids in this family anymore.”
Humphrey tilted his head, not comprehending. “What are you saying, Ro?”
Roman sighed, disbelief shadowing his face. “Guess I’m saying it’s time for a truce. A real one. For the family,” he extended a hand.
Humphrey waited a beat and then accepted the gesture. “For the family,” he said.
~~~
Vale caught up to Humphrey on the way to the elevator. He waited until they were enclosed inside the cushioned car to speak.
“You never said anything to me about Kreel working in your building or the blackmail.”
“Some things you’re better off not knowing, Vay,” Humphrey rubbed the back of his neck, sighed and then turned to Vale. “I didn’t want you involved with Kreel, kid. In hindsight, I’m glad of that decision.”
“How are you doing?” Vale asked, once they descended another few floors. “You were as in love with Giselle as Gabe was.”
“I just wish I could have done something to save her,” he said, his eyes fixed, glazed. “She slipped away...right under my nose, I-” he shook his head suddenly. “Kreel had her and they were right under my nose.”
Vale squeezed his brother’s arm beneath his jacket sleeve. “It’s not your fault. There’s nothing you could’ve done, Hump.”
Humphrey smiled, gratefully.
Vale grimaced. “I hate to admit this, but Ro surprised me with his truce talk. Think he meant it?”
Humphrey leaned back on the elevator car. “I do. It won’t last, but it’s enough for now.”
“Anything you need, Hump.” Vale offered his hand.
