88She Arrived at Her Blind Date Barefoot and Covered in Mud, Then the Stranger Across the Table Quietly Ordered Every Door Locked

Nora stared at the tablet screen as Malcolm Reed’s face appeared on a local news broadcast.

Malcolm stood on the steps of Boston City Hall, dressed in his signature dark blue wool coat and gold-rimmed glasses. He looked sorrowful, dignified, and entirely believable as he spoke into a cluster of microphones.

“Nora Hayes was like a daughter to me,” Malcolm was saying, his voice thick with rehearsed grief. “I hired her, mentored her, and trusted her with our city’s precious architectural heritage. To learn that she was secretly working with criminal elements to plunder historic sites... it breaks my heart. I urge her to turn herself in to the authorities before anyone else gets hurt.”

Nora dropped her head into her hands. “He’s framing me. Just like he framed your father.”

Elias took the tablet from Mateo and set it on the desk. He walked over to Nora, kneeling before her sofa so his eyes were level with hers.

“Look at me, Nora,” he commanded softly.

She lifted her head, her hazel eyes bright with panic and unshed tears.

“He framed my father thirty-eight years ago because my father stood alone,” Elias said, his voice steady as granite. “You are not alone. He wants a war with the Bellini family? I’ve been preparing for this war since I was fifteen years old.”

“Elias, he has the police,” Nora argued, her breath coming fast. “He has the city council, the historic board, the media—’

“And I have the truth,” Elias interrupted smoothly. “Plus four private security teams, three state prosecutors on my payroll, and the master ledger of every bribe Malcolm Reed has taken since 1986.”

He reached out, taking her hands in his.

“I promised your friend Tessa I’d take care of you tonight,” Elias said, a faint glint of humor returning to his eyes. “I intend to keep that promise.”

“Tessa,” Nora gasped, her eyes widening. “Oh god, Tessa! If Malcolm is looking for me, he’ll go to her!”

Elias stood up immediately, turning to Mateo. “Where is Tessa Vance right now?”

“She’s at her brother’s apartment in South Boston,” Mateo replied instantly. “I sent two of our men to guard her building thirty minutes ago. She’s safe, boss.”

Nora let out a long breath of relief, looking at Elias with renewed awe. “You already sent security for my friend?”

“I don't leave flank positions uncovered, Nora,” Elias said. “Now, we need to move. Malcolm’s police connections will have a search warrant for your apartment within an hour. They’ll try to plant evidence there to corroborate his story.”

“What are we going to do?” Nora asked.

“We’re going to hit them first,” Elias said, buttoning his jacket. “Mateo, prepare the North End property. We’re moving Ms. Hayes to the vault.”

Nora stood up, wrapping the cashmere blanket around her shoulders like a cloak. “What’s at the North End property?”