2 Imminent Danger

He'll be delighted with what I've done. Luigi smiles as he continues down the long, dark hall. The mahogany passageway contains numerous pictures of him and his twin through the years. Luigi scans the photos as he continues towards the office. Bruno made sure neither of us wanted for anything, he thinks, recalling a few pricey gifts.

Luigi steps up to the heavy wooden door and knocks.

Glancing up from his desk, the short, rounded Italian waves him in.

Realizing he's on the phone, the young lad plops down on the couch. How can anyone believe Bruno Greco is my dad when we look nothing alike? Luigi thinks, surveys the man's rugged appearance.

The doctor who delivered him and his twin Tito recently admitted to switching the Greco's dead babies for the Marino and his maid's illegitimate twins. He said the exchange was part of a cover-up of an affair gone wrong.

When Luigi asked about his biological mother, he was told she disappeared shortly after giving birth. He believes Marino had something to do with her absence, but couldn't find any evidence to support his theory.

Luigi confronted Marino about the matter. He even showed him DNA results proving the doctor's statement is true. The man claimed the results were bogus, a way to get to his fortune. He then threatened to harm the Grecos' if he brought up the matter again.

Not wanting the only family he's ever known and loved lives in jeopardy, Luigi decided to pursue the matter a different way. That rich bastard will pay for what he's done, he thinks, picturing the scenario in his mind.

"I'll reimburse you for all of your travel expenses and other expenditures you've encountered in addition to a sizable bonus for taking care of this in such a timely manner. Talk to you soon, Frank." Hanging up, Bruno turns towards his son. "Did you take care of the books for me?"

"According to your records, the bar is doing exceptionally well."

"The records match the bank deposits, correct?"

"Down to the last penny." Luigi smiles.

"Good. I have one last thing for you to do before you leave for Italy."

***

The detectives discover the day has become unseasonably warm when they step out of the large brick building. Wiping the sweat from their brow, they continue across the lot.

"I can't believe they'd leave their only son alone in a hospital, not knowing if he's going to live or die. How can any parent be so cold, so heartless doing that to their only son?" Rachel questions, climbing into their car.

"The Marino's are a strange bunch. They believe in love, honor, and all, but if you disgrace the family in any way, they'll turn on you in a heartbeat."

"What could he have possibly done that'd make his family hate him so much?"

Jeff shrugs. "It's hard to say."

"Wait, they wouldn't hire someone to kill him, would they?"

"I'm sure they have the means to get the job done."

"I think it's time to visit his family, find out what's going on."

***

Rachel and Jeff pull up to a beautiful two-story brick home centered on acres of lush green lawn. They notice a few of their groundskeepers busy in the older flower beds while others are planting seeds for the upcoming season.

Rachel watches the workers zip around the yard. She then sees Mrs. Marino barking out orders from the porch. "How can she even think about such a thing at a time like this?"

Jeff turns towards his partner. "I'm beginning to think they had something to do with the shooting."

"Me too."

Mrs. Marino is yelling at one of the hired hands when they walk towards the house.

Rachel discovers the poor young lad is on the verge of tears when she gets closer. A horrid childhood memory suddenly comes to mind. She takes a step back. I'm not that little girl anymore. Fury courses through her. With fire in her eyes, she leans towards Jeff and says, "Someone needs to bring her down a notch."

Her partner chuckles. "Easy their, tiger." Tiger is a nickname Joe gave her when she started on the force. Said it fits her well.

Rachel clenches her fists, turns towards Jeff, and says, "She doesn't have the right to treat anyone that way."

"I agree, but the captain will have your ass if you give her a piece of your mind."

Rachel sighs, and says, "I know, I know." She steps closer to the porch. "Mrs. Marino?"

She gives the detective a smug, condescending look. "Yes"

Jeff leans over and whispers, "Keep it professional, Rachel."

Taking a deep breath, she continues. "My name is Detective Webb. I'm with the Berryville PD. I need to ask you a few questions about your son."

"I expected as much." Mrs. Marino replies, tossing her nose in the air.

With a roll of her eyes and a bite of her tongue, Rachel pulls a notebook from her pocket. "Does Carlos have any enemies?"

"I couldn't say. He's been living with that whore wife of his for years."

Rachel glances up. He was probably trying to get away from you. "What's her name, and where does she live?"

"Her name is Adina Ricci. She and her two children live in that appalling trailer park on the other side of town. Neither of the little imps has our blood, thank God."

"Do you know if Carlos has a gambling or a drug problem?" Rachel inquires.

"I imagine my son has both since he hangs out with trash these days."

"Do you know their names?"

"No, and I don't care to, neither. I'm sure that gold-digger wife of his can tell you what you need to know. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have dinner to prepare." She turns away.

"Celebrating your son's demise no doubt?" Rachel mutters under her breathe.

Giving her a stern look, Jeff clears his throat and asks, "Is Mr. Marino at home?"

Aggravated, the woman spins around. "My husband left for a business trip a few hours ago, won't be back until Friday. I assure

you, he won't be any assistance to you either since neither of us had spoken to our son in over two years."

With a curious expression on her face, Rachel asks, "Why is that?"

Mrs. Marino gives her an unnerving stare. "I don't see how our family business is any of your concern."

"It could rule you out as a suspect." Rachel snaps back.

"If you must know, he disgraced the family when he married that tramp. Now I really must go." She storms into her house.

Rachel turns towards her partner. "You don't know how bad I wanted to tell her what she could do with that attitude of hers."

"I saw you bite your tongue." He snickers.

"I almost bit it off. Guess we better talk to Adina, see if she can tell us more."

He chuckles. "You're in for a real treat now."

"Why is that?"

"Let's just say she's one you won't soon forget." Jeff was sent to her residence numerous times on domestic disturbance calls when he was a rookie. He'd arrive to find a petite Italian lady beating the crap out of her flavor of the week. "You definitely won't forget her." He smiles.