His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 330

“Still no progress with the stick?” I attacked Victoria the second I stepped into her car. At first, I thought she wanted to meet up to tell me something important, but her true goal was to visit Stevie Madden’s wife.

“None.” Victoria rolled her eyes, driving off immediately. “Whatever information Anya found, she did not want it to fall into the wrong hands.”

“Or maybe your guy is bad at his job and needs to retire,” I whispered just loud enough so she could hear.

Time was ticking, and I did not have the energy to wait around for a stick all day. Perhaps I should’ve taken care of it myself.

After a peaceful drive, we had finally arrived at Kate Maddens’ house. Back when Stevie was still alive, Alex and I used to visit pretty often to spend time with the kids.

Everything changed after Stevie’s death. Dad had turned cold and never healed, Alex was too busy working, and I led my own life.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I asked once we reached the front porch. The lawn, which had always been mowed and green, looked dull and abandoned. Also, Kate Maddens had never recovered from her husband’s death.

Even though at that time he was just a kid manipulated by Panther, knowing Tiago pulled the trigger and ended Stevie Maddens’ life left a bad taste in my mouth. The crazy thing was that if Marvin had done it, I would’ve gotten over it in a second.

Was that what love does to people?

Victoria knocked on the door, interrupting my thoughts. “We don’t have that much choice, now do we?” She spoke, overconfident.

Just as I was about to pull Victoria’s hand so we could get the hell away, the door got opened by none other than Kate Maddens.

As always, Kate carried the same forced smile on her lips, as if someone had forced her to be strong and happy. “Elena, hi, sweetheart!” The woman spoke enthusiastically, pulling me into a hug. “And Victoria, isn’t it?”

“Yes, ma’am-I’m surprised you remember!” Victoria gasped as I stepped back awkwardly.

“How could I not when the two of you are practically married.” Kate joked as if things couldn’t get any more awkward. Victoria and I used to be inseparable. Who would’ve thought a man would eventually be the one to damage our friendship?

It was clear dad hadn’t visited for a while because if he did-Kate would’ve been aware of everything and wouldn’t have made these comments.

“So, what brings you here?” Kate asked, worried. “Is George okay?”

Yes, ma’am. I’m not here to visit you. I’m only here because I have some questions about your corrupt husband.

“We had some questions about your late husband and the Castillo’s!” Victoria took over the conversation, not being able to wait any longer.

The fake smile on Kate’s lips had vanished, and her hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob. “I can’t help you. I’m sorry-you need to go.” She spoke in a hurry. “I’ve already spoken to the cops and your dad about it.”

Just as she was about to shut the door, Victoria forced her foot in between. “Do George and the cops know your husband was corrupt?”

This was Victoria. She was determined to get to the bottom of things and always got what she wanted.

Poor Kate had a terrified expression on her face as she was clearly startled by Victoria’s accusation. There was no point in denying it because her eyes had already spoken.

“Kate, we know about Stevie,” I spoke calmly.

Kate gulped. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t worry, dad doesn’t know, and I’m not planning on telling him either.”

Kate and I stared at each other until the woman finally released a defeated sigh. “Come in.” She spoke. “We’ll have to make it quick before the children get home.”

If anyone had told me that I would spend my afternoon sitting on Kate’s couch to talk about her corrupt husband-I wouldn’t have believed it. I guess that was why I could not sit still or drink the tea she prepared for us.

“How did you know about Stevie?” Kate asked, equally as nervous.

“That doesn’t matter.”

your dad

don’t live at home anymore, and we’re not

I was living with the Castillo’s. Even though they had technically been

husband was corrupt.” Kate spoke. “He used to transfer drugs and money to places the

even that wasn’t enough-so he did some things he would never even dream of doing, and I know

he work directly with the Castillo’s?” Victoria grabbed her notebook. That was a good question. There was no way because if

him.

you, but I do not know.” Kate shrugged. “He didn’t tell me much…I remember

any of this to

been nothing but supportive towards us,

truth, all of that support will go away….Stevie’s pride will go away.” She ranted. “I also wouldn’t dare to piss off

don’t believe the Hernandez are responsible but the Castillo’s.” Victoria wrote down. “What makes you say

look in her eyes. “What makes me say

blood in custody

Marvin Castillo.

her the right to talk about

of my life a monster —but I knew I had to be

Castillo’s are behind all of

it exactly that you’re doing?” Kate lost her temper. “Please don’t tell

her jacket. “But don’t worry, I’ll keep your name out

Kate asked, tensing her shoulders.

name out

that monster back to his cage where he belongs.” Kate snapped. There it was again, that

observed the uncomfortable look on my face, patted my shoulder.

Kate nodded.

believe Marvin Castillo is behind all of this.” Victoria surprised me. All the things she had mentioned about him hadn’t been good. “I do believe

it can’t be.” Kate

do I remember that guy he’s always with

he’s always

it’s him because George asked me if I’d ever seen him before.”

Could it be…

Vidal?” My eyes widened. “Is it

you know that name?” Kate’s breaths quickened. Was she afraid of

Victoria tapped her chin. “I feel like we’re missing something.

stared straight into Kate’s eyes,

wanted out…so they killed him.”

at the

the kitchen with that man and another woman.” Kate lowered her head. “Stevie wanted out, threatened to expose them, and a week after, he

brows. “Expose

telling you, I don’t know,” Kate spoke,

two and two together. Panther must’ve recruited Stevie secretly in the hopes of building his own

did the woman look like?”

into deep thoughts. “She wore a cap, and her face was covered, but there’s one thing

hearing about long blonde hair.

her notebook. “Thank you.”

for Kate’s hands. “Thank you so much for your help. We really appreciate it.”

want to tell George the full truth because I didn’t want

but feel guilty knowing he got put on probation

devastated if he found out the truth. Why did I even