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.”

said your dad doesn’t know?”

live at home anymore, and

would even consider telling her I was living with the Castillo’s. Even though they had technically been cleared from Maddens death, it wouldn’t change anything.

spoke. “He used to transfer drugs and money to places the Castillo’s couldn’t get to.”

money.” She said. “Stevie worked overtime, but even that wasn’t enough-so he did some things he would never even dream of

Castillo’s?” Victoria grabbed her notebook. That was a good question. There was no way because if he did-someone as soft as Tiago would’ve been

him.

tell you, but I do not know.” Kate shrugged. “He didn’t tell me much…I remember finding stacks of cash in the basement, I demanded answers, but he only told me half the

told any of this to George Torres or the police?”

nothing but supportive towards us, and once they find

She ranted. “I also wouldn’t dare to piss off that family. The

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

her eyes. “What makes me

who confessed to killing my husband in cold blood in custody and only let him go after he lied about

monster, Marvin

to talk

been able to control myself, I would’ve given her a slap for calling the love of my life a monster —but I knew I had to be careful. All

so sure the Castillo’s are behind

her temper. “Please don’t tell me you’re playing detective and solving my

doing.” Victoria adjusted her jacket. “But don’t worry, I’ll keep

really do it?” Kate asked,

name out of

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

on my face,

Kate nodded.

all of this.” Victoria surprised me. All the

it can’t be.” Kate rubbed

why do I remember that guy

always

know it’s him because George asked me if

Could it be…

Vidal?” My eyes widened. “Is it

breaths quickened. Was she afraid

tapped her chin. “I feel like we’re

stared straight into Kate’s eyes, forcing the woman to answer.

out…so they killed

at the same

overheard him talking in the kitchen with that man and another woman.” Kate lowered her head. “Stevie wanted out,

furrowed her brows. “Expose

don’t know,” Kate

and two together. Panther must’ve recruited Stevie secretly in the hopes of building his own empire so years from now, he could give everything to

woman look

covered, but there’s one thing

after hearing about long blonde hair. I didn’t know anyone fitting

closed her notebook. “Thank

hands. “Thank you

giving up on Stevie,” Kate said. “I didn’t want to tell George the full truth because I didn’t want him to remember Stevie as

got put on probation because he believes they locked

did I even care? That man kicked me out without