*Marlene's POV*
The leather seat of the car felt like a throne, a temporary reprieve from the suffocating act of the "grieving widow." It physically irked me being that close to her and
It was almost too easy. The girl was starving for a mother, and I was happy to feed her a lie if it meant she'd do the dirty work of destroying Vincenzo for me.
That is if he doesn't kill her first.
As the car pulled into the driveway of the estate, my maid handed me the evening mail with a trembling hand. "This arrived by courier, Madame. It was marked urgent."
I took the heavy cream envelope, the seal unfamiliar. Probably just another long lost business associates of Hectors now turned into sympathisers.
Once inside the quiet of my study(previously Hectors), I slid a silver letter opener through the paper.
The wordings were simple,evenly spaced and small fonts in the exact middle of the sheet.
'Hector Hidalgo was murdered.'
I took a deep sigh and stared up the ceiling.
A cold sweat broke across my nape, the only physical betrayal of the panic rising in my gut. I stared at the words until they blurred.
Then, with steady fingers, I folded the letter into a small, tight square and tucked it deep into the hidden pocket of my Chanel purse.
It was too risky to throw away,it's best I burnt it by myself instead.
"Mother"The door swung open and Robert stood between it adjusting his cufflinks."The dinner is in an hour–you know we can't be late."
"I know."I sighed, "What was his name again?"
"Cameron–"Robert replied,his voice trailing off"I heard he's still in a coma…horrible things were done to him."
I tried to focus on the conversation but the letter kept popping to mind. Who could have sent it? And why to me and not to–Evangeline herself perhaps?
Maybe the security of the house she's at is too tight–that'll mean ours were weaker-more accessible,I had to fix that immediately.
"How was the little saint doing?"
I snapped out of my thoughts and focused on the matters at hand,we had to somehow convince Cameron's family we were in no support of Vincenzo's actions and are very sympathetic of what their son went through at his hands.
"I'll tell you in the car"I said,leading him out the room.
"What's that?"Robert asked before I could fully turn him to the door.
Fuck…I left the envelope on my desk.
"Sympathizers."I lied easily. "At this point I am beginning to think the man was actually a celebrity disguised as mob boss."
Robert laughed outrageously. "That wouldn't be his first big farce."
"Keep your voice down."I warned. "Now,we both know you take forever with youe hair so please go finish up."
He groaned and went down the hall,still on his cufflinks,looking back now,I should have helped him with those.
I spotted my head of security standing on patrol and beckoned him over.
Juan nodded and dutifully marched to me. I got the envelope and showed him the seal.
"Do you know you sent this?"
His head shakes.
"Find out."
He looks,ready to leave with the paper when I stop him.
"The maid that give it to me..I think her name is Anna?"
"She's in charge of written messages,yes."
"She was trembling giving it to me."I say,pensive. "I know what she thinks the contents are or if she saw it."
"I'm sure she wouldn't–"
"Well, I can't take any chances can I Juan?"I asked,narrowing my eyes. "Maybe she didnt read it but what if she's been told or something?"
He stares straight before him and swallows.
"I'll handle it."
"Handling isn't good enough Juan."I said through gritted teeth.
"I'll–"he cleared his throat. "Get rid of her Ma'am."
"Good."I bobbed my head. "Don't get soft on me Juan."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Smart."I tapped his shoulder gently. "Get on with it."