Page 39 of Vows of Blood

But with two parents that needed to be cared for and never-ending debts? She never got the chance. The uncharitable part of me that spent years hating her is initially a little bit smug, thinking it’s karma for what I endured when she stood me up.

The older, wiser man inside me, however, knows she was right to go, because there’s no leaving this life once it has you in its grips. Once it’s in your blood.

And it seems she’s suffered her fair share already.

My phone buzzes, and I growl, irritated by the disruption until I see it’s Tony.

"Tell me she didn't go to the police station, and you’re on your way to my house." I could do with some good news.

"She didn't go to the police station. But…"

Damn it. I thought the tail would spook her into accepting my help. Apparently not.

"But she's home?"

“For now.” Tony hesitates. "She’s getting evicted. So it won’t be her home for long. A week, max."

“Interesting.” I close the file in front of me and rest my palm on the cover. This should be good news, but now that I fully understand just how dire her situation is, it doesn’t give me the joy it should.

"But…” Tony stops again, and I bite back my frustration at his hedging.

“Just spit it out, Tony.”

“There's no chance she's coming to you for help. She made that very clear." Of course, she did. “‘Luca Calvano is the last person I’d rely on for anything’ were her exact words, and she really seemed to…”

I cut him off, interrupting what I’m sure is just going to be another tirade guaranteed to send my blood pressure sky high.

"Anything else?"

“She hit the gym. Fed the cat. No friends or visitors.” The pause is even longer this time. "She made me stop at the hospital. Left flowers for Miss O'Sullivan at reception."

Staring down at the minus figure on her bank statement, I frown. "Flowers?"

"From a corner store, carnations and whatnot. Spent her last twenty on them, best as I could tell."

I don't respond. Can't, for a moment. She's about to be thrown out on the street, and she spent her last bit of cash on flowers for a woman she doesn't know, a woman who has more money than sin, and might never even get to see them.

"Boss? What do we do now?"

I know Tony’s thinking the same thing I am. That there’s no way to keep her safe if she’s sleeping in her fucking car.

And possibly, that she’s a good person who doesn’t deserve to be caught up in this.

But it’s too late now.

"Keep watching her. Call me if anything changes."

She'll cave. She has to. Her options are running out, and she knows it. All she needs is a push in the right direction.

Luca: Just look at some photos. I’ll pay you for your time. Generously. Plus give you a place to stay and protection until this is all sorted.

I watch the screen and wait. Three dots appear, then disappear. Then appear again.

Her response, when it comes, is short and not so sweet. Three words.

Sienna: Leave me alone.

Sitting back, feet up on the desk now, I stare at the message. She's broke and about to be homeless. She has no job, no family, and no alternatives that I can see.