The Hitwoman and the Chubby Cherub Read Online Free Page A

I’d insulted his mother. “He was executed.”
     
    I nodded, knowing what he said was true.
     
    “I want that Cupid guy buried. And soon.” He pushed his half-eaten treat away, as though the conversation had ruined his appetite.
     
    “Why?” I asked.
     
    “ Why ?” He leaned back and drew himself up to his full height, giving me a look that could freeze running lava. “Because I said so.”
     
    I shook my head. “Why was your friend executed?”
     
    Delveccio’s posture deflated. “Damned if I know. Fern was a friend to all. Smart, honest businessman. Philanthropist. He didn’t have an enemy in the world.”
     
    “Except someone wanted him dead,” I reminded him.
     
    He scowled. “What does it matter, the why?”
     
    “Because if I knew who wanted him,” I hesitated, “…dealt with, I should be able to find Cupid.”
     
    The mob boss considered that for a moment. "I honestly couldn't tell you."
     
    "Then the job may take me a little while."
     
    He nodded his understanding. "In the meantime, since you said you need it, I have another job for you."
     
    "Great.”
     
    "How do you feel about being a mule?"
     
    “You’re already an ass," God whispered from the depths of my bra.
     
    Delveccio made a funny face. "Are you carrying around that lizard again?"
     
    "I thought Dominic might want to see him," I lied smoothly.
     
    "Good thinking. Now about this mule thing--"
     
    "I'm sorry, I'm not following."
     
    "Courier," he explained. "I need a courier with your special skills."
     
    I had no idea what special skills he thought I possessed, but I wasn't about to tell him that.
     
    "You'll be given a package, a recipient, and the delivery will be time-sensitive." He twirled his pinky ring. "Think you are up to that?"
     
    I nodded, despite not knowing whether that was the truth. "You can count on me."
     
    "I always do. Now go take that lizard to see my grandson while I finish your pudding.”
     
    I left him with the sweets and hustled back to the room. Gino was watching the kids play, which meant reaching into my bra and pulling out the lizard was a tad bit awkward. The bodyguard raised his eyebrows, but thankfully remained silent.
     
    "Look who I brought to see you," I said to the little boy.
     
    Dominic's eyes lit up. "Godzilla!"
     
    For his part, the lizard kept the children amused with his antics, jumping and scurrying about, as though he didn't have a care in the world. I was both entertained and surprised since the behavior was so out of character for him.
     
    When Katie and Dominic started to look tired I announced it was time for us to go home. Neither protested and Katie fell asleep about 30 seconds after I'd buckled her into her car seat.
     
    Her nap on the drive home revived her, and when we returned to the bed and breakfast she was more than willing to help Aunt Leslie with an arts-and-crafts project that had something to do with buttons.
     
    That left U.S. Marshal Lawrence Griswald and I alone in the kitchen together.
     
    "I don't suppose you've heard from your father?" the Marshal asked.
     
    I shook my head. "I'm sorry, but I haven't."
     
    Griswald shook his head sadly.
     
    "I'm really sorry," I said.
     
    "We've been over this before. There's no reason for you to apologize."
     
    But we both knew there was. I had asked him to put me in contact with my father, who was in the Witness Protection Program, because I had questions regarding the disappearance of my sister Darlene. Griswald, being a decent guy, had arranged the meeting. My dad, Archie Lee, a lifelong criminal, had repaid his generosity by knocking him unconscious and disappearing.
     
    I couldn't speak for Griswald, but I was pretty pissed. Once again, my dad had taken off, doing what was best for him, consequences be damned.
     
    An awkward silence filled the kitchen.
     
    "He's just unfinished business," Griswald said finally. "That's why I keep asking. Because I want to wrap things up."
     
    "What are you