the devil wears a suit and tie • billy russo

chapter 6

Months had passed since the incident in Central Park, and wedding planning was underway. They had scrapped the idea of going to Cartagena, partly because he was busy building his business, and partly because it wasn't the time to draw unwanted attention by staying in the home of a former cartel boss. They had to keep a low profile, especially with Frank on the loose, mowing down anyone who could've been involved in the murder of his family. While the coverup with the gangs was working well, Isabella still feared that it would only be a matter of time before he figured out the truth.

She had her story prepared if he ever did confront her. She had no idea about any of it. She was angry at Frank for not reaching out sooner. She would tell him how much Billy grieved, and tell him to stay the hell away from her and Billy so they could move on from it all. And in the event that he did contact her, she wouldn't tell Billy. If she did tell Billy, he would get pissed and do something irrational, and the last thing they needed was to end up on Frank's hit list. They were better off just waiting and seeing how things shook out.

One night her phone rang while she was making dinner, and when she saw that it was an unknown number, part of her just knew it had to be him. She didn't want to answer, but he would keep calling if she didn't pick up, and she had to get this out of the way before Billy got home, so reluctantly, she answered.

Iz, I need your help.

"What is it?" she replied bluntly.

Are you alone?

"Yes."

You know people at the DEA, right?

"I understand you've been going through a tough time, but waiting until now to call me, just so you can use my government contacts is pretty fucking low."

Iz, I need this—

"We've been worried sick for months," she growled, venom lacing her words, "and we know about all the people dying, Frank, we know it's you killing them, so if you think for one minute I'm going to give you any information that will lead to more senseless murders, you're gravely mistaken."

This isn't senseless, I'm getting revenge, and I need information on all the drug smuggling that goes on here.

"I'm not telling you shit," she shook her head, "not when you have the audacity to make sure I'm alone, just so you can avoid talking to him. Do you have any idea how hard it's been for me to watch him grieve? He has been hurting for months, and so have I. I loved your family like my own."

I just need you to do this one favor, please. What I'm doing right now needs to be done. I'm sorry about not getting in touch. I will once this is all over.

"No," she bit the inside of her cheek and clenched her fist, "I would really rather not hear from you ever again after everything that's happened. Like I said before, I've had to watch Billy grieve and feel guilty about what happened for months, and he's finally doing better. He's starting his company and settling more and more into civilian life every day. The last thing he needs right now is to get dragged into your bullshit."

Listen, I'm sorry, he says, starting to get agitated, but all I ask is that you talk to your people and help me out. I promise I'll stay away, I won't bother you ever again after this. You know justice won't be served to my family by the courts, that's why I need your help.

"Billy and I both would've helped you lawyer up and fight the false narrative about what happened, but I won't be an accomplice to murder and supply intel to your one-man death squad. I can't put myself or my family at risk like that."

What about my family?

"I already told you, we would've helped you get justice in a different way if you'd let us, but you didn't," she got ready to hang up the phone, "Are we done here?"