Chapter 6 · The Riverfront Registry

Chapter 6: The Riverfront Registry

"This filing is suspended pending review." My father's attorney slaps a folder on the mahogany table so hard the inkwell jumps. "Mr. Crowe, the bride's legal competency is in question. She hasn't spoken in a year. That's not consent. That's coercion with a pen in her hand."

Luca doesn't look up from the registry page. "Herbert. Sit down before I make you."

"I represent Arthur Pell's interests—"

"You represent a man who sold his daughter across a signing table two weeks ago. Sit. Down."

I keep my eyes on the ledger. The riverbank's private room smells like old paper and gun oil, river light coming green through the blinds, six of Baltimore's underbosses lined along the back wall like they're at a funeral they're enjoying. My collar itches. Last night's mark sits just under the fabric, and I know the second the clerk leans in with her reading glasses she's going to see it.

She does. Her eyes flick to my throat, then away, fast, professional. Good girl.

Luca's hand finds the small of my back. Not holding me up. Holding me still.