Ardan winced beside him. “I haven’t had the chance to explain everything to the boss,” he said quietly to Gabriel, “but I assured him that we’ve worked out our differences, and there was a viable reason for you to deny his last offer. You’re happy to work for him now, though, as long as your family is given the protection they require.”
“And as you know, we’ve put protection detail on them immediately as promised,” Killough said in a deep baritone as he slid his fingers together in front of him and crossed his legs. “We’ve held up our end of the bargain, and I’m sure Ardan has given you a run down on the money we pay. You get a base wage per month, along with an extra wad of cash if a dangerous job is carried out. The amount will depend on the complexity of that job.”
Gabriel nodded. “Sounds fair.”
“You are my exclusive employee now, Mr. Mancini, which means I expect loyalty to my company. If you have an issue with another team member, you’ll approach your superior, which in this instance, is Ardan. I will not have rogue killings in this organization. While Ardan has promised me there was a good reason for you to betray Folliero, I do not deal in excuses.”
“Yes, sir.” Gabriel swallowed, forcing down the urge to say something smart. He’d been a solo act for too long now and he’d forgotten what it was like to work for someone else. And Sloan Killough was not the person to be a smart-ass to.
“Good.” Killough picked up his glass again and took another sip. “Now let’s talk about your next assignment. You will be working together.”
Ardan leaned forward in his chair, an intensity filling his gaze. “Sir?”
“My surprise birthday party that my dear pet thinks I don’t know about.”
Ardan coughed into his hand in a way that made it sound like he was holding back a laugh, and Gabriel frowned.
“While I trust my pet to keep me safe, I’d rather my top men on the job. I believe he has plans for it be at the Exotic Virtue, seeing as the last party was so much fun.” Killough smirked.
“He already asked me to go over the security plans for the party, boss,” Ardan said.
“I’m aware of that.” Killough chuckled into his drink and then swallowed the rest of it. “I see everything that happens, Ardan, especially when it involves Conall.”
“Who does he have taking care of the security right now?” Gabriel asked.
“His name is Duffy,” Killough said.
“I trust him.” Ardan glanced at Gabriel. “He’s a good soldier.”
“With a name like that? Please tell me it’s a nickname.” Gabriel threw his head back and laughed.
Ardan rolled his dark eyes at him. “Don’t let him hear you say that. He’s copped enough insults about his name and that man would sooner knee you in the balls than let you insult him. He’s short but packs a punch.”
“I can confirm that. I’ve seen him take down men who were twice his size.” Killough chuckled. “There’s always a reason I choose my men and it’s not for their good looks.”
“Is it because they’re Irish?” Gabriel let that smart-ass comment slip and he forced back a grimace, and waited to see if Killough would react badly to the jab. To his surprise, Killough’s laugh grew louder.
“That’s always a requirement. What’s the use of being the Irish mafia if we don’t have Irishmen?”
“Am I the lucky bastard to be the odd one out?”
“Of course. We’d be stupid not to use your expertise. Former CIA agents are hard to come by.”
Gabriel shot Ardan an accusatory glare, but Ardan raised his palms toward him, his mouth parted in surprise. “I didn’t say a word to the boss.”
“He didn’t need to. I know everything, Mr. Mancini. I have people in high places, places that you would never imagine I’d have them.” Killough’s vibrant eyes twinkled knowingly. “I might have one or two who I asked to get information on you. Their access granted them material not many people get, including CIA reports on MIA and KIA agents. You look good for a dead man.”
“Thank you,” Gabriel said without missing a beat. He patted at his long dark hair. “It could be this. I grew it out and I think it suits me.”
Killough snorted. “You’re a comedian.”
Ardan shook his head. “He tries to be, boss, but I don’t think he should give up his day job.”
“If being a hitman never worked out, I was going to join a comedy club.”
Killough and Ardan both stared at him with stoic faces, and Gabriel couldn’t stop himself from laughing.Serious. This was a serious business meeting with his new boss. He needed to learn when to shut his mouth.
“Do you plan on killing your targets with laughter?” Killough asked with an amused smirk.
