“This is ridiculous.” Casmiro’s voice was soaked with disbelief. “They’re in no position to be cutting deals. We already agree to grant them their freedom; that’s quite enough, in my opinion,” he said when he realized I was actually thinking about it.
“I agree with Casmiro,” Angelo said.
Their freedom was inevitable.
The money was nothing. I wouldn’t need it where I was going. This all would be nothing if I found those flash drives. Casmiro didn’t know that.
After a few minutes of pondering, I sat up straighter, clearing my throat. “We have a deal, Zahra.”
“Are you fucking kidding me,” Casmiro hissed, relaxing back in the chair with a look of annoyance.
Zahra gave a curt nod. “I would like that to be stated in a certified contract to avoid future misinterpretations.”
“As you wish.”
Casmiro shot me a bewildered look, leaning towards me while he said quietly, “Tell me there’s an explanation for this.”
“Have you ever known me to do things without reason, Casmiro?”
He shook his head.
“Good. We’ll talk at length later. For now, trust me.”
He sneaked a look at Angelo, who shrugged.
“Fine.”
I turned my attention back to the group. “From your interactions, I believe there are issues that need to be solved amongst your group. I am not hiring a bunch of children who can’t air out their disputes and separate them from their work; I’m hiring the people who stole from me and claimed to be shadows of Italy. You’re dismissed in hopes that I’m not making a mistake. When I have news for you, you’ll be informed.”
Elia was the first to shoot up from his seat, walking out like the room was on fire. Dog followed suit with a curse.
“Zahra, will you stay back a minute, please?” I said, gesturing to Casmiro and Angelo to excuse us.
The question in Casmiro’s eyes was evident, but he didn’t ask it. Angelo, though, shot me a familiar look, the one he had worn when he told me not to trust her.
Zahra stood up but did not attempt to leave.
I got to my feet when everyone left, and it was just us two.
“What is this about?” she asked, crossing her arms against her chest. “Do you want to add something to the contract?” She eyed me suspiciously.
“It is unrelated to work,” I said, walking to her.
When I got close, she raised her chin, locking her jaw—determination in those stubborn eyes.
I leaned on the table before her, a foot’s distance between us.
Mirroring her actions by crossing my arms, I watched her swallow, her eyes glazing over momentarily.
“Did you tell my brother? Is that why there’s animosity between you both?”
Mock confusion brought down her brows. “What are you talking about? Tell Devil what?”
Annoyance prickled in me, but I tamped it down. “Do not pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“Maybe you just need to be specific.”
She stared me down, and I honestly did not want to waste more time on this. “The rooftop, last night.”
