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Sometimes I wonder why people make such obviously stupid decisions. They never think tactically. Just because you have a gun does not mean you are safe. In fact, it just paints a giant target on your back.
I nod toward one of the hired security guys, and he steps up behind Beni. Beni freezes as he feels the business end of a gun at the back of his neck, widening his eyes as he looks up at me.
“You’ve taken a lot of money from Rinaldo’s businesses, Beni,” I say. “My businesses. You’ve been working with Joshua Taylor, trying to undermine this organization for months. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”
I lean my elbows on the table, placing myself between Becca and Lucia and directly across from Beni. My Beretta is still in my hands, and I toss it back and forth as I look him in the face.
“I’m giving you one chance, and one chance only, to save your own miserable life. You tell me where I can find Joshua Taylor, and I’ll have you shipped back to Italy in a first-class seat instead of a pine box.”
He blinks twice before speaking.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Arden. I know we’ve had our disagreements, but I’ve always been loyal to—”
Bang!
With a flick of my wrist and a squeeze of the trigger, Beni flies backward, taking the chair with him. Lucia’s scream is as loud as the gun, and she shoves away from the table and backs herself into the corner of the room. She covers her face with her hands, screaming again when she realizes there’s blood and bits of brain on her shirt. Jonathan goes to her, grabbing her arm and silencing her as I look around the table at pale, shocked faces.
“Anyone else unsure about the definition of one chance?”
Pushing my palm against the table, I stand up straight and go back to my seat.
“There are going to be some changes.”
*****
Meeting adjourned.
Jonathan is on the phone, calling the cleaning crew. I’m inclined to have the whole building burned down. I don’t think I like being in Rinaldo’s old office. Too many memories.
“Is there anything you need from me for now?” Becca asks quietly.
“Not now,” I say. “Get the money moved so there’s no more skimming. Jonathan has all the new account numbers. I want to focus on the uniform business and car sales. Most of it’s going there.”
“We’ll have to up the number of imports this quarter to make it balance.”
“Do it.”
“Of course.” She’s still visibly shaken but in much better shape than Lucia.
She’s still in the corner, crying.
“You want me to take care of her?” Jonathan asks. He flicks his head, pointing his chin in Lucia’s direction.
“I got her.”
“Whatever ya like, boss.”
I wave him off to finish his phone calls and walk over to Lucia. Jonathan brought a chair over to her after everyone else left, and she’s currently curled up in it with her arms around her knees. I crouch down beside her.
“Lucia?” She doesn’t answer. She doesn’t even look at me. I’m not surprised—she isn’t used to this side of the business, and killing in front of a group of people isn’t my usual style. I needed to send a message, and I’m pretty sure I succeeded. “I’m sorry you were here to see that.”
I’m not the least bit sorry. In fact, it’s exactly how I wanted her to react.
“You know this can sometimes get a little…messy.”
“Messy?” She turns to look at me. “Is that what that was? Messy?”
I sigh and look down at my hands dangling between my knees. I’m actually quite pleased with her reaction, but I try not to show it.
