He was the guy the CIA called to eliminate scum. He was also the one they called to flush them out. He’d built an empire of connections for himself throughout the world, but when it came to hunting killers on his home turf, he had few contacts.
As the beads of perspiration formed on his brow, he reviewed every piece of information he had, analyzed what they knew. He increased his speed, sprinting through the neighborhood he was temporarily calling home.
He’d been on the move for so long, he had no idea what it would feel like to put down roots, like his brothers. They’d lived in the DMV their entire lives. He’d started over again and again.
Was Caroline his home? Was she the one he could build a life with? His gut told him yes, but he wanted to take things slowly.
Pushing himself harder, he refocused his thoughts on the case. While the terrorists wanted to blend in, there were multiple ways to find someone, especially in a world where security cameras were plentiful, and social media encouraged people to tell all, show all, share all, boast all. There had to besomeone in that group whose ego made it impossible for him to stay hidden.
I will find you.
Bolstered by the determination that had served him well for the past sixteen years, he ran to the local gym. Thirty minutes later, he’d finished his workout. Energized, he jogged home.
It was just before seven when he walked into Santini Ristorante. The place was busier than he’d seen in a while. The hostess had just returned from seating someone.
“Hey, Tara, busy night.”
“Willie Boy’s back,” she said. “I didn’t know what to say?—”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he quit the restaurant and left the area,” she explained. “Mr. Santini and Mr. Santini—Luciano and Tank—they took over and redid everything, even the name.” She stepped close. “It was pretty rundown. Look, I don’t want to get involved in a family thing.” She grabbed three menus. “I’ve gotta seat these guests.”
“Understood,” Greystone said. “Is the owner’s table available?”
She checked the schedule. “Yes.”
“I’ll take it. I’m expecting Caroline Austin.” He took off through the crowded restaurant in search of his new hire. He found Willie Boy in the office, sitting behind the desk. He was smoking a cigar and talking on the phone, his back to the door. “Yeah, I need to order a billiard table.”
“Yo,” Greystone said.
Willie Boy startled, then spun around. “I’ll call you back.”
Greystone said nothing.
“Hey, cousin.” Willie Boy pushed out of the chair. If nothing else, he’d worn a decent-looking suit. “There are a lot of loyal customers wanting the pool room back.”
“Work the shift,” Greystone said. “You order nothin’. Youdon’t do payroll. You needed a job. I gave you one.” Greystone hitched an eyebrow. “Don’t fuck yourself by pissin’ me off.”
Willie Boy glared at him. Greystone wanted to laugh in his face, then haul his ass out back and show him how he handled problems. With his fist or a knife. A gun would work if things got bat-shit crazy.
“Get your lazy ass out there and make sure things are runnin’ smoothly. Check the kitchen staff, talk to the chef, make sure none of the servers called out. Help Tara seat guests if there are open tables. And clear a table your damn self if the busboys are busy.”
Willie Boy’s eyes grew full-moon large. “You gotta be shitting me. This wasmycastle and I was king.”
“Now, you work here, like the rest of us.”
Willie Boy narrowed his gaze, then stormed off.
He didn’t like the vibes Willie Boy was putting out, but he’d said what needed to be said. It was up to Willie Boy to fall in line or get the boot. Greystone pulled the office door shut behind him, made his way to the owner’s booth in the main dining room, and his heart jumped into his throat. Caroline was seated, sipping something through a straw, and looking absolutely gorgeous.
As he got closer, she smiled at him, and his pulse shot up.
She rose. “Hi.”
He kissed her. “Wow, you look stunning.”
She’d pulled her hair into an updo, leaving long tendrils framing her face. Normally, she wore little makeup, but tonight her smoky eyes popped, her lashes were thick and long, and her pink lips had him eyeing her beautiful mouth. She’d worn a plunging bright pink shirt and black, sequined pants that flared at the bottom.
