Don Russo kept calm as he listened to it all. “Tell Bill to call me. Drop the price of the parts by half. And, Charlie, send a crew to the distributors to make sure nothing gets scuffed again in the next shipment.”
“Got it, boss.” Charlie was about to leave when his eyes settled on me. He stared for a second, knowing exactly who I was, even though I didn’t recognize him. “Glad you’re back, Wolfe.” He nodded and then headed back to the car. He hopped in the passenger seat, and then the car took off.
The waiter came out and brought our entrees before he went back inside.
“Business hasn’t changed,” I said as I dropped the linen across my lap.
“No, it’s changed,” Don Russo said. “They’re all still a bunch of idiots.”
“We promoted Emil to lieutenant, but he wasn’t up for the job,” Don Russo said. “Immediately went on a power trip and caused more problems than he fixed. Demoted him down to wall security to remind him how insignificant he is.”
I smirked. “I never liked Emil.”
“And you were right not to,” Uncle Marco said. “Should have listened to you.”
“I won’t disagree with that.” I was an arrogant asshole, but I’d never been on a power trip.
“How would you feel if we promoted you to lieutenant?” Don Russo asked after he took a bite of pasta with red shrimp.
“Seems like a big position for a temp.” Both of my arms moved to the table as I shifted my weight forward to eat over my plate. I hadn’t eaten here in months, and the smell was immediately like a walk down memory lane. “My employment terminates when Icarus is dead.”
Don Russo took another bite of his food and took his time. “Your position hasn’t been filled since you vacated it. I think it’s for the best if you take it now, whether you choose to stay or not.”
I knew they were doing whatever they could to cement my position, to give me everything I wanted in the hope I’d want the life I’d left behind. But I was a different person now. I’d left a furious bachelor and returned as a man with a different set of priorities. “Does that mean I get the same pay?”
“We would never expect you to work for free,” Don Russo said. “And I know you would never work for free either.”
I didn’t need the money, but it was the principle of the matter. If someone wanted me to fix the problems, they’d better line my pockets. “Alright, you’ve got a deal.”
Don Russo got the intel I needed to intercept Leo.
They were having dinner in Trapani. Warren was meeting with Claudio, a private security distributor, for some kind of deal. Thedetails of that meeting were unclear, but it was taking place in a public restaurant over dinner, which was my best chance of getting to Leo.
“I don’t know about this.” Francesca followed me downstairs.
“Baby, I’ll be fine.”
“If you get caught, you’ll be outnumbered?—”
“I won’t get caught.”
“I still don’t like this.”
“I’ve got a couple guys coming with me, alright?” I stopped by the door that led to the parking garage underneath the house. “Leo is a shithead, so he’ll be on external detail. I’m sure I’ll be able to talk to him without issue.”
“Why don’t you just go to the vineyard when Warren isn’t there?”
“Because he’ll expect that, and he’ll be ready. This is the only way.”
“But—”
“Baby.” My hands went to her arms, and I gently grabbed her. “I understand you’re scared after what happened, but don’t forget who I am. I can handle this with my eyes closed, alright?”
She still looked terrified. “What if they see you and try to kill you?”
“Then I’ll kill them first like I always do.” I cupped her face and gave her my signature smirk. “I’ll text you the second I’m on my way home, alright?”
Her eyes shifted back and forth between mine before she finally gave a nod.
