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“Exactly like we practiced,” Elio whispered as the call connected.
“Hi, Salvo.” I tried to keep my voice light. “Thanks for calling me back.”
“I would have called sooner, but I had a one-day contract. I really need more income than I can make doing contracts here and there. Have you good news for me?”
“Well, Elio and I spoke about it, and though it took a little convincing, he saw the benefit in you joining us.”
“He did?” He sounded surprised. “Fantastico. I knew you’d come through for me. So, what now?”
I glanced at Elio, who gave me the nod to keep going with the conversation as we planned.
“Let’s meet up in town. I’ll text you the address, and we can iron out all the details from there.”
Silence.
“How do I know I’m not walking into an ambush?”
Elio motioned for me to mute the call, but I knew Salvo better than anyone in this room, so I shook my head and turned away as I answered.
“I guess you’re going to have to trust me, Salvo.” I pictured how it had been with us when I was around him to keep my voice real.
“I think, given the circumstances, you can see how that would be hard for me.”
“I do, but you’re the one asking for this job,” I reasoned. I waited a beat and let the silence hang. “All right, Salvo, would it help if you and I met up somewhere first? Just the two of us. Then we can go and talk to Elio together?”
“That would be better,” Salvo replied, and I saw Elio nod. It was all going according to plan. “We can meet today at noon at the old church. You remember where we went that day, by the pond at the edge of city.” Elio was nodding.
“I do, I’ll see you there then.”
I hung up and looked at Vinni. “You’ll let me know if you—”
“—hear from Wyatt. You have my word.”
“Thanks.” I checked the time and took a breath. “I should get going.”
“We,” Elio corrected me. “Let me call Gain and Harris, and we’ll get moving.”
* * *
The wind whipped my hair around as it wafted up the cliff from the water below. I stood near a picnic table close to the edge so I could see the water. The nearby church hadn’t been used in years, but people often drove out there to get away from the city and to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
“Careful,” Salvo suddenly pulled me back with his hands on my hips, “the ground is very loose there.” I hadn’t seen him approach, but had heard his car pull in.
“Thanks.” I tucked my wild hair behind my ear and waited for him to remove his hands, but he didn’t. “It’s lovely, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s always been a favorite of mine.” Salvo smiled, and I stepped away from him, knowing Elio was probably just itching to drive a bullet into his head.
“How many men?” I nodded over his shoulder, and he smirked, knowing neither of us would have come alone.
“Five, give or take.”
“Mm,” I thought out loud, “you came with men, yet you lead me to believe you’re broke?” He looked away, and I chuckled softly. I knew Elio would have Gain and Harris keep a watchful eye on any men Salvo might have brought with him, while he kept his laser eyes on Salvo.
“Let me guess, yours are in the tree line?”
“Of course.” I nodded. “How’ve you been?” I’d noticed he looked tired.
“Aside from losing a family I’d devoted more than half my life to, I’m holding up.”
