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“That’s true, but it’s more profitable and less of a hassle if you let an experienced attorney take charge. Since you’re legitimizing some of your business, it will look good on paper if an appropriate legal counsel is in charge.”
“I see you’ve done your research.”
“I’ve done more than that and I’d be able to end the week-long workers’ strike at your metal factory downtown effective tomorrow if you hire me.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“The catch, Ms. Leblanc. What is it?”
“Four times my hourly rate for every shady operation I do for you.”
He pauses. “I thought you would use legal methods.”
“I might have to use illegal methods to get there, and I want to be fully compensated for it.”
“Double.”
“Triple.”
“Double and permission to stay alive as long as you’re useful.”
“Double and protection while I’m in your world.”
He pauses at that. “Got a target on your back?”
“From your hitman, yes.”
He raises a brow. “Elaborate, and don’t leave any details out, because one of my men is background checking you as we speak.”
“Bruno Locatelli is my father, and he’ll be after my neck as soon as he’s released.”
Nicolo’s lips twitch. “You’re the red dahlia he’s been keeping an eye on.”
My throat closes and it takes all my goodwill not to freak out. I thought I’d escaped their world the day I left Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bob’s house.
But Nicolo just said that I’ve been on his radar all this time. I shouldn’t be surprised, but my brain must’ve deleted the detail of how dangerous my father actually is. It must’ve tried to self-comfort by thinking our lives have been separate up until now.
“See, Bruno has been loyal and lucrative to the family business for decades. Long before you were born. You have to offer way more than he does for me to even consider twisting his arm in his private family matters.”
“Give me a chance and you won’t be disappointed.”
“I better not be or I’ll personally sign your death certificate.”
“Does that mean you’ll give me a chance?”
“I will, after you end that strike by morning.”
“Thank you.” I approach him to shake hands, but once again, the breath is knocked out of my lungs.
His buff guard plasters me to the wall, spitting, “You have not earned permission to breathe that close to Boss.”
Ugh. This jerk really needs to train his dogs better.
“Got it…” I mumble to get out of his hold.
I expect Nicolo to call him off, but the guard’s weight disappears from my back in a sudden whoosh of air.
