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“You okay, baby sis?” he asked.
“I’m fine. Just winded,” she told him then turned to me. “You can put me down. I don’t break easily.”
“Not a chance,” I mused. “You’re mine to keep.” The words were stated for Mike’s benefit.
He nodded as if knowing. “Couldn’t ask a better man to take care of her. Just treat her right or I’ll beat your ass.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” I walked toward Francesco, noticing his expression was entirely different than I was used to. Maybe he’d learned a lesson or two. “Do you have something to say to me?”
The kid surveyed the scene, even walking closer to the edge and peering down. Then he approached with his arm stuck out, expecting a handshake. What the hell. It had been an interesting day.
“I’ll never doubt you again, Viper. You’re one hell of a ballplayer.”
“You should see when I play blackjack.”
As the shake continued and he gave me a nod of respect, I had a feeling his attitude would change in the future. If not, I’d be happy to teach him another lesson.
“What now?” Gio asked.
“We stick to our original plan. Then we attack.”
CHAPTER24
Viper
“Jesus, man. You look like shit,” Max said as he leaned into the screen on the Zoom call.
“You should see the other guy.” While I could laugh now, not only did my ribs hurt but I remained on edge, expecting another attack at any point. The fact the fuckers were on the Pacific Coast Highway waiting for us to pass was a red flag that nothing about my life was secure. That irritated the hell out of me. Until I plugged the leak, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.
“So you really think Killian is behind this.”
“Yeah, I do. But that doesn’t mean Torino shouldn’t be handled.”
He sat back in his chair, folding his arms. “I got wind Torino did have a couple meetings with movie production companies in LA. I think that means it’s confirmed he’s attempting to broaden his horizons.”
“That’s not gonna happen in my town.”
“Then what do you propose, brother?” Max had a grin on his face. My ideas were never grandiose, just run of the mill track and eliminate. I had a feeling he’d be surprised at what I was about to suggest.
I rapped my fingers on the desk then smiled. “How would you feel about getting into the casino resort business?”
After narrowing his eyes, he took a swig of his drink. “Profitable?”
“Tens of millions, more if we do it right.”
“And you’re suggesting we go legit with it.”
“Absolutely.”
“Then what the hell. Let’s do it.”
“Do you have any banker friends in your right pocket?” I asked.
Laughing, he shook his head. “Let me see what I can make happen. I assume you’re heading back to New York so we can handle the situation.”
“Just as soon as I locate the traitor.”
“Good. I think we can have some fun with Mr. O’Rourke. Then maybe we’ll head to Vegas for a night of fun.”
