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“Great.” I smiled at the gold band. “This is it. I’ll wait for the payment information so I can clear the wire transaction, and please add the sole right to its design.”
Joseph blinked, taken aback by my request but quickly regained his composure. “There’s no need, Miss. Vitelli. We already have an account on file.”
I stared at the man, finally looking directly at him and his shiny slicked-back hair.
“And per my request, you can disregard that account for this purchase. I will take care of it, and please don’t forget to hand me the paperwork while you retrieve the information I asked for.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed, and without another word he did as told.
“Fuck, I bet you drivehimmad,” Viktor whispered nearby with glee.
Yes, I did.
XXXI
LUCCA
Texas
Neutral territory.That was what I requested when I had called out a council meeting and how I found myself on a private flight to Houston. But this city was far from corrupt. Texas was one of the main streams that traveled all across the States and into our cities. A gateway that we all benefited from, with resources and people we all used throughout.
This is as neutral as it gets.
Our rules were simple. Every boss must travel with only one man by their side.
Council meetings were secretive for the safety of each syndicate. The exact location and time was only known to the bosses to rule out any leaks or threats. They were rare and requested when an issue needed to be discussed in person. An issue that could potentially harm La Cosa Nostra.
Due to the rules already being broken, I didn’t trust Borelli.
I didn’t trust this meeting.
But this was one way I could get him out of California to see the bastard. Even if it was surrounded by family members.
“Why not take him out now?”
“I’m going to act as if you didn’t speak, Arlo.” I glanced at my watch, fifteen minutes until landing.
“But I did.”
I faced him.
Arlo sat on the opposite side of the cabin, but his seat faced the back of the jet. He repeatedly tugged the knot in his tie, uncomfortable to wear a full suit. While his clothing had changed since becoming my underboss, he still preferred his dark jeans and black tee on messy days. The others, he spent it in dress pants and a black tee. Never a tie.
“You know the answer.”
“And yet, I’m asking you.” His light-brown eyes challenged.
I took a deep breath. “If he dies, or any of us don’t return to our cities, the famiglia will crumble by mistrust.” My eyes fell to my last drink for the day. “If he dies,” I repeated, “they’ll know it was me. Unless he steps in Miami, in the eyes of the council, he is not a direct threat to me. I need to assure you that our rules are still in place.”
“Tino is in Miami,” he spat.
“Do you have proof, Arlo? A fucking picture, or someone alive that can confirm?”
We knew it, which meant the whispers would have eventually made it to the other bosses. But that was all they were. Whispers, rumors.
“Then why are we even here?”
For my next move. To look Borelli in the eyes, knowing he was oblivious to what I had planned.
