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“Go on, then.”
“Your father killed her,” Montanari hisses, smart enough at least to not shoutthatpiece of information out, “because she was sleeping around on him with someone. All of us in the inner circle knew he’d called a hit, but we didn’t say a word because it wasn’t our place. And you’re on a fool’s errand if you think anything different.”
And with that, he turns on his heel and leaves again. I wait right where I am for a minute or so, giving Montanari time to leave for real, and Julian time to compose himself.
But when I turn around, about to ask Julian if he’s finally convinced, he’s already gone.
CHAPTER24
LEO
Julian doesn’t turnup at The Cellar next Friday night, and when I give in and text him, his reply is a brief,Set up a meeting with your father.
It takes a few days, but I finally persuade my father to meet with Julian.
It’s not like I’m thrilled about it. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’ll end in tears on both sides, but here I am, making sure theCucina Paradisorestaurant is only filled with Bernardi-sympathetic types, and no nasty surprises hidden away in the bathrooms or kitchens. My father processes into the private room like a king, AJ and Monkeys trailing behind him, and I bring up the rear. Gino wasn’t invited this time, I guess.
This was the safest place I could think of. This restaurant is Family-owned, and everyone working here has been checked thoroughly.
Julian shows up on time and at the back entrance just like I told him, surprising me on two counts. I’d already devised contingency plans for when he inevitably strolled in the front door making a noise, drawing eyes to him.
But tonight, as I pat him down in the alley behind the restaurant, he seems almost subdued.
“What’s up with you?” I ask him. “You’re too quiet.”
“Low blood sugar.”
I give him a skeptical look. “You’re not gonna try anything, right? I really don’t want to have to kill you.”
He gives a smile that is, for him, sweet. All he says is, “Oh, Leo. You’re adorable.”
When I show him into the small back room, which our security guys already set up with equipment to keep the conversation private, he’s on his best behavior as far as I can tell.
“Julian,” my father rasps, and stands to greet him.
“Don Bernardi,” Julian replies, and does a passable impression of respect.
“My condolences on your father’s passing,” Dad goes on. “I have not had the opportunity to speak to you about it.”
Julian nods sadly. “My brother wouldn’t allow me to go to the funeral. I suppose he thought it might undermine his position. There were many in the Family who didn’t support his succession, as you know.”
Did we know? I keep my face blank, but I’m pretty fucking suspicious right now. It’s not that I expected Juliannotto have an agenda, but he’s laying it on thick with Dad.
And Dad laps it up. He gestures to the seat next to him, his left hand, where Monkeys usually sits. “Please, sit. I’ve ordered some wine. It’s a good vintage. We’ll toast your father and enjoy our meal, and talk business later.”
The longer the meal goes on, the more uncomfortable I feel. I’m dressed in the only suit I own and it’s a little tight across the shoulders, making me stiff in my movements. The last thing I want is the damn seams to rip open. Plus I’m sweating like a pig in the close atmosphere of the room, the candles making it hotter than it should be.
This isn’t my scene. But it’s sure as shit Julian Castellani’s scene. He makes small talk like he’s a PR manager at a fucking cocktail party. He’s a completely different man from the one who can’t stop making asshole comments or sexually-charged jokes, and he shows deference and respect not only to my father, but to Monkeys and even AJ as well.
The three of them started out wary and by dessert, they’re all talking with Julian like they’re old friends.
Julian Castellani is dangerous.
I always knew it, but I thought it was just his skills as a killer that made him so. Turns out there are other ways to be dangerous. He treats the whole meal like a job interview, like he’s playing the part of the up-and-coming young thing who’s oh-so-sorry for the unfortunate death of a Family elder. It’s a perfectly balanced performance and if I hadn’t had other experiences with the guy, I might even buy it.
He barely looks at me all night and I barely say a word. But as the after-dinner drinks are brought in, Julian sends a glance my way. “I’ve spent some time with Leo,” he says. “I think we make a good team.”
“You’ve been helpful,” Dad says.
