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And I know why. So that Julian could be right here to intimidate, without having to worry that Darian would be too polite or welcoming to Bricker.
I turn to Bricker now, who looks like he’s a few seconds away from saying something unwise. Poor guy has had a very shitty forty-eight hours. “Come on,” I say, reaching out to his shoulder. “Boss is waiting.”
Bricker lets me turn him around, although I feel the tension in his shoulders as Julian calls after us, “Make sure you stop by on your way out. I want to hearallthe gossip.”
“Enough, Julian,” I hear Jack tell him in an undertone, but I know from experience that Julian Castellani takes a lot to be quelled. Usually it takes his big brother, in fact, the very same man we’re about to see.
Jack waits in the foyer and I lead Bricker through the house toward Sandro’s study with a strange sense of pride as we navigate the halls. It’s not my house, but it feels like home—and itismy workplace. But there’s an undercurrent coming from the surrounds I can’t quite shake.
It’s as if the house itself is holding its breath. And then, as I knock on the study door and open it, my own lungs tighten up in sympathy.
Sandro Castellani looks away from the windows as we walk in, his expression dark as the gathering clouds outside. I give an internal sigh.
Here we go.
CHAPTER25
BRICKER
I’ve never metthe Castellani Don. Seen him a couple of times, but never this close up, and that scar on his face is pretty noticeable now. His eyes burn with a fury that makes me wonder if the Maestra figured letting Alessandro Castellani take me out would be the easiest way to get rid of me.
“Pedretti,” he says coolly, looking away from me at last, “I’m relieved to see you whole.”
“You know me, Boss,” Pedretti says. “Head like a cinder block. Hard to crack.”
“Not for lack of the Espositos trying,” Castellani says, and that was definitely meant for me, though he only looks at me a moment after saying it. “I hear you lost three men yesterday, Soldano.”
“One,” I spit back. And then I have to add, “Two injuries.”
“That’s not how it was, Boss,” Max says, calm as always. “And maybe we can do some introductions first, so we all know who we’re glaring at.”
Castellani’s right eyebrow, the one not bisected by that jagged scar, goes up. “Do you not know who I am?” he asks me.
“Oh, I know,” I say, and I try to sound at least a little respectful as I add, “Sir.”
“Boss, this is Bricker Soldano,” Max says. “One of the Esposito’s best Capos.”
“Best?” Castellani chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “If this is what they consider their best—”
“Boss,” Max says softly, “give him a break. These men who were hurt, I’m worried about them, too. I want to go back with Soldano and help sort out this mess.”
Castellani’s eyes narrow as he studies me, anger still evident in his expression. “Pedretti, I don’t like that you’ve been put in danger because of the Espositos. If they’re going to get you killed, I am disinclined to let you return to them.”
Indignation flares in me, but I can hardly argue with another Family’s Don. But Max’s face darkens too.
Max had my back with Anna-Vittoria. The least I can do is try to have his now. “Don Castellani.” I step forward. “I apologize for my actions that have endangered your man. His safety is important to me, too. If I take full responsibility for him, for keeping him safe, will you grant your permission to let him return to the Espositos? So he can help me find out who was responsible for the death of my man—and help me avenge him?”
Castellani returns to his desk and sits down. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t invite us to sit, either, but I can tell he’s considering my request. Inwardly, I will him to trust me, but I don’t know the man. Only his reputation.
The sneer of disdain doesn’t seem like a good sign. “How canyouguarantee Pedretti’s safety?”
“I will personally ensure it,” I reply, my voice steady and firm. “I’ll make sure he comes back alive. I swear on my life. Mine for his.”
“Your life for his,” Castellani repeats, almost…almost like a binding promise.
But Max scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t need anyone keepingmesafe.”
“Be that as it may,” Castellani says, his gaze flicking between Max and me, “I still value these assurances. This—Soldano, was it? He has agreed to take responsibility for your safety, Pedretti, and I expect him to uphold that promise.”
