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Olivia’s due in the next few weeks. Luca was already protective of her. He’s like a bear with a thorn in his paw right now. I’m certain Finn knows it wasn’t a good time to call.
“Where’s he at?”
“They dumped him at a bodega in Harlem.”
It’s not near any of the Irish territories that matter. I can guess which one. Enrique won’t be pleased.
“Is someone getting him?”
“Yeah. They’ll take him to Palermo’s. He can chill in the fridge if he gets too heated.”
Palermo's in Queens is a restaurant we go for private conversations that don't need the garage. The walk-in fridge is a good place to mellow people out who might not be ready to talk.
“All right. I’m on my way.”
I hurry to dress, then I slip into Sinead’s room. I shake her shoulder until she rolls over and opens her eyes a crack.
“Piccolina, I need to go out for a while. I should be back by breakfast, but if you need anything, call me.”
Unlike at the garage, I’ll have my phone on.
“Okay.”
She’s so groggy I’m not sure she’ll remember this when she wakes up. I press a soft kiss to her temple, then I’m gone. There’s a town car waiting for me by the time I get downstairs. I don’t need to tell Pauly where to take me. I slip into the restaurant through the back alley. Marco’s already there with Duffy sagging against a wall. He’s had the shit beaten out of him. He looks like he can barely stand up. That’s why Marco isn’t letting him sit. It’s part of the punishment. Our guys stripped him for two reasons. One, to humiliate him. Two, to ensure he’s not wearing a wire.
“Why’d you write the article?”
I ask without preamble. I want to get back to Auntie Paola’s. I don’t like leaving Sinead there alone. I know Auntie Paola isn’t there, but I don’t ask questions about where she is. I also need sleep. Last night was horrible. The few minutes I caught here and there at the hospital hardly left me rested.
“What article?”
“Duffy, don’t. You know what I mean. Clearly, Dillan knew about it too. That’s why you look like shit warmed up. Why?”
“Because her family would never approve of her representing some Guido who should already be serving life.”
“But she doesn’t have family to tell her no. So, it’s not your concern. Why’d you make it your business?”
“You should be locked up. She shouldn’t be keeping you out of prison where you belong. She can represent anyone who isn’t a rival.”
“Even if Sinead were a close relative to someone in the mob, she would be untouchable because she's a woman.”
He scoffs at me.
“Bah.”
“Women aren’t involved. Men don’t pull them in. She’s free to represent whoever her firm tells her to.”
He’s getting heated as he continues to speak. He sounds like he believes he’s fulfilling a just cause.
“Bullshit. If women weren’t involved, she wouldn’t represent you. Your family specifically demanded she represent you. Your family sucked her in, and she agreed. She’s a traitor.”
“To what? She’s never sworn loyalty to anyone. She’s Irish-American, but she’s not mob. Who are you to decide this shit, anyway? Dillan makes those calls. You took this upon yourself, and your face shows what a bad choice that was.”
“I’m loyal to my family and the cause.”
It’s my turn to scoff now.
“The cause? What the fuck cause are you talking about? What propaganda are you peddling?”
