Page 92 of Dark Alliance
The meal is extremely tense. It’s also sensational, culinary-wise. I order the stuffed shells with homemade meatballs the size of my fists, and we’re sharing a bottle of Tignanello Toscana that’s out of this world.
I pour myself another glass and top his off.
“You like it?” Nino gestures to the wine.
“It’s incredible.”
“It’s a blend. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon,andCab Franc. Aged a long-ass time in barrels. One of my late father’s favorites.”
This is the first time I spy the human behind the gorilla. I can almost imagine him at dinner with Cat and their father as Eduardo taught them the broad strokes about vintages and vineyards and how to select a killer bottle.
I raise my glass. “To Eduardo. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know him better.”
Nino reluctantly lifts his own glass, and we toast.
Thus concludes our civil conversation.
I’m able to maintain a cool-headed persona better than Cat’s brother for a plethora of reasons, but this one tops them all…
I did not kill Eduardo Ricci. Nino knows I didn’t kill his father because he did.
But following Eduardo death, Nino confidence has surged.
I’m also on his turf, which puts me in quite a vulnerable position.
I’m not worried, though. I can take this bastard with my hands tied.
I just can’t kill him. Cat can’t handle losing her brother and father in the same week.
After the waiter clears our meals, Nino relaxes in his seat and studies me.
His eyes make my skin crawl. They’re so different from his sister’s, cold and conniving rather than introspective and intelligent. I’m second-guessing whether he might murder me right here. A blade to my femoral artery would do the trick well enough.
I dab my mouth with my napkin. Better get this over with. “Nino, listen. I still think our families can find common ground. I think you know that I’m not responsible for your father.”
“Why would I know that?” His voice sharpens, and he narrows his eyes.
Because you are.
Rather than say that, I quirk a brow. “Because you don’t reach the top of the organization without the ability to read people.”
Nino relaxes again, his fingers tracing the design on the tablecloth.
“I’ve got a proposition for you, Gallagher.”
This can’t be good. I recline in my seat and motion for him to continue.
“You can have the diamond at a bargain-basement price if you get the hell out of town and never return.”
So Nino has the diamond. Big surprise. Presumably, he also wants me gone so he can build his alliance with the Roguilins and topple the Kings.
Declan would be ecstatic if I walked into his Spanish villa with that diamond on my pinky finger. He might even manage to crack a smile.
The thought of pleasing Declan brings me no joy.
I can play the game, though. Maybe if I go along with this, Nino will eventually slip up.
“You’ve got yourself a deal.”
