Page 56 of Damaged Beast
“If it helps at all, I’m more like a drug exporter. I work with large quantities.”
She grimaces. “That’s not better.”
“Suit yourself.”
“Can I ask you something though?”
I lightly stroke her hand, not sure why I’m doing it, but I like to touch her. “Go ahead.”
“Don’t you ever worry?”
All the fucking time.“Be more specific.”
“About the cops. About the morality of it. About… I don’t know… people finding out.”
“I’m not ashamed of who I am. And the police aren’t an issue.”
“You selldrugs, I’m pretty sure they’re a big deal.”
“Not in this city.” She looks mildly alarmed and I try not to laugh. “My Famiglia deals with them. Police Chief Jeffers is a good friend of Stellan. Actually,friendisn’t the right word. More likebeneficiary.”
“He takes bribes?!”
“We don’t call it that, but absolutely, yes he does. I see that I’ve scandalized you, darling.”
“I’m processing this new reality, that’s all.”
“Here’s the truth of who I am. I don’t care about many things. I’m not close with many people. But I’d kill and I’d die for my Famiglia. I’m fiercely loyal to my few friends. And I honor my word above all else. I’ll protect you, Deanna, and your family will be looked after, no matter what happens. You don’t have to be afraid.”
“I never said I was,” she murmurs and even though it’s clearly not true, I don’t press her on it.
We come around a turn and head back toward the entrance. A car approaches from the front, a black Mercedes with dark tinted windows. Warning prickles down my neck and I’m already stepping in front of Deanna and reaching for the gun I have tucked into my suit jacket when the car stops and the back window rolls down.
“Well hello there, Prime, it’s good to see you.” Ricardo’s portly face beams out at me like this is some happy coincidence.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” I slowly lower my hand, but not my guard.
“I tracked you down. I hope you don’t mind.”
I mind very much. I don’t love the idea that Ricardo can find me even when I’m out on a site survey. But I do my best to hide it.
“Not at all.”
“And hello to you, Deanna. My wife can’t stop talking about how funny, charming, and beautiful you are.”
“Thank you, and please tell her I said hello. We had a great time at your party.”
Ricardo laughs loudly. “A little too much fun!” He winks at her and a spike of hate rushes into my veins. I want to kill this disgusting prick and be done with it, but I still need him. Ricardo’s a gnat, while I’m after the queen fucking bee.
“What can I do for you?” It’s hot and I don’t have the patience to stand around and listen to this man’s bullshit for long.
“I was wondering if we could discuss a business arrangement sometime.” Ricardo’s voice softens a touch. “Marco Carbone’s been talking about you and he thinks the two of you can be good partners.”
That gets my attention. Carbone’s a big name in the Fontana outfit. He’s a rung above Ricardo and a major step closer to Fontana himself. Landing a deal with him would be massive toward earning their trust, but I can’t seem too eager.
“Depending on what he has to offer, I’d be happy to discuss something.”
“Wonderful! I’ll have him call your office.” Ricardo looks to Deanna. “Will you be answering the phone still, dear?”
