Page 176 of Dark Angel
“Did the police swing by?”
“Not yet.”
“What did you tell the hospital staff?”
“He shot himself in the leg,” she said.
“How’d you get involved?” Gabriel held his breath. His cousin usually went bat-shit crazy with stories.
“I’m a rideshare driver. I sent Vittorio home before we went in.”
“Come back and pick me up after you lose the cat pajamas.”
Her throaty laugh made him smile.
“What, so now I’m your effin’ driver?”
“Well, Diego can’t do it.”
“Jesus, you’re demanding. Kitty PJs or get your own ride.”
“I’ll be here.” He hung up.
Minutes later, his locksmith showed up. When he finished, the facility’s locks had been changed out for a handprint and retina system.
Gabriel paid him, then tipped him two grand. “You were never here.”
“Never even heard of you, Mr. Santini.”
The locksmith drove away as the first light of a new day brightened the skies.
Carmelo called with an update. “The bodies are at the location.”
The “location” was the crematorium.
“Good work,” Gabriel said. “Everyone okay?”
“We’re good. How’s Diego?”
“He’s in surgery.”
“I’ll call his wife, stop by the hospital,” Carmelo said. “You sticking around?”
“I got more fires to put out, so I’m flying back today,” Gabriel said. “You’re not ready to be my underboss, but you could be. Work on it. Yes?”
“Sorry about earlier,” Carmelo replied. “I appreciate your faith in me, Boss.”
“Don’t let me down.” Gabriel killed the call, finished talking with his staff, then brought his forewoman into his office to show her how to use their new entry scanner.
“This is much better,” his forewoman said.
“Can you get the employees set up?” he asked.
“Of course,” she replied.
“I’m hiring a security team,” Gabriel said.
“That’s the best news yet,” she said.
