Page 10 of Scared Love

43

hunting to teach us how to shoot and perfecting our kill

shots.

“What’s this about?” I ask impatiently, knowing that

whatever it was would likely not be pleasant.

Pops fixed me with a hard stare before speaking in a low

voice: “You’ve been getting sloppy lately.” Pops shakes his

head, ”Sei cazzo stupido”

I bristle at the accusation but say nothing.

“You’re losing your edge,” Pops continued, leaning

forward in his chair “I need you to get back on track.”

44

“I’m still one of the best in this business, you know that,”

I snap back defensively.

“That may be true,” Pops concedes, “but even the best can

slip up if they become careless.”

I clench my jaw tightly, trying to control my anger. I can’t

believe that’s what I hear, after all I have done for the

family, for the Job, all the people I have killed without

question, that Pops could still doubt me like this.

“What do you want me to do?” I ask finally, resignation

creeping into my tone.

45

“I want you to prove yourself.” Pops says simply. “We

have a new job coming up and I need you to handle it. No

mistakes this time.”

I can’t afford to mess this up - not only for myself but for

my family’s reputation in the criminal underworld. If we

aren’t on top then no one will fear us and we need their

fear.

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