Page 83 of Code Name: Michelangelo

“Go ahead.”

“Were you involved in the hit that was to be carried out four years ago?”

“Of course I was. However, Scaglione called it off.”

The Calabrian don was livid when he found out the painting I’d “stolen” on his behalf was a forgery. It cost me two originals, which weren’t mine to begin with, to get him to call off the hit. Until now, I doubted it really had been, though.

Richard, whom I’d dismissed without a second thought at Thanksgiving, had literally saved my life. He paid the restitution on the forged pieces I’d claimed responsibility for, as well as compensated those who the original artwork was stolen from.

I owed the man an apology, which I’d give him prior to the deployment.

“You will not be able to communicate with Penelope outside a secure app.”

“Understood.” It was another reason I needed to get in and out as quickly as possible. However, defining what that meant in an ever-changing landscape of mission objectives was making my head spin. Once Typhon and I were finished, I’d check on Pen, then find Nemesis and ask to speak with her on my own.

“Here’s a brief on my cover as well as my history with both families. There were others I worked with earlier on, when I was establishing myself. Within those pages, you will find an approximate kill count. Keep in mind those numbers aren’t in any way accurate.”

A few minutes ago, Typhon had said his role was as an enforcer, but only by contract. Had he killed for both, as well as the other families, he’d just mentioned?

Having first-hand knowledge of the hierarchy of the Sicilians, it didn’t surprise me they were willing to allow Typhon to work outside of the typical family structure. I was a big guy, but he towered over me. And, as fit as I kept myself, he was also far more powerful than I’d ever get, no matter how much I worked out.

He studied me. “You’re not going to ask if the number is higher or lower?”

“Frankly, I’d rather not know.”

“Lower. Much lower.”

My eyes scrunched. “I don’t understand.”

“While those of us in Unit 23 are tasked with eliminating the evil-doers of the world, many of the lives the mob wants terminated are the good guys.”

“How do you prove the deaths?”

“You’d be amazed at what our crew is capable of.”

Admittedly, this exchange made me feel somewhat better. Having been on the wrong side of a hit, I was relieved to know Typhon, at least, didn’t murder everyone he was assigned to for the very reason he’d stated. I may not have been one of the good guys, but I was sure many were.

“Is anyone else from the unit undercover with the Sicilians?”

“Negative, and it’s my understanding Nem is having those from MI6 withdraw intermittently as well. The unit has two agents inside the Calabrian Syndicate, and I intend to keep them there.”

I was relieved to hear that too. I’d mentioned to her I was uncomfortable having others who’d infiltrated either organization interfering with my objectives.

“What else do you want to know, Brand?”

I realized why he used my given name rather than the code name almost everyone else used exclusively. Both crime families knew me as Brando Ripa.

“I’d like to get with Nemesis to make sure my role is the same as it’s been these last few weeks.”

“Meaning the art-forgery angle.”

“That’s correct.”

“It’s another reason I’m deploying with you. I don’t want your head or fingers in human trafficking. You don’t have the background or the training.”

“Understood.” Once again, I was relieved.

“Tank and Blackjack will be poking around, as will I. You keep your eye on your own prize.”

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