Page 75 of Strictly Forbidden

“Look, first of all, I got a new family. A little baby boy born last year. I have a nice house, a damn good job with my wife’s uncle, and money in the bank. I can’t go back to that life.”

“Yeah, I hear you, dude. Unfortunately, Saldono was led to believe I killed Antonio. He’s none too happy I’m out of prison.”

“So I heard and it’s fucking shit. From what I know, Gio is a worse tyrant, acting as if he’s king of the world.”

“He was the one who made the kill shot.”

His exhale was filled with a growl. “That figures. I’m surprised Saldono hasn’t reined him in but he’s letting the asshole take over more and more every month. The dude isn’t what you or I thought at all. He’s a fucking blood artist.”

“I should have known.”

“The day he wanted to cut my arm off was the day I left that shit, never to return. What I also learned from the sources left is that he does have a hit on you. I think he’s willing to go the distance if necessary to cut you to ribbons. Don’t go anywhere near Denver. I’m just warning you.”

“Yeah, that I figured. Let me ask you a question. Are you still buds with the old crew, the guys who didn’t treat you like shit?”

His hesitation meant he wanted no part of anything to do with the family. “I just told you, man. I have a family.”

“And I lost mine. I need to find the person responsible.”

“You think Saldono had something to do with it?”

“Maybe.”

He allowed another hesitation. “Yeah, I ain’t no fool, Kage. I keep track of what’s going on. We all gotta watch our backs. You know?”

“What’s the word on the street about Dan?”

Now he laughed. “He’s a good guy. But he’s out. Way out.”

“Yeah, so I thought. I appreciate the info. I got a situation with a woman.”

“Interesting. I thought you were done with the domestic life.”

“I did too. They think she’s my weakness.”

“Fuckers,” he hissed. “I’ll make one offer but that’s it. I’ll help you take down Gio if you can find a way to make that happen. Otherwise, I am out.”

“I understand.”

“I hope you do cause shit is different than when you went into the joint. Gio is a fucking pig.”

“That much I know, my friend. But if either Domingo or Gio had anything to do with my family’s murder, I will go to the ends of the earth to ensure they know what it’s like to face my wrath.”

“I don’t blame you, bud, but be careful. If this girl is anyone important to you then you need to watch your back. Gio ain’t kidding. He’ll stop at nothing to ensure you don’t spill the beans. Saldono is planning on retiring in months, not years. He has everything to lose at this point.”

“I do care about her, but I already figured that with Gio. Thanks for the information.”

“You got it. Least I can do.”

The truth was I’d suspected Gio’s trepidation about being involved with his father’s business had been nothing more than a ruse, a way of keeping track of the men his father employed. I’d been right. Sometimes, I hated it when I was.

“You’ll know if my appearance is important. Otherwise, don’t fuckin’ call me.”

“You have my word, my friend. Family is sacred.” I ended the call, holding the phone in my hand for a few seconds until I felt a shock of electricity from behind me.

Turning my head slowly, the sight of Noel with her arms crossed, staring at me as if I’d just killed her beloved pup pushed a strange ache into my heart. Her face was pinched, her lovely lips pursed. It was obvious she’d heard at least a part of my conversation.

There was no taking it out of context, no way to sugarcoat the situation for her any longer.

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