Page 6 of Cat and Mouse

"So," he says, sitting down. "Killing Jessica will work?"

"She was skimming our products," I reply. "She was a rat, and therefore, she will die like a rat. Besides, this will show the other sellers not to even think about getting high off our product. We don't pay hundreds of thousands to get cocaine through the borders just for a know-nothing stripper to be stealing it."

He nods. "Agreed. Have you thought more about taking on more of the business?"

"Father, I like what I do."

"I know you do. I just worry. I want you handling the papers and not on the streets, brandishing a knife like the rest of the soldati."

"Sometimes I use a machete," I grin at him.

He narrows his eyes, swirling his drink. "Be careful, Leo. I'm being serious. You know, if anything happened to you, your mammawould haunt me from the grave."

"I'm always careful, Papa, stop worrying about me." I down my whiskey, savoring the burn.

"What's the hurry? Where are you going?" he asks.

"After the night I had yesterday, I'm owed a lap dance or two. I'll be going to the Velvet Room."

He frowns. "Do you think it's wise to go to the same place the woman you killed worked at? Wouldn't the place be crawling with police?"

I laugh. "The way they solve cases, they'll be coming to the club at the end of the year to ask questions."

He chuckles. "We'll talk in the morning."

"Ciao, Papa," I say, standing and giving him a brief nod.

I leave his office, my mind already on the next step. The Velvet Room is a high-end club, exclusive, the kind of place where secrets are both made and buried. Perfect for unwinding and gathering intel.

As I step out into the night, the city's lights flicker around me, reflecting off the wet pavement. It's a city that never sleeps, and neither do I, not really. Always something to plan, something to do.

I arrive at the Velvet Room, flashing my membership card at the bouncer. He nods, letting me in without a word. Inside, the music pulses, bodies move, and the air is thick with perfume and sweat.

I head to the bar and order a drink. The bartender, a petite redhead with a sly smile, hands it over, her fingers brushing mine.

"On the house, Mr. DeLuca," she purrs.

"Grazie," I say, taking a sip.

I scan the room, looking for familiar faces, potential threats, and opportunities. It's a game, one I've mastered. And tonight, I'm in the mood to play.

A blonde catches my eye, her movements fluid, her smile seductive. She makes her way over, swaying her hips.

"You look like you could use some company."

I raise an eyebrow. "Do I?"

She laughs softly. "Maybe I could help you relax."

"Maybe you could." I take her hand and lead her to a secluded corner.

As we sit, she leans in, her breath warm against my ear. "What's your name?"

"Leonardo," I say, keeping my voice low.

"Leonardo," she repeats, her tongue flicking out to taste the name. "What brings you here tonight?"

"Business," I reply, my eyes scanning the crowd again.

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