Page 92 of Monster in Disguise

"You know what to do if anything happens," I remind her. We'd gone over every possibility in preparation for this evening, and I'd given her a panic button. If she felt threatened in any way, she should push the button and it will make enough noise to alert everyone in her vicinity.

Already I have to grit my teeth and let her go, but I know that we need to follow a certain etiquette.

Just as Lina leaves with Cosima, a drunk Michele stumbles towards us. He's carrying a half-empty bottle of Jack.

"Look at them love birds. He can't bear to be separated from her," he slurs and puts his hand on his father's shoulder.

Suddenly I can feel the tension in the air.

"You should take lessons,papadear."

"Michele," his brother hisses from behind him.

"Oh, there's the retard. I have to wonder why you organized this, capo." Michele's words are full of venom. "Did you perhaps want to showcase to the world that your eldest is a drunk," he smiles sarcastically, "while yourheiris a fucking retard." His emphasis on heir doesn't escape me.

"D-d-don't sss... sp..speak t-to fa...father l-like that," Rafaelo stammers as he grabs onto Michele.

"Both of you, cut it out!" Benedicto finally intervenes.

"Yes, Raf, stop talking. You'll show everyone you got dropped on your head at birth," Michele says in a mocking tone, and his brother's head is hung low in shame. Surprisingly enough, he takes the insult without so much as batting an eyelash.

"I'm s-s-sorry," he replies, and I realize he might have a stutter. That doesn't make someone a retard.

Odd, though. When I'd known them years ago, Rafaelo hadn't had a stutter. Or maybe I'm not remembering correctly.

"See," Michele laughs, and pats his brother on the shoulder. Rafaelo squares his shoulders and lowers his gaze in a submissive gesture.

"Enough!" Benedicto removes Michele's hand and bends it awkwardly.

"Afraid people might think less of you when they find out your heir is touched in the head?" He laughs in derision and extricates himself from his father's hold.

"Fucking assholes.Porca Madonna!" Michele yells some expletives but removes himself from the situation, simply by going to the next available table and grabbing more alcohol.

"You must excuse my son. He has a problem with alcohol. You know how it is," Benedicto explains.

Franco is still shooting daggers at me, while Rafaelo has a timid, almost cowering demeanor.

I keep my expression in place, accepting his explanation, but inside I have to wonder how much of this is a show and how much of it is real.

"So, Lastra," Benedicto starts, "I've heard your last shipments were busts."

"Right," I respond skeptically. Word sure got around.

"I'm sure that together we can work something out. I've been in your position. Young capo, just starting out. You'll need all the support you can get."

Franco snorts at Benedicto's words.

"You would allow my son's murderer in our midst?" Franco spits out, but Benedicto rolls his eyes, a bored expression on his face. He makes a waving sign with his hand and gives Franco a threatening look. I don't know exactly what that's supposed to mean, but Franco immediately shuts up, not too pleased about it.

"I think you might be needed elsewhere,fratello," Benedicto says suggestively. Franco seems to hold it together, but barely. With a tight nod, he disappears, losing himself in the crowd.

"You must excuse my brother. He's still grieving."

"I can imagine." I don't know what he wants me to say. Admit guilt? I'd sooner finish Franco off than let anyone say a word against Lina.

"Now, back to our topic," he says and takes out a cigar from an inner pocket in his blazer. He lights it up and takes a few puffs. "My transport lines are entirely secure. You could easily make up for the lost revenue." He explains that he has transports twice a week, but could squeeze another one for me.

"I see. And what would that cost me?" I'm rather curious what Benedicto could possibly want in exchange. Simply because his actions are a little... suspicious. So much enmity between our families right now, and he wants a partnership? There has to be more to it.

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