Page 96 of Roberto

“I’ll triple my efforts,” I promised.

“I’ve talked with Dario, and we don’t care about the money anymore. I mean, obviously we care, but we care about YOU more. With Massimo and Lars both… in trouble… we can’t afford to lose you.”

I was touched by the very real concern in Niccolo’s voice – but I couldn’t afford to fail. Especially not after having spent the entire week in Mei-ling’s bed. I would never be able to live with myself if my failure caused us to lose our war with Fausto.

Actually, I wouldn’thaveto live with myself. If Fausto won, we would all be dead.

“I’m not leaving without the money, Nic. I’ll get it – I promise.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about. Right now, I’m betting the Syndicate is stalling you because they don’t want to kill you. They know that if they do, we’ll come after them. But if Fausto succeeds, the Syndicate won’t have to worry about reprisals. And with two of us potentially… gone…”

“The Syndicate might decide to make it three by taking me out,” I said quietly.

“Yes. Which is why Dario and I want you back home.”

“Let me see if I can find a way to protect myself first.”

“How the fuck are you going to do that?”

“Leave that to me.”

“Roberto – ”

“Don’t make me come home quite yet. Give me a chance to get the money.”

I didn’t add,And save the family.

I didn’t have to. Niccolo knew exactly what was at stake.

He sighed.“Alright… but you HAVE to be careful, little brother.”

“I will,” I promised.

“If there’s ANY sign of danger, GET OUT. That’s a direct order from Dario.”

I froze. I couldn’t defy a direct order from my don.

“Butonlyif there are clear signs of danger… correct?”

“I can already hear you trying to exploit the fine print,”Niccolo said humorously.

“Don’t make me come home unless it’s absolutely necessary. Not until I’ve either succeeded or it’s clear I would fail no matter what I do.”

“…alright. Just as long as you come home in one piece.”

40

After I hung up with Niccolo, I considered my options.

First, I had to protect myself – which meant I needed a gun. Until I had one, I would be at the mercy of Han or any of Lau’s other employees.

If they wanted to wrestle me into a car and take me to some deserted spot to kill me, there was nothing I could do to stop them.

Having a gun would change all that – or at least give me a fighting chance.

Second, I needed some sort of leverage… a way to threaten Lau in case hewasinvolved with Fausto.

Financial leverage was out of the question. Lau held all the cards.

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