Page 235 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

“Don’t forget to get rid of his license and anything else with his name on it, like credit cards,” Isabella whispered. “Wipe everything off before you ditch them so your fingerprints aren’t on them. And from what I’ve heard Papa say about cell phones, you need to remove the battery so the police can’t trace it.”

I’d already thought about that, but I thanked her anyway.

“Let us know if you need help with the distraction part,” she offered.

I nodded as I stood up. “Will do.”

“Good luck,” Isabella said with a sympathetic smile.

“Thanks.”

I was going to need it.

80

Idid everything Isabella said.

I checked Google Maps on Paolo’s phone, found a luggage store within walking distance, and bought the biggest hardshell suitcase they had – a monster with wheels and a collapsible handle.

When I got back to the room, I knocked on the door. “Cat, it’s me.”

When she opened it, her face was full of relief.

We hugged as soon I shut the door and locked it –

But she immediately asked, “What’sthatfor?”

“For moving him.”

“That’show you’re getting him out of here?”

“Yeah,” I said, deciding not to tell her where the plan came from.

Cat hovered by the door, a terrified look on her face, as I unzipped the suitcase and laid it next to Paolo’s corpse.

“…do you… do you need me to help?” she asked timidly.

“I think I’ve got it.”

I hooked my arms under his armpits and heaved him into the air. Or tried, anyway.

Christ!

I figured he was about 170 pounds. I could deadlift 450 and bench 300, but trying to handle a corpse was harder. Dead weight was limp like a sack of jelly.

At least rigor mortis hadn’t set him.

But lividity had.

Cat cried out as I lifted him.

“What?!” I asked.

“His face…” she said, cringing.

I looked in the mirror. Paolo’s face was already mottled purple.

Isabella had been right.

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