Page 132 of Empire of Temptation

“Ma dai,” I said calmly, “that is not how this works. You answer my questions first, then I’ll tell you what I know.”

Seconds ticked by as he seemed to consider this. Finally, he shoved the file folder to the side and propped his elbows on the table. “Fine. I agree.”

“Turn off the cameras first.” I tilted my head toward the corner, where I knew all the footage was being recorded. “I don’t want anyone overhearing this.”

He rose and went to the door, mumbled something to a person in the hall, then came around behind my chair. Grabbing my wrists, he deftly unlocked the handcuffs to free my hands.

“Grazie,” I gritted out as blood painfully rushed back into my arms.

When he retook his seat, he said, “There. No cameras. Ask your question.”

I shook out my shoulders. “Did you have my cousin in custody?”

“Who?”

“Niccolò Benetti.”

“No.”

“Did you have him at a safe house or any other facility?”

“How many different ways can I say no? We never had him in any capacity. I’ve never met him.”

Ah. So Rossi had lied. I had no idea where Niccolò went and why he was no longer answering his mobile, but it had nothing to do with the GDF.

And Rossi would pay for using me.

“And,” Palmieri added, “if I had one of your cousins in custody, you would be in prison already.”

He was so smug, but Benettis didn’t rat out our family. “No doubt.”

“I’ve answered your question, so now you will tell me where to find Flavio Segreto.”

“Not until I make a call first.”

Palmieri’s eyes widened and his nostrils flared. “Why should I let you use a phone, or do anything else, for that matter?”

I met his look of incredulity with one of steel. “Because that’s the only way you’ll find out what you need to know.”

Palmieri considered my demand for another moment and then looked toward the door and held his hand to his face as if making a telephone call. Soon the door opened and a burner phone was placed on the table. “This had better be worth it, Benetti.”

“Alone,” I said when he didn’t leave.

He frowned but disappeared into the hall, the lock engaging behind him.

I dialed a familiar number.

“Pronto,” Don Rossi answered.

“You lied to me.” I kept my voice smooth, like a snake just before it strikes. “About my cousin.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. The whole thing was a setup and I don’t appreciate being used, stronzo.”

“Are you threatening me? We are not equals, Benetti. You had better watch what you say.”

“Fuck off. This isn’tdone.”

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