Page 17 of The Boss

It was also the perfect place to engage in a terse conversation.

Nico pulled up to the front door, idling as Atticus and two other men made their way to the SUV. Tonight was all about making an entrance. If word of my brother’s murder had leaked to anyone, I needed to make my presence known so our enemies wouldn’t deem the moment perfect for harvesting employees or acting on some insane need to try to take control.

Besides, some of my more nefarious deals were made behind the doors. While protected, I also didn’t need the police sniffing around.

I buttoned the jacket of my suit, taking a few moments to scan the huge crowd lining both sides of the street. They had hopes of entering, although only a few would be allowed inside. It was the same every night, people clamoring to be a part of the scene.

The bouncers were ready as my men flanked my side, waiting to remove the velvet rope securing the entrance. People called out my name, but I didn’t bother looking in their direction. Within Athens and several other cities, I was considered a celebrity.

Still today, I laughed at the thought.

Once inside, I took another couple of minutes to survey the scene. As usual, the place was filled to capacity, everyone enjoying the scene as they should be.

“Where is he?” I asked Atticus as we pushed our way through the crowd.

“Upstairs on the rooftop lounge.”

“Be prepared to clear out the crowd.”

“You got it, boss.” He was forced to shove his way through some unruly guests, snarling at them as if his voice would do any good.

Once inside the elevator, I took a deep breath. In the last twenty or so hours since my brother had been murdered, the streets had been quiet.

Too quiet.

The usual buzz from informants, drug dealers, and other scum was normally a feeding frenzy, almost all the information false. But it had led me to discovering several betrayals over the years.

“Keep your ear to the streets. If a single word is mentioned about Leandro, I need to know.”

Atticus nodded. “Don’t worry. I have our best men out there.”

I was certain he did. He took his job seriously.

As the elevator doors opened, I took a deep whiff of the night air. The rooftop was one of my favorite locations, although I hadn’t been to the club in weeks. Checking on business had been something Leandro had excelled at. As soon as I walked out, I noticed Havros had arrived earlier.

My brother wasn’t a typical nightclubbing man so it was obvious he was here for the same reason.

“How did Havros find out about our boaster?”

“I don’t know, sir. I’ve been on the computer most of the day and talking with various informants.” Atticus wasn’t making an excuse, but I glared at him anyway.

It would seem the rumor mill was already being played.

“What is the man’s name?”

Atticus huffed. “Another goddamn American. Frankie Jones.”

“It’s a free country, my friend.”

“Another slice of vermin.”

Havros acknowledged my presence. It wasn’t that I didn’t want my brothers involved in the hunt. It was that Havros had a shorter fuse than I did.

Without hesitation, I headed in his direction.

“Mr. Nomikos. I’m Charlie Boone from Walkabout Studios. I was hoping I’d catch you at some point.” The man held out his hand for a typical shake.

While I offered mine in return, I gaze at him warily. “What can I do for you, Mr. Boone?”

---