Page 16 of As Angels Sin

My instincts spike at his calm, casual response to us. I’ve been in more situations like this than I care to count, and the worst part is I’m no good at reading them. Is this genuine sincerity or is he lulling us into a false sense of security while his men prepare to shoot us to shit outside?

Rarely do I wish I had a better handle on my human side; that part of everyone that can empathize with emotions other than hot-blooded rage. It didn’t cross my mind with Fiametta a few hours ago, but it does now. I feel the desire to understandthem, so that I can make the necessary preparations.

My shadow, however, has always kept me safe. Even in silence, and dormant, it always manages to find a way. But it’s not for me, I know. I’m just a vessel carrying it around. Without the vessel, it would die too, and that’s why it spikes my senses and keeps me alert when things feel... off.

Once Mark’s selection is complete, Matteo starts his own hunt for the perfect cigar. He finds one, snips off the end, and lights up before continuing.

“Where one door opens, another always opens, Crue. I’d have thought you knew that already.”

“I’m still going to do it.”

No, you’re not. Pussy. My shadow belittles me. It’s right, but I can’t let Matteo know that.

And, as if he could hear my thoughts, Matteo says. “No, you’re not.”

“Why?”What does he know?What’s he planning?Better get ready for a fight.

“Word travels. I know you had her dead to rights and couldn’t do it.” He puffs thrice on his cigar, allowing massive plumes of smoke to escape his lips. “But let’s not be bogged down by inconsequential details. The contract is now void. If you kill her, it’s on your own head. The best part of all is, I’m going to let you keep the money.”

The money concerns me the least. Hearing that Fiametta is a free woman, with no bullet carrying her name, sets my chest ablaze. We can finally indulge our darkest whims with no pretense and no care about who knows it.

She wants nothing to do with you, ‘member?My shadow is quick to remind me of my shortcomings, and although I want to fault it, I can’t. Killing comes easily enough, but feeding this beast is another story. It awoke with the thought of Fiametta’s blood being spilled, and I fear it won’t be silenced until the deed is done.

Shit.

“What about us?” I remove my hands from my pockets, realizing that I look like an edgy kid trying to play badass.

What the fuck is going on? Now I am caring about how others see me?

Maybe I’m hurting over Fiametta more than I let myself believe.

“Us? Nothing changes. Don’t see why anything would.” Matteo wipes away some non-existent fluff from his short-sleeved button-down shirt. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was meandering through the beaches of Florida, rather than staring down Lorenzo Napoli in slummy New York.

God, I’ve missed this place. The stench of piss wafting over the city’s streets. Hobos by the dozen shambling from one alleyway to the next, begging for coins they’re going to spend on booze or smack. An underbelly fraught with corruption and wicked men pulling the strings. And easy targets no one’s going to miss around every corner.

Leadville could learn a thing or two from New York. And if the only thing it acquires in the hard lessons my Big Apple slaps across its silly little streets is getting a larger pool of criminals who are deserving of my blade, I’ll be all the happier for it.

“Then I should tell you that Lorenzo Napoli has made me a compelling offer. Double your wage, with half upfront and the rest on its way,” I say.

My instinct’s sharp edge turn back to neutrality. Glorious neutrality. Empty nothing. Bliss.

“And why would you go and accept a stupid thing like that?” Matteo’s eyes narrow as though I’d just confessed to killing Jesus Christ. He holds the look for an uncomfortably long time, and then erupts into laughter. I knew it was bound to happen. Matteo knows I have no love for Lorenzo. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding. You should see your face.”

His face shows the same false seriousness it has been wearing since I walked in.

“It’s wonderful news,” Matteo continues. “By trying to take you away, Lorenzo’s playing straight into my hands. He’s bending over, spreading his cheeks and begging for it, withoutknowing.” He takes another three puffs, and more billowing smoke is emitted.

“Am I supposed to know what that means?” I ask.

Matteo shakes his head. “Not yet, but in time you will. Just know that everything is going perfectly and according to my plan.”

“Until that time?” I can’t say why I’m interested in doing this. Any of it. Maybe it’s the thrill of playing both sides, knowing that if either catches wind that I’m screwing them around, they’ll kill me where I stand. I’m not much of a thrill seeker, but this is an interesting and unique opportunity. You probably couldn’t count the number of people who’ve found themselves in a position like this, on two hands. Why not be a part of something crazy, when my whole world is on the verge of collapse anyway?

“Play along and do what he says. I have no need for you at the moment,” Matteo says in a tone that says our conversation is at an end.

“Understood.” I turn around and start walking out. There isn’t anything else either of us can say to keep me here.

This doesn’t stop Matteo from speaking, though. “And Crue.” I don’t bother looking at him while he speaks. “Welcome back. We’ve missed you.”

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