Page 108 of Dangerous Rhythm

“Tony, I’m not here to belittle all the work you’ve done. I actually admire you. It can’t be easy to turn your family business into legitimate ventures.”

Tony frowned, hearing Curtis’ praise. “No, it hasn’t been easy, but I’m making it happen.”

“You definitely are. I bet it’s even more complicated having to do it with limited decision-making power. Your people are not looking at you as the boss, but just as the boss’ son.”

“My people know who’s in charge.” Tony bristled.

“Oh, good. That’s my bad because I thought your mother was still in charge. Great, that means I’m talking to the right person,” Curtis slathered it on thickly. “I know a thing or two about demanding moms, you know. I grew up with one. It was her way or the highway. Right?” Curtis grinned conspiratorially. “My mother insisted I go to business school, be a hedge fund manager, make a lot of money because I was good with numbers. But that’s not what I wanted. I went and got a business degree. I tried the hedge fund thing, but it’s not me, man. I’m all about music. That’s all I wanted to do—be a musician.”

“You are a famous musician,” Tony said.

“Because I stood up for myself. It took years of hard work, but I never let my mother dictate where I go in my life anymore. I make my own path.”

Curtis looked Tony in the eyes. “As should you.”

Lina monitored Sal while paying full attention to Curtis’ conversation with Tony. He was doing great. Comparing nightmare mother stories was a brilliant way to relate himself to Tony. She could see Tony’s body language loosen up.

“I’m sure your mother doesn’t rule a battalion of thugs to keep you in line,” Tony said bitterly.

“No, she didn’t. She was scary on her own. Ever heard the term Tiger Mom? Yeah, my mom was the poster girl for that.” Curtis chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong. I love my mother. As I’m sure you love yours. I think they do what they do because they love us. They want to protect us.”

Tony inhaled deeply and jammed his hands into his pockets. Lina stayed alert for sudden movement. He might seem relaxed, but she wouldn’t put it past him to pull a one-eighty.

“They need to understand we are adults. We have to run our own lives. Don’t you agree?” Curtis asked.

“A hundred percent.” But Tony didn’t elaborate.

Curtis glanced at Lina for a lifeline. They needed Tony to open up more.

“Are you married, Tony? Have children?” Lina noted the wedding band. She already knew he’d been married for five years and had two children under the age of four.

Tony glanced at her. “Yes. Two.”

“I’m sure you understand your mother’s grief, being a parent yourself.”

“I do. That’s the only reason I’ve been tolerating her behavior,” he said sternly, then sighed in regret. “But she is obsessed about avenging instead of grieving. She’s determined to blame everyone but Rocco himself for his doing. I tried my best to get him out of that side of the business, but Rocco was young and wild.

“He was everything I didn’t want my children to grow up to be,” he finished. “My wife is terrified our children will end up like Rocco.”

“If you want to make a change, you gotta take a stand, Tony,” Curtis said.

“How? My mother holds the power in our family with an iron fist. Her fixation on revenge against the Murphys and you could mean the death of the future I’m trying to build for my children.”

“Can you appeal to her about your fear for your children’s future?” Lina asked.

Tony scoffed, took off his glasses and started cleaning them with a handkerchief. “My mother pounces when she smells fear.”

“What if you go to her with a proposal that both you and her will be satisfied with?” Lina suggested.

“Look, I understand why you got me here. I can’t blame you for Rocco’s death.” Tony looked at Lina, then at Curtis.“Unfortunately, there isn’t much I can do to stop my mother from coming after you, Mr. Bisset. I’ve tried talking sense to her about it.”

“I appreciate that, Tony.” Curtis held out his hand to Tony. “I do. And it’s Curtis.”

Tony looked at the offered hand, surprised. He hesitantly shook Curtis’ hand. “But I can’t help you.”

Curtis nodded. “But maybe we can help you. Lina here found some interesting information that may be what you need to end this on-and-off feud between your family and the Murphys.”

Tony shook his head. “I don’t even know what the feud is about.”

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