Page 103 of The Lieutenant

“Because as you said, you’re an intelligent businessman who would prefer not to be saddled with a monster becoming the Godfather of Italy.”

“Just how could you or Mr. Nomikos help me keep that from happening?”

While I’d been frisked at the door to ensure I didn’t have any weapons, Don Coppola’s soldiers hadn’t bothered with my phone. Havros had been listening in the entire time, which had been another reason for my overt anxiousness. We were playing a dangerous game.

The door opened and one of the Don’s men swept inside. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but you have a visitor who insists on having a moment with you.”

The timing wasn’t lost on the Italian Don. He lifted a single eyebrow while turning his attention toward me. “I see the rumors are true, Ms. Banning. You’re romantically involved with Havros Nomikos.”

“We’re friendly, Don Coppola. He has reason to speak with you and I do believe it’s in your best interest to take the time to hear what he has to say.”

“I hope you’re right. I would hate for you to have wasted your time.”

All men in his power and control liked to use methods of intimidation. At least I trusted in Havros enough to know he’d burn down the building to keep the Don from hurting me.

I only prayed Havros knew what he was doing.

“Please, Gio. Welcome our guest and have him come in.” The Don sat back, swirling his drink as he waited for Havros to arrive.

It was now or never if I wanted to learn about my mother. “One last question, Don Coppola. Do you know who ordered the hiton my family, killing my mother?” The man had been a staunch hater of my father and the Italian president’s position on the five families.

While a light went off in the man’s eyes, he took a deep breath. “I’m not certain what you’re referring to.”

“Malcolm Banning, the American ambassador to Italy fourteen years ago. Certainly, you must remember the argument you got into with him in front of a reporter. His wife, my mother, was murdered. She was incinerated inside a car on her way home from buying me a birthday present. She died because of my father’s beliefs.”

I heard the demand in my voice, but I’d come too far and had gone through too much to back down now.

“Do you have any idea what her murder did to my father or to her only child, a daughter who rarely spent any time with her father once we returned to the United States because he refused to deal with the guilt he felt or the misery he was in?”

I felt Havros’ presence, the room suddenly becoming stuffy. I was angrier than I’d promised myself I’d become. In doing so, I could have destroyed what Havros was trying to accomplish.

“Well?”

Don Coppola rose from his chair and the fear of God rolled through me. “Mr. Nomikos. Ms. Banning is quite impressive.”

“Yes, Don Coppola. She can also take her job too seriously.” Havros walked forward. “However, her question deserves an answer.”

I tipped my head, noticing three soldiers had entered the room. They were here to ensure their Don was protected.

Don Coppola threw out his hand. “You can leave, gentlemen. We’re only having a friendly conversation.” He walked away from the dining room table toward the bar, turning slightly when the men remained in the room. “Leave. Now.”

“Yes, sir,” one of them mumbled.

The Don muttered something in Italian I couldn’t hear.

“Please, sit, Mr. Nomikos. Would you like something to drink?”

“Whiskey. Neat. Please call me Havros.”

“Havros it is, and you call me Lorenzo. I’m reminded far too often I’m an old man. Are you certain you wouldn’t like something stronger, Ms. Banning?”

“Water is fine.” My chest felt heavy and as Havros took a seat at the table, I sensed he was as agitated as I was. However, you wouldn’t know it given the look on his face. He was completely collected, sitting back in his chair as if this was nothing but a friendly meeting.

All three of us remained quiet as he prepared the two drinks, sliding Havros’ glass across the table before sitting.

“Why are you here, Havros? I must admit, having a beautiful woman making the introduction has been a pleasant distraction, but given we are both very busy, why don’t you get into the meat of the reason for your arrival.”

“Yes, why don’t we. Let’s not mince words, Lorenzo. You must be aware my brother was murdered, the hit ordered by a man once tasked to become his oldest daughter’s husband.”

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