Page 51 of The Lieutenant

This time, we’d be ready to chop it off.

“What news do you have?” I wasn’t worried about Aldo overhearing the conversation. He’d reached the end of his lifewhether he believed that or not. I placed the bag on one of two tables in the room. While this one was wooden, a leftover archaic piece from close to fifty years before, the other table was made of steel. Much easier to clean.

“A trusted informant called with a tip. He told me that Bernardi was responsible for providing Theo with the information he broadcast.”

It wasn’t a tremendous shock. Dimitrios and I had discussed that very possibility. At least the confirmation provided additional reasoning for the brutal actions I would take today. “Interesting, although usually Bernardi is happy to take credit.”

“Maybe he wants us on edge.”

“It’s worth considering. So it’s your belief our friend arrived to survey the damage?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Christos admitted. “We need to deal with Bernardi.”

“Only if absolutely necessary. You know exactly the reason why it’s prudent to wait this out.”

“Maybe it’s time I step into the Enforcer position as requested.” He laughed bitterly. It was the last thing he wanted, but both our father and Dimitrios were closing to giving him no choice.

“Maybe so, but not today. I wouldn’t want you to lose perspective on what would happen if we started a war.”

He seemed miffed, but nodded. “But I’m staying. Who knows, brother. Maybe I’ll learn something valuable.”

I laughed and unbuttoned my jacket, pulling it off and tossing it over the end of the table. The man was still fighting, using upvaluable energy. However, at some point the adrenaline would kick in when he realized he wasn’t going anywhere.

Except in a box.

Both Jonas and Tobias flanked Aldo’s two sides, standing like statues close enough they could provide assistance if necessary.

“Maybe you will,” I told him as I rolled up my sleeves before removing a pair of latex gloves. The small rubber apron fit nicely in the bottom of the bag, the most useful tool in my savage kit. Once again, my thoughts betrayed me by thinking about Kara and her surprise at seeing me wearing an apron for cooking.

This was one I’d never allow her to see.

“You really get into this, bro. It’s like watching a woodworker.” Christos was still harboring rage and resentment for our brother’s death, but at least he was laughing.

“You can never be too skilled or too rich.”

“That is very true.”

I selected a couple of my favorite tools, ensuring Aldo was watching everything I was doing. He wouldn’t be an easy man to break, which was why I hadn’t considered this to be a round of interrogation.

Aldo had made the lethal mistake of falling in love, getting married only recently. For those heavily involved in our business and especially soldiers, enjoying a woman was fine, but usually only temporarily. As I had mentioned to my kitten, relationships were widely used as a target when information was necessary. Marriage presented an opportunity that enemies salivated over. Torment the woman and the man would easily spill his guts.

Only those who’d ended their careers usually allowed themselves to fall away.

Even then it was risky.

Which was just another reminder I had to be careful. They seemed to be all around me.

I’d consider using the knowledge as a last resort. Sometimes even men supposedly in love didn’t break. Yet when the threat worked, it did so very well. After selecting the scalpel, a vise grip, and a specialized, very sharp hacksaw, I headed toward the steel table, placing them one at a time.

He was still muttering, the gag Jonas had used preventing anything but rattled noises. For the subjects who weren’t necessarily a part of the business but had somehow gotten themselves into trouble with our organization, often only psychological pressure was necessary. With a man like Aldo, I knew that wouldn’t do. But it was worth going through the effort. Maybe I’d get lucky.

I almost laughed at the thought. Luck wasn’t a part of my family’s repertoire. Hard work and perseverance were. With Aldo’s feet dangling on the ground, I had easy access. I walked closer, popping the gloves on purpose. I studied him carefully, noticing how his eyes followed mine as I lowered my gaze. He was in very expensive clothing, but oddly enough, wearing a cheap pair of Nikes on his feet.

Clues to the person’s intents could be found by observing details most overlooked. Such as clothing, the expensive watch the man was wearing.

And his shoes.

He was here to handle business, the sneakers tossed once his mission was complete. When I lifted his leg so I could see the sole of one, he attempted to pull it away.

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