Page 67 of The Lieutenant

“Unless something else happens, I believe it is. I’ll hold onto that thought until we deal with Bernardi, but Leandro needs to rest in peace.”

I wasn’t entirely certain I bought it unless Willow’s influence had been even more significant than I’d believed.

“I say we make a trip to see our friend Bernardi anyway,” Christos suggested. “He’s gunning to get into Greece as well as a few other countries. If he does, he’ll have the most power of theother members of the five families. That will place him in the position of being considered the true Godfather. Why not pay him back in kind?”

The Italians were staunch advocates of the old ways, ancient practices that included having someone hold the top dog position. The envy and greed of being able to do so had started many a war over the years.

“You know what I don’t get? The man is aging out,” I reminded him. “With his son-in-law six feet under and no other children, Bernardi is the last of his line. The other members of the families won’t accept a non-blood–related Don.” I’d learned a great deal about the Cosa Nostra over the years.

“Unless…” Dimitrios mused. “He does have a half dozen mistresses.”

“You’re thinking he has an illegitimate son somewhere?” I asked. It was a distinct possibility, but I would have thought by now that the Don would have presented the boy or man in public.

The Boss rubbed his jaw. “It’s worth seeing what we can find. He could also marry again, finally producing heirs. Something else to consider. If this thing goes to a war, we’ll need to use all our skills to defeat him. He’s clever and he has decent soldiers and employees working for him.”

“Another reason the man should be visited in his home environment.” Christos looked from one of us to the other.

“Not yet. It may come down to that, but we need to ensure he’s behind the recent activity. Either Aldo had been stupid or paid very well to eliminate Theo.” Whatever the case, he’d been willing to die for the privilege of taking out a mole that had been used.

“Havros has a good point. We’ll wait. First, the meetings. We’ll know by then. If they go south for any reason, we won’t be able to hold back from taking matters into our own hands in a less professional manner.” Dimitrios gulped his drink, his brow furrowing when we heard a knock on the door.

“Why do I have a feeling this will be very interesting?” Christos laughed and headed for the door.

One of our bartenders was on the other side of the door. He nodded in respect to all three of us. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I thought you needed to know something before I had her just tossed out.”

“What?” I asked, noticing he had something in his hand.

“There’s a guest who was caught taking photographs. She also spent time asking me pointed questions.”

“About?” I walked closer, my gut telling me this had everything to do with my little kitten. She’d blown off lunch and any further time spent today under the guise she needed to work on her article. I hadn’t realized that included becoming an investigator.

“She asked basic questions about whether I liked working here and what the three of you were like. Then she made it more personal, asking about you, Havros.”

Christos laughed. “Let me guess.”

“When she started taking pictures, I went to the Preacher Man to see if he knew anything about her. Anyway, she deceived him by trying to suggest she was a reporter here for Jagger Holt’s arrival.”

The Preacher Man. One of the bouncers who took the time to listen to every employee’s sob story before offering his assistance. Including by the use of his fists or his weapon.

“I forgot the dude was coming today,” Dimitrios said in passing. “Did you think to ask Mr. Holt if this person is actually with his party?”

“I did. She’s not. However, she does have realistic-looking credentials.”

Gino presented what he had in his hand. One look at the picture and my balls tightened. “Thanks, Gino. I’ll handle it from here.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Where is she now?”

“Being watched like a hawk. She’s in one of the staterooms.”

The staterooms. The staff had taken to calling the series of private rooms after the White House, given the number of politicians and celebrities who’d rented them out for whatever business was on their minds. “Excellent job.”

As soon as he’d closed the door, I took a deep breath. “Thiswomanis going to be the death of me.”

I spun around on my heel, handing Kara’sNew York TimesID to Christos.

After Dimitrios glanced at it and grinned, he sat back in his seat, acting far too comfortable. “What are you going to do about this?”

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