Page 10 of The Lieutenant

“Something is going to kill me. I might as well enjoy what I want to. Right?” He scanned one side of the street then the other. “You have something for me?”

“As long as you’re certain Mr. Artino is inside that building.”

He twisted his body, looking over his shoulder. “See that light right there in the window?”

I glanced up. “Yes.”

“He turned that on about ten minutes ago.”

As I crowded his space, I could sense him sweating. “You do know what will happen if you’re wrong.”

“I’m not wrong. I followed the dude just like you asked.” At least I’d had the forethought of having the man followed from work. Why he’d been stupid enough to come to his house of record Imight ask him. Either Theo had balls the size of watermelons or he thought we’d never touch him.

My guess was the latter. He acted tough on his weekly program, but I had a feeling he wasn’t prepared for my brand of discipline.

Which he obviously needed.

I nodded and glanced at Jonas. “Go home,” I told the snitch. “But before you do. One question. Do you have any knowledge of who killed Don Lorenzo Coppola’s son months ago?”

The question might seem out of the blue, but I’d learned a long time ago just how valuable truth was in organizations such as ours. Whatever his answer, I would store it away for future use.

Marco seemed nervous. “I’m not a part of that.”

“A part of what?”

He scratched his head. “Getting in my boss’ business.”

“You left your work with Bernardi and now you’re helping our organization by providing information.”

“For that, I’ll need another ten k.”

The crook. Bernardi might be an Italian Don, his territory in another country, but he’d been pushing to come into Greece for years. The family also believed Don Bernardi was behind our youngest brother’s murder. However, starting a war with the man would be bloody. “Fine.”

Marco leaned in. What was he worried about, that anyone would overhear our conversation?

“The bastard doesn’t like anyone who threatens his power. He’s wrangling for an edge in the Cosa Nostra.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Take it however you want. I want my money.”

“That’s only another five thousand, Marco. And consider yourself lucky,” I growled. It would seem Bernardi was making a play to be top dog of more than one country.

He waited as Jonas handed him an envelope of cash, adding the extra money while grumbling. This time the information was well worth the money being paid. Once he moved up the sidewalk, we headed across the street. Since today was a day of celebration, most people were still enjoying the various festivities in the heart of Kolonaki.

We Greeks did know how to throw a party.

At least that meant a smaller number of people had arrived home as of yet.

Once we were in the shadows of Theo’s building, Jonas removed his weapon, taking the time to add a silencer. This was a nice neighborhood. Unnecessarily alarming the neighbors wasn’t good for business.

Or our reputation.

“What was that for, boss?” Jonas asked.

“Possible insurance, my friend. You never know when the information Marco just provided will come in handy.”

“Whatever you say.”

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