Page 46 of Vito

But what these agents are ignoring, or maybe don't know, is that the law enforcement agencies' higher-ups leave Gilly's alone because they unofficially support its purpose. Yes, criminal deeds are discussed and planned here. However, Gilly's helps limit the conflict and war on the streets and reduces bloodshed and collateral damage to the innocents in the city.

"I know I'm new, so you keen, pimple-faced agents want to make a reputation for yourself. But go and talk to your superiors, who will talk to their superiors. Gilly's is off-limits."

"That's not what your brother thought." Agent Stought smiles smugly, and I want to choke him with Tommaso's bullet.

"I can't say what my brother thought as I rarely spoke to him the past nine years," I say unemotionally, surprising them that I didn't have an outburst defending or denying his talking to them.

I have no idea if Aiken had. My gut is telling me no, but it will be something I consider later when I'm alone.

"Now, fuck off and get off my property." I cross my arms and glare at them. "I own this entire block up to and including the sidewalk curb to the street, and you're trespassing. If I have to call for your removal, it won't be a foot patrol officer who comes for you."

I leave the threat hanging that someone, possibly one of their superiors or one of the ruthless people they're trying to spy on, will come for them.

We have a staring contest, but they blink first. Muttering to each other, they finally leave. Once they're driving off, I pivot and stalk back to Ambrose.

"I want another full scan done before we open. Increase security measures, including the jamming devices." I won't have anything transmitted or recorded on my watch. "Access in and out, even for staff, is only through one door. I want scans of the body and any electronics for everyone who comes in to ensure no one is wearing a wire. I know it will create a bottleneck for people getting in, but I don't care."

"Got it, boss." He nods and goes back inside.

I stalk to my car and leave. Traffic is fairly light as I drive to the church and brood about my interaction with the agents. I expected someone local or the Feds to come by at some point, but it's still unnerving. As is the accusation that Aiken was talking to them.

Is that why he was murdered?

I know he wouldn't have been trying to shut down Gilly's. He was in the role for fifteen years, so it's not like he was morally against the world he operated in or was a pearl-clutcher when it came to criminal deeds. But maybe he discovered something too terrible that he couldn't keep quiet about.

When I arrive at the church, I'm still ruminating on that possibility. I'm almost late, so I lock my car and walk with long strides down the street. I turn the corner and head toward the large, old stone building, as I ignore all the warnings in my head to turn around and avoid the funeral altogether. Gritting my teeth, I climb the wide steps and enter the church's entrance foyer.

Amazu turns as I enter. "Ed, so nice that you could make it."

I'm never sure how to read him. Is he sincere? Or making a passive-aggressive dig at my coming in right before the funeral starts?

I nod, not responding further.

The other Chamber leaders also come over. Amazu, Lixin, and Dom wear suits, while Ash is more like me—respectable but not too dressy. Wearing a dress or a skirt isn't my style, and I don't think Tommaso would care. But I stepped it up from jeans and wore black slacks, a loose black blouse tucked in, and a dark gray peacoat that hangs to my mid-thigh.

Lixin reaches his hand out to shake mine, his face serious. "Thanks for coming, Ed."

My stomach uses that moment to somersault and nausea pushes forth. My nerves are jumping all over the place about attending the funeral. My ruminating about what Aiken possibly got himself wrapped up isn't helping. Bile pushes into my throat, and I swallow it down, nearly choking while I force myself not to sprint from the church.

"Are you okay, Ed?" Dom looks concerned, and Lixin shifts closer.

"Fine," I force out. "Just hate funerals."

"We should take our seats." Ash looks at the closed door of the side room. "The family will enter soon."

I step back, but Lixin stops me. "You're welcome to sit with one of us."

I frown, as does Dom.

"We were thinking the funeral may be difficult alone, given Aiken's passing hasn't been that long ago," Amazu explains.

Passing.

Such a lovely, misleading thought. Not murdered, left to die alone in a pool of his blood.

My hands have fisted, and I relax them. "I'll be fine. Thank you for your consideration, though."

I leave them before my emotions get the better of me and slip into the sanctuary part of the church. Seeing an open seat near the back, I quickly sit down.

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