Page 91 of Vito

"You think I can focus on Betty while I'm worrying about this?" he grouches and nudges his chin in Amazu's direction.

"Fine," I grouch right back. "But after I talk with him, you're leaving. Hear me?"

I don't give him a chance to disagree before I stalk out from behind the bar toward Amazu's table.

He's glowering into his glass, but looks up as I approach. His dark eyes are hard and watchful. "Meg ratted me out," he mutters.

"You know bar policy doesn't allow full bottles at the table, so why are you bothering my waitstaff by even asking?"

"We fucking pay for it." His nostrils flare. "You should just do as we say."

This time it's my nostrils that flare, and I let him see how pissed off I am. Leaning my hands on the table, I speak, hard and cold. "Excuse me? You want to repeat that, but first, check your fucking attitude." I cock one brow as I stare him down.

He breaks first and swipes a hand over his mouth. "Shit. I'm sorry, Ed. It's the goddamn whiskey."

"Not accepting that as an excuse."

"Christ, are you my mother?"

"With your homely mug, I'd never admit to it if I was."

He grunts a laugh. "Just bring me a drink, Ed."

"You have a full one." Then I add before he can protest, "I'm not overserving you. You're not getting shitfaced-hammered here." I sit down in the chair across from him. "What are you doing, Amazu?"

He looks away. "We're not friends."

"Thank Christ for that."

"Don't pretend like you care."

"Idon'tcare. I just don't need the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control breathing down my neck."

"You're just like your brother."

Compliment or insult? I'm not sure.

"I'm sure Aiken didn't want them breathing down his neck, either."

He turns back to me. "Are you like him?"

His question catches me off guard, but I answer truthfully. "I didn't know Aiken. Not for a long time."

He shakes his head, looking down. "Hard to believe you didn't know about being his successor." He looks at me through lowered lashes. "Do you have one?"

I stiffen but try not to show it.

"It's only been a few months; you probably don't, do you? You need someone who's the right fit, yeah? And that takes time."

Unease slithers down my spine. "These questions aren't appropriate, Amazu. You, as aChamber leader, know that."

His face caves as he realizes the boundary he overstepped. "Shit. I better switch to beer."

I stand, and he reaches for my forearm but lets his hand drop. "I really am sorry. It's just that Gilly's… the owner-operator succession… everything…" He sweeps his arms. "It's like some secret society or something. I'm just curious."

I level him with a steely stare, and he grimaces. "Should I call Bill?" I ask, referring to his second-in-command.

"Why? So the bastard can get a shot in at me?" A dark look passes over his face before he schools his expression.

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