Page 92 of Vito

Is he staying here because he's… scared? Avoiding some conflict within his gang?

"Anything I need to be made aware of, Amazu?"

"No," he mumbles and pushes the glass of whiskey to me. "Just bring me a beer, would you?"

"Gilly's is neutral territory," I remind him.

"I know." He looks up and shakes his head. "Everything's fine. Just bring me a beer. Please," he tacks on like an afterthought.

"If you're staying here, the drinks will be served slower." I grab the unfinished whiskey and go back to the bar.

Gus wipes the counter, trying to make it look like he wasn't watching the interaction. "Everything okay?"

"Have you heard anything about shit going down internally with the Fire Clan?" I dump the unfinished whiskey down the sink and grab a beer. Cracking it, I signal Meg to pick it up when she's free.

"Not really." Gus frowns.

I don't tell Gus about the rest of my conversation with Amazu because with how antsy he is tonight, he'll be stuck to me like glue.

"He's switching to beer. Get out of here, Gus."

"Ed…"

"Gus." I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Just get the hell out of here."

His mouth twitches, and he musses my hair. "So much like your pig-headed brother." My chest tightens. "I'll go if you agree that Ambrose will walk you to your car."

"You shittin' me?" I grouse, but seeing the stubborn tilt of his chin, I cave. "Fine."

"And he stays watching until driving away."

"For Christ's sakes, you want me to text when I get home, too."

"That would be greatly appreciated."

I huff a laugh. "You're a pain in my ass, old man."

He pats my cheek. "I know, kid. I know."

"Enjoy your date," I toss out as he's leaving, and he smirks, then he's gone.

My gaze lingers on the door, contemplating Gus. He cares about me like he did Aiken and loves this bar just as much as Aiken did. That's why I named him as my successor. I worked with a lawyer that Ohith trusts—cutting Ms. Cunningham loosewas one of my first tasks as Gilly's owner-operator—to put my own succession plan in place.

Contrary to what Amazu said about it being too early to identify or find a good-fit successor, I had quickly chosen Gus. It was a no-brainer in my mind. Plus, with how Aiken had died, I didn't want to risk a power vacuum happening here if no successor was named.

Maybe it was the thought of Aiken's murder, the full moon, or Gus's angst, but I pull out my phone and text Axin.

Everything good out there?

His response comes in even before I can lock my phone.

All quiet. Something up?

Gus was on edge

Any particular reason?

Don't worry about it

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