Page 74 of Deception

I feel a slight twinge in my heart at his words. I shouldn't take it personally. I know what he means.

But I'd hate to think that what we've been doing means nothing.

Even though at the same time, the reality is that I fucked up. My rose-colored glasses are getting hard to keep on. I’ve been sleeping with my enemy.

He's still a criminal.

Even if I want to believe he is good at heart.

It’s a fact that breaks my heart, but I set myself up for it.

“Look, no sense crying over what we can’t change. We know what kind of numbers he has, who he’s got under his thumb and who is still on our side. Our people are ready, Aless. They’re hankering for a fight. With you leading the charge, we’ll intimidate the hell out of his army of thugs.”

“Good. When do we leave?”

“There’s still a shit ton of snow in our way. I estimate we should be able to make it out by next week.”

“Next week?”

“Unless I call for a chopper. But that would kind of defeat the purpose of sneaking around.”

“Fair point. The element of surprise is always a boon.”

“Which is why I got in touch with the Greeks. Waiting to hear back from them.”

“The Greeks. The fucking assassins?”

“Mostly, I want to make sure that they remain neutral. Or maybe they’ll be willing to pitch in with us. An upset of power like this doesn’t do them any favors for business.”

“I don't trust them.”

“I don't trust them, either. But if they are working for Dom, we might be able to outbid him. They work for money. Not for loyalty.”

“Hope it stays that way. What about the docks?”

“Business as usual. No sign of interference.”

“And our funds?”

“Same. Plenty of clean cash to spare. Our accountants have all reported in. Dom was never privy to those names, locations. Should be safe.”

“Make sure. I’ll need to make about a thousand phone calls when I get back.” I hear him sigh, his voice strained from behind his hands as he rubs his face. “I feel like my hands have been tied. Fucking storm made managing my empire impossible.”

“Not for much longer. We'll be home soon.”

“I know. What can we expect from the cops?”

“Pretty much a fifty-fifty split. Most of them just want to wait the whole thing out, see who comes out on top before they get back on the cut.” Adriano rises and I scurry back from the door. His voice lowers and it sounds like he’s farther away, muttering quietly. I strain to hear.

“Aless. Is your head where it needs to be?”

“Yes. This time away has been useful. I feel recharged.”

“And not distracted? I don’t trust her.”

“You don’t have to trust her.” The implication of the statement has a finality that makes my stomach turn. “And it’s none of your business.”

“It is my business to know if she’s gotten to you. Persuaded you in some way.”

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