Page 73 of Dangerous Deception

“I can’t.” The office building before us appears to waver slightly in the humid August heat. “It would break her heart.”

“If you’re right, she’ll find out eventually.”

“I know. I want to make sure I have everything for her, all the info before I hurt her.”

“Who knew you were such a romantic?” Vito holds the door open for me and we trudge inside.

“Tell anyone and I’ll kill you.”

“Mmhmm.”

“So, how are things going with the Irish?” I ask as we walk toward the elevator tucked behind an unmanned desk.

“Well, Hector didn’t call anyone when he got the parcel. Which is really fucking odd. He hasn’t made a move, not even when we burned down three of his liquor stores.”

“You think he’s waiting for an opportunity?”

“Honestly? I’m lost. I’m hoping that waiting two weeks for this fucking official to get back in the country isn’t for nothing. He’s got to be the key to all of this. Dude nearly wet his pants when we snatched him from the airport.”

“You think?” My stomach tightens as the elevator carries us upward. “Mafia and government don’t mix.”

“And yet Carlos was calling this guy more than I call my own mother.”

“How is she, by the way?”

“As fiery as ever.When are you bringing a good girl home, Vito? When are you giving me grandkids? When are you going to visit?”

“You should, you know.”

Vito’s eyes widen. “Don’t tell me you’ve become a family man? Adelina haschangedyou.”

“I don’t know.” I chuckle. “Coming home to her and seeing her smile at me is…” Shaking my head, words fail me. “I honestly can’t describe how good that feels.”

“And that’s why you’re giving her a hospital.”

“That’s why I’m giving her a hospital,” I sigh.

The light conversation comes to an end when the doors slide open on the eighth floor and the sweating, purple-faced bound man seated under two armed guards immediately stumbles over himself to speak.

“Please don’t kill me! Please, whatever it is you need, I can get it for you. I know people. I can call the mayor! You need charges dropped? Consider them gone! Just please don’t kill me. I have a family. I know you don’t care, but my son is about to enter his last year and I want to see him graduate. I just put a payment down on a new house. Please don’t kill me, please!”

Vito and I exchange a brief, amused look, then I calm my face and walk forward. “Your name?”

“I–I’m Hank. Hank Breaker.”

“I want information, Hank.”

“Anything,” he splutters. “Anything you want, just please!” Fat tears well up in his eyes. “Please don’t kill me.”

There it is—the difference between people in my world and the everyday, regular Joe. Civilians value their lives, their families, and things like mortgages and graduation. In my world, it’s all about loyalty.

Hank clearly has none.

“A man came to see you,” I say carefully.

“Sure.” Hank nods, looking quickly at everyone. “I see lots of people. Lots of men. All the time.”

“Carlos Giordana.”

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