Page 32 of A Mafia's Treasure

His pudgy cheeks and veiny purple nose scrunch up as he smiles at me, showing his yellow smoke-stained teeth.

“Why don’t you come on in, darling?” He pushes the door open, and it clatters against the stair railings.

“If you’re sure, I don’t want to intrude?” I bite on my bottom lip and flutter my eyelashes at him.

“Oh, I’m sure, darling.” He flicks his cigarette over my head. The amber ashes from it sprinkle down … son of a bitch. He’ll pay for that. This wig if highly fucking flammable.

I climb the steps and enter, the smell of stale beer and smoke hits me, and I feel instantly sick.

“Can I get you something to drink?” he asks, swiping the litter cluttering the sides on to the floor to make room for the glasses he just got from the sink.

“I’m good, thank you.” I walk over to him and place my hands on his back. I need to get this done and quickly. I can’t stay in here a minute longer than I have to.

“Oh, someone’s eager. Not so shy now, are we?” He turns around and winks at me.

I smile as I think to myself … Fran, you’re fucking awesome!

I knee him in the balls, and he folds over, screaming in pain and shouting what a bitch he now thinks I am. To be honest, I think he’s changed his tune pretty damn quickly. It wasn’t five minutes ago he let a stranger in to his home because he wanted a quick fuck. He obviously hasn’t heard of stranger danger.

“Now, now, there’s no need to be rude. Remember you wanted to fuck me five minutes ago. You should be more careful about who you let into your home.” I smile at him as I shove his head against the corner of the table, causing him to lose consciousness temporarily.

There’s the accidental death ‘look’ taken care of. Now for the actual death part.

I stand as I look for a cushion and see one on the bed. Bringing it with me, he groans as I turn him over to his back. “This is a message from the Romanos … you should have paid.” I cock my brow as I watch realization hit him.

“They sent you?” His voice is weak and raspy.

“Yes, darling. Yes, they did.” I smile as I push the cushion against his face and hold tight until the light fades from his eyes.

I love that part the most; watching someone’s life leave them is truly amazing. I haven’t found anything to compare it to until … no don’t even fucking think about him.

Sighing at how ridiculous I am, I throw the cushion on the floor and turn him face down onto it. Rising to my feet, I wipe my hands on my jeans and scan the place.

Yep, a job well done. Now all I have to do is sit through another hour and a half journey home … fuck’s sake.

Chapter24

Frankie

Iget back to the gym around lunchtime and see Tony pacing up and down.

“What’s crawled up your ass?” I ask as I head into the lockers and start to strip down before heading into the shower block.

I hear his footsteps as he enters. “We have another job, and this one is top priority. The boss needs it done and it has to be you,” he tells me.

“Okay, what’s wrong with that?” I ask as I poke my head out of the shower curtain.

“He doesn’t know you’re actually a she yet.” He shakes his head as his palm slaps the wall.

“Why don’t you just tell him? Don’t you think I’ve proven myself by now?” I reach out my hand, and he throws the rough white towel to me.

“That’s not the fucking point,” he says as he continues pacing while I dry myself and change into to clean clothes.

“And the point is?” I say, tossing the damp towel in the corner of the room.

“The point”—he turns to look at me—“fuck’s sake, Fran, put some fucking clothes on.” He turns around and continues, “The point is, I fucking lied to him.”

“Look, I’m sure if you just explain to him, he’ll be fine. I’ve done everything he asked, and I’m excellent at it.” I slap my hand on his shoulder. “I think you’re worrying about nothing.”

---