Page 212 of Vita Mia

“But where has he been?” Ballistrieri asked.

“I’m hearing with the Russians.”

“Not possible! Ludwig would have told me!” Ballistrieri said.

“Maybe Tarzan is in it with Giovanni. Maybe he can’t be trusted.”

“What does this mean? Is Giovanni coming for me?”

“He has his sight set on the Russian and Don Santoro. I told him you could be trusted. He wants to meet. To confirm.”

“Shit, shit Domi, I’m not taking that risk, not after what happened to my cousin. And Lorenzo. This makes no sense. How could he be with the Russians and neither of us know it?”

“It is in my best interest that I protect you. I’m in this too now, remember.”

“Not like me!”

“Betrayal is betrayal to Giovanni. Trust me. We’ll fix this, but you have to attend this meeting.”

Ballistrieri had a small army protecting him at home. Giovanni couldn’t reach him without exposing himself. This could be a trap. In the past two weeks, Dominic had proved useful and respectful of their alliance. Though he kept it from Don Santoro and the Russians, he’d always known that the best move was to have a Battaglia in his corner.

“I need assurance that you won’t turn on me.”

“The only way for us to trust each other is to trust each other. Besides, I know you’ve recorded me,” Dominic said.

Ballistrieri’s brow winged up.

“Don’t worry. It’s your assurance. I’ll be in touch with when and where we can meet.”

The call ended. Ballistrieri wiped his hand down his face and let go another deep sigh of uncertainty.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Present – 2018

Homecoming

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