Page 120 of Thorns of Silence
After all, a Romero’s brain worked differently from a Leone’s. They seemed to be more logical, while we were more… impulsive.
“Let me know if you learn anything. I have to go.”
I glanced at the screen, the call ending abruptly. “He needs to get his priorities straight,” I muttered under my breath, then met Cesar’s narrowed gaze. “What?”
“That’s exactly what I’m asking,” he grumbled. “What?”
Maybe Amon was right and I should use the men at Lykos’s disposal so I could get my hands on Phoenix and take her home. The sooner, the better.
“I need you to go back to Trieste.”
“Not this again. I told you—”
“Yeah, yeah. You’re not my maintenance man. This is different. Find a priest and put him on standby. If he’s not available when I need him, it will be his head.”
“Jesus, you won’t let the girl breathe, will you?”
I grinned. “We’ll say our ‘I dos’ and I’ll slip my ring on her finger. I’m not giving her a chance to slip away from me again.” Clearly he didn’t seem sure about my brilliant plan. “And arrange a meeting with Lykos Costello for tomorrow.”
Cesar’s shoulders relaxed. “Fucking finally.”
I’d get the Greek mobster’s help, and a promise he’d turn a blind eye.
Because heads would roll if I found Phoenix with another man.
* * *
The Greek mobster set the time and place to meet.
To my surprise, he didn’t choose his compound. I took it as a good sign that he didn’t want me dead. It was easier to eliminate your enemy in your own home, away from prying eyes. Instead, Lykos picked a very public place.
A kafenerio, a traditional Greek café, in the middle of Athens.
Cesar flew back to Trieste yesterday, taking his annoying comments with him. Still inside my hotel room at Hotel Grande Bretagne, I replied with my confirmation and put on a suit, thoughts of Phoenix never leaving my mind.
About an hour later, the two of us sat at the restaurant overlooking the hillside shops and building architecture of old Athens. Lykos was already there when I arrived, sipping on his coffee.
“You’re late,” he pointed out as I took my seat.
“You said three o’clock,” I retorted dryly.
“It’s three oh five. You Italians are always late.”
I rolled my eyes. “You Greeks are too serious about your coffee and siesta.”
The waitress appeared with a coffee for me, not even bothering to take my order. Lykos must be a regular here.
“So, to what do I owe this meeting?” He didn’t waste any time.
“I need you to tell your men to back the fuck off.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m no threat and you know that. You should assign them more important matters.”
His brow furrowed in clear bemusement. “Thank you for your concern, but my men are doing just fine as they are.”
I shrugged. “Suit yourself, then. It’s your loss.”
