Page 85 of Savage Union
"There's another angle we could pursue," he suggests after a moment. "The Costellos don't know how much Sullivan told us before he died. We could use that uncertainty to our advantage."
"How?"
"Public appearances with Miss Gallo. The engagement is already known, but if you were seen together more openly—restaurants, events, the usual venues for a couple of your status—it might provoke a reaction. Draw out whoever they're working with."
I consider the strategy. It's sound, though not without risk. "You think they'd make another move?"
"If they believe their message wasn't delivered clearly enough? Possibly." Marco leans forward slightly. "And if there is a personal connection between Miss Gallo and someone in their organization, seeing her publicly aligned with you might force their hand."
"Using her as bait," I observe, surprisingly uncomfortable with the idea despite its tactical merit.
"Using the perception of your relationship as bait," Marco corrects carefully. "Miss Gallo herself would be under your protection at all times."
I drum my fingers on the desk, weighing options. "Arrange it. An outing somewhere suitably visible. Tomorrow."
"Consider it done." Marco makes a note on his tablet.
"And Marco?" I pause, choosing my words with care. "The deeper investigation into Caterina's past... I want you to handle it personally. Not the usual team."
He looks up, his expression revealing nothing but professional interest. "Any particular reason?"
"She's to be my wife," I say simply. "Whatever you find should remain between us."
The real reason is more complex. If Caterina has indeed been involved with the Costellos in some way—if she's been playing both sides—I want to control who knows about it and how it's handled. The fewer people aware of a potential betrayal by my future Donna, the better.
"Understood." Marco rises, his expression thoughtful. "I'll start immediately. And I'll have the dinner arrangements confirmed within the hour."
"Thank you." I stand as well, signaling the end of our meeting. "Keep me updated on any developments with the Irish surveillance."
"Of course." He moves toward the door, then pauses. "Boss? If I may?"
I raise an eyebrow, inviting him to continue.
"Whatever connection might exist between Miss Gallo and the Costellos... there are always explanations. Not all of them involve betrayal."
The observation is unexpected coming from Marco, who typically views all relationships through the lens of strategy and potential threat.
"Your point?"
"Only that Miss Gallo's background—her father's treatment of her mother, the circumstances of your introduction—mighthave led to desperate choices. Choices made before she knew you."
I study him, suddenly curious. "You sound almost sympathetic, Marco. That's unlike you."
A ghost of a smile touches his lips. "I'm capable of nuance, boss. And I've observed Miss Gallo. She's... not what I expected."
"In what way?"
"She has spine. Principles. She challenges you rather than cowering or manipulating." He shrugs slightly. "Qualities that might make for a strong Donna, under the right circumstances."
The assessment surprises me, though I don't show it. Marco has always been professionally courteous to Caterina, but I hadn't realized he'd formed such a specific opinion of her character.
"Noted." I keep my tone neutral. "Thank you, Marco."
After he leaves, I remain standing by my desk, contemplating our conversation. Marco's observations about Caterina echo my own impressions—her strength, her defiance, her refusal to be cowed even in the face of overwhelming power differential. Qualities that would indeed make for a formidable Donna, if properly aligned with the family's interests.
The question is whether those qualities are currently aligned against me.
The memory of last night surfaces unbidden—Caterina's vulnerability as I washed her hair, the trust implicit in her allowing me to care for her after her first time, the way she asked me to stay rather than leave her alone with her thoughts. Those are not the actions of someone plotting against me. Or at least, not someone solely focused on my destruction.
