Page 37 of The Bonventi Rise
"Hey, Marco, might want to give him some air," Gio says, and I realize the redness has turned to blue. I release my hand, and he starts coughing. I shake my hand as the man catches his breath.
He hesitates, and his shoulders slump as he lets out a shaky breath. "My name… it's Peter. Peter Johnson."
I glance at Gio, who raises an eyebrow. "Peter Johnson," I repeat. "Don't fuck with me," I say, raising my hand.
"No, no, please. I swear. You can check my wallet. It's in my car. I can bring you to it. I swear that's my name."
Gio gives me a nod, letting me know he'll take a look.
"And who sent you?" I ask, lowering my hand.
He licks his lips, wincing at the taste of blood. "S-Sandra Reeves. She... she said it was a job. She wanted to cause a scene, embarrass Alina. I didn't even know who you were before she hired me."
"Sandra Reeves? Who the hell is that?" I ask.
"She's coming for you," Peter says.
"Well, if she's as good as you, I shouldn't be worried," I say, taking out my phone. I type in Sandra Reeves and hit search. The top result:
Sandra Reeves for Senator.
There's a video link of her at a recent event. I play it, and as I do, Gio walks over. We both stare at the screen.
"Corruption has gone on in this state for far too long. From mayors to council members to even the corrupt mobsters dressing up, pretending to play politicians. It ends here, with us. I will rid this state of corruption and throw the book of law at people like Marco Bonventi and hold him accountable for his actions—his blatant betrayal of the good, fine citizens of this state. Let's end corruption today and build a bright future for our children."
"FUCK," I yell, and Peter gives a laugh.
"I told you. She's—" Gio's foot digs into Peter's chest, knocking him backward. His head hits the concrete with such force that blood begins to ooze from it immediately.
Gio walks over and looks down.
"Shit, I killed him," he says, laughing.
I shake my head, but I don't have time to deal with that.
"Gio, you take care of this. I need to know everything we can about Sandra Reeves. I want to know what she's been up to. Why now? Why running on anti-corruption, and why coming after me personally? Dig deep. Leave no stone unturned."
Gio nods. "Vitto, go get the tarps and supplies. Also, here," he says, throwing a set of keys, "go find his car, too."
I put my jacket back on.
"Marco, go up, enjoy. We'll handle this. You can't do anything tonight. Plus, I think Alina will be happy to see you," he says with a big smile as he digs through Peter's pockets.
I don't say anything because it seems like everyone but me notices the flames between us.
Making my way back to the elevator, I think Gio had a point, and that's exactly what I'll go do. Check on my Firefly.
21
MARCO
When I get back upstairs, I realize there are just too many people I need to chat with and be around. On top of that, Enzo and Livia have shown up, so I can't disappear on my family. During the night, I look for Alina, and when we catch each other's gaze, we smile.
Sometime after 10, the room starts to clear out, and people leave. I undo my tie, draping it over my shoulders, and unbutton the top few buttons of my white shirt to relax.
I thought Alina had slipped away, but seeing Sarah come out of her office, I know she's in there.
A few of our staff remain, cleaning up. Some of Gio's men linger around, but that'll be the case until I go.
