Page 48 of Angel
Dominic nodded. “And you’re in love with her.”
I didn’t deny it. Arguing at a time like this was like shooting myself in the foot. Maybe it would help Pops do the right thing.
“There’s more,” I said. “Something big.”
I pointed at the offending photo. “Paige saw that picture. She recognized Moretti in the photo.Butshe recognized him because he was there the day her parents were killed. She says that Moretti came into the apartment with the guys who gunned down the Bianchi’s.”
My father’s thick eyebrows knit together. “How did she get away? Those thugs don’t leave witnesses.”
“She hid behind a false wall in the closet.”
“I see.” His head tilted back and his eyes roved up to the ceiling. Pops made a habit of drifting off I thought for way too long, so I didn’t wait for him to continue.
“Moretti played a part in the Bianchi’s murders. He was young back then, but who knows? Maybe it was his father who ordered the hit. Paige mentioned that before the shooting started, she heard a loud argument. Maybe Moretti went there thinking he could get something out of Mr. Bianchi, and when he didn’t get what he wanted, they just finished the job to get him out of the way.”
Pops slowly nodded. “It’s possible.”
“They went against code, Dad.”
His head inclined. “They took one of mine…two. I won’t disagree.”
I couldn’t stand his coolness.
“Bianchi worked for you, Pops. He was supposed to have our protection. Moretti had no business touching him, no matter what dealings they had.”
“Yes.”
His dark eyes flicked over to Dominic, who had settled down, but still pensively leaned forward in his chair. “I still can’t figure out how you got your brother convinced to bring this to me. I’m impressed. But son, I can’t help.”
“What?”
“I understand that you care for Paige. I also don’t like that Moretti wants to go through with something this old school. This isn’t Sicily or any part of Italy. This is America. But a deal is a deal. And her life won’t be so bad. She’ll be well taken care of, and won’t have to work another day in her life.”
“That’s not the point! Paige isn’t like that. She’s not looking for anything from anyone.”
“Watch your tone, son,” Pops warned.
“Sorry, Pops, but this should be clear-cut. Moretti wronged us. He needs to pay, not get rewarded by honoring a ridiculous agreement.”
“You’re emotional. You’re invested. I get it.”
“Are you listening to what I’m saying?”
“You’re biased, son.”
Was my fathertryingto be stubborn?
I got to my feet and I stomped towards the window.
“You’re really going to let Moretti go through with this? Especially after what he did to the Bianchi’s? He deserves to be put down!”
Pops didn’t move an inch. Dominic rubbed his temples, but said nothing.
“You’re not thinking straight, boy.”
My shoulders squared in retaliation. “I’m the only one willing to face that bastard and make him accountable for what he did.”
“Confronting Moretti will put Paige in danger.”
