Page 44 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

With a flourish, Leo motions to Kingston’s office. “In you go.”

I knock against the door and wait to hear Kingston allow me to enter.

“Get in here, Dex.”

As I step over the threshold, I’m surprised to find it almost empty other than Kingston sitting behind his desk with his phone in his hand.

“Where’s D?” I ask, unable to help myself.

“He’ll be hit or miss for the next little while, thanks to his current task,” Kingston explains before setting his phone down. “Take a seat.”

It’s weird for me to be here, but I do as I’m told and pull out a leather cushioned chair across from Kingston’s desk. Once I’m seated, Kingston dives right in. “You’re going to be busy for a little while. Everyone knows you were one of Burlone’s right-hand men. But the rumors have run rampant over the last twelve hours, and we need to make sure they’re hearing our side of the story instead of dwelling on potential lies that seem to spread like wildfire.”

“And what would you like them to know?”

“Exactly what we previously discussed. Burlone was working for the Feds. We narrowly managed to escape with Burlone before they stormed the estate where the tournament was being held and arrested Mr. Russo, Mr. Carbonne, Mr. Moretti, and the other gentlemen in attendance. We took care of Burlone, who died a traitor’s death, and all of his dealings have now been passed on to you.”

“Wait, what?”

“You heard me. Any dealings that Burlone was involved with have now fallen on your shoulders.”

“But—”

He raises his hand. “Don’t worry. We’re done with Burlone’s seedier activities, but they aren’t going away on their own. We didn’t go through all the shit in the last twenty-four hours only for someone else to step in and take over.”

“Burlone’s associates aren’t going to be happy that orders have gone missing,” I explain while attempting to hide my frustration. He’s putting me in the middle of a damn war zone.

“No. They won’t. But you have the Romano name behind you now, and if any of them have a problem with missing fruit, then you can send them to me. The fruit promised to them were taken in by the FBI, and we won’t be collecting any more. It’s non-negotiable.”

They’re not going to be happy about that. At all. But I can see Kingston’s point. If we don’t nip this in the bud, someone else will take over Burlone’s kingdom, and we’ll find ourselves in the same situation as before. And because of our previous decisions, there’s chaos right now in the underground skin trade. I’m just not sure I can smooth things over.

Sensing my hesitation, Kingston presses, “There a problem, Dex?”

“I’ll see what I can do,” I concede as a heavy weight falls on my shoulders.

“Good.” Pushing himself up from his seat, he rounds his desk and rests his hip against the edge of it. “Now, even though you’ve proven yourself to me, and I’ve made the informal announcement, a few of my associates would like to meet you in person and have suggested a”––he pauses in search of the right term––“more formal celebration to welcome you into the fold. I’ll be inviting associates who had a connection with the Allegretti name to attend, as well. Will that be a problem?”

Squeezing the back of my neck, I shake my head. “No, sir.”

“Good man.” He pats me on the shoulder. “Stefan will go with you to corroborate your story when you meet with Burlone’s associates.” The threat is clear in his tone. I have a babysitter, and Kingston will be the first to know if I step out of line and spread any lies that don’t coincide with Kingston’s plan. Little does he know, it isn’t necessary. I just want to leave my past behind me, along with the memories that continue to haunt me from my previous life. But apparently, that won’t be happening anytime soon.

“That’s fine,” I answer him. “When is the celebration?”

“Soon. I also need you to recruit the trustworthy Allegretti men and to dispose of the untrustworthy.”

“Dispose?”

His mouth quirks up on one side before disappearing just as quickly. “You’ll be an assassin to our enemies as well as a delegate to our potential allies. Is that a problem?”

Shaking my head, I mutter, “No, sir.”

“Good. Now, get out of here. Stefan already has the car pulled up to the front.”

Pushing myself up from my chair, I leave with my mind reeling. If shit hits the fan, it’ll be on me. Kingston’s hands will remain clean.

I gotta give the bastard credit, though. He knows what he’s doing. Now, I need to figure out my next move.

Chapter Thirty-One

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