Page 61 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

He laughs. “No. I don’t believe that money has ever really made you tick, now, has it? But power and respect?”

I stay silent.

“Yeah, I think both of those definitely hold more value to you. Especially when you’ve had so little for your entire life.”

“And your associate could provide these things?” I inquire, digging for information that might narrow down who his associate might be.

With a mischievous grin, he answers, “I think you’d be surprised.”

“Then why is he not speaking with me directly instead of sending someone else to do his bidding?”

Something isn’t adding up, but I can’t quite put my finger on what it is. Did they find out that she outed herself as an FBI agent even though it was a bunch of bullshit? And why wouldn’t they just come to me directly instead of sending a dumbass like Dominic to retrieve answers? It doesn’t make sense…unless whoever is asking questions wants to keep his identity a secret.

My mind continues to churn with possibilities as Dominic remarks, “I don’t ask questions, Dex. I only follow orders and pocket the cash that follows.”

“What’s so special about this girl?”

He shrugs. “Like I said, I don’t ask questions. But I will say that he’s very confident you’ll deliver, and if you do, then he’ll be happy to help set things right.”

Scratching the scruff along my jaw, I look out at the gorgeous landscape below while contemplating the situation that just presented itself.

After a few tense seconds, I ask, “What kind of things?”

“The Allegrettis are in turmoil right now, Dex. They need a leader. They need someone to step up and take over. You’re the perfect candidate, don’t you think? Someone who’s spent years learning the ins and outs of Burlone’s business?” He shrugs, bringing the cigarette to his lips, but before taking another hit, he adds, “And who knows? Maybe the Romanos could use some new management, as well.”

I shake my head as every instinct in my body tells me to pull out my gun and end Dominic where he stands. “And you think your associate can deliver on something that big?”

Adam’s apple bobbing, he releases more smoke he’d been holding hostage in his lungs. “As I said, I think you’d be surprised.”

“When can I meet him?”

He scoffs, rolling his eyes at my ludicrous request. “That’s not possible.”

“If he wants her enough—”

“It’s not an option,” Dominic reiterates, growing frustrated. “I’ll be the go-between for the foreseeable future, and that’s not negotiable.”

Interesting.

“Will you be sticking around to enjoy the festivities?” I ask.

“Would you suggest that it would be in my best interest to do so?”

Probably not, I want to reply, but I keep my sarcasm in check before responding, “Yeah. I think it could potentially be beneficial for you. Give me a minute to do some digging. I’ll be back in a few.”

“Then it looks like I’ll be sticking around for a bit.” He turns around and rests his elbows on the dark railing before taking another puff from his cigarette that’s basically a nub. I watch a bit of ash fall from the tip of it then head inside.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Dex

The party is still in full swing, but I don’t acknowledge anyone as I search for Kingston. When I find him speaking with Matteo Moretti, my steps falter for an instant. Then I approach them.

Clearing my throat, I mutter, “Hey, Boss?”

Kingston turns his attention from Matteo to me. “Yes?”

“We need to talk.”

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