Page 5 of Flawed

I scratch my chin, admitting, "I don't know. Jacopo didn't explain. He just said to be ready."

"Where's the auction this time?" Angelo questions.

My gut churns. "His warehouse in Chelsea."

Angelo goes to the window and gazes out at the backyard. Green stretches over several football field lengths, and a pool glistens to the side. A thick tree line borders the yard. Several moments pass before he asks, "What role did Jacopo give you this time?"

I take another deep inhale, wishing I weren't so affected by my job. It's only been the last few months where the ability to stomach it seems to be worsening. I answer, "Same as last time. Organizing the operation."

Angelo spins. He pins his dark eyes on mine, stating, "You have to get a different position with Jacopo."

I seethe, "And how do you suppose I do that? Do you think he asks anyone what they want to do?"

Angelo studies me.

I cross my arms, reminding myself to stay cool. Angelo's the boss, and I would never disrespect him. I soften my tone but add, "Do you think I enjoy doing his sleazy work?"

Angelo shakes his head. "No. Of course you don't. But without you in your role, we can't keep tabs on the Abruzzos."

I crack my neck, releasing some of the tension but not enough. When I agreed to infiltrate the Abruzzos, the job sounded exciting. It fed my inner adrenaline junkie. Now I'd love nothing more than to go back in time and tell Angelo to give me a different job.

Then I'll remind myself that Jacopo isn't dead. I haven't made him pay for his sins yet.

Angelo steps closer. "Luca, you have one of our family's toughest yet most important roles. You understand my gratitude, correct?"

I sigh, nodding. "Yes, Uncle."

He assesses me further. "Has this become too much for you?"

My chest tightens. I reply, "No. Of course not. I won't let you or the family down."

Angelo glances at my joint. The smoke rises between us. He lowers his voice. "You're using too much of that stuff."

I sniff hard and stand taller. In a deadpan tone, I reveal, "It's the only thing that keeps me calm."

Several tense moments pass. Angelo finally pats my cheek, asserting, "You're your own man. I won't tell you what to do."

"Since when?" I tease.

He smiles, adding, "If this becomes too much, you need to tell me, Luca."

I turn serious again, insisting, "It's not. I'm fine. All I want to do is take those bastards down."

Angelo steps back. "Okay. We must figure out how to get you into another role with Jacopo. I can't derail his plans if you're in charge of them."

The guilt over doing Jacopo's dirty work fills me. It doesn't matter how many women or children I've saved, there are always more than I can liberate.

Angelo thinks for several moments then says, "I'll send info on a new semi route for you to tell Jacopo about. I'll make sure the driver is in a hotel overnight so he's safe. There will be over a million dollars in it. That should make you more important in his eyes."

I nod. It's not the first time the Marinos took a hit to move me up the ranks. Still, I hate Jacopo taking anything away from my family. I ask, "Anything else before I go?"

Angelo sighs. "No. That's it. But, Luca..."

I arch my eyebrows.

He declares, "You can't feel guilty about anything you're doing. You've saved dozens of his victims. Don't go down the dark hole. It won't accomplish anything. Stay the course. One day, we'll stop his entire operation."

I say nothing.

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