Page 116 of Mafia Kings: Dario

Aurelio said nothing. He just watched me with that cold, unsettling gaze of his.

“Shall we go inside?” Niccolo said, then led the way.

Dario offered his arm to me.

I smiled as I took it, and he escorted me inside.

I couldn’t help but notice that Aurelio never took his eyes off me.

37

When we sat down in the parlor, the daggers finally came out.

“You vouched for the Turk,” Dario said coldly. “I turned down his business proposal. Not an hour later, Massimo, Valentino, and Alessandra were attacked.”

“Regrettable, truly,” Fausto said. He sounded pained as he said it.

“Why did you send a viper into my home?” Dario asked, his voice angry but controlled.

“I’m not so sure thatheis the viper you’re searching for,” Fausto said. “And I would caution you against assuming it was the Turk who ordered the hit.”

“You’re saying it was the Agrellas?”

“I didn’t say that, either.”

“The Turk isworkingwith the Agrellas,” Dario said. “You don’t think it’s an extraordinary coincidence that the attack took place in their territory?”

“Someone certainlywantsyou to believe the Agrellas and the Turk are behind this.”

“But you don’t believe they are,” Dario said contemptuously.

“No.”

“And why is that?”

“Becausewe’reworking with him, too,” Aurelio spoke up.

Everyone in the room looked at him in surprise – then turned back to Fausto.

Fausto gave his son a reproachful look, then sighed. “Yes, it’s true – we’re in business with him.”

Dario stared at him. “Why didn’t you tell me this before yesterday’s meeting?”

“Because I didn’t want you to feel pressured by my decision.”

Dario narrowed his eyes. “Iwouldn’thave. Believe me.”

“Mm,” Fausto murmured noncommittally.

“What exactly are the terms of your deal?” Roberto asked.

“Always the head for business, this one,” Fausto said with a chuckle. “The Turk wants to sell some of his wares in our territory, and he offered a healthy cut of the profits. I said yes.”

Dario glared at his uncle. “Sex trafficking and drugs.”

Fausto made a face likeWhat can I do?“Business is business.”

“Not everyone is as squeamish as you, cousin,” Aurelio smirked.

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