Page 13 of The Woman with the Target on her Back (Grassi Family)

“Present company included,” I said.

“Well, youarea criminal,” she said, rolling her eyes as she took another sip.

“Did you recognize any voices?” I asked, not taking the bait.

“Everything was a little muffled from inside the oven. And I don’t really make an effort to talk to them. No one used any names.”

“Do you have any cameras?”

“Yes. In the alley and the front of the building.”

“If you saw faces…”

“I could definitely figure out what crew it was.”

“Okay. Good. Can you access the camera feeds remotely?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. Well, that’s the next step. But finish your drink first,” I demanded, not sure if seeing the guys again might trigger some panic about the event.

“How bad was the damage?” she asked between sips.

“They did a number on the place,” I told her. She wasn’t the kind of woman who wanted to be handled with kid gloves. I knew I could give it to her straight. “Window is broken, crystals are crushed. Potted plants are all over the floor…”

“I think they busted the windows in my truck too. I heard smashing sounds from the alley.”

“Really going all-out,” I said, ignoring my phone lighting up yet again in my pocket.

Santo.

Or, at this point, probably Massimo or Nino once Santo ratted me out to them.

Or, worst case, Luca. Pissed and ready to chew me out about doing shit without permission.

Whoever it was, they could wait.

“The fuck did you say to these guys to make them want your blood so much? Tell them about all your opinions on the hot-button political issues?”

“Right. That’s what I did. Bring up the benefits of strong social programs to the local drug dealers,” she said, shaking her head at me.

“Saw the new storefronts and apartments…”

“Don’t get me started,” she said, jaw going tight.

“Yeah, that’s the fucking last thing I want.”

“Charming as ever, huh, August?” she asked.

“Hey, beggars can’t be choosers,” I said, watching her ink black eyes flick fire at me.

Objectively, Traveler was hot. If you didn’t factor in her personality.

She was relatively tall, slight, with one of those faces that would always be attractive. Oval, with high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, and a slightly cleft chin.

Her hair that had been shoulder-length and light green the last time I’d seen her was now long and deep purple.

She had it pulled back, exposing an array of earrings up her lobes, industrials, and daith piercings. She also had her nose pierced, and some ink was peeking out of the sleeves of her t-shirt.

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