Page 71 of One Secret

'I mentioned that I would have requirements before we sign this contract, no? Two, in fact,' Felix remarks, the satisfied smile of an autocrat painted across his puss.

I narrow my eyes at him.

What are you up to, asshole?

'And I said "name them",' I remind him, tired of all this play-acting.

This time, instead of dodging the suggestion, Felix reloads his dish with the finer offerings on the table and then braces his elbows on either side of his plate. He steeples his fingers together, watching me over their apex.

I'm reminded of the dominant males in the animal kingdom. Taking vast amounts of food for themselves, not because they're hungry, but to keep resources from others. To prove that they can. Felix continues to only pick from his plate as he explains his so-called "requirements"...

'My first concern, Mr. Alesi, is your potential for loyalty versus your relationship with your last employer.'

I tense and answer on rote:

'I don't discuss my clients.'

'You will with me.' Felix's eyes have turned to angry stone. No longer simmering with playful hostility but openly threatening.

'We are all very aware that the Machelli family was your last, long-term arrangement. And, as I'm sure you know, the Carusos and Machellis do not get along. In more than one sphere of business.'

Settling back into my seat, I fold my arms across my chest and settle in for familiar negotiations.

'I've never killed a member of the Caruso family if that's what you're concerned about.'

It's more or less true.

'Always good to know,' Felix says with a dismissive nod. 'But not the issue at hand. I'm sure you can understand, Mr. Alesi, that—were I to take on your services—I would require a gesture of goodwill. To prove your loyalty to us over old filial connections.'

Ah. So, that's what he's getting at.

'That's not a problem,' I agree with a simple nod.

Felix isn't the first would-be king to want something for nothing. On several occasions, I've had to offer up a free kill or a surveillance mission free-of-charge, before a longer agreement can be reached. The complementary mission implicates me in one of their crimes and creates leverage on both sides.

Trust. Built through necessity.

Mutual destruction, as Darcy so eloquently put it.

Funny how so many of my working relationships rely on those same high stakes.

Just your working relationships?

Where is your lover right now, Alesi? Is she safe? Or are we bartering her safety for a little more time between her legs?

'Good.' Felix nods, running his thumb thoughtfully over his lower lip. 'Then I shall consider my options for such a request...'

Trying not to let my impatience bubble up and across my expression, I press him further:

'Your second requirement...?'

'Is a matter you already identified,' Felix nods. 'Your reputation precedes you, "Ghost". And, despite your assurances, many in my organization have had dealings with you before. From the opposing side, of course.'

'As is usual in our line of work.' I lean forward now, arms bracing on the table. Felix knows the way of things. Why is he bullshitting through this reasoning? What's his end goal? 'I'm surprised your men take things so personally, Mr. Caruso. Perhaps some hardier stock are required—?'

'Hey!' Rocco explodes out of his seat, fists throwing down onto the table. 'What did you—?'

'Sit down, Rocco.' Felix orders.

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