Page 9 of One Secret

'Then Mr. Caruso is a wise man,' I tell him.

"And you are not," my eyes say back.

Fiori doesn't react but one of his men does. I spy the ghost of a smile on his face. I remember Jaime's reaction on the phone when I mocked Leon.

Truly loyal entourages don't laugh at their boss's expense. So, I make a note of the guy's buzz cut and the scar on his neck, in case I need to identify him later.

'Wise,' Fiori agrees with me, 'and cautious. You should know that Felix Caruso is not a man who works with outsiders. And he is uncomfortable with your requirement to continue taking outside work. If he chooses to open a contract with you, Mr. Russo, it will only be after he is assured of your fealty.'

I chew on another nut, feigning contemplation. Like a man weighing up his employment opportunities and unsure which way to fall.

In truth, my end goal is Felix. To meet him, to talk to him… to find out more about his connection to the assassin Gabriel. But too much eagerness on my part would not be befitting a hired gun whose entire business model relies on subterfuge.

Better not to start ripples of suspicion with over-enthusiasm.

'I'm not one for the role of lap dog,' I warn the man before being drawn to the approaching figure beyond his shoulder.

My tongue is suddenly dry as a northern salt lake.

Darcy is bringing over our drinks.

'Gentlemen,' she greets, before lowering a round tray to the table. Her voice is low, cool, and confident. It sends goosebumps of awareness rolling down my spine. She transfers the drinks, asks if there's anything else we need, and then retreats back to the bar.

I try not to look at her more than necessary.

She tries not to react to my cold shoulder.

Fiori, however, looks thoughtful.

'You know the woman?' he asks.

'No,' I deny, taking a sip of my soda.

Fiori's lip twitches and, instantly, I know I've stepped wrong. He looks like a hunter, aroused by the sight of a rabbit in his trap.

'She certainly knows you,' he points out.

'How's that?'

'She knew who ordered which drink.'

I deliberately glance at the cup I'm holding then tilt a shoulder in a lacklustre shrug. As if to imply she had a 50/50 shot.

'My terms on exclusivity are clear,' I say, directing the conversation back to the matter at hand and away from Darcy. 'What exactly would it take to calm Mr. Caruso's nerves but keep me independent of the Caruso name?'

'Felix requires a meeting.'

'We're having a meeting,' I point out.

'With him personally.'

'Then why isn't he here?'

Fiori tries to marshal his expression but it's clear he's annoyed. He doesn't like having to explain his boss's behavior.

'Mr. Caruso is in Spain currently and is flying to his resort in Greece in a few weeks for his annual soiree.'

I'm not surprised.

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