Page 76 of The Woman on the Jury

“We’re not too worried about it. We figure if the Serbians were in that hard with the brothers, that they would have come for you themselves when you took out Nicholas. It could be as simple as the Serbians are the suppliers, and the brothers are just one of many dealers. The lowest of the low in the associates kind of world.”

And, technically, no capo or mafia boss would spend their time tracking down the killer of an associate. Our protection extended to Made men only. Which was why Venezio being so severely injured didn’t warrant a hit on one of the other brothers. Media and public opinion aside.

“Do you want me to find some men to put on the Serbians?” I asked. “Make sure they’re not plotting anything?”

“Think your crew is extended enough,” Lorenzo said, shaking his head.

“I can find the men,” I assured him.

“I’m gonna put Gavino on it,” Lorenzo said. “He’s been needing a boot in the ass to get a real crew together. This will give him that opportunity.”

And, luckily, I was close enough with Gav that he would give me intel. Possibly even before he gave it to Lorenzo. That was the best way this could go.

Because despite my insistence otherwise, it would be hard to move any more men around. I already had six men working each shift doing protection—two for me, two for Halle, and two for her grandfather. It was fine for the time being. But it would pinch to move more men around. The kick up would be cut significantly enough to make me not want to do it, but I would if I had to.

“Okay. Keep me in the loop on that. Anything else?” I asked.

“I got a visit from Leon last night.”

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me,” I said.

“He’s got some… complaints,” Lorenzo said.

“Oh, he’s gonna have a lot to complain about now,” I snorted.

“No more killing,” Lorenzo said.

“Who we killin’?” a voice behind me asked, making me turn to see Brio walking in.

“Fucking nobody,” Lorenzo groaned.

“I hope not. No one better be partying without me,” he said, throwing himself into a chair. “What’d I miss?”

“Possible problem with the Serbians. Dissent in the ranks…” Emilio said.

“So… just another Tuesday,” Brio said, shrugging.

“Pretty much,” Lorenzo agreed. “Look. I don’t want any more eyes on us right now. So you can’t take out Leon. If you want to intimidate him or shelf him, go for it. But no killing. And, keep in mind, fucking with him might create even more headaches.”

Nah.

He had to be punished for going over my head.

“Got it. Need anything else from me?” I asked, anxious to get back to the penthouse.

“Nah, that should cover it. Brio, I do need to talk to you,” he said.

“Aight. Hey, that girl you’re hiding,” Brio said, looking at me.

“What about her?”

“She like animals?” he asked.

Emilio and Lorenzo shared a chuckle, clearly in on something that I wasn’t.

“I dunno,” I admitted, and found I suddenly wanted to know.

“She’s gotta, right? Everyone likes animals,” he said, speaking to himself.

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