In my workplace, I play the recording quietly. “…and no person can cease me…”

However he’s unsuitable. I received’t let the previous rule me anymore, even when it tears my household aside. Even when he nonetheless has it. Even when… however no ifs. I can do that. I’ve to.

CHAPTER 14

Colt

After they appear superb with me taking my very own automobile, not less than I do know this isn’t a success. I take into consideration that generally since everyone who offers with mafiosi is aware of that’s the way it often goes with the folks they belief—these you’ve labored with. But by some means, I doubt the Marino brothers would try this.

Does that imply I belief them? That’s fairly uncommon for me, now that I give it some thought. I often discover it far simpler to belief my four-legged pal.

We drive out to a diner, then all head inside. A person is ready for us on the far desk. He seems nearer to Luca’s age than mine, his hair close-cropped and black, with just a few hints of silver right here and there. He’s bought a pale scar down one facet of his face, not instantly noticeable instantly.

He stands, nodding to Elio. “Mr. Marino.” He nods to Luca, too. “Mr. Marino.”

“Dante,” Elio says, shaking his hand. “Sit down. Let’s get some espresso.”

As soon as we’re within the sales space—me dealing with Dante, Luca beside me—Elio leans ahead. “Dante, that is Colt. Colt, Dante.” With none additional introductions, Elio gestures for espresso. I wait, sensing there’s extra happening right here. All 4 of us are large males, throughout six toes. Dante seems robust, his construct obvious in his plain black tee.

“Dante is due a promotion,” Elio goes on. “He’s been with the corporate for a very long time, however I want to make sure he’s…”

“Product of the appropriate stuff,” Luca cuts in, and Elio nods.

Dante takes this with a clean face, however there’s one thing in his eyes. It hints at violence, at darkness. Perhaps it’s what Elio mentioned earlier than we drove out right here, however I don’t assume so. I feel it’s one thing wild in me recognizing one thing wild in him.

“So, we wish you to work collectively,” Elio says. “Let him study out of your army background. Present him what it means to be a Marino.”

I smirk. “With all due respect, I’m fairly positive a person known as Dante is extra of a Marino than me.”

Dante stares at me with darkish, chilly eyes.

“However you’re a talented operator,” Elio continues, “and that’s what we want. It’s not my father’s world anymore. It’s not even the world I grew up in. We want clear, well-thought-out, efficient work. Issues are too superior today.”

“Are you okay with that, Dante?” I ask. “With me instructing you methods to be a Marino?”

He replies emotionlessly. It’s like he’s locked himself in a room in his head. A person like that may be harmful. I don’t know something about him, whether or not he’s good or unhealthy, but when I wish to make it out of the Serpente-Marino struggle whereas avoiding jail, it’s higher to work with the Household, regardless of what I mentioned to Elio about going by myself means.

“It’s not being a Marino that pursuits me,” Dante says. “It’s doing the appropriate factor. A few of us have gotten household to handle.”

There’s a pause because the waitress brings our espresso. One thing’s stewing in me. For the reason that Serpents confirmed themselves, my thoughts has been dislodging too many reminiscences. It’s like cobwebs and dirt are being kicked away.

“The Serpents would kill one in every of their males if he mentioned that to their faces,” I say.

Elio shrugs. Luca laughs. “Good factor we’re not snakes, then.”

“It’s a special time,” Elio says, “and we’re not them. I don’t want senseless troopers. I want loyal males who work with us as a result of they perceive what we offer. To them. To town. What, Colt? Would you like us to do this?”

“No,” I snap. “I simply… You’re proper. It’s a special time.”

It’s not that I would like the Marinos to be something just like the Serpentes. Perhaps I’m simply pissed as a result of I needed to dwell by way of a time, a world, the place that was the rule.

“I’ll work with you, Dante,” I inform him. “So long as you’re able to do what’s vital.”

“I’m at all times prepared,” Dante says coldly.

“Hope you’re not too mad about being caught with the intern,” Luca says, following me to my automobile, fingers in his pockets.

“If he’s in your Household, I assume he understands violence. It’s at all times good to have an additional physique… so long as he doesn’t grow to be a legal responsibility.”

“He received’t,” Luca says. “Dante’s been caring for his mom since I met him 9 years in the past. I can’t keep in mind the illness. Some listener I’m, however yeah, it’s unhealthy. Typically, it seems like she’s getting higher. Then it’s again to regular. I’m saying, Colt, that he’s bought the motivation to do job. By working with us, he can afford the perfect care, not less than.”

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