“I already have the time and place,” Cold cut in. “Cristian has been kind enough to give us a detailed look into Ricci’s schedule, and he also suggested an opportunity I believe is perfect.”
Duncan pouted.
“What is it?” Mickey asked.
“Friday afternoon at precisely four o’clock. Ricci has a massage scheduled at Lovely Lou’s Massage every weekend, and he never misses it.”
“The happy ending kind?” Jules leered. “Or the regular kind?”
“Regular. The place is clean.”
“Oh.”
“We’ll check it out.” Mickey nudged Duncan. “Find a nice quiet spot to hunker down. Lot of foot traffic over there.”
“Retail, some cafes,” Duncan added. “I think there’s an office building that faces Lovely Lou’s. We could use that.”
“Do what you must, but this is the most critical aspect of the mission,” Cold warned. “You’re not actually going to kill Mr. Ricci.”
“Why?” Mickey pressed.
“Cristian wants him dead, but I want him alive,” Cold replied. “You’re going to miss, Mickey. Make it look good, but under absolutely no circumstances are you to kill Mr. Ricci.”
“And he’s gonna what? Just play dead?”
“Yes.”
“He knows Cristian is trying to kill him,” Duncan realized out loud. “He wants to leave the family.”
“More importantly, he wants to survive it, and he’s willing to cooperate with us. He’s going to drop once he hears the shot, and the paramedics who respond are going to bring him over to our safe house.”
“And we get ourselves a snitch who knows all about the Luchesi coin.” Jules grinned. “I like it.”
“Yes. Ricci will have a set of ledgers with him. These contain the bank accounts and routing numbers for all of the family’s holdings, including their personal accounts. He’s also been kind enough to offer to include some other very vital information, such as delivery schedules and addresses.”
“Sweet.”
“Delivery schedules for what?” Duncan asked. “Drugs? Guns?”
“All of the above,” Cold replied. “Now, as I’ve said, Mr. Ricci will be taken to our safe house after he drops. The paramedics are on my payroll. They’re loyal, but not even they know who they’re going to be transporting.
“Duncan, I want you to get the house ready. Make sure it’s comfortable. Mr. Ricci will be staying with us for some time. No one will know we’re letting him live. That does not leave this room. Not even to the other Gentlemen.”
“Of course, Boss,” Mickey said without hesitation. It wasn’t his place to question orders.
“You got it, Boss,” Jules grunted. “Not a peep.”
“Yeah, no problem.” Duncan nodded, but he did glance worriedly at Mickey.
Mickey ignored him.
“You have two days to plan the hit,” Cold drawled. “Any questions?”
“What about the others?” Duncan asked. “Jerry’s a good spotter—”
“They’re engaged.”
Jules frowned.
