I had to get out of that hotel, where I’d placed Sailor directly in my path to assuage my guilt over what happened, only to feel suffocated by her presence instead. What the fuck had I been thinking?
Since we were targets now, we were all traveling with guards. Though I bristled at being babysat, I accepted the protection of Roman Barrett as I headed to the abandoned restaurant in Queens to meet with Gio.
“Tell me you have proof,” I said as I walked in.
Gio rose from the booth he’d been sitting in. “Not exactly. I tried to get confirmation, but for now I just have rumors.”
“And?” I demanded.
“And the Lombardis have been bragging about something big coming up. They’re telling a few well-placed men that they’re about to rise in this city.”
“But we can’t take action against rumors, Gio.”
That wasn't the groundbreaking news I’d been waiting for. Pacing over the dusty floor littered with debris, I tried to think of a plan.
“I know we can’t, which is why I was trying to look into it further. But I think they’ve realized those people weren’t keeping the information close like they were told to, and now they’ve clammed up.”
“Have the Lombardis ever used bombs or drones in their attacks?” I couldn't think of anything, but maybe he could.
He took out a cigarette and lit it. “Not that I can remember, and I’ve asked the older men if they can recall a time when they might have. So far, nothing.”
“We signed a peace deal with them. They don't mess with us, and we don't mess with them. What would they even have against us that would make them want to break that and risk the retribution they know would fall on their heads?”
“Honestly, I can’t think of anything either. But, um, it has occurred to me . . .”
“Spit it out,” I snapped.
“This isn't about you.”
I knew what he meant because I’d thought of that too. I couldn't help but run all the scenarios through my head.
“You think it’s old business.”
“I do.”
“For one, if it is, then there’s nothing I can do to stop this.” My pacing brought me to the grimy windows, and I looked out at the empty sidewalk. “Two, if this is about Dad, someone has waited a long goddamn time to get their revenge.”
“Which means it’s an older generation family like the Russos, or the new Lombardi head wants to fuck Benito over for something he did to his father back in the day.”
“We haven't done anything egregious to either of them that I’m aware of. Surely Dad would have mentioned it if he knew of a betrayal they’d be looking to pay us back for?”
“You’d think,” Gio answered. I turned to see him calmly smoking his cigarette. “But maybe it’s something he doesn't want us to know about.”
My heart beat triple time before settling again. “Your opinion is that my father is keeping something from me?”
“I have no idea, Noah, I’m just saying we can’t find a reason, and there has to be one.”
The headache had only gotten worse, and it wouldn't let me think. Every part of my body wanted me to deny that my father would keep secrets or tell lies to his only son.
I hadn't realized I’d closed my eyes until Gio put his hand on my shoulder and I blinked.
“I know it’s a lot to think about, and I won’t lay blame until I’ve got more information.”
Needing to swallow past the painful lump in my throat, I took a second before responding. “Thank you, Gio.”
“Be safe,” he said as I walked out with Roman on my heels.
Apparently, I wasn't in that much danger after all.
