"What do you?—"
"Not here," I say at once, but before I can suggest we find some place that definitely isn't bugged, I get an incoming call from the security room. I step away from Darian for a second, touch my earpiece. "Yeah?"
"Boss is having a meeting, Raf," Vecchi tells me. "You're wanted."
The Boss wants me in a meeting? Shit. I know what this is about. Word's come back about AJ Bernardi. And although I think there's a heavy fish stink around it all, I can't help feeling a little excited. I miss sitting in on all those strategy sessions with the inner circle, like I did when Pedretti was away.
I kiss Darian goodbye and hurry down to the study. The question is, which way did it go? Did the other Families agree with Sandro, or at least promise to look the other way? Or was the possibility of all-out war too much for them to allow a power vacuum?
I jog down the corridor to Sandro's study, where Jack is standing and looking at the closed door with his hat in his hands. He glances around as he hears my footsteps. "News travels fast around here."
"The Boss is pretty good at spreading hype." I lower my voice. "So what is it, do you think? We painting a target on AJ's back or calling it off?"
Jack shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine. I've been standing here at the door playing Schrödinger's Hit. Once we open up the box, we'll know. One way or the other."
Great. I don't know who the hell this Schrödinger guy is, but when even the hitman is troubled about his orders…
"Jack, were you…sure?" I ask. He raises an eyebrow. "About Russo, I mean. When everything got lumped on him. Were you and Leo just as sure as the Boss that Russo was our guy?"
Jack gives me a long, long look, and then claps me on the shoulder. "You're a good man, DeLuca. Let's go in and see what the Boss wants."
I step through the door after Jack and the tension in the room ratchets up a notch. Julian is draped in the bay windows and a half-smile touches his lips when he sees me, like we're sharing some private joke. He's too damn pleased with himself. That can only mean one thing. Leo's standing by the fireplace, arms folded over his chest, gaze fixed on the floor. Waiting. The others are scattered around the room, all of the senior members—Al Montanari by the drinks cabinet, Gene Lombardo in front of the desk, and Pedretti leaning inconspicuously against the wall by the door.
Sandro is sitting behind his desk. He nods at Jack and me as we come in. I find a spot by the wall near Pedretti, as far from Julian as I can get. Now all that's left is for Sandro to deliver the verdict.
But I already know which way this is going.
"I have asked you all here to bear witness," Sandro begins. "I sought advice from all major organizations on the West Coast, as well as confirmation from the New York Commission, led by Luca Morelli. New York will take no side in our dispute, leaving it to us to manage. Our allies on this side of the country agree with me." He pauses, taking us all in with one sweeping look. "It is time to remove AJ Bernardi and leave the Bernardi Family in Gino's hands alone. Therefore, I now declare A.J. Bernardi to be a patricide, an oathbreaker—and a target for elimination."
I stare at Sandro, wondering what to say.IfI should say anything.
"Under normal circumstances I might deal with this discreetly," Sandro says, his eyes on Jack. Jack, his weapon. "But these are not normal circumstances. Julian and Leo, you have my full sanction to terminate AJ Bernardi, if you wish. And should any other Castellani want to try their luck, that man will have my blessing as well."
"About time," Julian drawls. "Though you might have given Leo and me a head start, brother. There are somanypeople who want AJ dead."
"Focus on your task," Sandro warns, his voice cold. "I trust you will handle this efficiently and without unnecessary theatrics."
"Oh, of course, Don Castellani," Julian replies with dark amusement. Leo says nothing, gaze fixed on the floor. At least he has the grace to look a little troubled by this turn of events.But then, I guess AJishis brother, despite everything that's gone down.
I open my mouth, wondering if I should point out what I just found upstairs, point out that we're rushing into this. But Pedretti catches my eye and gives a sharp shake of his head.
You don't question the Don's orders. Not if you want to keep breathing. But Sandro has already noticed my open mouth. "DeLuca. Is there something you want to add?"
Pedretti tries to catch my eye again, but I ignore him this time. "There are things that don't add up about what happened at the parley."
"Raffaello," Julian interrupts, "you did a commendable job during the parley, and you're wonderful with security. Truly. But it's time for justice to be served."
Justice. Is that what we're calling it?
"Understand, DeLuca," Sandro says quietly, "this matter has been dragging on for some time. It's notonlythe parley that concerns me."
I try to figure out what message he's sending me silently. Because he's sure as shit trying to tell me something, with the way he's looking at me. "Yes, Don Castellani," I say at last.
"Leo." Sandro turns to him. "You also have my permission to assemble a team to infiltrate Bernardi territory. Take whomever you need to get the job done."
I take a step forward. "I'd like to go, Mr. B. If you'll have me."
Pedretti gives an exasperated sigh from behind me, but Leo's heavy gaze settles on me with approval. "Julian and I will beleading the charge. But we'll need men to handle his crew. If you want to come, DeLuca, you're welcome. Maybe Oz Santarelli would like to stretch his legs as well?"
