“I think it could work,” Mazzone agrees.
Fiero’s brows knit together. “You cannot be thinking who I’m thinking.”
“You know any other woman more capable?”
There are more opportunities for women withinmafiosocircles these days, but most opt for roles in our businesses rather than being initiated. But there are exceptions.
Caleb slams his hands down on the table and grins. “She is fucking perfect. She’s got the looks, the body, the smarts, and the skills to protect herself.”
“You’re forgetting one vital thing,” Fiero supplies. “Myconsiglierewill never allow it.”
“He won’t have a choice,” Massimo says, grimacing a little in understanding. I’m sure he’s thinking of his daughter and empathizing with Rico as a father. But that can’t play a part in this decision. “Rico knew what was involved when she agreed to become one of our informants. This is why we allowed women into the program.”
“We can’t talk about equality and then balk at the first real test,” Cristian says.
“Shit.” Fiero slumps in his chair. “You’re right.”
“She’ll want to do this.” If I have gauged her personality correctly, she will be champing at the bit for this assignment. There will be no greater opportunity to prove her worth. She won’t turn it down.
“Elisa will have your balls,” Mazzone says, his lips twitching.
“That is the least of my concerns.” I have very little to do with his niece or her friend.
“Caleb can take one for the team if she throws a hissy fit,” Cristian jokes.
Caleb narrows his eyes as Ben jabs his finger in my twin’s direction. “Do not even think about it. I will riddle you with bullets if you as much as touch a hair on her head. Elisa is far too good for you.”
I fix Ben with a sharp look. He knows how my brother operates, so why would he throw down the gauntlet so blatantly?
“Wow, look at that,” Caleb says, leaning back in his chair and smirking at our uncle. “We finally agree on something.”
“Enough snarking like bitches,” Massimo snaps, shooting Ben and Caleb a warning look. “Do I need to remind anyone of the seriousness of the situation? Enemies are snapping at our heels, and we’re wasting time. Fiero, call Rico and set up a second meeting for tomorrow. Let’s put the proposal to Gia Bianchi and see what she says.”
Chapter Four
Gia
“You don’t have to do this,” Mom says, hovering in the doorway of my bedroom, chewing on her lip and practically exuding worries from her pores. “I don’t want you to do this. It’s too dangerous.”
“I’m not sure what to wear.” I ignore her on purpose. We’ve had this same conversation, repeatedly, since yesterday when Dad slammed the phone down on his boss—a disrespect that would be punishable in the past or with any current don who is not Fiero Maltese—and told us I’ve been summoned to Commission HQ to attend a meeting with the board about a high-profile, field-based informant assignment.
I hold up a fitted black dress. “Should I wear a sexy dress?” Snatching the red pants suit from the bed, I ask, “Or a power suit? Or should I go in my combat gear? Or an understated undercover look?” If I knew exactly what the assignment was it might help me to dress appropriately, but it’s all hush-hush for now. I think Dad knows but he’s not permitted to say.
“Don’t go.” Mom rushes across the room, and I drop the clothes on my bed. She grabs my cheeks. “I have a bad feeling about this, and you know I always trust my instincts.”
“Mom, she can’t turn it down,” Antonio says, materializing behind her.
I’m glad my brother is here. He is generally the voice of reason among my siblings even though that probably should be my role as the eldest. But I’ve got too much of Mom in me. Antonio takes after Dad, and he’s hoping to fill his shoes as the official Malteseconsiglierewhen Dad retires. Which won’t be for a while, because papa is only forty-nine, and there are plenty of years left in him yet. It also gives Antonio time to hone his skill and experience, because there is more to being aconsiglierethan being reasonable and calm. Confidants to the dons, the most powerful men in our world,consiglierineed to advise and strategize, and that only comes with maturity and time. Something my brother doesn’t have in spades yet since he’s only twenty. “This is what she signed up for when she applied to join the first informant’s program.”
Increasingly, the way we do things is evolving. In the past, themafiosoruled with an iron fist, and violence was the normal way of handling things. The organization has moved with the times, and information is the key currency these days. It’s why the leadership rubs shoulders with and greases the hands of authority figures. Politicians, judges, cops, lawyers, and even the police commissioner now work for us.
Don Greco is keen to make his mark as president, and the informant’s program was his idea. I love it. For years, the FBI has been using informants to rat on their mafia bosses. Now, we’re turning the tables. Developing our own network of spies to protect our interests and serve our aims.
I had just graduated early with my computer science degree from NYU when the program was announced. I applied without telling my parents because I knew they wouldn’t approve. I didn’t even tell my best friend Elisa because she’d try to talk meout of it. The only person I told was Antonio, and he encouraged me to go for it.
There was a huge number of applications, and only fifty were chosen for the initial training. Now, we’re a team of twenty, and I’m the sole female representative. I only returned from Nepal a month ago, and I’ve been on desk duty while waiting to be assigned a mission.
The very last thing I’ll be doing is turning it down.
