“Well, at least you don’t have to worry about Franco anymore,” he says, and I grunt in response.
We held Franco at the Edge after we robbed Luminous, but I interrogated him that night, and it was quickly clear that he didn’t know shit. Beyond taking part in her actual kidnapping, he wasn’t the rapist, just a piece of trash in a larger pile. When Matti woke up, he took care of him.
“You know we’re not making a single fucking move on Aurelio until we find them, right?” I give Vin a hard look.
He shoots me a sideways look, irritated. “I fucking know. But someone’s gotta keep things moving on this war we’ve been working toward for over a fucking decade while you and Matti are both busy playing house.”
“Do I even need to be here?” I really want to get back to Gi.
“Yes, fucker. You have to be here. You’re my God damnconsigliere, and I’m about to meet with my underboss. You don’t get to bail.”
I slam the car in gear and peel out of the parking garage. “Keep an eye out for tails,” I grumble.
We take the long way to Dragovari Tower, switching lanes, cutting down side streets, paranoia riding shotgun. By the time we pull into Matti’s private garage, my nerves are raw.
When we get up to Matti’s penthouse, Vin barges in without waiting for them to answer, the black duffle bag slung over his shoulder.
Matti eyes me warily. “The fuck is wrong withyou?”
I look down at myself and back at him, confused. “What?”
Vin shakes his head at Matti and shoves me into the living room. “He’s been busy. But so have I.”
Vin grins and throws the black duffle bag on the couch where Siena is sitting sipping tea.
Matti’s eyes light up. “That what I think it is?”
“Even better,” says Vin as he dumps stacks of money out of the bag onto the couch.
Siena gasps and picks up a stack of cash, setting her tea down. “What is this?”
Vin snatches it out of her hand and throws it at Matti. “That, princess, is what you get when you fence jewelry.”
I settle into a chair at the dining room table, my ankle propped on my opposite knee, and rest my chin on my hand. I’m only half-listening. My mind is back at the safe house with Gi.
When Matti and Vin start talking about moving on Aurelio again, my patience snaps.
“The plans are on hold indefinitely,” I cut in, my voice flat, “until I get what I need.”
Matti gives me a short nod, placing his arm protectively around Siena. “Any progress?”
“If I need you, I’ll let you know.”
Matti nods. “I’ll be there. I know I haven’t been around as much lately, but—”
Vin smirks. “It’s a lot of work taking care of a princess.”
I slouch down in the chair as they continue bullshitting. I do not fucking need to be here. I spin the ring on my right hand, compulsively checking my texts every two minutes. Nothing from Gi. What is she doing right now?
“Hey, Tommy,” Matti says loudly.
I blink and look at him. What are they talking about? “Yeah?”
“My wife is talking to you,” Matti gestures at Siena.
Siena stands, heading into the kitchen. “I’ll heat you up some pastine, Tommy.”
“I could eat,” Vin calls after her.
