I’m not going to correct him for any of this.
“But I also understand that you know how this world works. You know that, as far as criminals go, I’m not the worst man to be in charge.”
That’s hardly something worth bragging about, but he’s correct. Giancarlo Conti, unlike his son, has always let business dictate his actions rather than perversion or obsessions. He’s nothing like his son.
“You helped Lucian escape from prison,” I say.
“You know I can’t comment on that.”
“Get to the fucking point, then.”
“Most men would be too afraid to speak to me like that,” he says coldly.
“Yeah,” I grunt. “I’m sure they would.”
“But you’re not most men?”
“Nope.”
He laughs with an edge to it. “Fair enough. I’m not calling to tell you to spare my son. I know he’s been bothering you and some girl up there.”
“Some girl,” I repeat. “He took everything from that girl. Ruined her life. He should be rotting in a cage for the rest ofhislife for what he did… or fry in a fucking chair.”
“That’s why I’m calling,” Giancarlo says pointedly. “I wanted you to know, if you happen to… do what you do, and if my son goesmissingbecause of it, then there won’t be any fallout with the Contis. Lucian has overstepped the mark too many times. He’s always been different from his siblings. He’s always been… wrong. I will hurt a man if it has a purpose. But Lucian’spurposeis to hurt. Do you see the difference?”
“Yeah, I see it,” I snarl. I share the same philosophy, but it’s not like I’m going to start bonding with a mob boss.
“That’s it,” he goes on. “No fallout. Full permission.”
“I never asked for your permission,” I growl.
“But you’ll take it anyway,” he says, laughing softly.
I can’t lie. Knowing that I can end Lucian without risking a fallout with the Contis does make all this easier, but I was going to do it anyway and face the damn consequences if they came.
“I’ll do what needs to be done,” I snap.
“Which is what you always do, isn’t it? I’ve heard good things about you.”
“That means a lot coming from you,” I grunt.
Another laugh. “Be warned, Rhett. Lucian has always been clever, especially when it comes to technology.”
“Yeah, I’ve experienced some of that myself.”
“He’s always been invested in the latest developments in… well, everything.”
“Okay,” I grunt. “Are we done?”
“We’re done,” he replies. “If you do this, do it cleanly. Do it quietly. Don’t make it so that I’m forced to act. If he disappears without a fuss, I’ll tell everyone he left the country. No one ever has to know.”
“Giancarlo,” I say before he hangs up.
“Yes?”
“I was going to do this with or without your blessing.”
“I’m sure you would have,” he replies. “But now you’ll be able to live the rest of your life without looking over your shoulder.”
