"And that I would have to follow every one of your orders," I say.
"That's right," he says. "Now explain to me why you stayed at that auction when I specifically told you to leave."
I look up at Enzo. A solution appears out of thin air.
"I heard someone insulting us," I lie.
"Pardon?"
"Right after I spoke with you yesterday, I overheard the Sicilians talking," I say. "They said something unforgivable."
"What did they say?" he asks, falling for my bait.
"I don't wish to repeat it," I say. "But they insulted your family."
“Did they, now?” His voice is as lethal as a knife's edge.
There's a reason he put me in charge.
Don Savastano has no living blood relatives. Despite being married multiple times, he doesn’t have any children either. He had parents and siblings, but they were all lost in a tragic incident. It's cruel to use that against him, but telling him the truth isn't an option. He's not the type to sympathize.
"I couldn't walk away after that," I say. “I didn’t get a chance to speak to them at the art auction, so I was going to confront them at the second auction. I was going to leave before the raid began.”
He's quiet for a long moment.
I just lied to my boss.
He's a smart man. He didn't get to the top by being gullible. He's ruthless and cunning, all the qualities needed to run a successful criminal empire.
A part of me is convinced he's going to call my bluff.
"And the girl?" he asks.
I slump in my chair, careful not to let my relief show in my voice.
"It...was a moment of weakness," I say. This time, I'm telling the truth.
"I've known you a long time, Dante," he says. "You have millions under your name, but I've never seen you splurge on anything before. You haven't even bought your first car yet, even though you have the means to buy top-of-the-range Ferraris."
"Cars don't interest me," I say. "And besides, my Vespa is better for these streets anyway."
"So you say," he hums.
He's quiet for a moment.
“What you did was reckless,” he says. “You could have gotten caught. Most did.”
“I know, I’m sorry,” I say. “But I have a plan of action against the Sicilians.”
“Dimmi,” he says in Italian.Tell me.
"They have a shipment coming in next week," I say. "Four million euros worth of fentanyl-laced pills. We can make the whole ship disappear."
We've been at war with the Sicilians since the beginning of time. The two crime families have never gotten along, and it's only getting worse with every passing year.
“That’s a good place to start, but I want you to dream bigger, Dante,” Don Savastano says. “We’ll brainstorm more tomorrow.”
"Certainly, Don."
