I looked back at him. “Yes?”
“Have you made any headway with the drug suppliers?”
Oh.
That.
I gave him a tight-lipped smile. “Our contacts in the‘Ndranghetatold me – quite politely, but very clearly – to go fuck myself. So I’m having to search a bit farther afield for new suppliers.”
The‘Ndranghetawas an organized crime group originally from Calabria, the ‘toe’ of the boot of Italy. They had spread internationally and gone full-bore into drug smuggling. They were responsible for most of the drug trade throughout Europe, and even parts of the US and Canada not supplied by the Mexican cartels.
When we’d originally canceled our contract with them – on Dario’s orders – the‘Ndranghetahad not been pleased. They weren’t looking to extend us any favors now.
“I see.” Dario gestured at the flip phone. “Any luck with Fausto’s moles?”
“Not yet.”
“Is it true what you told Adriano, then? It’s ancient history?”
I smiled tightly. “Well, you know what they say: the past is never dead. It isn’t even past.”
“Hm,” Dario grunted.
I left him staring out the window as I exited the room.
54
Giorgio
When I entered the kitchen with Sofia and Adriano, it was like walking into a nightmare.
Not a gory or violent one, though.
More like the ‘naked in front of your entire high school’ variety.
Caterina stood behind the kitchen island, rolling out dough.
Alessandra, Mei-ling, and Rachel sat on the opposite side from her –
Along with Lucia and Bianca, who had interrogated me about last night during the drive over from Florence.
All six women glanced over at me –
And immediately the ribbing began.
“Wooooo!” Caterina called out.
“The Stud of Florence has returned!” Lucia yelled.
Alessandra just laughed and blushed.
“Oh my god,” I muttered as I turned around and headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” Rachel complained.
“Ya big pussy,” Adriano said contemptuously.
Well, ofcourseI couldn’t leave after he saidthat.
