“He begs for death,” Maverick finishes calmly. “And we do not grant it.”
That seems to get Bones’ attention.
Because it isn’t about pain.
It’s about control.
Bones’ mouth curves slightly.
“Slow,” he says.
“Yes,” Maverick agrees. “Generational.”
He leans back.
“You skin for information. We dismantle for legacy.”
Skip raises one hand slowly.
“I take it back. Mega-powerful empire.”
Spike exhales through his nose.
Maverick’s eyes flick to Bones one last time.
“And if necessary,” Maverick says evenly, “we are capable of noise as well. But I will admit… I do not have a man who performs work nearly as… fine-tuned… as yours.”
“Don,” Luca says from the doorway. “Apologies for the interruption. When you are finished here, several of the children are asking if you would join them in a game ofNascondinoafter their studies.”
I try not to notice the cluster of children attempting to hide behind Luca’s legs.
“Only if you tell that Mongrel Gianni that he can’t cheat and hide himself beneath his mother’s dress this time.” Luca’s stoic expression cracks instantly into a grin.
A small voice pipes up from somewhere in the giggling mass.
“Well, where else am I gonna hide,Don? No one ever looks there. They never look between Mama’s legs!”
“No,” Maverick replies smoothly. “I imagine they don’t. Your papa would not take kindly to such strategy.”
He rises from his chair slightly, leaning toward the doorway.
“Finish your studies,” he tells them. “And I will accept your challenge. But understand this…I know every shadow in this house. I built half of them. I will find you.”
A chorus of dramatic gasps.
Then cheerful shouts as they scatter down the hall.
Luca inclines his head once before following them out.
“I take it,Nascondinois hide and seek?” I ask.
“Yes,” Maverick replies, mock irritation crossing his features. “But I’m always voted to seek.”
“Because you’re terrifying,” Skip offers.
“Because I’m stubborn and don’t stop until every last one of them is found,” Maverick corrects. “Some of them are quite good.”
There’s warmth in his voice now. A different man than the one who discussed erasing bloodlines minutes ago.
