As we strode down the hall past the storage facilities for the various businesses, I thought about Emmeline’s insistence I head to the ballet to fully understand and appreciate Anna’s beauty. Before I’d known what I was doing only a couple of hours before, I’d purchased a set in the orchestra section. Why the hell not have my own indulgence into the world of endless beauty if only for one night.
At least she’d learn she wasn’t getting rid of me that easily.
Zorro peered up at me as we headed toward the small warehouse. In purchasing and renovating the group of buildings years before, we’d managed to utilize almost every inch of space. It had been my mother’s brainchild, and my sister’s continued project since she was mostly running every aspect of the Indulgence portion of our corporate conglomeration.
Especially since the Miami property would soon be ready for occupancy.
That could prove necessary to place on hold depending on if the Italians were about to become an issue. If Carmine was expecting his family from Italy to bail him out, I doubted that would occur. From what I knew, Vitelli had burned family bridges when leaving Italy.
“At minimum, I need the names of as much hierarchy of the Five Families in Italy that you can find,” I told Donatello.
“Jesus, boss. That could take weeks.”
“You have days.”
“Here I thought being with a woman would put you in a better mood.”
“You thought wrong.”
I opened the door, nodding to Malcolm and Keiffer. They would ensure Damien didn’t try to leave prematurely.
I crouched down, stroking Zorro while listening for any telltale signs of the man in question. Hearing a single thud brought a smile to my face. Just before unclipping the leash from Zorro’s collar, I thought about how he’d reacted to Anna.
“Go find, Zorro.”
He knew what to do. Few people understood that there wasn’t an aggressive bone in Zorro’s body. He’d be more likely to lick someone to death versus anything else, but given his size, his coloration, and his big white canines, he appeared menacing.
Just enough to startle someone into making a misstep.
Zorro didn’t need to gather the man’s scent. He was simply searching for anyone who wasn’t the people he’d come with.
A sharp, very masculine cry seconds later and both Donatello and I were laughing. I took my time heading toward where Damien was standing with a look of absolute horror on his face.
True to Zorro’s training, he had his canines bared, even growling every few seconds. What Damien wasn’t paying attention to was the fact the big dog’s tail was whooshing back and forth across the cold, hard tile.
I leaned against a set of liquor boxes, studying them while Zorro continued his intimidation tactics.
Through the years of countless violence and bloodshed, where a portion of me had once been eager to prove my worth in the family’s legacy, I’d grown weary of the constant battles. Even though I’d admitted to boredom, acting on a need for revenge wasn’t the kind of hobby my sister had in mind.
“Zorro. Heel.”
Zorro snuffled as he stared at Damien, allowing the fearful man to hear another growl before trotting in my direction.
“Mr. Prince. I didn’t know you had a dog.” Damien was already sweating like a pig, only partly due to the presence of a terrifying animal. When traitors were caught in a trap of their ownmaking, only those highly trained in subterfuge could keep from presenting their fears.
Damien was a two-bit player and nothing more. Just by his actions alone I was beginning to believe Sergio had acted on his own. Whether out of defiance or a test, I didn’t care at this point. The annoyance alone I’d been forced to endure the last two days was enough to warrant his… dismissal.
“Zorro has been with the pack for a couple months now. He’s a very good boy. Aren’t you?” I used my pup voice, the one Donatello had already teased me about. Zorro harrumphed and eased down by my feet, content after doing his job. “He’s been good inside, not making a single mess. He’s a bit of a food hound and adores his toys. I’ve yet to take him to Starbucks for a pup cup though.”
“I thought your sister had ordered special cups for the bistro,” Donatello interjected.
I shook my head. “Fuck. You’re right. I forgot all about that.” I’d learned the trick of putting those I was about to interrogate off guard from Alexander. He was the master of being diplomatic, using his debonair qualities to his benefit. “Zorro. We’ll head to the bistro tomorrow. A treat for you being such a good boy tonight.” I even hunkered down, taking a few seconds to rub Zorro behind the ears.
“Mr. Prince. I don’t mean to rush you, but the club is going to open in a little while and I have a list of things to do.”
Damien was thoroughly confused. Or so it would seem. I stood, stepping over Zorro and walking closer. “You’re right. Time is of the essence and I’m in a shitty mood. Donatello. Do the honors so we can cut through the bullshit.”
“You got it, boss.”
