“That was quick,” he says in answer.
“The desire to keep breathing is a powerful motivator, even if only for a short time.”
“No shit. She confirm what we needed to hear?”
“Yeah, it was Pasha. We also got another bit of info that may fill in some missing pieces.”
“What’s that?”
“Sounds like he might be holed up at a taxidermist’s shop.”
“Huh, did not see that coming,” he muses.
“Me either, but it might explain how he’d get access to the snake without using any of the known dealers in the state.” We’d checked them all and got nowhere.
“I suppose a taxidermist might have connections for procuring live animals.”
I nod to myself. “Yeah, and to animal parts.”
“The heart in her apartment.” Now, he’s catching on.
“Exactly.”
“Great work. There can’t be that many taxidermists in the city.”
“If you’re good with it, I’d like to have a couple of guys stake them out.”
“Yeah, set that up. Let’s hope this gives us a lock on him.”
I pause before asking the next question, knowing I may not like the answer. “And if we do?”
Renzo sighs. “I’m not sure. Assassinating him could be a dangerous escalation. I don’t want to risk starting a war with Simeon.”
“You fucking kidding me? He’s made two attempts on your sister’s life.” I was worried that would be his response. I should be respectful of my boss’s opinions, but I can’t stay silent on this. Too much is at stake.
“Calm the fuck down,” he snaps at me. “I’m not saying we won’t deal with him eventually; I’m just asking you to hold off until I can work things out with Simeon. I don’t want to crossoff one threat just to create a new one. And while I’m doing that, I’m also going to reach out to the Genoveses and see what we can learn about Michael’s disappearance. I don’t like the uncertainty there.”
Okay, that’s not so bad.
“The guys will probably need a few days before we get anything with surveillance,” I concede. “This needs to end, though.” I need to watch it, or he’s going to wonder why my feelings are so strong about it. He doesn’t know about things between Rina and me, and I don’t feel like I can tell him when I don’t even know where we stand.
Renzo’s silent for a handful of seconds. “I get that, and I appreciate all you’ve done for my sister, which his why I’m not going to rip you a new one for thinking you can give me an ultimatum. She’s my fucking sister. I want this guy finished as much as anyone, but I don’t want to rush into it and lose more good people in the process. Understood?”
“Yeah, I got it,” I murmur back.
Irritation chafes, but not because he’s wrong. He’s spot-on, and I’m glad he’s doing this right. My emotions are trying to cloud my judgment. He’s keeping me in check, and I’d do the same for him. It’s what Elio and I used to do for one another.
As much as I resist letting people in, I have to admit that having a team at your back is an advantage in life. One I probably should have been utilizing in my personal world, and not just professional.
It’s something to consider.
For now, all my focus goes to Terina. First, to keep her safe, then to make her mine.
CHAPTER 46
DIANGELO
Present
