Though it wasn't his fault.
He's not trained.
And I do know that even one of Dad's men would have been in the same position.
It happened at an intersection. So, I can see someone running the red light deliberately and plowing into the car, sending it into the other car.
No one can stop that.
But still...
What can I say? I'm a fucking prick.
"How can you trust this guy?" I pick up the bottle and take a swallow.
Dad snatches it and pours a finger into another glass. "Running a family is playing games on different boards. And you being brainy and good with computers is great, but you need to understand this side."
"What side? Old men indulging in ego trips?"
Dad shrugs. "You can modernize the mafia, but there's a reason so much is done with cash, without computers. We have a trust system. Territories and enemies you respect."
"So, you respect Costa?"
"Yes," Dad says bluntly. "Look, we're not going to form an alliance where our families merge. But...favors...and a certain kind of trust you will never understand until you walk in the shoes."
I shake my head. "How can you trust him? He helped kidnap Lyndall. I know she's not your daughter, but?—"
"Watch your words." Then he switches gears after he downs his drink and motions me to the great room. "I can assure you, Edoardo is a very reasonable man."
"Seems to love his low-hanging balls."
"Reasonable until he's lied to, or worse. Double-crossed."
"Isn't that the same, more or less?"
"Not to him. He really doesn't like being stolen from."
"And, Dad, if someone double-crosses him?"
My father smiles. It's a humorless smile.
He pats my cheek. "Then he's a fucking psycho. We just don't double-cross him in this."
"If he asks a price we can't pay? This is Lyndall."
Lola.
Squish.
I go to my safe and open it, pulling out my gun and a bunch of clips.
"I'm certain we'll come to an agreeable arrangement."
His phone rings, and he answers. His conversation is short. Then he hangs up and handpicks some of his men to come with him.
He might trust the man and be confident.
But as we roll out, I can't shake the feeling that this is starting to sound all too easy.
