Silence stretched behind me. Then, Sergio muttered, “That’s… not ideal.”
I huffed a quiet laugh. “Careful. You’re starting to sound like that lawyer.”
“I’m starting to sound like someone who prefersnotto clean up a war,” Sergio said evenly.
I turned then, leaning back against the desk, glass still in hand.
“He left a legacy of blood and violence to achild,” I said. “Mychild. A person that doesn’t even exist yet.”
Sergio’s expression didn’t change. It rarely did. “But you will make one. Do as he said.”
Not a question. Of course not.
I studied him for a moment. “You always this optimistic?”
“I’mrealistic,” he corrected. “You like to solve problems.”
I smiled faintly. “I do.”
“You should rest,” Sergio added. “Take the night. Clear your head.”
I stared at him, then laughed.
“You think I’m the kind of man who rests when I’m being cornered?” I asked.
“No,” Sergio said. “I think you’re the kind of man who makes mistakes when he doesn’t.”
That was bold. For anyone else, it would’ve been fatal.
For Sergio Marino?
I let it pass.
“Get the car,” I said. “I feel like killing someone.Slowly.”
Theglovesfitmeperfectly. White cotton. Tight and clean. Not for long.
I pulled them on slowly, one finger at a time. My heart was, for once, not in overdrive. Because this was what I was born to do. After taking dozens of lives, another one didn’t make a difference. And this bastard had it coming.
By the time we arrived at the location, the restaurant was already closed to the public.
The restaurant was all soft lighting and white tablecloths, along with white glove service. Crystal glasses that cost more than most people’s monthly paychecks, and a plate of food made for the palate of a rich god lined the tables.
Tonight, I’d be posing as a waiter. Funnily enough, it reminded me of the way I met Chiara. She thought I’d really fallfor her little ruse, pretending to be staff at the Ventura estate. But from the first time I laid eyes on her, I knew she wasn’t a commoner. I wouldn’t make the same mistake she did. Nobody would recognize me.
A private dinner was happening inside the restaurant, the place sealed off from the public for the event. And my victim was the guest of honor.
I adjusted the cuff of my borrowed uniform, the fabric cheap compared to what I usually wore. It didn’t matter. No one looked at the help. That was the whole point. Chiara had a good idea, but I had better execution.
Sergio lingered near the entrance, already speaking quietly into his earpiece. He was posing as a valet tonight. The perimeter would be sealed within minutes.
There would be no witnesses, and no interruptions.
Just the very important man at the laden table, waiting for this death sentence.
I picked up the bottle of wine, secured from the cellar of a collector. A priceless pick. It was almost a shame I’d ruined it with poison.
I walked out onto the floor, smiling at a passing waiter, one of my own men. He gave me the signal that everything was ready, and I nodded at him.
