“If you do happen to find out who the person is, give me a call.”
“Sure, sure. I can do that.”
Montes put a hand on Gennaro’s shoulder. “Thanks, Ricky. It’s good to know we have loyal people like you in the organization.”
“I’m always happy to help.”
“I won’t keep you any longer.”
Montes flashed him a smile, then headed out.
As soon as the front door shut, Gennaro slumped into his chair and ran a hand through his hair.
He was pretty sure he’d done enough to keep Montes—and by extension Pinkie—from thinking he was the one trying to get his hands on Fratelli’s money. They’d figure it out eventually, but by then, he would be long gone.
Finding out Fratelli had been calling around had been a shock, but now that he thought about it, it didn’t change anything. There were only three people including himself who knew what he was up to, and Dominic and Manny wouldn’t risk losing their cuts by talking to anyone.
He was just starting to feel relaxed when a thought hit him.
What if Montes talked to Dominic and Manny? They didn’t work for Pinkie’s syndicate anymore, but theyhadbeen part of Buono’s crew. Montes reaching out to them would be a logical step.
Dominic might hold up under questioning, but there was no way Manny wouldn’t say something he shouldn’t.
“Oh, shit.”
Before Montes’s visit, forty-eight hours had felt like it wasjust around the corner. Now, Friday seemed years away. And so much could go wrong between now and then.
Knowing what he had to do, he headed to his office at the back of the house.
He didn’t notice Rosa pressed against the wall, just outside the dining room as he walked by. Nor was he later aware of her listening in on every call he made.
Montes waited until he’d drivena few blocks from Gennaro’s place before he called his boss.
“Well?” Pinkie asked.
“No question in my mind,” Montes said. “Gennaro’s the one who was looking for Fratelli.”
“Just like you thought.”
Montes grinned at that. “Something interesting, though. He didn’t realize Fratelli had been trying to find out who he was.”
“Is that a fact?”
“You should have seen his face when I dropped that on him.”
“He’s always thought he’s smarter than he is. Were you able to find out what he’s got planned on Friday?”
“No. I wanted him to think that I didn’t suspect him, so I didn’t press. But he’s scared now, so I’m sure he’ll do something stupid.”
“You have anyone watching him?”
“Got a crew covering the house. If he makes a move, we’ll know.”
“I want that money.”
“Don’t worry, boss. It’s as good as yours.”
Chapter 46
