Page 48 of Unlock My Heart

“You don’t smoke, Mr. Calvani.”

“Aww, I’ve got a secret admirer.” My hackles raise, but I play it cool as I slide into the booth across from him.

“It’s no secret: New Orleans has been out of sight, out of mind for far too long. The Bureau plans to rectify this problem.”

“Good for the Bureau,” I say in a patronizing tone. “And what’s first on your crime-fighting agenda?”

“Depends,” he says with a cat that got the canary smile.

With the lift of my hand and the snap of my fingers, Nic comes bounding over, plugging in a recording-jammer before disappearing.

“Nifty little device. Except I’m getting the feeling you don’t trust me,” Ringer says with a pout.

“Don’t know you well enough to trust you. If we’re going to talk shop, I want us to be able to speak freely.”

“Of course. So let me speak freely.” He leans forward. “You and your old man want the same cushy deal like the one you have with the Baton Rouge office? Then I want my cut.”

“How much? Hypothetically, of course.”

“Of course. In exchange for my office focusing on other issues in this city, I’ll expect fifty grand a month—a mix of cash and cryptocurrency. An open tab at the lounge and female companionship when I’m here.”

“Twenty grand a month, and I’ll agree to the rest of those terms,” I counter.

“Twenty-five, and I won’t go a penny lower,” he warns.

That’s good, because I wasn’t willing to go a penny higher. “Deal.” We shake, and the fucker still tries to outmuscle me.

“Outstanding. I’ll be in touch with my crypto account details and coordinates for the monthly cash drop.” He finishes his drink, slamming down the crystal. “Leave a nice tip for me.” Sliding out of the booth, he strolls out of the lounge like he owns the place.

Can already tell I don’t like this fucker.

“Interesting that you’re making deals instead of Vitto.” Michele appears, a cigar hanging from his mouth.

“Are you questioning my authority, Michele?” I slide out of the booth, rising to full height. Michele may intimidate some family members; I’m not one of them.

His chest puffs like a turkey fluffing its feathers. “You’d best believe, boy, I’m not eating those costs.”

“If times are that hard for you, Michele, then I’d suggest keeping up with Ringer’s expenses,” I say in a mocking tone. “You’ll be reimbursed, minus your stake.”

“And what stake is that?” he challenges.

“We all have to pay to play with the feds; you’re not an exception to that rule. I’ll be in the penthouse with my girl if you need any more handholding.” I can’t help but give him a parting shoulder check as I start towards the exit.

“How much is Sienna charging you?”

Spinning around, I march back and get in Michele’s face. “Sienna is out, and I don’t want to hear my girl’s name in your mouth again.”

He slams his palm on the table. “You’re costing my racket a pretty penny, boy.”

“Michele, you know damn well Sienna should have never been a part of your racket to begin with. You disobeyed a direct order.” My hand slides into my pocket, retrieving my ice pick as I bring it down between his fingers, embedding it in the wood.

Cursing, he jerks his hand away.

“I’ll let it slide this time, Michele. But one freebie is all I’m willing to give.”

Michele’s face shades crimson. “Threatening a capo over a whore? What would Vitto say about that?”

“Damn, Michele.” I whistle. “Thought you had a hard-on for my girl, but turns out you’ve got one for the boss.”