Page 39 of Hades’ Revenge

“Yes,” Atticus said. “According to my sources, Leo has been meeting with Benny Lazaro.”

“He does business with the Lazaro family?” The Lazaros were a prominent family in South America. They dealt with several cartels and weren’t known for showing mercy. They were much more dangerous than the New York mafia. “I wouldn’t have thought Leo would stray from the Italians.”

“You haven’t been in his life for a long time.” Zeus poured himself a glass of whiskey. “But from what I know about Leo, working with Lazaro isn’t a surprise. It was only a matter of time before they joined forces.”

“No, I guess it isn’t a shock to anyone.” I nodded toward the crystal decanter. “Pour me one of those.”

“Me too,” Atticus said. “I have a feeling we’re going to need it.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.” I looked through the file. “Why does this association concern Capri? I see the hotel transaction and the ridiculous amount of money Leo has spent on renovating it, but we already knew he had invested in this property.”

“Remember when I thought the hotel was going to be a graduation present for her?” Atticus took a glass from Zeus. “According to my sources, it is going to be a gift, but not for her graduation.”

“For what then?” I asked as Zeus placed a glass in front of me. “What is this file going to tell me?”

“I had to cash in some pretty big favors to get this information.” Atticus took a sip from his drink, and then placed the glass on the edge of my desk. “The only reason I did that is because you’ve taken such an interest in this girl. An unhealthy one if you ask me.”

“I didn’t ask you.” I appreciate his interest to always have my back, but we weren’t going to agree in my relationship with Capri.

“You said all of our problems start with a pretty girl sitting at a bar.” Zeus shook his head. “Nothing but problems.”

“Atticus,” I said. “I’m losing my patience. Get to the point.”

“You’re about to lose your shit after you hear what I’ve uncovered.” He nodded at my glass. “Drink that. You’re already in a foul mood. None of the staff will come near you. They begged me to send you home.”

I drained the liquid in my glass, letting the hints of caramel coat my throat. The drink did nothing for my mood, but that didn’t stop me from pushing my glass toward Zeus for a refill. He quickly obliged.

“Can we get on with this?” I tapped my fingers against the desk. “I want to get back to work.”

“During my investigation, I uncovered that Benny has a son named Christopher,” Atticus said. “He’s twenty-eight and has a law degree from Yale.”

“Of course he does.” I took my glass from Zeus. “His father needs a lawyer in the family.”

“Especially if he’s expanding into the states.” Atticus sat across from my desk. “New York particularly.”

“The hotel?” What would Lazaro want with the hotel Leo owned? “Why is that so crucial? What makes it something I need to deal with?” Obviously, I didn’t want Capri working closely with these people, but I needed more information before I decided if I needed to assassinate anyone.

“My sources tell me Leo and Benny are getting into business together. My guess is they’re going to use that hotel to launder money. It’s the perfect location. Not too far from New York and on the water.”

“Why is their business my business?” I asked. “I’m not understanding.”

“I’m getting there,” he said.

“Get there faster.” I arched a brow. “Please.”

Normally, I wouldn’t be this irritable with Atticus, but I didn’t like how cryptic he was being. It was as if he wanted to tell me what he found out but he was conflicted. That didn’t sit well with me. The only reason it would take him this long to get to the point was if he was trying to shield me from something or protect me from myself.

If he was trying to prevent me from going off the rails over Capri, whatever he needed to tell me must have been bad.

“Atticus, I have a feeling you don’t want me to do something I’ll regret when I hear what you have to say,” I said. “But my actions are not your responsibility.”

“No, but your safety is,” he reminded me. “You pay me a lot of money to make sure you’re untouchable.”

That was true. As an assassin, I often had to deal with extremely dangerous people. I required a unique kind of security, especially when I was on a job. Discretion was a must and my focus couldn’t be off. I didn’t have time to worry about someone tailing me or figuring out why I was in the vicinity. I needed to get in, complete the mission, and get out.

It was impressive that Capri was able to breach that security. Neither Atticus nor I saw her coming. She inadvertently took advantage of that and managed to walk onto my property and invade my life. We didn’t see her as a threat. Maybe we should have.

“I won’t fly off the handle,” I said. “I’ll listen and think rationally.”