again, but I hold the case up for them to see, and pop it open, sliding one of my smokes out. Makaio already has the Zippo lit beside me, and I lean in to light the end of it.
“I fucking hate my job. Hate. My job. If I didn’t have to deal with all my father’s shitty loose ends, I’d buy a boat and sail around the world, fucking every woman at every port, until I die of some raging STD. You’re the first of many loose ends.”
“What are you saying? You’re gonna … sell the fucking company?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Do I look like I’m over here trying to produce an heir?” With a shrug, I take another drag of my smoke. “It’s going to happen eventually, unless the key to everlasting life suddenly comes in the form of daily suppositories and denture glue.”
“You can’t do that. We’ve been partners a long time. You don’t just ditch a business partnership.”
“I believe a man’s odds eventually catch up to him, Stefano. We have been doing this a long time. And at some point, someone is going to get wise to the fact that I have been moving large shipments for the mafia. It’s going to be very bad. And my dreams of sailing and fucking? Gone like a prostitute when the meth runs out.”
Beside Stefano, Vincent sits rubbing his fingers together, the harsh breaths coming out of his nose reminding me of a bull seeing red. “What do you propose?”
“I’m glad you asked.” I lean forward to flick the ash of my cigarette in Stefano’s drink. “I’ll hand off your shipment and, as a courtesy, waive the usual cut. To honor my grandfather’s verbal contract with your grandfather, which, let’s face it, with the rising inflation, probably didn’t amount to much back then, I’ll buy out your arrangement for three-million up front, and another three-million when the business sells.” I catch the quick exchange of glances between Stefano and Vincent, as I ease back into my seat.
“How soon?” Vincent also reaches for a pack of cigarettes out on the table in front of him and lights one up.
“I’ll have Rand draft the paperwork immediately.” I lean forward to toss the remains of my cigarette in Stefano’s drink, catching the glare he shoots back. “Provide an account number to wire funds to. Your shipment will be at port as early as tomorrow morning.”
“And what about our suppliers?”
Rubbing my hand across my jaw, I breathe in the heady scent of Isa still clinging to my fingers. “I’ll provide the name of a smaller operation. I’m afraid that’s the best I can do.”
“You honor this … and we’ll once again be in good standing.” Vincent’s eye squints as he takes another drag of his cigarette and points his finger at me. “A man’s word is gold.”
“And I’m a man of my word. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have boats to shop for.” I push up from my seat, and Stefano leans forward.
“One more thing. We haven’t heard from Franco in a few weeks. As I understand, he was in contact with you just before he went missing. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
Lips tight, I lower myself back into my seat and set my hands on the table. “As a matter of fact, I would. It so happens, I killed him.”
The slow descent of Stefano’s brows must mirror the slow realization that my reputation is everything they say with an extra helping of bat-shit.
“’The fuck? Are you fucking nuts? Tell me you’re fucking playing right now, because no way a man comes into another man’s territory, sits down at his table, and confesses to killing his family. You’ve lost your goddamn mind.”
“I’m probably a little unstable. But that’s not really my excuse. The truth is, it was bound to happen eventually. And might I add, Franco threatened me on your behalf. I’m certain I’m not the first.”
As Stefano lurches forward, Vincent sets his hand on his son’s arm to settle him. “What did you do?”
“Cut his tongue out first.”
“I oughta have my men gun you down where you sit, you crazy piece of shit.”
Wouldn’t surprise me if Stefano opened his mouth to expel a cloud of dust, as much as he’s grinding his teeth.
“I suppose you’ll have to ask yourself, was Franco worth almost seven-million dollars alive?”
Stefano slams his mouth shut, rolling his head against his shoulders in a piss poor attempt to calm his