Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91389 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91389 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“Simon wants you to move on,” she says and all the bite’s gone from her voice. “What happened to you sucked. It was bullshit. Vito and Roc have been working garbage jobs since then and Paulie was basically ostracized.”
“Tommy’s doing okay for himself,” I point out.
“Because he’s useful. You know Tommy.”
I do know Tommy. Competent, clever Tommy. Self-interested and always looking for an angle. Once my best friend. Now just a name on my list.
“They fucked me. They left me there to rot.”
“Can you blame them? From what I hear, the cops were bearing down and the Serbs were trying to kill you all. It’s no wonder they ran.”
“And you’re defending cowards?” I glare at her, pulse rising. Heat fills my face.
“No, I’m telling you that they are so far beneath you that this revenge quest is worthless.” She shakes her head and holds up her hands for peace. “I understand you’re upset about Tommy and the club. If it helps, I think Simon’s wrong. You should be in charge of Cage, no matter how much money it’s been bringing in. But that’s not how the Don’s supposed to think.”
“Fuck the Don. He’s my brother.”
“Yeah, and I’m your sister, and I wish you’d listen to me sometimes.” She tilts her head from side to side and sips her wine. “At least don’t get yourself killed. Can we agree on that much?”
“I’ll do my best.” Fortunately, she hasn’t noticed the bandaged arm hidden by the sleeve of my button-down.
“Great.” She shoves a piece of paper at me. “Seamus says sorry and he told me to give you this.”
I stare at the page. “What’s that?”
“Roc’s address. I would’ve given it to you if you had just asked, you asshole.” She finishes the wine and gets up. “And no, I’m not going to tell Simon, and yes, I feel a little bad about that. Oh, well, that’s life.”
She walks to the door. I stare after her, not sure how to feel about this turn. “How’d Seamus get caught, anyway? Did he come clean?”
“Brody got wind of him snooping around Famiglia business. Seriously, just ask me next time. I’m on your side.”
I watch her go. The door shuts behind her, and I wonder if that’s true. If there’s anyone on my team except for me. Elena would rat me out to Simon in a heartbeat if she thought I was doing something truly stupid, like trying to take down Tommy.
There’s Claudia at least. We’re aligned, and she doesn’t give a damn if my mission goes against my brother’s wishes. So long as she gets what she wants.
I unfold the paper and smile at the address.
It’s not far from here.
Chapter 19
Claudia
Cage is bustling on a Saturday night. I’m not on dancing duty for once and I’m grateful for it as I weave my way through the crowd balancing a drink tray. I’m in black sneakers, extremely black shorts, and a tank top so tight it might as well not exist. Gold earrings dangle and a gold cross necklace glitters between my tits. More than one client commented on how much he loves Jesus tonight. It was funny the first time but got old by the tenth.
I hate that I’m back here. I’ve been replaying the bathroom incident in my head for the past few days, and every time my shift comes up and I have to get ready, I tell myself I can take some time off. Except I never do. What if tonight’s the night Serena’s ready to get away and I’m not there to help her? I keep dragging myself to work on the off chance that my sister might hit rock bottom and reach across the vast divide that keeps us apart.
It doesn’t happen. Obviously, it doesn’t. I feel stupid and alone in this enormous, packed night club.
The only thing keeping me sane is Angelo. Which is bizarre considering his request is crazy. I should be losing it all the time, but instead I find myself watching Tommy from a distance whenever I get the chance, paying particular attention to his phone. I know the code—assuming he hasn’t changed it—thanks to Serena drunkenly bragging about it a couple of months back. He always has it with him, but he doesn’t like to keep it in his pants. Instead, he takes it out and leaves it on a table, usually right in front of him, but Tommy isn’t perfect. He wanders away, leaves it unattended. And their parties get rowdy sometimes. Devices get knocked to the floor. People get drunk and high and forgetful.
I can exploit that if I’m careful.
Rodrigo finds me halfway through my shift and drags me up to the private rooms. “Tommy has a gathering,” he explains on the way. “An important gathering. He needs you to waitress.”
“I can do that. Anyone I know?”