“We have seen some concerning things coming out of the Bronx. Children becoming very sick with an illness that can be prevented. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
Bash isn’t asking. He’s accusing. I watch as the Irish leader tenses.
“I, too, have noticed an increase in illness in the children. As I told your father, we do not deal with children. While we may work in a business that’s not always reputable, we do have a code we follow. My men have been trying to smoke out the culprit, but so far, we have come up empty-handed. At one point, it looked to have pointed to a man who you might know, but then he disappeared. He hasn’t been seen since. Do you know anything about that?”
The accusation is thrown right back. It’s obvious he’s now accusing us of the increased drug use.
“I believe I know who you speak of. He’s been an issue we’ve been having to jump through hoops to take care of. We thought we had the situation under control but he’s in the wind. If you lay eyes on said man, you will let me know, yeah? His wife misses him dearly. We would like to find him as soon as possible.”
Fucking Fillipo.
I watch the tension slowly leave Killian.
“I see. We haven’t seen him, but we will keep an eye out. As for the illness, it seems to be going down now that he’s missing. I feel he’s our missing link. Seems he’s a dosser, unless the Catalini family is looking for new business?”
“No, not at all. We like our business the way it is. I will look into this matter and let you know.”
“I have a person who will look further into it. But in the meantime, I will send you the information I have. We agree that this illness needs to end. Anything we can do to help squash it, we will do. I would like to continue the partnership I had with your father.”
Bash is quiet a moment as he thinks. “If what you’re saying is true, and your business does not involve children, I would be willing to honor the deal you previously made with my father. For now, send me the information you have, and we will discuss this further at a later date. Is that agreeable?”
It’s Killian’s turn to pause. “Aye. It is agreeable.” Killian stands, as does Bash.
“Great. I will reach out after I review the information.”
“Aye. I will have it sent over right away.”
They shake hands, and Bash waits as Killian leaves. “Let’s go out the back.”
Lo heads out the opposite end of the restaurant while I stay close behind Bash. After we are headed back, Bash speaks. “You think he’s telling the truth?”
Lo stays quiet.
“I think the thorn in our side he speaks of is capable of anything. If he was doing as he said, he wasn’t using our loyal men,” I tell him.
Lo speaks next. “I believe it. The Irish have not been a problem since your father negotiated the peace back in the eighties. I don’t know why they would change things now. Either someone else is causing the issue or someone in his organization is going rogue and starting a new business. I will look into all avenues.”
“Let me know as soon as possible. I need this tied up before we leave.” Bash’s phone rings, and I don’t miss his slight smile as he answers. “Mrs. Catalini, how are you doing today?”
I can’t make out her words, but he stops fighting his smile and lets it cover his face. “You’re bad,tesoro. Very bad. I will be home soon to take care of this.”
I smile as I turn to look out the window. I’m happy Bash has Sofia. She came to him unexpectedly, but she has done wonders for his soul.
“Yeah? I suppose we could do a family dinner. I was hoping to have you alone since I had to leave so early this morning and didn’t give you a proper good morning.”
I try and tune him out. I’m happy for him, but I don’t need to know about how he wishes her a good morning.
After a few more moments, he hangs up the phone. “Family dinner tonight.”
“I’m not really up for it.” I speak to the window as I watch the scenery go by.
“It’s not a request. The queen demands a family dinner. Do you want to disappoint her?”
I catch the humor in his voice and cringe slightly.
Sofia’s a gorgeous and sweet woman. She has become quite close to not only Bash but Lo and me as well. Don’t let her sweetness and good looks fool you though. As a man who prides himself on being fearless, I can honestly say an angry Sofia is scary as fuck.
“Dinner sounds nice. I’ll be sure to thank her,” I reply without enthusiasm.
