Page 78 of Merciless Monster

“Glad I’m not alone.”

“There’s a reason we drive in plush SUVs, Elio. We’ve gotten soft.”

“Pappa would turn in his grave,” Elio laughs.

“He’d make us do manual labor, more like it.”

“Tru dat. Let’s go into town for a steak. I’m not in the mood to gut a fish. Besides, those sardines you caught would feed an ant.”

“Oh, like yours was the catch of the day,” Elio laughs.

“Face it. You and I are mafia men. We ain’t no fishermen.”

“Agreed. Right, off we go. I’m going to clean up quickly.”

* * *

The ristorante at the nearest town is jam packed. Tourists love this part of the mountains. It’s good for all sorts of outdoor adventures, especially around the national parks in the area.

Elio and I take a seat at the bar while we wait for a table. We haven’t been to this area since we were teenagers so we aren’t well known here. Honestly, the anonymity is a sorely needed distraction.

“Whiskey,” Elio says to the barman over the noise of the diners and then turns back to me. “Looks like the whole of Europe is here tonight.”

“I hope we get a table.”

“Shall I move a few people?”

“I wouldn’t recommend it. We’re a tad outnumbered,” I smile.

“Oh, please. These peasants! We’ll kick their asses with one arm bound behind our back.”

“I see all this fresh air has made you antsy, little brother.”

“I see all that money has made you yellow.”

I know what he’s doing.

“Bating me isn’t going to work, you trouble maker.”

“Looks like I won’t have to do too much bating,” he grins and gestures to a table of diners.

“That sexy giovane donna over there can’t take her eyes off you and her boyfriend doesn’t seem terribly impressed.”

“How do you know she isn’t looking at you?”

“Could be. Either way we may get an opportunity tonight to flex a few muscles that have been laying dormant for too long.”

“Don’t start anything, Elio. It’s tough eating a good steak with a split lip.”

“Oh, come on. When did you become so boring?”

I laugh at my brother’s challenge-filled look.

We order once we’re seated.

“She’s definitely got the hots for you, Dante.”

“She is very pretty. But I’m taken.”

---