Page 77 of Demon's Angel

Lucio nods, clearly taking that as a given. “I don’t know where he is. That’s the truth. All I know is that he and Vitalia will be there, along with his most-trustedsoldati.” His brow creases. “I don’t know whichcapiare working with him.” As my head tilts, he clarifies, “Thecapo,caporegime, is the captain. Each has adecina, a group of ten or moresoldatiwho he oversees. I suspect at least one of mycapiwill be in the know, or, will be missing.”

“Angel has been turning men? Turning thiscapo? Could he have turned all of them?”

Lucio shakes his head. “One, two, maybe. Sanna is trying to stay close to him on my instructions. I’m hoping that he can temper Angelino’s plans, but whether he’ll be successful, who can tell? And who knows who else could be enticed over to the other side? As you know, Angelino isn’t exactly stable. His mother spoiled him; I did too. I’d lost Pompeo, his brother. You know what that name means? Five. He was to be the first of our five children. Instead I ended up with one. So yes, whatever he wanted, he was given. It’s not helped develop his character in the right direction. Unfortunately, he can also be quite persuasive.”

I need to cut through the crap. There won’t be a chance for Angel to redeem himself, he won’t have long enough while he’s still breathing. “You can find where thiscapois?”

“I can try.”

“Locations, man,” Drummer barks. “Where’s he likely to have taken her?”

“Somewhere I don’t know about, I assure you.” Lucio’s eyes harden. “Should your attack on me have failed, he will know I’d be looking for him myself. So it won’t be a location I’m aware of. Maybe somewhere he’s bought recently, maybe somewhere he has the owner tied up, or more likely, killed. Somewhere it will be almost impossible to find.”

“Almost?” Drummer queries.

“People talk. People listen. You leave me alive, I’ll question everyone. If it’s only the direction they saw people heading, it will be a start. Angelino does like his comforts, and especially so does Vitalia. I suspect when Angelino’s… with… Violet, she’ll not want to be within hearing. What wife would?”

What fucking wife would be part of a plan to rape and impregnate a woman?Or force her to carry her husband’s child?

“What are you suggesting?”

“That we get eyes out watching.”

“I don’t trust your men. I want information from you, Lucio. I want to know every fuckin’ thing you find out. Even if it’s what brand of toothpaste he uses and where he shops for it. Not leaving this to you.”

“Best you leave me alive, then.” Lucio stares at the gun I’m still holding.

“I will. For now. If Violet’s hurt…”

“I do not want to see her harmed. She’s the blood of my enemy, yes. But she had no hand in killing Pompeo. She wasn’t even born then. I do not take the life of an innocent.”

A hand settles on my shoulder, a familiar touch; I don’t need to turn to see who it is. “I believe him, Demon. I’ve known Lucio for decades. He’s always played it straight down the line.”

“What are we doing here, then? Lucio. I need to know Angel’s addresses and locations he might visit. His wife’s too. I’ll get Cad on to searching to see if he’s bought or rented any properties recently.” That’s a long shot; as Lucio suggested, he might just have appropriated somewhere. The Angel of Death wouldn’t give a damn about killing an innocent citizen. “Let’s get this fuckin’ ball rollin’.” Sooner we start, sooner we can get Violet home. Hopefully, before his cock has gone anywhere near her.

“Wait,” Lucio barks. Even I find myself momentarily standing to attention. “First, we need to arrange something.”

“No delays.”

“Not even something to help?”

“Let him speak.” Drummer didn’t get where he is without being a good judge of character. Something about Lucio has interested him.

Annoyed that we’re not jumping into action, I gesture at Lucio. That grin appears on his face again, this time, more genuine.

“We need to arrange my death.” I’d replaced my gun in my cut. Now I’m wondering whether I should just pull it out and shoot him to get it over and done with when he resumes, “Not my actual death, of course, but make it look like you’ve succeeded.”

There are too many ways the truth could get out. “Your guards…”

“Mysoldati.” He bows his head. “My normal guards had been replaced, their presence required elsewhere. A training exercise. Those you’ve captured, you may well have noticed their incompetence. One,” he huffs a short laugh, “is my chef. They were no part of this. Pawns used by Angelino.” He stares at me, then resumes, “There’s a room that can be locked, in the basement. They can take down food, a TV; let’s make them comfortable. There’s even a bathroom down there.” His concern for his men is touching. It makes me believe there’s still a lot of loyalty to the old man. Angel would not garner the same respect. “I need myconsigliere. I have the utmost confidence in him. He can spread news of my demise, and that the guards are dead and have been disposed of. By your men.” He queries me with a look. I dip my head up-and-down in response. Don’t mind a few more bodies added to my reputation.

“And that helps, how?”

“Angelino will get careless. He’s hungry for power, but won’t find it easy. Succession isn’t guaranteed, though of course, he has a few things going for him. He’s the underboss, my second-in-command. He’s also my son, and I’ve always groomed him for the position. But thecaporegimeshave to vote on my replacement. If he’s crossed too many of them, he might not win.”

“Is there anyone else?”

“There are a couple ofcapithat are well-respected.”

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