Page 86 of Descent

23

ERO

We case the dock front several hours before the meet time. By the time the sun rises, we’re ready.

All signs point to this guy being a cop, or a fed. At least that’s what my gut says, and the placement of Adriano’s note with the guy’s number—under a long list of security risks and leaks—followed by a scribbled-out message that might readE.R. send G to J.

So he’s either a confidante of my brother’s, or he’s someone who could get Gloria to a safe place if things went south. Or I’m reading way too much into a consigliere’s scrapbook.

Fog drifts across the water, obscuring the long walk out over the water. A man in a long coat sits on the bench at the end of the pier.

We check our six again, and I almost feel disappointed to find nothing. No tails. No SWAT, no snipers. It’s just…some guy.

Just to be safe, Circe posts up atop a warehouse, scoping our target and keeping a bullet ready. For all we know, this dude hates me and my family and wants to send me to the bottom of the river.

“Weller?” I step up beside the bench from my hiding spot hanging from the side of the pier.

“Holy shi—” The middle-aged man jerks, glaring up at me. His hand slides back off of the grip of his pistol.

He recognizes me.

And he’s definitely a fed. Cheap suit. Tan coat. Geez.

But I’ll give the guy credit, he’s calm. Stoic. At ease in an uncertain scenario.

“Fiero Diamante. Wasn’t sure which one of you was going to show up. Figured it had to be Adriano. He’s the only one who would have that number.”

Fiero. Adriano.

“I found it in his notebook. Seemed like it might be important if he bothered to write it down.”

“Important enough that I told him to forget it when he went underground.”

“You still kept the burner phone though.”

“Old habits.” Weller sniffs, stretching his arms over the back of the bench.

“I wouldn’t know about those. You still with the bureau?”

“Forced retirement. I still keep tabs on a lot of things.”

“Right. Old habits. Maybe you can help me, then.”

“Why would I?”

“Because you didn’t come here to arrest me. Or whoever you thought might show up. You respect my brother. Maybe even helped him.”

“You’re fishing. Why do I get the impression that any one of your kin would be in serious danger if you found out where they were?”

“That’s why I’m not here to ask you about them.” And because I don’t want to know if they are actually dead or alive. Not ready to face any of those facts.

“What could a dead man need from an old dog like me?”

“Let’s just say I rose from the grave with a bone to pick. I need an old dog who never let go of that bone.”

“Do you even listen to yourself talk? You’re worse than your brothers.” He chuckles, his eyes tracking a boat through the gloom. “You want Dom Vipera.”

“He has answers I want.”

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