Page 388 of Niccolo

But he couldn’t tell if the part about the cops and the cover story was real.

“We didn’t get the permits in time,” I said, “but with a few well-placed payments here and there, I’m sure they can back-date everything.”

“And what will they find when they go to myotherhouse?” Severino snarled. “The one where Fausto is staying?”

“Nothing,” Dario said.

“Nothing?!”

“Perhaps some damage to the walls and floors of the library due to some pyrotechnics used for the movie,” I said. “Which we’ll be more than happy to compensate you for. But no blood. And certainly no body.”

“And where is Fausto?” Severino asked angrily.

“On his way back to Tuscany.”

“Then maybe we should call him,” Severino said… though he didn’t reach for his phone.

“I wouldn’t expect him to answer.”

“Ever, I’m assuming,” Severino said darkly.

I smiled. “Probably not.”

Severino nodded slowly like he was only now beginning to understand the full extent of our treachery.

“And Fausto’s men?” he asked.

“Well,” Dario said, “they’re nothismen anymore. They’remine.”

Severino stared at my brother –

Then gave a single, short bark of a laugh.

“You’re reallysomething,Don Rosolini,” he said darkly.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Dario answered.

“Don’t,” Severino sneered, then looked at Sofia. “And you. I was impressed with how vicious you were yesterday at the Council. If I weren’t sodisgustedby your betrayal, I’d be evenmoreimpressed that it was all an act.”

“Considering that every one of his men turned against him, too,” Sofia said coolly, “I’d say Fausto was the problem, not me.”

Severino smiled menacingly.

“Well, there’s allsortsof problems, the way I see it.” He turned to Dario. “Including the fact that you killed a rival member of theCosa Nostrawho was under my protection.”

“Killed who?” I said. “Fausto’s on his way back to Tuscany. Albeit permanently incommunicado.”

Severino glared at me. “Just because I can’tprovehe’s dead doesn’t mean you didn’tkillhim.”

I smiled. “Just like me not being able to prove Fausto killed my father doesn’t mean he didn’t.”

Severino was pissed off at having his own words thrown back in his face.

“I know you were old friends with our uncle, Don Severino,” Dario said, “but surely you can understand why we did what we did.”

“Even though we didn’t do anything,” I added.

“Well, I hope it was worth it,” Severino snarled. “As of this moment, you are in breach of your agreement that you would not commit any violence within the boundaries of Rome. As far as the Council of theCosa Nostrais concerned, consider yourselfpersona non grata.”

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