Page 97 of Arranged Obsession
“Five million isn’t such a big number, and think of all the good it’ll do for the city. Bianca is very dedicated to her vision.”
“My father is going to murder you, Ghostman.”
“Really? Threats?” I apply the slightest bit of pressure to the knife. “Don’t be an idiot like Fyodor. Be useful instead.”
Taras works his jaw. He’s thinking hard. Probably wondering if I’m bluffing, but he knows my reputation. He knows what kind of monster I am.
I’m good at killing. I’m great at making people disappear.
And I’m the best at getting away with it.
“I’ll do what I can,” he grunts, grimacing as if I already cut him open.
“That’s what Fyodor said. As you can see, that didn’t work out great.”
“Yes, but Fyodor was only the accountant. I will speak to my father on your behalf.”
“Peace, Taras. No more attempts against my wife. We will end this amicably.”
Taras stares at me as the ferry nears the far station. I pull the knife back, flick it closed, and slip it away. He shakes his head slowly, backing off.
“You know, Ghostman, it’s hard for me to believe you really want peace. Everything I know about you says it’s either kill or be killed. You don’t stop. Death is inevitable with you involved.”
“I’m a changed man.”
“I doubt that.” He looks at my wife and back to me. “You have more blood on your hands than anyone else in this city.”
“That’s an opinion.”
“I’ll tell you this, my father likely won’t believe any of this. The Whelan Ghostman? No, all you ever want is more killing. I’ll see what I can do though.” Taras turns away and strides off into thecrowd. The Russian girl looks startled, says something to Bianca, and quickly hurries after him.
I watch the pair go as my wife rejoins me.
“How was that?” she asks, leaning into my chest. I wrap my arms around her. Most of the ferry passengers are gathering toward the exit.
“Productive. I think we really hit it off.”
She laughs and snuggles tighter. “I liked that girl. Did you know she’s only twenty?”
“She was having an affair with a man over twice her age.”
“So what? She’s going to law school. Wants to be a social worker one day.”
I groan and brush her hair lightly from her face. “Don’t tell me you tried to hire her.”
“Oh, I absolutely did. Good talent’s hard to find.”
I roll my eyes. “She was fucking a mobster.”
“I’m fucking a mobster.” She kisses me quickly. “Now let’s get out of here. I want you to spend the rest of the day giving me a tour.”
I wrap an arm around her shoulders. “For you? I’d do anything.”
“I’ll settle for a little walk and some lunch.”
Chapter 32
Bianca
