Page 34 of Wolf's Whistle
Ferone frowned. “I have been waiting for this day since that idiot nephew of mine tried to kidnap La Marche’s man, Clavier’s fiancé. I owe him, and now I have to pay up. I can only hope that the price is not too onerous. Tell him where I am and that I’m ready to receive him at any time.”
Don Ferone’s associate spoke briefly into the phone. “He’s on his way.”
“Interesting, this must be important to him. For once, he might end up owing me.”
§ § §
Little Italy
Don Ferone’s Bakery
Late Afternoon, Saturday
Armand announced, “We’re going to owe Don Ferone after this, a prospect I find distasteful. But I’m betting that Detective Stawski is corrupt and will not cease in his attempts to implicate Richard in Kasun’s murder. I think he wants to prosecute Richard because he is protecting someone else. Only Don Ferone has the resources to find out who that is, and obtain the evidence to prove it.”
The limousine pulled up in front of a bakery located on Mulberry Street in Little Italy. Armand, Rémy, and Henri got out of the limousine, and their Chief Betas followed the group inside. Martin stood behind Armand, Andre behind Rémy, and Regis Langlios behind Henri.
Don Ferone got up to greet his guests. “Mr. La Marche, what could possibly bring you so hurriedly to me asking for a favor? Would your associates like to sit down at the table next to ours and have some espresso and a pastry?”
Armand said, “Mr. Clavier and Mr. Giraud will stay with me.” He turned his gaze to Martin. “You may order some sandwiches, coffee, and pastry. I am aware you missed lunch.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Don Ferone wore a Cheshire cat smile. “Now, Mr. La Marche, please explain what my humble self can do for the CEO of Garou Industries?”
Armand proceeded to explain the situation.
“…so Detective Stawski came to New York to subpoena Richard Kerrigan despite the affidavits from sixty-four witnesses and my entire Board of Directors saying that he was in a jet on his way to Manhattan. We also had testimony of the owner of the bar where my associates took Mr. Kasun after his misguided attempt to kidnap Mr. Kerrigan.”
Ferone inclined his head. “Hmm, I suspect that Mr. Kerrigan would never have made it to Chicago. He would have had a convenient accident or been shot for trying to escape custody. I must admit I’d like to know why a low-level Serbian thug is worth this much trouble to the Chicago PD. I will delve into the matter. It should only take a day or two. After this, I consider us even, my friend.”
“Yes, we’re even. Thank you for your service.” Armand shook the Don’s hand.
“I’m curious, I know Mr. Clavier, but I’ve never met this gentleman before.” Ferone eyed Henri.
“Forgive my bad manners, Don Ferone, this is Henri Giraud. He is the Director of Security for Garou. This falls under his purview because we are all afraid that Richard Kerrigan is in danger.”
“I think your fears are justified. Mr. Giraud, it is pleasant to meet you, but distressing that it had to be under such circumstances.”
Henri spoke gruffly as he stuck out his hand. “A pleasure, Don Ferone.”
Armand stood. “I have to leave so I can reassure Mr. Bellaire that the matter of his fiancé is being handled. Thank you for your help, Don Ferone. It will not be forgotten.”
§ § §
“I hate dealing with that man,” Rémy groused as they got back into the limousine.
Armand’s eyes bored into Rémy’s. “Sometimes as The Alpha, you have to do things that are somewhat distasteful. As I recall it was Don Ferone who took care of Ian’s problem, and Sal was his nephew.”
Rémy hung his head. “You are correct as usual, Alpha, my apologies.”
In a conversational tone, Armand turned to Henri. “You are relatively new to the council, only two years. Eventually dealing with Don Ferone will become your responsibility. We have a delicate relationship that has been forged with great effort. We occasionally help him out with information and manpower, and he occasionally helps us. He knows we will harm no human. He does not know we are loup garou. But we have obtained documents for him that he would otherwise be unable to access, and provided additional security when necessary. We do not break the law, only bend it a bit.”
“I understand, Alpha. Don Ferone has too many men in this city not to notice ours. It must be a fragile peace, hard won,” Henri said after some consideration.
“And that is why I called you to the council to be my Director of Security. You have an innate understanding of such matters, and that will be particularly useful when we are forced to make an alliance with Europe to stop that half-mad Russian, Chernof.”
Armand called to calm an understandably very nervous Julien from the limousine. “The matter is being handled but keep the guards on Richard until I say otherwise.”
