Page 42 of Wolf's Whistle
Don Ferone lifted his gaze to Henri who towered over him. “How can I help?”
Henri answered briskly, “We don’t have enough men to cover both the street and the rooftops. This man is going to keep trying until he kills Richard. Before, he wanted to pin a murder on Richard because he thought he was an easy target. We thwarted him. Now he wants to kill Richard because he’s in trouble with the Serbians and his department. It’s become personal, never a good thing.”
“And if I offer my help, what do I receive in return?” Ferone finished his sandwich and cut a piece of a napoleon. A smidge of custard stuck to the corner of his mouth. He quickly wiped it away.
“A favor of the kind only we can provide,” Armand answered smoothly.
“We were even, but now…”
Armand noticed that the capo said not a word.
“We didn’t have to tell you Apuso was abusing the merchandise, but we did. I’ll give you two favors for a day’s work while we search the city for Stawski. Maybe you would know where he might hide. I’m sure you know where the Serbian mob is headquartered in New York.”
Don Ferone swept his gaze over Armand. “I’ll do this, but it will cost you. I want one million dollars, and then we’ll be even again.”
Armand glanced over to Julien. “Done… Shall I send Denis for the cash?” Julien motioned to Denis.
“No, a wire transfer will do.” Ferone’s lips turned up in a feral smile.
“Frankie,” the Don said to the capo beside him. “Call in fifty of our men. Put them anywhere that has a line of sight to Mr. Bellaire’s East Seventy-Sixth street townhome. I don’t want anyone to get within shooting distance of the house. Also, get a picture of Stawski from one of the Chicago cops on our payroll. I want the rest of the men to search the Serbian section of Ridgewood in Queens. I want every rock overturned until this roach is found.”
Armand asked, “Another pastry, Don Ferone?”
“These are exceptional. I will have another.” He matched his action to his words and took one éclair from the elaborate plate of pastries.
“Bianca trained at the Culinary Institute and specialized in pastries,” Etienne said, his arm draped around Julio.
“I’ll have to call the Culinary Institute and put in a request to hire a graduate that specializes in pastries but can also act as a chef for the family. My housekeeper is getting on in years.”
“The graduates of the Culinary Institute only cook. They don’t do housework, but paying someone to clean is not onerous for a man such as you.” Etienne flattered Ferone shamelessly.
Rémy appeared pained. Ian kicked him. Rémy sighed and nodded.
“Thank you for the food and conversation. I’ll send your assistant, Martin, the bank’s name, the account number, and the wire transfer routing number.” Don Ferone rose from his chair.
“You bank offshore?” Armand asked.
“Yes, don’t you?” Don Ferone lifted an eyebrow.
“Some of my funds are offshore, but the bulk of my investments stay in North America,” Armand stated blandly.
“Patriotism from the second generation of immigrants, interesting. You have no objections sending the funds to an offshore account?” The capo assisted Don Ferone with his coat.
“None whatsoever, each individual must decide what to render to Caesar.”
“You quote scripture. I never took you for a religious man.” Ferone’s face reflected his puzzlement.
“I’ve read the Bible, the Koran, Confucius, Vedas, theTripitaka and the other two Buddhist holy books. I’m not a believer in any of those religions, but their books have some common-sense rules for civilized behavior. Besides, Garou Industries deals around the globe. It’s a good idea to know your opponent’s basic belief system. It gives you insight. Even if a man doesn’t follow his religion when he reaches his majority, it still shapes his character from indoctrination as a child.” Armand peered at Ferone expectantly.
“And what are your religious beliefs, Mr. La Marche?”
“We follow the old religion that was predominant in Europe before Christ. You might call us pagans. But we hold ourselves to a strict standard of behavior in certain areas, in others, as you know, we are more fluid. Our rules are more flexible than those of Christianity, but the more rigid the rules, the more likely a congregant will disregard them.” Armand finished speaking as Don Ferone, and his party, reached the elevator.
“You are an interesting man, Mr. La Marche. Someday we have to have a drink when there is no business to discuss. I’d like to hear your opinion on the state of the world today.”
“I’ll take you up on that. Good night, Don Ferone. I’m grateful for your help.”
“Thank you. It’s pleasant to know that even though payment is rendered, the client is still grateful for the service.” Armand walked Don Ferone to the door.
