Page 74 of Bullseye
“Avery Pairings,” he chuckles as he speaks, dropping me from his embrace.
Exhaling slowly, it’s all I can do to stay upright and not collapse from exhaustion and relief. But I need to stay strong and focused on one thing only: keeping Seneca safe.
“What could have possibly brought you out of the sunshine and back to the cold?” He raises his eyebrows as he speaks. He’s not really asking me that. Nothing is ever literal with him. Everything is a matter of deciphering his code. Thanks to my father, I’m a master at that.
What he’s asking me is, “Are you a fucking fool? I gave you an out, so why are you back? And are you going to make me look like a fool too?” Because no matter how much he likes me, making him look like an idiot will not be tolerated.
I choose my words carefully. “I so appreciate being in the warmth, Don. But there’s something I need to discuss with you. It’s a matter that could only be spoken about in person.”
“Please.” He holds out his hand to the chair opposite his desk. “Sit.”
Glancing up at Benny, the Don nods, and Benny leaves. This would all be so easy. When Ironclad tries to use me to kill Don Bordono, which he will, it could go off without a hitch. Even if I didn’t kill him—if, out of loyalty, I let him go with just a warning—it would still be a suicide mission for me. But the thing is, none of them would give a shit. Glancing at the Don’s smiling face and ruddy cheeks, I smile back. Not even him.
I may be like a son to him, but business is business.
“So, what’s the real reason you’re here, Bullseye?” He steeples his fingers, leaning forward against his desk.
“I got a call from my father.”
“Dominic called you?”
“Yes. And an… acquaintance of ours said that you wanted to see me.”
“You know if I’d wanted to see you, Avery. I would have had you summoned.”
“Yes, I know that. But I wanted you to know your name is being used to further other people’s agendas.”
“I appreciate the information.”
Nodding, I go on. “I believe Dominic is being held against his will, and that Mikey and Tony have him.”
Sitting back, he sighs, rocking back and forth in his desk chair. “That’s a mighty big accusation, Bullseye.”
“I know it is. But Dominic called me for the first time since I left New York. I know he’s in trouble.” I leave it at that.
“He is.” Don nods, sitting forward again. “He got a bit, well, let’s just say, out of control lately. Gambling. His debt is high, and he’s been working it off for me—but…” Shaking his head, he puts both hands on the desk. “You know I love you like a son, Bullseye. That’s why you’ve been working on your tan for the past two years and not rotting in a jail cell.”
“I know that. And I appreciate it. I’ve told you that.”
“Yes, yes.” Holding up his hand, he spins away and then back again. “I’m not looking for thanks.”
Swallowing hard, I force the words past my tightening throat. “What are you looking for, then?”
Locking his eyes on mine, he smiles. “Well, it seems that maybe we can help each other out.”
“What’s it going to cost me?”
“A job.”
“Why not my father? He loves this shit.”
“Well...” Smiling, he sits back and claps his hands together. “Your father is getting older and shaky.” He holds out his hand, wobbling it for emphasis. “He’s not the sharpshooter he was. Not the sharpshooter you are.” He nods to me. “One job, Avery. If you’d like to pay down Dominic’s debt, you can work it off. Like old times.”
“What would you have done if I were still in Arizona?”
“What does it matter? You’re here. And I’m making you an offer.” His eyes twinkle.
No one ever says no to Don Bordono when he’s made them an offer.
