Page 130 of Flawed

Brody continues to stay silent.

I claim, "This is the only way it'll end."

He exhales, scratches his head, and asks, "Why didn't Angelo talk to my father about this?"

I square my shoulders, answering, "You know why."

He groans. "I knew you were going to say that. My father's not going to like this. Neither will Angelo."

I exclaim, "I don't give a shit! Earth will be a better place without them on it. We all know it."

He holds his hands out. "I'm not arguing your position. The problem is, if that place goes up in flames, my dad's going to know my brothers or I are behind it."

I step closer, gritting my teeth, trying not to sound desperate. "Are you going to help me or not?"

He glances around him again. Several long moments pass. I almost turn around and tell him thanks for nothing. "Yeah, I'll help you."

"You will?"

"Don't make me recommit twice."

Relief fills me. "Thank you. How are we going to do this? The only thing I can't figure out is how to get the bombs wired in Jacopo's place."

Brody grunts. "We don't have a problem."

"Why is that?" I question.

"Better you don't ask questions. Just leave it to me. What night are they meeting?" Brody inquires.

"Tuesday. The meeting starts at eight," I inform.

Brody shifts on his feet. A challenge ignites in his eyes. "You know you risk women and children being casualties?"

My heart beats harder. It's something that I've considered. I assert, "When Jacopo has his advisor meetings, it's in the west wing. There are no staff members allowed in, nor women or children. They will all be on the other side of the house."

"There are never guarantees," Brody warns.

I nod, insisting, "There's no other way. All of them will die. The Abruzzo family will be left in shambles. The end justifies the means."

He studies me then agrees, "Okay. We'll do it at nine to make sure any stragglers are gone. I'll give you a front row seat to watch. I'll send details where to meet."

I furrow my eyebrows. "How will you do that? We can't be anywhere near the compound."

Arrogance flushes Brody's face. "I got this, Luca. Just watch the master in action."

I decide it's best not to argue. "All right."

"One thing though," he adds.

The hairs on my neck rise. "What?"

"You're going to owe me," he claims.

My gut drops. I knew I would. Still, I hate owing any O'Connor. "You're just like your father," I sneer.

"You want to find someone else to do your dirty work?" he questions.

"No," I grumble.

---