Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
H avros
“Boss?” Jonas asked before we rounded the corner where the car had been parked.
“You’re certain your snitch saw the asshole with his own eyes?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. He’s no snitch.”
In my mind, every jerk who enjoyed providing overheard information for money, drugs, or clout was equivalent to a cockroach. My second in command didn’t see it that way.
“Whatever. As long as your buddy is right, and Mr. Artino doesn’t skip like he did thirty minutes ago. Marco is waiting for us to confirm his sighting. Yes?” The pissant damn well better be. I jumped into the passenger seat, waiting as Jonas lumbered around to the other side, guiding his large body into the driver’s seat.
Lurch.
The nickname was really quite good and fit his surly personality perfectly.
“He damn well better be standing right there in plain view or I’ll break his Italian neck.” Our snitch was formerly a lower ranked soldier for the Cosa Nostra, his internal information proving valuable on more than one occasion. We were an international firm after all. We required being kept abreast of our enemies.
There were days I hated the business my family had been in for generations. Often my days consisted of nothing more than shoving paperwork around, meeting with various officials from Greece and other countries. We’d been attending more than our share of charity events as of late as well. While business was booming on both sides of our world, there were always those on both the right and wrong side of the law who made the bad decision to challenge us.
That’s why I was out searching for Theo Artino.
What I should be doing was driving him into concrete for a permanent burial. Sadly, killing him would only prove his accusations.
He’d gone on his popular show, telling the entire Greek population that my whole family consisted of cold and calculating killers.
Had I killed my share of men over the years? Yes, but always for a damn good reason. Since our business had gone more mainstream, there’d been less opportunity for me to take out my aggressions. Maybe I needed to take up boxing like my big brother. I needed something to relieve the tension.
Several months before, Theo had almost made a fatal mistake by penning an article for a rag newspaper he’d once worked for on the death of Leandro, my youngest brother. While the guy had just been doing his job, Dimitrios had almost killed him. I was beginning to wonder why I’d stopped my brother from doing so in the first place.
We’d been far too forgiving to a number of people, those involved in Leandro’s death excluded from the illustrious group. That wasn’t in my nature. Yes, I would temper my reaction to Theo, but he would learn that fucking with the Nomikos family just wasn’t a very good idea.
Somehow, the single article had afforded him a job offer, the man shifting from writing to starring in his own highly popular news program. It was apparent Theo didn’t know when to quit.
He’d also made the critical mistake of badmouthing our corporation on his television program. He’d tainted our reputation by highlighting criminal activities. Worse than being called out for what you did do was when lies were presented in such a way they sounded believable.
Theo was damn good at doing just that.
The Boss, my brother Dimitrios, had strongly suggested I attempt to drill some sense into him verbally and without any bloodshed. The fact he hadn’t made the agreed-upon meeting at the very bistro and bar where I’d met my sinfully gorgeous woman meant we would do this my way.
“You looked like you found something to keep you occupied,” he said. Not only was Jonas in charge of several teams of security, he was also someone I considered a friend. Although every once in a while, he crossed an invisible line.
“Maybe spending time with a beautiful woman is something you should consider in your future.”
“Not a chance. Women are the bane of men’s existence.” He started the engine and I could tell he was studying my reaction.
I wasn’t certain why I’d gravitated toward the woman, a stranger no less, and someone who wanted nothing to do with me. Yes, there were sparks, a chemistry we’d shared that couldn’t be denied, but she’d had nothing but animosity in her eyes. And she’d toyed with me. No one did that. Anyone who knew me realized it wasn’t in their best interest. Even Lurch… Jonas.
Shit. The woman had rubbed off on me.
“So when do you plan on seeing her again?” he asked casually.
“I don’t know her at all.”
“Well, I heard what you said.”
The scent of her perfume lingered, the notes of vanilla, spiced mandarin orange, coriander, and jasmine mixing with a hint of sandalwood. I took a deep breath, holding the fragrance in my lungs. “What are you talking about?”
“You said ‘until we meet again and I assure you we will.’ Don’t tell me you don’t remember? Should I worry about early onset dementia?” His laugh boomed into the small space as he rounded the corner.
As I pressed my elbow against the window, I rubbed my index finger across my jaw. “Have you ever experienced a feeling that someone had been brought into your life for a reason?” That was oddly the truth.
I’d come close to allowing her to experience what I was really like when I decided to take control of a situation or a person. My thoughts had turned from amusement and slight irritation to the desire to devour her in less than a minute. Women of every nationality usually hung all over me.
She’d pulled away on purpose, acting as if she was a very good girl. Oh, I was certain she was, but in an entirely different way. There’d been something about her that had alluded to the darkness lurking just below the surface.
Not the obsidian blackness that had captured my soul long ago, but a sharp longing to surrender to her deepest carnal needs. Only no one had found the right key.
“Only those I’m determined to erase from this world.”
My soldier could cut through the vilest fantasies in a heartbeat. “You’re one-track minded, Jonas. You need to experience life. Enjoy hot sex with several women, go dancing. Go sailing. Hell, pick up a hobby.”
“I live vicariously through your eyes, remember? I’m the one who keeps you alive.”
“Hmmm… You just think you do.”
Jonas drove in silence while I did nothing but think about the stunning dark-haired beauty. I could have easily pulled her into the tiny bathroom, ripped off her panties, and fucked her like some wild animal. If I’d had more time. Lately, it seemed nothing personal had worked out the way I’d wanted it to.
Perhaps my luck would change and I would have an opportunity to see the lovely American again.
“That’s Theo’s house over there,” Jonas pointed out. The smaller home was set on a hilltop as so many were. Theo had recently moved from the northern part of Greece to be close to the television station. The homes were all very close together, which was a hindrance when interrogating someone. I’d have to be careful in my actions. I also noticed Marco was smoking, standing close enough to a single streetlight he was easy to spot.
Either he didn’t care about being seen or had lost his touch since leaving his former post. If he had a death wish, why should I care?
Jonas found a parking spot a block away on the street. By the time we’d exited the vehicle, Marco was headed in our direction, scampering across the street while flicking his cigarette.
“Greetings,” he said, his Italian accent as thick as the day he’d moved here.
“Don’t you know smoking is bad for you?” I asked, glaring down at him.
“Something is going to kill me. I might as well enjoy what I want to. Right?” He scanned one side of the street then the other. “You have something for me?”
“As long as you’re certain Mr. Artino is inside that building.”
He twisted his body, looking over his shoulder. “See that light right there in the window?”
I glanced up. “Yes.”
“He turned that on about ten minutes ago.”
As I crowded his space, I could sense him sweating. “You do know what will happen if you’re wrong.”
“I’m not wrong. I followed the dude just like you asked.” At least I’d had the forethought of having the man followed from work. Why he’d been stupid enough to come to his house of record I might ask him. Either Theo had balls the size of watermelons or he thought we’d never touch him.
My guess was the latter. He acted tough on his weekly program, but I had a feeling he wasn’t prepared for my brand of discipline.
Which he obviously needed.
I nodded and glanced at Jonas. “Go home,” I told the snitch. “But before you do. One question. Do you have any knowledge of who killed Don Lorenzo Coppola’s son months ago?”
The question might seem out of the blue, but I’d learned a long time ago just how valuable truth was in organizations such as ours. Whatever his answer, I would store it away for future use.
Marco seemed nervous. “I’m not a part of that.”
“A part of what?”
He scratched his head. “Getting in my boss’ business.”
“You left your work with Bernardi and now you’re helping our organization by providing information.”
“For that, I’ll need another ten k.”
The crook. Bernardi might be an Italian Don, his territory in another country, but he’d been pushing to come into Greece for years. The family also believed Don Bernardi was behind our youngest brother’s murder. However, starting a war with the man would be bloody. “Fine.”
Marco leaned in. What was he worried about, that anyone would overhear our conversation?
“The bastard doesn’t like anyone who threatens his power. He’s wrangling for an edge in the Cosa Nostra.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Take it however you want. I want my money.”
“That’s only another five thousand, Marco. And consider yourself lucky,” I growled. It would seem Bernardi was making a play to be top dog of more than one country.
He waited as Jonas handed him an envelope of cash, adding the extra money while grumbling. This time the information was well worth the money being paid. Once he moved up the sidewalk, we headed across the street. Since today was a day of celebration, most people were still enjoying the various festivities in the heart of Kolonaki.
We Greeks did know how to throw a party.
At least that meant a smaller number of people had arrived home as of yet.
Once we were in the shadows of Theo’s building, Jonas removed his weapon, taking the time to add a silencer. This was a nice neighborhood. Unnecessarily alarming the neighbors wasn’t good for business.
Or our reputation.
“What was that for, boss?” Jonas asked.
“Possible insurance, my friend. You never know when the information Marco just provided will come in handy.”
“Whatever you say.”
As we headed up the outside stairs, I constantly looked to ensure our actions weren’t being watched by anyone from the closest windows. I would hate to interrupt their evening by needing to have a conversation with them.
I did the polite thing, knocking on the man’s door. Breaking it in would mean dollars spent that shouldn’t be necessary. I could be civil unless I was crossed.
Hearing footsteps, I plastered on a smile.
But as soon as Theo opened the door, I had my hand wrapped around his throat, pushing him further into his house. I knew Jonas would close and lock the door behind us, preventing any unwanted visitors.
I slammed Theo against the back wall with enough force a picture was knocked from the wall. Instantly, I saw fear in his eyes.
“Theo. I must admit I was a little surprised you didn’t have either myself or a member of my family on your show so a rebuttal could be issued. But then, that’s not the way you operate. Is it?”
When he didn’t answer, I squeezed my fingers until he was wheezing.
“Maybe we should start over. I’ll be happy to let you go if you agree to answer our questions.”
It took him less than three seconds to fully comprehend his life was about to suck if he didn’t come to his senses.
His single nod was all I needed for now.
I took a step away, surveying his small home. It was more modern than most, the artful woodworking stripped away in a recent renovation. “It’s a true shame when the lovely interiors of these buildings aren’t kept up to the original standards. But then you don’t care about reality or truths. Or even about solid bones of a building or a family-owned company. Do you?”
Theo didn’t say anything until I turned my head. His shrug was far too nonchalant. “I had solid information that needed to be told.”
“Solid information? From whom?”
“You know I can’t share my sources. That’s unethical.”
I was already growing annoyed with the conversation. I nodded to Jonas who swiftly slammed his weapon into the man’s face.
Theo’s yelp was drowned out as Jonas planted his huge hand over the man’s mouth. “What’s unethical is stating a lie, Theo. Now, I’ve tried to be a gentleman, a businessman about this entire situation. I offered you a meeting in a public place yet after agreeing, you opted out of doing the right thing. That doesn’t sit well with me. Do you understand?”
Jonas released his hand. The weapon strike had given the man a bloody lip and nose. Should I feel bad for him? No. That wasn’t in my repertoire of feelings.
“Now, I think you’re beginning to understand the severity of the situation. So, here’s what we’re going to do. You’re going to go back on that television show you make a lot of money off of and tell the truth. Recant. It’s that simple. You’re also going to provide the name of the informant who contacted you or I’m afraid you’ll experience some unpleasantries I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
“You’re threatening me?”
“I’m cautioning you to think prudently. I’m giving you a choice because I’m a very fair man.” I leaned against the wall, shoving my hands into my trouser pockets. “So, what’s it going to be?”
Theo was intelligent enough to weigh his options carefully. I’d give him a four on a scale of one to ten in attempting to buy some time. He truly had no idea what I was capable of, yet a small part of him believed this might all go away.
I had a very long memory.
“I don’t know who sent it, okay? I got a couple emails, all anonymous. I tried to track down the source, but the sender scrambled his IP address.”
He spouted off what I knew to be the truth. Not that it was any less damning for the man. I laughed and Jonas did the same thing in response. “So let me get this straight. You had a couple tips from an unknown party about long standing and highly respected citizens of this beautiful city. Correct?”
Theo nodded almost too enthusiastically.
“Even in your report, you noted the Nomikos family has brought jobs to the area, millions of dollars in tourism, and also awarded several local charities with significant checks over the years. Yet you failed to make a single phone call to confirm the lies. You didn’t attempt to contact a single member of the family or an employee before airing the tawdry bullshit. Did I get that about right?”
“I did talk to some employees.”
Jonas reared back and glanced into my eyes. Yes, I had a feeling what Theo had just stated was true as well. Maybe it was time to clean house.
“Before you ask,” Theo continued. “They only talked to me given the certainty their identities would remain hidden. There were muffled phone calls and nothing more. No names. No meetings. Nothing. But it was direct confirmation of what my unknown source had sent.”
Well, this put a kink into things. Of course with any organization, there were always those disgruntled from being overlooked for a promotion or a raise they didn’t believe was high enough, but to betray the entire company and everyone involved so egregiously placed the situation on an entirely different level. However, I’d need to talk to my brothers to determine how best to handle repairing the problem.
“I’ll handle that aspect from here, Theo. I assure you that there are clear and easy methods of determining who betrayed us. Now, part two of the deal. You will go on air and make a retraction. Yes?” To place an exclamation point on the end of the rhetorical question, I pulled out a pair of brass knuckles.
They were almost never used, an old method of inflicting pain my father had enjoyed. But being used as a prop? Often. They were priceless; better than having the barrel of a gun placed against someone’s temple.
As I slid them onto my fingers, flexing and fisting several times, Theo was watching. And he was scared. That was evident by the quiver of his lower lip. Good. I wanted his entire world rocked.
“Yes, but I can’t tell you when exactly. I have a full schedule of guests and topics. My producer runs a tight ship and won’t allow me to go off schedule for anything or anyone. I’m certain since you’re a decent businessman that you’ll understand.”
His words came close to being jumbled up. “Yes, I am a decent businessman, but I think you’ll be happy and easily able to change your producer’s mind.”
Theo shook his head. “You don’t understand how angry he gets.”
Jonas couldn’t hold back a snort.
“Apparently you don’t understand what I’m capable of. I’ll leave you to determine how best to handle the situation with your producer, but I assure you I’ll be watching.” I moved toward the door, stopping just shy of reaching it. When I turned around slowly, I had a smile on my face.
Another weapon that I did use quite often was intimidation.
“By the way. You have a lovely family. I know you don’t get to spend enough time with them in your hometown. You took a chance moving here, thinking you hit the big time with your new show. Now, I’m certain you wouldn’t like to see anything happen to them in your absence.”
As anticipated, his eyes grew wide. He’d gone to great efforts to hide the fact he had a wife and child from everyone. The why was easy to see. Every story on his television program was highly controversial. Just like previous articles had been. I’d read a few in doing my research. I was shocked he was even alive after what he’d written. He had more enemies than my entire family did.
“Jonas. I’ll meet you outside. Why don’t you provide our favorite television reporter with one last incentive?” My smile remained huge as I walked out the door. I waited at the top of the stairs for thirty seconds so I could overhear Theo’s plea of leniency.
Before his muffled scream.
I slipped the brass knuckles back into my pocket as I headed down the stairs, enjoying the star-filled night as I headed across the street. I had to admit that sometimes getting away from the typical contract signings and corporate meetings to get down and dirty in the streets was highly entertaining.
Only a few minutes later Jonas returned, looking refreshed from his experience.
“Did he seem to understand?” I asked.
“I believe he did. What do you want me to do about finding out which employees are traitors?”
I thought about his question. “You know how it goes. People love to toot their own horns. Keep an ear out. When you discover a single one of them, bring them to me.”
“You bet, boss. By the way, I must say I am surprised at the strong control of your rage. You’ve been working on that.”
It felt good to laugh. “At least someone noticed.”