Chapter 62
Maximo
Bringing Elena on as my underboss went smoothly. It helps that Roman de Luca agreed to fill the role of my consigliere. He’s advised us both through the few objections we’ve received from those upset about having a woman boss. Now those complaints have quieted—or been dealt with.
As I turn my attention to other issues, my top priority is Julianna. My trusted soldiers have been guarding her for the past few weeks, but I need a full-time bodyguard for her. Someone I can trust completely. A professional who has no ties to the underworld.
My requirements aren’t easy to fulfill. In fact, there’s only one man who can do the job. I just need to figure out how to get him to take it.
I call the only number I have for Niall Bane. He answers with his professional greeting, “Bane Security.”
“I want to hire you to guard my sister.”
“No.” He hangs up.
His response is exactly what I expected. Undeterred, I call him right back. He’ll learn soon enough that I don’t take no for an answer.
He barks, “I said no, Pontrelli.”
“I don’t usually like that word, but in this case the fact that you refuse only tells me you’re the perfect man for the job.”
He hesitates. “How do you figure that?”
“Because any other man would jump at the chance to be in my debt. To be this close to my family. To use this position to their advantage. The fact that you don’t want the job tells me you’re not after any of that.”
“True. But the answer’s still no. I’ve got work to—”
“Name your price.”
“Don’t insult me like that, Pontrelli,” he grumbles. “I’m not for sale. And I certainly don’t guard mafia princesses from potentially chipping a nail.”
I’m going to have to give him more than just dollar signs. Niall Bane strikes me as the kind of man who needs a special kind of motivating force. What can you offer a man who already has everything? He wants a challenge.
So I give him one. “His name is Nero Mosetti. He’s after my sister. Look him up and call me back.” This time, I hang up on him.
“Maximo!” Elena calls up the stairs. Something in her tone of voice has me grabbing my gun and rushing to the living room. She and Julianna sit on the sofa, gazes glued to the television.
“What?” My eyes slide to the screen. It’s the news channel.
Heart rate slowing, I sit beside my wife and turn up the volume. Only to have my pulse pounding at my temples in a matter of seconds.
“...another report of a gruesome murder tonight,” the news reporter says, “this time in a Boston suburb. The gory details of this one matches two other recent homicides. One in Providence, Rhode Island. The other in Portland, Maine. A man was seen in the vicinity of this latest crime. Authorities say if you see this man, do not engage, and call 911.”
A sketch fills the screen. Fucking hell. The likeness isn’t far off. My fingers curl into fists. Nero fucking Mosetti.
“It’s him, isn’t it?” Julianna whispers in fear.
Elena wraps an arm around her. “You’re safe, hun.”
“But for how long?” My sister’s gaze finds mine. “He’s in the United States. Why? Is he somehow tracking me down?” She covers her mouth with a trembling hand.
I don’t have any answers yet. “If he’s here, do you want to go back to Italy? Or Estonia? The convent there can protect you again. We can send you anywhere in the world.”
She shakes her head. “I want to stay here. I feel safest right here.”
“Good. Because you are safe here. I won’t let that monster get to you, I promise.” I look at Elena. Her expression holds the same conviction. We will both protect Julianna with our lives.
Niall’s number lights up my screen. As soon as I answer, he says, “This Nero is one very bad man. How did your sister get tangled up with this guy?”
I walk into the kitchen to take this call.
“It was an arranged marriage,” I admit, internally cringing.
“That’s fucked up.”
Yeah, it was. We don’t always get it right. How in the hell were we supposed to know he was a bad seed?
There’s a long pause. “So?” I prompt. “Will you take the job?”
“How long are we talking?”
I lower my voice. “Only a few months. Our father’s already in the process of finding her a suitable husband. Once she’s married, she’s no longer yours to protect. Her husband will be responsible for her safety.”
“Let’s hope your father’s a better judge of character this time around.”
No kidding. “Three months.”
“Your father’s going to find a groom and plan a wedding all in three months?” He scoffs.
“You’re right. This will probably take nine months. Maybe up to a year.”
“That sounds more reasonable. That’s a long time away from my day job.” He’s playing hard to get again.
“I’ll make it worth your while. Name your price, I press.”
“I’m not doing this for the money,” he growls. “I’ll keep this fucking psycho away from your sister.”
“Good, because we have reason to believe he’s in the States.”
“I’ll start tomorrow.”