52. Olivia #2
Weird. He calls this conversation pleasant? It wasn’t pleasant at all. Because there’s something there. Something I’ve seen in the multitude of people I’ve talked to undercover for the last five years.
Jonathan Viotto is hiding something. What is it? I have no fucking clue. I’d have to dive deeper into who he is now and who he was a long time ago.
“Yes, Agent Zero,” I say stiffly, taking the invitation back from him and hiding it under my pillow.
“Other than that, sir. I’ve been looking into the various crimes happening around Greenwood.
They’re pretty horrendous.” I shudder at the thought of all those innocent people dying at the hands of…
Well, I don’t know. I strongly suspect Franco.
Although JJ denies that he would ever get into that sort of industry.
That leaves this mysterious Shades leader that no one has ever seen.
Only Malic and Wilder seem to have an in with him.
But also, there are a million other criminals now living on campus with huge connections. It could be anyone.
“Ah, yes. Your notes on the subject were quite fascinating. Bodies with missing organs.” He frowns, rubbing his chin again. “Any new leads?”
I shake my head. “None, sir. Whoever is in charge of doing it is doing it very stealthily. They aren’t leaving many clues behind.” Which is true. Only the bodies are left behind.
“Franco was always good at hiding his crimes from the authorities,” he says confidently.
“That bastard is going to take out this entire town before you have a chance to get into the middle of it.” Jonathan grits his teeth.
“He’s way too dangerous and volatile to continue.
And now, he’s running for mayor?” He shakes his head.
“He’s attempting to make his mark on Greenwood.
More than he already has. He will have this town right in the palm of his hand if he continues down this trajectory. ”
“Agreed,” I reply quickly. “It’s odd for him to do that, right?
To try to step into such a prestigious role and become someone this place needs?
” Actually, it doesn’t surprise me at all.
Even though he’s a criminal, everyone in Greenwood knows who he is, but not exactly what he’s up to.
Sure, they see him as someone who owns the casinos and provides numerous jobs to the area.
They look up to him despite his gang-leader persona.
Not to mention how charismatic he is with everyone.
Whoever runs against him in the mayoral race won’t stand a damn chance.
Then, he’ll have all the power over everyone.
“Franco wants the spotlight. He wants the power,” Jonathan says, rubbing his temple.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for him to snatch up Greenwood and make it what he wants.
He could potentially control every aspect.
The chief of police and what they investigate.
He could open more casinos and expand his businesses.
If Franco becomes mayor, he’ll turn Greenwood into what he’s always wanted it to be.
A hotspot for criminals, and there wouldn’t be a punishment for them,” Jonathan rants, waving his arms around.
“That sounds like exactly what he wants.” I frown. “Is this going to be a new part of my job? Now that we know what he’s up to?”
Jonathan tilts his head. “Of course, keep an eye on him and his heirs. You know, they’re all up to something.
This organ-stealing has Franco’s name all over it.
Don’t trust them, Liv. Use them as they used you.
Like you’ve been doing with JJ. That invitation is your key to the kingdom.
After you’ve secured your role within his organization, then we can discuss the second step. ”
“Yes, Agent Zero. I understand. I will continue down the original case and give my all to bring that asshole down.” And that’s not a lie.
Franco deserves to be brought to justice, whether it’s rotting in Veritas prison or having his life cut short—he deserves to be taken down.
For me. For my mother and sister. For the way he’s used this town and its citizens to get what he wants.
“I’ll also continue looking into the missing people and the organ harvesting. ”
Jonathan nods his approval. “I expect nothing less from you, Agent Seven. You’re my best agent and the best person for this job. You understand? I know you’ll bring those dicks down to where they belong. No matter how much you might be fucking up right now, I believe in you.”
“Of course, Agent Zero,” I say, pulling my shoulders back as he looks me over again.
“Good. I’m glad we have that all settled.
I had better be off, then.” He checks his phone quickly, types something out, and sighs.
“Well, duty calls. You aren’t the only agent getting into her fair share of trouble with the big boss.
” He shakes his head quickly, taking three long strides toward my door with the intent to leave.
“Agent Zero?” I blurt.
“Yes?” he asks slowly, turning to look at me over his shoulder with an indifferent expression crossing his features.
“Is there still no word from my father? It’s odd that he disappeared and never resurfaced, right?” I tilt my head when his facial expression doesn’t change.
“Unfortunately, Liv. It seems like he scurried off and has kept himself hidden. There’s been no trace of him whatsoever.
Not even a fake identity has popped up.” He shakes his head with disappointment.
“We’ll find him one of these days,” he says through gritted teeth.
“We’ll find him and make him own up to everything he’s ever done. Especially to you.”
I nod several times. “Good. Because it’s odd, right? That a man like him could poof, disappear right before everybody’s eyes, and not even we can find him.” I lift my chin again, eyeing Jonathan, and waiting for his answer.
“Very strange, indeed. Now, I must be off. Don’t make me come back here.” With that last warning, he leaves my dorm room and scurries out of sight.
I let out a breath. So many thoughts wrestle in my mind. So many conflicting things stand out, but I can’t put my finger on it.
“Soooo,” Simon asks in a sing-song voice the moment I join him in the shared living room.
“Wade,” I say, stiffening at the sight of him sitting across from Simon, looking like his usual self. Minus the sling holding his arm in place.