As if I hadn't expected to be. "So be it. I smelled a rat."
"You think, boss? Who?"
I didn't bother answering. At this point it could be almost anyone. "I'll know more after I have my discussion with Mr. Saltori."
"O-kay. But you suspect?"
I noticed his grip on the steering wheel had tightened. I was an observer and had always been. Grinder wasn't loyal to anyone but my father, something I had to keep in the back of my mind. "And Vincenzo?"
"He's laying low at his house. Hasn't been out since early yesterday."
"We will be ready for a hard strike after tonight. I'll be moving Francesca to another location."
"Do you want me to get something ready for you?"
"I'll do that myself."
He exhaled and remained quiet for the rest of the drive, allowing me time to process what I was going to say to Louis Saltori. The afternoon light was waning as we drove into the parking lot, only a few vehicles anywhere on the street. Not that I cared at this point. I needed to make a statement to anyone considering trying to muscle in on my father's... my family's business.
The car was barely in park before I jumped out, taking long strides in through the side door. I could see a light on in one of the main rooms but heard nothing. My soldiers were all waiting patiently for my arrival.
If Saltori was surprised at seeing my face, he certainly didn't show it. He was stoic as ever, his eyes barely refracting any light. He simply tipped his head, the same frown I'd seen him wear so many times crossing his face. At this point he hadn't been touched, other than whatever it had taken my men to get him into the van, no doubt fighting to tie him to the chair.
"Mr. Saltori."
He smiled as I approached, trying to keep his calm demeanor. "I knew you were already involved. You couldn't stay away from your father's business. Once a killer, always a killer."
"My family business. I am my father's son." I moved closer, circling around him as the half dozen soldiers backed off, giving me room. I didn't waste any time, smashing my fist into Saltori's face. "I'm curious. Is that what you tell Vincenzo?"
He went down hard, the thud of the chair hitting the concrete floor reverberating in the expansive room. He moaned, his body slumping even in the tight restraints.
I backed away, allowing the others to lift him back into position. After shaking my hand, I rubbed my knuckles, taking a deep breath. This wasn't my usual course of action but necessary.
My frustration was deep.
"Let's not waste bullshit time with chitchat. Who hired you to assassinate my father?"
"No one hired me," he said so casually I was on the immediate defense.
Wham!
Down again he went, the force sliding the chair several feet. This time I was the one dragging the cold metal back into position, using his neck in order to do so. "I asked you a question," I said in a quiet tone. Anyone who knew me realized that when I was deadly quiet, I was enraged.
He dragged his tongue across the stream of blood on his mouth then spit, just missing me by an inch. "I had nothing to do with the contract. I don't care for your father or his tactics, but I do respect him."
"And you expect me to believe that?"
"I don't have any reason to lie to you."
Right. He had every reason to lie to me. I was disgusted with the entire situation, including my behavior, but no one was going to know that. I had to be in full control, keeping the perception that nothing had changed in the forefront of everyone's minds. I raked my hands through my hair, taking several deep breaths as I walked a few feet away. "All right," I said without turning around, "who instigated the hit?"
He laughed.
The fucker actually laughed.
I took long strides, jamming my hand against his throat and cutting off his air supply. "We're not playing games any longer, Louis. You established a deal in order to secure a portion or all of my father's business. You've been working behind the scenes for years, doing your own deals under my father's nose. You made certain I was kept busy for the last few months, with the help of your fucking son. For some stupid reason, you actually believe that you're strong enough to take over his territory. I'm here to tell you that you're dead wrong."
His eyes bulged, coughing as he attempted to catch his breath. I dug my fingers in, giving him no opportunity to breathe. I no longer gave a shit.
"Hey, boss. Information is what we're looking for. Right?"
I heard Grinder's voice. I knew he was attempting to temper my fury. At this point, nothing was going to calm my anger. But I let go, just for the fuck of it, snarling as I took a step back. My father wouldn't be lenient in any manner, making certain the man never took another breath.
"Here's how we're going to play this. You're going to hand over the assailant or consider your cash cow removed from your... stable."
"You do have the bitch. Clever of you. More trouble than she's worth if you ask me," he hissed, still gulping for air.
This time I punched him in the gut. "You will speak nicely about the lady. She's a friend of mine."
Wheezing, he spit before trying to look me in the eyes. "Just like... your father. That's why..." He immediately clammed up.
"That's why what?" I demanded. "Tell me!" I dragged both him and the chair off the floor, my anger ready to explode.
"Nothing. That's why your father had his eyes closed about business." Louis hung his head, coughing several times. "His love."
That much I knew to be true.
"You underestimated me, my friend," I said, laughing. "I'm entirely different than my father."