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I wasnotfalling in love with Vito D’Agostino.
Quickly, I started off for the Cabernet Franc vines. It was then that I realized I hadn’t even asked about his errand today.
sixteen
. . .
Vito
On the driveto the airport, I studied up on Red Blotch. It was bad, but not the end of the world. An added benefit was that tearing out the vines would allow us to improve irrigation on that section of vineyard before replanting.
“You’re good in a crisis, you know that?”
The compliment pleased me. As the second son I knew how to keep the peace, to bring sanity when tempers and emotions flared. This was why Enzo had relied on me for so long, to counterbalance his fierce temper.
And I could make Maggie’s life easier in a hundred different ways, if only she would stop fighting me. We were making progress though, as evidenced by her agreeing to be at the cottage tonight.
I pulled out a burner and dialed. Benetti answered on the fourth ring. “Pronto.”
“It’s D’Agostino.”
“You do realize I am on my honeymoon, no?”
“It’s a courtesy call, Benetti. One I don’t have to make, if you find them tedious.”
The man on the other end of the line sighed. “Let’s hear it.”
“The three Red Raiders who killed my man have been dealt with.”
“Dumbfucks,” Benetti said. “What else?”
“I called Baron, their president, to let him know. He was, as to be expected, not happy.”
“Did he make threats?”
“Yes, but I’m not worried about him. I dealt with the Red Raiders up in Toronto. They’re both stupid and lazy.”
“Any other good news?” he asked dryly.
“I need a recommendation for a security company.”
He was quiet for a few seconds. “Why, when you are supposed to be leaving town?”
“It’s for the winery. The two Fiorentinos don’t prioritize their safety, but I do.”
“Fuck me.”
I scowled at the passing scenery. “What does that mean?”
“The girl. Maggie. You’re fucking her. Jesus Christ. No wonder you’re hanging around.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. The winery is mine and I want to protect it. The sooner you give me a recommendation on a security company, the sooner I go back to Toronto.”
“Cazzata. You’re dragging your feet there, causing trouble in my territory just so you can get some pussy. What happens if the Red Raiders come after my woman’s restaurant in retribution? Or after my men?”
Hearing Maggie referred to as “some pussy” set my teeth on edge. I snarled into the speaker, “If you had dealt with these assholes earlier, I wouldn’t be in this situation. One of my menwouldn’t be dead. Instead, you let them hang around, mistreat girls at that club, and sell drugs on the winery grounds.”
“I didn’t let them do shit, D’Agostino, and you are only remaining there by my good graces. I suggest you treat me with more respect.”