Page 25 of Ashes

“Then I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do,” the man says with a pleasant smile.

“Can I schedule a meeting? It’s important.”

“I’m afraid not, sir. But if you want to apply for membership—”

I groan.

Rodrigo told me once that a mafia boss was upset because Gianni wouldn’t let him into his club. The guy got angry and attacked the club.

His mauled body was found hanging upside down from the window of his own house. No one ever found out what happened to the guy’s men or how Gianni defeated him.

But the club remained untouched, and no one could connect the guy’s death with Gianni.

Getting to Gianni isn’t easy, and there are rumors that he’s hired assassins to watch him too and kill anyone who gets too close.

The only way someone can get to Gianni is through his club.

“Yes, I’d like to apply,” I say.

My brother spent his last hours in this damn place.

Maybe I could find out something.

But my father is going to be a problem.

He can’t know what I’m doing.

I can use Landon as an excuse for becoming a member, but I also need an ally once I’m inside.

I already know I need a woman with me to get into the club. It’s a requirement so everyone would bring their own entertainment.

I’ll need someone who’s not going to tell my father anything.

Someone he’s not going to trust or believe.

But can I trust her?

I guess I’ll find out.