Page 104 of Devious Corruption

“No,” I agree. “And it’s been coming for some time. The DeAngelos are a disgusting family. But if the stress between the two families is starting to leak back home, a truce may be needed.”

“Would you?”

“Call a truce?”

“If Marco DeAngelos had his men put hands on Maxine…put her life at risk…would you be so easily persuaded to call off your revenge?”

I glance over at Maxine, standing patiently behind the author as he speaks to a customer. She lifts her gaze, catching me looking at her and a soft pink blush blooms on her cheeks. Her smile—a professional, public-facing gesture—sweetens.

“I’d have his head.”

“If I could find the fucker, I would. But he’s dug himself so far underground, even my best hunters aren’t able to get a hold of him.” He lets out a heavy sigh. “On another front, the Armenians? What’s happening there?”

“I’m meeting with them tomorrow,” I inform him.

“You want company?” His eyebrows raise.

“Why? Do you think I need handholding?”

He laughs. “Fuck no. If anyone can handle those assholes, it’s you. Are you going to make him an offer? He’s not going to want to just walk away. And to be honest, there’s a market for his shit.”

I lift a shoulder. “I’m considering it. You’re right about the market. I don’t have any interest in the little shit he peddles. The money is in the large weaponry. It might be a good idea to collect a fee and let him run his crap.”

Alexander laughs. “Hiscrapis capable of taking out a dozen or more men with one clip.”

“It’s still shit. But it would be good business to let him have his distribution so long as we get a cut,” I say as Megan and Elana make their way back to us. “You said getting Michael out of hiding is giving you trouble.”

“Yeah, but he has to come up for air sometime.”

“What about the brother?” I turn my full attention on Alexander.

“Michael? I’ve promised him to Rurik.”

“No. The youngest. Use him to drag out the other two.”

“Tony?” Elana’s voice hitches, as though there’s a slight panic underlining it. “I thought you said Tony has nothing to do with the DeAngelo family stuff. Why would you go after him?”

Alexander narrows his eyes. “Why would it matter? If using him to get his brothers out of the shadows would work, why wouldn’t I try it? No worse than what they’ve done to Megan and Mira.”

Elana’s eyes flash. “If he’s innocent you should leave him alone.”

“I thought you wanted nothing to do with the family business?” Alexander squares off with his sister.

“Why don’t we leave this conversation for home?” Megan raises a hand. “You know, where no one else will hear?” She sweeps her arm out, reminding them there’s a still at least half a dozen people nearby who might overhear.

“Then let’s get home.” Alexander holds out Megan’s coat for her. Without further argument, she slides herarms in the sleeves. Elana already has her coat on and stands with her arms folded over her chest.

“Please let Max know Megan will text her in the morning with the details for tomorrow,” Elana says to me.

“I will.” I agree.

Dmitri opens the door for them when they reach him, then makes his way to me.

“It was a good turn out.”

“It was.” I nod, glancing at the line. The author is on the last customer; then Maxine will be able to get him out of here, and we can go home.

“She was worried no one would show,” Dmitri tells me.