Page 134 of Vicious Behaviors

“One problem at a time, Stella,” Vincent says in deep thought. “First, let’s squash this investigation before it takes flight. I want your brother home. With us. With his family. Where he belongs.”

Stella curses under her breath, but then seals her lips shut, knowing nothing she says will change her father’s mind about me. For which I’m grateful, since I wouldn’t put it past Stella to grab me by my arm and put a bullet in my head on their front lawn, execution style.

“That’s all good and well,” Gio says, “but we still have one chess piece missing for this plan to work.”

“Then we just have to be more convincing to get Director Roderick on board,” Vincent says, thinking long and hard before asking Gio to give him his phone. “Grab me my black book from my upper drawer, too.”

After handing him the phone and the book, Gio sits on the arm of the chair next to Selene, grabbing her hands in his lap, while Dom holds her shoulders.

Vincent bows his head as he peruses the pages of his small book. After finding what he is looking for, he presses a few keys, sets the phone, and opens the book on his desk. The ringing tone of an outgoing call is the only sound in the room.

“Hello? Who is this?” a deep voice answers.

“Owen Turner. How fortunate that I’ve caught you, being that you are such a busy man and all.”

“Is this some telemarketer? If it is, I’m not interested.”

“Oh, believe me, I’m no telemarketer,” Vincent smiles menacingly. “And it’s inyourbest interest to talk to me.”

“Who the fuck is this?”

“Vincent Romano,” he says at last. “I believe you knew my uncle, Salvatore.”

The line goes quiet for a few seconds before this Owen—whoever he is—speaks again.

“What do you want, Romano?”

“A favor.”

“Yeah, right. Not happening.”

“Oh, but I believe that it will. Need I remind you that you are in debt with my family?”

“I don’t owe you anything.”

“Tsk, tsk, Turner. And here I thought you were a reasonable man. The Outfit doesn’t forgive debts. Not even from over thirty years ago. Or do I need to remind you that we were the ones you called on to deal with that pesky problem you had in New York?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m going to hang up now.”

“You and I both know you will do no such thing.” When Owen doesn’t hang up, Vincent continues. “When you didn’t want your little… shall I call it…clandestine groupto get their hands dirty, you called us to do your dirty work. Remember? I do. You want to know how I remember your debt so clearly? Because I was there. I helped your friend deal with the mess he made after killing those fucking rapists who attacked his wife. And she was what at the time the assault happened? Fifteen? Sixteen?”

The line grows eerily quiet again.

“What was his name again?” Vincent pretends not to remember as he glances at his little black book. “Richard Price. Yes, it’s all coming back to me now. For a banker, he sure didn’t balk at cutting those men’s dicks off before slicing their throats. I was impressed. I heard he’s got quite the lovely little family now. His daughter-in-law, Scarlett, is in the music business, is she not? Hmm. Such a risky business to be involved in. All kinds ofthings can go wrong on tour. A light might fall on her on stage, or the sound system could malfunction mid-performance, leading to a nasty little electrocution accident.”

“Get to the fucking point, Romano,” Owen seethes on the other line. “What do you want?”

“I’m glad we’ve finally come to an understanding. Now, all I need is a little favor from you.”

“And you’ll stay away from Scarlett?” Owen asks, sounding way too concerned for another man’s daughter-in-law.

“I will. I’m a man of my word, as long as you keep yours.”

“What is it then? What do you want?”

“I need you to talk your nephew into doing us a favor.”

Owen goes silent again before asking, “Will this favor put him in harm’s way?”