Page 64 of Winter's End

Of course. The sand was back, filling my mouth one grain at a time until I could barely breathe.

Georgio tilted his head, clearly watching me wrestle with my inner panic; I used every molecule of energy in my body to keep my face passive and emotionless.

Resisting was futile, though, and would only put those I loved in danger. Against all odds, maybe Devon’s fuck-up would give us the opportunity we needed to take Georgio out once and for all.

I just hopedIwasn’t taken out in the process.

“When would you like me to start?” I asked in a flat tone, not bothering to hide that I was resigned to my fate. Resignation was better than showing fear, at least, and I couldn’t pretend to be thrilled by the offer.

The delight that filled his eyes made my stomach curdle.

“Tomorrow.” He beamed at me, as if I’d just given him my soul on a platter. “I am resuming our gentlemen’s fighting evenings, and there are many details to get sorted so that we don’t experience any interference.”

Okay, I could handle that. I’d worked them before—I knew what to expect. I couldn’t deny the prickof nervousness at the thought of getting trapped again, but Plan B had worked once. It could work again—right?

“There is also an important event in Carlisle in two weeks. I expect you to attend. You may bring a guest—in fact, I insist. I assume you will take Winter?”

He didn’t wait for my response. Instead, he shared a pointed look with Janet, who, to my surprise, had stayed present by the closed door.

“Janet, please ensure Travis and Winter are both off of the schedule here so that they may attend the Gold Gala.”

“I’d prefer to leave Winter out of my business here—sir,” I tacked on, hoping my deference was enough to change his mind. I didn’t want Winter anywhere near Georgio’s criminal activities; at least, not nearer than she already was.

Georgio’s eyes hardened, reflecting the true villain he was. “I insist, Travis. Please do not insult my kindness. The seats to the dinner are over a thousand dollars a plate. Consider it a nice date night. For which you will be at my personal disposal.”

A shiver swept up my spine, but I nodded my agreement all the same. There was no benefit in pissing off Georgio today.

Georgio finally leaned across his desk, his face stern and serious.

“Travis, I know I don’t need to say this, but a reminder is always prudent. Your life, your choices, are in your hands. But make no mistake: you will have to live with the consequences of those choices. Your mother, your brother … no one is immune to those consequences. And certainly not little Winter. Do we understand each other?”

An icicle dug into my heart. “Yes, sir.”

He clapped his hands together like an excited child and smiled widely. Shiny teeth and laugh lines did nothing to hide his quiet menace.

“You may go. Please report here tomorrow at nine, rather than to the warehouse. You will attend a few meetings with me before your shift tomorrow evening.”

Once again, appearing the unassuming mafia boss, Georgio shuffled a few papers on his desk and turned his attention to his computer, as if I was no longer in the room.

I stood and shifted out of the office as quickly as I could. Janet allowed me to pass while avoiding my gaze, and she closed the door behind me.

Now what?

I was an FBI-lackey, a mobster’s nephew, a brother, a son, a boyfriend, a friend. I was wearing too many conflicting hats. At some point, it was probably going to get me killed.

I looked at the time on my phone. I had a few hours to kill before my shift tonight, and I wasn’t in the mood to stick around here.

I didn’t want to go back home—Mom had been doing relatively well these past few weeks. I didn’t want to risk seeing Devon; I was too furious with him, and I wasn’t going to put myself in the position to say something I’d regret.

I shot off a text to Drew, our one friend who had a flexible schedule today.

Travis Balcom:Hey man, what are you up to?

Drew J:Doing some research. Wanna help?

Travis Balcom:Sure. Where are you?

Drew J:Home. Come on over.