Page 2 of Wounded King

My father is currently on trial for fraud, among other things. I don't know Toni's full plans concerning dear old dad, only that right now he's moving heaven and hell to put my old man in jail, and I'm all for it. The sooner I'm rid of the old bastard, the better.

Do I believe Toni will stop at putting my father in jail? I'd be an idiot if I did, and I'm not an idiot. But honestly, I don't care. Patricide isn't my thing. I don't mind killing people, but killing one of the people who gave me life is a bridge I'm not sure I want to cross, no matter how nasty that person is. Fortunately, if Toni handles it and gets his revenge, it's a win-win for both of us, without my having to go there.

I bring my focus back to the room. I don't believe a word this little street rat gang leader is spewing, but I came here to feel him out, not to kill him, not yet anyway. I narrow my eyes at him for another second before I send a nod his way, then a second at Luciano and Casimo to put their guns back. They keep an eye on Matías's gangster friends while I take a seat next to him on the sofa. He scoots away from me but tries for a forced smile. "All good then?"

"All good, friend." I lean forward, pretending not to notice how he flinches back, and pat him behind the head in a show of affable affection. "Did you happen to find out what information those rogue gangster buddies of yours got out of Alfonzo before his wife died?"

Matías forces a smirk, but his fingers twitch where they rest on his lap. He's nervous, and I intend to keep him that way.

"I don't know, man. My guys were dead before I could ask them much."

That much is true. Toni had a chance, though. Unfortunately, Matías's men were tougher than their so-called boss sitting across from me and never uttered a useful word.

"That so?" I murmur, letting the silence stretch between us. I've learned that silence often makes men uncomfortable, prompting them to speak.

Matías is no exception. After a moment, he shrugs, forcing casualness. "What can I say? Someone handled them before I could."

"Convenient."

"Not for me," he huffs, rubbing his throat as if that'll help. "You think I wanted that shit storm? It cost me good men."

"Good men?" I repeat, amused. "I thought you said they went rogue?"

He freezes. I love it when men hang themselves with the rope I've given them.

"The interrogation of their compadres was messy," Matías covers quickly. "I had to find out if there were more traitors. Unfortunately, it cost me some loyal ones."

I lean back and watch him scramble. He's so fucking pathetic, I'd be doing him a favor shooting him in the head. This is why I no longer conduct business on the streets. They're overrun with bullies with no brains, like this one. I'm not even going to call him out on the last lie. Why would he have lost loyal men? Unless he's utterly incompetent. Which he can't be. He's not the biggest street rat, but he is cunning enough to stay alive and become the boss of one of LA's most ruthless gangs.

Toni and some of the heads of the other mafia families suspect Edoardo is up to something and using Matías. And until we figure out what, Matías will need to stay alive.

I lean back and watch him. He avoids my eyes; he's being shifty, like he needs a hit of something.

"You didn't answer my question." I finally call him out.

"Which one?" He challenges, without the balls to back it up.

"What did they get out of Alfonzo before they killed him?"

"I told you, I don't?—"

"—know?" I cut in smoothly. "Yeah. You said that already. But you do. So why don't you quit wasting my time?"

His jaw ticks. He wants to lie again, but he won't risk my catching him in another contradiction. So he plays dumb. "Look, man. All I know is what I told your Don. Whatever information they got, I don't have it."

"You don't have it," I echo. While replaying his words in my head,

I don't have it. Interesting.

I could call him out on it, but for now, I keep my expression neutral and file his little slip away. "But you know who does."

Matías stiffens, just for a fraction of a second, before slouching back into the couch with an exaggerated sigh. "You're a pain in the ass, you know that?"

I smirk. "I've been told that once or twice."

His eyes are glued to mine; sweat drops down the back of his neck. He can't figure out if I'm just fishing or already have the whole picture. I don't… yet. I have ideas, but I need a bit more information.

I press my elbows to my knees, leveling him with a calm, knowing look. "I ever find out you're lying to me, Matías, you won't have time to regret it."