“I will.”
“And keep your mouth shut. I was never here asking you any questions.”
“No, sir. You can count on me.”
Marco was telling the truth. I left without saying another word. My next stop? My father’s office. I strolled in as usual, ready to pass by the receptionist when she jumped to her feet.
“Mr. Lugiano. I just wanted to take the opportunity to say congratulations.”
“For?” Her words caught me off guard.
“Your engagement. That’s wonderful. She is really very beautiful. I know you’re going to have a very happy life.”
How in the hell could she know already? Her eyes were far too bright, happy for me in a way that made me have a twinge of guilt. She actually meant what she said. If only she had an inkling about the truth. “My father tell you?”
“Oh, no. You know how your father is, very private.” She fiddled with her hands, as if she was concerned that she’d broken some rule. I could just see the New York Times on her desk, the splashy caption easy enough to read.
Is One of New York’s Most Eligible and Dangerous Men Off the Market?
Unless the two were working together.
Fuck.
“I appreciate your kind words.”
She beamed at my compliment. “If there is anything I can do, please let me know.”
I tossed the paper back onto her desk, offering the sincerest smile. “You are truly a fabulous person. Is my father in?”
“Yes, but you don’t want to go back there. Not right now.”
“Why is that?” I glanced at the door, my hackles raised.
“His badge said he was from the organized crime unit.” She paled, backing away. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing.”
“They’re old friends. Nothing to worry about.” My smile was as polished as possible. Jesus Christ. I didn’t believe in coincidences. The fact Dick Markus had been in my casino the night before meant he’d been tipped off about something big possibly going down.
“Oh, good.” Relief flooded her plump face. “I was so worried for your father. He’s such a wonderful boss.”
I tapped on her desk, winking to calm her down and moved toward my father’s office, once again not bothering to knock.
Dick immediately jerked to his feet, his surprise turning into the same kind of practiced smile I was wearing. The man knew certain details. I’d played in his arena too many times not to know the signs.
“Dom. So good to see you again.” Dick held out his hand and the instant I accepted, I was surprised that it wasn’t clammy as I’d come to expect from him.
Which meant he had hard evidence of some kind, curtailing his fear of retaliation.
“Did you enjoy yourself last night?” I patted his arm and kept the handshake for a full minute. “If I remember correctly, you were with a beautiful woman.” And not his wife. He was very married, his wife rarely seen on his arm.
For two seconds his eyes flashed then the suit of armor was locked down.
“Absolutely. You are the consummate host. The salmon last night was impeccable. Your chef is truly amazing.” He grinned, trying to pull his hand away.
“And the gambling?” I laughed knowing he wasn’t going to answer the question. I’d heard only that he’d been down thirty large, a number he couldn’t afford.
“Dick’s here as a courtesy regarding some information on a certain drug coming into the states.” Giordano lifted a single eyebrow. “Why don’t you tell us more, Dick? We’d love to help in any way we can.”
“I’ve heard scuttlebutt of that nature on the streets. Where do you think it’s coming from?” Why not play along with the game? I still found it curious that he jumped through my father’s hoops every time.
“All we’ve heard are Columbians. The shit is deadly, Dom. That much I can tell you. Even cut fifty percent, there have been twenty-five deaths reported from Philadelphia to New York.” Dick shoved his hands into his pockets.
“What does that have to do with organized crime?” I asked casually. I had heard that the shit was deadly, but for him to know actual number meant the investigation had been ongoing for some time.
He laughed. “I was just discussing that with your father. The word on the street is that you boys have a connection with them. Now, as you can imagine, I hope like hell I’m wrong.”
My father and I shared a look before I walked closer, adjusting Dick’s tie. “I think you know better than that. We don’t do any kind of business with the Columbians. They’re nothing but animals feeding off themselves. We simply provide legitimate methods of entertainment for all the important people just like yourself, Dick.”
“Yeah, they are dangerous. I just thought I’d check it out. You know, doing my job.” Dick managed to keep his eyes locked onto mine, not a single nervous tic that I was able to notice.
What in the fuck was going on and what could he know?
“Dick, I take pride in what I’ve built with my businesses. You know that I’m an honorable man,” Giordano stated with confidence.
Dick shifted, giving my father a genuine look of appreciation. The agent was on a fact-finding mission about my business, not my father’s.
“I am confident of that, Gio, and so is most of the department. I simply wanted to give you the heads up. As I said, a courtesy only, but if you do hear anything concrete, I hope you’ll contact me straight away.”