“Mr. Rossetti, this is an extraordinarily generous donation,” Commissioner Ramsey says, staring at the sizable check ‘ given him. “We’re Indy at a loss for words.”
“Ididn’t expect a speech, Commissioner,” I reply with a neutral smile, extending my hand for a handshake “Just your acknowledgment.” The real message is clear: Keep your distance from me and my associates.
While I have no objection to charitable work, investing in the city leone of the most worthwhile causes I can think of. If I achieve more than one goal with this gesture, so much the better.
“You certainly have our gratitude,” he says, shaking my hand firmly while eyeing the check with evident disbelief.
“The city will certainly benefit from this ‘
“There’s no question. This amount will address many of the city’s E–sues”
“It’s nothing. I’m always ready to contribute.” I rise, adjust my jacket, and walk around the desk as Roger opens the office door “If there’s anything else I can do, please let me know. I’m always bere to assist the police.”
He turns away, but not before I catch his knowing smirk. We’re both aware of the real purpose behind this donation. Money talks, and in this city, its influence is undeniable. Corruption is prevalent; it’s just a matter of looking closely.
I sit back down <b>as </b>Roger escorts themissioner out, guided by one of my guards. It’s a relief to move past the pleasantnes and focus on what’s important.
“Your next meeting is arriving <b>a </b>bit early,” Roger says, lowering he voice as he peeks through the open door. “Marco mentioned that someone named Joe Smith is here to see you.”
Although the name <b>is </b><b>clearly </b><b>a </b>pseudonym, it’s too obvious to <b>be </b>genuine. “Let him in
“Do you want to brief me on who he really is, or should I wait and End out?”
“Just know he’s been tracking Amalia.”
Roger rods in understanding and heads to the door to let the man.
Despite only having met him once years ago, he left asting impression. Dressed casually in jeans, a polo, a ball cap, and sneakers, he blends in like any average middle–aged man. His ability to <b>avoid </b>standing out is a testament to his skills.
Roger’s contusion is evident as he pats the man down, but Joe remainsposed and takes his seat across from me.
Do you <b>want </b>anything to drink?” <b>Lask </b>
“No, I’m fine. I assume you’re busy, so I’ll get right to it,” he replies, clearing his throat. “I’ve been tracking Amalia’s activities. She’s been maintaining her usual schedule–gym, <b>nail </b>salon, spa visits, brunches with friends, and dinners out There’s been no notable developments ”
“Fuck. I <b>was </b>afraid of that,” I muse, sitting back and tenting my fingers under my chin.
“In a situation like this, I normally rmend one of two coursesnt action.” I nod for him <b>to </b>continue. “One, we ce Temptation in front of her. There are a handful of willing young much I use for jobs like this. You want to get her in apromising position, you can’t go wrong with that.”
“And the other?”
“You give me the go–ahead, and I’ll eliminate the problem. Easy. Simple.”
Roger’s grant reveals his surprise.
“I don’t want to take it that tar,” I decide, ignoring his reaction. I’m surprised Joe would leap to that conclusion so early in the process of attempting to ckmail ny ex, but Iran’t fault him for. <b>I </b>asked him for options. “My daughter would never forgive me if she found out. All I need is material strong enough to get her to sign those damn papers.”
“Fair enough.” I know I must be imagining what seems like disappointment in Joe’s voice. He wants to kill her. Well, I can’t pretend I’ve never entertained the thought.
It’s a quick meeting, and his efficiency is one more thing to appreciate.
Once we’re alone, Roger turns to me, and for once, he doesn’t bother keeping it professional. “What the fuck?
“I told him not to kill her.”
“This is how far it’s gone?”
“Of course, because it’s what she wants.” I snart “If she would let me pay her off to keep silent about the things she knows, this would all be a lot easier. But she’s holding out on me, and you know it. I can’t leave this loose end hanging ”
Roger shakes his head. “So you hired a hitman?
“You’re acting like you’re innocent. Let’s not pretend we haven’t both had blood on our hands” He has noeback for <b>that</b><b>.</b>” I’m not in the mood to discuss morality. I have to do what I have to do.”
And that’s a good thing, since my phone buzzes with a text from Cherina, Morality has nothing to do with our interactions.
Caterina: Thank you for the shirt.
Immediately, my thumbs poise over the keyboard, and I’m prepared to demand a photo of her without the shirt on, but pause. Thest thing I need is physical evidence of what we’re doing
Her purity stands inplete opposition to the discussion she interrupted. There’s no need to pay her off for her silence. She wants nothing from me but my dick. It’s the simplest rtionship I’ve ever known. And therefore, because I’m fucked in the head, the mostplex.