59. Dante

Chapter 59

Dante

“ I ’m going to assume you remember my stipulation about contacting me,” Tommy said.

His voice was familiar though it seemed deeper than I remembered. It was twelve years since I’d last spoken to him or seen him but still, I would never forget the man who had nearly beaten me to death after my first altercation as a recruit with the famila.

“I do. Do you still mean what you said?”

“Yes, I never say what I don’t mean.”

“You know why I’m calling, don’t you?”

“Yes, but the timing is wrong. This is the worst possible time to fight him. He is on high alert.”

“Well, that’s where I come in,” I said. “You don’t have to fight. All that I’m asking is that you get her back to me safe and sound, and I’ll take care of him for you.”

He went quiet and I waited to hear what he’d say. When he responded, I wasn’t surprised one bit by his words.

“The way I see it, I don't have to do anything at all. You’ve been at each other’s throats since you were seventeen. The way I see it neither of you will be left standing and I’ll be free anyway. Why bother getting my hands dirty?”

“Because you owe me,” I replied.

“Nah, I don’t. Owing someone comes from asking for help. I never asked for your help.”

“And yet I graciously extended my hand to you when Ugo didn’t.”

"You’re no different from him, are you? Wanting to collect your favor twelve years later.”

“Say what you want about me. The fact remains I saved your family. I heard about your situation and I took care of things for you. Meanwhile, the man you gave everything up for refused … even when you begged.”

The very real possibility of losing Zola or having her hurt was frightening to me.

“What do you need from me exactly?” Tommy asked.

I briefly shut my eyes. “I’ve told you. Keep her safe for me.”

“That’s too vague a request. No, I can’t do that.”

“Do you know where she is?”

“I could find out.”

“Please do. That’s all I need.”

Another long moment of silence ensued before he responded. “You know that he’s going to find out it was me, right?”

“Don’t worry, he won’t be alive long enough to confront you about it.”

“That better be the case,” he said and abruptly ended the call.