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“Problem?” I ask.
“Yes, the devil has uncanny timing. Let’s find out what he wants.”
When we stand, everyone else turns to watch us. Valentino motions that everything is fine, and we head to his office.
Sitting at Valentino’s desk with his heels kicked up like he owns the place and smoking a cigar is Dusan.
“I made myself at home, I hope you don’t mind.” He smiles but the gesture doesn’t reflect in his eyes, nor does he move from his relaxed position.
Valentino sniffs the air then grits, “Why are you here?”
“Oh, yes. Due to the premature ending of last night’s event, I failed to give you your favor.” Dusan presents a gift bag. “Sorry, Sansone, I didn’t realize you would be here today so I didn’t carry yours.”
I remain silent despite wanting to smash his face in. My calm is mostly because Valentino has a warning grip on my elbow.
“I’m sorry you felt the need to take the trip out here, but I appreciate you stopping by and giving me a gift.” Valentino releases me to accept the present from Dusan.
How my brother can put his politician’s hat on at a time like this is probably why he’s a successful and popular mayor. I still want to bash Dusan’s head into a pulp. He stands to be a threat to my wife and child, and I can’t have that.
“To be honest, the gift isn’t the only reason I’m here.” He removes his feet from Valentino’s desk and stands. “Given we’re now friends, I was hoping you’d extend your hand with a few contracts.”
“And you decided a Sunday at my home would be the appropriate place for said discussion?”
Dusan raises his hands in a defensive gesture. “Mayor DeLuca, forgive me if I’m wrong, but your job doesn’t have days off. And since every day is a working day, I thought coming to you when you aren’t being pulled in multiple directions would be less of a burden on you. Because I’m considerate. A good friend.”
“Ahh, of course you are. And now that my good friend has realized I’m taking a family day, I’m sure you’ll?—”
“Thank you for the invitation.” He pats Valentino on the back. “To be honest, when I stopped by I wasn’t expecting to stay, but how can I decline dinner with my new friend?”
I glare at the usurper, angry Valentino isn’t more forceful about getting this piece of shit out of his house. “No works just fine.”
A maid appears at the door. “Dinner is served, sir.”
“Set another place. We have a guest.” Valentino motions for Dusan to precede him. As we follow, he mutters, “ The motherfucker is smoking my new baby cigar. You know what this means?”
“If you had done shit my way, he would have been?—”
“Not in my new house. No blood spilling until my next term.” He shrugs when I glare at him.
“Whatever, I have something to do.” I leave Valentino with our unwanted guest to intercept Zakiya.
She takes one look at me and slows to a stop. “What’s wrong?”
I take her to a side room and hold her by the elbows while calmly relaying, “Dusan is here. He showed up on some pretense and played Valentino into staying for dinner.”
“I can’t be here.” Zakiya pulls but can’t break my hold.
“Jinx needs you here. I need you here. Please.”
She stops fighting to helplessly look up at me. “I think he knows I had something to do with his son. What if he makes a move or targets Jinx? It’s best if he doesn’t see us together.”
“If he hints he’ll do either of you harm, we’ll take care of him. Fact is, after he smoked Valentino’s cigar, we might have to get in line,” I lament. “My brother takes offense at the smallest slight. But whether it’s me and you or him, the man won’t live if he threatens you. Trust me. Can you do that?”
She peers into my eyes and the vulnerability in her gaze wanes, replaced by confidence as she nods. “I do.”
“Good. Let’s go.” I take her hand and we go to the dining room.
Dusan sits at the head. I glance at Valentino but understand the reason behind the seating arrangement. He, Sloane, and Tácito sit together on one side, while two empty seats flank Jinx on the other. My brother will concede a symbolic gesture of leadership if it means protecting the people most important to him.
