Page 70 of Contempt

John looked back to Renzo. “Don’t speak about my wife, yeah?”

Touchy.

“I meant it as a compliment—we all need someone who challenges us.”

John seemed as though he was considering what Renzo said, and then nodded. “You still didn’t explain how you got in here, or why, for that matter.”

“I think the why is obvious, John. I like reminding people how close I can get to the things they love or care about, in some way. It’s a good way to keep people in their place.”

“Huh.”

Renzo arched a brow. “What?”

“I was just thinking … you’re a fragment, Renzo.”

He blinked.

John chuckled. “Of who you used to be, I mean. Sometimes, it’s shocking. I’m unsure if I should be pissed, or impressed.”

“Or … I’m a better version of me.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“I picked the lock—also, I didn’t come here to remind you of your place, John.” Renzo tipped his head toward the hallway. “I wouldn’t touch her—I’ve watched you the last week, and her. I see how you feel, you know.”

John cleared his throat. “So, what do you want, then?”

“Your business with Christian Savino. I’m curious about what the details are, and anything else you might be able to tell me. You weren’t willing to talk the last time—I’m wondering if that’s changed since then.”

“He’s a drug trafficker with a hand in some other shit I don’t touch, Ren. There’s nothing to talk about. I’m working a deal—or trying, he’s a fucker on his good days—for some imports. We’ve got a deal already going on with Mexico for cocaine, but having more than one source doesn’t hurt, you know? Why do you have such a hard nut for this guy?”

“I don’t like that he seems to have taken an interest in Lucia, honestly.”

There, better for him to just get it out.

John cocked his brow. “I—”

“You don’t think it’s a little … concerning that he just randomly had an art print to take to the same gallery where your sister works, John? It’s what, just a coincidence that he had a fucking reason to get close to someone from your family while he was also doing business with you? And then he comes to New York, likely for business with you still, and approaches her again at the hotel she’s staying at?”

“It could be just coincidence, yeah, but we don’t have to worry about it, do we? Lucia is moved from that hotel—my father says she’s not interested in the man, and apparently, you’re keeping an eye on her along with the enforcer I posted to her. Should I be concerned? Maybe, but we’re taking care of it.”

John shrugged, quickly adding, “This business is fucking dirty, Ren. I would have been more shocked had Christian not tried to make some legroom for himself while he was here, you know? If I go somewhere for business where I don’t control any territory, I try to make myself clear where I stand, too. Let them know how close I can get to them, so to speak—just like you did tonight.”

Renzo’s jaw clenched. “He’s not going to do that with Lucia, though. I won’t let it happen.”

“Well, that’s what I’m saying. It’s taken care of.”

“I don’t trust Christian Savino, John.”

“Me, either.”

Yeah, but for the same reasons as Renzo?

That’s what he didn’t know.

There was something about that guy … something he didn’t know and couldn’t put his finger on, but it didn’t feel good. Renzo wasn’t the type to ignore a gut feeling.

“And there’s nothing else about Christian that you know that could be useful to me?” Renzo asked.