Page 79 of Dirty Pool

“How does that work with your dad, Michel? Do people often go against what he tells them to do, or does the first mistake by a man teach the rest how to stay in line?”

Her question was rhetorical, so Michel didn’t answer because he already knew what it would be. No, people no longer deliberately went against his father’s orders. It was a death wish, frankly. That was how the boss remained in control.

Sure, the Irish were a little different with their rules and ways. No doubt about that. It didn’t change the fact that a criminal organization was still the same when it came to the person at the top.

They wanted to stay at the top.

“Something’s not right,” Michel said.

Gabbie frowned. “What do you mean?”

“With the Vannozzos. Something isn’t right there.”

He knew it.

But what was it?

FOURTEEN

All at once, Michel stiffened, his arms locking even tighter around Gabbie. So much so, that she swore her ribs protested from it.

“Shit,” he hissed.

Gabbie didn’t even have time to ask what made Michel upset because he quickly pushed her down with his back still turned to the rest of the bar. She didn’t even question what he was doing, simply kneeled on the floor by his feet. There, the pool table kept her hidden where it was set up close to a wall.

Glancing up, she watched Michel turn to nod at something—or someone—she couldn’t see on the other side of the pool table.

“David,” he greeted.

David, who?

Gabbie had no idea.

“I didn’t know you to frequent this place,” Michel said.

A man chuckled, and she heard palms slap to the edge of the pool table. “I don’t, man, but after today … well, we all have to look out for one another, don’t we?”

“And how are you looking out for me, huh? Because I’m doing fine on my own.”

“Right, right.”

Gabbie tugged on Michel’s pant leg—it was her silent way of letting him know she was okay down there, if he was fine doing what he was doing up there. She understood exactly what was happening now. Michel saw someone come into the bar that would recognize who she was with him, and did the only thing he thought would keep her hidden for a time.

She could deal with that.

For now.

Michel didn’t even acknowledge she had pulled on his pant leg. He simply continued his conversation with the man like nothing was wrong. “Did Sal send you over?”

“Maybe he wanted me to check in, but also to deliver a message.”

“For what?”

David chuckled. “Seems they’re going in on some Irish places tonight. Things that’ll really mess up their business—always gotta fuck with the money if you want to hit them where it hurts, right?”

“Put them on their knees, you mean.”

“Exactly. They’ve got some construction rackets going on seeing as how the Casey’s own a few different companies doing work in the city. They’re planning to go in a few sites, and fuck some shit up to take away profit there first. They’ll work outward from that. It wouldn’t be wise for you to be out and about tonight. The Irish will be in an uproar, and likely willing to hit any Italian they see as punishment for what’s about to happen. That’s all. Sal thought you might like to know.”