Page 38 of John + Siena: The Complete Duet

FIVE

Andino passed John a subtle nod as he handed his cousin a glass of what would look like vodka to anyone else watching. Around the table tucked in the back section of the VIP area of the club, the two were working out a deal with a local gang leader who had been encroaching on their territories.

Capos had to talk a lot to make shit work, especially on the streets. Business could not always be done through bloodshed. It drew too much attention, and left them wide open for retribution. A good Capo could get anything done that needed handling with a few words, and a drink.

Or, that’s how John had learned the business.

The gang leader—Maverick—took the second glass Andino had been holding with a nod, and thanks. Maverick held the glass up to John, and he did the same with his own, clinking the two together.

A peace offering.

After three years of lockup, it felt damn good to get back into business. Being a Capo—even if he did have other Capos looking over his fucking shoulder—was what he did best.

“Pleasure doing business with you, Johnathan,” Maverick said.

John tipped his glass up for a drink, and smirked. “And you.”

The two men sipped their drinks, although John’s was nothing more than water. He didn’t drink—or usually—as it wasn’t good to mix alcohol with his meds.

Only a select few people knew that, though.

Andino was one of them.

John quickly finished his water, and set the glass to the table. Maverick followed along, and finished his own drink as well.

“So that’s settled then,” Johnathan said.

Maverick stood from the table. “Seems so. You’ll supply, and I’ll buy from only you.”

“Keep that agreement, and you won’t need to see us again.”

“We wouldn’t be as nice the second time,” Andino added.

The gang leader gave a single nod in response, held up two fingers, and gestured at his men waiting a few tables over. With a quick goodbye between the three men, Maverick headed for the exit with his three men flanking him from the sides and behind.

John and Andino’s two enforcers came closer damn near instantly. Their empty glasses on the table, and the one Maverick left behind, were picked up by the enforcers, and removed.

“Thanks,” John said to Andino.

His cousin grinned. “For what, man? You handled that on your own. I don’t know what the hell Dante is worried about with you. I wasn’t even needed here tonight.”

John chuckled. “Tell him that.”

“I will.”

He didn’t doubt his cousin.

“I meant, thanks for the water,” John said.

Andino shrugged a single shoulder, and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’ve always got your back, John. Even when you don’t know it.”

John gave Andino a look. “Not really your job, though.”

“Still going to do it.”

“What about when you don’t have the time anymore, huh?”

Andino’s gaze narrowed. “Like fucking when?”