He knows what I’m asking him.It’s a simple question of what kind of criminal he is.
“I import and export various things for government and other clientele.”
Various things. That could be anything.
“Are these things likely to attract feds and other law enforcement friends?” I challenge and Tristan tenses next to me.
“Not in the last fifty years. I don’t see why it should start now.”
“Jacques has a set up similar to us, that’s what encouraged me to give him a shot.” Massimo rests his hands on the table.“He also has the strength in an alliance I’m looking for.It is important to me that all my brothers agree with my decision, especially Dominic as he is my consigliere.”
I can see his point. I just wish he wouldn’t entrust me with such a task.
“Of course. Please take your time but know that you would have the stronghold that comes with all my alliances in Europe.” He looks to me.“Dominic D’Agostino your reputation precedes you.So, it would be interesting as you say to work with you in this capacity.I’m glad we had the pleasure to meet.”
I’m sure if my reputation preceded me as he says he wouldn’t think it was any sort of positive thing to meet me, so I’m interested to hear more details.
“What did you hear about me?” I ask and Massimo cuts me a sharp glance.
“You were in the year beneath me at M.I.T.”
I don’t miss a beat, so I don’t miss the slight edge to his voice when he said the words beneath me.
“Is that so? And you heard of little old me?”
“I do my checks on the people I’m thinking of working with too.” There’s that tone again.That suggestive tone that shows he might know more about me than I want.Like my recent situation. “I must say I’m quite impressed.I heard you did a whole other degree because you were bored.I’d bet that must have pissed off a lot of people.I’ve never heard anybody say that about M.I.T.”
I don’t know who this guy is trying to fool but it’s not me with his fake compliments.
“Each to their own,” I simply say, and because I want to drop the subject I add, “it takes a lot to impress me.”
That doesn’t just change the subject it shuts him down and makes him think he’ll have to do more than impress Massimo if he wants in on the Syndicate.The partially phased look in his eye suggests he knows exactly what I mean.
“I don’t doubt that Mr. D’Agostino,” Jacques replies with a forced smile.His endless dark gaze bores a hole into me.
“Okay.” Massimo’s voice breaks our contesting stare.“Well, this was supposed to be brief, just to give us a chance to all meet.It’ll be some time before I can get back to you Jacques.”
“That’s no problem.”
“Perfect.”
“Good to meet with all of you.” Jacques stands and tips his head for a curt nod.“And welcome home Dominic.”
“Thank you.”
He leaves and I know as the door closes that Massimo is going to chew me out, so I look too him and get ready for it.Of course, he’s already looking at me.
“What the hell was that about?” he spits.
“How comes we didn’t talk prior to this meeting about him?” I answer.
“Time. We don’t have the luxury of it, so I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone plus get your first reaction on meeting him.”
When I stare back at him and far too many seconds pass Tristan shakes his head.“Dominic, please for fuck sake don’t tell me you don’t like this guy because of Candace.”
I turn to him. “I’m trying not to make that be a factor.”
“Oh my God,” Massimo sneers. “Dominic, this is important, and it’s more important now in light of recent shit.That letter warned me to form alliances with the strongest people, and that’s what I’m trying to do.Look at the past. I’m not a fan of the way the previous Syndicate was set up, but I have to give them some credit because to destroy them their enemies came at them from the inside, not the outside.So please, for fuck sakes give the man a chance.I think he would be perfect. He has what we’re looking for.You heard him; he owns the sky.He would be an asset to us just for that.We don't have an airline company.”