Page 70 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

“Not everyone was happy about Nic taking out old man Gino or those who followed him.”

“Like who?”

“How the fuck do I know? I’m not in the family. Not since you killed my father. It’s just whispers here, grumbling there."

I put my gun away and circle him, thinking about who could be a traitor in the family.

Benny twists his head to track my movement. "Some don’t like how much money Nic has walked away from.”

Benny isn’t wrong. Nic has no trouble breaking the law, but he’s adamant it won’t be in trafficking women as his father had done. For the last year, Nic has spent a lot of time dealing with the fallout of killing his father and taking over the business.That includes killing those in the family who dared try to go up against him.

I think back to Nic’s list of suspects. Rinella he’s already removed from suspicion. Benny here could be telling the truth. Then there was the Bratva, angry about Nic ending a deal, but would they stalk Gia? Those guys always struck me as direct. They’d go after Nic or his businesses. Then there was Ricardo Avila. Nic did kill his father, but Ricky has been a good soldier, moving up in the ranks. Could it be part of an elaborate scheme to get back at Nic?

“What about Ricky Avila?”

Benny shakes his head. “I don’t know. Like I said, I’m on the outside. I just hear rumblings.”

“Rumblings about what, specifically?”

“Jesus, you’re going to get me killed.”

“You can die right here and now, if you’d rather.”

He makes a face. “Vengeance is what I hear.”

“For what?”

"I've said too much already." He stares at the concrete floor.

“You haven’t said nearly enough, Benny. The truth is, I think you’re too dumb to be Gia’s stalker. I can help you. But you have to help me.”

He glances up, hope on his face even though I’ve just called him dumb. "How about we make a deal? I'll tell you what I’ve overheard, and you can help me get my money. My rightful inheritance.”

I let out a harsh laugh. "You think I'd betray Nic's trust so you can get your grubby hands on his niece and nephew’s money? You’re dumber than I thought."

His jaw clenches. “You want to know what I know, you have to pay. Ask Nic. See what he says.”

“Do you really think Nic would help you take from his sister’s kids?”

"If it saves his sister, yeah, I do." Benny leans forward as far as his restraints allow. "Family first, right? Isn't that what he’s all about now? Betraying the family is the worst crime.”

I try not to think about how I’ve betrayed Nic with my actions toward Gia because Benny isn’t wrong.

“He’s got a cancer in the family… one after his sister. All I’m asking is to get what is rightfully mine.”

I study his face, looking for tells. There's fear there, definitely, but something else too. A certainty that makes my skin crawl.

I check my watch. It’s late. I’m exhausted yet keyed up too. Benny’s words bounce around my brain like pinball.

“Stay put, Benny. I’ll be in touch.” I turn to leave.

“Hey, you can’t leave me tied up like this. I need to piss.”

I step over to Dominic. “We’ve got a cell, right?”

He nods.

“Put him there, but I want eyes on him every second.”