The study was too warm. Cigar smoke curled in the lamplight, thickening the air like a threat.
Luca stood in front of the fireplace, the heat licking at his back. Slowly but steadily the room filled with Philadelphia’s most dangerous men. Don Valleti toyed with his scotch glass, his knuckles scarred from a lifetime of "negotiations” was there, with some other members of his family. The Cavallo brothers with their matching gold watches, even old man Scarpetta, who hadn’t left his compound in years. The mayor lingered near the whiskey cart, his politician’s smile strained and stretched thin over teeth meant for biting.
Antonio's big chair was empty and placed in the middle of the study. A throne carved from shadows and unfinished business.
Luca waited until the murmurs died down. Then, wi
