“Friendly enough so the man knows after he’s told you every single detail in this shit storm, he will also know better than to ever breathe another word about what you did to get the info. He knows something. I want to know what that something is. I’m sorry about how close you are to his son, so I’m giving you your choice. If you don’t want to do this, say so now, my friend, and you get a pass.”
“Thanks for that, Paul. I’ll do it. He knows too much about me already. This will give me the opportunity to teach him the basics of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. I’ve been considering it for some time. I put it off for too long because of his kid. You’ve heard of the reality show crap about ‘scared straight’? Well, I’m going to introduce Phil to a completely different dynamic of ‘scared straight’. I need something though for a light at the end of the tunnel scenario. Can you intercede so he keeps his job? I can sell this on the basis he returns to his normal life, owned by us and under our scrutiny. Otherwise, I’m afraid he’d be bitter enough to slink away and do something stupid I’d have to shoot him in the head to correct.”
Paul remained silent for a long moment. “I’ll do what I can, Nick. What you retrieve from the moron will go a long way toward my being able to work that magic trick.”
“Understood. I will call later.” Nick put the sleeping Quinn into his carriage again. He explained the situation in detail to an astonished Gus and John.
“How the hell are you going to handle this, Muerto? The only way I can even think of to approach it is leveling with a ten year old about his Father,” Gus said. “Sonny will know. Either he’ll guess or Phil will come right out with it, playing the victim.”
“This is a real mess, Muerto,” John added. “I do not have a clue.”
Nick smiled. “Oh ye of little faith. It all starts with a chat with our soon to be public servant hero, the redoubtable Phil Salvatore. He’s going on a field trip to our special question and answer room. He will reenter society and his job with renewed commitment to doing right.”
“Oh John… I don’t like the sound of this.”
“I agree. This does not appear to be a story with a happy ending. Do you plan to say anything to Sonny? He is not stupid, Muerto. Are you sure you wish to do this? Mr. Gilbrech did give you an option.”
“I have a plan for both Phil Salvatore and the Kaders.”
“Let me guess. You plan to let the Kaders stew until they come to a decision while Phil gets his lecture?”
“I know it sucks we’re in the wood chipper again so soon after Cincinnati. Let me remind you we have John’s marriage to barter. That situational action doesn’t count. It’s family business. We must allow the Kader idiots to reach a final verdict. Phil is actionable now. His crap appears to be a serious breach of national security. We’ll need his cooperation to keep him alive and solve the puzzle as to what the hell he’s been doing. We know he did it for money. What we don’t know is if he did it blindly for money or if he has any idea how serious this breach is.”
“I’m sending Jean to look after Quinn while I talk with Sonny. I need to get a feel for what the kid can handle. Watch the baby for a moment until Jean gets here.”
“Go on. Quinn will be fine.” Gus moved into Nick’s chair.
*
“Please watch your brother for me with your uncles, Jean. I need to talk with Sonny for a moment.”
“Okay, Dad,” Jean joined Gus, John, and Quinn without hesitation. Deke followed.
Nick sat next to the suddenly worried Sonny. “I found out some disturbing news about your Father’s job situation, Sonny. His involvement will require some harsh action. I may be his only chance to stay out of prison. I was given the option to either refuse involvement or help your Dad. I’ve decided to leave the decision in your hands. You’ve been around enough to know I do more than write novels. When I’m asked to consult in a situation, it usually means the law can’t handle the problem.”
“I…I’ve heard that Gerald Kensky guy has disappeared. The cops think he escaped into a foreign country. He didn’t escape… did he, Sir?”
No wonder this kid and Jean get along so well. “No. He didn’t escape, Sonny.”
Sonny’s hands clasped into fists. His mouth tightened in anger. “I knew my Dad was lying to me. He told me it was a misunderstanding that could be straightened out easily. Tell me what he’s done, Sir.”
“That may not be a good thing to know, Sonny.”
“I need to know! I can handle him lying to me. I know people lie. My Dad lies. My Mom lies. The only people I know who haven’t lied to me are on this beach and in your house. My Dad will die in prison. He’s not perfect but I love him anyway. I don’t want him to die. If you can fix this somehow, Nick, I don’t care how you do it. Please tell me what he’s done, Sir.”