by Dale Nelson
And she was still close with Salvatore.
He would never trust Guilia, but he could trust her to act in a certain way. In her own self-interest.
That meant playing literally every side and settling with the winner.
But that didn’t mean she couldn’t be useful.
Guilia’s involvement in the downfall of a prominent politician brought her into the orbit of a Serbian gangster and seemingly, an ironic gift from God.
Jack Burdette.
Guilia informed him that Aleksander Andelić was planning to use Burdette in some elaborate scheme—involving his diamonds—and Nico knew that if anyone was capable of pulling that job off, it was Burdette. So, when the time was right, he had Guilia work her charms on Burdette, bring him into her confidences, knowing that there was no one else that Jack could trust. She gave him everything he needed to get the diamonds out of that bank.
And it appeared that he was successful.
Nico was a proud teacher, even if the student himself had proven such a tremendous pain.
Guilia told him that Burdette only found twenty million dollars’ worth and that they were now in police custody. She said Jack told her that’s all there was. What a ruse. It certainly gave the police everything they needed to close up the investigation, which was genius, but it still felt like gnawing off one’s leg to escape a bear trap.
Nico looked at his watch.
It would be time soon.
“Are you ready, my dear?”
“Yes,” Guilia said. “But I need a drink.”
“Well, there’s plenty here, and by the look of it, he’s spared no expense.”
Guilia selected a bottle of cabernet from the cabinet built into the kitchen island and opened it with a corkscrew she’d found in one of the drawers. She then selected two glasses from the hanging rack over the island and poured one. The second one would not be for Nico.
Nico smiled when Guilia retraced her steps and wiped down everything she’d touched.
She sat on one of the high chairs next to the island and crossed her impossibly long legs.
Nico left the room.
No, this was not exactly how he’d planned it, but it was the best option considering the circumstances.
Again, the surge of excitement and adrenaline coursed through his veins. It had been nearly twenty years since he was in a place he wasn’t supposed to be. An actual lifetime ago. So much lost time.
There was a loud click in the silent house as the lock on the front door disengaged. The front door opened, and Nico could hear the sound of footsteps on tile. The next click he heard was the sound of a light switch.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” he heard Jack Burdette say.
Nico was in the hallway and could now see Jack standing in the open central space between the front door, front room, and the kitchen.
Guilia looked in his direction.
“Oh, hello, darling.”
“We’re way past that,” Jack said.
“I think she meant me,” Nico said and cocked his pistol.
Jack turned to look at him.
His student’s eyes narrowed.
In a cold, dispassionate voice, Niccolò Bartolo said, “Now, Jack, why don’t you tell me where my fucking diamonds are.”
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Also by Dale M. Nelson
A Legitimate Businessman - A thief with a double life. A ruthless gang of ex-war criminals turned robbers. A relentless federal agent. An eighty-million-dollar score. A Legitimate Businessman, is the first book in the “Gentleman” Jack Burdette series and a non-stop international crime thriller that will leave you hooked to the last page.
Proper Villains - They are petty criminals. Very petty. Three small time hoods in over their heads and their only chance is a high risk scam that could get them all killed. They just might pull it off if…if they can stop double-crossing each other long enough to do it.
The Bad Shepherd - Los Angeles, 1981, a city about to tear itself apart over a drug-fueled gang war. Bo Fochs is an undercover detective unravelling a citywide drug ring, but can he stop this cocaine kingpin before the violence spills into the streets. Get the book readers are saying is filled with “raw energy and intensity” that “will set your pulse racing”!
Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to my daughters, Ellie and Leah. Your dreams are always within reach, you just need to grab them.
Thank you to my amazing wife, Lisa, for giving me the time and space to do what I love. I couldn’t do this without you.
Very special thanks to my editor, Jessica Holland. I’m grateful for the collaboration and skill with which you work. You’re a true craftswoman and you helped make this book the best it could be.
About the Author
Dale M. Nelson grew up outside of Tampa, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications and went on to serve as an officer in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Dale worked in the defense, technology and telecommunications sectors before starting his writing career. He currently lives in Washington D.C. with his wife and daughters.
For more on Dale Nelson’s writing, visit him on the web at www.dalenelsonbooks.com
“Gentleman” Jack Burdette will return…
Copyright © 2020 by Dale M. Nelson
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