Beautiful Seduction

“What do I owe this pleasure to, Detective?” I asked, shifting behind my desk.

He wasn’t the typical disheveled detective I’d often been faced with. He was formidable in his own right, well-educated and refusing to succumb to the requirements demanded by my father from early on. However, he was still arrogant, a trait that would be his ultimate demise. Still, he wasn’t my enemy. Eliminating him would only be self-serving.

“I won’t waste much of your time, Valentin. I know you’re a busy man,” Finnegan said with utter contempt in his voice.

“Good to hear.”

“What do you know about the death of Jakub Dabrowski?”

Given the Polish name, I was certain his inquiry had to do with the man I’d toasted outside the restaurant. “I’m sorry, Detective. His name doesn’t ring a bell.”

He laughed, taking a few seconds to study my office, which he’d been in at least twice over the last two years. “Casimine Adamos is accusing you of the man’s murder.”

“Is he now?”

“Where were you last night between the hours of eleven and two?”

“Do you have a warrant, Detective?”

“Do I need one, Mr. Vincheti?” he shot back. “I can make that happen.”

While his father held a certain level of importance within the unions, his chief was a man I’d enjoyed bringing into the fold. I had no worries about Detective Walsh and what he thought he would be capable of doing, but I did enjoy yanking his chain.

“That sounds like a threat, Detective. I’m certain you don’t want to do that.” I gave him a hard look. When his upper lip twitched, I considered that a win. “Where was I?” I tapped my fingers on my desk, keeping my wry smile. “I was enjoying an evening with a very beautiful woman.”

“I’ll need her name.”

“As you might imagine, Detective Walsh, I’m not in the habit of identifying people I care about. Now, if you think I had anything to do with the man’s murder, you would be wrong.” I found it curious that Casimine hadn’t disposed of the body, refusing to allow attention to be drawn to his business on any level. That was a clear indication the Poles believed they had the upper hand.

He seemed to contemplate my statement. “Neither you nor your family are capable of hindering an investigation. I will need her name, or I’ll be forced to bring you down to the precinct for a further… discussion.”

I moved from around my desk, never allowing my eyes to leave his. “You have nothing on either myself or my family, Detective. Your attempt at thwarting my family’s power is a testament to your need for success. I dare say you’ve missed your mark on this particular endeavor. The man’s blood isn’t on my hands.”

The detective had grown a larger pair of balls since the last time he’d landed an accusation. As he walked closer, the look on his face similar to the one on mine, I had the distinct feeling his fishing attempt would continue.

“If you think you’re going to start a war in this city, then expect the entire New York City police department including the commissioner to come down on your ass. I don’t give a shit what becomes necessary, I will bring you and your family down, Mr. Vincheti. When I do, I’ll be able to wipe the smug expression off your face.”

The commissioner. How fascinating the man had come up in yet another conversation. I was beginning to think my angel was a vixen in disguise.

“I look forward to the challenge of proving you wrong, Detective Walsh.” If the man had wanted to rile me, he’d failed. Although the fact Casimine had contacted the police would remain in the back of my mind.

The Polish mob leader was trying to play me.

He’d soon learn that attacking a viper had dire consequences.