Without remorse - Tom Clancy [190]
'It isn't one of mine, Henry,' he said after a moment's contemplation. That he didn't have any was another issue entirely, Piaggi told himself, watching the effect of his words on his associate. Henry had always assumed that Piaggi knew a good deal about killing. Piaggi knew that Tucker had more experience with that end of business than he ever wished to have, but that was just one more thing he would have to explain, and this clearly was not the time. For now, he watched Tucker's face, trying to read his thoughts as he finished his glass of Chianti.
How do I know he's telling the truth? The thought didn't require any special perception to read.
'You need some help, Henry?' Piaggi said, to break a very awkward silence.
'I don't think you're doing it. I think you're too smart,' Tucker said, finishing his own glass.
'Glad to hear that.' Tony smiled and refilled both glasses.
'What about Eddie?'
'What do you mean?'
'Is he ever going to get "made"?' Tucker looked down, swirling the wine around the glass. One thing about Tony, he always set the right kind of atmosphere for a business discussion. It was one of the reasons they'd been drawn together. Tony was quiet, thoughtful, always polite, even when you asked a sensitive question.
'That's kind of touchy, Henry, and I really shouldn't talk that over with you. You can never be "made." You know that.'
'No equal-opportunity in the outfit, eh? Well, that's okay. I know I'd never fit in real good. Just so's we can do business, Anthony.' Tucker took the occasion to grin, breaking the tension somewhat and, he hoped, making it easier for Tony to answer the question. He got his wish.
'No,' Piaggi said after a moment's contemplation. 'Nobody thinks Eddie's got what it takes.'
'Maybe he's lookin' for a way to prove diffr'nt.'
Piaggi shook his head. 'I don't think so. Eddie's going to make a good living off this. He knows that.'
'Who, then?' Tucker asked. 'Who else knows enough? Who else would do a bunch of killings to cover up a move like this? Who else would make it look like a pro job?'
Eddie's not smart enough. Piaggi knew that; or thought he did.
'Henry, taking Eddie out would cause major problems.' He paused. 'But I'll check around.'
'Thank you,' Tucker said. He stood and left Tony alone with his wine.
Piaggi stayed at his table. Why did things have to be so complicated? Was Henry being truthful? Probably, he thought. He was Henry's only connection to the outfit, and severing that tie would be very bad for everyone. Tucker could become highly important but would never be an insider. On the other hand he was smart and he delivered. The outfit had lots of such people, inside-outsiders, associate members, whatever you might call them, whose value and status were proportional to their utility. Many of them actually wielded more power than some 'made' members, but there was always a difference. In a real dispute, being made counted for much - in most cases, counted for everything.
That could explain matters. Was Eddie jealous of Henry's status? Did he crave becoming a real member so much that he might be willing to forfeit the benefits of the current business arrangement? It didn't make sense, Piaggi told himself. But what did?
'Ahoy the Springer!' a voice called. The Marine corporal was surprised to see the cabin door open immediately. He'd expected having to jolt this... civilian... from his cushy bed. Instead he saw a man come out in jungle boots and