CHAPTER TWENTY - SIX - THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA - { PT. 11 }
{ PT. } - Sammel Gruner sat on the umber-coloured sofa in Don Primo's office sipping ice-cold water from a glass beaded with condensation. As a seasoned veteran, working as a body-guard for the rich and famous, he was accustomed to danger and fully trained in combat. However, ten to one did not carry good odds. He was outnumbered and in someone else's territory with only his wits as his weapon. Beneath the cool exterior of his dark suit and shades, he excelled in concealing the knot of dread wringing his guts into a twisted mass. From behind his desk, Don Primo scrutinised him for any weakness, any sign that he could use to his advantage. He saw none. I gather my money's in the case. Sammel's legs gripped the brief-case at his feet. That is correct. He spoke in a sharp, accented tone that was a stiff as a corpse, to the point, and replete with effciency. The briefcase contains one million euros, the second instalment as arranged with His Eminence. Don Primo's eye...