Nine

Chapter 9

Angelo

Walking into the cathedral, I head down the aisle, barely taking notice of the empty pews.

Father Parisi comes out of the confession booth, and the instant his eyes land on me, he hurries toward me. “Mr. Rizzo. This is unexpected.”

I’m not a man of religion, and the walls of this building rarely see me, so I can understand why he’s surprised that I’m here.

Wanting to get out of the cathedral as quickly as possible, I mutter, “Where can we talk in private?”

“Are you here for confession?”

I let out a chuckle, and shaking my head, I say, “I’m comfortable with the idea of going to hell.”

Big Ricky stifles his laughter behind me with a fake cough.

Father Parisi looks visibly disappointed with my comment. He gestures toward a door. “We can talk in my office.”

I follow the holy man to the back of the cathedral and into his office. It’s so fucking stuffy in here it makes my skin itch.

Glancing at Big Ricky, I order, “Wait outside.” “Yes, boss.”

I shut the door before turning