Ties That Bind Read Online Free PDF Page B

one who told Ashli I'd hit the lock up?”
    “Not me. Hell, you were out before I knew they'd picked you up,” he chuckled and clicked off the television. “I give you run of the casino and take a quick weekend trip to Vegas. Next thing I know I come back to hear you've been arrested, bailed out and are in bed with the Vinettis.” He shrugged. “Probably one of Ashli's many bedmates told her the news.”
    “Bedmates?”
    Sonny's eyes narrowed. “You really have secluded yourself, haven't you?  Do you have any clue what's going on with east coast anymore?”
    “Keeping tabs on Ashli Vinetti has never been a priority.”
    “Well, you're the only one not paying attention. The entire family is watching her like a hawk. Seems she has a proclivity for badges.”
    Mitch's ears perked up. “You're kidding.”
    “Bedding feds...her latest indulgence. She goes through them faster than Jimmie can keep up.”
    Mitch hid his frown. Why wouldn't Mike have told him that?  Wasn't that something that even the IOC would consider important information?  “What's Jimmie doing about it?”
    “He offed a few that she was idiotic enough to bring on Vinetti property. Since then she's keeps her conjugal visits limited to distant cities.”
    “And he just lets her have her fun?”
    “Jimmie always has a plan, kid. Don't underestimate him. But I think he learned quickly that he couldn't off every fed she took to bed.”
    “I can't believe the families are so easily persuaded to leave her be,” Mitch shook his head. “Can't she find someone else more willing than a badge?”
    “What do you think you're around for?”
    Mitch laughed. “She's out of my league, buddy, and I'll be the first to admit it.”
    “So is this a long term gig or what?”
    “I haven't even decided to work with them. They're a bit disorganized for my tastes. But, no. They just need a security revamp, I think.”
    “Are you kidding?  Vinetti's the most organized guy on the east coast. He's managed to get his hands in every kitty. His legitimate businesses alone put us all to shame.”
    He grinned. “Do I detect some jealousy there, Sonny?”
    “Hell yeah. Last year we were trying to get Senate approval on an insurance deal worth billions. We had everything perfect and then, at the last minute, the bill got tabled. The next day a new bill appears. Identical to ours but naming Diamond Insurance as the provider for government employees. It was passed in less than twenty minutes.”
    Mitch chuckled at the audacity of it all. “Vinetti owns Diamond Insurance?” he guessed.
    “And apparently over half the trade commission,” Sonny fumed. “Pulled the carpet out from four families all with one phone call.”
    “Four?” Mitch raised an eyebrow. “You all were trying to edge out Vinetti?”
    “Hell, yes. He's got enough already.”
    Sonny grimaced as Mitch fell into deep laughter. “What's so damn funny?”
    “I would've done the same thing.”
    “You would've take food out of our mouths-”
    “Christ, you're not starving, Sonny. You just wanted to be king of the castle. Vinetti saw it and put you back in your place. Hell, how much would anyone respect him if he'd let you get away with it?”
    “He aims too high,” Sonny grumbled.
    “He aims for Sicily, then? To head the commission?”
    “Gino keeps him at arm's length. But, yeah, if Palmese ever retires Jimmie probably wants that too.”
    “As do many,” Mitch sighed and leaned back into the cushions. “So are you going to keep trying to undermine him if I go to work there?”
    “Of course,” he chuckled. “Nothing like a challenge to keep things lively.”
    “Cat and mouse,” he murmured. “It's a game to everyone.”
    Sonny pushed a beer across the table to him. “Coppell wasn't a game, Mitch. I would never let my men-”
    “I didn't accuse you.”
    “But I need to say it,” he interrupted. “I wouldn't do that to you. To put you through this?  I know the guilt you carry around.