Page 72 of Top Dog

“And after that?”

“Are you sure you—”

“And after that?” I asked harshly.

James sighed as he closed his eyes.

“After the drugs, Stefano hopped to human trafficking.”

My stomach sank to my toes.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“Those are the big three he’s got his hands in currently. Running guns, dealing out heroin, and trafficking humans.”

“Buying and selling people on the black market.”

“Yes.”

“For what purpose?” I asked.

“Sexual, mostly. Though I know a few have been sold into slavery.”

“And how do you know this for certain?” I asked.

“Stefano likes to brag. A lot.”

I thought I was going to vomit on my shoes.

I knew that my father had been involved in shady practices and sometimes violence was a part of them. But getting kids hooked on drugs and selling people? No. Never. He was probably spinning in his grave. Stefano was the one spitting on my father’s business, not me.

Your uncle killed your father, Julia.

I shook Romeo’s voice from my head as I drew in a deep breath.

“Is that it?” I asked.

“No,” James said.

“No?”

“Stefano was in here a few weeks ago talking about his latest project.”

“What is it?” I asked.

“He didn’t give a lot of specifics but said I’d know what to do once I heard about it. The only thing he said was that it would take the Bianchi family name to an entirely different level, one his brother would’ve never been able to reach. He sounded very proud, and it has me very concerned.”

I knew exactly what Stefano had been talking about.

“Thank you for your time, James.”

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” he asked.

“There will be plenty in the future, but not right now. Right now? All you need to do is keep an ear out for Mr. Dashel.”

“Your lawyer?” he asked.

“Yes.”