The private holding room off the Council chamber was paneled in dark walnut and smelled of old leather and stale cigars.
Inside, Don Greco stood near the window with two senior capos, speaking in low, urgent tones. He turned as the heavy door clicked open, expecting Inquisitor Silvio or Don Marino.
Instead, Nico and Mara walked in.
"This is an executive committee space, Nico," Don Greco said, settling his hands over his silver-headed cane. His voice was calm, though his eyes narrowed slightly. "Non-committee members are not permitted during a recess."
Nico didn't bother answering. He closed the heavy oak door behind them, locking the latch with a sharp click.
Mara walked to the center of the polished table. She unbuttoned her leather folder and pulled out a single bound file… Gianni's master audit logs on the Greco family's shadow operations.
She set it flat on the mahogany wood directly in front of Don Greco.
