“W-what are you doing?” The man’s once firm voice finally begins to break.
“Preparing your lunch.”
I stare at Arturo because I’ve never seen him do something like this before, and he simply shrugs dismissively. The flame inches closer to Pasini, whose eyes remain glued to it in terror.
“I’m much kinder than the future Capo, Gabriel. I believe in second chances. Who is your contact inside the Cosa Nostra?”
“Do whatever you want, I won’t talk!” The man’s strength suddenly returns.
“Are you afraid I’ll do to the traitor the same thing I’m going to do to you? Who are you protecting so desperately?”
“You said you were untouchable, but whoever it is—that’s your weak spot,” I conclude. “No man is untouchable, Pasini.”
“Burn in hell!!” he screams, and the moment the fire touches the open wo
