Wrestling the Kraken

Stavo

Stavo

Stavo sat across from Vito, both staring at one another, until the guard stepped out. Stavo let out a smirk, swaying his head from side to side. Vito sat back in his chair, arms crossed.

Stavo pointed a finger at him, amused. "You thought you were slick. Almost got away with it too." He said, then sat back. "Yeah. Let everyone think you're just the information guy. The one they come to if there's something they need." Stavo looks out the window, waiting to deliver it at the right moment. Setting it up for the impact. "You know, you actually did Mahone and I a favor."

Vito looked away. Face stern and solid- unwavering.

"Yeah. Setting up those boys from Precinct 34. Thinking they're some big shots, because they solved those robberies. Yeah. That's Del Marco's territory isn't it?"

Vito stopped a glance halfway through, cutting it short.

"So, you set up head honcho Leo Del Marco, and what? Take over his territory?"

Vito's breathing increases, but he remains looking off to the side, arms crossed.

"You wanna know why I know you set up Del Marco? I'll tell you. You ready? You listening to this? Cause this is the good part. We found items stolen that weren't recovered. You wanna know where?

Vito made a half glance, again stopping himself.

"At your restaurant!" Stavo said elated, slamming his palms down on the table. "And you want to know what else? Guess who was there with his fingerprints all over them?"

Vito cursed under his breath, shaking his head.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you. 'Cause if you said your son, Vinny, then you'd be correct." Stavo said, leaning forward.

He wasn't lying either. Getting back to the station, they told him of a single box they found with the items identified to be from the Lexington robberies. The part about Vinny's fingerprints was expected, but not exactly proved yet. The results would arrive eventually.

"Now, you listen to me!" Vito growled, pointing a finger on the table.

The door opened to the room and a man in a brown suit and briefcase walked in, sitting down next to Vito. "Not another word Vito." He said, setting his briefcase down.

Stavo shook his head. "Ah, come on."

"I know you're not interrogating my client without the presence of his lawyer, Mr. Stavo."

Vito looked at him, confused at his presence, but gathered himself up.

"We're ready to offer a deal. A reduced sentence if he gives up the Rose Killer." Stavo replied.

"And my son?" Vito barked. The lawyer waved a hand to silence him and opened a file from his briefcase. "You recently raided my client's place of business."

"Yeah, with a warrant." Stavo snapped. "Found the stolen items from the Lexinton robberies, his son's fingerprints all over them."

"Circumstantial. I assume you think Leo Del Marco framed? These items could have just as easily been planted and Vincent could have just been moving them, unknowingly."

Stavo laughed. "Unknowingly? You think his son doesn't know what's in a box he's moving?"

"Look, I can dance around this theory all day in court. The fact of the matter is that what you have concerning Mr. Moretti or his son for the robberies is circumstantial. He could have bought them after they were stolen. I could go on and on, trust me. The son is off the table. You have nothing that will hold up in court. Now, your offer of a reduced charge. I'd like a moment with my client, before we discuss this any further."

Stavo raised his hands in defense, then pushed himself up. He waited behind the glass, watching them as they talked, their body language. Their faces were tilted away, covered by a file, so he couldn't attempt to read their lips, even if he knew how. The conversation took less than five minutes and he was allowed back in.

"My client will agree to give you the killer for a reduced sentence of five years, parole at two. His son remains clear of any charges." The lawyer said.

"That last part is not negotiable." Vito added.

Stavo looked at him for a moment, taking in the resignation. What did the lawyer tell him that would change his mind in a matter of five minutes? Maybe the bit with his son worked after all.

"Deal, but you give us everything. If we find out there's something you're not telling us..." Stavo began.

"I got it. I know the drill." Vito replied. He ought to. Normally he's the one dishing out that line.

Stavo pulled out a pen and pad. "Let's start with who this killer is."

Vito looked at his lawyer, who gave him a nod. Looking back at Stavo and with complete confidence, he said, "Vivianne Cordova."