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Still standing at the table after Kate left, Eddie looked down at Sal, Dario and Tau. “Let’s go,” he said, grabbing his sunglasses and turning to leave.
He heard their bustle and then footsteps clamoring down the stairs behind him.
“That Kate sure is fine though,” he heard Dario say.
Eddie stopped and turned, jamming his miniature screwdriver into Dario’s side. “Don’t start with that, Dario. I’ll fuck you up right here on these stairs.”
Dario’s eyes widened. “Eddie—I’m sorry, man. No disrespect. Alright?”
Eddie stopped. “You need-ta learn some self-control you miserable piece-a shit.”
“Come on, Eddie. I said I was sorry.”
Eddie paused before turning to him. Dario had barely blinked and Eddie’s hand was squeezing his throat, whispering in his ear. “I should-a killed you back on the first day we met.”
Dario’s hands went up in surrender, but he said nothing. After a second or two, Eddie felt Sal’s hand on his arm.
“Don’t make a scene, Eddie. Not here.”
Eddie quickly let go of Dario’s neck, sending him falling onto a step, coughing and holding his throat. Eddie ignored him and continued down the stairs without looking back.
Outside, Eddie walked to the driver’s side of Micola’s car. He looked over the hood at the three of them hurrying toward him.
Before getting in, he called out. “I don’t wanna’ see any of you’se for a while. It’s still too soon. I can’t believe we ran into Kate. Of all fuckin’ people seein’ us like that.”
He shook his head. “Stupid. Go do your jobs. Keep your heads down and stay outta’ trouble. And—I repeat—” He pointed his finger, dragging it left-to-right in front of them. “Don’t come around the restaurant ‘til I tell you’se. Capisci?”
They nodded and walked away. Eddie slipped into the car and drove off.
