Cole raised an eyebrow. “Motivation?”
“Anastos doesn’t care about New York. Not really,” she said. “His interests lie here inGreece.”
“So why help Gatti in New York at all?” Coleasked.
She had a feeling he knew, that he was testingher.
She shrugged. “Probably something as simple as money. New York only matters to Anastos inasmuch as it affects the balance of power worldwide. Letting the Syndicate take it back is a step toward their domination of the rest of the world. Beyond that, I don’t think Anastos cares about New York. Malcolm isdifferent.”
He studied her across the table. “How?”
“Malcolm thinks New York belongs to him. It’s his home. He put up with Primo’s sickness all these years because he thought it was taking him closer to owning the city. What would be the point if he leftnow?”
“He might still get out with his life,” Colesaid.
“I could be wrong,” Aria said, “but I don’t think Malcolm’s life means much to him in and ofitself.”
Malcolm had no family that she knew of. No woman, no children. His only love was money and power. Without those things, she wasn’t entirely sure he would find life worthliving.
Cole sat back in his chair. “I don’t think you’rewrong.”
“No?”
“No.” He waved at the computer. “Anything I can do tohelp?”