“Any kind of chemical or biological weapons development would violate all kinds of international laws and treaties,” Burke added. “The Geneva Protocol, the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Warsaw Pact. It would be a huge international incident if it was ever discovered that our government had developed anything like that for offensive purposes.”

Romeo chuckled. “Of course, because the government is trustworthy. They’re not the biggest and baddest crooks in the business. But either way, it stands to reason that such laws could motivate anyone wanting to break them to go above and beyond to keep their secrets. A group of such low moral fiber may try to hide said activities under the guise of a legitimate business.”

“Let’s hope those are only rumors,” Nic said. “Anything else?”

Romeo drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair and seemed to consider the question. “Not about GoBox, but I’ve heard that Ty Loria swings both ways.”

Nic rolled his eyes, and Burke said, “I don’t know what that means. Is that a bad thing?”

Romeo cocked an eyebrow and shrugged. “I don’t think his wife is too happy about it. I’m a pretty open guy. To each his own and all. But you know what they say, you build a thousand bridges and suck one—”

Nic interrupted and said, “Okay, I think we’re done. We’ll let you get to your ‘thing,’ which I’m sure I don’t want to know anything about.”

“Maybe I’ll take the kid along?”

“Good. Then he’ll be out of my hair.”

“I meant Elisabetta,” Romeo said with a challenge in his eyes. “You were about her age when you started—”

Nic looked at Romeo with such malice in his eyes that the older man’s words caught in his throat. Burke had never seen such a look. It was like feelings of rage and resentment and a bit of insanity had all balled up into one mass of emotion, and Nic was about to hurl all that fire at Romeo. Burke studied Nic’s featured and catalogued the nuances. He would have to practice that look later. It could be a very useful tool.

“She’ll never be part of that world,” Nic said. “And if you ever—”

Romeo raised his hands in surrender and lowered his head. “I know, kid. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry. But listen, I would like to see her more. And you too … We’re family. I miss you both.”

Nic’s eyes softened a bit, and he looked over at LJ. “How long is your ‘thing’ going to last?”

“Half hour. Hour at the most.”

Nic sighed. “What do you have going on after that?”

“Nothing. You saying what I think you’re saying?”

“I’m going to be jammed up with this hostage situation for who knows how long. Maybe we could help each other out. You spend some time with your great niece, and I don’t have to worry about finding someone to stay with her.”

Romeo’s face broke out into a huge grin. “That sounds great.”