I hiss at the news, because who the fuck is trying to target us?
“Yeah, that was our opinion. But the third call…now that was when things got really interesting.”
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense,” I retort at Daniel’s dramatic pause—Ely must be rubbing off on her lover a little too much.
“The guy didn’t give his name, but claimed to be an organization interested in taking over space in the city and surrounding areas. Said he had already hit a few other cities, and was making progress in taking over the entire Eastern coastline. Supposedly, he even has an in with Il Padrone’s cousin and the LEOs. Wanted to offer us very nice terms on shipments if we stopped cooperating with the Martellis and Amatos.”
Growling, I narrow my eyes, wondering who the fuck would be doing this. “What the fuck?”
“Yeah, that’s what I said, pretty much. I didn’t give him an answer, and said I wouldn’t unless we had a meeting. Unfortunately, he became rather flustered and hung up. If he calls back, I’ll let you know.”
“This is…concerning.” I rub at the stubble on my chin, wishing I could shave it off as it adds to my overall irritation. “I may have Hollis reach out to you. Maybe he can figure something out from the number that called you or some shit. The guy’s a genius.”
“Maybe we can work out some services to trade in that case.” Ely leverages herself out of the chair. “But I need to get back to check on a shipment. I’d like to meet the rest of the Bosses at some point.”
“Of course,” Roman intercepts. “We’ll figure out a time. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”
Daniel stands up and holds his hand out for Ely. She gives us a quick wave goodbye before sailing out of the room, pulling Daniel along with her. I exchange a concerned glance with Roman, grimness falling over us both.
“This is fucked,” I state, because fuck, what else is there to say? Who the fuck would impersonate Il Padrone? And target us? And who the fuck is pulling the strings…? More fucking questions. Of course.
“Understatement, Amante, understatement,” Roman murmurs as he lets out a deep breath. “Looks like we need a Council meeting sooner than later. Ora si fa sul serio.”
“You really think keeping Kieran in place is a good idea?”
I pace the space behind my desk, pretending I wasn’t asked such a stupid question. “No, but I’m not ready to play the next card yet, are you?”
She snorts. “Fuck no.”
“Then, yes. As much as your brother is a fuck up, he is effective. The gang might not have gone for his plan, but the seed has been planted in their head.”
There’s only so much instruction I can give the boy. He is the one running the day-to-day operations of the organization. As much as it grates, I cannot be in full control there. Because of what we have set out to do, I need to stay out of that side of things as much as possible.
The call with the west side gang might not have gone to plan, but they have an offer to consider now…and if they know what’s good for them, they’ll make the right choice.
“Start putting pressure on the locals once more. It’s been too quiet, and after the failings of the former Fire Chief…I don’t want them getting suspicious, or thinking we’re backing off on them after the recent failings.”
“Any preferences on who we go after first? I need to give them something specific to look for, otherwise I’ll lose what advantage I have.”
I mull it over, considering the pros and cons carefully. While the locals want to stop the Martellis and Amatos as much as we do, and have willingly cooperated with some…incentive, Cecily is right in that if we’re not careful, we will lose their support. Every day that passes without tangible progress is a hit to the validity of our campaign.
“Use the split against them. Roman Amato and EmilioO’Connelare playing a dangerous game, and this time, they have less resources to defend themselves with. Check in with Kieran’s people, coordinate on what targets to go after, and don’t fuck this up. Both you and your brother are running out of second chances.”
“Yes, sir. It’ll get done.”
When she leaves, I drop down into my desk chair. Over and over again, I run everything that’s happened thus far through my head. Pinpointing where the fuck ups have happened, and how to move forward.
There’s only one viable conclusion, as much as it puts me in a bind. Once this is all over, the Martellis and Amatos will be nothing more than pages in the history books of the criminal world, but they won’t be the only casualties of this war.
Good thing I’m not sentimental, nor do I need my daughter’s permission to marry her off and secure my legacy.
One thing at a time, but eventually, the world will be as it is meant to be, with my rule becoming law.
Walking into the gym, I wince at the takedown Lio executes on Tennant. When he takes out a knife and presses it against Tennant’s throat, I open my mouth to stop him, but Ten starts laughing instead.
Lio rolls off my lover, bouncing up on his toes before offering Tennant a hand. I rub a hand over my mouth, amused at the sight of Ten letting the much smaller Lio haul him up. At least, until I see the blood on Tennant’s throat… That’s yet another mark Lio owes me.
“You appear to be having quite a bit of fun,” Benjamin calls out, and Lio whirls around, dropping into an attack stance. He blinks several times before he breaks out in a grin. He rushes toward Benjamin and hauls him into a hug, laughing when Benjamin squirms against him. “Shower. You need one. Now.”
