“You knew this was going to happen,” Mickey accused. “You knew the Don hadn’t picked an heir and was going to die without one.”
“I knew he was arrogant enough to think he wasn’t going to die anytime soon and foolish enough not to listen to his doctors,” Cold said. “The chances of him dying prematurely without settling his affairs was very likely. I had planned to use his death to propel our takeover of the city. I did not expect, however, for him to be murdered.”
“I call that a fuckin’ bonus.” Jules laughed. “Them stupid ass brothers are gonna be at each other’s fuckin’ throats thinkin’ one of them killed Daddy.”
“So.” Jerry perked up. “What is our first move,MonsieurCold? What would you have us do?”
“Everything we need is right here under this roof,” Cold replied, offering a coy smile.
“You know we’re in a gay bar, right?” Duncan asked in a loud whisper.
“Yes.” Cold looked irritated. “There is a young man who works here at night as a dancer. He goes by the name ‘Galavant.’ He also washes dishes over at Ragazzi’s.”
“How is a dishwasher gonna help?”
“That restaurant is the Luchesi’s big honey pot,” Jules replied, eyeing Duncan until he cowered. “Galavant is our fuckin’ way in. Payroll for all the drugs, brothels, and illegal type businesses gets banked there.”
“How much?” Mickey asked.
“Millions,” Cold replied, looking very pleased with himself. “The Luchesis are arrogant enough to believe no one would dare steal from them. That arrogance is going to be their undoing. First, we take their money. Next, we’re going to take their drugs. The bouncer here, Reggie? His mother is a maid at one of the hotels the Luchesis run as a brothel. They use the basement there to prepare their product before distribution.”
“So, we’re gonna take their drugs?” Pym perked up.
“No.”
Pym pouted and sank back down in his chair.
“We’re going to tip off the police to the location and allow them to have the glory of the biggest drug bust this city has ever seen. It’s a little gift to our friend Officer Carville for his very timely payments. He’ll look so fetching on the front page. Might even be chief one day. We’re also going to make sure the police’s anonymous source is identified as a member of the Luchesi family.”
“We take out the money, the drugs, okay, but what about the judges? All the politicians?” Crybaby frowned. “We don’t own any of them. We barely own any cops.”
“Never fear,” Cold soothed. “Once the blood starts filling the streets, they’ll come to us. They won’t have a choice. We’re going to be their safe harbor from the storm, you see. They won’t care who’s in charge as long as peace is established. And if not… well.” He smirked slyly. “I have other ways.”
“Okay.” Mickey grinned. “So, when do we start?”
“Soon. You, Jules, and our newest member will be going.” Cold waved to Alistair.
Alistair left his perch on the desk to open the door, gesturing for someone to come in.
Mickey turned to see who it was, and he couldn’t hide his shock.
That son of a bitch…
It was the crazy guy from the gas station.
“This is Roger Lorre,” Cold said. “He is a talented little thief and an expert safecracker. He will be accompanying you to Ragazzi’s. Say hello, Mr. Lorre.”
“Hello, boys,” Roger said, his eyes immediately focusing on Mickey. “Well, hi there. Long time, no see.”
Mickey gritted his teeth.
Cold glanced between them. “Am I to assume you’ve already met Mickey Tamerlane then?”
“Mickey, huh?” Roger grinned crookedly at him, whistling low. “Mm, and aren’t you just sofine.”
Chapter 3
“No fuckin’ way.” Mickey stood up from the table. “I ran into this fuckin’ psycho at the damn gas station when I was collecting payment. He is fuckin’ unstable.”
