Duncan checked behind him, asking casually, “So, this is really it, huh?”
“Yes.” Mickey turned to him. “Whatever Cold has planned, the Luchesi family is done.”
“But we don’t even know what it is.”
“Does it really matter?” Mickey frowned.
“Still kinda wish I knew.”
“Don’t start that shit again. We’ll know when we need to know.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Mickey called Cold to inform him that all was well and then there was nothing to do but wait. He had parked the El Camino near the entrance of the garage, and there they stayed until Mickey saw the limo pulling in. Directly behind it were four black SUV’s: the Luchesi family.
Jerry parked the limo longways next to the El Camino, and the Luchesi men parked across from them. Jerry came around to open the door, and Cold stepped out first with his head held high.
“Let’s go,” Mickey said to Duncan, getting out of the car to join Cold.
“Can’t wait,” Duncan mumbled.
Mickey was happy to take his place at Cold’s side as the others got out of the limo and gathered around them. Duncan shuffled off into the back, and he looked nauseated as the Luchesi men exited their vehicles.
It felt good to have the whole gang here: Cold, Jules, Rufus, Duncan, Jerry, Valdemar, Thirdsies, Crybaby, and even little Pym. Roger was here too, of course.
Mickey happened to catch his eye—impossible not to with the way that weirdo was staring at him—and he couldn’t help but think he seemed concerned.
But for what? This meeting? The final act of Cold’s mysterious plan?
Mickey couldn’t say.
Cristian’s entourage consisted of eight men, including his captain, Stefano. Mickey was pleased the Gentlemen outnumbered them. Even if it was only by a few, any advantage was good in case this went south.
“Hello, Cristian,” Cold began in an even tone. “Thank you for adhering to the terms of our meeting.”
“All good relationships must be built on trust,” Cristian replied politely. “You asked to meet under a flag of peace, and I will respect that. There’s no more need for bloodshed between our two families.”
“I agree.”
“You’ve been doing quite well for yourself,” Cristian continued. “You’ve managed to run off my brothers and take a very respectable section of the city. Bravo.”
“Thank you.”
Mickey knew this was bullshit, the two of them pretending to be nice to each other. He could see it in the way Cristian looked at Cold, all smiles but there was sheer disgust in his eyes. Cold was harder to read, but there was the undeniable sense that he wanted to reach over and tear out Cristian’s throat with his teeth.
“Now,” Cristian said, “I’m prepared to let you retain control over the southeast corner. You can even keep the club. That was a gift, after all. But the properties to the west, the police you have taken, the judges and that new prosecutor? I’m going to need those. I’m feeling quite generous, so I won’t even ask for any blood payment for all the men of mine that you’ve killed.”
“That’s your generous offer for peace?” Cold tilted his head. “To take everything back I’ve claimed?”
“Yes. You’ve had your fun playing gangster, but this city belongs to the Luchesi family. It always has, and it always will. I want this foolish war to stop immediately and for all of us to get back to business.”
“No.”
Cristian laughed. “Excuse me?”
“No. Were you able to understand me that time?”
“Cold, you’d do well to accept my deal,” Cristian warned. “It would be an awful shame to waste such talent. We could do great things together.”
