I shut my eyes for a beat, shake it out.
Focus, motherfucker.
And it’s a damn good thing I do, because that’s when the conversation veers into Chicago receiving operations right as Lars drops a bomb.
“Don Campisi,” he says, his tone perfectly jovial, almost casual. “What is this I hear from my son about aCampisi Taxbeing applied at our port locations?”
The Don doesn’t flinch, but I catch the quick furrow in his brow before his expression smooths out. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says calmly and clipped.
Lars tilts his head, studying him. “Hmm.” He slips on his reading glasses and scans the reports in front of him.
“December fifth,” he reads. “Vincenzo Campisi and two of his men show up, announce aCampisi Tax.Seven semi-automatic weapons and a case of Russian vodka disappear.
“December twenty-third: Vincenzo Campisi and six operatives arrive, start a fight on the docks, and leave one of my men with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Three cases of liquor and abox of weapons vanish. And again, the phraseCampisi Taxwas used.”
Don Campisi leans back in his chair, slow and controlled. It’s the kind of movement that makes me glad I’ve got a gun strapped under my jacket.
“Shall I go on?” Lars asks, voice calm as a man reading the weather.
“Is this before or after you sent us the body of Christina Petrella… in a box of uncut rubies?” the Don counters, his tone smooth but loaded.
“Before,” Lars replies evenly. “Many times before. And two or three times after. I’ve kept an accounting of the value of these items. Shall I send you a bill?”
Campisi lets out a short, humorless laugh. “Well… I suppose an investigation is in order. Serious accusation, Boss. Bold to make it here, in front of family.”
“It’s a big theft.”
“And who’s reporting it?” Campisi presses. “Port rats? Thugs?”
“My son and his best men,” Lars replies.
Heads turn to me. I meet their eyes and nod, then lay out what Christopher and Darius told me—firsthand accounts, names, dates, the small, ugly details. I keep my gaze fixed on Vincenzo as I speak. He wears that same arrogant sneer, like he’s immune because Daddy will sweep it up.
“Out of respect for you, Don Campisi,” I say, voice steady, “our men haven’t fought back against this lawless intrusion into our operations. We’re here to talk. But if talking isn’t enough, we willdo more.” My eyes slide to the Don, calm and measured, clearly not flinching.
I do not add that I am pretty sure his son has been hurting his chosen successor, his only daughter. I do not add that if I get proof, I’ll fucking kill his oldest son outright for the sheer mistake of touching what’s mine.
“Are you aware of this ‘Campisi Tax,’ Don Campisi?” Lars asks, innocently casual, and the tension in the room spikes immediately.
I risk a glance at Leanna and find her glaring at her brother with a hatred I did not know she was capable of.
Interesting.
Conversely, the Don never once looks at his son, a silence that speaks volumes.
Vincenzo is a liability on all fronts.
It would be easy to remove him. I might even enjoy it. But it must be handled internally. If anyone outside the Campisi organization touches him, it will mean war. The Don would be forced to act, even if secretly relieved that he didn’t have to do it himself.
“The reality is this,” Antonio Campisi begins, his voice smooth and measured. He is as slick as ever, with dark hair neatly combed and a freshly shaved face. His suit is immaculate. Handsome, late fifties, with the kind of presence that makes the room feel smaller. “The families that operate in this city do so with my approval. Terms are negotiated before a single shipment reaches port. I am a fair businessman. I do notsanction petty bullshit; showing up with a few thugs to take weapons or a box of liquor is child’s play. I would never allow it.”
“And yet,” Lars says, running a hand through his blonde hair, “It happens.”
“Show me proof. Video. Photo. Audio,” the Don says. “Show me proof, and I will deal with the issue myself.”
Lars looks at me.
“I can pull security records,” I say. “Our tech team can have them ready within twenty-four hours.”
