Leonardo Donati sat at the head, every inch the king he was rumored to be. Dark hair, calculating blue eyes that missed nothing. The kind of man who could smile while ordering your execution. His right hand rested casually on the table, but I'd clocked the gun under his jacket within seconds of entering.
Grayson Donati sat to his left, more polished than his best friend but no less dangerous. Silver threaded through his hair now, making him look distinguished rather than old. Green eyes that probably charmed investors and terrified enemies with equal ease. An adopted Donati from my research, brought into the family, but still not one to be messed with.
And Sofia Savoca-Donati occupied the chair to Leo's right, her presence a statement in itself. The Savoca family head didn't attend preliminary meetings unless she had skin in the game. Dark hair perfectly styled, grandmother's rings on her fingers,and an expression that said she'd killed before and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
I'd done my homework on all of them.
"Mr. Hale." Leo's voice carried the weight of command without needing volume. "You've come a long way to pitch an alliance."
"I have." I kept my posture relaxed but alert. "The Hale Syndicate operates primarily in the northeast of the country. We're looking to expand our reach, and Ironstone presents an opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation."
"Cooperation." Grayson leaned back in his chair. "Interesting word choice. Most groups that come here looking to 'expand their reach' are usually interested in territory acquisition."
"We're not most groups."
Sofia's lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile. "No, you're not. Your family has a reputation for strategic partnerships rather than hostile takeovers. It's one reason we agreed to this meeting."
"We prefer sustainable growth over short-term gains." I met her eyes steadily. "War is expensive. Alliances are profitable."
"Smart." Leo tapped a finger against the table. "Tell me what the Hale Syndicate brings to the table that we can't already access through our existing networks."
I'd prepared for this question. Had the answer ready before I'd even boarded the plane to Ironstone.
"Distribution channels through ports in Boston and Providence that are cleaner than anything operating out of New York. Connections with European suppliers that your current partners can't touch. And political influence in state governments you don't currently have leverage with."
Grayson exchanged a glance with Leo. Sofia remained impassive.
"And what do you want in return?" Leo asked.
"Access to your western distribution networks. Introduction to your contacts in the midwest. And permission to operate certain business interests within Ironstone under Donati oversight."
"Oversight." The word came from Sofia. "Meaning you'd recognize our authority in this city."
"Yes."
The single syllable hung in the air. I watched their reactions carefully. This was the moment that would make or break the pitch. Most crime families bristled at the idea of answering to anyone. But the Hales weren't built on ego. We were built on strategy.
"Most family heads wouldn't agree to that so easily," Grayson observed.
"Most family heads don't last as long as mine has." I kept my expression neutral. "My father understands that respect for established power structures creates stability. Stability creates profit."
Leo studied me for a long moment. I didn't look away.
"What about the Malatestas?" he finally asked.
I'd anticipated this too.
"What about them?"
"They currently hold limited territory here. Have their own operations. If we brought in another organization, it might create friction."
"From what I understand, the Malatestas already create plenty of friction on their own."
Sofia's eyebrow arched, and Grayson's mouth twitched.
Leo's expression didn't change. "You've done your research."
"I don't walk into meetings blind."
