“Is he still alive?”Bane growled.
Now, his brothers, Bastian and some of the others joined them at the table.
“Nothing has come across the wires yet,” Excaliber replied.“I have also found that the Grimaldi’s in Italy have a strong connection right here in the states.A connection that may have been waiting and watching for an opportunity to get their feet into Boston, but Leon won’t let them in.”
Bane looked her in the eyes and asked, “Who would be that damn stupid?”
Excaliber just stared at him and replied, “The Gonda Cartel.”
Bastian whistled softly.“Yeah, those idiots are that stupid.They’re also that dangerous.Dangerous enough not to think anyone would dare stand up to them.”
Bane slowly turned his head and bared his gleaming white teeth in a calculating smile.“And we’re dangerous enough to stop them or at least stick our foot out and try to trip them up.”
Bastian read the determination in Bane’s eyes and nodded.“Let me make a phone call.”He stepped away and walked down the hall to his office.When the door closed behind him he tapped Leon’s private number.
Leon answered with a tired sounding hello.
Bastian sighed in relief.“I’m glad that you’re still alive, my friend.”
Leon paused then said, “And do you already know what happened?”
“I know enough,” Bastian told him.“I know the plan was to kill you here in the US and a man named Giovano was to replace you while his father went after the head of the Familia over in Italy.”
Leon sighed hard.“Si, that was the plan.We now have this Giovano locked in a cell in the basement.While in Italy, the Don has collected his father for us.The bastards also kidnapped my son Calderone and right now his whereabouts are still unknown to us.”He scoffed.
Bastian hissed softly.“What are Calderone’s odds of safety?”he asked quietly.
“Very good.I have to believe that.He’s got more friends over there than Fredo has and that gives me hope.We had safety nets in place as well.Calderone is strong and stubborn, I have to believe he’ll be back, bruised maybe but he’ll come home to us.”
“That’s very good to hear.”
“We had two waves during the attack.I had some friends right here in the city that stepped up to help with the battle.Iceman, Deke and Hawk came through right after Giovano got inside during the second wave.They had men with them so the takedown was swift and lethal.”
“Damn, we would have jumped in had we known, Leon.”
“I know.But it happened swiftly like most of these events do.”
“I’m calling for more than a welfare check.As you know we have an extensive tech network.Mainly, our Excaliber.So we have found information you need to know,” Bastian told him.“These men have a secret connection to a cartel in Mexico that has been looking for a way into Boston for a very long time.”
“The Gonda Cartel again,” Leon voice had hardened.“I told Paulo and his oldest son Manuel twelve years ago that I would never accept him in my city.”
“Yeah, those kinds of people just never accept the word no,” Bastian agreed.“Bane and some of the others are packing now, if you’ll let them come.”
Leon went quiet for a long moment on his end.Then he cleared his throat to say, “They would do that.For me?”
Bastian chuckled.“Yes, they would.In fact, they insist on it.They do love a good fight.Plus, I do not think there is a way to tell Bane no.If you find a way, you need to tell us your secret.”
Leon chuckled dryly.“They are always welcome in my home.My men have to replace the front gate but it will be done by the time your people arrive.Give my thanks to your Excaliber.I admire her greatly and appreciate her efforts.And convey my gratitude to those who would join us.”He paused then said, “Accept my IOU for helping me as well.”
Bastain scoffed.“No IOU is necessary, my friend.We help each other because that’s what friends do.They should arrive in a few hours.We have to stop this before anyone gets hurt.Arrivederci, mi amico mio.”
Bastian ended the call and sat back in his chair for a moment.This phone call had reminded him that there was always more going on than anyone knew and he prayed that Calderone would indeed come home in one piece.Bastain got up, went down the hall and eventually the living room where everyone was gathered.
Bane had just set his duffle bag down when he noticed the look on Bastian’s face.“What’s wrong?”
Bastian sighed heavily and looked at him then the whole crew.“I spoke to Leon and he said the Grimaldi’s have already made their move.They came in two waves but thanks to the Sinners and the Sins, they put down both waves.He didn’t even blink when I told him the cartel was coming for him.Then he told me Calderone had been taken in Italy and he didn’t know if he was still alive or not.When I asked him about whether he needed help or not he said you would be welcome there.He even said he would owe us after this was finally over.I told him he wouldn’t owe us a thing because we were friends and that’s what friends do.”He looked over at Excaliber and said, “He remembered you and thanks you for the new information.”He chuckled and said, “He even told me that Giovano Grimaldi was now sitting in his cells.”Shaking his head he admitted, “He sounded tired but he’s alive still and I think he’s waiting for Calderone to come back home before he thinks this will be finished.”
Bane studied him then asked, “What are you thinking?”
