It’s the small things in life that bring me joy.
Marcus and Keegan step into the office and I turn to them, hoping my expression is curious, as if I haven’t been waiting for someone to remember me for a while now.
“Can I help you?”
“We need some information run down. I’m sure you heard about the meeting Jude had with?—”
“Officer Stephen McPhearson? Yes, I heard the entire conversation. You two have been home long enough, and have had this information for hours already. I am suddenly questioning Carter’s choice in choosing you to be his Voice, if you can’t get things done quickly.”
Anger flashes in both their eyes, but it’s only Marcus who takes a step toward me. Keegan puts a hand up and stops him. I’m almost sad that he does.
Both dogs stand to attention, watching the two men warily. It’s amusing that I’ve gained Midas’s loyalty, considering he is a Martelli, but keeping him safe for Emilio is the least I could do.
“You have no right to question us. Not when Benjamin almost died, and when Tennant is falling apart. We're making sure there’s enough protections in place to keep everyone safe should he lose control…” Keegan narrows his eyes. “He’s your father, you’d think you’d be a little more worried about what he’s going through.”
Rolling my eyes, I consider shooting them both, but it’s not worth the hassle. Doc is pissed as it is with everything Tennant and Hollis are putting him through, so I’d rather not risk his ire.
“I care. So much that I’ve spent all day, not only validating the information McPhearson gave Jude, but checking into him myself. He’s clean, as clean as a cop can get that is. He truly doesn’t have a stake in this fight, nothing that ties him to us. And while he does have a sister, and a slew of nieces and nephews, who would be at risk should the Dowings decide to use them, he hasn’t been tapped for blackmail—yet.
“Still, he seems to be one of the few cops in the area that’s actually good.” I can’t keep the disgust out of my voice. Do-Gooders are just as dangerous as dirty cops.
“Anyway, his information is legit, and I have people watching the safehouse where Campbell is hiding out. It appears his wife and sister are with him as well, but I’ll leave the decision of whether to kill or kidnap them to you.”
The couple shares a look before Keegan asks, “Who is watching the safehouse? Under what orders?”
“The twins finished up what they needed to do early, so I asked them to make a detour.”
“You don’t have the authority to do that,” Marcus argues.
I stare at him, keeping my expression blank. Boston growls at his tone, and I don’t correct her. I don’t exactly like that they’ve come in and started on this bullshit. If they think they’re in charge because of some stupid hierarchy… I suppose I’ll have to learn how to apologize to Carter. Hell of a time for Roman to be kidnapped, when I might need to borrow his emotions.
“Ask Carter, he’ll agree, or Jude, or any other Amato who knows more than you. Hollis and I don’t need your permission to put things into motion. He is more diplomatic than I am, but anything we allow you to decide for us is a courtesy. The Council may be in charge, but I do not answer to them.” Pausing to see if they’re going to argue, I let a smirk play on my lips as they realize my words are true.
“Anyway, the twins need to be recalled soon, and someone else will have to take their place. I suggest you do that before you get into any further planning of how you want to do this.
“I would also highly recommend you don’t mention what’s happening to Tennant. He’s already on the brink of sanity. His first reaction may be what finally gets him killed. Roman would be devastated should that happen. So, my suggestion is to work with Antonio, and the information I’m about to send you, andcome up with a plan. The twins' report will give you an idea of what you’re walking into, as I haven’t been able to dig up any blueprints of the house that asshole is holed up in.”
Turning back to my computer, I trust the dogs to protect me should either man take offense to the orders I’m handing out. Sending them all of the files I’ve put together, as well as to Carter and Jude, I turn back to face them.
“Hollis should be up soon, and he can help manage Ten, but don’t rely on him.” I frown, and this time, I allow some of my real feelings for my adoptive fathers to bleed through. “If you force either of them to go back in their progress, when they’re already having a hard time… Well, I don’t think I have to finish that threat.”
“How is Roman your best friend?” Marcus muses.
I grin, one of Roman’s bright and sunny smiles. “Because I am adorable and Roman has a big heart. But don’t mistake either of those things for soft. We’re both very capable of taking you out.”
Keegan snorts. “Well aware.” He studies me carefully, the former assassin in him sizing me up. Whether he actually sees me for the threat I am or not is the question. For his and his lover’s sake, I hope he does. “I can see why Lio likes you, though. You’re…brutally honest.”
“Sure,” I agree. We’ll call it that. “Now, go, you have work to do.” I turn back to my monitor, clicking my fingers to get Boston’s attention. She gives the pair one more huff before standing down and moving to lick my arm, crawling under my desk afterwards.
Midas needs a little more persuasion, but we’ll get there. He’s already impressively trained, but Boston and I will turn him into Lio’s best weapon soon enough.
“Oh,” I say before Marcus and Keegan take my silent cue to leave. I don’t look away from my monitor as I tell them, “Don’tassume, simply because you’re making my uncle happy, that I’ll hesitate to take you out. Disrespect me and my place in this hierarchy again, and Carter will be raising Cole alone.”
I tune them out, focusing back on my work as they absorb my words before finally leaving me alone.
I don’t know if I just outed myself to them or not, nor do I care. If they haven’t figured out how I’m connected to Carter and the Amatos already, they’re not as impressive as they pretend to be. Lio might be the only one to confront me about my secrets, but I’m not afraid to wield them as the weapons they are.
The De Luca name might not mean anything to me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t take after my father in many unpleasant—for my enemies—ways.
