The morning sunfilters through the windows of my office, casting a warm glow over the sleek mahogany desk and plush leather chairs. I sit at the head of the table, poring over a stack of papers, while Zack and Janet make sure we’re ready forthe meeting. It may be a mistake but following my gut always worked marvel. Ferdinando is the last one to join us with Alex.
“We’ll start head-on, there will be minor changes especially with the new delivery. The FBI seem to have lost interest in us and that’s what I wanted.”
“Human trafficking is a high risk and I’m glad you gave up on it.” Ferdinando nods in approval. Never been a fun of it and there’s more ways to fill in the money we made with it. Not to mention the one rule I adopted from LaTorre: zero tolerance for rape. I’m sure he wouldn’t even get in business with us but together both our businesses increased, expanded and conquered new territories, cutting off the minor clans.
The door opens drawing everyone’s attention until Leila freezes in place. “Shoot, I’m sorry.”
I wave her over, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Come here, sit with us.”
Zack starts to rise from his seat to offer it to her, but I shake my head, motioning for her to sit in my lap instead. She hesitates for a moment, her cheeks flushing pink, before finally relenting and settling into my embrace.
“What’s next?”
“Japanese delivery.” Zack opens his folder, “We’re expecting a huge one and I’d suggest on the northern dock.”
My attention is focused on Leila since she starts to fidget in my lap, her movements becoming more restless with each passing minute. I can sense her discomfort, her unease at being the center of attention, and I can't help but feel a pang of guilt for putting her in this position. She takes my pen and scribbles something on a piece of paper and raises it to let me read:I’m so sorry, I thought you were alone, I’ll meet you later.
I shake my head with a gentle smile. “No,” I say softly, “You stay here where you belong, Leila. With me.”
She looks over her shoulder, her eyes wide with surprise, and for a moment, I can see the flicker of gratitude in her gaze.
“Make sure everything goes smooth, it’ll be split in three containers and sent away tonight.”
“On it, Sir.”
“Unfortunately the second delivery will be two days late.”
I turn to look at Massimo. “The second delivery?”
He shifts his eyes to Leila and back to me.
“Okay, listen up cause maybe you didn’t get the memo. There are no secrets between me and my woman and the respect you have for me will be equal for her. If something ever happens to her, heads will fly without even asking you to explain what happened. Have I made myself clear?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good, now, I had no problems talking about the coke delivery and I won’t have any to talk about the AK-47. Why is it late?”
I can see him swallow, “They had a hitch with some documents.”
“Not my concern. We’ll pay twenty percent off, and next time, the more time passes the less money they have.” I drink some water. “Next?”
“Payroll.” David gets on his feet pushing a few folders my way which Leila catches right away and hands them to me.
“Too bad the Golden Shark is not on it,” Ferdinando mumbles.
“Time to time. I promised you’d have her.” Just I won’t tell him yet how to catch that big fish. “Next?”
“You got invited at the TBA charity in May, June, and October. I asked more details about AMAF in New York and we’re waiting for a reply. The Leukemia Gala awaits for a confirmation.”
“Pass the details to LaTorre and Stacy too. We do have a few more in Italy to attend.”
Ferdinando nods. “We have everything sorted over there and I’m impressed with some of the Gala.”
I can’t help but grin when Leila squeezes my hand. “AMAF? Which one is that?”
“AIDS and HIV research.” I kiss her shoulder.
“Okay, that’s it, see you next month.” I set them free as I see Leila waiting. “Is everything okay?”
