“We all are,” I say.
Ben rubs the back of his head. “I just spoke with Saverio. He’s been blowing up my phone.”
“And?” I purse my lips.
“Apparently, he didn’t attend to make a point, but he was planning on flying in later to nail us down.” Ben doesn’t sound convinced as he perches on the edge of the desk. “He knows about you, and he’s not a happy camper.”
“He can go fuck himself if he thinks he can use this to his advantage,” Leo says in a clipped tone. “We just took a severe beating today and our priority is protecting every territory and every made man in the US. He needs to learn to not be so goddamn selfish.”
“He was supposed to be there, and he didn’t show. As far as the others are concerned, he could have been in on it or tipped off in advance. There will be suspicion. He’s in no position to throw his weight around,” I say because the last thing I need is to deal with that man today or anytime soon.
“Don’t worry.” Ben pushes off the desk and straightens his tie. “I’ll be making those points clear.” His eyes land on mine. “We need to update Sierra and Serena. They need to know about DeLuca, and I won’t let my wife go to sleep without explaining the situation.”
I nod although I’m dreading breaking the news to Rena. This was the very thing she was concerned about from the start.
“Handle the rest of the calls,” Ben tells Leo. “We’ll meet you at the front door in an hour.”
Leo nods, and I climb to my feet and follow Ben out of the room.
“How are you holding up?” I ask him as we walk the quiet hallways. Outside, a mini army prowls the perimeter with every man on high alert, their eyes peeled for any sign of trouble.
“I’m fucking disgusted with myself,” Ben admits, shoving his hands in his pants pockets. “How did he do this under our noses?” A muscle clenches in his jaw. “I won’t sleep at night until I know who this asshole is.”
“We’ll find him. Every made man in the US has an incentive for helping us to identify this motherfucker.”
“I failed everyone,” he adds as we round the bend. “And it’s up to me to make it right.”
“Ben.” I tug on his elbow. “This isn’t on you. You did everything you could have.”
“Did I?” An anguished expression appears on his face. “I should have insisted on holding the meeting in New York. We could have vetted the venue. Ensured it was safe.”
“This guy wanted to send us a message. He would’ve found a way to do that no matter where we conducted the meeting. And it’s better it was in Chicago and not the seat of power. The Commission can still maintain the illusion of security and power and restore control in a quicker manner.” I hate that he’s beating himself up over this. Yes, he is our president and leader, and I get that responsibility comes with the position, but no one gives more than Bennett Mazzone. “I know it kills you that we lost so many good men today, but we can’t undo it. All we can do is ensure those men didn’t die in vain. Finding those responsible and punishing them is the best way we can honor those who gave their lives today.”
“I fully intend to exact retribution, and when it’s over, we will find some way to remember our fallen comrades. There are important lessons to be learned in all of this too.”
The girls are waiting for us in the main living room, and we quietly close the door behind us when we enter the room. Ben goes to his wife’s side, and Rena stands, coming to me. I sweep her into my arms and dot kisses into her hair.
“Are you okay?” she asks, looking up at me with trusting eyes.
“I’m fine. We have a lot of work to do. Protectingla famigliaand all the wives and children is our priority.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“I’m not sure, but being here for me is a huge help. We have some tough weeks and months ahead.”
“I’ve got Georgia on speaker,” Ben says, and I lead Rena over to the empty couch. “You need to hear this too,” he tells his mother-in-law before he launches into an explanation of what happened today and what we learned about their Sicilian relatives.
I tighten my arm around Rena’s waist as Ben continues speaking, and I feel her trembling under my touch. I knew this would shake her.
“I’m doubling your security, Georgia,” Ben says. “I’ve got men on the way to you already, but I would really love it if you came here. It’s not safe to be in Chicago right now.”
“This is my home, Bennett, and I refuse to be driven out of it. I will gladly accept the extra security, and I will be extra vigilant, but I’m not leaving my home.”
“Can’t you work remotely?” Rena asks.
“I can, but that’s not the point.”
“They could go after you,” Sierra says. “Lawson Pharma used to launder their money, and you were Giuseppe’s wife. They may feel they have some claim on you.”
