Massimo nods. “If what my father told them is true, and that’s a big if, Gino gathered information on all the families as insurance in the run-up to the warehouse bombing. I am guessing some are legit records of illegal activity, but other intel is fabricated to present everyfamigliain the worst possible light.”
Ben clears his throat and cracks his knuckles. “Gino knew the screws were turning, and he didn’t trust Maximo even if they had allied behind The Commission’s back. He would have turned us all in if we turned on him and taken control, with or without Greco. He must have threatened Maximo with revealing it should he double cross him. That’s how he knew it existed.”
“But it doesn’t,” Joshua says, scratching the back of his neck. “We have gone over those files extensively, and the software program Philip set up didn’t find anything either.”
“Because we were looking for the wrong thing.” Fiero’s eyes light up. “The intel is in a lockbox in a bank somewhere. Gino stored the key in those files.”
J and I exchange another look. “It’s hidden in one of the folders,” I surmise because it’s the only thing that makes sense.
Ben nods. “As soon as this meeting is finished, we are heading to your office, Joshua, to find it.”
“So, Maximo wanted the Barone to find the intel first to fully lock down the Italian’s support, presuming they would have lapped up that shit.”
“Exactly. When the Barone failed in their mission, he convinced Puccinelli to go ahead with their planning. They had already purchased the sub and had men lined up here. He promised he’d provide the evidence once they landed in New York.”
“What does this peace deal entail?” Agessi asks.
“We agree not to bring themafiosointo disrepute and to meet annually with our Italian compatriots to discuss mutual business interests. As long as we keep our noses clean, they will stay out of our territory, and we’ll stay out of theirs,” Massimo says.
“What about Cruz?” I ask. “Did they help him to escape?”
“Puccinelli said they argued on the sub about the next course of action. The Italians wanted to adopt a cautious approach andto reach out to us to talk, but Cruz flew into a rage because they wouldn’t back him to take control in Maximo’s place. They cut all ties when they dropped him and his men off in Delaware and there has been no contact since.”
“He’s coming for us,” Cristian coolly replies in between sips of water. “My brother is a stubborn prick, and if it’s power he wants, he won’t stop until he gets it?—”
“Or he dies trying,” I add.
“He has no allies,” Pagano says.
“That we know of,” Mantegna replies.
“Cruz is stubborn, but he’s not stupid. He’s got something up his sleeve,” I say.
“Until we know what it is, everyone remains on guard,” Massimo advises. “For now, let’s find this key and get our hands on the intel before someone else does.”
The doorbell chimes as I’m finishing getting dressed later that night for my first official date with Lili, and I glance at the time on my watch, wondering if it’s my twin with an update on the key. Tucking my shirt into the waistband of my pants, I leave my bedroom and pull up the lobby cameras, cursing when I see who’s at my door. I do not have time for her shit today.
“What do you want, Anais?” I ask when I yank the door open.
“Jeez, what flew up your butt?” she inquires, strolling into my apartment like she owns it. She’s wearing a flimsy robe that barely covers her semi-naked body and high-heeled slippers. Wine fumes tickle my nostrils as she brushes past me, and it’s clear she’s pretty trashed. “What the fuck is going on?” Her eyes are out on stalks as she skims her gaze over my pristine apartment.
“I’m going out, Anais. What do you want?”
She scowls and narrows her eyes. “I left some of my products in your bathroom, and I need them.”
“Then be my guest but make it quick.”
She totters off upstairs, and I follow her movements on my cell through the camera feed, watching as the lying little bitch rifles through the drawers in my bedside tables before wandering into my closet. She’s clearly looking for something, but what?
I’m tempted to haul her conniving butt out of my place, but I have more to gain from pretending I don’t know.
“Time’s up, Anais,” I holler up the stairs after a couple of minutes. I watch her scowling and cursing me under her breath on the feed. She stalks into the bathroom, returning a minute later with a bottle of shampoo and conditioner.
She clomps down the stairs, swaying and almost losing her footing. “Where are you going anyway?” Her gaze rakes over me with a pout.
“None of your business.”
“You’re no fun anymore,” she says, putting her hands on my chest and pressing up against me.
