“She didn’t get out,” I grimaced. “She’s just…protected.”
Lachlan nodded. “Still seems surreal. I mean—an arranged marriage, assassinations at the altar, a priest’s throat exploding. We’ve seen some shit. But I guess that’s nothing compared to what’s coming?”
“Ana’s happy now,” I replied. “And she deserves to stay that way. That’s why I’m remaining in the city.”
Lucian looked away, his mouth forming into a thin line, but he didn’t say anything more.
In the back of my mind, I wondered if Delgado knew I had been at The Sacrifice, and if this was his way of returning the favor.
I stepped back from the booth. “Keep eyes and ears on them. If he says anything that matters, I want to know.”
Lucian nodded. “Copy that.”
I turned and headed for the rear hallway and took the stairs up two at a time.
The service corridor behind Xyst was narrow and dim, a straight shot to the exit. I moved quickly past the storage room and pushed through the back door.
Cool night air hit my face as I stepped out into the alley. The hum of the city was distant here, muted by the thick brick walls of the nearby buildings. Rory idled at the curb in the SUV. I didn’t stop for a smoke but slid immediately into the passenger seat, shutting the door behind me.
Taking out my phone, I hit the call button.
“Volkov,” Luca said in a raspy voice. “It’s late.”
“We had a visitor at Xyst tonight,” I said. “Raul Castillo. El Pastor.”
There was a long pause.
“Delgado sent a Palabrero into my territory? A business under my protection?” Luca’s voice never rose, but I could hear the heat simmering underneath.
“He sat at a poker table with Jarvis Hayes like he owned the place. They were drinking and laughing like old friends. Didn’t say much, but it was enough to let us know this wasn’t a courtesy call.”
“What did he say?”
“That Delgado’s been looking at Xyst. Something about a kid from the Sixth Precinct getting into a scuffle. Thinks he can get the place shut down and buy it cheap. Jarvis didn’t push back. Just sat there, nodding like a puppet.”
Luca’s inhale was quiet, deadly.
“He’s obviously buying influence,” I added. “Jarvis is just one piece.”
“This isn’t a warning,” Luca said finally. “It’s a threat. A calculated one. Delgado’s testing the boundaries, and if we don’t push back soon with fire, he’ll keep moving forward.”
“I’m having DarkMatter install permanent surveillance on Xyst—listening devices throughout the casino floor and VIP lounges.” I rubbed the creases on my forehead. “We’ll know who walks through the door, where they sit, and who they whisper to.”
“Good,” Luca said, his tone icy. “But you don’t have time to play defense. I need you building a brigade, Nikolai. Now. You’re supposed to be anchoring the East Coast, not frequenting strip clubs and brooding over a girl.”
I didn’t respond.
Luca’s tone shifted, becoming even colder. “Get your head straight. Delgado’s not going to wait while you chase distractions. Start making arms deals for yourself. Get your people outfitted. Because once we hit back, there won’t be time for second chances.”
“I hear you.”
“Do you?” A pause. “You’re smart, Nik. Smarter than most. But if you lose focus now, if you let a little pussy cloud your vision, Delgado’s not the only one who’ll bleed.”
The line went dead.
I leaned back and let the silence settle.
Rory said nothing, just kept driving.
